The original of this book is in
the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
PREFACE.
The design of this work is to give the two counties treated an impartial, faithful
chronicle of their past from the date of earliest settlement down to recent times. Its scope,
p f^-iginally planned and laid out, seemed more than ample, yet so very much that was
vr .dble for record and for preservation was gathered in the rich historic field wherein we
have delved tha notwithstanding arduous labor at condensation, it has far outgrown its
proposed dimensions. The author only regrets that his labors must now cease, as every
passing day is adding to the treasures developed by historical research. But here the super-
structure is reared upon which the future historians of these counties may build. We have
striven to gather the scattered threads of the past and to weave them into a complete fabric,
to which the "Art preservative of arts" shall give immortality.
Over one year of patient, painstaking, and conscientious labor has been devoted to the
above design by the author and his numerous staff of assistants, supplemented by the con-
tributions of many of the ablest citizens of these counties, equal to nearly ten years of
constant effort of one, person. The result is embodied in this vohime; but the obstacles and
vexations attendant upon its preparation will hardly be realized by those who peruse its
pages. Lord Macaulay has said that perfection in historical composition was not attainable
by fallible men. If there be no errors of fact or date in the legion of items herein con-
tained, we shall feel that the great English historian was at fault.
We have given many items of local history which may by some be thought trivial or
beneath the "dignity of history." But who is competent to judge of what may be valuable or
interesting to those who come after us ? Much valuable information has undoubtedly been lost
to the world by the fastidious views of many historical writers. Instead of polished sentences
or well-turned periods, truth in its simplicity has been our aim, to go, as far as practicable, back
to the original sources of information, and to verify by corroborative testimony whenever
possible, while correcting the errors of writers who have preceded us.
From colonial and other documents in the State archives, from county and township records,
family manuscripts, printed publications, and innumerable private sources, we have endeavored
to prepare a history which should be accurate, instructive, and an honor to the counties represented.
We will not here enumerate (as is customary with many authors) the volumes which have
been consulted in the preparation of this work, for several reasons : the list would fill several
pages, would be read by very few, and would be a needless repetition, as a large proportion of
them are given through the text in parenthetical references, foot-notes, etc.
We are under special obligation, however, to the Eeverends Geo. S. Mott, D.D., of Flem-
ington ; Edward Tanjore Corwin, D.D., of Millstone ; Abram Messier, D.D., Somerville ; P. A.
3
PREFACE.
Studdiford, D.D., Lambertville ; John B. Thompson, Catskill, K Y. ; C. S. Conkling, Stockton ;
Aaron S. Lauing, PenniDgtou ; J. P. W. Blattenberger, Eeaville ; W. W. Blauvelt, D.D., Laming-
ton; John C. Rankin, D.D., Basking Eidge; N. McConaughy, Somerville, and numerous other
clergymen ; to Doctors John Blane, Henry Eace, Cornelius W. and George H. Larison, Geo.
E. Sullivan, Henry G. "Wagoner, etc. ; to John M. Hyde and Matt. H. Van Derveer, the present
county clerks, and the several township clerks, and public ofificials generally, of both counties ;
to the publishers of the Flemington Republican and Democrat; the Lambertville Beacon and
Record; the Clinton Democrat; the Somerville Gazette, Unionist, and Ilessengei; etc.; Hon.
Ashbel Welch and Martin Coryell, Esq., of Lambertville; Hon. John T. Bird, the late Hon.
Alexander Wurts, Charles Bartles, Esq., the late Col. J. C. Eafferty, J. B. Hopewell, E. Vos-
seller, Eunkle Eea, etc., of Flemington; Judge Foster, of Clinton; Judge Joseph Thompson,
of Eeadington ; Hon. F. S. Holcombe, of Delaware ; Wm. B. Prall, of East Amwell ; W*^.
Srope, of Frenchtown ; Lewis H. Taylor, Esq., of High Bridge ; A. V. D. Honeyman, Esq.,
Hon. Alvah A. Clark, Hugh Gaston, Esq., John C. Garretson, Esq., Ed. A. Veghte, J. S.
Haines, Henry P. Mason, and others, of Somerville ; the McDowell family, of Bedminster ; Hon.
Calvin Corle, of Branchburg; John F. Hageman, Esq., of Princeton; Jacob Weart, Esq., of
Jersey City ; Hon. D. F. Beatty, of Washington, Warren Co. ; Wm. Pierson, Jr., M.D., Orange,
JST. J. ; Judge James N. Eeading, Morris, 111. ; Ellis A. Apgar, A.M., State Superintendent of
Public Instruction ; Joseph H. Hough, Grand Secretary of the M. W. Grand Lodge of New-
Jersey, A. F. and A. M., and a multitude of others.
To the publishers also we would acknowledge indebtedness, not only for valuable assistance,
but especially for the elegant dress with which the historical body has been clothed and em-
bellished.
The result of our labor, now ended, is submitted to the citizens of Hunterdon and Somerset
Counties, with the assurance that this volume of facts, traditions, reminiscences, and memoirs
will be by them prized and cherished as the faithful record of their past and honorable career,
and as such be handed down to future generations.
JAMES P. SNELL.
Philadelphia, Marcli 10, 1881.
E E R A T A.
The name of D. P. Kenyon is spelled Kinyon in some instances, in connection with the Savings Bank
etc., in Bridgewater township history, an error occasioned by following printed copy, furnished with MSS '
and supposed to be good authority. '
On page 779, 31st line, for "1737" read 1837.
COISTTENTS.
HUNTEEDOIJf AND SOMERSET OOUNTIES.
CHAPTER I.
Discovery and Occupation op New Netherlands.
Early Navigators Hendiick Hudson The " Half-Moon" Tlae United
New Netherland Company Colonization by the Dutch and Banes
Mey and De Vries Sir Edmund Ployden 9
CHAPTER II.
Indian Occupation The Original People.
The Algonquin Nation The Delawares, or Lenni-Lenap6 The "Tur-
tle," " Turkey," and " Wolf' tribes Traditionfi as to the Origin of the
Delawares Mounds and Remains Indian Title to Lands in Hunter-
don and Somerset Indian Paths, etc 11
CHAPTER III.
New Jersey under Dutch and English Rule.
Swedish Settlement Occupation by the Dutch Subjection to the Eng-
lish in 1664 Governore Carteret, Andros, etc. Grant to the Duke of
York, and transfer to Berkeley aod Carteret Edward Byllinge
Quaker Emigration and Settlement The two Jerseys consolidated
Governors, down to 1776 19
CHAPTER IV.
The Proprietary Government of East Jersey.
East Jersey under the Proprietors, 1680 to 1702 Eobert Barclay and
Thomas Eudyard Collision with the Province of New York Gov-
ernors Barclay, Dudley, Hamilton, etc. Opposition to Governor Basse
Opposition to the Proprietary Government The Crisis Surrender
to the Crown, in 1702 21
CHAPTER V.
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in the Revolution.
The Conflict Commences Governor Franklin's OppositionThe Com-
mittee of Correspondence and Inquiry Meetings in Hunterdon and
Somerset First Provincial Congress Township Meetings The Mili-
tia and "Minute-Men" The "Committee of Safety" Scarcity of
Arms and Ammunition The Hunterdon and Somerset Troops ordered
to March The Colony of New Jersey transformed into an Indepen-
dent Stat-e The Flying-Camp Retreat of the American Army The
Enemy's Advance through New Jersey Capture of Gen. Lee Crossing
the Delaware The Fights at Trenton and Aseanpink Battle of
Princeton WaBhington at Pluckamin Captain Leslie The Army
goes into Winter Quarters at Morristown 25
CHAPTER VI.
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in the Revolution
(Continued).
The Marvelous Change produced by the Campaign of Trenton and
Princeton Gen. Howe's " Protections'* Atrocities of the British in
Somerset and Hunterdon Counties "Washington's Proclamation to the
People Skirmish at Weston, Somerset Co. Gen. Dickinson Defeats
the British., and Captures a Wagon Train Occupation of Middle-
brook by the American Forces in 1777 Letter of Gen. Heard from
Raritan "Washington Rock" Attempt to Entice Washington from
his Stronghold in the Hills The British Troops leave the State and
the American Army march through Somerset and Hunterdon to the
Delaware Washington's Letters from Coryell's Ferry Hunterdon
and Somerset Troops at Battle of Biandywine Valley Forge Col.
Frelinghuysen's Expedition to Staten Island A Female Tory Dispatch-
Carrier The Tories Penn and Chew under Surveillance in Hunterdon
County Extracts from Minutes of the Council of Safety, etc.
British evacuate Philadelphia and pass through New Jersey Wash-
ington's Army cross at Coryell's Battle of Monmouth, etc. Somerset
and Hunterdon Troops behave gallantly Cantonments at Middle-
brook Gen. Washington and Wife at Somerville Five Soldiers Hung
Gen. Knox's Headquarters at Pluckamin Grand Ball and Supper
Simcoe's Eaid in 1779 Burning of the Church, Court-house, etc.
Capt. Peter G. Yoorhees killed The Ladies of Hunterdon and Somer-
set Close of the War The Currency Patriotism under War Burdens
Processes against Forfeited Estates, etc 60
CHAPTER VII.
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in the Revolution
( Continued).
Continental Troops, First Establishment Second Establishment The
Jersey Line Recruiting Officers and Muster- Masters Regiments
raised, and Their Officera Militia^The Quotas of the Two Counties
" Minute-Men" Roster of Field- and Staff-Officers Roster of Rev-
olutionary Soldiers from these Counties, who served in the State Mili-
tia and Continental Army 80
CHAPTER VIII.
Slavery and Servitude in Hunterdon and Somerset.
The " Peculiar Institution" in the Seventeenth Century Servants in the
Colonial Days Indian Slaves Eedemptioners Laws concerning Slav-
ery The Quakers and the Institution Few Capital Crimes committed
by Negro Slaves Negroes hung for Murdering Whites in Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties Negro Rebellion in 1734 Abolition of Slavery
Manumission Rev. Dr. Finley and the " American Colonization
Society" 101
CHAPTER IX.
Internal Improvements.
I. i^oads. The Minisink Path The Old Burlington Path The " Upper
Road" and " Lower Road" The Old " York Road" The New Jersey
Turnpike Company New Germantown Turnpike Company, etc.
II. Stages and Stage-Lines. First Public Conveyance previous to 1702
Stage-Line between Trenton and New Brunswick " The Swift-Sure
Coach-Line" The Trenton and Flemington Mail-Coach Post-road
from New Brunswick to Flemington Express Lines, etc. III. TJie
Delaware and BarUan Ganal. Its Incipiency, Construction, and Com-
pletion Length, Cost, etc. IV. Baiiroads. The Central Railroad of
New Jersey South Branch Railroad High Bridge Railroad The
Delaware and Bound Brook Railroad The United New Jersey Rail-
road and Canal Company " The Belvidore Delaware Railroad" The
Easton and Amboy Railroad, etc 106
CHAPTER X.
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in the War of the
Rebellion.
The Patriotism of the People of Hunterdon and Somerset The First
Volunteers, Three Months' Men Lambertville the First to Respond
to the Governor's Call for Troops Services in the Field of the
New Jersey Brigade Roster of the Companies from Hunterdon
County 116
CHAPTER XI.
Third Infantry Regiment (Three Tears).
The Governor calls for Three Regiments for Three Tears' Service The
First, Second, and Third Regiments take the Field Officers and Move-
5
CONTENTS.
ments of the Third Infantry At the Battle of Gaines' Mill Heavy
IjOBses Gen. Taylor Wounded Crampton's Gap Campaign of Chau-
cellorsville Battles of theWilderness Its Last Fight, at Cold Harbor
Regiment Mustered Out and Disbanded Sketch of Brig.-Gen. George
W. Taylor Roster of Officers and Men from Somerset County.... 119
CHAPTER, XII.
Fifth and Sixth Inpanttit Regiments.
Hunterdon County furnishes a Company for each Regimeut Officers of
the Fifth and Sixth Infantry Leave " Camp 01den"~Forra a Part of
the Second New Jersey Brigade Assigned to duty as the Third Bri-
gade, in Hooker's Division Movements on tlie Potomac Battle of
â– Williamsburg Fair Oaks Losses in the Peninsula Campaign En-
gaged at Bristow Station, Chantilly, etc. Unflinching Bravery at
Gettysburg Superb Behavior at Spottsylvania Court-house Other
engagements Muster Out Rosters of Co. A, Fifth Infantry, and Co.
H, Sixth Infantry Regiments 124
CHAPTER XIII.
Fifteenth Infantry Kegiment.
Three Companies from Hunterdon and Somerset Leave for Washington
Construct "Fort Kearney"- The Fifteenth at Fredericksburg
Michael Mulvey, Co. G, the first Man killed Battle of Chancellorsville
The " Wilderness" Capt. Yanderveer and Lieut. Hamilton wounded
Roster of Casualties in the vicinity of Spottsylvania Court-house
In the Charge at Ctdd Harbor With Sheridan's Army in the Shenan-
doah Talley Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek Engagements Maj. Boe-
man killed List of Battles of the Fifteenth Rosters of Officers and
Enlisted Men of the Companies from these Counties 132
CHAPTER XIV.
Thirtieth and Thirty-first Infantry Brgjments.
Rendezvous at Flemington Both Regiments Mustered into Service
Sept. 17, 1862 Officers of Regiments, and of Hunterdon and Somerset
Companies Movements in "Virginia, with tlie Army of the Potomac
Promotion of Lieut.-Col. Chadek, Major Ten Eyck, Major Honey-
man, etc. The Two Regiments at the Battle of Chancellorsville The
Thirty-first Regiment, as Rear-Guard, hold the Enemy in Check
Other Movements and Services of these Commands Rosters of the
Companies from Hunterdon and Somerset Counties 142
CHAPTER XV.
Thirty-fifth Infantry, and Other Regiments.
Officers of the Thirty-fifth Regiment, and of Company A Movements of
the Regiment in Virginia and in the Southwest In the Georgia Cam-
paign, with Sherman Capt. Angel killed Battle of Decatur In Front
of Atlanta " March to the Sea" Close of its Campaigning, and Mus-
ter Out Roster of Co. A Hunterdon and Somerset Men in other Regi-
ments; Co. F, Ninth Infantry; Co. E, Eleventh Infantry; Co. B,
Thirty-eighth Infantry 149
CHAPTER XVI.
Educational and Statistical.
The Early Dutch enjoin the Support of a Schoolmaster, in 1629 First
Schoolmaster and School-house in New Jersey The Scotch-Presby-
terians bring Schoolmasters with them The Quakers and Schools
Colonial Legislation The Colleges School-Fund created in 1817
Subsequent Legislation, etc. Free Schools Educational Statistics of
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties Statistics of Population, etc.. 153
HTJIsTTEiaiDOIsr GOXjasTT-sr.
CHAPTER I.
Physical Seosrapht and GrEOLoar of HnNTERDON Coukty.
Mountains, Streams, and otUer Physical Features of the County Geo-
logical FormationB, etc 159
CHAPTER II.
Land Titles and Settlbjient.
Title derived from the Crown Deeds from Indians Head-lands Irregu-
larity in Surveys Treaty with Indians, 1703 Dividends of Land
Proprietary Tracts Early Settlement The Quakers make iirst Settle-
ment, in 1676 Firet Church First Accurate Survey in Hunterdon,
1707 Tax-roll of 1722 Early Settlers in Various Portions of the
County Early Bridges First Road Early Mills During the Revo-
lution Growth, etc 182
CHAPTER III.
Organization and Citil History.
Hunterdon set off from Burlington Changes in its Territory First Offi-
cers Townships Colonial Elections Poll-List of 173S First Deed on
Record Innkeeper's Prices in 1722 Early Taverns Licensed Ex-
tracts from " Records of the Proceedings of the Justices and Freehold-
ers, liegiijning 1739" Wolf and Panther Bounties First Meeting of
the Board at Flemington, etc 190
CHAPTER IV.
Courts and County Buildings.
Fii-st Courts First Judges, Magistrates, and Grand Jury Court-house
and Jail at Trenton First Record of the •' Cort of General Quarter
Sessions" Extracts from " Minutes of the Hunterdon County Court"
Notable Early Trials Orphans' Courts Trials for Murder The
County Buildings 196
CHAPTER V.
The Bench and Bar of Hunterdon County.
Hunterdon County noted for the Ability of her Judges and the Brilliancy
of her Bar Early Colonial Judges Judges and Justices Samuel
Johnston, Samuel Tucker, Daniel Coxe, Isaac Smith, Moore Fumian,
Jasper Smith, John Mehelm, Jolin Dagworthy, Andrew Smith, Stacy
G. Potts, John Carr, John S. Stires, Joseph Reading, etc. Eminent
Jurists Early Lawyers Later Lawyers Biographical Notices of
George C. Maxwell, William Maxwell, Joseph Bonnell, Thomas Potts
Johnson, Samuel R. Stewart, Nathaniel Saxton, William H. Sloan,
Alexander Wurts, Garret D. Wall, Richard Howell, Samuel Lilly,
James N. Reading, Samuel Leake, George A, Allen, Richard S. Kuhl,
etc 202
CHAPTER VI. /
The Medical Profession of Hunterdon Cousty.
Medicine and Doctors in the Early Days The Distiict Medical Society
of Hunterdon Connty Biographical Sketches of the Physicians of the
County, both dead and living History of Homoeopathy in Hunterdon,
etc 216
CHAPTER VII.
The Press of Hunterdon County.
First Newspaper in the State The First Paperin the County The Hun-
terdon Gazette, the Pioneer Paper in what is now Hunterdon The
Hunterdon Eepwijitcan- Clinton Newspapers The Lambertville Press
The Press of Frenchtown Other Papers 235
CHAPTER VIII.
Authors of Hunterdon County.
Prefatory Remarks Sketches of Forty-seven Authors of the County,
arranged Alphabetically, with List of their Publications 238
CHAPTER IX.
Societies.
Sketch of the Hunterdon County Bible Society Hunterdon County
Agricultural Society County Grange, Patrons of Husbandry The
Temperance Alliance Teachers' Institutes County Sunday-School
Association ^.g
CHAPTER X.
Some of the Prominent Men of Hunterdon County.
Gen. Daniel Morgan-Gen. Philemon Dickinson-Gen. William Maxwell
-Col. Charles Stewart-Col. Philip Johnson-Col. Joab Houghton-
Ool. Mark Thompson-Col. Isaac Smith John Mehelm-John Hari>-
John Stevens- Robert Livingston Stevens Edwin A. Stevens Rev
Peter Studdiford-Rev. Casper Wack-Rev. John Vanderveer-Eev
George S. Mott, D.D.-Henry' D. Maxwell-Eli Bosenbui-y-Peter
Cramer Charles W. Godown James M. Ramsey 251
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
Civil List op Huntekdon County.
List of National, State, and County Officers 255
TO^VWSHIPS AWD BOKOTJGHS OP HTJIirTEE-
DON COUNTY.
City of Lambertville 265
Karitan (including Flemington) '. 298
West Amwell 343
East Amwell 350
Delaware 370
Kingwood , .Ml
Boroiigh of Frenchtown 405
Alexandria 414
Holland 424
Franklin 430
Lebanon ., 445
Bethlehem 457
Tewlisbury 471
Readington 486
Union 508
High Bridge 625
Clinton 633
Borough of Clinton 644
CHAPTER I.
The Physical Features of Somerset County.
Location Extent Boundariei^ Physical Features- (Jeological Forma-
tionsThe Red Sandstone, Red Shale, limestone. Trap, and other
Rocks Minerals and Mines, etc.. 651
CHAPTER II.
Land Purchases and Settlements.
Indian Tribute to Jersey's Honorable Dealings First and Second In-
dian Purchases Early Settlements The Scotch Early Dutch Set-
tlers, their Ways and Customs, Style of Building, etc. List of Persons
who purchased Land in Somerset County north of the Raritan... 659
CHAPTER IIL
Erection, Organization, and Boundaries op Somerset
County.
Original Counties- Somerset as a Township, and Formation as a County
Townships Formed Boundaries of County Defined Part of Essex
annexed to Somersets-Boundary between Somerset and Morris Coun-
ties Re-establishment of Line between Middlesex and Somerset Part
of Montgomery Township surrendered to Mercer, and Franklin to
Middlesex- Tewksbury Township annexed to Somerset, etc 663
CHAPTER TV.
Courts and County Buildings.
Early Courts Grand Jury of 1717- Precept to the Coroner, 1729 Early
Trials, etc. Orphans' Court Marriage Bonds Public Buildings
Court-House, Jail, etc 666
CHAPTER V.
Early Roads and Bridges in Somerset County.
The first mention of "Ways" or Roads Deshler on Early Roads The
road "up Raritan" Other Highways-Extract from old " Road Book"
of Somerset County New Jersey Turnpike Company Early Bridges
Marriages in 1797 List of Bridges in 1805, etc 573
CHAPTER VI.
The Bench and Bar of Somerset County.
The Bar of Somerset County eminent for Genius, Learning, and Pa-
triotism Reminiscences Names of the Bar from 1769 to 1860 List
of the Present Bar Sketches of William Patereon, Peter D. Vroom,
Samuel L. Southard, William L. Dayton, John M. Mann, William
Griffith, the Frelinghuysens, Judges Kirkpatrick, Nevias, etc.; and
Hugh M. Gaston, Alvah A. Clark, John Schomp, and many others of
the Present Bar of the County 679
CHAPTER VII.
History of the Medical Profession of Soxirrset County.
The County Medical Society: its Origin, Officers, and Members Bio-
graphical Sketches of John Reeve, William M. McKissack, Peter I.
Stryker, Abraham Van Buren, the Van Derveera and Schencks, Wil-
liam H. Merrill, Peter Ten Eyck, H. G. Wagoner, Ohauncey M. Field,
etc 694
CHAPTER VIII.
The Prkss of Sosierset County.
The Press of Somerville: The Messen{ier, The Unvjnist, and The Gazetie
Tlie Bound Brnok Chronicle The Press of the Past : The Somerset Whig,
The LUernry Gem, The Cornel, The Somerset News, The MiUatone Mirror,
The Bound Brook JrtfUS, Our Some, The Sower, Flowers^ Family Maga-
zine, etc 606
CHAPTER IX.
Books and Authors of Sosiebset County.
Introductory The Authors of Somerset County, Dead and Living,
arranged alphabetically, with Biographical Data and Lists of their
Publications 611
CHAPTER X.
County Societies.
County Bible Society County Teachers' Institute County Sunday-
School Association County Temperance Association Agricultural
Societies 630
CHAPTER XL
Men of Prominence.
Biographical Sketches of John Royce, Hendrick Fisher, Lord Stirling,
Capt. John and Gen. Peter I. Stryker, Alexander and James Linn ;
Revs. Wm. Jackson, John Cornell, Isaac V. Brown, Spence H. Cone ;
T. DeWitt Talmage, John F. Mesick, Elbert S. Porter, Morris C. Sut-
phin ; Theodore Strong, LL.D., Judge Berrien, Hon. Peter A. Voor-
hees, Judge Ralph Voorhees, Hon. Rynier H. Veghte, William H.
Qatzmer, Andrew Hageman, etc 636
CHAPTER XIL
Civil List, Somerset County.
National Officers: Delegates to Continental Congress, Senators and Rep-
resentatives, Presidential Electors, etc. State Officers: Members of
Council, Senate, and Assembly, Governors, State Treasurers, Secreta-
ries, Chancellors, Justices and Associate Justices, etc. County Officers :
Judges, Justices, Clerks, Surrogates, Sheriffs, Coroners, Collectors,
CommisBioners of Deeds, etc ' 642
TOVCWSHIPS AND VILLAGES OP SOMEESET
COUBTTT.
Bridgewater (including Somerville) 648
Bedminster 699
Bernard "^34
Branchburg 756
Hillsborough 773
Franklin 802
Montgomery 834
Warren 851
North Plainfleld 869
CONTENTS.
BIOC3-K/7^I=S:iOJ^L.
PAGE
SamuelJohnstott â– 203
Samuel Tucker » 203
Moore Furman 203
Jasper Smith 204
JohnMehelm 204
Stacy G. Potts 204
Samuel Lilly 205
David Van Fleet 205
Abram Y. Van Fleet 205
Bennet Van Syckel 205
George G. Maxwell 206
William Maxwell 206
Lucius H. Stockton 206
Thomas P. Jolinson 207
Charles Stewart 207
Nathaniel Saxton 207
William H. Sloan 207
Alexander Wurts 208
Garret D. Wall 208
Richard Howell 209
James N. Reading 209
Samuel Leake 210
Peter L Clark 211
John N. Voorhees 211
George A.Allen 211
John T. Bird 212
Jacob Weart 212
Edmund Pen-^' 212
Edward P. Conkling 213
Peter Vredenburgh 213
Nathaniel W. Voorhees 214
John C. Rafferty 214
Theo. J. Hoffman 215
John Rockhill " 218
John Manners 219
John Bowne 219
Oliver Barnet 220
Isaac Ogden 220
Henry H. Schenck, Jr 221
John .Honeyman 221
George P. Rex .' 221
JohnF. Schenck 222
James H. Studdiford 222
Edmund Porter 223
Nicholas J. E. de Belleviile 223
John Blane 224
Andrew B. Larison 230
John Lilly 230
George R. Sullivan 230
Henry Race 233
Ashbel Welch 289
P.O. Studdiford 291
Martin Coryell 292
Wm. McCready ; 293
Alexander H. Holcombe 294
Geo. H. Larison between 294^295
Richard McDowell 295
Cornelius Arnett 295
James C. Weeden 296
John Sproat 297
Charles Bartles 338
John 0. Hopewell 341
RunkleRea 341
Peter L Nevius 342
Caleb F. Fisher between 348,349
Jacob Reed " 348,349
Cornelius W. Larison 366
James S. Fisher 367
Abraham Ten Brooke Williamson 367
Nathan Stout 368
William B. Prall 369
PAGE
Joseph Williamson 388
Andrew Larason 388
Benjamin Larison 389
Elisha Patterson Tomlinson 389
Isaac S. Cramer 390
Joshua Primmer 391
Wesley Bellis 403
John Kngler 403
Matthew Family 404
Asa MacPherson 442
Daniel Little 443
AeaCase 443
Hiram Deats 444
Daniel F. Beatty 454
Cornelius Stewart 455
Nathan Lance 456
William W. Swayze 457
Sylvester H. Smith 467
Howard Servie 467
Samuel Creveling, Sr 468
John C. Wene 468
Samuel Creveling, Jr between 468, 469
W. S. Ci-eveliug " 468,469
Martin H. Creveling " 468,469
David F. Wene 469
Joseph W. Willever 469
William Tinsman 470
W. R. Little between 470, 471
Moses Robins " 470, 471
N. Schuyler faciDg 480
Robert Craig 484
Samuel W. Salter 485
James N. Pidcock 504
B. A. Watson 504
John Kline 506
David M. Kline 506
Albert Shannon facing 507
Lambert B. Kline 607
Isaac Rowe * 507
Frederic A. Potts 519
William Egbert 599
Edward A. Rockhill 521
Charles Carhart 522
Joseph KiDg 523
Joseph B. Probasco 524
Nathaniel B. Boileau 524
Jacob Cregar 53^
David Neighbour 532
Robert Van Amburgh c^^q
Jonathan Dawea ^^^
John F. Grandin, M.D 5^2
Joseph Fritts ^^3
William Paterson coq
Richard Stockton p^gQ
Peter D. Vroom -n,
Samuel L. Southard ^.-jn
William L. Dayton ran
Andrew Kirkpatrick ^go
William Griffith ^„^
oo4
Thomas A. Hartwell ^q,
William Thomson __.
584
John M. Mann ^„.
Jacob Bergen
Jacob R. Hardenbergh ..^
George McDonald
Gen. Frederick Frelinghuyseu t^oc
JohnFrelinghuysen " ' ^np
Theodore Frelinghuysen ;-n»
Theodore Frelinghuysen, Jr egg
Frederick Frelinghuysen gg^
Theo. Frelinghuysen, Jr * ^^^
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Dumont Frelinghuysen 687
Frederick T. FrelinghuyBen 687
James S. Nevius „. 689
Geo. H. Brown 689
Jas. S. Green 689
Jno. P.Stockton 690
Eobt. F, Stockton 690
Josepli Thompson 690
Alvah A. Clark 690
Jno. Schomp 591
Jno. P. nageman 591
Jno. V. Voorhees 592
Isaiah N. Dilts .' 692
Hugh M. Gaston 692
Jas. J. Bergen 692
John D. Bartine 592
A. V. D.Honeyman 593
Garrit S. Cannon 693
Abraham 0. Zabriskie 693
John Reeve 595
Wm. M. McKissack 695
Peter I. Stryker 605
Abraham Van Buren 596
Lawrence Van Derveer 596
Henry Van Derveer, of Somerrille 596
Henry Van Derveer, of Pluckaniin 696
Henry H. Van Derveer 697
Garret Van Doren 597
Ferdinanrt S. Schenck 598
Jacob T.B. Skillman 698
A. T. B. Van Doren 600
Wm. D. McKiesack 600
Wm. H.Merrill '. 601
Peter Ten Byck 601
Jno. V. Schenck 602
Henry G. Wagoner 604
Chauncey M. Field 604
Henry F. Van Derveer 605
Daniel Porter 607
Abraham Messier 670
E. S. Doughty facing 681
Joshua Doughty 681
Davenport Family 689
Jno. E. Emery 692
Aaron V. Ganetson 693
Sej'mour C. Truutnian ; 694
Jno. T. Van Deiveer 695
David Dunn 690
Abram J. Powelson 696
George McBiide 697
Williiim Hodge 098
George Lane 698
Henry P. Staats between G98, 699
D. P. Kenyon " 698, 699
JohnWhitenack " 698, 699
A. H. Brokaw " 698,699
William A. McDowell 726
A. W. McDowell 728
Peter J. Lanp 7i9
John G. Schomp 73o
Cornelius W. Schomp 7;i0
William Heath 731
Martin LaTourette "^32
John McDowell T32
Frederick H. Lane between 732, 733
William A. Van Dorn 733
Abraliiini Smith T33
PAGE
Ephraim E. Stelle between 738, 739
0. E. Stelle " 738,739
Preeman Stelle " 738,739
James P. Goltra facing 740
Ferdinand Van Dorn 761
Oliver Dunster 762
David W. King 763
Peter Z. Smith 754
Joseph Annin 764
Thomas Holmes 754
Isaiah Smith 755
John H. Anderson 765
Edward Vail facing 766
Calvin Corle 766
Henry V. VoorheeB 767
A. Fleming between 768, 769
Tunis Van Camp " 768,769
James Ten Byck 769
Simon A. Nevius 770
Isaac Dumont 770
Ahram Van Nest 771
G. Voorhees Quick 772
Peter G. Schomp 772
Tunis D. Myers facing 773
James H. Van Cleef between 776, 777
P.N. Beekman " 776,777
Edward T. Corwiu 794
Abraham Van Nuys 796
Peter G. Quick 796
David K. Auten 797
Peter P. Quick 798
Jacob Dilts 798
John Van Doren '. 799
Isaac V. D. Hall 799
Peter W. Young 800
Frederick V. L. VoorheeB '. between 800, 801
ZacheusBergeu " 800, 801
Peter C. Van Arsdale " 800, 801
John Everett " 800,801
Abraham L. Hoagland " 800,801
Andrew Lane 801
Peter Q. Hoagland 801
Abraham V. D. Staats 802
Benjamin B. Hagemen facing 804
Charles B. Moore " 812
Peter Stoothoff " 814
Albert V. Garretson 825
Stephen Garritson 825
James S. Garretson 826
Jacob Wyckoff 826
Peter Wyckoff 827
Josiah Schanclt 828
Peter A. Voorhees 829
William H. Gulick 830
Cornelius Barcalow 831
Abraham J. Suydam 832
F. V. L. Nevius facing 833
John S. Nevius 833
John Van Zandt 848
James N. Van Zandt 849
Abram C. Wikoff '. 849
David 0. Voorhees 850
Peter Stryker Stout 860
Lawrence Van Derveer facing 860
Heury Duryee *' 851
Samuel Giddes " 866
Archibald Coddington " 800
10
CONTENTS.
Z3L.IjXJSTI^.^TI02SrS.
PAGE
Outline Map of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties between 8, 9
"Washington's Headquarters at Hocky Hill facing 79
Hunterdon County Court-House 202
Portrait of John N. Voorhees facing 211
E. P. Conkling "" 213 "
" John Blane 21i
LAMBEETVILIiE.
Kesidence of A. H. Holcombe facing 2G5
View of India-Bubber Works 282 "
Portrait of Ashbel Welch " 2S9
P. 0. Studdiford " 291
Martin Coryell 292
William McCready 293
A. H. Holcombe 294
" George H. Larison between 294, 295
R. McDowell facing 295 "
" C. Arnett 295
James C, Weeden facing 296 "
" John Sproat 297
BARITAnsr.
View of Baptist Church, Flemington 319
Plan of Flemington in 1767 326
"" 1812 329 "
Portrait of C. Battles facing 338
John C. Hopewell 341
" Bunkle Rea 342
Peter I. Nevius facing 342 "
"WEST AMMTELL.
Portrait of Cabel F. Fisher between 348, 349
Jacob Beed .
EAST AM^WELL.
Portrait of Cornelius W. Larison facing 366
James S. Fisher 3G7
A. T. AVilliamson 3G8
Nathan Stout 368
William B. Prall 369
DELAASTARE.
Portrait of Joseph Williamson 388
Andrew Larason 388 "
" Benjamin Larison between 388, 389
Residence of Benjamin Larison 388, 389 "
Portrait of E. P. Tonilinson 389
" Isaac S. Cramer facing 390
Joshua Primmer .â– 391 "
KIISTG'WOOD.
Portrait of Wesley BelHs facing 403
" John Kugler 404
FRAKKLII^.
Residence of John Willson facing 432
Portrait of Hiram Beats 441 "
Daniel Little 443
" Asa Mcpherson 443
Asa Case 444 "
LEBAWOK.
Yiew of Old Mount Lebanon Methodist Church 450
" the Old Eight-Square School-House 453
Portrait of Daniel F. Beatty faring 454
Cornelius Stewart 456 "
'* Nathan Lance „ 456
" William W. Swayze facing 457
BETHLEHEM. ^^^^
Portrait of Sylvester H. Smith facing 4G7
Howard Servis 468 "
*' Samuel Creveliug, Sr between 468, 469
Samuel Creveling.Jr 468,469
W. S. Creveling 468,469
Martin H. Creveling 4GS, 469
" John C. Wene facing 469
David F. AVene 469 "
" William Tinsman 470
Joseph W. Willever between 470, 471 "
Residence of Joseph W. Willever " 470, 471
W. H. Drake " 470, 471
Portrait of W. R. Little " -170,471
Portraits of Moses Robins and Wife " 470, 471
TE"WKSBUBY.
Portraits of Nathan and Andrew Schuyler facing 480
Portrait of Robert Craig " 484
" Samuel W. Salter '* 485
BEADINGTON.
Portrait of John Kline facing 503
J. N.Pidcock .'. "" 504 "
B. A.Watfion 505
Portraits of Isaac Rowe, David M. Kline, L. B. Kline " 506
Portrait of Albert Shannon " 507
UNION.
Portrait of F. A, Potts facing 519
" William Egbert 520
Edward A. Rockhill... 521
'* Charles Carhart facing 622
Joseph King 523 "
" J. B. Probasco 524
HIGH BRIDGE.
Portrait of Jacob Cregar 531
David Neighbour , facing 532 "
CLINTON.
Portrait of Robert Van Amburgh facing 640
Jonathan Dawes 541
" John Grandiu 642
John F. Grandin 542 "
" Joseph FrittB 54.3
Map of Land Patents North Half of Somerset County fating 562
View of Somerset County Court-Houso '* 568
Portraitof Frederick T. Frelinghuysen «' 588
Josepli Thompson 590
Alvah A. Clark 59^^
JohnSchomp facing 691
601
W. H. Merrill
Peter Ten Eyok..
CM. Field
Daniel Porter
..facing
..facing
BRIDGE'WATER.
View of First Reformed Church
Portraitof Abraham Messier
'* Joshxia Doughty
E. S. Doughty « "
" James S. Davenport
JohnR.Emery ZZ^.ZZf^iue' "
" Aaron V. Qarretson
« CTroutman ""ZZIZZIZIf^^g "
John Van Dorveer..
David Dunn..
602
604
G08
670
6Y0
680
681
0.689
602
693
94
CONTENTS.
11
PAGE
Portrait of Abram J. Powelfion 697
" George MoBride 697
William Hodge 698 "
" Henry B. Staate between 698, 699
D. P. Kenyoo "" 698,699 "
' A.H. Brokaw 698,699
John Whitenack 698,699
" George Lane 699
BEDMIKTSTEK.
Porti-aitof W. A. McDowell facing 726
A. W. McDowell "" 72S "
" Peter J. Lane 729
John G. Schomp 73U "
" C. W. Schomp facing 730
Wm. Heath â– - 731 "
" John McDowell 732
Martin La Tuuretle facing 732 "
" Fred. H. Lane between 732, 733
W. A. Van Dorn facing 733 "
" Abmham Smith 734
BEKNAKD.
Portrait of Ephraim K. Stelle between 738, 739
O. K. Stelle 738,739 "
Freeman Stelle 738, 739
" Jas. P. Goltra facing 740
Ferdinand A'an Dorn 751 "
" Oliver Dunster facing 752
David W.King "" 763 "
Peter Z.Smith 754
" Job. Annin between 754, 755
Thos. Holmes "" 754,755 "
" John H. Andei-sun facing 756
*' Isaiah Smith 755
Edward Vail facing 766 "
BEAWCHBTTEG.
Portrait of Calvin Corle facing 766
Henry V. A'oorhees 767
" A. Fleming between 768, 769
Tnnis Van Camp "" 768,769 "
" James Ten Eyck 769
Simon Nevius 770 "
" Isaac Dumont facing 770
A. Van Nest 771 "
G.V. Quick 772
" P. G. Schomp facing 772
Tunis D. Myers 773 "
HILLSBOEOUGH.
Map of. Early Purchases, Somerset County facing 774
Residence of Frederick Davey « " 776
Portrait of Joseph H. Van Cleef. between 776, 777
PAGE
Portrait of P. N. Beekman between 776, 777
Edward T. Corwln facing 794
Abraham Van Nuys 795
Peter 6. Quick facing 796
David K. Auten 797
Jacob Dilts 798
Peter P. Quick facing 798
John Van Doren " 799
Isaac V. D. Hall 800
Peter W.Toung facing 800
F. V. L. Voorhees between 800, 801
Zacheus Bergen " 800,801
Peter C. Van Arsdala " 800,801
John Everett " 800,801
A. L.Hoagland " 800,801
Peter Q Hoagland facing 801
Andrew Lane 801
A. V. D. Staatz 802
FEANKLIBT.
Portrait of Benjamin B. Hageman facing 804
Peter A. Voorhees 811
" Charles B. Moore 812
Peter Stoothoff. facing 814 "
Besidence of Stephen Garritson " 816
Portrait of Albert V. Garretson between 824, 825
Stephen Garritson 824,825
" James S. Garretson 826
Jacob Wyckoff. facing 826 "
" Peter Wyckoff. 828
Josiah Schanck 828 "
" 'William H. Gulick 830
*' Cornelius Barcalow facing 831
Abraham J. Suydam 882 "
" F.V. L. Nevius facing 833
Eesidenco of F. V. L. Nevius : 833 "
John S. Nevius 833
MOBTTGOMEBY.
Residence of David C. Vooi-hees facing 837
Heni-y V. Hoagland 838
Portrait of John Van Zandt 848
Residence of James Van Zandt facing 848
Portraitof Abram G. Wikoff 849
" David 0. Voorhees 850
Peter Stryker Stout 850 "
" Lawrence Van Derveer facing 850
Henry Duryee "" 851 "
â– WAEEEIf.
Portraitof Samuel Giddes facing 856
NOETH PLAIWFIELD.
Portrait of Archibald Coddington facing 860
HUNTERbONaSOMERSET
XPounjties.m
fi Z W J ER S tY.
HISTOET
OF
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES,
NE"W JERSEY.
CHAPTEK I.
DISCOVEKIT AND OCCtTPATIOBr OP 3!TE-W
liTETHEKLAlirDS. ^
Early Navigators Hendrick Hudson The " Half-Moon" The United
New Netherland Company Colonization by the Dutch and Danes
Mey and De Tries Sir Edmund Ployden.
It is unnecessary, and wtolly beyond the scope of
these local annals, to narrate the story, which is famil-
iar to every reader of history, of the voyages made
by the first and other early discoverers of the islands
and coasts of America ^the Northmen, Columbus,
Vespucci, and others down to the time when Henry
Hudson entered and explored the noble bay and river
which form a part of New Jersey's eastern boundary.
Of that enterprising navigator Hudson very little
is known, except that he was a native of England, a
friend of John Smith, the founder of Virginia ; that
in his youth he received a thorough maritime educa-
tion and in later years became a distinguished mariner
and discoverer. In 1607 the London Company in-
trusted him with the command of an expedition com-
missioned to discover a shorter passage to China.
During 1607 and 1608 Hudson made two voyages for
this company in search of the " Northwest Passage,''
after which, the company discontinuing further efibrts
in that direction, he turned his attention towards Hol-
land.
The celebrated truce between the Dutch and Span-
iards had about this time been completed, and the
Dutch, a rising maritime power, became ambitious of
conquest in America. Hudson applied to the Dutch
East India Company. The directors of the Zealand
department opposed the Englishman's proposals, but
the Amsterdam Chamber encouraged the enterprise,
and furnished for this important voyage a yacht
or "Vlie-boat" called " de Halve-Maan,"" KaU-
2
Moon." This vessel belonged to the company. She
was of eighty tons' burden, and was equipped for the
voyage by a crew of twenty sailors, partly Dutch and
partly English. The command was intrusted to Hud-
son, and a Dutch " underschipper," or mate, was
second in command. The " Half-Moon" left Am-
sterdam on the 4th day of April, 1609, and on the
6th left the Texel. Hudson doubled the Cape of
Norway on the 5th of May, but found the sea so full
of ice that he was obliged to change his course.
Early in July, after cruising around farther north,
Hudson arrived on the banks of Newfoundland, where
he was becalmed long enough to catch more cod than
his " small store of salt could cure." He next went
west into the Penobscot, where he remained a week
cutting timber for a new foremast. He then shaped
his course to the southward and entered the Chesa-
peake Bay. He soon after anchored in Delaware
Bay. Leaving the Delaware, he proceeded along the
coast to the northward, following the eastern shore of
New Jersey, and finally anchored inside of Sandy
Hook, Sept. 3, 1609.
On the 5th of September (as appears from his jour-
nal) Hudson sent his boat ashore for the purpose of
sounding the waters lying to the south, in the vicinity
of what is now known as the " Horse-shoe." " Here the
boat's crew landed and penetrated some distance into
the woods, in the present limits of Monmouth County,"
of this State. " They were very well received by the
natives, who presented them very kindly with what
the journal calls ' green tobacco,' and also with ' dried
currants' (probably whortleberries), which were repre-
sented as having been found in great plenty and of
very excellent quality.
" On the 6th of September, Hudson sent a boat
manned with five hands to explore what appeared to
be the mouth of a river, at the distance of about four
10
HUNTBKDON AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
leagues from the ship. This was, no doubt, the strait
between Long and Staten Islands, generally called
'the Narrows.' Here, the writer of the journal ob-
serves, ' a good depth of water was found,' and within
a large opening, and a narrow river to the west ; m
which it is evident he refers to what is now called the
Kills, or the channel between Bergen Neck and Staten
Island. In exploring the bay and the adjacent waters
the- boat's crew spent the whole day. On their way
in returning to the ship, towards night, they were at-
tacked by the natives in two canoes. A skirmish en-
sued, in which John Colman was killed by an arrow,
which struck him in the throat, and two more were
wounded. The next day the remains of Colman were
interred on a point of land not far from the ship,
which from that circumstance received the name of
Colman's Point, and which probably was the same
that is now called Sandy Hook. "
Subsequently, Hudson sailed through the Narrows
and up the river which bears his name, exploring it
as far as Albany.* Eeturning, he came out of the
river October 4th, and without anchoring in the bay
proceeded directly to Europe. He says in his journal :
" The fourth waa faire weather, and the wind at north-north-west.
We weighed and canae out of the Riuer into which we had runno ho
farre. Within a while after, we came out also of The great mouth of the
great Riuer that runneth up to the north west, borrowing vpou the north-
ern side of the same, thinking to haue deepe water; for wee had sounded
a great way with our boat at our first going in, and found seuen, six, and
five fathomes. So we came out that way, but we were deceiued, for
we had but eight foot and an halfe water ; and so to three, five, three, and
two fathomes and an halfe. And then three, foure, flue, sixe, seven, eight,
nine, and ten fathomes. And by twelue of the clocke we were cleere of
all the inlet. Then we took in our boat, aild set our mayne sayle and
sprit sayle, and our top sayles, and steered away east-south-east, and
south-east by east, off into the mayne sea; and the land on the souther
side of the bay or inlet did beare at noone west and by south foure
leagues from vs.
The fifth was faire weather, and the wind variable between the north "
and the east. Wee held on our course south-east by eaat. At noone I
observed and found our height to be 39 degrees 30 min., our compasse
varied sixe degrees to the west.
*' We continued our course toward England, without seeing any land by
the way, all the rest of this moneth of October. And on the seuenth
day of Nouember, sUlo nouv, being Saturday, by the grace of God, we
safely arrived in the Range of Dartmouth, in Devonshire, in the yeere
1609."
This discovery gave the Dutch at once an entrance
into the heart of the American continent, where the
best furs could be procured without interruption from
the French or English, both of which nations claimed
this territory. Nor were the Dutch 'slow in availing
themselves of this golden opportunity. " In 1610 it
appears that at least one ship was sent hither by the
East India Company for the purpose of trading in
furs, which it is well known continued for a number
of years to be the principal object of commercial at-
traction to this part of the New World. Five years
after Hudson's voyage a company of merchants, who
had procured from the States-General of Holland a
• He explored the river, according to his own account, a distance of
fifty-three leagues from its mouth.
patent for an exclusive trade on Hudson's Eiver, had
built forts and established trading-posts at New Am-
sterdam (New York), Albany, and the mouth of the
Eondout Kill. The latter was a small redoubt, on
the site of what is now a part of the city of Kingston,
N. Y. It was known as the ' Eonduit,' from whence
comes the name of Eondout."t The fort near Albany
was upon Castle Island, immediately below the pres-
ent city, and the one at New York was erected on
what is now the Battery.
On the 11th of October, 1614, the " United Com-
pany" of merchants, above referred to, received their
special grant. This conferred upon Gerrit Jacob
Witsen, former burgomaster of the city of Amster-
dam, and his twelve associates, ship-owners and mer-
chants of Amsterdam, the exclusive right to " visit
and navigate all the lands situate in America be-
tween New France and Virginia, the sea-coasts of
which lie between the fortieth and forty-fifth degrees
of latitude, which are now named New Netherlands,
and to navigate, or cause to be navigated, the same
for four voyages within the period of three years, to
commence from the 1st day of January, 1615, or
sooner." Having thus obtained the exclusive right to
trade in the new country, they assumed the name and
title of "The United New Netherland Company."
This company took possession of the Hudson Eiver,
then called by them " De Eiviere van den Vorst Mau-
ritius," and carried forward their enterprise with
commendable zeal. The Hollanders were a trading
people, and their bartering- or trading-posts were es-
tablished at points which were natural outlets for all
the trapping regions tributary to the Hudson. This
led in a short time to the settlement of those points.
Determined upon the settlement of a colony, the
States-General in 1621 granted the country to the
West India Company ; and in the year 1625, Peter
Minuet arrived at " Fort Amsterdam" as the first Gov-
ernor or director.!
The first emigrants under Minuet appear to have
been from the river Waal, in Guelderland, and, un-
der the name of " Waaloons,'' founded the first per-
manent settlement beyond the immediate protection
of the cannon of Fort Amsterdam. They settled at
Brooklyn, opposite New York, and were the first who
professionally pursued agriculture. §
f Broadhead's Hist, of New York, vol. i. p. 7.
JHist. and Antiq, of the Northern States (Barber), p. 60.
g At this period the English government seems to have been indiffer-
ent concerning the continued occupation of the Dutch. The only meas-
ure adopted to effect their removal was the issuing of a grant, June 21,
1634, to Sir Edmund Ployden for the land they occupied. It conferred
upon Sir Edmund the country between Cape May and Long Island
Sound, for forty leagues inland. This track was erected into a free
county-palatine by the name of New Albion^ and over it, with the title
of " Earl Palatine," Ployden was made governor, he having, as it is
stated, although the fact may well be doubted, " amply and copiously
peopled the same with five hundred persons." He, however, visited
the province, and resided therein seven years, exercising his office as
governor ; but, although he may have assumed, on paper, his rights as
lord of the soil by granting to various individuals large tracts of land,
INDIAN OCCUPATION. THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE.
11
Meanwhile, a number of Danes or Norwegians, who
accompanied the Dutch colonists to New Netherlands,
had effected a settlement at Bergen, so called from a
city of that name in Norway. This was about the
year 1618. In 1623 the West India Company dis-
patched a ship loaded with settlers, subsistence, and
articles of trade. The vessel was commanded by
Cornelius Jacobus Mey. He entered Delaware Bay,
and gave his own name to its northern cape, which it
still retains, Cape May. He explored the bay and
the river, and at length landed and built a fort upon
a stream called by thgjiatives Sassachm (now Timb er
Creek)^ which empties into the Delaware below Cam-
den. The fortification was called "Fort Nassau," and
its erection may be considered as the first attempt to
establish a settlement on the eastern shore of the
Delaware.*
In the winter of 1630-31, David Pietersen De Vries,
in command of a vessel, arrived in the Delaware, but
found that Fort Nassau had fallen into the hands
of the Indians. He erected a fort, colonized his
new settlers, and returned to Holland. During his
absence a feud arose with one of the native tribes
â– which terminated in the massacre of all the colonists.
De Vries returned soon after with a new company,
and, while he mourned the loss of his former com-
panions, he narrowly escaped a similar fate. He was
saved by the kindness of an Indian woman, who in-
formed him that treachery was intended. But, " dis-
heartened by repeated disasters, the Dutch soon after
abandoned the country, and for some years not a single
European was left upon the shores of the Delaware." f
CHAPTER IL
INDIAIT OCCUPATION. THE OKIGINAL
PEOPLE.
The Algonquin Nation The Delawares, or Lenni-Lcnap^- The "Tur-
tle," "Turkey," and " Wolf" tribes Traditions aa to the Origin of the
Delawares Mounds and Remains Indian Title to Lands in Hunter-
don and Somerset Indian Paths, etc.
When the iirst white explorers penetrated into the
valleys of the Delaware and Hudson Rivers they
found these, with all the country lying between them,
as well as the entire area now comprised in the States
of New York and Pennsylvania, peopled by aborig-
inal tribes of the Algonquin stock, and embraced in
two nations, or groups of nations, called by Eu-
ropeans the Iroquois and the Delawares, the former
having been so named by the French and the latter
it is doubted that his authority was ever established over the few in-
hahitania that then dwelt within the limits of his domain, excepting
those who may have come over with him. There was, however, some
emigration to " New Albion" as late as 16bO.WhiUhea<re Eaet Jersey
' under the Proprietary Govemmentt, pp. 8, 9. [The grant here referred to
â– is given at length in " Hazard^a Collection of State Paper8,"_^ ol>
\ " * Hist. CoilTSew Jer., 1844, p. 11.
'â– - 1 Barber's Hist. Coll. of N. J.
by the English. The language spoken by both these /^
people was the Algonquin, but differed materially in
dialect. The nation to which the whites gave the
name of Delawares was known in the Indian tongue
as theJvennjJjenap|,_orijimply_th£_|^^
Iroquois were in the same tongue called the Mengwe,
which name became corrupted by the more ignorant
white men into Mingoes, which last term was adopted
to some extent by the Delawares in its contemptuous
application to their Mengwe neighbors, between
whom and themselves feelings of detestation and
hatred existed to no small degree.
The Mengwe or Iroquois inhabited the territory ex-
tending from the shores of Lake Erie to those of
Champlain and the Hudson River, and from the head-
waters of the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Allegany
Rivers northward to Lake Ontario, and they even oc-
cupied a large scope of country north of the St. Law-
rence, thus holding not only the whole of the State of
New York, but a part of Canada, which vast territory
they figuratively styled their "long council-house,"
within which the place of kindling the grand council-
fire was Onondaga, not far from the present city of Syra-
cuse, and at that place, upon occasion, representatives
of all the Mengwe tribes met together in solemn de-
liberative council. These tribes consisted of the Mo-
hawks, Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, and Oneidas,
who collectively formed an offensive and defensive
confederation, which has usually been known in Eng-
lish annals as that of the Five Nations. J
The Mohawks occupied the country nearest the
Hudson River, and held the post of honor as the
guardians of the eastern entrance of the " long
house." The Senecas, who. were the most numerous,
energetic, and warlike of the five tribes, defended the
western portal of the "house," while the Cayugas
were the guardians of the southern border of the
Iroquois domain, the frontier of the Susquehanna
and Delaware valleys. The Oneida tribe was located
along the shores of Lake Ontario, and the Onondagas,
occupying a large territory in the central portion of
the present State of New York, kept watch and
ward over the council-place and fire of the banded
Mengwe.
The league of the Iroquois nations had been formed
at a date which no Indian chronology could satis-
factorily establish for the purpose of mutual defense
against the LenapS and other tribes contiguous to
them ; and by means of this confederation, which
they kept up in good faith and in perfect mutual ac-
cord, they were not only enabled successfully to repel
all encroachments upon their own territory, but after
a time to invade that of other nations, and to carry
the terror of their arms southward to the Cape Fear
J At a later period soon after the commencement of the eighteenth
century the Tuecaroras, having been almost entirely subjugated and
driven away from their hunting-grounds in the Carolinas, migrated
northward and were received into the Iroquois confederacy, which
from that time became known as the Six Nations.
12
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
and Tennessee Elvers, westward beyond Lake Michi-
gan, and eastward to the shores of the Connecticut.
The Delawares the Indian people with which this
history has principally to deal occupied a domain
extending along the sea-shore from the Chesapeake to
the country bordering Long Island Sound. Back from
the coast it reached beyond the Susquehanna valley
to the foot of the Allegheny Mountains, and on the
north it joined the southern frontier of their domi-
neering neighbors, the hated and dreaded Mengwe or
Iroquois. This domain, of course, included not only
the counties of Somerset and Hunterdon, but all of
"the State of New Jersey.
The principal tribes composing the Lenni LenapS or
Delaware nation were those of the Unamis or Turtle,
the Unalachtgo or Turkey, and the Minsi or Wolf.
The latter, which was by far the most powerful and
Tvarlike of all these tribes, occupied the most northerly
portion of the country of the LenapS and kept guard
along the Iroquois border, from whence their domain
extended southward to the Musconetcong* Mountains,
about the northern boundary of the present county of
Hunterdon. The Unamis and Unalachtgo branches
of the LenapS or Delaware nation (comprising the
tribes of Assanpinks, Matas, Shackamaxons, Chiche-
quaas, Raritans, Nanticokes, Tuteloes, and many
others) inhabited the country between that of the
Minsi and the sea-coast, embracing the present coun-
ties of Hunterdon and Somerset and all that part of
the State of New Jersey south of their northern
boundaries. The tribes who occupied and roamed
over these counties, then, were those of the Turtle
and Turkey branches of the Lenni LenapS nations,
but the possessions and boundaries of each cannot be
clearly defined.
The Indian name of the Delaware nation, Lenni
Lenapg, signifies, in their tongue, the original peo- "
ple," a title which they had adopted under the
claim that they were descended from the most ancient
of all Indian ancestry. This claim was admitted by
the Wyandots, Miamis, and more than twenty other
aboriginal nations, who accorded to the Lenapg the
title oi grandfathers, or a people whose ancestry ante-
dated their own. The Eev. John Heckewelder, in his
* " The Wolf, commonly called the Minsi, which we have corrupted into
Monseys, had chosen to Uve back of the other two tribes, and formed a
kind of bulwark for their protection, watching the motions of the Meng-
we and being at hand to afford aid in case of a ruptureVith them. The
Minsi were considered the most warlike and active branch of the Lenapi.
They extended their settlements from the Minisink, a place named after
them, where they had their council-seat and fire, quite up to the Hudson
on the east, and to the west and south far beyond the Susquehanna.
Their northern boundaries were supposed originally to be the heads of
the great rivers Susquehanna and Delaware, and their southern that
ridge of hills known in New Jersey by the name of Muskanecum, and
in Pennsylvania by those of Lehigh, Conewago, etc. Within this
boundary were their principal settlements ; and even as late as the year
1Y42 they had a town with a peach-orchard on the tract of land where
Nazareth, in Pennsylvania, has since been built, another on the Lehigh
and others beyond the Blue Eidge, besides many family settlements here
and there scattered." ifistory. Manners, and Omtomt of the Indian Na-
tions who once inliabUed Pennsyhania," by Bev. John Heckewelder.
" History of the Manners and Customs of the Indian
Nations, says of the Delaware nation, "
" They will not admit that the whites are superior beings. They say
that the hair of their heads, their features, and the various colors of
their eyes evince that they are not, like themselves, Lenni Lenape, an
original people, a race of men that has existed unchanged fro'm the be-
ginning of time ; but that they are a mixed race, and therefore a trouble-
some one, Wherever they may be, the Great Spirit, knowing the wick-
edness of their disposition, found it necessary to give them a Great
Book, and taught them how to read it that they might know and ob-
serve what He wished them to do and what to abstain from. But they â–
the Indians have no need of any such book to let them know the will
of their Maker : they find it engraved on their own hearts; they hav&
had sufQcient discernment given to them to distinguish good from evil,
and by following that guide they are sure not to err. "
Concerning the origin of the LenapS, numerous
and essentially differing traditions were current among
the various tribes. One of these traditions is men-
tioned by Loskiel in his " History of the Mission of
the United Brethren among the North American In-
dians," as follows :
" Among the Delawares, those of the Minsi or Wolf tribe say that in
the beginning they dwelt in the earth under a lake, and were fortu-
nately extricated from this unpleasant abode by the discovery which one
of their men made of a hole, through which he ascended to the surface;
on which, as he was walking, he found a deer, which he carried back
with him into his subterraneous habitation ; that the deer was eaten,
and he and his companions found the meat so good that they unani-
mously determined to leave their dark abode and remove to a place
where they could enjoy the light of heaven and have such excellent
game in abundance.
The two other tribes, the Unamis or Tortoise, and the Unalachtgos "
or Turkey.f have much similar notions, but reject the story of the lake,
which seems peculiar to the Minsi tribe."
There was another leading tradition current among
the nations of the Lenapg, which was to the effect
that, ages before, their ancestors had lived in a far-off
country to the west, beyond great rivers and moun-
tains, and that, in the belief that there existed, away
towards the rising sun, a red man's paradise, a land
of deer and beaver and salmon, they had left their
western home and traveled eastward for many moons,
until they stood on the western shore of the Namisi
Sipu (Mississippi), and there they met a numerous
nation, migrating like themselves. They were a stran-
ger tribe, of whose very existence the Lenape had
been ignorant. They were none other than the Meng-
we; and this was the first meeting of those two peo-
ples, who afterwards became rivals and enemies, and
continued such for centuries. Both were now trav-
elers and bound on the same errand. But they found
a lion in their path, for beyond the great river lay the
domain of a nation called Allegewi, who were not
only strong in numbers and brave, but more skilled
than themselves in the art of war, who had reared
great defenses of earth inclosing their villages and
strongholds. In the true spirit of military strategy
they permitted a part of the emigrants to cross the
river, and then, having divided their antagonists fell
upon them with great fury to annihilate them. But
when the Lenap6 saw this they at once formed an al-
t The tribes to which belonged the bands which inhabited the counties
of Somerset and Hunterdon.
INDIAN OCCUPATION. THE OEIGINAL PEOPLE.
13
liance, offensive and defensive, with the Mengwe.
The main body cro.ssed the river and attacked the Al-
legewi with such desperate energy that they defeated
and afterwards drove them into the interior, where
they fought from stronghold to stronghold, till finally,
after a long and bloody war, the Allegewi were not
only humiliated, but exterminated, and their country
was occupied by the victors. After this both nations
ranged eastward, the Mengwe taking the northern
and the LenapS still keeping the more southern route,
until, after long journeyings, the former reached the
Mohicanittuck (Hudson Eiver) and the latter rested
upon the banks of the LenapS Wihittuck, the beau-
tiful river now known as the Delaware, and here
they found that Indian elysium of which they had
dreamed before they left their old homes in the land
of the setting sun.
These, and other similar Indian traditions may or
may not have some degree of foundation in fact.
There are to-day many enthusiastic searchers through
the realms of aboriginal lore who accept them as au-
thentic, and who believe that the combined LenapS
and Mengwe did destroy a great and comparatively
civilized people, and that the unfortunate Allegewi
who were thus extinguished were none others than
the mysterious Mound-Builders of the Mississippi
valley. This, however, is but one of the many profit-
less conjectures which have been indulged in with
reference to that unknown people, and is in no way
pertinent to this history. All Indian tribes were fond
of narrating the long journeys and great deeds of
their forefathers, and of tracing their ancestry back
for centuries, some of them claiming descent from the
great Manitou himself. Missionaries and travelers
among them who were, or professed to be, familiar
with their language and customs have spoken with
apparent sincerity of Indian chronology running back
to a period before the Christian era, and some of the
old enthusiasts claimed that these aborigines were
descendants of the lost tribes of Israel.* But all the
traditions of the Indians were so clouded and involved
in improbability and so interwoven with superstition,
and the speculations of antiquarian writers have almost
uniformly been so baseless and chimerical, that the
* In a email, quaint, and now very rare volume entitled " An Historical
Description of the Province and Country of West New Jersey in America
Never made Publick till now, by Gabriel Thomas, London, 1698," and
dedicated " To the Bight Honourable Sir John Moor, Sir Thomas Lane,
Knights and Aldermen of the City of London, and to the rest of the
Worthy Members of the West Jersey Proprietors, is found the following,
in reference to the aborigines of this region ; " The first Inhabitants of
this Countrey were the Indians, being supposed to be part of the Ten dis-
persed Tribes of In-aelj for indeed they are very like the Jewa in their
Persons, and something in their Practices and Worship ; for they (aa the
Pensilvania Indians) observe the Neio Moons with great devotion and
Reverence : And their first Fruits they ofi'er, with their Com and Hunt-
ing-Game they get in the whole year, to a False Deity or Sham God
whom they must please, else (as they fancy) many misfortunes will be-
fall them, and great injuries will be done them. When they bury their
Dead, they put into the Ground with them some House Utensils and
Borne Money (aa tokens of their Love and Affection), with other Things,
expecting they shall have Occasion for them in the other World."
whole subject of Indian origin may be dismissed as-
profitless.
The Indians, from the earliest times, considered-
themselves in a manner connected with certain ani-
mals, as is evident from various customs preserved
among them, and from the fact that, both collectively
and individually, they assumed the names of such
animals. Loskiel says,
"It might indeed be supposed that those animals* names which they
have given to their several tribes were mere badges of distinction, or
' ooate-of-arms,' as Pyrlaeus calls them ; but if we pay attention to the.
reasons which they give for those denominations, the idea of a supposed
family connection is easily discernible. The Torlmae or, as they are
commonly called, the ffurifc tribe, among the LenapJ, claim a supe-
riority and ascendancy over the others, because their relation, the great
Tortoiee, a fabled monster, the Atlas of their mythology, bears, according
to their traditions, this great island on his back,! ^'-nd also because he is
amphibious and can live both on land and in the water, which neither
of the heads of the other tribes can do. The merits of the Turkey, which
gives its name to the second tribe, are that he is stationary and always,
remains with or about them. As to the Wolf, after which the third tribe
is named, he is a rambler by nature, running from one place to another
in quest of his prey ; yet they consider him as their benefactor, as it was
by his means that the Indians got out of the interior of the earth. It
waa he, they believe, who by the appointment of the Great Spirit killed
the deer which the Mousey found who first discovered the way to the
surface of the earth, and which allured them to come out of their damp
and dark residence. For that reason the wolf is to be honored and his,
name to he preserved forever among them.
These animals' names, it is true, they all use as national badges, in "
order to distinguish their tribes from each other at home and abroad. In
this point of view Mr. Pyrlaeus was right in considering them as ' coats-
of-arms.' The TwrUe warrior draws, either with a coal or with paint,
here and there on the trees along the war-path, the whole animal, car- '
ryjng a^n with the muzzle projecting forward ; and if fie leaves"a mark-
et the place where he has made a stroke on his enemy, it will be the \
\ picture of a Tortoise. Tho se of the TurJcet/ tribe pa int ojily one foot of a y
[turkey, and the Wolf tribe so metimes a w olf at lar ge-githonefoot and /
fleg. raised jy>-to serve^as a hand, in which the animal also carries a gua /
with the muzzle forward. They, however, do not generally use the word.'
''wolf when speaking of their tribe, but call themselves P'duk-sit, whicli
means round foot, that animal having a round foot, like a dog."
It does not appear that the Indians inhabiting the
interior portions of New Jersey were very numerous.
In an old publication entitled "A Description of New
Albion," and dated a.d. 1648, it is found stated that
the native people in this section were governed by
about twenty kings ; but the insignificance of the
power of those " kings" may be inferred by the accom-
panying statement that there were " twelve hundred!
[Indians] under the two Earitan kings on the north
side, next to Hudson's Eiver, and those came down-
to the ocean about little Egg-bay and Sandy Barne-
gatte ; and about the South Cape two small kings of
forty men apiece, and a third, reduced to fourteen
men, at Eoymont." From which it appears evident
that the so-called " kings" were no more than ordi-
nary chiefs, and that some of these scarcely had a
following. Whitehead, in his "East Jersey under
the Proprietary Governments,'' concludes, from the
above-quoted statement, "that there were probably
f And they believed that sometimes the grandfather tortoise became
weary and shook himself or changed his position, and that this was the
cause of earthquakes.
14
HUNTERDON AND SOi\lERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
not more than two thousand [Indians] within the
province while it was under the domination of the
Dutch." And in a publication* hearing date fifty
years later (1698) the statement is made that "the
Dutch and Swedes inform us that they [the Indians]
are greatly decreased in numbers to what they were
when they came first into this country. And the In-
dians themselves say that two of them die to every one
Christian that comes in here."
There is found, however, in the ancient workf be-
fore extracted from, an extravagant account of the
(imaginary) state of "the Raritan king,"t whose seat
is represented to have been at a place called by the ,
English Mount Ployden, "twenty miles from Sandhay
Sea, and ninety from the ocean, next to Amara hill,
the retired paradise of the children of the Ethiopian
emperor, a wonder, for it is a square rock, two miles'
compass, one hundred and fifty feet high ; a wall-like
precipice, a strait entrance, easily made invincible,
where he keeps two hundred for his guards, and under
is a flat valley, all plain to plant and sow." But there
is no place known answering the above description,
though the Rev. G. C. Schenck, in a paper read be-
fore the New Jersey Historical Society, suggests that
what is known as the Round Valley (north of Round
Mountain, in the township of Clinton, in Hunterdon
County) corresponds in general with Plantagenet's
topographical description^ of the kingly seat. To con-
cede this, however, requires a considerable stretch of
imagination ; and it is hard to resist the conviction
that it was in the author's imagination, and there
alone, that the impregnable " mount," the " retired
paradise of the children of the Ethiopian emperor,"
and the royal guard of two hundred men had their
existence.
Before the European explorers had penetrated to
the territories of the LenapS the power and prowess
of the Iroquois had reduced the former nation to the
condition of vassals. The attitude of the Iroquois,
however, was not wholly that of conquerors over the
Delawares, for they mingled, to some extent, the
character of protectors with that of masters. It has
been said of them that " the humiliation of tributary
nations was to them [the Iroquois] tempered with a
paternal regard for their interests in all negotiations
* Gabriel Thomas' " Historical Description of the ProTince and Coun-
try of West Ne-w Jersey in America/'
â– f Plantagenet's Description of New Albion.
X " The Indians of New Jersey were divided among about twenty petty
kings, of whom the king of the Earitans was the greatest." Riker^ p. 37.
g " The seat of the Earitan kings was upon an inland mountain (prob-
ably the Neshanic Mountain, which answers approximately to the de-
scription)." Rev. E. T. Corwin^B SiBtorical Viscourse, 1866, p. 9.
The Bev. Abraham Messier, D.D., in his " Centennial History of Som-
erset County," says : " If we were inclined to favor such romance, we
should claim that no place so well answers the description [of the "seat
of the Baritan king"] as the bluff in the gorge of Chimney Rock, north
of the little bridge, on the west and east sides of which the two rivulets
flow and meet a few yards southward in the main gorge. But we are
not disposed to practice on the credulity of our readers, as the Indian^
evidently did on Beauchamp Plantagenet, Esq."
with the whites, and care was taken that no tres-
passes should be committed on their rights, and that
they should be justly dealt with." This means,
simply, that the Mengwe would, so far as lay in their
power, see that none others than themselves should
be permitted to despoil the LenapS. They exacted
from them an annual tribute, an acknowledgment of
their state of vassalage, and on this condition they
were permitted to occupy their former hunting-
grounds. Bands of the Five Nations, however, were
interspersed among the Delawares|| probably more
as a sort of police, and for the purpose of keeping a
watchful eye upon them, than for any other purpose.
The Delawares regarded their conquerors with feel-
ings of inextinguishable hatred (though these were
held in abeyance by fear), and they also pretended to
a feeling of superiority on account of their more an-
cient lineage and their further removal from original
barbarism, which latter claim was perhaps well
grounded. On the part of the Iroquois, they main-
tained a feeling of haughty superiority towards their
vassals, whom they spoke of as no longer men and
warriors, but as women. There is no recorded instance
in which unmeasured insult and stinging contempt
were more wantonly and publicly heaped on a cowed
and humiliated people than on the occasion of a
treaty held in Philadelphia in 1742, when Connossa-
tego, an old Iroquois chief, having been requested by
the Governor to attend (really for the purpose of
forcing the Delawares to yield up the rich lands of
the Minisink), arose in the council, where whites and
Delawares and Iroquois were convened, and in the
name of all the deputies of his confederacy said to
the Governor that the Delawares had been an unruly
people and were altogether in the wrong, and that
they should be removed from their lands ; and then,
turning superciliously towards the abashed Delawares,
said to them, " You deserve to be taken by the hair
of your heads and shaken until you recover your
senses and become sober. We have seen a deed,
signed by nine of your chiefs over fifty years ago, for
this very land. But how came you to take it upon
yourselves to sell lands at all? We conquered you;
we made women of you ! You know you are women
and can no more sell lands than women. Nor is it fit
that you should have power to sell lands, since you
would abuse it. You have had clothes, meat, and
drink, by the goods paid you for it, and now you
want it again, like children, as you are. What makes
you sell lands in the dark ? Did you ever tell us
you had sold this land ? Did we ever receive any
part, even to the value of a pipe-shank, from you for
it ? This is acting in the dark, -very difierentlj' from
the conduct which our Six Nations observe in the
I The same policy was pursued by the Five Nations towards the Sha-
wanese, who had been expelled from the far Southwest by stronger
tribes, and a portion of whom, traveling eastward as far as the country
adjoining the Delawares, had been permitted to erect their lodges there,
but were, like the Leuap6, held in a state of subjection by the Iroquois.-
INDIAN OCCUPATION. THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE.
15
sales of land. But we find you are none of our
Wood ; you act a dishonest part in this as in other
matters. Your ears are ever open to slanderous reports
about your brethren. For all these reasons we charge
you to remove instantly 1 We do not give you liberty to
think about it. You are woTnen 1 Take the advice of
a wise man, and remove instantly 1 You may return
to the other side of the river, where you came from,
but we do not know whether, considering how you
have demeaned yourselves, you will be permitted to
live there, or whether you have not already swallowed
that land down your throats, as well as the land on
this side. You may go either to Wyoming or Shamo-
kin, and then we shall have you under our eye and
can see how you behave. Don't deliberate, but go,
and take this belt of wampum." He then forbade
them ever again to interfere in any matters between
white man and Indian, or ever, under any pretext, to
pretend to sell lands ; and as they (the Iroquois), he
said, had some business of importance to transact with
the Englishmen, he commanded them to immediately
leave the council, like children and women, as they
were. /
Heckewelder, however, attempts to rescue the good
name of the humbled Delawares by giving some of
their explanations, intended to show that the epithet
women, as applied to them by the Iroquois, was
originally a term of distinction rather than reproach,
and "that the making women of the Delawares was
not an act of compulsion, but the result of their own
free will and consent." He gives the story, as it was
narrated by the Delawares, substantially in this way :
The Delawares were always too powerful for the
Iroquois, so that the latter were at length convinced
that if wars between them should continue, their own
extirpation would become inevitable. They accord-
ingly sent a message to the Delawares, representing
that if continual wars were to be carried on between
the nations, this would eventually work the ruin of
the whole Indian race ; that in order to prevent this
it was necessary that one nation should lay down
their arms and be called the woman, or mediator, with
power to command the peace between the other na-
tions who might be disposed to persist in hostilities
against each other, and finally recommending that
the part of the woman should be assumed by the
Delawares, as the most powerful of all the nations.
The Delawares, upon receiving this message, and
not perceiving the treacherous intentions of the Iro-
quois, consented to the proposition. The Iroquois
then appointed a council and feast, and invited the
Delawares to it, when, in pursuance of the authority
given, they made a solemn speech, containing three
capital points. The first was that the Delawares be
(and they were) declared women, in the following
words :
"We dress you in a woman's long habit, reaching
down to your feet, and adorn you with ear-rings, "
meaning that they should no more take up arms.
The second point was thus expressed : " We hang a
calabash filled with oil and medicine upon your arm.
With the oil you shall cleanse the ears of other na-
tions, that they may attend to good and not to bad
words ; and with the medicine you shall heal those
who are walking in foolish ways, that they may return
to their senses and incline their hearts to peace." The
third point, by which the Delawares were exhorted to
make agriculture their future employment and means
of subsistence, was thus worded : " We deliver into
your hands a plant of Indian corn and a hoe." Each
of these points was confirmed by delivering a belt of
wampum, and these belts were carefully laid away,
and their meaning frequently repeated.
"The Iroquois, on the contrary, assert that they
conquered the Delawares, and .that the latter were
forced to adopt the defenseless state and appellation
of a woman to avoid total ruin. Whether these difier-
ent' accounts be true or false, certain it is that the
Delaware nation has ever since been looked to for the
preservation of peace and intrusted with the charge
of the great belt of peace and chain of friendship,
which they must take care to preserve inviolate. Ac-
cording to the figurative explanation of the Indians,
the middle of the chain of friendship is placed upon
the shoulder of the Delawares, the rest of the Indian
nations holding one end and the Europeans the
other.* "
It is evident that the clumsy and transparent tale
of the Delawares in reference to their investiture as
women was implicitly believed by Heckewelder and
other Indian missionaries, who apparently did not
realize that which no reader can fail to perceive,
that if their championship and explanation were to
have any influence at all on the world's estimate of
their Indian friends, it could hardly be a favorable
one, for it would only tend to show that they had suf-
fered themselves to be most ridiculously imposed upon
by the Iroquois, and that they were willing to ac-
knowledge themselves a nation of imbeciles rather
than admit a defeat which in itself brought no dis-
grace on them, and was no impeachment of their
courage or warlike skill.
Gen. William Henry Harrison, afterwards Presi-
dent of the United States, in his " Notes on the
Aborigines," said, in reference to the old missionary's
account of the Delawares' humiliation,
" But even if Mr. Heckewelder had succeeded in making his readers
helieve that the DelawareB, when they submitted to the degradation pro-
posed to them by their enemies, were influenced, Dot by fear, but by the
benevolent desire to put a stop to the calamities of war, he has estab-
lished for them the reputation of being the most egregious dupes and
fools that the world has ever seen. This is not often the case with Indian
sachems. They are rarely cowards, but still more rarely are they defici-,
ent in sagacity or discernment to detect any attempt to impose on them.
I sincerely wish that I could unite with the worthy German in removing
the stigma upon the Delawares. "
It was not a lack of bravery or military enterprise
* Notes on the Indians, by David Zeisberger.
16
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
on the part of the Delawares which caused their over-
throw; it was a mightier agent than courage or
energy : it was the gunpowder and lead of the Iro-
quois, which they had procured from the trading
Dutch on the Hudson almost immediately after the
discovery of that river, which had wrought the down-
fall of the LenapS. For them the conflict was a
hopeless one, waged against immeasurahle odds, re-
sistance to the irresistible. Under a reversal of con-
ditions the Delawares must have been the victors and
the Iroquois the vanquished, and no loss of honor
could attach to a defeat under such circumstances. It
is a pity that the tribes of the LenapS should vainly
have expended so much labor and ingenuity upon a
tale which, for their own sake, had better never have
been told, and in which even the sincere indorsement
of Heckewelder and other missionaries has wholly
failed to produce a general belief.
When the old Iroquois chief Connossatego, at the
treaty council in Philadelphia, before referred to,
commanded the Delawares instantly to leave the
council-house, where their presence would no longer
be tolerated, and to prepare to vacate their hunting-
grounds on the Delaware and its tributaries, the out-
raged' and insulted red men were completely crest-
fallen and crushed, but they had no alternative and
must obey. They at once left the presence of the
Iroquois, returned to the homes which were now to
be their homes no longer, and soon afterwards mi-
grated to the country bordering the Susquehanna,
and beyond that river.
This forced exodus of the Delawares, however, was
chiefly from the Minisink and other sections of coun-
try to the north and northwest of the counties of
Somerset and Hunterdon, and had very little efiect
on the Indian population of the territory now com-
prised in these counties ; for, however great may have
been the state, and however numerous the subjects, of
the traditionary " Karitan king" in earlier years, there
were at the time in question (a.d. 1742) but very few
Indians living within the territory of these counties,
and those few were embraced in small roving bands,
few, if any, of which had permanent villages or
places of habitation. " The Indians living on the
Raritan," says the Kev. Dr. Messier,* " were only a
remnant of the large and numerous tribe once located
there. It is said they left and went to live at Metu-
chen because the freshets in the river spoiled the corn
which they were in the habit of burying in pits on
the lowlands. Another inducement was the fish,
oysters, and clams so easily obtained on the shores
of Raritan Bay. The immense heaps of shells found
in several localities on its shores attest the rich har-
vest which they gathered out of its waters. A few
huts were found on the south side of the river, oppo-
* Centennial History of Somerset County, by Abraham Messier, D.D.,
pp. 33, 34.
site the village of Raritan, and they had a 'burial-
place' on the second river-bank, at the gate of R. H.
Garretson.f We may imagine, then, how the lonely
river flowed on for centuries between its willow-
fringed banks from summer to winter, while the rich
grass on its meadows wasted because there were no
animals except a few deer who fed upon it, and how
the wild fruits afforded feasts for the squirrel and the
forest bird or perished untouched because there was
no living creature to enjoy the bountiful repast. It
might almost without romance be called a 'retired
paradise,' but without its ' Ethiopian emperor" to rule
over it. . . . Its primitive inhabitants, even, had de-
serted' it almost entirely and gone towards the sea-
shore, attracted by the abundant food, and only the
beasts claimed it as their home."
The following, having reference to the Indian bands
which were formerly located in Hunterdon County,
is from a series of papers entitled " Traditions of our
Ancestors," published in the Hunterdon Bepuhlican
about ten years since :
" There are extant many proofs of Indian tribes dwelling in the vicin-
ity of Kound Valley and Cokesbury. William Alpaugh, now (1870)
somewhat advanced in years, living in the east end of the valley, says
that when he was a boy he frequently spoke of [with ?] an aged man
who had lived in that section before the Indians had quitted it. He often
went, in company with other boys, to fish in the streams near by, and,
while they used hooks, the Indiana shot them with spears and arrows.
When they came to divide the fish the Indians were always very precise
about it, taking care that each one should have his exact share. Mr. Al-
paugh says that he has seen, near Cokesbury, numerous Indian graves
ranged in rows and surrounded by stones piled upright around each
mound. , . . On the farm where Abraham Hunt now lives, near Cokes-
bury, there were standing, fifty years ago, near a stream, a mimber of
huts built of sticks, and from four to six feet high, very dilapidated ; and
tradition does not give the time when they did not stand there. Tliia
fact is some evidence that the tribes of this section made their home
here.
The arrow spear-heads found in the Hound Valley were once very "
numerous, and some fine specimens are still occasionally picked up.
Mr. Alpaugh says that in passing over the mountain southeast of the
valley he discovered, several years ago, a pile of stones in the forest ar-
ranged in such a manner aa left no doubt in his mind that they had
been placed there, when the trees were small saphngs, to mark an
Indian burial-place. These were the cuetomai-y monuments in this
section. . . .
" There is a tradition among the descendants of James Alexander that
while he was surveying over the moat rugged part of Kushetunk Moun-
tain he found a large heap of stones piled together with some regularity,
which, being removed, revealed a rudely-arched vault containing the
remains of seven warriors, with their arms, ornaments, and utensils
around them. There were beads of bone and copper, wrist- and arm-
bands of the same metal, and a number of pipes, besides leather leggins
and other articles of Indian dress. The general appearance was that
they were all warriors of the same tribe, and to each one was affixed the
symbolic characters showing the order in which they had succeeded each
other. There was nothing in common in these relics with those of the
then existing tribe to show that they were the same people. The trees
seemed to have grown there since this vault was built, and the proba-
hiUty is that it was the resting-place of seven generations of kings who
had roamed up and down here long before the white people came. . . .
f There was also an Indian burial-ground at the mouth of One-Mile
Eun, above Raritan Landing. In an ancient survey a line striking the
river at that place is described as *' commencing at the bank of the Rar-
itan, in an Indian burying-ground. "
There was an Indian settlement on the east bank of the Millstone, at
the mouth of Six-Mile Bun. Many hatchets, pestles, and other imple-
ments were found there in early years.
INDIAN OCCUPATION. THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE.
ir
Mr. Alexander and Ms party carefully replaced the stones, fearing lest
the Indians, discovering his invasion of this ancient sepulchre, would be
incensed against him. The spot may yet be rediscovered upon that
wild and mgged, unfrequented summit. There is no reason why there
should not be found there mounds more sunken, but still containing
bones of thousands of the race that has passed away, like those of Vir-
ginia and the West."
Of the latter portion of this extract it seems hardly
necessary to remark that the " probability" referred
to by this writer that the seven skeletons represented
seven generations of kings is not a very strong
one, and that the same doubt may be felt as to the
likelihood of the existence here of sepulchres con-
taining the " bones of thousands of the race that has
passed away," even if we admit the authenticity of
the very doubtful tradition concerning Mr. Alexan-
der's discovery and subsequent re-covering of the
mysterious arched vault.
The Indian occupation of Hunterdon County and
the country to the northward of it is mentioned by
the Eev. George S. Mott, D.D., in a very excellent
and common-sense account, found in the " First Cen-
tury of Hunterdon County," as follows :
" They [the Minis! or Wolf tribe, living to the northward of the Turtle
and Turkey tribes, which inhabited this lower portion of the State] were
a very warlike race, as their name indicated. Their southern boundary
in this direction was that range of hills which stretches along the upper
line of Hunterdon and the branches of the Raritan. Thus the coast-
tribes and the mountaineers came together in this county. Many fami-
lies of these chose to live by themselves, fixing their abode in villages
and taking a name from their location. Each of these had a chief, who,
however, was in a measure subordinate to a head-chief.* A family was
situated on the Neshanic, called the Neshanic Indians. There waa an-
other settlement a mile from Flemington, on a brook called the Minisi.
One was near the Branch at Three Bridges. There they had a burying-
ground ; another, one and a half miles southwest from Kingos, along a
creek on Jacob Thatcher's farm. Traces of their village can yet be seen
there. Yet another waa near Mount Airy Station, on tlie Alexsocken.
There waa quite a large settlement of them at Eocktown. Indeed, the
Amwell valley waa populated with them. As already stated, in 1703 the
proprietors purchased of Heinhammoo a large tract of land in Hunter-
don lying west of the South Branch, and they also bought the title to all
other lands of the Indians who were supposed to have any right to them.
These seem to have been contented, and lived in their villages on the
most friendly terms with the whites. But the game diminished as the
country waa settled, so that the Indians were constrained to resort to
trade in order to procure the necessaries of life. They made wooden
ladles, bowls, trays, etc., which they exchanged for butter, milk, chick-
ens, and meat. They soon acquired a fondness for intoxicating liquors,
and when under their influence would quarrel and fight in a tenible
manner. This became so great an evil that the Legislature in 1767 laid
a penalty upon peiaons selling strong drink to the Indians, so as to in-
toxicate them, and declaring all Indian sales and pawns for drink void.
The defeat of Gen. Braddock in the summer of 1765 produced great "
consternation throughout all the colonics and led to disastrous conse-
quences. A hatred of the whites had for years been growing in the
hearts of the Indians, who saw themselves becoming more and more
helpless under the steadily-increasing encroachments of the settlers.
The wrongs which were inflicted upon them by designing men aggra^
vated their dislike, so that it was an easy matter for the French, and the
Indians already leagued with them in hostilities, to persuade those tribes
which had remained nominally at peace with the inhabitants to join
them in a general uprising and onslaught upon the settlers. The Shaw-
nees and Delawares were drawn into this defection also ; bands of Indians
joined them, many going from the Pines to the Bine Bidge under this
impulse. Numbers who had roamed around the country, much like the
tramps of to-day, went off to join the Indian troops and never returned.
* Heckewelder's Indian Nations ; Memoirs of Historical Society of
Pennsylvania, voL xii. pp. 48-52.
The people of this section and to the north were greatly alarmed at this
state of things. The first inroads of the savages were down the Susque-
hanna, through Berks and Northampton Counties, across the Delaware
into New Jersey. Some of the scalping-parties penetrated within thirty
miles of Philadelphia. A letter from Easton, dated Dec. 25, 1766, states
that the * country all above this town for fifty miles is mostly evacuated
and mined. The people have mostly fled into the Jerseys. . . . The
enemy made but few prisoners, murdering almost all that fell in^ their
hands, of all ages and both sexes.' The inhabitants of New Jersey,
roused by these sufferings of their neighbors and fearing for their own
towns, prepared to resist the foe. Governor Belcher dispatched troops
promptly from all parts of the province to the defense of the western fron-
tier. Col. John Anderson, of Sussex County, collected four hundred men
and secured the upper part of the State. During the winter of 1765 and
1756 marauding-parties of French and Indians hung around this western
border. To guard against their incureions a chain of forts and block-
houses was erected along the mountain and at favorable points on the
east bank of the Delaware. Although the inroads of the savages were
infrequent, and consisted of small bands, yet the fear which all felt that
their midnight slumber might be broken by the war-whoop was sufficient
to keep them in a constant terror. Many left their bomes.f A loud call
was made upon the Assembly for increased means of defense. This was
done, and the force waa placed under the command of Col. De Hart.f
"As an additional measure of protection a treaty was made with
Teedyuscung, whereby the Delawares and Shawnees on the Susque-
hanna were reconciled. The Legislature appointed a committee, who
met the Indians of this State at Crosswicks in the winter of 1756. Their
grievances were heard patiently and then reported to the Legislature,
which passed acts in 1757 to relieve them. One of these grievances was
that the Indians had not been paid for certain tracts of land which had
been taken from them. The only portion of Hunterdon which came
within these claims was a tract of twenty-five hundred acres, claimed by
Teedyuscung himself, * beginning at Ringos, and extending along the
Brunswick road to Neshannock Creek, thence up the same to George
Hatten'a, thence in a straight course to Petit's place, and so on to a hill
called Paatquacktung, thence in a straight line to the place of the begin-
ning, which tract was reserved at the sale,' i.e., between Ringos and
Copper Hill. The Legislature gave the commissioners power to appro-
priate sixteen hundred pounds to purchase a general relase of all these
claims, one-half of which was to be devoted to paying the Indians re-
siding to the south of the Raritan. This offer was accepted, and a treaty
concluded Oct. 26, 1758, and thus ended all difficulties with the Indians
in New Jersey .§ This pacification was greatly aided and quickened by
an association founded in Philadelphia in 1765, called ' The Friendly
Association, for regaining and preserving peace with the Indians by pa-
cific measures.' Another cause which contributed to this happy result
waa that Teedyuscung, who was king of the Delawares and a chief of
very wide infiuence, was a Christian. He became such in 1749, and waa
baptized by the name of Gideon. | Also we may suppose that the in-
fluence of John Reading, from 1767 to June, 1768, the acting Governor
while most of these negotiations wore in progress, would be exerted in
behalf of liberal measures towards the Indians, inaamuch as his early
experience as surveyor in Hunterdon County when it was yet a wilder-
ness and his subsequent residence in this frontier region would well
qualify him to know their wrongs and their needs, while the piety
which adorned his life would lead him to that charity which overlooks
ignorance. "
There were traditions among the descendants of the
Minisink people that the tribe from which that place
derives its name made frequent expeditions down the
river and came back with white men's scalps hanging
at their belts. They stole down on the Pennsylvania
side, and crossed over to this State a little below the
Hopewell hills ; then, returning on this side of the
river, they would lie in ambush along the yet wild
and rugged shores and pick off any unfortunate trav-
f Tradition says that people hid themselves in the openings of the
mines at Union.
I Gordon's " New Jersey," pp. 122 and 124.
g Smith's " New Jersey," chap, xxiii.
jl From MSS. of Dr. Studdiford.
18
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
eler who might be passing along the river-path. An
old Indian sachem used to relate that the steep hills
along the Delaware had been the scene of more than
one ambush and murder.
It was only the Indians from the upper country,
however, who committed these acts of violence and
bloodshed. Those whose domain embraced what are
now the counties of Hunterdon and Somerset were
uniformly peaceable and friendly in their intercourse
with the settlers, by whom they were treated with
justice and consideration. Their numbers in this
region steadily decreased as the years passed, but it
was the natural decadence of their race, and not the
steel of the white man, that swept them away. But
a very small remnant of the tribe was left here at the
opening of the Revolution, and of these a few served
in the army under Washington. In a very few years
after the close of the war they had entirely disap-
peared.
The right of the Delawares to the ownership of the
lands south of the Baritan was recognized by the
English, and large purchases were made from them
from time to time as the needs of the settlers required,
so that most of their lands had been sold prior to the
treaty of 1758, at which the whole of their remaining
titles were extinguished, except that there was re-
served to them the right to fish in all the rivers and
bays south of the Earitan, and to hunt on all unin-
closed lands. A tract of three thousand acres of land
was also purchased at Edge Pillock, in Burlington
County, and on this the few remaining Delawares of
New Jersey (about sixty in number) were collected
and settled. They remained there until the year
1802, when they removed to New Stockbridge, near
Oneida Lake, in the State of New York, where they
joined their " grandsons," the Stockbridge tribe.
Several years afterwards they again removed, and
settled on a large tract of land on Fox River, Wis.,
which tract had been purchased for their use from
the Menominee Indians. There, in conjunction with
the Stockbridges, they engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, and formed a settlement which was named
Statesburg. There, in the year 1832, there remained
about forty of the Delawares, among whom was still
kept alive the tradition that they were the owners
of fishing and hunting privileges in New Jersey.
They resolved to lay their claims before the Leg-
islature of this State, and request that a moderate
sum (two thousand dollars) might be paid them for its
relinquishment. The person selected to act for them
in presenting the matter before the Legislature was
one of their own nation, whom they called Shawus-
kukhkung (meaning "wilted grass"), but who was
known among the white people as Bartholomew S.
Calvin. He was born in 1756. and was educated at
Princeton College, at the expense of the Scotch mis-
sionary society. At the breaking out of the Revolu-
tion he left his studies to join the patriot army under
Washington, and he served with credit during the
Revolutionary struggle. At the time when his red
countrymen placed this business in his hands he was
seventy-six years of age, yet he proceeded in the
matter with all the energy of youth, and laid before
the Legislature a petition in his favor signed by a
large number of respectable citizens of New Jersey,
together with a memorial, written by his own hand,
as follows :
" My Brethren : I am old and weak and poor, and therefore a fit
repreeentative of my people. Tou are young and strong and rich, and
therefore fit repreeentatives of your people. But let mo beg you for a
moment to lay aside the recollections of yovir strength and of our weak-
ness, that your minds may be prepared to examine with candor the sub-
ject of our claims.
Our tradition informs us and I believe it corresponds with your "
records that the right of fisliing in all the rivers and bays south of the
Karitan, and of hunting in all uninclosed lands, was never relinquished,
but, on the contrary, was expressly reserved in our last treaty, held at
Crosswicks in 1768. Having myself been one of the parties to the sale,
I believe, in 1801,-1 know that these rights were not sold or parted
with.
"We now offer to sell these privileges to the State of New Jersey.
They were once of great value to us, and we apprehend that neither time
nor distance nor the non-use of our rights has at all affected them, but
that the courts here would consider our claims valid were we to exercise
them ourselves or delegate them to others. It is not, however, our wish
thus to excite litigation. We consider the State Legislature the proper
purchaser, and throw ourselves upon its benevolence and magnanimity,
trusting that feelings of justice and liberality will induce you to give us
what you deem a compensation. And, as we have ever looked up to the
leading characters of the United States (and to the leading characters of
this State in particular) as our fathers, protectors, and friends, we now
look xip to you as such, and humbly beg that you will look upon us with
that eye of pity, as we have reason to think our poor untutored fore-
fathers looked upon yours when they first arrived upon our then exten-
sive but uncultivated dominions, and sold them their lands, in many
instances for trifles, in comparison, as 'light as air.'
From your humble petitioner, "
"Bartholomew S. Calvin,
Tn hehnlf of himself and his red brethren."" "
In the Legislature the subject was referred .to a
committee, which, after patient hearing, reported
favorably ; whereupon the Legislature granted to the
Delawares the sum of two thousand dollars, the full
amount asked for, in consideration of this relinquish-
ment of their last rights and claims in the State of
New Jersey. Upon this result Mr. Calvin addressed
to the Legislature a letter of thanks, which was read
before the two houses in joint session, and was received
with repeated rounds of most enthusiastic applause.
The letter was as follows :
" Trenton, March 12, 1832.
Bartholomew S. Calvin takes this method to return his thanks tb both "
houses of the State Legislature, and especially to their committees, for
their very respectful attention to and candid examination of the Indian
claims which he was delegated to present.
"The final act of official intercourse between the State of New Jersey
and the Delaware Indians, who once owned nearly the whole of its terri-
tory, has now been consummated, and in a manner which must redound
to the honor of this growing State, and, in all probability, to the prolon-
gation of the existence of a wasted yet grateful people. Upon this parting
occasion I feel it to be an incumbent duty to bear the feeble tribute of
my praise to the high-toned justice which, in this instance, and, so far as
I am acquainted, in all former times, has actuated the councils of this
commonwealth in dealing with the aboriginal inhabitants.
Not a drop of our blood have you spilled in battle ; not an acre of our "
laud have you taken but by our consent. These facts speak for them-
selves and need no comment. They place the character of New Jersey
NEW JERSEY UNDER DUTCH AND ENGLISH RULE.
19
In bold relief and bright example to those States within whose territorial
limits our brethren still remain. Nothing save benisons can fall upon
her from the lips of a Lenni Lenap^.
" There may be some who would despise an Indian benediction ; but
when I return to my people, and make known to them the result of my
mission, the ear of the great SoTereign of the universe, which is still
open to our cry, will he penetrated with our invocation of blessings upon
the generous sons of New Jersey. "
WMle this Indian claim was under consideration
the cause of the Delawar^s was voluntarily supported
hy a distinguished son of Somerset County, the Hon.
Samuel L. Southard, who, at the close of a most pow-
erful and eloquent appeal, made before the committee,
in favor of the petitioners, said, " It is a proud fact
in the history of New Jersey that every foot of her
soil has been obtained from the Indians by fair and
voluntary purchase and transfer, a fact that no other
State of the Union, not even the land which bears the
name of Penn, can boast of."
"Many years previous to the settlement of the
Earitan by the whites, says the late Hon. Ralph "
Voorhees, " the Indians had a path running through
the State, extending from the Falls of the Delaware,
at Trenton, to the first fording-place across the Eari-
tan, near New Brunswick. From thence it ran to
Elizabethtown. It is described in many of the old
deeds as ' the Indian Path.' Its course was along the
highest grounds, and it . . . struck ravines as nearly
opposite to each other as possible, by which it was
made to avoid steep hills.* They thus easily carried
to market their furs and other salable articles."!
Other Indian paths were one from Lambertville,
through Mt. Airy, Eingos, and Eeaville, to Newark,
which later became the " Old York Eoad," and an-
other, which " came in from the north through the
valley at Clarksville, the gateway for all the tribes
who threaded their way down the great valley of the
Wallkill, or crossed over from Pennsylvania at the
forks of the Delaware."^ This Indian highway led
down to the wigwams on the Assanpink, crossing the
east and west path at Eingos. §
CHAPTER III.
NEW JERSEY TTHDEB DUTCH AND ENGLISH
BULE.
Swedish Settlement Occupation by the Dutch Subjection to the Eng-
lish in 1664 Governors Carteret, Andres, etc. Grant to the Duke of
York, and transfer to Berkeley and Carteret Edward Byllinge
Quaker Emigration and Settlement The two Jerseys consolidated
Governors, down to 1776.
In the year 1637 two Swedish ships arrived in the
Delaware, bringing a number of settlers. They were
* This accounts for the many bends and crooks in the road afterwards
laid out upon it, and which subsequently became the dividing-line be-
tween the counties of Somerset and Middlesex.
f B. Vorhees, in " Our Home. "
J The First Century of Hunterdon County, p. 10.
l A store was kept at Bingos, to which in the early day the Indians
resorted from a conquerable distance.
soon followed by other companies, and, in 1642, John
Printz, a military officer, was sent over as Governor
of the colony. He established himself upon the
island now known as Tinicum, which was given to
him in fee by the Queen of Sweden. Here he erected
a fort, planted an orchard, and built a church and
several dwellings, including a fine house for himself,
which was called "Printz Hall." At the same time
with the Governor came also John Campanius Holm,||
a clergyman, and the fixture historian of the colony ;
and in the same company was Lindstrom, an engi-
neer, who afterwards published a map of the Dela-
ware and its adjacent parts.1[
In the government of New Sweden, as that portion
of the State was then called, Printz was followed by
his son, John Papegoia, who soon returned to Europe
and left the government to John Claudius Rising.
In 1655 the Dutch sailed from Manhattan with seven
ships and six hundred men, under the command of
Governor Peter Stuyvesant, and fell unawares on the
Swedish settlements. Fort after fort fell into their
hands, the officers and principal people were made
prisoners and carried to New Amsterdam, while the
Dutch retained possession of the country.**
\ The latter name, Holm, " wai added because of Stockholm being the
place of his residence." Clay^s AnnaU of the Swedes.
f We find Plantagenet (Plantagenet's "New Albion"), in 1648, com-
plaining of the settlements of the Swedes and Dutch within New Albion,
and of the adherence of the English settlers to them rather than to the
authority of the earl-palatine. Plantagenet published a pamphlet in
1648, entitled "A Description of the Province of New Albion, and a Di-
rection for Adventurers with small stock to get two for one, and good
land freely : And for Gentlemen, and all Servants, Labourers, and Arti-
ficers, to live Plentifully," etc. It is dedicated " To the right honourable
and mighty Lord Edmund^ by Divine Providence, Lord Proprietor, Earl-
Palatine, Governour, and Captain-General] of the Province of New Albion ;
and to the Right Honourable the Lord Vicount Monson of CtwUemain,
the Lord Sherard Baron of Leirim : and to all others the Vicounte, Barons,
Baronets, Knights, Gentlemen, Merchants, Adventurers and Planters, of
the hopeful Company of Nevj Albion; in all, 44 undertakers and sub-
scribers, bound by Indenture to bring and settle 3000 able trained men
in our said severall Plantations in the said Province." The author of the
pamphlet was " Beauchamp Plantagenet, of Belvil, in New Albion,
Esquire, one of Company," whose manor of Belvil, containing ten thou-
sand a^res, he had obtained under the province seal. Whiteliead^a East
Jere&j under the Proprietors,
** *' The next who came there were the DiUch ; which was between Forty
and Fifty Tears agoe, though they made but little Improvement, only
built Two or Three Houses, upon an Island (called since by the English)
Stacies Island; and it remained bo, till about the year 1676, in which
King Charles the Second or the Duke of York (his Brother) gave the
Countrey to Edward BiUing, in whose time, one Major Penwick went
thither, with some others, and built a pretty Town, and caUed it Scdmn ;
and in a few Years after a Ship from London^ and another from SvXl
sailed thither with more People, who went higher up into the Countrey,
and built there a Town, and called it Burlington, which is now the chief-
est Town in that Countrey, though Salam is the ancientest. . . . The late
Governor Cox, who bought that Country of Edward Billing, encouraged
and promoted that Town [Burlington] chiefiy, in setting his Agetiis and
Deputy-Governors there (the same Favours are continued by the Neuj- Weai-
Jersey Society, who now manage Matters there) which brings their Assem-
blieB and chief Courts to be kept there ; and, by that means it is become
a very famous Town, having a great many stately Brick Houses in it.
The Countrey inhabited by the Christians is divided into four parts or
counties, tho' the Tenth part of it is not yet peopled." In another con- â–
nection the author names the four divisions as " ' Burlington, Glocester,
Salam, and Cape-May' counties."
This extract is from a quaint old volume bearing the lengthy title of
20
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
The subjection of the Dutch in the New Nether-
lands to English rule in 1664 is a matter of history so
familiar to every intelligent American reader that it
is not necessary to dwell upon it. Immediately after
the surrender of New Amsterdam (New York) by
Governor Stuyvesant, Charles, King of England,
granted the territory to his brother, the Duke of
York, who in turn conveyed that portion of it now
known as New Jersey to Lord Berkeley and Sir George
Carteret. This latter conveyance is said to be the
first instrument in which the bounds of New Jersey
are regularly defined. Berkeley and Carteret formed
a constitution for the colony, and appointed Philip
Carteret, a son of Sir George, as its governor. He
came in 1665, fixed the seat of government at Eliza-
bethtown, purchased land of the Indians, and ofiered
so favorable terms to the settlers in New England as
inducements to emigrate to Jersey that many came
hither and located, principally at Elizabethtown and
Newark.*
In 1673 the Dutch retook New York, hut by the
treaty of the following year the territory of both
that province and New Jersey reverted to the Eng-
lish, who continued in undisturbed possession until
the war which secured the independence of the United
States of America. Doubts having arisen as to the
validity of the title of the Duke of York, a new patent
was issued in 1674, and Edmund Andros was sent over
as Governor. Philip Carteret, who had returned to
England in 1672, returned in 1675, and was welcomed
by the people, who had been uneasy and disaffected
under the arbitrary rule of Andros.
Lord Berkeley, dissatisfied with the pecuniary out-
look of his colonization scheme, disposed of his in-
terest to John Fenwi eke, in trust for Edward Byllinge,
both members of the Society of Friends. He received
the sum of one thousand pounds for the tract of land
then called "New West Jersey,'' embracing about
one-half of the State as now constituted. The division
*' An Historical and Geographical Account of the Province and Country
of PenBilvania and of West-New-Jersey iu America. The Kichne68 of
the Soil, the SweetneBs of the Situation, the Wholesomness of the Air,
the Navigable Hivers, and others, the prodigious Encrease of Corn, the
flourighing Condition of the City of Philadelphia, with the stately Build-
ings, and other Improvements there. The strange Creatures, as Birds,
Beasts, Fishes, and Fowls, with the several sorts of Minerals, Purging
Waters, and Stones, lately discovered. The Natives, Ahorogines, their Lan-
guage, Religion, Laws, and OMtoms ; The first Planters, the Dutch, Sweeds,
and English, with the number of its Inhabitants ; As also a Touch upon
George EeiOCs New Beligion, in his second Change since he left the
QnAKEES. With a Map of both Countries. By Gabriel Thomas, who
resided there about Fifteen Tears. London, Printed for, and Sold by A.
Baldwin, at the Oxon Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1698." It is dedicated to,
Friend William Penu, and in his preface Mr. Thomas says, ". . . Tho'
this Country haa made little Noise in Btory, or taken up but small room
in Maps, yet thus much with great Justice may be said of it, that not-
withstanding the Difficulties and Inconveniences the First English Colo-
nies met with before they were well settled there, yet the mighty Im-
provements, Additions, and Advantages that have been made lately there,
are well worth Communicating to the Publick, and I am sensible they
will be well received."
* East Jersey Eecords ; Whitehead's East Jersey under the Proprietary
Quvernmenta.
between East and West Jersey was made by Carteret
and the trustees of Byllinge, July 1, 1676. The line
of partition was agreed on " from the east side of
Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the coun-
try, to the utmost branch of Delaware Eiver." This
line was extended from Little Egg Harbor as far as
the South Branch of the Raritan, at a point just east
of the old York road. It was run by Keith, the sur-
veyor-general of East Jersey, but was deemed by the
West Jersey proprietors to be too far west, thereby
encroaching on their lands, and they objected to its
continuance. On the 5th of September, 1668, Gov-
ernors Coxe and Barclay, representing the respective
interests, entered into an agreement, to terminate the
dispute. It was that this line, so far as run, should
be the bound, and that in its extension it should take
the following course : From the point where it touched
the South Branch, " along the back of the adjoining
plantations, until it touches the north branch of the
Earitan, at the falls of the Allamitung,t thence run-
ning up that stream northward to its rise near Succa-
sunny." From that point a short straight line was to
be run to touch the nearest part of the Passaic Eiver.
Such a line would pass about five miles north of
Morristown. The line was to be continued by the
course of the Passaic as far as the Paquanick, and up
that branch to forty-one degrees north latitude, and
from that point in " a straight line due east to the
partition-point on Hudson Eiver between East Jersey
and New York.'' This line gave to the northern part
of West Jersey the present counties of Warren and
Sussex, and portions of Morris, Passaic, and Bergen.
The Coxe-Barclay agreement was not carried into ef-
fect, although the division-line constituted the eastern
boundary of Hunterdon County until Morris County
was Erected, in 1738.
Edward Byllinge became so embarrassed in his
financial ventures that in 1676 he was compelled to
assign his interests to William Penn, Gawen Lowrie,
and Nicholas Lucas, all Quakers, "to be used for
the benefit of his creditors." Prior to this, however,
he had sold a number of shares, and the trustees
sold many shares to different purchasers, who there-
by became proprietaries in common with them.
Fenwicke soon after made a similar assignment.
As these trustees were Quakers, the purchasers
were mostly members of that body. Two companies
were formed, one in Yorkshire, the other in London,
both intent on colonization in America, and in the
same year some four hundred persons came over, most
of them persons of considerable means. Daniel Coxe
was connected with the London Company, and one
of the largest shareholders ; subsequently he became
the owner of extensive tracts of land in old Hunter-
don County.
At that time persecution in England was driving
the Quakers to America as to a haven of religious tol-
t Now the Lamington Falls.
THE PROPRIETARY GOVERNMENT OP EAST JERSEY.
21
eration and social equality. Emigration commenced
in the spring of 1677, and on the 16th of June in that
year the ship " Kent" arrived from London with two
hundred and thirty passengers. This was the second
ship " to the Western parts." Next arrived the " "Wil-
ling Mind," John Newcomb commander, with sixty
or seventy more. Several settlements were started,
and West Jersey became, as early as the year 1680,
quite populous. Burlington was founded, and be-
came the principal town. There the land-office for
the whole province of West Jersey was located, and
there all deeds were recorded.
In 1681, Samuel Jennings, having received a com-
mission from Byllinge as deputy-governor, came to
West Jersey, called an assembly, and with them
agreed upon a constitution and form of government.
From this time on assemblies were held each year,
courts were established in several places, and "jus-
tice was administered in due course of law." Jen-
nings' successors in the executive department were
Thomas Olive, John Skeine, William Welsh, Dan-
iel Coxe, and Andrew Hamilton. The last-named
continued as Governor until the proprietary charter
was surrendered to the Crown.
In the years 1701 and 1702 there occurred many dis-
sensions and disturbances in both the east and west
provinces, but the proprietors, finally wearied of con-
tending with one another, and with the people, drew
up an instrument whereby they surrendered their
right df government to the crown,* which was ac-
cepted by Queen Anne, April 17, 1702. This was the
end oi proprietary government in New Jersey ; thence-
forward, until 1776, it was under royal rule.
The queen consolidated both Jerseys into one prov-
ince, and commissioned Lord Cornbury as Governor
of both New York and New Jersey. In this capacity
he acted from 1703 until 1708, when, giving heed to
* See Smith's " New Jersey," pp. 560-573, and " Grants and Conces-
sions," pp. 508-609, for some of the documents connected with the ne-
gotiations, and many others are in the New Jersey Colonial Documents.
The proprietaries who signed away the sovereignty of East Jersey were
Peter Sonmans, Joseph Ormston, Charles Omiston, Edward Antill,
George Willocks, Francis Hancock, Sir Thomas Lane, Paul Dominique,
Robert Mitchell, Joseph Brooksbank, Edward Richier, Michael Watts,
Clement Plumstead, Robert Burnet, Miles Forster, John Johnston, Mich-
ael Hawdon, John Barclay, David Lyell, Thomas Warne, Thomas Gor-
don, Thomas Barker, TJunnas Cooler, Gilbert Mollison, Richard Hasel, and
William Dockwra. Three of these those in italics were of the
twenty-four who nineteen years previous had received the grant from
the Duke of York. And it was said in 1759 that sixty-four years after
the grant to the twenty-four (1746) there was not a male descendant of
the whole number enjoying " a foot of land in East Jersey" excepting the
right of the Penns and two or three small plantations occupied by the
Hartshornes and Warnes, a reflection which should " abate our ardor
in the pursuit of lands and wealth, and make us think ourselves, at best,
but tenants in common to the blessings which the earth produces and
co-heirs of the gifts of nature." "A Pocket CommetUary of the first setUing
of New Jersey by the Europeans : and an account or fair detail of the origi-
nal Indian East Jersey grants, and other rights of the like tenor in East New
Jersey. Digested in order. New York, printed by Samuel Parker, 1759."
This little work, containing many interesting remarks respecting men
and things in New Jer8ey,is in the Philadelphia Library, the only copy
ever seen or heard of by the writer. East Jersey under the Proprietors,
WiUiamA. Whitehead, p. 220.
the grievous complaints made against him by the peo-
ple, the queen revoked his commission. He was suc-
ceeded by John, Lord Lovelace, but his death (which
occurred May 5, 1709) threw the government into the
hands of Lieutenant-Governor Ingoldsby. Governor
Hunter's administration commenced in 1710 ; in 1720
he resigned in favor of William Burnet. Afterwards
officiated John Montgomery, 1727 to 1731 ; William
Cosby, 1731 to 1736; John Anderson, also in 1736;
John Hamilton, 1736 to 1738. In the summer of the
last-named year a commission arrived to Lewis Mor-
ris as Governor of New Jersey, separate from New
York ; he served until his death, in 1746. He was
followed successively by President Hamilton, 1746;
John Reading, 1746 ; Jonathan Belcher, 1747 ; John
Reading, 1757; Francis Bernard, 1758; Thomas
Boone, 1760; Josiah Hardy, 1761; and William
Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, in 1763, the
last royal Governor, he being deposed, arrested, and
sent a prisoner to Connecticut in 1776.
CHAPTER IV.
THE PBOPBIETABY GOVEKIfMEBrT Ol" EAST
JEH8EY.
Eafit Jersey under the Proprietois, 1680 to 1702 Robert Barclay and
Thomas Rudyard Collision with the Province of New York Gov-
ernors Barclay, Dudley, Hamilton, etc. Opposition to Governor Basse
Opposition to the Proprietary Government The Crisis Surrender
to the Crown, in 1702.
In the preceding chapter have been given in outline
the events occurring in the province under Governors
Carteret and the tyrannical Andros up to the time of
the division of New Jersey into an east and a west
division. We then traced more particularly the for-
tunes of the latter. In this chapter it is intended
briefly to portray the varying events in the history of
East Jersey under the proprietary government.
On the 16th of October, 1680, the Duke of York
relinquished all his pretensions to East Jersey in favor
of the grandson and heir of Sir George Carteret,t
soon after which Andros returned to England. Sir
George died in 1680, and by his will, dated Dec. 5,
1678, left his widow, Lady Elizabeth, executrix of his
estate and guardian of his grandson and heir, George,
a son of Sir Philip, and devised to Edward, Earl of
Sandwich, John, Earl of Bath, Hon. Bernard Gren-
ville, brother to the Earl of Bath, Sir Thomas Crewe,
Knight, Sir Robert Atkyns, Knight of the Bath, and
Edward Atkyns, one of the barons of the Exchequer,
and their heirs, among other lands, all his property in
East Jersey, in trust for the benefit of his creditors.
These trustees, failing to find a purchaser by private
application, offered it at public sale to the highest
bidder, William Penn with eleven associates, most of
whom were Quakers, and some already interested in
f Bill in Chancery, p. 8.
22
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JEESEY.
[the duke of YOEK JAMES II.]
[SIE GEOEGfE CAETEEET.]
[sir JOHN BEEKLEY, PEOP'E.]
^,
'T<r/
[SIE EDMUND ANDEOS.]
[gov. p. caeteeet]
[eDVAED HYDE, LOED VISCOUTifT COESTBUET.]
#NAME?
[edavaed byllinge, peopeietoe.]
'^OmA
[gov. EOBEET BARCLAY.]
[THOMAS CODRINGTON, PROPRIETOR.]
l^^l-C..
o^x.
[lord KEILL CAMPBELL.]
[ROBERT VAUQUELLIN, PROPEIETOE.]
THE PROPRIETARY GOVERNMENT OF EAST JERSEY.
23
West Jersey, becoming the purchasers for three thou-
sand four hundred pounds* Their deeds of lease
and release were dated the 1st and 2d of February,
1681-82, and subsequently each of them sold one-half
of his respective right to a new associate, making in
all twenty-four proprietaries.f In the following year
the Duke of York confirmed this sale by issuing a new
grant to the proprietors, their names there appearing in
the following order : James, Earl of Perth, John Drum-
mond, Robert Barclay, David Barclay, Bobert Gor-
don, Arent Sonmans, William Penn, Robert West,
Thomas Rudyard, Samuel Oroom, Thomas Hart, Rich-
ard Mew, Ambrose Rigg, John Heywood, Hugh Harts-
home, Clement Plumstead, Thomas Cooper, Gawen
Lawrie, Edward Byllinge, James Brain, William Gib-
son, Thomas Barker, Robert Turner, and Thomas
Warne, those. in italics being eleven of the twelve
original purchasers; Thomas Wilcox, the twelfth,
having parted with his interest, Feb. 27, 1682, to
David Barclay.^
There was a strange mingling of professions, re-
ligions, and characters in these proprietaries, among
them being, as an English writer observes, "high-
prerogative men (especially those from Scotland),
dissenters, papists, and Quakers."^ The first twelve
purchasers, however, were mostly, if not all, Quakers,
and, as some of their associates were of the same re-
ligious faith, they had a controlling influence in the
body, which fact may explain why Robert Barclay, of
Urie, a Quaker and a personal friend of William
Penn, was selected to be Governor of the province.
It was a worthy choice, as he was a man of learning,
of religious zeal, and of exemplary character. || Such
was the esteem and confidence in which he was held
by his fellow-proprietaries that they subsequently
commissioned him as Governor for life ; nor was he
required to visit the province in person, but was
allowed to exercise his authority by deputy. For
this office he selected Thomas Rudyard, an eminent
lawyer of London and one of the proprietaries.
Soon after his arrival Rudyard selected as his coun-
selors Col. Lewis Morris, Capt. John Berry, Capt.
John Palmer, Capt. William Sandford, Lawrence
Andress, and Benjamin Price, before whom he was
sworn into oflEice (Dec. 20, 1682) as deputy-governor.
The previous " Concessions " were confirmed, and the
Assembly called by Rudyard, which held three ses-
sions during the year 1683 at Elizabethtown, " passed
several acts of importance tending to the well-being
* Grahame, ii., p. 289 ; New Jersey Laws, 1834-35, p. ITS. Copies of the
lease and release to tlie twelve are in the Secretary of State's office, Tren-
ton, presented by descendants of Clement Plumstead, one of the grantees.
f EaBt Jersey under the Proprietors, pp. 100-103.
X Ibid., p. 118. Gordon gives, as the additional twelve, thirteen names,
among them Sir George Mackenzie, Robert Burnet, Peter Sonmans,
Thomas C<)x, and William Dockwra, who were all subsequent pur-
chasers. Robert Turner he calls Gawen Turner, and Thomas Warne,
Thomas Naime^ possibly clerical or typographical errors.
g Wynne's British Empire, i., p. 206.
I See Allibone's " Dictionary of Authors" for a full sketch of his life
and writings.
of the province." Among these were acts remodeling
the criminal and penal codes, etc., and "An Act di-
viding the province into four counties, and appointing
a high-sherifi' for each." The county of Bergen in-
cluded all the settlements between the Hudson and
Hackensack Rivers, and extended to the northern
bounds of the province; Essex, all the country north
of the dividing-line between Woodbridge and Eliza-
bethtown and west of the Hackensack ; Middlesex, all
from the Woodbridge line on- the north to Cheese-
quake Harbor on the southeast, and back southwest
and northwest to the province bounds ; and Mon-
mouth comprised the residue. A point of variance
between the deputy-governor and Groom, the sur-
veyor-general, led to Barclay's supersedure by Gawen
Lawrie, a London merchant and a proprietary, who
was already deeply interested in West Jersey.
Although most of the proprietaries resided in Great
Britain, still emigration and transfers of proprietary
rights soon brought to East Jersey many persons who
were directly interested in the soil, resident prop-
erty-holders, who Aug. 1, 1684, established a " Board
of Proprietors," composed of " all the proprietaries
that might be from time to time in the province," and
was designed " to act with the deputy-governor in the
temporary approval of laws passed by the Assembly,
the settlement of all disputes with the planters," etc.
This board continued to have prominent control
within the province " of those concerns which were
connected with the proprietary titles to the govern-
ment and soil."1[ Great pains was taken by the pro-
prietary government to avoid a collision with the
province of New York, whose Governor, Dongan, re-
frained from any open act of hostility until 1685,
when William Dyre was appointed collector of the
customs.
The Duke of York was now (1685), by the death of
Charles II., raised to the throne as James II., and,
notwithstanding he had thrice conveyed and con-
firmed to others all the rights, powers, and privileges
he had in New Jersey, he resolved to extend his royal
prerogative over it in order to increase his revenues.
The proprietaries in England were not silent under
this arbitrary action of the sovereign. In a petition
to the king in council they specified some of the en-
croachments of Dongan, in relation to the seizure of
vessels trading to New Jersey, as calculated to " over-
throw one of the most hopeful colonies in America."
In a remonstrance subsequently presented to the king
they reminded him that they had not received the
province as a gratuity, but had expended for it twelve
thousand pounds ; that under his own confirmation of
their title and assurance of protection they had sent
thither several hundreds of people from Scotland, but
as yet had received no returns ; and that, notwithstand-
ing all these guarantees, their rights had been violated
by the Governor of New York. They signified their
^ East Jersey under the Proprietors, p. 141.
24
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET C0UNTEE3, NEW JER3EF.
willingness to submit to an imposition of the same
customs that were levied in New York, and among
other prayers requested that a customs officer might
be appointed at Perth Amboy.* The last request was
the only one granted, as it promised additional rev-
enue and did not conflict with the designs he then
had in view.
On the 6th of April, 1686, the Assembly met for
the first time at the new seat of government, Perth
Amboy. Lawrie was succeeded by Lord Neill Camp-
bell, in the same year. His council was composed of
Gawen Lawrie, Maj. John Berry, of Bergen, Isaac
Kingsland, of New Barbadoes, Capt. Andrew Hamil-
ton, of Amboy, Eichard Townley, of Elizabethtown,
Samuel Winder, of Cheesequakes, David Mudie and
John Johnston, of Amboy, and Thomas Codrington,
of Earitan. In 1687, Lord Campbell returned to
Scotland, leaving Andrew Hamilton as his substitute.
Under the operations of the writ of quo warranto, is-
sued in 1686 against the proprietors by the order of
King James, the king's pliant tool, Andros, commis-
sioned as Governor over all New England, proceeded
to extend his sway not only over that country, but
over New Jersey, and, finding the king immovable in
this determination, " the proprietaries of East Jersey
considered it advisable to abandon the hopeless con-
test for their previously-conceded privileges, and by
facilitating the king's design obtain his guarantee to
respect their right to the soil. They consequently
made a formal surrender of their patent on this con-
dition in April, 1688." The quo warranto process was
stayed so far as aifected East Jersey ; and, as the pro-
prietaries of West Jersey also entered into the ar-
rangement, a new commission was directed to Andros,
annexing both provinces to his government, together
with New York, Governor Dongan being thus su-
perseded, with Francis Nicholson as his lieutenant.
This made but little if any change in the government
of East Jersey, as Andros wisely continued all their
oificers in their places.
In August, 1689, Hamilton left for Europe, and the
people of East Jersey were left to the guardianship of
their county and town oificers from that time until
1692. " These, however, possessed ample powers to
meet all common emergencies, and without any pres-
sure from abroad, or attempted exercise of any dis-
puted prerogative within the province by the agents
of the proprietaries, the authority of these local mag-
istrates appears to have been respected and the peace
of the community preserved."! Bancroft asserts that
during this period East Jersey had no government
whatever ; but this is disputed by Whitehead and
others, whose opinions are supported by a reference to
the various charters and local regulations.
After the death of Governor Barclay, in 1690, the
proprietaries appointed John Latham, and, in 1691,
* East Jersey under the Proprietariee, pp. 141-146.
t Ibid., p. 184.
Col. Joseph Dudley, as Governor, but the people
scrupled to obey both, although the reason is not
given. Perth Amboy, the new capital, had grown to
be an important village, and from thence the new set-
tlers spread westward, entering upon the unbroken
interior and establishing themselves on the banks of
the Earitan, soon becoming sufficiently numerous to
call for the erection of a new county ; hence Som-
erset was set off' from Middlesex in 1688, with a some-
what larger territory than it has at present.
In September, 1692, Andrew Hamilton, who had
been appointed Governor, arrived in Jersey, "and
was received in a manner that removed every impedi-
ment to the re-establishment of the proprietary gov-
ernment."! He appointed John Barclay receiver-
and surveyor-general, and Thomas Gordon resident
secretary. On the 14th of the month he selected as
his council Capt. Isaac Kingsland, 'Capt. Andrew
Bowne, John Inians, of Earitan Eiver, David Mudie,|
James Dundas, John Eoyce, of Eoycefield, Samuel
Dennis, John Bishop, and Lewis Morris. September
28th a General Assembly convened at Perth Amboy,
at which the laws passed subsequent to 1682 were,
with a few exceptions, re-enacted and others amended.
An act was also passed authorizing a special tax of
four hundred pounds to lighten the burden of New
York in the war between England and France, the
frontier settlements being much exposed to expedi-
tions from Canada. This action must have been
prompted by a sense of duty, as East Jersey had no
danger to apprehend from the French, and certainly
at this time had no unusual regard for the interests
of New York. In 1696 similar projects for the relief
of New York found little favor. ||
From 1692 to 1696 a more quiet condition of affairs
prevailed than had existed for years, but dissensions
were not yet at an end. Considerable agitation pre-
vailed concerning the payment of quit-rents, but no
adjustment of the matter was arrived at. The first
judicial decision respecting land-titles was obtained
in 1695, the judgment being in favor of the party
claiming under the proprietary grants. This was ren-
dered of non-effect by the reversal of the king in
council on account of a technical informality in the
proceedings.
In 1697 the proprietaries in England appointed
Jeremiah Basse to succeed Governor Hamilton, and
much dissatisfaction was felt and expressed in both
Jerseys when it was found he had not received the
royal approbation, but only the support of the pro-
prietors. For that reason he postponed calling the
Assembly together, but rather sought to make friends
from among the opponents of that body. It was not
until Feb. 21, 1699, that he convened the Assembly.
Basse's first court was held in May, 1698, the record
of which bears this entry :
X Ibid., p. 188.
g Ricliai-d Hartshorne Biicceeded Mudie in 1695.
II 'Wliitehead ; East Jersey under tlie Proprietaries, p. 191.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
25
" Lewis Morris, Esq., came in open Court and demanded by what au-
thoritie they kept Court. The Court declared by y« Kings Authoritie.
He deuied it & being aslsed, Who was disaatasiied besides himself, he said "
One and all. The court commanding ye said Morris to be taken in cns-
todj', (X\ Kichard Townley, Andrew Hanipton, both of Elizabethtown,
& three or four more, cried one and all, and y said Lewis Morris said he
would fain see who durst lay hold on him and when a Constable by
order of ye Court laid hold ou him, he, in y face of y Court, resisted."*
Soon after (1699) followed the passage of a bill by
the Assembly excluding from that body "any pro-
prietor or representative of one.'' This was the out-
come of the opposition of George Willocksf to a bill
before the Assembly, which was passed, and a writ
issued by the Governor for the election of a member
of Assembly in his stead. Thus were the proprietary
interests endangered. The unjust action and harass-
ing proceedings of New York in relation to the trade
of the province formed another source of trouble.
Governor Bellamont, of New York, tried to obstruct
the foreign trade of East Jersey, and even forbade the
printing in New York of proclamations which Gov-
ernor Basse was anxious to distribute, making known
the establishment of the ports of Perth Amboy and
Burlington. Bellamont also published a proclama-
tion, based upon an order he had obtained from the
#NAME?
and West Jersey to the privilege of ports. Governor
Basse resisted with much spirit. He put a cargo on
board the ship " Hester," lying at Perth Amboy, and
it was about to sail, when Bellamont sent down an
armed force, seized the vessel and brought her to the
city ; and, as Basse refused to have her cleared from
New York, she was condemned in the Court of Ad-
miralty. These diflBculties continued until 1700,
when Basse's claim for damages came before the
Court of King's Bench, resulting in an award to
Basse and the thorough establishment of the right of
East Jersey to the privileges of a port.
If Governor Basse met with opposition from the
people at first, he found it greatly increased as months
passed. Indeed, there were serious apprehensions of
an insurrection under the leadership of Willocks and
Morris. Nor were matters improved by the action of
the citizens of Perth Amboy in returning Lewis Morris
to the seat in the Assembly declared vacant by the
dismissal of Willocks. Although both were cited to
appear before the court at its October term, which
citation they refused to obey, and although both the
Council and Assembly became involved in this vex-
atious issue, it does not appear that they were tried,
for every month brought greater anarchy, until Basse's
government was openly defied. Aug. 19, 1699, Gover-
nor Hamilton was reinstated, notwithstanding Basse's
efforts to prevent it; but he did not arrive in the
province until December, prior to which time Basse
had sailed for England. Hamilton's course being one
of pacification,^ his authority was at first generally
submitted to ; but this was not to last long, for there
was still a numerous party who held a deep-rooted
aversion to the proprietary government, no matter by
whom represented. The majority of the Assembly
were of this class, and when Hamilton dissolved the
Assembly, May 31st, the day after it first convened,
" the validity of his commission was for the first time
openly called in question. Tumultuous and seditious
meetings were subsequently held, the justices ap-
pointed by him were assaulted while sitting in open
court by bodies of armed men, the sheriff's were at-
tacked and wounded when in the discharge of their
duties, and every exertion made to seduce those peace-
ably disposed from their allegiance to the government ;
so that this period became known in after-years as
'the Kevolution.' J Of this critical time Whitehead "
says,
" A crisis had evidently arrived in the affairs of the proyince which
the proprietors were not prepared to encounter successfully. As a body
they had become so numerous, so scattered, some in England, some in
Scotland, and some in America, and so divided in interests, that unan-
imity in council could scarcely be expected ; aud yet the inhabitants
were pui-suing such a system of measures as required the utmost wisdom
to project, with equal firmness and union to administer, such remedies
as could alone lead to the re-establishment of peace and regularity :
without these necessary qualities to control their opponents, but one
result could be anticipated.!] "
Full soon came the end. The surrender of the
government by the proprietaries was perfected on
paper April 15, 1702, and, on the 25th of July, Queen
Anne selected Edward Hyde, Lord Viscount Corn-
bury, as Governor of the to-be-united provinces.
* East Jersey Eecords. For this contempt the court fined him fifty
pounds, and ordered him " to be committed to prison till paid." Jfe»
Jersey Colonial DocumejUs.
-f He was agent for the proprietors to collect quit-rents aud arrearages,
and also a member of Assembly.
CHAPTER V.
HTJITTEKDOlir AND SOMEESET COTTlfTIES TS
THE KEVOLUTIOBT.
The Conflict Commences Governor Franklin's Opposition The Com-
mittee of Correspondence aud Inquiry Meetings in Hunterdon and
Somerset First Provincial Congress Township Meetings The Mili-
tia and "Minute-Men" The "Committee of Safety" Scarcity of
Arms and Ammunition The Hunterdon and Somerset Troops ordered
to March The Colony, of New Jersey transformed into an Indepen-
dent State The Flying-Camp Retreat of the American Army The
Enemy's Advance through New Jersey Capture of Gen. Lee Crossing
the Delaware-^The Fights at Trenton and Assanpink Battle of
Princeton Washington at Pluckamin Captain Leslie The Army
goes into Winter Quarters at Morristown.
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE STRUGGLE TO THE
BATTLE OF PRINCETON.
The stories of the part taken by the counties of
Hunterdon and Somerset in the war of the Eevolu-
tion and of what the people of these counties did
and suff"ered and sacrificed in the great struggle for
national independence, do not necessarily, nor in-
deed properly, include a detailed account of all the
long and bloody conflict between the colonies and the
mother-country, but only of such of its military and
t He wisely restored Morris to the Council.
3 Bill in Chancery ; East Jersey under the Proprietaries.
11 East Jei-sey under the Proprietaries, p. 213.
26
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
civil eyents as occurred witkin or in the near vicinity
of the territory of the two counties, and of such parts
of the Revolutionary drama as, being enacted else-
where, were yet participated in by men of Hunterdon
and Somerset as prominent actors.
The causes which drove the American colonies into
the conflict which finally resulted in their separation
from Great Britain have been too frequently enumer-
ated and too fully set forth in general history to need
a recital here. These causes first began to operate
between the years 1760 and 1765, when measures
were proposed in the British Parliament looking to
the taxation of the American subjects of the English
king to raise a revenue for the support of the home
government. The general feeling of discontent
awakened among the colonists by the inauguration
of these measures was intensified by the subsequent
passage of the odious "Stamp Act," the imposition
of a duty on tea, and other similar schemes of taxa-
tion ; so that, when intelligence was received of the
passage of the " Boston Port Bill," on the 31st of
March, 1774, there arose an almost universal murmur
of indignant remonstrance against a policy which was
stigmatized as unendurable tyranny. The measure
last named had been directed especially against the
chief port of New England, but all the other colonies
were in sympathy with that of Massachusetts Bay
and made her cause their own, as well they might,
for it was clear to the understanding of all intelligent
persons that if such acts of oppression were submitted
to in Boston, they would ere long be enforced in all
the colonies, from New Hampshire to Georgia,
This conviction produced among the people a feel-
ing, not of indignation alone, but of alarm at the
dangerous invasion of their rights ; and, although as
yet there had been awakened no general sentiment of
disloyalty to King George, there were not a few among
the more clear-sighted of the colonists who even then
foresaw that they might, and probably would, be
finally driven to the dread alternative of armed resist-
ance. " Nothing could have been devised* by the
wit of man more effective for the speedy education
and enlightenment of the people of the colonies than
these obnoxious measures. The colony fif New Jer-
sey broke out in a simultaneous blaze of indignation
from Sussex to Cape May, and immediate measures
were taken to organize the various counties into a
combination of the friends of liberty which should
secure promptitude and unity of action throughout
the province."
It was not the passage of the Port Bill, however
which first led the friends of liberty in this province
to combine for mutual safety, for it is found that more
than seven weeks before the passage of that act and
three monthsf before the announcement had reached
* The language of Mr. Charles D. Deshler in a paper read by him before
the New Bmnswick Historical Club at its fifth anniversary, Dec. IG 18Y6
J ?n,^ "71,°' *'" """'"^^ °^ ''"' ^°''* ^"^ ^''^ '^'"'"■'"> i" Boston on
the loth of May.
the shores of America, a general " Committee of Cor-
respondence and Inquiry" had been constituted here,
having for its object consultation with the most prom-
inent men in the New Jersey counties, and corre-
spondence with similar committees in other colonies.
The particulars of the formation of this committee, its
composition, and the duties with which it was charged
are shown by the following extract from the Minutes
of the House of Assembly of New Jersey, dated New
Brunswick, Tuesday, February 8, 1774, viz. :
" The House resumed the consideration of the several Letters and
Resolutions of the other Houses of Assembly on the subject-matter of
the common Eights and Liberties of the Colonies ; and the House re-
solved itself into a Committee of the whole House upon Matters afore-
said ; and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the
Chair, and Mr. Crane, Chairman of the Committee (by order of the
House), reported the Kesolutiona of the Committee, ae follows, viz. :
1. BeBolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that the House "
should heartily accept of the InvitationJ to a mutual Correspondence and
Intercourse with our Sister-Colonies ; to which the House agreed Nemitie
CcndradicenU.
" 2. Resolved^ That it is the opinion of this committee that a Standing
Committee of Correspondence and Inquiry be appointed, to consist of the
following persons, to wit: James Kinsey, Stephen Crane, Hendrick
Fisher.g Samuel Tucker,|| John Wetherill, Bobert Friend Price, John
Hinchman, John Mehelmjl and Edward Taylor, Esquires, or any five of
them, whose business it shall be to obtain the most early and authentick
intelligence of all Acts and Resolutions of the Parliament of Great
Britain, or the Proceedings of Administration that may have any Rela-
tion to, or may affect the Liberties and Privileges .of His Majesty's Sub-
jects in the British Colonies in America, and to keep up and maintain a
Correspondence and Communication with our Sister-Colonies respecting
these important considerations ; and that they do occasionally lay their
Proceedings before the House ; to which the House agreed Nemine Con-
tradicente,
3. Eesolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that the said "
Committee of Correspondence do write Letters to the several Speakers
of the Assemblies on the Continent of America, inclosing these Resolu-
tions, and requesting them to lay the same before their respective As-
semblies; and that they do return the Thanks of the House to the Bur-
gesses of Virginia for their early Attention to the Liberties of America;
to which the House agreed Nemine Contradieeniey
The Governor, William Franklin (son of Dr. Ben-
jamin Franklin, but, unlike his father, a man of
strong royalist proclivities), was opposed to the for-
mation of such a committee, and in a letter written
by him to the Earl of Dartmouth, on the 31st of May,
1774, expressed his opinion as follows :
"The Virginia Assembly some time ago appointed a Committee of
Correspondence, to correspond with all the other Assemblies on the. Con-
tinent, which example has been followed by every other House of Rep-
resentatives. I was in hopes that the Assembly of this Province would
not have gone into the measure ; for though they met on the loth of No-
vember, yet they avoided taking the matter into consideration, though
frequently urged by some of the members, until the Sth of February,
and then I believe they would not have gone into it but that the Assem-
bly of New York had just before resolved to appoint such a committee,
and they did not choose to appear singular. "
On the 1st of June, the day next following the date
of Governor Franklin's letter, a meeting (probably
the first one) of the Committee of Correspondence
and Inquiry was held at New Brunswick, and a brief
X The " invitation" referred to was a proposition made by the House of
Burgesses of the colony of Virginia to the Assembly of New Jersey to
appoint from its members a Standing Committee of Correspondence for
the objects referred to above.
I Of Somerset County.
li Of Hunterdon County.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
27
mentioa of it is found* in a letter written by one of
the members of the committee, under date of July 2,
1774, from which, the following is extracted, viz. :
" I returned yesterday from New Brunswick, where six of our Com-
mittee met. We answered the Boston letters, informing them that we
look on New Jersey as eventually in the same predicament with Boston,
and that we will do everything which may be generally agreed on. We
have signed a request to the Governor to call the General Assemblyf to
meet at such time as His Excellency may think proper before the first of
August next. Our Committee is well disposed in the cause of American
freedom. "
Of the nine members of this first Committee of
Correspondence for the colony of New Jersey, three
were furnished by Hunterdon and Somerset, namely,
Samuel Tucter and John Mehelm of the former, and
Hendrick Fisher of the latter county.
The meeting of the committee at New Brunswick
was immediately followed by gatherings of the people
in nearly all of the counties in New Jersey. The ob-
ject of these meetings (which were convened at the
call of prominent and infl,uential citizens of the sev-
eral counties) was to perfect, as far as possible, a gen-
eral organization of citizens opposed to encroach-
ments on the rights of the colonies by the home
government, and especially to provide for the selec-
tion of persons to represent them in a general Con-
gress of Deputies from the several colonies, proposed
by the Burgesses of Virginia, to be held for the pur-
pose of forming a plan of union, and, in general, to
devise measures for the public welfare.
The first of this series of local meetings was held
by " the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Lower Free-
hold, in the county of Monmouth, in New Jersey, on
Monday, the 6th day of June, 1774, after due notice
given of the time, place, and occasion of this meet-
ing." The next meeting was in Essex County, held
at the court-house in Newark, on Saturday, June 11th.
This was followed by meetings held in Bergen County
on the 25th, and in Morris County on the 27th of the
same month. It is known that the people of Som-
erset County were convened in the same manner, at
about the same time, and for the same purposes, but
neither the exact date nor any minutes of the pro-
ceedings of the meeting have been found. The rec-
ord of the Hunterdon County meeting has been
preserved, and is as follows :
"The Freeholders and Inhabitants of Hunterdon County, in the
Province of New Jersey, convened by advei-tiaement at the house of
John Eingo, in Amwell, in said county, on Friday, the 8th July, 17Y4,
Samuel Tucker, Esq., in the chair, came into the following Kesolutions
without a dissenting voice, viz. :
1. We do most expressly declare, recognize, and acknowledge His "
Majesty King George the Third to be the lawful and rightful King of
Great Britain and of all other his Dominions, and that it is the indis-
* Fide Minutes of the Provincial Congress and Council of Safety, 1775
-76, p. 4.
#NAME?
dated Burlington, June 18, 1774, he said, " I have likewise had an ap-
plication made to nie by some of the members of the House of Repre-
sentatives to call a meeting of the General Assembly in August next,
with which I have not nor shall not comply, as there is no public busi-
ness of the province which can make such a meeting necessary."
pensable duty of this Colony, under the enjoyment of our constitutional
privileges and immunities, aa being a part of His Majesty's Dominions,
always to bear faithful and true allegiance to His Majesty, and him to
defend to the utmost of our power against all attempts upon his person,
crown, and dignity.
" 2. That it is the undoubted hereditary right of an English subject to
give and grant what is absolutely his own, either by himself or his Bep-
resentatives ; and that the only lawful Representatives of the freemen of
this Colony are the persons they elect to serve aa members of the Genera]
Assembly thereof.
3. That any Act of Parliament for the apprehending and carrying of "
persons into another Colony or to Great Britain to be tried for any crime
alleged to be committed within this Colony, or subjecting them to be
tried by Commissioners, or any Court constituted by Act of Parliament
or otherwise, within this Colony, in a summary way without a juiy of
this vicinage, is unconstitutional and subversive of the rights and liber-
ties of the free subjects of this Colony.
"4. That it is our indispensable duty, which we owe to our King, our
country', ourselves, and our posterity, by all lawful ways and means in
our power, to maintain, defend, and preserve our loyalty, rights, and
liberties, and to transmit them inviolate to the latest generations ; and
that it is our fixed, determined, and unalterable resolution faithfully to
discharge this our bounden duty.
5. That it is our unanimous opinion that it would conduce to the "
restoration of the liberties of America should the Colonies enter into a
joint agreement not to purchase or use any articles of British manufac-
ture, nor any commodities imported from the East Indies, under such
restrictions bb may be agreed on by a general Congress of Delegates
from all the Colonies, hereafter to be appointed.
" 6. That aa the town of Boston is now suifering in the common cause
of American freedom, it is the opinion of this meeting that subscriptions
be hereafter opened in every town in this county, and the money sub-
scribed to be applied towards the relief of the suffering poor in said town
of Boston until they may be relieved by being restored to their just
rights and privileges.
7. That this county will appoint a Committee to meet the Committees "
of the several counties of this Colony at such time and place as may be
agreed on in order to elect and appoint Delegates to represent this Col-
ony at the general Congress, whose resolutions we will most strictly ad-
here to and abide by. And we do hereby unanimously request the fol-
lowing gentlemen to accept of that trust, and do accordingly appoint
them our Committee for the purpose aforesaid, viz., Samuel Tucker,-
John Mehelm, John Hart, Isaac Smith, Charles Coxe, Joachim Griggs,
Benjamin Brearly, Abraham Hunt, and John Bmley.
" As we apprehend New Brunswick is not so convenient to the mem-
bers of the lower counties.'and that all the counties will hardly have
sufficient time to appoint their Committees by the 21st of July, vrith
submission we would propose Princeton aa most central to be the place,
and Thursday, the 11th of August the time, of meeting of the several
Committees.
Thomas Shelton, "
Committee Clerk,
Similar meetings for the choice of committees were
held in the other counties, and on Thursday, July 21,
1774, " a general meeting of the Committees of the
several counties in the Province of New Jersey" was
convened at New Brunswick, and continued its ses-
sions until the following Saturday. Seventy-two
members were in attendance. Stephen Crane, Esq.,
of Essex, was called to the chair, and Jonathan D.
Sergeant, of Somerset County, was chosen clerk. The
record J of the proceedings of the convention is as
follows :
" The Committees, taking into their serious consideration the danger-
ous and destructive nature of sundry Acts of the British Parliament
with respect to the fundamental liberties of the American colonies, con-
ceive it their indispensable duty to bear their open testimony against
them, and to concur with the other colonies in prosecuting all legal
t Minutes of the Provincial Congress and Council of Safety, 1795-76,
p. 25.
28
liUNTEEDOxNT AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
and necessary nieosures for obtaining their speedy repeal. Therefore
we unanimously agree in the following sentiments and resolutions;
Itit. We think it necessary to declare that the inhabitants of this "
Province (and we are confident the people of America in general) are,
and ever have been, firm and unshaken in their loyalty to His Majesty
King George the Third ; fast friends to the Revolutiou settlement; and
that they detest all thoughts of an independence of the Crown of Great
Britain. Accordingly we do, in the most sincere and solemn manner,
recognize and acknowledge His Majesty King George the Third to
be our lawful and rightful Sovereign, to whom, under his royal protec-
tion in our fundamental rights and privileges, we owe, and will ren-
der, all due faith and allegiance.
" 2d. We think ourselves warranted, from the principles of our excel-
lent Constitution, to affirm that the claim of the British Parliament (in
which we neither are nor can be represented) to make laws which shall
be binding on the King's American subjects 'in all cases whatsoever,'
and particularly for imposing taxes for the purpose of raising a revenue
in America, is unconstitutional and oppressive, and which we think our-
selves bound, in duty to ourselves and our posterity, by all constitutional
means in our power to oppose.
3d. We think the several late Acts of Parliament for shutting up "
the port of Boston, invading the Charter rights of the Province of
Massachusetts Bay, and subjecting supposed offenders to be sent
for trial to other colonies, or to Great Britain, the sending over
an armed force to carry the same into effect, and thereby reducing many
thousands of innocent and loyal inhabitants to poverty and distress, are
not only subversive of the undoubted rights of His Majesty's American
subjects, but also repugnant to the common principles of humanity and
justice. These proceedings, so violent in themselves, and so truly alarm-
ing to the other colonies (many of which are equally exposed to Minis-
terial vengeance), render it the indispensable duty of all heartily to
unite in the most pi'oper measures to procure redress for their oppressed
countrymen, now suffering in the common cause ; and for the re-estab-
lishment of the constitutional rights of America on a solid and perma-
nent foundation.
"4th. To effect this important purpose, we conceive the most eligible
method is to appoint a General Congress of Coinmissiouers of the re-
spective Colonies, who shall be empowered mutually to pledge, each to
the rest, the publick honour and faith of their constituent Colonies,
firmly and inviolably to adhere to the determinations of the said Con-
gress.
â– '5th. Resolved, That we do earnestly recommend a general non-im-
portation and non-consumption agreement to he entered into at such
time, and regulated in such manner, as to the Congress shall seem most
advisable.
'* 6th. Besolved, That it appears to us to be a duty incumbent on the
good people of this Province to afford some immediate relief to the many
suffering inhabitants of the town of Boston.
Therefore the several county committees do now engage to set on "
foot and promote collections without delay, either by subscriptions or
otherwise, throughout their respective Counties; and that they will
remit the moneys arising from the said subscriptions, or any other bene-
factions that may be volunta.rily made by the inhabitants, either to Bos-
ton, or into the hands of James Neilson, John Dennis, William Oake,
Abraham Hunt, Samuel Tucker, Dr. Isaac Smith, Grant Gibbon, Thomas
Sinnicks, and John Carey, whom we do hereby appoint a Committee for
forwarding the same to Boston, in such way and manner as they shall be
advised will best answer the benevolent purpose designed.
"7th. jKesoZued, That the grateful acknowledgments of this body are
due to the noble and worthy patrons of constitutional liberty in the
British Senate for their laudable efforts to avert the storm they behold
impending over a much injured Colony, and in support of the just rights
of the King's subjects in America.
8th. Resolved, That James Kinsey, William Livingston, John De "
Hart, Stephen Crane, and Richard Smith, Esquires, or such of them as
shall attend, be the Delegates to represent this Province in the General
Continental Congress to be held at the City of Pliiladelphia on or about
the first of September next, to meet, consult, and advise with the Depu-
ties from the other Colonies, aad to determine upon all such pnident and
laT\ful measures as may be judged most expedient for the Colonies im-
mediately and unitedly to adopt, in order to obtain relief for an oppressed
people and the redress of our general grievances.
" Signed by order,
Jonathan D. Sergeant, "
" Clerk:'
A new general Standing Committee of Corresi^ond-
ence and Inquiry was also appointed, consisting of
William Peartree Smith, John Chetwood, Isaac Og-
den, Joseph Borden, Robert Field, Isaac Pierson,
Isaac Smith,* Samuel Tucker,* Abraham Hunt,* and
Hendrick Fisher.f It is noticeable, in the proceed-
ings of this Convention, that, although they evinced
an unmistakable spirit of opposition and resistance to
the oppressive measures of the British Parliament
and ministry, they were profuse in expressions of un-
measured loyalty to the king, and resolutions of sim-
ilar import had been passed in all the preliminary
meetings in the several counties of this province.
The Congress of Delegates from the several prov-
inces assembled at Carpenters' Hall, in the city of
Philadelphia, on the 4th of September in the same
year, and organized on the following day, with Peyton
Randolph, of Virginia, as President, Among the
business transacted during the somewhat protracted
session which followed was the adoption of resolutions
prohibiting the importation, purchase, or use of goods
from Great Britain, Ireland, or any of the British de-
pendencies after Dec. 1, 1774, and also directing that
(unless the grievances of the American colonies should
in the mean time be redressed) all exportations hence
to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British West Indies
should cease on and after Sept. 10, 1775. An associa-
tion in accordance with the requirements of these
resolutions was then formed, and was signed by all
the members present. Article XI. of this Association
(adopted Oct. 20, 1774) provided:
That a committee be chosen in every county, city, and town, by those "
who are qualified to vote for Representatives in the Legislature, whose
business it shall be attentively to observe the conduct of all persons
touching this Association; and when it shall be made to appear to the
satisfaction of a majority of any such committee that any person within
the limits of their appointment has violated this Association, that such
majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to be published, ... to
the end that all such foes to the rights of British America may be pub-
lickly known and universally contemned as the enemies of American
Liberty ; and thenceforth we respectively will break off all dealings with
him or her."
On the 11th of January, 1775, the New Jersey
members of the Continental Congress reported its
proceedings to the Assembly of their province, which
body unanimously signified its approval of the said
proceedings,! and resolved that the same delegates
should represent New Jersey in the next Congress, in
which they should propose and vote for every reason-
able and constitutional measure for a settlement of
the differences between the colonies and Great Britain,
and should again report the proceedings of the Con-
gress to the Assembly of the province.
A great majority of the people in all parts of the
province of New Jersey approved the objects of the
Association adopted by the Continental Congress, and
* Of Hunterdon County.
t Of Somerset County.
X "Such members as were Quakers excepting only to such parts as
seemed to wear an appearance or might have a tendency to force, as
inconsistent with their religious principles." Gordon's Sistonj of New
Jersey, p. 157.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
29
meetings numerously attended were keld in the diflfer-
ent countieSj and in many of the townships, for the
purpose of organizing to carry its measures into effect.
Some of the means proposed to be adopted to accom-
plish the objects desired are shown by the following
extracts from the minutes of several of these meet-
ings : " A General Meeting of the Inhabitants of the
To\\-nship of Woodbridge, in the County of Middlesex
in New Jersey," held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 1775, after
approving and adopting the Association entered into
and recommended by the Congress, and aft^r choosing
a Committee of Observation of twenty-one members,
"J?esoIred, unanijnouBly, That it is the desire of the people now met
that the said Committee do execute the trust reposed in them with firm-
ness and fidelity, and in every refii)ect follow the directions of the Asso-
ciation, a£ much as if it was a law of this Province ; and they be upon
oath for the conscientious discharge of their duty. "
At a meeting held in Hanover township, Morris
County, Feb. 15, 1775, it was, by the Committee of
Observation, of which Matthias Burnet was chairman,
resolved unanimously, as follows :
"1st, That they will discourage all unlawful, tumultuous, and disor-
derly meetings of the people within their Districts, and upon all occa-
eioDB exert themselves to the utmost of their power, and oppose and
prevent any violence offered to the pereon or property of any one.
2d. That they will take notice of all Horse Bacing, Coct-Fighting, "
and every kind of Gaming whatsoever, and cause the offenders to be
prosecuted accordiug to law; and discourage every species of extrava-
gaut entertainments and amusements whatsoever, agreeable to the eighth
article of the Association of the Continental Congress.
"3d. That this Committee will, after the first day of March next,
esteem it a violation of the seventh article of the said Association if auy
peison or persons should kill any Sheep until it is four years old, or sell
any such Sheep to any person whom he or they may have cause to sus-
pect will kill them or carry them to market; and, further, that they will
esteem it a breach of said article if any inhabitant of this Township
should sell any Sheep of any kind whatsoever to anj- person dwelling
out of this County, or to any person w^ho they may have cause to suspect
â– will carry them out of this County, without leave first obtained of this
Committee.
4th. That we do recommend to the inhabitants of this Township the "
caltivation, of Flax and Hemp, to the greatest extent that their lands
and circumstances will admit of.
"5th. That from seyeral Pamphlets and Publications printed by James
Eivington, of Kew York, Printer, we esteem him as an incendiary, em-
ployed by a wicked Ministry to disunite and divide us ; and therefore we
will not, for ourselves, have any connection ordealings with him. and do
recommend the same conduct towards him to every person of this Town-
ship; and we will discountenance any Post-Rider, Stage-Driver, or Car-
rier who shall bring his Pamphlets or Papers into this County.
6th. That if any manufacturer of any article made for home con- "
sumption, or any Vender of Goods or Merchandises, shall take advantage
of the necessities of his country by selling at an unusual price, such
perwm shall be considered an enemy to his country ; and do recommend
it to the inhabitants of this Township to remember that after the first
day of March next no East Indian Tea is to be used in any case whatso-
ever.
"7th. That we will in all cases whatsoever, and at all events, use our
utmost endeavours to comply with and enforce everj- article of the Arao-
ciation of the General Continental Congreffi. "
These resolutions, being nearly identical in their
import with those passed by meetings of freeholders
and committees in nearly all the other counties, are
reproduced here at length as showing the remarkable
earnestness with which the people indorsed and prom-
ised "to comply with and enforce every article of the
Association." The condemnation of Eivington and
his publications, so strongly expressed in thest resolu-
tions, was enunciated still more forcibly in the proceed-
ings of many of the county meetings, by which he was
denounced as " a vile Ministerial hireling, employed
to disunite the colonies and calumniate all their
measures entered into for the public good" ; as an
enemy to his country and a person to be hated,
shunned, and discountenanced by all friends of
American liberty.
The records of the meetings held at this time, and
in reference to this matter, by the people and com-
mittee of Somerset have not been found, but it is cer-
tain that this county stood second to none in the
province of New Jersey in the patriotism of its in-
habitants or in the alacrity and earnestness with
which they adopted and enforced the measures recom-
mended by the Continental Congress in its Articles
of Association. In Hunterdon County committees
were promptly chosen and organized, and the report
of the joint action of these committees at their first
meeting is as follows :*
"At a meeting of the several Township Committees in the County of
Hunterdon and Province of New Jersey, held at John Ringo's, the 18th
day of January, 1775: Present, sixty members. John Hart, Esq., Chair-
man.
The Committee, taking into consideration the Proceedings of the "
late Congress, highly approve thereof, and the Association entered into,
do recommend, and will abide by, and thank the Delegates for their firm
and steady conduct.
" Tlie Committee then taking into their consideration the method of
choosing Delegates for this Province to attend at Philadelphia the 10th
day of May next, or sooner if necessary, in Continental Congress, agreed
to adopt the measure pursued by the several County Committees of this
Province the 21st of July last, and do recommend that the several County
Committees meet at Trenton on Wednesday, the 29th of March next, un-
less some other time and place should he agreed on by a majority of the
Counties in this Province, to choose Delegates for the purpose aforesaid;
and we do hereby appoint Samuel Tucker, John Mehelm, John Hart,
Daniel Hunt, Jasper Smith, Charles Coxe, Kichard Stevens, Samuel John-
son, Esquires, Messrs. Thomas Jones and Thomas Stout, a County Com-
mittee for the purpose aforesaid, who, or auy three of them, are also
appointed a Committee of Correspondence, and a majority of the whole
Committee to have power to call Committees of the several townships
together, at such times and places as they may judge necessary.
This Committee to continue till the Proceedings of the next Conti- "
nental Congress be published, or a new Committee chosen.
"SA31UEL COEWISE,
Clerky "
On the morning of "Wednesday, the 19th of April,
1775, a detachment of British regular troops that had
been sent out from Boston to the town of Concord
met and fired upon a body of armed but unorganized
and undisciplined farmers and mechanics who had
collected at Lexington Common. The volley of the
regulars told with an effect fatal to some of the pro-
vincials, and this was the first blood shed in the war
of the Revolution. It has been called the battle of
Lexington. Before the crack of the yeomen's rifles
had ceased to sound along the road from Lexington
to Boston, the Committee of Safety of the town of
Watertown had sent out express-riders to carry the
news south and west. The dispatch destined for New
J
* 3Iinute8 of the ProTincial Congress and Council of Safen-, 17
pp. 49, 50.
-76,
30
HUNTERDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
York and Philadelphia passed on through Worcester,
Norwich, New London, Lyme, Saybrook, Guildford,
Brandford, New Haven, and Fairfield (being succes-
sively forwarded by relays by the committees of these
places), and reached the chamber of the New York
committee at 4 o'clock p.m. on Sunday, the 23d of
April. From New York* the dispatch was forwarded
with all haste to New Brunswick and Princeton, from
which places the momentous tidings spread like wild-
fire up the valley of the Earitan and across the Sour-
land hills into Somerset and Hunterdon Counties,
while the messengers with the committee's dispatch
sped on to Trenton and Philadelphia.
Upon the receipt of the alarming news from Lex-
ington the Committee of Correspondence for the
province was summoned by its chairman, Hendrick
Fisher, of Somerset County, to convene for delibera-
tion and to take such action as might seem necessary.
The committee accordingly met, and the following
is the record! of its proceedings on that occasion,
viz. .
" At a moeting of tha New Jersey Provincial Committee of Corre-
epondence (appointed by the Provincial Congress) at the City of New
Brunswick, on Tuesday, the second day of May, Anno Domini 1776,
agreeable to summons of Hendrick Fisher, Esq., Chairman.
Present, Hendrick Fisher, Samuel Tucker, Joseph Borden, Joseph "
Eiggs, Isaac Pearson, John Ohetwood, Lewis Ogden, Isaac Ogden, Abra-
ham Hunt, and Elias Boudinot, Esquires.
" The Committee, having seriously taken into consideration as well the
present alarming and very extraordinaiT conduct of the British Ministry,
for carrying into execution sundry Acts of Parliament for the express
purpose of raising a revenne in America, and other unconstitutional meas-
ures therein mentioned; and also the several acts of hostility tliat they
have actually commenced for this pm-pose by the Kegular Forces under
General Gage against our brethren of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay
in New England, and not knowing how soon this Province may be in a
state of confusion and disorder if there are not some effectnal measures
speedily taken to prevent the same; this Committee are unanimously of
opinion, and do hereby advise and direct, that the Chairman do immedi-
ately call a Provincial Congress to meet at Trenton on Tuesday the
twenty-third day of this instant, in order to consider and determine such
matters as may then and there come before them ; .and the several Coun-
ties are hereby desired to nominate and appoint their respective Deputies
for the same, as speedily as may be, with full and ample powers for such
purposes as may be thought necessary for the peculiar exigencies of this
Province.
The Committee do also direct their Chairman to forward true copies "
of the above minute to the several County Committees of this Province
without delay.
"Hendrick Fisher,
Chairmany "
In accordance with this call of the committee, del-
* At New York the dispatch was thus indorsed by the committee-
Reel the within Account by express, and forwarded by express to New
Brunswick, with Directions to stop at Elizabeth Town and acquaint the
committee there with the following Particulars. By order of the Com-
mittee Isaac Low, Chairman. The committee at New Brunswick are
requested to forward this to Phila." The other indorsements made on
the dispatch m its passage through New Jersey were as follows: "New
Brunswick, Ap. 24,1776, 2 o'clock in the morning, rec- the above expres,
and forwarded to Princeton, Wm, Oake, Jas. Neilson, A.. Dunhams
Com. ;" Princeton, Monday, Ap. 24, 6 o'clock, and foâ„¢. to TrenZ;
24 9 T "'«™- '''"'°' °""'- "^"^»™" ■■" ^-■"™. Monday, Ap
24 9 clock in the morning, reed the above per express, and forwarded
clr^ *" *' ^"""^"^^ °^ Philadelphia, Sam. Tucker. Isaac Smith!
76!p''lor' °^ "" ^'''"'°™' '^'"'^"""' ""^ Committee of Safety. 1775-
egates from the several counties of the province as-
sembled on Tuesday, the 23d of May, at Trenton,
where, on the following day, they organized as " The
Provincial Congress of New Jersey" by electing
Hendrick Fisher president, Jonathan D. Sergeant
secretary, and William Paterson and Frederick Fre-
linghuysen assistant secretaries. Samuel Tucker was
afterwards elected vice-president. It thus appears
that all the principal officers of this first Provincial
Congress were residents of Somerset County, except-
ing the vice-president, who was of Hunterdon.
The number of delegates in attendance was eighty-
seven. Those representing Hunterdon County were
Samuel Tucker, John Mehelm, John Hart, John
Stout, Jasper Smith, Thomas Lowry, Charles Stewart,
Daniel Hunt, Ealph Hart, Jacob Jennings, Eichard
Stevens, John Stevens, Jr., Thomas Stout, Thomas
Jones, and John Basset. The delegates attending
from Somerset were Hendrick Fisher, John Eoy,
Peter Schenck, Abraham Van Nest, Enos Kelsey,
Jonathan D. Sergeant, Frederick Frelinghuysen, and
William Paterson. Another delegate who had been
electedj for Somerset, Nathaniel Airs (or Ayers), did
not attend. Four of the deputies from Hunterdon
and Somerset^-viz., Messrs. Tucker and Mehelm of
the former county, and Fisher and Eoy of the latter
were also members of the Colonial Assembly of
New Jersey for 1776.
The Provincial Congress remained in session at
t The record of the meeting at which the Somerset County delegates
were elected is as follows :
"Pursuant to notice given by the Chairman of the Committee of Cor-
respondence for the County of Somerset in New Jersey, the Freeholders
of the County met at the Court-House the 11th day of May, 1775, Hend-
rick Fisher, Esq., chosen chairm.an, Frederick Frelinghuysen clerk.
1. Besohed, That the several steps taken by the British Ministry to "
enslave the American Colonies, and especially the late alarming hostili-
ties commenced by the Troops under General Gage, against the inhabi-
tants of Massachusetts Bay loudly call on the people of this Province to
determine what part they will act in this situation of affairs; and that
we therefore readily consent to elect Deputies for a Provincial Concrress
to meet at Trenton, on Tuesday, the 23d inst.. agreeable to the advice
and direction of the Provincial Committee of Correspondence.
" 2. Resolved, That the number of Deputies shall be nine, and that thev
sh.all be chosen by ballot.
Adjourned for an hour. "
" Four o'clock the people re-assembled.
Hendrick Fisher, John Boy. Esquires. Mr. Frederick Frelinghuysen "
Mr Enos Kelsey. Peter Schenck, Jonathan D. Sergeant, Nathaniel Airs,
William Paterson, and Abraham Van Nest, Esquires, are appointed Dep-
uties for this County, who, or any iive of them, are hereby empowered
to meet the Deputies from the other Counties in Provincial Congress at
Trenton on Tuesday, the 23d instant, and to agree to all such measures
as shall be judged necessary for the preservation of our constitutional
lights and privileges.
" Resolved, That the Deputies for this County be instructed, and they
are hereby instructed, to join with the deputies from the other Counties
m forming such plan for the Militia of this Province as to them shaU
seem proper ; and we heartily agree to arm and support such a number
01 men as they shall order to be raised in this County
Bemlved, That this County will pay the expenses of their Deputies "
who shall attend the Congress.
"BcsoUed, That Messrs. Tobias Van Norden. and Daniel Blackford he
By Order """"""' ""' Observation for the Township of Bridgewater. "
" FeeDEEIOK FaELINGHlTSEN.
Clerk."" "
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
31
Trenton eleven days. The most important business
of the session was consummated on the day of ad-
journment in the adoption of '* a plan for regulating
the Militia of this Colony" and the passage of " an
ordinance for raising a sum of money for the purpose
therein mentioned," ^that is to say, for the purpose
of organizing and arming the militia troops and pre-
paring them for active service when necessary. The
preamble and first three sections of the militia bill
then passed were as follows :
"The Congress, taking into consideration the cruel and arbitrary
measures adopted and pursued by the British Parliament and present
ministry for the purpose of subjugating the American Colonies to the
most abject servitude, and being apprehensive that all pacific measures
for the redress of our grieTances will prove ineffectual, do think it highly
necessary that the inhabitants of this Province be forthwith properly
armed and disciplined for defending the cause of American freedom. And
further considering that, to answer this desirable end, it is requisite that
such persons be intrusted with the command of the Militia as can be
confided in by the people, and are truly zealous in support of our just
rights and privileges, do recommend and advise that the good people of
this Province henceforward strictly observe the following rules and regu-
lations, until this Congress shall make further order therein :
1st. That one or more companies, as the case may require, be imme- "
diately formed in each To'miship or Corporation, and, to this end, that
the several Committees in this Province do, as soon as may be, acquaint
themselves with the number of male inhabitants in their respective dis-
tricts, from the age of sixteen to filty, who are capable of bearing arms ;
and thereupon form them into companies, consisting as near as may be of
eighty men each ; which companies so formed shall, each by itself, as-
semble and choose, by plurality of voices, four persons among them-
selves, of sufficient substance and capacity for its officei-s, namely, one
captain, two lieutenants, and an ensign.
" 2d. That the officers so chosen appoint for their respective compa-
nies fit persons to be sergeants, corporals, and drummers.
3d. That as soon as the companies are so formed the officers of such a "
number of companies as shall by them be judged proper to form a regi-
ment do assemble and choose one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, a
major, and an adjutant for each regiment."
The remaining five sections were devoted to the
minor details of the plan of militia organization.
The closing paragraph is as follows : " The Congress,
taking into consideration the spirited exertions of
the counties of Morris, Sussex, and Somerset in the
raising of minute-men, do approve of, and thank
them for, their zeal in the common cause, and will
take the same into further consideration at their next
meeting" ; showing that bodies of minute-men had
already been raised in the counties named. A minute-
men organization was also formed in Hunterdon at
about the same time.
The following resolutions of a meeting in Hills-
borough township show the form in which action was
taken in enrolling the militia in Somerset County.
They are interesting as being the only memoranda
referring to this early period of the action of the
people in defense of their liberties. The original was
found accidentally among some old papers on a book-
stand in New York.
" At a meeting of the principal Freeholders, and Officers of Militia, of
the Township of Hillsborough, County of Somerset and Province of New
Jersey, held this 3d of May, 1775, at the house of Garret Garretson, it was
agreed as follows, viz. :
1st. That the Companies of Militia this day assembled here do choose "
officers for their respective Companies.
"2d. That the officers so devised shall choose officers for a Company of
Minute-Men, who are to beat up for volunteers to raise said Company, to
consist of 60 men, who are to be exercised twice per week, and to bo
ready at a minute's warning to march in defense of the liberty of our
country.
3d. That the men so voluntarily enlisting in said Company shall "
receive one shilling and sixpence for every part of a day they are em-
ployed in being exercised by any of their officers, and the officers in pro-
portion.
" 4th. That in case said Company shall march in defense of their coun-
try, the Captain to receive six shillings, the 1st Lieut, five shillings, the
2d Lieut, four shillings, and each of the inferior officers, three shillings,
all Proc, per day j with provisions and ammunition, and to those who
are able, Arms ; all the above money to be raised by tax on the inhabi-
tants of said Township, in the same manner the Provincial Taxes are
raised.
5th, In pursuance of the first article of the above agreement, the "
Companies here assembled choose the following gentlemen their officers,
viz. :
" For the BiUshorough Company. John Ten Eyck, Capt. ; Peter D.
Yroom, Lieut. ; Jacobus Quick, 2d Lieut.
For the Millstone Covipany. Hendrick Probasco, Capt. ; John Smock^ "
1st Lieut.; Casparus Van Nostrand, 2d Lieut.
" For the Shannick Company. William Yer Bryck, Capt. ; Eoelif Peter-
son, 1st Lieut. ; Cornelius Peterson, 2d Lieut.
For Uie Company of Grenadiers. Cornelius Lott, Capt. ; John Bennet, "
Lieut. ; ComeUus Van Derveer, 2d Lieut. ; Garret Garrison, 3d Lieut.
" 6th. The above officers proceeded, according to the authority given
them in the second article, to the choice of officers for the Company of
Minute-Men, when the following men were unanimously chosen : For
Capt., Cornelius Lott; for 1st Lieut., John Nevius ; for 2d Lieut., Garret
K. Garrison.
7th. The officers of the Militia and the Committee of Observation are "
desired to meet together and appoint a Committee to provide the above
Company with Arms and Ammunition.
" May 16, 1775. The Officers of the Militia and the Committee of Ob-
servation, having met, unanimously chose Hendrick Van Middlesworth,
Conrad Ten Eyck, and Dirck Low, to provide ammunition for said Com-
pany, and arms for those that'are not able to buy for themselves, and the
aforesaid gentlemen are desired to take £40 Proc in money on the credit
of the Township, to buy 140 pounds powder, 420 pounds lead, and 210
flints; and if the said Company should be called to march in defense of
their country, if not provided for, then the aforesaid Hendrick Van Mid-
dlesworth, Conrad Ten Eyck, and Dirck Low are to find provisions on
the credit of the township as above said.
It is further agreed that the above agreement shall be subject to such "
alterations and additions as the Provincial Congress shall think proper.
"By order of the Assembly.
John Baptist Dttmont, Chairman, "
Peter D. Vboom, Clerh.
We give a list of the members of Capt. P. D.
Vroom's company, enrolled after the above action ; it
is evidently not complete, but it contains all now re-
coverable: Jacobus Amerman, Albert Amerman,
John Amerman, Thomas Auten, John Brokaw (lieu-
tenant, killed*), Abraham Brokaw, Peter Brokaw
(corporal), George Brokaw, Jacobus Bergen (cor-
poral), Jacob Cook, Jacob W. Cook, Jacobus Cor-
show, Bergun Coevert (fifer), Thomas Coevert (cor-
poral), Peter Ditmas, Nicholas Dubois, Peter J-
Dumont, Thomas Dwere, Jacobus Dubois, Minne
Dubois (sergeant), William Griggs, Augustus Harts-
hough, Harmon A, Hoagland, Lucas Hoagland, Peter
Hoagland, Dirck Huff, Abram Low, Peter Leyster,
Hugh McAllum, Hendrick Post (sergeant), Peter
Perlee, Thomas Skillman, Joakim Quick (ensign),
Peter Quick (sergeant), Abram Stryker, Jonathan
Spader, Albert Stothoff, Benjamin Taylor (sergeant),
Willett Taylor, Abraham Taylor, Abraham Van Ars-
* Battle of Germantown, Oct. 4, 1775.
32
HUNTERDON AND SOBIEESET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
dalen (sergeant), John Van Arsdale, Garrett Van Ars-
dale, John Van Dyck, William Van Dyck, Andrew
Van Middlesworth (sergeant), Tunis Van Middles-
worth, Jacobus Van Nuyse, Coert Van Waggoner,
Jacobus Voorhees, Rynier Veghte (lieutenant, Sec-
ond Battalion; captain ditto), Peter Voorhees, Peter
Vroom, Jacob Winter (corporal), Peter Winter, Coert
Van Voorhees.
"At a meeting of the Committee of the Township of HillBboroiigh
held at the house of Garret Garretson, the 3d day of July, 1775, it was
unanimously agreed that the boundaries of the Company called Millstone
Company are as follows, viz: Beginning at the mouth of Millstone
River, thence along the said river to the house of Geretie Cornetry, then
along her. westward bound to and still continuing westwardly to the
house of Court Van Vorehase, then westwardly to a small brook, and
thence down the said brook to the Amwell Road, then westwardly along
the said road till it comes to the 2 rod road that leads to Millstone road,
continuing along said road, thence along Millstone Road to Earitan
Bridge, thence along the Raritan River to the place of beginning.
Peter B. Vroom."" "
The "ordinance," also passed on the last day of the
session, and having for its object the raising of funds,
principally for the purpose of carrying out the pro-
visions of the militia bill, recited and declared that :
" Whereas, It has become absolutely necessary, in the present dangerous
and extraordinary state of public atfairs, in which the usual resources
of government appear to be insulficient for the safety of the people, and
in which the good people of this Province hiive therefore thought proper
to choose Deputies in this present Congress, that a fund be provided for
the use of the Province : We the said Deputies being persuaded that every
inhabitant is willing and desirous to contribute his proportion of money
for 80 important a purpose, do, pursuant to the .powers intrusted to us by
the people, resolve and direct that the sum of Ten Thousand Pounds,
Proclamation Money, be immediately apportioned and raised for the use
aforesaid ; the same to be apportioned laid out and disposed of in such
manner as hereinafter is directed. "
The amounts to be raised under this ordinance by
the several counties of the province were apportioned
to them as follows : Bergen, £664 8s. Od. ; Burlington,
£1071 13s. 4d. ; Cape May, £166 18s. Od. ; Cumber-
land, £885 6s. 8d. ; Essex, £742 18s. Od. ; Gloucester,
£763 2s. 8d. ; Hunterdon, £1363 16s. M. ; Middlesex,
£872 6s. 8d. ; Monmouth, £1069 2s. 8d. ■Morris, £723
8s. Od. ; Salem, £679 12s. Od. ; Somerset, £904 2s. Od. ;
Sussex, £593 5s. 4d.
Other sections of the ordinance pointed out the
manner of assessing and collecting the tax, and pro-
vided that when the amount collected in a county
should be received by the county collector, he should
pay the same over to the county committee, " to be
disposed of by them in such manner as they in their
discretion shall think most proper" to meet expenses
arising from the exigencies of the times. After the
adoption of these measures for the public safety it
was by the Congress
" Ordered, That Mr. Fisher, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Daniel Hunt, Mr. Fre-
linghuysen, Mr. I. Pearson, Mr. Dunham, Mr. Schureman, Mr. John Hart,
Mr. Borden, Mr. Deare, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Schenck, Mr. Ralph Hart, and
Mr. Heard, or any three of them, in conjunction with the President or
Vice-President, be a Committee of Correspondence, with power to con-
Tene this Congress. "
Of the fourteen members composing this committee,
seven were of the counties of Hunterdon and Somer-
set, viz., Messrs. Fisher, Tucker, Hunt, Freling-
huysen, Schenck, and the two Harts. Immediately
after the appointment of the Committee of Corres-
pondence the Congress adjourned, June 3, 1775.
It is a rather remarkable fact in the history of this
Provincial Congress of New Jersey that, although one
of its first acts was to declare that its members had
" assembled with the profoundest veneration for the
person and family of His Sacred Majesty George III.,
firmly professing all due allegiance to his rightful
authority and government,* the close of its first ses- "
sion was marked by the adoption of the most vigorous
measures in preparation for armed resistance to that
sovereign's authority.
Two weeks from the day on which the Congress of
New Jersey closed its session at Trenton, a force of
British regulars moved from Boston to Charlestown,
and marched in splendid order and perfect confidence
up the acclivity of Bunker Hill to attack the slight
defenses of the patriot force that stood waiting for
them in silence upon the summit. Twice were the
scarlet lines hurled back in disorder down the slope,,
but as often did they re-form and return to the assault.
Their third charge was successful ; the provincial
forces, undismayed, but with empty muskets and car-
tridge-boxes, were at last forced from their position,,
and the soldiers of the king carried and held the
blood-soaked crest. This event the battle of Bunker
Hill is as well known and conspicuous in history as
that of Marathon or Waterloo, and it was more im-
portant in its results than either. Just before its
occurrence Gen. George Washington had been ap-
pointed! by the Continental CongressJ commander-
in-chief of the forces of the United Colonies, and
immediately afterwards he assumed command of the
army at Cambridge and disposed his thin lines to-
encircle the British forces in the town of Boston.
In less than a week after the memorable battle in
Charlestown, the startling news had been received in.
Philadelphia, and was known in every township of
New Jersey. In this alarming state of affairs the
general Committee of Correspondence of the Province,
exercising the powers intrusted to them, called a
second session of the Provincial Congress, which
body accordingly convened at Trenton on the 5th of
August following. Eighty-three members were in
attendance. Those of Somerset County were the
same as at the previous session, except that Nathaniel
Eyers,^ who had been elected with the other delegates
at the county-meeting of the 11th of May, was now
present, in place of John Roy, who had attended th©
first session. The Hunterdon County deputies were
« Minutes of the Provincial Congi-ess and Council of Safety, 1775-76
p. 171. '
t June 15, 1775.
J The Continental Congress had convened in Philadelphia on the 10th
of May, 1775.
§ Elsewhere found spelled Aii-s and AyeiB.
HUNTERDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES IN THE EEVOLUTION.
33
the same as at the May session, except that Abraham
Bonnell and Joseph Beavers were present in place of
Jacob Jennings and John Basset.
The Congress at this session adopted a number of
measures for promoting the public safety, the princi-
pal of which were a resolution to provide for the col-
lection of the ten thousand pounds tax ordered at the
May and June session, and a resolution " for further
regulating the Militia, etc.," the first named being the
first business that was attended to after the opening
of the session. It appears that many obstacles had
been encountered in the collection of the tax, and
that in a great number of instances payment had
been avoided or refused. The Congress therefore
(Aug. 5, 1775) resolved :*
" 1. That the several persons appointed in pursuance of tlie ordinance
of this Congress in their last session to collect the quotas of the several
ToTvnships, do pay the money by them collected to the County Collector
on or before the tenth day of September next ; and if any persons within
tlieir respective districts shall have refused payment, that in such case
they do make and deliver in a list of names of the delinquents to their
several Committees, together with their receipts and vouchee for the
money which they shall have paid to the aforesaid County Collectors.
2. Resolved, That the several Committees do furnish the Provincial "
Congress at their next session with the names of all such persons within
their districts as shall have refused to sign the Association recommended
in the last Congress, or one of a similaj' nature, and of all such as shall
have refused to pay their respective appointments.
" 3. Resolved, That the respective Committees in this Colony do return
to the Provincial Congress at their next session copies of the several
Associations signed in their districts, agreeable to the former order of
this Congress, together with the names of those who have signed the
same.
*' 4. Resolved, That the Assessoi-s and Collectors appointed to apportion
and collect the said money do receive such reward for their labor and
trouble therein as the Assessors and Collectors are by law entitled to
for assessing and collecting the provincial taxes.
5. Resolved, That in case any part of the snro of ten thousand "
Pounds, by the said ordinance directed to be raised, shall from the event
of public affairs he found to be nnnecessary for the purposes thereby in-
tended ; in such case the surplus be paid by the several Connty Commit-
tees into the hands of the County Collectors appointed by act of As-
sembly, to be by them applied towards discharging the quotas of such
Counties in the public taxes of the Province.
" 6. Resolved, That the several Committees to whom the disposal of the
said money was, by the ordinance of the last session, intrusted, do
account to the Provincial Congress for their several disbursements, and
the uses to which they may have been applied. "
In adopting "the plan for further regulating the
Militia, etc.," the Congress
" Resohed, 1. That the several County or {where there is no County)
the Township Committees do transmit the names of all the Militia Offi-
cers chosen within their respective Districts to the Provincial Congress,
or to the Committee of Safety, to he by them commissioned, agreeable
to the directions of the Continental Congress.
'â– Resolved, 2. That all officers above the rank of a Captain, not already
chosen or appointed, pursuant to an ordinance of this Congress made at
their last session, be appointed by the Congress or, during their recess,
by the Committee of Safety.
Resolved, 3. That where the inhabitants of different Townships have "
been embodied into one Company, Battalion, or Regiment, before the
20th day of June last, it is not the intention of this Congress that they
should be dissolved, provided they govern themselves according to the
rules and directions of the same."
Ten resolutions succeeding these above quoted di-
rected the organization of the militia of the province
* Vide Minutes Provincial_Congress and Council of Safety, 1776-76, p.
184
into regiments and battalions, and the number of
each of these organizations to be appointed to the
several counties; established the order of their prece-
dence ; prescribed the manner in which they were to
be raised, armed, and governed ; provided for the col-
lection of fines from " all effective men between the
ages of sixteen and fifty who shall refuse to enroll
themselves and bear arms," or who, being enrolled,,
should absent themselves from the muster, and di-
rected how such fines should be applied. The troops
directed to be raised and organized were to be equal
to about twenty-six regiments, apportioned to the dif-
ferent counties as follows : The militia of Bergen
County to compose one regiment ; of Essex, two regi-
ments or four battalions; of Middlesex, two regi-
ments ; of Monmouth, three regiments ; of Morris and
Sussex, each two regiments and one battalion; of
Burlington, two regiments and a company of rangers ;
of Gloucester, three battalions ; of Salem, one regi-
ment ; of Cumberland, two battalions ; of Cape May,
one battalion ; of Somerset, two regiments ; and of
Hunterdon, four regiments. And it was provided
"that the precedency of rank in the militia shall
take place in the following order: 1. Essex; 2. Sa-
lem ; 3. Gloucester ; 4. Morris ; 5. Sussex ; 6. Cape
May; 7. Monmouth; 8. Somerset; 9. Bergen; 10.
Cumberland; 11. Middlesex; 12. Hunterdon; 13.
Burlington; and that, when there may be more than
one regiment or battalion in a county, the precedency
shall be determined by the county committee, accord-
ing to their former seniority. "
Besides providing for the organization and arming
of the militia, as above mentioned, the Congress re-
solved :
" That for the puriwse of effectually carrying into execution the
recommendation of the Continental Congress respecting the appoint-
ment of minute-men, four thousaud able-bodied effective men be en-
listed and enrolled in the several counties in this Province, under offi-
cers to be appointed and commissioned by this Congress or Committee of
Safety, who shall hold themselves in constant readiness, on the shortest
notice, to march to any place where their assistance maybe required for
the defense of this or any neighboring colony. "
These " minute-men" were to be enlisted for a term
of four months, at the end of which time they were
to be " relieved, unless upon actual service." They
were given precedence of rank over the common mi-
litia of the province, and whenever called into actual
service were " to receive the like pay as the Continen-
tal Army, and be furnished with camp-equipage and
provisions ; and also be provided for, if wounded and
disabled in the service of their country." Their offi-
cers were to be nominated by the several county com-
mittees, or (in counties having no general committee)
by the township committees jointly, "with assurance
that as soon as their companies are completed, they
shall receive commissions from the Provincial Con-
gress, or the Committee of Safety." The organiza-
tion of the " minute-men" was directed to be made
in companies of sixty-four men each, including offi-
cers, these companies to be formed into ten battalions
34
IIUNTEKDON AND SOMKBSET COUNTIKS, NEW JEltSEY.
for the whole province, and the apportionment to tlie
several counties to be as given below, viz: I?('rfj;cn
County to furnish one battalion of four (â– .(iiiiiiiniics ;
Essex County, one battalion of six companies ; Mid-
dlesex County, one battalion of six companies ; Mon-
mouth County, one battalion of six coraimnics ; Som-
erset County, one battalion of five companies ; Mor-
ris County, one battalion of six companies ; Sussex
County, one battalion of five comjiaiiies; Hunterdon
County, one battalion of eight companies; Tiurling-
ton County, one battalion of five eornpiuiies ; OIou-
cester and Salem Counties, one Imttaliou of seven
companies, f(iur to be furnished by Oloiicesler and
one by Salem ; Cumberland County to fiirnisli thrrv,
companies, and Cape May County one company, all
to act as "independent comi)anies of light infantry
and rangers."
Whatever arms and accoutrcmonta wv.n: obtained
by the county and township committees were directed
to be issued to the iiiinute-ni(!n in preference to the
militia until the former w(^ro armed and equipped,
the remainder to be used Cor arming the militia. It
was
*' J{<;it(ilved, Thai tlilH Cnngrfsa ilo iiiroriiiimnrl lo llii* Hrviinil f!miniy
Ccjniiiiittoea In tlilH Colony tliat tlioy liiimofliiitoly employ gniiHniiUiH Ui
niitUti Huch a rmiiibor of ariuH m tlidy sliull Jinlgu to bo iionnHHiiry aiirl
wanfing In their roHpoctlvo ConiitloH ; mid that In the niaiiiifiictliro of
Baiil ar-inB particular atlolitlon ho paid to the dIroctlonH of tlio Contltiontal
CoiigreHB."
It was also by the Coiit.';reHs
" Ordcred^That the Hovoral County GonimlttenH do appoint ono HnrK«on
to each Rogimont and Battalion ljr^)(iM|j;ing to theIr'rcHpof;(ive fJouritlcH;
and gertify the name of «uch Surgeon to the next OoligrcHH, oi- to tlio
Committee of Safety, In oiri.;i- to hia hcing properly comniiHsloiicd. "
Tlie above mentioned, with the appohilnKint of
Philemon Dickinson as brigadier-gen(!riil, witc all the
important military measures ado[)tod ttt this session.
The Congress adjourned on Thursday, Aiifriist i7th,
after a session ofseventeen days, its last act ])rior to ail-
journment having been the appointment of Ifendrick
Fisher, Samuel Tucker, Isaac Pearson, John Hart,
Jonathan D. Sergeant, Azariah Dunham, I'eter
Schcnck, Enos Kelsey, Joseph Borden, I'Vctderiek
Frelinghuyscn, and John Scliureman as a Uoiriiriittei;
of Safety to control public affairs during the recf'ss.
Of these eleven niernbera, seven were of the coiiiilics
of Hunterdon and SooicrHct.
This was the first Committee of Safety of the pro-
vince of New Jersey, a body which came to be
greatly feared by those inimic.al to the c;:iuse of Amer-
ica. During the times when the Ooiifrress wits not in
session this committee wielded extraordinary and
almost unlimited power.* It does not ;ipije!i,r, how-
* Mr, Oharlca D. BcuhliT, In his excellent [.ajjer reoi] heforo the New
BrunBivick Illst'jrlcal Club at ItB fifth luiolvcrBary, flays of thin Conimlt^
teo of Safety: " In effect It conetltuted a practical dIctatoi-Hlilp, rcHlcJIng
not In one man ludeed, but In a majority voto of eleven or oiorr; perBfjriH,
who were appointed by the Provincial OongreaB from llni.' to time, Iln
menibcrHWere Invariably choBon by the tIc[.utleB tn the Provincial Con-
grcBH from among tliclr own number, and wore men upon whom tliey
could rely for courage, pnidonce, flrrnneHH, activity, and iiagiulty. Tbcy
cxciciHcd, aB a committee, all the powerB liitnifltijd to or aHBunicd hy the
ever, that it beeiinio neecwsary for the commitfiHi to
exercise this power in any very iiiipi)rl,aiit |iiililic
hiisiiuws in the less than seven wet^ljs which iiiter-
vciH^d bctwetMi its fornmfioii and the rcasHcinbling of
the Provincial Congress. During that interval tlio
sessions of llie committee wore htdd at rrliiceton.
At its August sessidii the (JoiignwH of New .U:rHry
had provided for a, new eliM'tion of (lejiiitie» from l,hu
eoiintics of tlie provinc.e by the adoption of the Ibl-
lowing preamble and resolution :
"WUereas, It 1h highly expedient, at ii lime when tlllN Province In
likely to bo Involved In all the lioirorB of advll war, anil when It luw
become ahBolulc-ly neeeHBJiry to Inc ri'iine tbo liiirllKm of taxoB alroady
laid upon the good people of thlflccjlony for Uio JuHt dideiiHO of their Iji-
valnahlo rlghtB anil prlvllegeB, that Mie InhabltantB thereof Hhollld bavo
freiiuolit opportuiillloB of renewing llidi choice null appnduilhjri of llie
KeproMe?itallvoB In I'rovliiehtl nongroBH. It Is l,lii^iiil'ore /taefnW, That
tho Inhabltanbi In oiuih ciiunty (puillfled to vote for lti>pirwent,al,Ivo» In
General AHHcmhIydo meet. together at tho placoB bojelnafter irietttloned
an ThurBday, the twenty-llrBt day of Heptember next, ami thi'M ami
there, by jilnrallty of vcd(;eB, elect anil appoint any nninber not oxoeeil-
Ing five BiibHlantlal rieeliolilniH an DepulleH, with full Jiowor to repriiHont
Hiieii (lotinly In Provincial (lojigreHB to be held at 'J'renbin, In the tjonnly
of JIuiitordon, on Tiieflday, the third day of October next. "
The places designiiteil for holding this cleetion in
Somerset and llniilerdoM (Jounties were, reH|ie.c.tive.ly,
the Coiirt-I foiise in .llillsliorongh'' ittid thelioiiso
of John Riiigo in Amwell." The irieetingH w(;re ae-
eurdingly so held iit tho time s|ii^ci(ieil, ;itiil rcHttltcil
in the elcetiijti of 1 letidrii'.k l''ish(tr, (^oritelitiH Van
Mtiliiier, and Itiilode Van Dyke for Somerset, and
Hitmiiisl Tui^ker, John Mehe.lm, .John llart, Charles
Stewart, ami Aligttsl.ine Stevenson for I liiiiterilon
(Jontity.
Tho Provini'ial (!otigrcKS of New .lersey, e.ompfjseii
of the deputies then recently ele.eleilj jiH mentioned
above, convctHid at Trenton on Tuesday, the 'lil of
Oetober, 1775. No orgiinization wits elleeted on that
day, its but few of the members were (ireHeiit;! btit on
Provincial CongreBB, Blive that of leglBbiMon. 'I'hey rondiii-teil all tlio
correBpoiideiiee and confercMceH with the Continental OofigieBB anil Pro-
vincial flongreflMefl of the other coloiileB; l-hey gave order-B for the arriiBt
of BiiBpIclniiB or illMaffecti'il perBoriM ; they tried and aciplltted m- coji-
demned b. ImprlHonment or detention men who were cliarged with dl«-
all'ectlon oracling In concert with, or giving Information t^t, the enemy ;
they Itejiti-xpreflBeB In coi octant reudlncHh Oi foi wind Intelligence with all
Bpced ; they a|ipro[ii [ated public niimeyB, conimlBBloiied oIllcorH In tho
rnllltlaorlri tliecorpMof niloiite-inen, helfl pi iHooerB of war, nettled f;on-
tioveiBlcB between oIllcerH, civil II nil military, fulUiil a« a Ooiirt of Admi-
ralty, conflBcaleil the pro|ieity of thoHe who aided and abettei] the [in bile
enemy, took oilier for the geneial Bciirlly of the Province and for ]l;l
ilefenne, anil, In fine, tliey were the executive brunch of I lie govei iiineiit,
iiB the reprcBentatlvcM of the power anil authority of tlie Provincial (Joii-
groBH during lt« n-ceBB. All which they exerelBed (with an ability and
Integrity that liaB never been inipeiLidiedj till they weie BiiperBeileil, In
Oi li.l.ir, 1771), by the llrBt l.iglHlaturo nniler the new Htato '.'oniitltiitlon
fiolopteil .Inly 2, 1770), which iiivoiiled tho (lov.roor noil a Connill of
twenty memlierB with cei lain |iowerB for a lliiilled time under tho titio
of ' The Oovenior and Council of Safety.' "
f "TncBday, Octyilier ii, l77o. Several l)e|iutl(ffl returned hi nervo In
tlilB f>jngre«fl for the reMpectlve Coiiiit,IeB of thiB Odony luinenihled at
Trenton, piirHuaut to the appidiitioent of tho lato Provlm hil CoiigreHB.
"Wednc-ulay, October 1, I77ri, -The OongreBB again luinemlded, and,
Bcveral other memtinrii attending, jiroceeded to tbo election of a
PrcBldentand Vlcc-PicBldeiit, . , .--MimUrt i,f Ihi: I'Tinlliusiul H'mriri'm "
and OmncU o/ Hiifclu, l77o 7<;, \i. 1!JK,
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN TPIE REVOLUTION.
35
the following day the body organized by the election
of Samuel Tucker, of Hunterdon, as president, and
Henry Fisher, of Somerset County, as vice-president.
"John Mehelm, Esquire [of Hunterdon], at the re-
quest of Congress, consented to act as Secretary until
a Secretary be chosen. On the 5th it was ""Re- "
solved, That William Paterson, Esquire [also of Som-
erset], be appointed Secretary to this Congress ;" but,
on the 9th, "Mr. Dunham having informed this
Congress that he had seen Mr. Paterson, who had
acquainted him that his business and circumstances
would by no means admit of his oflaciating as Secre-
tary, the Congress proceeded to the choice of a Secre-
tary, when John Carey, Esq. [of Salem], was unani-
moiisly chosen Secretary, and Abraham Clark and
Charles Stewart, Esquires, Assistant Secretaries."
Thus, of the five principal officers of the Congress
{composed of deputies from the thirteen counties of
New Jersey), three were men of Hunterdon and Som-
erset. Forty-seven members from the several coun-
ties were present during the session.
The Congress, composed of these members so re-
cently elected and fresh from among the people, was
the first thoroughly representative body which had
convened in New Jersey under the Eevolutionary
order of things. Says Mr. Deshler, in the address be-
fore cited,
"Itspowere were peculiar and undefined: . . . there was no limita-
tion upon ita powers by any instrument then existing to which its mem-
bei-s or the people of the Province acknowledged fealty. They could
and did imprison, exile, confiscate, lay taxes, emit money, exercise power
over life and death, call out the militia, and levy war. . . . The session
was a busy, earnest, and laborious one. The minutes of the Congress
reveal the revolutionary state of the Province, the unrest and agitation
that prevailed among the people, and the indnsti-ious preparation that
the patriots were making for the war that they perceived was soon to
roll towards them. The minutes also reveal the steady growth of the
democratic principle of equality among the people, counting a man a
man whether be owned property orwhether he did not. Petitions flowed
into the Congress on a multitude of subjects from every county and
from nearly every township ; fmm committees, municipal coiijo rations,
and individuals. . . . All these petitions received respectful considera-
tion, and the action that was taken upon them was dispassiouate, wise,
independent, and dignified. Besides the consideration of these petitions,
which, as a purely popular body, deriving its power, and even its very
existence, from the will of the people, it could not, and did not, disre-
gard, the Congress was engaged in receiving and scrutinizing the reports
of the aasociations and committees that had been foi-med in the various
townships and counties; in corresponding with the Continental Con-
gress as to the raising, equipment, organization, footing, payment, and
forwarding of troops, and with the Congresses and Committees of Safety
of other colonies, and the county and township committees of the Prov-
ince, on subjects pertaining to the general welfare; in examining into
the stjite of the finances of the province and estimating the expenditures
that would be required for the arming, equipment, and maintenance of
the militia, etc., and for carrying on the governmeut ; iu preparing
ordinances for the regulation of the militia, for raising additional troops,
for enforcing the former taxes and levying new ones, for raising money
by the emission of bills of credit, and for the apprehension of deserters.
Their attention was also largely occupied in examining and deciding
upon complaints that were showered upon them denouncing loyalists
and sympathizers with Great Britain, and in considering public and
private grievances of every fonn and variety, "
Among the business transacted by this Congress
was the passage, on the 24th of October, of " An Or-
dinance for compelling the payment of the ten thou-
sand pound tax from such persons as have refused to
pay their quotas." The resolution levying this tax
had been passed at the May session, and the subject
had received further attention at the session held in
August; notwithstanding which a large amount still
remained uncollected, payment being refused, for
which reason this ordinance was passed, authorizing
more stringent measures against delinquents and di-
recting the chairman or deputy chairman of any
county committee to order the properly authorized
persons " to make distress on the goods and chattels"
of such delinquents, and to " make sale thereof at
public vendue, giving five days' notice thereof by
advertisement in such town or county."
But the most important of the measures taken at
this session were those which related to the mustering
and equipping of the military forces, and to raising
the funds necessary for that purpose. One of these
(passed October 28(,h) was " An Ordinance for regu-
lating the Militia of New Jersey," which, after re-
citing in its preamble that " Wliereas, The ordinances
of the late Provincial Congress for regulating the
Militia of this Colony have been found insufficient to
answer the good purposes intended, and it appearing
to be essentially necessary that some further regula-
tions be adopted at this time of imminent danger,"
proceeded to adopt and direct such " further regula-
tions" as were deemed necessary to accomplish the
object for which the previous ordinances had been
found insufficient, viz., the enrollment in the militia
of all able-bodied male inhabitants of the province
between the ages of sixteen and fifty years (except
those whose religious principles forbade them to bear
arms), their muster, equipment, and instruction in
military tactics under the command of proper oiEcers.
It was not materially different from the earlier ordi-
nances passed for the same purpose, except that its
requirements were more clearly defined, thorough, and
peremptory, and that evasion or non-compliance was
punished by severer penalties and forfeitures, and
these to be rigidly and relentlessly enforced. One of
the provisions of the ordinance was to the efiect
that every man enrolled in the militia " shall with all '
convenient speed furnish himself with a good musket
or firelock and bayonet, sword or tomahawk, a steel
ramrod, priming-wire and brush fitted thereto, a car-
touch-box to contain twenty-three rounds of car-
tridges, twelve fiiuts, and a knapsack, agreeable to
the direction of the Continental Congress, under the
forfeiture of two shillings for the want of a musket or
firelock, and of one shilling for the want of the other
above-enumerated articles" ; also " that every person
directed to be enrolled as above shall, at his place of
abode, be provided with one pound of powder and
three pounds of bullets of proper size to his musket or
firelock."
The following extracts from the minutes of the
Congress are given here as having reference to mili-
tary matters at that time in Hunterdon and Somerset
Counties :
36
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Octolier4th. "Mr. President laid liefore the CongreBS alerter from the
Earl of Stirling, inclosing copies of some letters lately written by His
Lordship on the subject of his liaving received a commission of Colonel
of a Regiment of Militia [of Somerset County], together with the return
of his Regiment."
October 11th. " A petition from the Committee of Amwell, praying
that the Third Regiment of the Militia of Hunterdon County may con-
tinue, but that the commissions of the iield-ofiicers be vacated, and that
the Captains and subaltprna may be allowed to choose tield-officera, was
read and ordered a second reading.
"A petition from a number of inhabitants of the lower part of Am-
well, praying that the Third Regiment in the county of Hunterdon may
be united to the First Regiment, commanded by Colonel Smith, was
read and ordered a second reading.
A petition from the inhabitants of the upper part of Amwell, pray- "
ing that if any alteration be made in the Third Regiment of the Militia
of Hunterdon, the petitioners may be united to the Fourth Regiment
and not to the First Regiment, was read and ordered a second reading.
" A petition from Captain Imlay and Captain Gray, praying that the
field-officers of the Third Regiment of Militia of Hunterdon may be con-
tinued, was read and ordered a second reading. "
Octoher lath. " Resohed muinimottehi,'tha,t the appointment of field-
officers for the Third Regiment of Militia for the county of Hunterdon
be confirmed and that the several regiments continue as directed by
the late Congress."
October 23d. "Mr. Fisher, from the committee appointed to examine
what matters were referred over to this Congress by the late Provincial
Congress or Committee of Safety, reported ; ... and some petitiims from
the county of Somerset respecting Colonel McDonald's appointment to
the command of the Battalion of minute-men in that county. . . ."
October 28th. "Oi-rfej-ed, That a commission do issue to John Taylor,
Esq., as Second Major of the Fourth Regiment of Militia in Hunterdon
County."
The purchase, for the province, of arms, ammuni-
tion, camp-equipage, artillery, and other military
necessities, and the furnishing of funds for such
purchase by the issuance of bills of credit, were
provided for by an ordinance passed October 28th,*
of which the preamble and most important sections
were as follows :
" TITieretK, It appears oSBentially necessary at this time of increasing
danger that the inhabitants of this Colony should be furnished with
ammunition and other military stores, and that this Colony should be
put into some proper posture of defense :
It is therefore Eesolved and Directed, That Messrs. Samuel Tucker, "
Abraham Hunt, Joseph Ellis, and Alexander Chambers be, and they are
hereby, appointed Commissioners for the Western Division; and "that
Hendrick Fisher, Azariah Dunham, Abraham Clark, and Samuel Potter
be, and they are hereby, appointed Commissioners for tlie Eastern Di-
vision of this Colony ; which said Commissioners, or the major part of
them, are hereby authorized and directed to receive of the Treasurers of
this Colony, for the time being, appointed by this Congress, or either of
them, all such sum or sums of money as they shall from time to time
find necessary to expend for the use of this Colony, pursuant to the res-
olutions hereinafter mentioned.
" And U isfwlher Resohed and Directed, That the said commissioners be,
and they are hereby, authorized and directed to contract with artificers
for, or otherwise purchase, three thousand stand of arms at any price
not exceeding Three Pounds Seven Shillings each stand ; and also to
purchase ten tons of gunpowder, twenty tons of lead, one thousand car-
touch-boxes, at any price not exceeding nine shillings each; a quantity
of flints, brushes, priming-wire, and cartridge paper, not exceeding one
hundred Pounds in value ; two chests of medicine, not exceeding three
hundred Pounds in value ; four hundred tents, with camp-equipage, etc.,
not exceeding one thousand eight hundred and seventy Pounds in value ;'
two thousand blankets, not exceeding fifteen hundred Pounds in value |
a number of axes, spades, and other intrenching tools, not exceeding
three hundred Pounds in value; and a train of artillery, not exceeding
five hundred Pounds in value.f
* Minutes of the Provincial Congress and Council of Safety 17VS-76
p. 246.
t It was found that the articles named could not be purchased for the
And it is further Resolved and Directed, That the said Commissioners do "
supply the troops of this Colony, when called into action in this or any
of the neighbouring Colonies, with one month's subsistence, at one shil-
ling per day per man, or provisions to that amount if necessary; Pro-
vided, That the expense of such subsistence doth not exceed the sum of
one thousand four hundred Pounds in value ; and one month's pay for
the troops of this Colony, when called into actual service ; Provided,
That the Continental Congress do not malce provision for the same ; and
provided also that the pay of such troops doth not exceed the sum of
four thousand Pounds in value.
^' And it is further Resohed and Directed, That the Treasurers of this
Colony be, and they are hereby, required and enjoined to pay to the said
Commissioners, or to the major part of them, or to their order, all such
sum or sums of money astfhey may find necessary to expend for the pur-
poses aforesaid ; and the receipt or receipts from the said Commissioners,
or a major part of them, shall be sufficient vouchers and discharges to
the said Treasurei-s, or either of them, their executors and administra-
tors, for all moneys by them paid pursuant to this ordinance.
" And wherecu. It is absolutely necessary to provide a fund for defray-
ing the above expense, it is therefore Resolited and Directed, That bills of
credit to the amount of thirty thousandl Pounds, Proclamation money ,g
be immediately prep.ared, printed, .and made as follows, to wit: Five
thousand seven hundred bills, each of the value of three Pounds; six
thousand bills, each of the value of ou6 Pound ten Shillings; four thou-
and bills, each of the value of fifteen Shillings; and three thousand
bills, each of the value of si-x shillings ; which bills shall be in the form
following, to wit;
' This bill, by an Ordinance of the Provincial Congress, shall pass cur- "
rent in all payments within the Colony of New Jersey for Proclamation
Money; Dated the diiy of 1775,' and shall be impressed with
sxrch devices as the inspectors of the press hereinafter appointed shall
direct ; and when printed shall be delivered to Hendrick Fisher and
Azariah Dunham, Esquires, of the Eastern Division, and to John Hart
and John Carey, Esquires, of the Western Divi.sion, four of the signers
thereof, in equal moieties ; one moiety to be signed by the Treasurer and
signei-s of the Eastern Division, and the other moiety by the Treasurer
and signers of the Western Division. . . ,"
The succeeding parts of the ordinance provided for
the numbering, signing, countersigning, counting, and
inspection of the bills, with various other details, all
which were laid out and directed with great minute-
ness as a safeguard against the possibility of irregu-
larity or fraud. And it was further provided by the
ordinance that "for the better credit and etfectual
sinking of the said bills of credit there shall be as-
sessed, levied, and raised on the several inhabitants
of this colony, their goods and chattels, lands and
tenements, the sum of ten thousand pounds annually
in every of the years one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-four, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-
five, and one thousand seven hundred and eighty-
six" ; . . . and the apportionment of this annual tax
was made identical in the amounts assigned to each
sums to which the Commissioners were limited; and thereupon, on the
10th of February, 1776, the Congress gave them unlimited authority to
purchase, by the following action : " Wliereas, By an ordinance of this
Congress, passed at Trenton the 28th day of October last, the Commis-
sioners therein named and appointed to purchase firearms and military
stores were particularly restricted in the price to be paid for said fire-
arms, whereby, the manufactory thereof hath been greatly impeded ; for
the remedy whereof it is resolved unanimously that the said Commis-
sioners have full power immediately to proceed in contracting for fire-
arms upon the best terms in their power, without any limitation or re-
striction ; and that this Congress will in convenient time pass an ordi-
nance for that purpose." Jlfiarito Provincial Congress and Ooimcil of Safetu
1776-76, pp. 358, 359. '
X Tlio amount was raised to fifty thousand pounds by an ordinance
passed Feb. 28, 1776.
g Proclamation money was reckoned at seven shillings six pence to
the dollar.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
37
of the counties with that of the ten thousand pound
tax, before mentioned, levied at the session of the
preceding May.
The sum of one thousand pounds was voted "to
encourage the erection of saltpetre- works in this
colony'' ; and it was directed that this sum " be ap-
propriated to the payment of a bounty of one shilling
per pound over and above the market price for any
quantity not exceeding twenty thousand weight of
good merchantable saltpetre which shall be made
and manufactured in this colony on or before the first
day of January, 1777; Provided, That the Continental
Congress shall not offer the like premium for saltpetre
manufactured in any of the United Colonies."
The question of the enlistment and organization of
two battalions of soldiers in New Jersey for the Con-
tinental service was among the business brought be-
fore the Congress at this session. It originated in the
receipt, on the 13th of October, of a letter from the
president of the Continental Congress to the Provin-
cial Congress of New Jersey, being as follows :
"Philadelphlj, Oct. 12, 1776.
GESTLEMEif, Some late intcIUgence,* laid before CoDgres, seems "
to render it absolutely necessary, for the protection of our Uberties and
the safety of our lives, to raise several new battalions, and therefore the
Congress have come into the inclosed resolutions, which I am ordered to
transmit to yon. The Congress have the firmest confidence that from
your experienced zeal in this great cause, you will exert your utmost
endeavors to carry the said resolutions into execntion with all possible
expeditioiu
" Thetlongress have agreed to furnish the men with a hunting-shirt,
not exceeding the value of one dollar and one-third of a dollar, and a
blanket, provided these can be procured, but these are not to be made
part of the terms of enJistment.
I am, gentlemen, "
" Tour most obedient humble servant,
John Hakcock, "
" President.^
By order of Congress, I forward you forty-eight commissions for the "
captains and subaltern officers in the New Jersey Battalions.
To THE MemBEBS or THE COXVESTION OF NEW JERSEY.
The resolutions of the Continental Congress referred
to in llr. Hancock's letter were passed by that body on
the 9th and 12th of October, recommending to the Con-
gress of New Jersey that it should " immediately raise,
at the expense of the continent, two battalions, con-
sisting of eight companies," of men for the service, and
specifying the manner in which they were to be en-
listed and officered and the pay and allowances they
would receive.
A reply was at once sent (October 13th) to the Con-
tinental Congress, expressing the desire of the Con-
gress of New Jersey to promote the common interests
of the colonies as far as lay in their power, and to
raise the troops as desired, but objecting to the man-
ner in which the field-officers for the proposed bat-
talions were to be appointed. This disagreement
resulted in some further correspondence, and the
matter was afterwards satisfactorily arranged ; but in
the mean time the Congress of New Jersey passed the
* Unfavorable intelligence from the Canadian expedition under Gens.
Schuyler and Montgomery.
following resolution,! which was ordered to be imme-
diately published in the form of an advertisement,
viz. :
"In Provincial Congress held at Trenton
The 26th Day or Octobee, 1775. "
" Whereas, The Honorable Continental Congress have recommended to
this Congress that there be immediately raised in this Colony at the ex-
pence of the Continent, two Battalions, consisting of eight companies
each, and each company to con-ist of sixty-eight privates, and officered
with one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Sergeants, and four
Corporals, on the following conditions: That the privates be enlisted for
a year, at the rate of five dollars per calendar month, liable to be dis-
charged at any time on aUowing one month's pay extraordinary • that
each of the privates be allowed, instead of a bounty, a felt hat, a pair of
yam stockings, and a pair of shoes,-the men to find their own arms ;
that each capUiu and other commissioned officer while in the recruiting
service of this Continent, or on their march to join the army, shall be
aUowed two dollars and two-thirds of a dollar per week for their subsists
euce ; and that the men who enlist shall, each of them, whilst in quarters,
be allowed one dollar per week, and one dollar and one-third of a dollar
when on their march to join the army, for the same purpose [here fol-
lows the prescribed form of enhstment].
This Congress, desirous to carry into execution the above resolution "
of the Continental Congress, do resolve that warrants be issued to proper
pcrs<,n8 for immediately raising the said two Battalions, consisting of
eight companies each, and each company of sixty-eight privates, and
officered with one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Sergeants,
and four Corporals, on the terms aforesaid ; which sergeants, corporals!
and privates to be enlisted shall be able-bodied freemen. And it is further
directed that, when any company shall be enlisted, the persons having
warrants for raising the same shall cause a muster to be had thereof, in
the presence of either Elias Dayton, Azariah Dunham, Joseph Ellis! or
John Jlehelm, Esquires, who are hereby appointed muster masters' to
review the said companies. . . And it is hereby recommended to
the inhabitants of this Colony to be aiding and assisting, as far as their
influence extends, in raising the aforesaid levies. . . ."
On the 28th of October the Provincial Congress
passed a resolution recommending to the Continental
Congress the appointment and commissioning of the
following-named field-officers for the two battalions to
be raised in New Jersey, viz. : For the Eastern Bat-
talion, the Earl of Stirling colonel, William Winds
lieutenant-colonel, and William De Hart major ; for
the Western Battalion, William Maxwell colonel,
Israel Shrieve lieutenant-colonel, and David Eay
major. These appointments were soon after made,
and commissions issued by direction of the Conti-
nental Congress.
The Provincial Congress adjourned on the 28th ol
October, "to meet at New Brunswick on the first
Tuesday in April next, unless sooner convened by
the President, Vice-President, or the Committee of
Safety." The gentlemen appointed to form this com-
mittee, to act for the public welfare in the recess of
this Congress, were Samuel Tucker, Hendrick Fisher,
John Hart, Abraham Clark, Lewis Ogden, Joseph
Holmes, John Mehelm, Isaac Pearson, John Pope,
Azariah Dunham, John Dennis, Augustine Stevenson,
Ruloff Van Dyke. Six of these thirteen members
were from Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.
The Committee held a five days' session at Prince-
ton, from the 9th to the 13th of January, 1776, at
which a number of Tories and disaflfected persons
t Minutes of the Provincial Congress and Council of Safety, 1775-76
p. 233.
38
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
were severely dealt with, and provision was made for
the erection of beacons and the keeping of express-
riders in constant readiness to convey intelligence in
case of alarm from invasion or other causes, but no
important action is found having special reference to
Hunterdon or Somerset Counties. They saw fit, how-
ever, to call an extra session of the Provincial Con-
gress, as appears by the following extract from their
minutes, dated January 12th, viz. :
" This Committee received several resolutions and determinations of
the Continental Congress respecting raising one new battalion in this
Province, erecting and establishing a Court of Admiralty, advising the
forming some useful regulations respecting the Continental forces raised
in this Colony ; which requisitions, together with many other important
concerns, render the speedy meeting of the Congress of this province
absolutely necessary. This Committee have therefore appointed the
meeting of said Congress to be at New Brunswick on Wednesday, the
thirty-firBt day of this instant, January. "
The Congress accordingly met at the time and place
designated, and commenced business on the 1st of
February.
The recruitment of the two battalions which Con-
gress at its previous session had ordered to be raised
had proceeded successfully and with rapidity. Lord
Stirling, having been commissioned colonel of the
First or Eastern battalion, had taken with him to it
several of the officers and a considerable number of
the men of the Somerset County regiment of militia,
which he had previously commanded, and he found
very little difficulty in filling the ranks of his new
command. Col. Maxwell's (Western) battalion was
recruited with nearly equal facility. In the last week
of November (1775) Stirling established his head-
quarters at Elizabethtown to fill his battalion to the
maximum, six companies of it having previously
been ordered to garrison the fort in the Highlands on
the Hudson River. Lieut.-Col. Winds was soon after
stationed, with a part of the battalion, at Perth Am-
boy. Col. Maxwell's battalion was ordered to the
vicinity of the Hudson River, and both the Eastern
and Western battalions having been filled, or nearly
so, were mustered into the Continental service in De-
cember.* It does not appear, however, that they
were fully armed and equipped when so mustered, as
is shown (at least in regard to the Western battalion)
by the following action taken by the Provincial Con-
gress! at New Brunswick, on the third day of its ses-
sion, Feb. 2, 1776, viz. :
"Wliereas, The Continental Congress have ordered Colonel Maxwell's
battalion to march to Canada as soon as the men can be furnished with
arms and other articles absolutely essential ; and whereas, arms are ex-
tremely scarce, and indeed impossible to be procured in time for the
equipment of said battalion without making application to the several
Counties in this Province: Resolved, That the Committees, or other public
bodies, in whose hands any of the Kew Jersey Provincial arms and
* These two battalions were the first troops of New Jersey which actu-
ally took the field. Lord StirUng was of Somerset County, and one of
its leading citizens, while Gen. Maxwell bore nearly the same relation
to Hunterdon County, although he resided a short distance outside her
boundaries.
t Minutes of the Provincial Congi-ess and Council of Safety 1775-76
pp. 341, 342.
accoutrements are deposited [are requested ?] to deliver the same to the
commanding oiHcer of said battalion, or his order ; of whom they are
required to tiike vouchers, with the valuation of said arms, etc., there
under written; and that this Congress will either immediately pay for
said arms, agreeable to appointment, or replace them as soon as possible,
whichever the said Committees or public bodies shall think most proper.
This Congress do, in the most strong and explicit manner, recom- "
mend to every private person who has anns fit for immediate use to dis-
pose of the same for the purpose above mentioned."
And the Congress, on the same day, ordered to be
sent " to the commanding officers and chairmen of
the several county committees in the province" a cir-
cular-letter in these words :
" Gentlemen, The late repulse at QuebecJ requires every exertion of
tlie friends of American freedom, in consequence whereof Colonel Max-
well's battalion is ordered to march forthwith, and the Continental Con-
gress have applied to our body urging the greatest dispatch in procuring
arms and necessaries for this expedition. Therefore, in pursuance of the
aforesaid application, we request you, gentlemen, to use the utmost dili-
gence and activity in collecting all the public arms belonging to your
county, being your proportion of the Provincial arms unsold. Dispatch
in this case is quite necessary, as, no doubt, the arms are distributed in
the hands of the associators, it will be necessary that every officer do his
part. The value of the arms will be paid in money, or the number be
replaced, and the expenses of collecting and forwarding them punc-
tually discharged. We put you to this trouble with regret ; but the ne-
cessity of the measure must apologise. You will have the arms collected
in your county valued by good men and sent to Burlington or Trenton,
under the care of such officer of Colonel Maxwell's battalion as may be
the bearer hereof. "
That some of the arms for the New Jersey battalions
were supplied by New York appears from the record
of the proceedings of the Continental Congress, which
body on the 2d of January, 1776,
" Resolijed, . . . That the hundred stand of arms supplied by the
Colony of New York for the New Jersey Battalion be paid for by the
Convention of New Jersey ; and that, in order to enable the said Conven-
tion to make such payment, as well as to furnish such of the men belong-
ing to the said Battalions as are yet unprovided with arms, the further
sum of one thousand dollars be advanced to the said Convention, and
that the price of the arms be deducted out of the wages of the privates
belonging to said Battalions. "
That a great scarcity of ammunition as well as of
arms existed among the men of the two battalions
appears by the following extract from the minutes of
the Congress, dated February 1st, viz. .
" Lieut.-Col. Winds infoi-med this Congress that he was stationed at
Perth Amboy with a part of the Eastern battalion of the Continental
forces raised in this Colony, and that he waa destitute of ammunition,
and thought it not improbable he miglit soon have occasion for a supply.
And this Congress being informed that the County of Somerset had a
quantity of powder in store, and the County of Middlesex a quantity of
lead, in consideration whereof: Ordered, That Mr. President request
the Chairman of the Committee of Somerset to furnish Colonel Winds
with four quarter casks of powder ; and that he also request the Chair-
man of the Committee of the County of Middlesex to furnish Colonel
Winds with 150 pounds of lead ; and that the said powder and lead shall
be replaced in some convenient time. "
The Committees promptly acceded to this request,
as appears from the minutes, dated February 10th,
â– viz. :
" On a requisition from Lord Stirling, the Committee of Elizabethtown
have furnished him with six thousand cartridges, Somerset county four
X The unsuccessful assault on the defenses of that town, in the morn-
ing of Dec. 31, 1775, by the American forces under Blontgomery and Ar-
nold, in whicli the first-named gallant officer lost his life and the latter
was severely wounded.
HUNTERDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
39
quarter casks of powder, Woodbridge a considerable quautity, and
Brunswick one liundred and lifty weight' of lead. Our militia are very
illy supplied with ammunition ; those who have granted the above sup-
plies are therefore very desirous that they be immediately replaced. "
This extract is from a communication sent by the
Provincial Congress on the date named to the Conti-
nental Congress asking for " ten tons of gunpowder
and twenty tons of lead, or as much as may be spared,"
out of a large quantity reported to have then re-
cently arrived at Philadelphia. The request was
granted to the extent of half a ton of powder, and
out of this the quantity borrowed of Somerset County,
Brunswick, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth was replaced.
In consequence of the unfavorable result of the
military operations in Canada, and the strong proba-
bility (indicated in letters from Gen. Washington to
Congress) that Gen. Howe intended to evacuate his
uncomfortable position at Boston and move his forces
thence by sea to New York, as also the knowledge
that Sir Henry Clinton had embarked from England
on a secret expedition, whose probable destination
was New York, a greater degree of activity was in-
fused into military measures in general, and especially
to those having reference to the defense of the middle
colonies. The Continental Congress having resolved
in January, 1776, that it was necessary to raise a num-
ber of additional battalions, assigned the raising of
one of these to the province of New Jersey, and
recommended to the Provincial Congress that it should
take immediate steps to that end. Accordingly, on
the 5th pf February, the last-named Congress passed
a resolution to raise a battalion, in addition to the two
previously raised, to be enlisted, organized, and oflB.-
cered in the same manner (except that each of its
eight companies should be composed of seventy-eight
instead of sixty-eight privates), and, like the others,
to be employed in the Continental service. Company
officers for the battalion were appointed by the Con-
gress of New Jersey, but the field-officers were to be
appointed and commissioned by the Continental Con-
gress. The Provincial Congress also resolved, Feb-
ruary 13th,
" That Col. Dunbar, who lives in the Eastern Division of New Jersey,
be recommended to the Honorable Continental Congress as a person
well qualified to be appointed joint commissary with Col. Lowrey, who
lives in West Jersey, for the Third Battalion, now raising, and such as
shall be raised in this Colony in the future. "
Col. Lowrey was a resident of Flemington, Hun-
terdon Co., and, receiving the appointment of com-
missary, performed most valuable services to the
American cause during the war.
The rapid progress made in raising the Third Bat-
talion is indicated by the following extract from a let-
ter written by President Tucker to the Continental
Congress on the 24th of February, only nineteen days
after the passage of the resolution ordering the bat-
talion to be raised, viz. : " I am likewise to request
that commissions may be sent for the officers of the
Third Battalion, as some of the companies are already
full and others in a fair way."
The ever-present difficulty scarcity of arms was
an obstacle to the new battalion, as it had been in the
cases of the others, and of all troops being raised at
that time. This is made apparent by the tenor of a
letter sent by the New Jersey Congress to the Conti-
nental Congress, dated February 10th, from which is
quoted the following :
" Gentlemen, Sensible of the importance that the battalions raised in
this Province should be as speedily as possible furnished with arms, we
collected for the supply of the First and Second Battalions all the arma
fit for service that could be obtained in this Province. We have therefore
no resource of providing arms for the Third Battalion hut from our own
manufactories, or importation. How soon they can be manufactured is
uncertain ; and we have no present prospect of receiving them from
abroad. But, being informed that two thousand stand have lately been
imported, and that they are within your disposal, we should be glad that
part of them may be ordered for the use of the Third Battalion, unless
some more immediate public service calls for them. We beg leave to
propose whether it would not be advisable to clothe the battalions now
raising in uniform, deducting the expence attending it out of the men^s
wages. . . . "
The pressing need of blankets for the troops is also
shown by this entry on the congressional minutes
dated March 1st :
" This Congress, sensible of the extreme scarcity of blankets now
wanted for Continental forces, do recommend it to all the inhabitants of
this colony who may have any good blankets that they can possibly spare
to dispose of the same to the commissary on reasonable terms for the use
of said forces. "
On the 13th of February, Congress resolved " that
a train of artillery, consisting of twelve ;f>ieces, be
immediately purchased for the use of this Colony'' ;
and on the 2d of March an ordinance was passed di-
recting that two complete artillery companies be im-
mediately raised for the defense of the colony, ''one
to be stationed in the Eastern and one in the Western
Division thereof, . . . to be disposed of in this Colony
as the Congress, Committee of Safety, Brigadier-Gen-
eral of the Division to which they respectively belong
shall direct ; each company to be commanded by a
Captain, Captain-Lieutenant, First and Second Lieu-
tenants; and to consist of a Fire-worker, four Ser-
geants, four Corporals, one Bombardier, and fifty
matrosses, all of whom are to be able-bodied free-
men, and to be enlisted for one year, unless sooner
discharged." The commissioned officers appointed
for these companies were Frederick Frelinghuysen
captain,* Daniel Neil captain-lieutenant, Thomas
Clark first lieutenant, and John Heard second lieu-
tenant of the Eastern Company, and Samuel Hugg
captain, Thomas Newark captain-lieutenant, John
Westcott first lieutenant, and Joseph Dayton second
lieutenant of the Western Company. A company of
riflemen was also ordered to be raised, to be joined to
Col. Maxwell's (Second Continental) battalion. And
* Capt. Frelinghuysen soon after resigned his commifision, and there-
upon his artillery company was disbanded, as is shown by an ordinance
passed Aug. 21, 1776, ordering the payment of certain demands, among
them being: "To Frederick Frelinghuysen £61 13s. 2d., being the bal-
ance due to him and men by him enlisted for the eastern company of ar-
tillery, who were discharged upon his resignation." Mm. Prov. Cong.,
1776, p. 675.
40
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
it was ordered (February 3d) that, as Lord Stirling,
previously colonel of the First Regiment of militia in
the county of Somerset, had been appointed to a com-
mand in the Continental army, "Stephen Hunt, Esq.,
be colonel, Abraham Ten Eyck, Esq., lieutenant-colo-
nel, James Linn, Esq., first major, and Derrick Med-
dagh, Esq., second major of the said regiment, and
that their commissions be made out accordingly."
In view of the probability, as before mentioned,
that Gen. Howe was about to move his army to oc-
cupy New York, and the expected arrival, by sea, of
a force under Sir Henry Clinton, a considerable num-
ber of Continental and provincial troops had been
ordered to that city, and among these the battalion
of Lord Stirling, who received orders to that effect
about the 1st of February, and moved his command
from Elizabethtown to New York on the 5th and 6th
of that month.* On the 15th of February the Con-
gress of New Jersey received a communication from
the president of the Continental Congress, dated Feb-
ruary 12th, asking this province to send a force of
minute-men to New York. Its tenor was as follows :
" Gentlemen, The arrival of troope at New York, the importance of
that place to the welfare of America, and the neceBsity of throwing up
a number of works to prevent our enemies from landing and taking post
there, render it necessary that a number of troops should immediately
join Maj.-Gen. Lee; I am therefore desired to apply to you, and request
you would, with all possible expedition, send detachments of your
minute-men equal to a battalion, under proper officers, and well armed
and accoutred, to New York, there to be under command of Gen. Lee.
Your approved zeal in the cause of your country gives me the strongest
assurance that you will with alacrity embrace this opportunity of giving
aid to your neighbors, and that your people will cheerfully engage in a
service by which they will not only render a very essential service to
their country, but £^1bo have an opportunity of acquiring military skill
and knowledge in the construction of field-works and the method of
fortifying and entrenching camps, by which they will be the better able,
when occasion calls, to defend their rights and liberties. "
Upon the receipt of which the Provincial Congress
resolved unanimously,
" That the above requisition be complied with, and that detachments
of minute-men, properly accoutred, equal to a battalion in the Continen-
tal sei-vice, be immediately made, and marched to New York, under the
command of Charles Stewart, Esq., colonel, Mark Thompson, Esq., lieu-
tenant-colonel, Frederick Frelinghuysen and Thomas Henderson, Esqrs.,
majors. "
But again the scarcity of arms presented a serious
difficulty, and this time it proved an insuperable ob-
stacle to the desired movement of the troops, as is ex-
plained by the following extract from the minutes of
the Continental Congress, dated February 22d, viz. :
"A delegate from New Jersey having informed Congress that the regi-
ment of militia ordered by the Convention of that Colony to march to
the defense of New York, in consequence of the resolve of Congress of
the l'2th of this mouth, were not sufficiently ai-med, and that they could
not he furnished with arms unless the Congress supplied them, and as
* In a letter addressed by Lord Stirling to the president of Congress,
dated New York, Feb. 19, 1776, he says,
SiK, On the 14th instant I informed you of having received Gen. "
Lee's orders to march with my regiment to this place. I accordingly
marched the next morning with four companies from Elizabethtown,
and arrived here the next day, as soon as the ice permitted us to cross
Hudson's River. The other four companies lolloAved the next day."
CoUectUmB of the New Jersey Hutorical Socidij, vol. ii. p. 129.
this Congress have not arms to spare, those they have being necessary
for arming the battalions in the'Continental sei-vice : Therefore, Betolved,
that the march of said battalion of militia be countermanded."
One week after the marching orders to the New
Jersey minute-men were thus countermanded, the
several organizations of minute-men in the colony
were disbanded by action of the Provincial Congress,
which on the 29th of February passed an ordinance
in which it was directed
"That all the minute-men heretofore embodied in the several parts of
this Colony be immediately dissolved, and incorporated with the militia,
in the several companies in the district in which they respectively reside,
as though such minute-men had never been raised. , . . "
The principal reasons for this action, as enumerated
in the preamble to the ordinance, were that large
numbers of the members of minute-men organiza-
tions had enlisted in the Continental service, thereby
greatly reducing the companies and battalions, and
so placing them in a condition in which they could
not " answer the design of their institution," and that
" our defense, under God, chiefly depends upon a
well-regulated militia. Thus the ""minute-men',' "
organizations of New Jersey ceased to exist, never
having had an opportunity to perform any of the
peculiar services for which they were formed.
The Congress of New Jersey adjourned on the 2d
of March, 1776, having previouslyf passed an ordi-
nance, in which it was " Resolved and directed, That
there be a new choice of Deputies to serve in Provin-
cial Congress, for every County of this Colony, on the
fourth Monday in May yearly, and every year," thus
establishing regular annual elections of deputies in-
stead of the special elections called, as they had pre-
viously been, at the pleasure of Congress.
The elections were held at the time specified, and
resulted in the choice of Philemon Dickinson, John
Allen, Samuel Tucker, John Hart, and John Mehelm
for Hunterdon, and Frederick Frelinghuysen, WU-
liam Paterson, John Witherspoon, Jacob E. Harden-
bergh, and James Linn for Somerset County. These,
with fifty-five deputies from the other counties, assem-
bled in Provincial Congress at Burlington, and organ-
ized on the nth of that month by electing Samuel
Tucker, of Hunterdon, president, and William Pater-
son, of Somerset County, secretary.
At this session a great amount of business was
transacted, a large proportion of which was included
in the measures taken for raising, organizing, and
forwarding troops. These measures will not be
noticed in detail here, but the most important of them
will be mentioned incidentally in succeeding pages,
in connection with the military events of which the
year 1776 was so fruitful. But the most notable
action taken at this session was that which transformed
New Jersey from a colony into an independent State
by the adoption of a State constitution on the 2d of
July. And it is worthy of note that when the vote
was taken upon the immediate adoption and confirma-
t February 28th.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
41
tion of this constitution, John Mehelm, who voted for,
and William Paterson, who voted against, that prop-
osition, were the only members of the Hunterdon and
Somerset delegations who answered the roll-call of
deputies.
On the 17th of July the Congress ratified the Dec-
laration of Independence by the adoption of this
resolution, viz. :
"Wha-eas, The Honorable Continental Congress have declared the
TJnited Colonies Free and Independent States : We, the Deputies of New
Jersey in Provincial Congress assembled, do resolve and declare that we
â– will support the freedom and independence of the said States with our
lives and fortunes, and with the whole force of New Jersey. "
And on the following day it was by the same body
" Beaolved, That thisHouse from henceforth, instead of the style and
title of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey, do adopt and assume the
style and title of the Convention of the State of New .Jersey. "
On the same day (July 18th) an ordinance was
passed defining the crime of treason against the State
of New Jersey, and making it punishable " in like
manner as by the ancient laws of this State," ^that
is, by the infliction of the penalty of death.
The old colonial Legislature of New Jersey had held
its sessions and (nominally) exercised its functions in
1775 until the 6th of December in that year, when
Governor Franklin prorogued the House, and this
proved to be its dissolution. The Governor, who was
notoriously inimical to the American cause, issued
his proclamation in the following May, calling a ses-
sion on June 20th, but this was met by prompt action
on the part of the Provincial Congress, which, on the
14th of June,
" Eesolved, That in the opinion of this Congress the Proclamation of
William Franklin, late Governor of New Jersey, bearing date on the
thirtieth day of May last, in the name of the King of Great Britain,
appointing a meeting of the General Assembly to be held on the twen-
tieth day of this instant June, ought not to be obeyed. "
This action had the desired effect; the colonial
Legislature never reassembled. On the 16th of June
the Congress
"Bawtoed, That in the opinion of this Congress the said William
Franklin, Esquire, by such proclamation, has acted in direct contempt
and violation of the resolve of the Continental Congress of the fifteenth
of May last That in the opinion of this Congress the said William
Franklin, Esquire, has discovered himself to be an enemy to the liberties
of this country ; and that measures ought to be immediately taken for
securing the person of the said William Franklin, Esquire. "
On the same day orders were issued to Col. Na-
thaniel Heard, of the First Battalion of Middlesex
militia, to wait on the Governor, to offer him a parole,
by which he was to agree to remain quietly at Prince-
ton, Bordentown, or on his farm at Eancocus (which-
ever he might elect), and, in case of his refusal to
sign this parole, to arrest him. On the 17th, Col.
Heard and Maj. Dears proceeded to Amboy, waited
on the Governor, offered him the parole, and, upon
his refusal to sign it, surrounded his house with a
guard of sixty men to hold him prisoner until further
orders were received from Congress. The orders
came to remove the Governor to Burlington, and he
was accordingly taken there. Upon examination he
was adjudged a violent enemy to his country and a
dangerous person, and he was then placed in custody
of Lieut.-Col. Bowes Read to await orders from the
Continental Congress. On the 25th of June orders
were received to send him, under guard, to Governor
Trumbull, of Connecticut, who was requested, in case
of Franklin's refusal to sign a parole, to treat him as
a prisoner, agreeably to the resolutions of Congress
applying to such cases. He was accordingly sent to
Connecticut, jjlaced in custody of Governor Trum-
bull, and never returned to this State. This was the-
end of the civil authority of King George in New
Jersey.
The constitution adopted on the 2d of July, 1776,
vested the government of the State in a Governor,*
Legislative Council, and General Assembly, the mem-
bers of the Council and Assembly to be chosen for
the first time on the second Tuesday in the following
August, and afterwards, annually, on the- second
Tuesday in October. The members elected in 1776,
in conformity to these provisions, met in October of
that year, and organized as the first Legislature of
New Jersey under the State constitution, succeeding
to the powers and functions of the Provincial Con-
gress and the Convention of the State of New Jersey,
and continuing to exercise those powers as a perma-
nent body.
Although New Jersey had been actively engaged
in military preparations from the time when the war-
like news from Lexington sped across her hills and
streams, it was not until the winter and spring of
1776 the time when Washington sent his warning
that the British commander in Boston was probably
contemplating the movement of his forces to New
York that the people of this province began to
realize the immediate danger of actual invasion, and
that the lapse of a few weeks might whiten their
valleys and highlands with the tents of a hostile
army.
It has already been mentioned that when the de-
signs of Gen. Howe became apparent the battalion of
New Jersey Continental troops under Lord Stirling
was moved from Elizabethtown to New York, and
that a regiment of minute-men under Col. Charles
Stewart was ordered to march "with all possible
expedition" to the same place, but was prevented
from doing so by lack of the necessary arms. On the
1st of March, 1776, the Continental Congress com-
missioned Lord Stirling a brigadier-general, and im-
mediately afterwards he assumed command of all
the troops at New York, Gen. Lee having been or-
dered to other duty. On the 20th of March the force
under Stirling's command! comprised his own New
* The constitution provided that the Governor should be elected annu-
ally by the Council and Assembly in joint ballot.^
+ In the evening of the 20th the command was assumed by Lord Stir-
ling's senior, Brig.-Gen. ITiompson, who had then just arrived from
Philadelphia. A few days later, however, he was ordered to Canada, and
the command again devolved on Lord Stirling.
42
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET . COUNTIES, NEW JEESEY.
Jersey battalion (about five hundred men, sick and
well), five hundred minute-men from Dutchess and
Westchester Cos., N. Y., about two hundred New
Jersey militia,* and two Connecticut regiments, under
Cols. Ward and Waterbury, numbering in the aggre-
gate about one thousand men, whose term of service
was then within a few days of its expiration. All
of this force, except the necessary guards, was at that
time employed in the erection of defensive works in
and around New York and on Long Island, " assisted
by about one thousand of the inhabitants of the city,
who turned out on this occasion with great alacrity,
the inhabitants and negroes taking their tour of duty
regularly." The force was immediately afterwards
augmented by two other regiments from Connecticut,
under Cols. Dyar and Williams.
For eight months following the time when Gen.
Washington assumed commandf of the American
forces his army lay in fortified camps encircling the
British post in Boston, which place he was fully de-
termined to occupy, though he preferred to do so by
forcing the enemy to evacuate rather than to risk the
chances of battle. At first the British commander
felt secure and confident of his ability to continue
his occupation of the city, but, in the winter of 1775-
76, Washington discovered strong indications of an
intention on the part of the enemy to withdraw, and
he so notified the Continental Congress. He relaxed
none of his vigilance, however, but pushed his military
preparations with energy. The final movement which
compelled the evacuation was the occupation and for-
tifying of Dorchester Heights during the night of the
4th and 5th of March. The morning of the 5th re-
vealed to the astonished eyes of Gen. Howe a formida-
ble line of earthworks upon the crest, with cannon
mounted on the ramparts commanding his position ;
and from that moment he resolved on an immediate
evacuation of the city. He prepared for a real or
feigned attack, however, by ordering Earl Percy with
a corps of two thousand four hundred men to cross in
transports to Dorchester Point and make a night as-
sault on the rebel works. Washington was fully pre-
pared to receive him, but there arose a furious gale of
wind, which rendered it impracticable for the British
troops to cross. The storm continued with unabated
violence through all the next day, and the attack was
finally abandoned.
On the 7th, Howe called a council of war, at which
it was decided to evacuate the place without delay.
He had threatened to burn the town if his army was
molested in its departure, and the terrified inhabitants
(largely composed of loyalists) waited on him, im-
ploring him to spare it. The result was a promise on
the part of the British commander to leave the town
unmolested if Washington would allow him to depart
in quiet. The American general, not unwilling to
• CoUectioDB of the New Jersey Historical Society, vol. ii. pp. lei 162.
t At Cambridge, July 12, 1776.
avoid bloodshed and the destruction of the place,
tacitly consented ; and so, on the morning of Sunday,
March 17th, the British troops marched to the wharves
and, embarking, took their final departure. The fleet
dropped down the bay to Nantasket Eoads, where it
lay at anchor for ten days, and then put to sea.
Although it was announced that the British fleet,
with Howe's army on board, was bound for Halifax,
there to await reinforcements from England, Gen.
Washington suspected that its real destination was
New York, and, leaving a suflScient force to occupy
Boston, he put his army in motion for the former city,
and arrived there in person on the 14th of April. He
at once commenced active preparations for repelling
the expected enemy by strengthening the defensive
works already erected by Lee and I^ord Stirling, by
constructing additional fortifications at several points,
by a thorough reorganization of his forces, and by
laying before Congress the urgent necessity of provid-
ing reinforcements.
On the 3d of June the Continental Congress re-
solved "That a flying camp be immediately estab-
lished in the middle colonies, and that it consist of
ten thousand men, . . ." to be made up of militia
furnished by Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware;
and on the same day " Resolved, That thirteen thou-
sand eight hundred militia be employed to reinforce
the army at New York," of which number the quotai
assigned to New Jersey was three thousand three
hundred men. On the 14th of June the Congress of
New Jersey passed an ordinance directing that this
number of men, in forty companies, to compose five
battalions, all to form one brigade, to be " imme-
diately got in readiness and marched to New York
under the command of a brigadier-general," the bat-
talions to be raised by voluntary enlistment, to con-
tinue in service till the 1st of December following,
unless sooner discharged. The quotas assigned to
each of the counties, and the field-officers appointed
to the command of the several battalions, were as fol-
lows :
One battalion to be made up of three companies
from each of the counties of Bergen and Essex, and
two companies from Burlington. Ofiicers : Philip
Van Cortland, Colonel ; David Brearly, Lieutenant-
Colonel ; Richard Dej^, Major.
One battalion of four companies from each of the
counties of Middlesex and Monmouth. OflScers : Na-
thaniel Heard, Colonel ; David Forman, Lieutenant-
Colonel ; Thomas Henderson, Major.
One battalion of four companies each from Morris
and Sussex. Officers : Ephraim Martin, Colonel ;
John Munson, Lieutenant-Colonel; Cornelius Lud-
low, Major.
One battalion composed of two companies from
each of the counties of Burlington, Cumberland
Gloucester, and Salem. Officers; Silas Newcomb
Colonel ; Bowes Reed, Lieutenant-Colonel ;
Major.
HUNTERDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
43
One battalion composed of three companies from
Somerset and five companies from Hunterdon County.
Officers : Stephen Hunt, Colonel ; Philip Johnston,
Lieutenant-Colonel ; Joseph Phillips, Major.\ Dr.
Cornelius Baldwin was appointed surgeon of this
battalion.
Joseph Reed was appointed brigadier-general and
assigned to the brigade formed of these five battalions,
but for some cause which does not appear he did not
assume the command, and on the 21st of June the
Congress " Ordered, That the President write to Gen-
eral Livingston and inform him that it is the desire
of Congress that he would take the command of the
militia destined for New York." He declined to ac-
cept it, however, and on the 25th of the same month
Col. Nathaniel Heard, of Middlesex, was appointed
brigadier-general and placed in command of the
brigade, which, under him, was soon after marched
to reinforce the army at New York. But on the 24th
of July a letter addressed by Gen. Washington to the
Convention of New Jersey* was read before that
body, informing them " that the brigade under Gen-
eral Heard was far from being complete, and urging
the necessity of raising and forwarding the new levies
destined to reinforce the army at New York" ; where-
upon it was by the Convention " Ordered, That a
letter be written to General Washington informing
that several companies were on their way to join the
brigade ; and that this Convention will use its utmost
efforts to furnish its quota, and to give His Excellency
such other aid as the weal of the United States may_
require and the condition of this State wOl admit."
When the British commander, Gen. Howe, evacu-
ated Boston, in March, 1776, he sailed with his forces
to Halifax, as had been announced, with the inten-
tion of awaiting there the arrival of reinforcements
from England. But,' as these did not arrive at or
near the time when they were expected, he became
wearied by the delay, and on the 10th of June set
sail from that port with the troops of his command,
bound for Sandy Hook, where a part of the force
arrived on the 25th of the same month, and were
soon followed by others, including the commanding
general, who disembarked his army on Staten Island
to await the arrival of the squadron from England,
under command of his brother. Admiral Lord Howe,
who entered the bay with part of his fleet on the 12th
of July ; but it was not until the middle of August
that the last of the reinforcements arrived.
The appearance of Howe's forces on Staten Island
caused great consternation throughout New Jersey,!
* Minntes of the Provincial Congress and Council of Safety, 1776-76,
p. 518.
t In the " Minutes of the Provincial CongreBs and Council of Safety,"
nnder date June, 1776, is found the following : " Cougresa received a
letter from Col. Taylor, of Monmouth, dated 10 o'clock in the forenoon
of this aay, informing that nineteen sail of the enemy's fleet [meaning
the shipe of Gen. Howe from Halifax, and not the men-of-war under
^dmiroJHowe] lies at the Hooli, and forty-flve in sight; read and re-
particularly in the eastern portion of the State, and
this alarm was greatly increased and intensified when
the bay and all the adjacent waters became black with
the almost innumerable ships of the British fleet. The
Tory element, too, which was by no means inconsid-
erable in numbers, became at once rampant, and was
especially aggressive in the counties of Monmouth
and Hunterdon. With reference to the Tory bands
in the former county, the Provincial Congress, on the
26th of June, ordered that Col. Charles Read, with
two companies of Burlington militia, proceed to cap-
ture them, taking also for the purpose all the militia
of Monmouth County if found necessary. And, with
regard to Hunterdon, the Convention, on the same
day, took action as follows :
" WliereaSf it appears, from authenticli information, that certain disaf-
fected persons in the^County of Hunterdon have confederated for the
purpose of opposing the measures of the Continental and Provincial
Congresses, and have even proceeded to acts of open and daring violence ;
have plundered and rohhed the house of Captain Jones; have beaten,
wounded, and otherwise abused the friends of freedom in said County,
and now publicl£ly declare that they will take up arms and engage in
behalf of the King of Great Britain, the avowed and implacable enemy
of the United Colonies ; In order to put an effectual stop to a combina-
tion BO hostile and dangerous, It is resolved unanimously, That Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Ten Eick and Major BeiTy take to their aid such a number
of the militia, properly oSicered and armed, of the Counties of Huntei^
don aud Somerset, as they may think necessai-y, and proceed without
delay to the said County of Hunterdon, in order to apprehend such in-
surgents and disaffected persons as this Congress shall direct. "
Under the above resolution, Col. Ten Eyck received
the following instructions, signed by the president of
the Congress :
" CoL. Abraham Ten Eick, ^Tou are hereby ordered to apprehend
John Vaught, Joseph Lee, Thomas Swindle, George Cyphers, Jr., Peter
Cyphers, John Day, William Hunt, Jr., Jonathan Hunt, John Hunt,
John Seal, Jr., Herman Millham, Christopher Vaught, James MacCord,
George Casner, Thomas Buskirk, Frederick Frittz, Peter Abgar, Baniel
Hunt, George Updike,J John Horpence, Philip Forker, Christopher
Dilts, Bartholomew Thatcher, Samuel Slater, Edward Taylor, and John
Taylor, all of whom you are to keep under strong guard, and to bring
before this Congress, or Committee of Safety during their recess ; to de-
liver them to the keeper of the common gaol of Trenton, who is hereby
commanded to keep them in close and safe coniinement until this Con-
gress, or Committee of Safety, shall take further orders therein. "
filed. Ordered, That the President write to the Coutiuental Congress in-
closing a copy of the above letter, and requesting a supply of powder."
And in the proceedings of the same day is the following : " Certain ad-
vice being received of the arrival of General Howe at Sandy Hook;
Ordered, That all oflicers who have enlisted men properly armed, under
the late ordinance for raising three thousand three hundred men within
this Colony, proceed immediately with such numbers as they have col-
lected, or can collect, without delay to New York, assigning a due pro-
portion of oflicers to the men, that they may be ready, and leaving other
oflicers, as occasion may require, to collect the remainder. All officers,
paymasters, and others are required to be diligent in their respective star
tions ; and all the friends of Liberty throughout the Colony are most
earnestly entreated now to exert themselves for the preservation of
their country, their lives, liberties, and property."
It was under this order that Gen. Heard moved his command in haste
to New York, aa before noticed. On the 1st of August it was by the
Congress " Ordered, That PhiUp Johnston, Esq., be Colonel, Joseph PhU-
lips, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel, and Piatt Bayles Majsr of the battalion
raised in the counties of Hunterdon and Somerset, in the brigade under
the command of General Heard, destined to reinforce the army at New
Tork."
t Among the charges made against some of these men was that of
opposition to the draught in Capt. Groendyck's company, in the town-
ship of Kingwood.
44
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
In pursuance of these instructions, Col. Ten Eyck
proceeded to apprehend the persons named, and their
cases were afterwards acted on according to the judg-
ment of the Convention. Persons of Tory proclivi-
ties were also numerous in Somerset County, hut it
does not appear that they became, at this time, so
defiant and dangerous as those of Monmouth and
Hunterdon.
The troops of the " Flying Camp," composed of
men from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware,
and under command of Gen. Hugh Mercer, were
stationed at Perth Amboy, and at points north of that
place, opposite the west shore of Staten Island. The
nominal strength of this corps was ten thousand men,
but it had never actually reached that figure, and
now it had been materially reduced by detachments,
amounting to two thousand men, sent to Gen. Wash-
ington, at New York ; so that at this critical time,
when this portion of the New Jersey frontier was
peculiarly liable to invasion by the army of Howe,
the guarding-force became wholly insufficient. In
view of this imminent danger, the Continental
Congress passed a resolution requesting a levy of
two thousand of the militia of New Jersey, to
supply the places of an equal number of men sent
from the Flying Camp to Gen. Washington. This
resolution was read on the 17th of July in the Pro-
vincial Congress, and on the following day an ordi-
nance was passed by the Convention,* to the effect
that " whereas the situation of New York, the vicinity
of New Jersey to the enemy, and, above all, the
arrival of Lord Howe, who, it is probable, will
speedily make some decisive movement, render it
absolutely necessary that the most immediate .and
effectual steps be taken to guard against the incur-
sions of the British troops, and to strengthen the army
of the United States; Resolved, therefore, unani-
mously, that two thousand of the militia of this State
be immediately detached to supply the place of the
like number taken from the flying camp in New
Jersey and ordered to New York." The force was to
be composed of four battalions, an aggregate of thirty
companies of sixty-four men each, besides officers,
the whole to compose a brigade, under command of a
brigadier-general, and to be in the Continental service.
To the counties of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Sussex
was assigned the raising of one battalion, of which
Mark Thompson was appointed colonel, Abraham
Bonnell lieutenant-colonel, Enos Kelsey major, and
Dr. Jacob Jennings surgeon. Any of the men of this
brigade while in service were permitted to enlist in
the brigade under command of Gen. Heard, and on
doing so were entitled, each man, to receive a bounty
of three pounds, voted by the Continental Congress.
Again, on the 22d of July, the Continental Con-
gress, in view of the imminent danger of invasion, re-
* The name of that body having been changed on that day from " The
ProYiucial Congress of New Jersey" to "The Convention of the State of
New Jersey," ae before mentioned.
solved to further increase the Flying Camp, and for
this purpose desired the State of New Jersey "to aug-
ment its quota with three battalions of militia, in ad-
dition to those formerly desired by Congress, and send
them with all possible dispatch to join the flying
camp." Upon being notified of this action, the Con-
vention of New Jersey informed Congress that two
thousand men had already been ordered detached
from the militia of the State for the purpose men-
tioned ; but beyond this it took no further action at
that time.
The feeling of alarm, however, rapidly increased,
and on the 7th of August the Convention received
notice of a resolve of Congress "recommending to
the State of New Jersey to order their militia imme-
diately to march and join Gen. Mercer." This had
the effect to cause the Convention to pass (August
11th) an ordinance reciting that "the Convention,
viewing with serious concern the present alarming
situation of this and their sister-States, that on a pru-
dent use of the present moment depend their lives,
their liberty and happiness, think it their indispensa-
ble duty to j)ut the militia on such a footing that their
whole force may be most advantageously exerted ; and
to call out the one-half into immediate service, to be
relieved by the other monthly," and ordering that all
able-bodied men in the State between the ages of six-
teen and fifty, without exception, be immediately en-
rolled in companies and formed into two divisions,
and " that the first division be immediately equipped
with arms and every necessary accoutrement that can
be obtained, and four days' provision, and march with
all dispatch to join the flying camp in this State."
This division consisted of thirteen battalions, made
up of men drawn from the militia organizations of the
several counties of the State, those containing Hun-
terdon and Somerset County men being one battalion
formed from the two regiments, and one battalion
commanded respectively by Cols. Mark Thompson,
Ephraim Martin, and John Cleves Symmes, in Hun-
terdon and Sussex ; another battalion from the bat-
talions of Cols. Stephen Hunt and Abraham Quick,
in Somerset ; another battalion from the battalions of
Cols. Isaac Smith and David Chambers, in Hunter-
don ; and a fourth battalion from the battalions of
Cols. Joseph Beavers and John Mehelm, in Hunter-
don. The best arms in the possession of all the mili-
tia of the State were taken to arm this First Division,
and they were to be turned over to the Second Division
when it should relieve the First, at the end of one
month from the time when the latter was reported for
duty with the Flying Camp.
The ordinance closed by a most stirring appeal to
the people of New Jersey by the members of the
Convention. They said,
" In this interesting situation, viewing, on the one hand, an active,
inveterate, and implacable enemy, increasing fast in strengrth, d.tily re-
ceiving large reinforcements, and industiionsly preparing to strike some
decisive blow; on the other, a considerable part of the inhabitants su-
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE EEVOLUTION.
45
pinely shimbering on the brink of ruin, and moved T\'itb affecting ap-
prebensions, tbe Convention thinlt it incumbent upon tbem to warn
tbeir constituents of tbe impending danger. Ou you, our friends and
bretbren, it depends, this day, to determine whetber you, your wives,
your cbildren, and millions of your descendants yet unborn sball wear
tbe galling, tbe ignominious yoke of slavery, or nobly inberit tbe gen-
erous, tbe inestimable blessings of freedom. Tbe alternative is before
you ! Can you hesitate in your choice ? Can you doubt which to pre-
fer ?. . . Happily, we know we can anticipate your virtuous choice. With "
confident satisfaction we are assured that not a moment will delay your
important decision ; that you cannot feel hesitation, whether you will
tamely and degenerately bend your necks to tbe irretrievable wretched-
ness of slavery, or by your instant and animated exertions enjoy the fair
inheritance of heaven-born freedom, and transmit it unimpaired to your
posterity."
This language indicates clearly the intensity of the
alarm which then pervaded the public mind ; and the
facts above noticed show what preparations had been
made by the people of New Jersey to meet the im-
pending danger at the time when the neighboring
hillsides of Staten Island were dotted with the camps
of Howe's army, and its shores encircled by the black
hulls and menacing batteries of the British fleet.
It proved to be the design of the British comman-
der not to invade the territory of New Jersey, but to
siege and occupy the western end of Long Island ; and
he made no delay, after the arrival of the last of his
reinforcements, in putting this design into execution.
His army, consisting of British regulars and German
mercenaries, amounted to about twenty-five thousand
men, and with about ten thousand of them he crossed
from Staten Island on the 22d of August and effected
a landing between the settlements of New Utrecht
and Gravesend. The American forces in and about
New York numbered, nominally, about twenty-seven
thousand men,* and, though they had offered no oppo-
sition to the landing of the enemy's columns, it was
clear that a conflict between the two armies was in-
evitable and could not long be delayed.
Five days were spent in preparation on both sides.
On the 25th of August, Gen. Putnam succeeded Gen.
Sullivan in the command of the American forces at
Brooklyn, which had been reinforced by six regiments.
On the same day the German general De Heister
landed two brigades of Hessians on the island, and on
the 26th took position at Flatbush, which Lord Corn-
•wallis had occupied with his division three days be-
fore. Thus the American and British forces stood on
the evening of the 26th, confronting each other, and
•within striking distance.
Before dawn, in the morning of the 27th of August,
the British columns, under Clinton, Percy, and Grant,
were put in motion in the direction of the American
lines, and it was not long after daylight when their
advance became warmly engaged with the troops
under Gen. Sullivan ; and then followed the general
engagement known in history as the battle of Long
Island, which raged until past noon of the day and
resulted in the defeat of Gen. Washington's army and
* Nearly one-third of this number, however, were unfit for duty, by
reason of sickness and other causes.
the capture of Lord Stirling with his entire command,
who were surrounded and made prisoners. Gens.
Sullivan and WoodhuU were also among those taken
by the enemy. The loss of the Americans was heavy,
being admitted by Gen. Washington to exceed one
thousand, and estimated by Gen. Howe to be more
than three times that number, including about eleven
hundred prisoners. Among the killed was Col. Philip
Johnston, of Hunterdon County, commanding the
First Regiment.
After this disastrous engagement the American
forces remained in a fortified position confronting the
enemy until the night of the 28th, when they were
withdrawn and transported in safety across the East
River to New York, taking with them nearly all their
military stores, and all their artillery, except a few
of the heavier pieces. The public stores were re-
moved to Dobb's Ferry, on the Hudson, while the
main part of the army, some ten or twelve thousand
men, was marched to King's Bridge and there en-
camped. A force of between four and five thousand
men was left in the city to keep up a show of defense,
but not with the intention of holding it against any
determined attack of the enemy in force. On the
12th of September, Gen. Washington, by the advice
of a council of war, decided on the abandonment of
the city, and Gen. Mercer, commanding the Flying
Camp, on the New Jersey side, was ordered to move
up the river to a point opposite Fort Washington.
On the 15th of September, while the city was still
partially occupied by the American troops. Gen.
Howe commenced crossing the East River with his
army under cover of a heavy fire from the men-of-
war. Some of Washington's troops who occupied a
fortified position near the place of landing fled in
terror before the advance of the British and the can-
nonade of their ships, and in their panic threw into
confusion two brigades which were marching to their
support. The result was a disorderly and disgraceful
retreat to the main body. No resistance was made,
except a temporary stand and slight skirmish at
Bloomingdale, and all the. heavy artillery, with a
large part of the military stores and provisions, fell .
into the hands of the enemy. Gen. Howe occupied
the city with a comparatively small force, and moved
the main part of his army northward and established
his lines, stretching from Bloomingdale across the
island to the East River.
After the defeat on Long Island and the retreat to
King's Bridge the American army was reduced to a
state of most discouraging demoralization. In refer-
ence to its condition. Gen. Washington, in a letter
addressed to Congress in September, 1776, used this
language :
" Our situation is truly distressing. The check to our detachment on
the 27tb ultimo has dispirited too great a proportion of our troops and
filled their minds with apprehension and despair. The militia, instead
of calling forth their utmost efforts to a brave and manly opposition, in
order to repair our losses, are dismayed, intractable, and impatient to re'-
turn. Great numbers of them have gone off,- • ' ' '
in some instances almost
46
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
by whole regiments, in many by hulf ones and by companies, at a time.
This circumstance of itself, independent of others, when fronted by a
well-appointed enemy, superior in number to our whole collected force,
would be snfflciently disagreeable, but when it is added that their exam-
ple has infected another paH of the army, that their want of discipline
and refusal of almost every liind of restraint and government have ren-
dered a like conduct but too common in the whole, and have produced
an entire disregard of that order and subordination necessary for the
well-doing of an army, and which had been before inculcated as well as
the nature of our military establishment would admit, our condition is
still more alarming ; and with the deepest concern I am obliged to cou-
fesa my want of confidence in the generality of the troops. "
And he added in effect that all these facts but con-
firmed his previous opinion that no dependence could
be placed in militia, or in any troops other than those
enlisted for a long term, and that in his belief the
American cause was in great danger of being lost if
its defense was intrusted to any but a permanent army.
Upon this representation Congress adopted measures
for the immediate raising and organization of such a
permanent army, to consist of eighty-eight battalions
of seven hundred and fifty men each, to be furnished
by the several States. Four of these battalions were
assigned to New Jersey as her quota.
From the time when Gen. Howe moved his forces
across the East Eiver from Long Island to New York,
the two opposing armies remained on the east side of
the Hudson for about two months, during which time
there occurred a great amount of skirmishing (fre-
quently resulting favorably for the Americans) and a
series of minor engagements, sometimes called the
battle of White Plains,* resulting from an attempt,
on the part of the British commander, to flank the
American position. This attempt finally proved suc-
cessful, and the American army was thus placed in
great peril, having its line of retreat cut off; so that,
in the event of a general engagement, it must proba-
bly have been destroyed. In this state of affairs a
council of war was held (November 6th), at which it
was decided that the army should be moved across the
Hudson into New Jersey, those of the forces which
were raised on the west side of that river to cross first,
and afterwards the others, with more or less rapidity,
as necessity might require. A small force, however,
was to be left at Fort Washington to hold that work,
which, in conjunction with Fort Lee, on the opposite
side of the river, was expected to be able to prevent
the free passage of the British ships up and down the
river. This view of the case was urged upon the
council by Gen. Greene, but was disapproved of and
warmly opposed by Gen. Lee, who had then just re-
turned to this army from a successful campaign in the
South. But unfortunately his advice was overruled
in the council, and a force was left to hold the fort.
The crossing of the Hudson River by the greater
part of the army was effected on the 12th and 13th
of November, Washington himself crossing on the
latter day. Gen. Lee was left on the east side with
* Oct. 26-29, 1776.
about three thousand men,t with orders to join Wash-
ington in New Jersey if the enemy should show in-
dications of moving in that direction.
Fort Washington had been reinforced by detach-
ments from Gen. Mercer's Flying Gamp, augmenting
its defending force from twelve hundred to about threa
thousand men. It was almost completely surrounded
by the enemy, who had determined on its capture.
On the 15th of November, Howe sent a summons
to Col. Magaw, the commander at the fort, to surren-
der, threatening to give no quarter if refused! The
summons, however, was disregarded, and on the 16th
heavy masses of British and Hessian troops moved to
the assault of the work, which after several hours of
fighting was surrendered, with two thousand six hun-
dredj men as prisoners of war.
Washington, on crossing the river into Jersey, had
established his headquarters at Haclcensaok, five miles
in the rear of Fort Lee, and at the same place were
the headquarters of Gen. Greene, who was in com-
mand of the troops which had crossed in that vi-
cinity. On the 18th of November, two days after the
fall of Fort Washington, the first actual invasion of
the State of New Jersey by British troops was com-
menced by Lord Cornwallis, whose division, six thou-
sand strong, crossed the river to Closter Landing, and,
marching thence down the river, proceeded to the
attack of Fort Lee, the garrison of which evacuated
the work in haste? and retreated to the main body of
the American army, at Hackensack, leaving their
baggage and the military stores at the fort in the
hands of the enemy.
The army which Gen. Washington then had with
him in New Jersey amounted to no more than three
thousand effective men, exclusive of the Flying Camp,
which was stationed in the neighborhood of Bergen,
and still under command of Gen. Mercer. The troops
of this last-mentioned corps had only been enlisted
for a term to close on the 1st of December, which was
then but a few days distant ; and not only was there
very little probability that any considerable number
would remain after that time, but a great many of
them had already left and returned to their homeSv
Nearly the same was true of the forces with which
Washington had crossed the Hudson, which was daily
growing less as the general feeling of despondency
increased. The commander-in-chief sent orders to
Gen. Lee, who was still east of the Hudson, to cross
f The term of service of a large part of Lee's men was then about ex-
piring, and, na they could not be induced to re-enlist, this force was soon
afterwards greatly reduced by their return to their homes.
X This number, given. by Howe in his report, included about two thou-
sand regular troops and five or six hundred militia and stragglers.
Washington stated the number captured to be two thousand, in which
he probably only included the Continental troops.
g Gen. Washington had decided, immediately upon the fall of Fort
Waabington, to evacuate Fort Lee and remove its stores to the interior
of New Jersey, but the promptness of Cornwallis' movements prevented
the execution of the plan ; consequently, the stores and material wore
lost. As the evacuation had already been decided on, of course no de-
fense was intended, and none was made.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
47
that river into New Jersey and hold his command in
readiness to give assistance in case the enemy should
as it was now nearly certain he would advance to
the interior of the State. Orders were also sent to
Gen. Schuyler to move his troops among whom were
those under command of Gen. Maxwell,* including a
large number of men from Hunterdon and Somerset
Counties from Lake Champlain to New Jersey to the
aid of Washington; but these succors were distant,
and it must be long before they could arrive at the
point of danger. Gen. "Washington wrote to Governor
Livingston of New Jersey, setting forth his pressing
need of reinforcements, and asking that every en-
deavor might be used to send men to him in the least
possible time; but there was very little probability
that any new troops could then be raised.
The American army was advantageously posted on
the right bank of the Hackensack Eiver, but, as its
eflfective strength was scarcely more than one-half
that of Cornwallis' corps alone (to say nothing of the
other divisions of the British army), any attempt to
hold the line of the Hackensack was evidently use-
less ; and so, when Cornwallis moved up from Fort
Lee to confront him, Gen. Washington immediately
retired and set his columns in motion for Newark,
which he reached on the 22d of November, and re-
mained there until the 28th of the same month, when,
on the approach of Cornwallis' advance-guard, the
patriot forces left the town and continued their retreat
to New Brunswick, where Washington had hoped to
make a stand. In this he was sorely disappointed,
for, with an active and energetic enemy pressing on
his rear, it would require all his forces, to the last
man, to enable him to dispute their advance with any-
thing like a hope of success, and even then the odds
against him would be discouraging. But he could
not retain even the meagre force which he had
brought with him thus far, for the terms of service of
several of the commands (among them the brigades
from Maryland and New Jerseyf) had expired, and
neither arguments nor threats could prevent the men
composing them from disbanding themselves and re-
turning to their homes. Without them it was im-
practicable to oppose the enemy's advance ; and so, on
Sunday, the 1st of December, the day on which
their enlistments expired, the remnant of the army
left New Brunswick, and, passing through the south-
east part of Somerset County by way of Six-Mile
Eun, and crossing the Millstone Eiver at Eocky Hill,
made its way to Princeton, the advance arriving there
* Col. Maxwell had been appointed brigadier-general in the Continen-
tal army in the preceding October.
t The Pennsylvania militia of the Dying Camp, whose term also ex-
pired on the 1st of December, had engaged to remain in service till the
Ist of January ; notwithstanding which, they deserted in such numbers
that it was found necessary to send guards to patrol the shares of the
Delaware to intercept the fugitives on their way to their homes and
bring them_back to the army. Many of them, however, evaded the
guards and made their way successfully into Pennsylvania.
the same evening. A stop of several days was made
at this place.
At New Brunswick Cornwallis had halted his col-
umns in obedience to an order from Gen. Howe to
proceed no farther than that point until he should be
reinforced by other commands of the British army.
Washington, aware of this, left behind him in Prince-
ton, when he moved thence to Trenton, a force con-
sisting of the remnants of two brigades, in all, twelve
hundred men, in order to make a show of defense,
hoping thereby to delay the advance of the British
general, and to give renewed confidence to the people
of the surrounding country. This detached force was
under command of Lord Stirling, who, taken prisoner
by the enemy at Long Island, as before mentioned,
had been exchanged and returned to his command in
the American army a short time before it crossed the
Hudson Eiver into New Jersey.
Immediately after entering this State, Gen. Wash-
ington, in view of the rapid diminution of his army,
had dispatched Gen. Miifiin to Pennsylvania to urge
the hurrying forward of troops, and he had been so
far successful that fifteen hundred men had been sent
from Philadelphia, besides a German battalion or-
dered thence by Congress. These troops joined Gen.
Washington on his arrival at Trenton, and, upon
being thus strengthened, the commander-in-chief or-
dered a large part of his force to march back on the
road to Princeton, to further deceive the British by
the appearance of a general advance to meet them.
Before the column reached Princeton, however, he
received word that Lord Cornwallis, having been
strongly reinforced from Howe's army, was already
on the move from New Brunswick and marching his
troops rapidly by several roads with the evident in-
tention of gaining the rear of the American army,
and thus securing its destruction. This intelligence
caused Washington to decide at once on a retreat to
and across the Delaware Eiver, and accordingly he
turned the faces of his men once more towards that
stream.
The main body of Cornwallis' troops marched rap-
idly and confidently from New Brunswick to Prince-
ton, and on their approach Lord Stirling, knowing
that an attempt at defense with his weak force would
be useless, evacuated the town and marched rapidly
towards Trenton, with the pursuing column of Brit-
ish and Hessians close in his rear, so near, says Los-
sing, in his "Field-Book of the Eevolution," that
•'often the music of the pursued and the pursuers
would be heard by each other;" but this is doubtless
drawn from the imagination, as there is little proba-
bility that the tattered, shoeless, and dispirited army
of Washington, in its flight along the highways of
Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, moved to the
sound of any music other than that of the howling of
the winds of December. On the 8th of that month
the American army was moved across the Delaware,
the last man of Lord Stirling's rear-guard reaching
48
HUiNTTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
the Pennsylvania shore in safety at about midnight,
just as the head of the Hessian column entered Tren-
ton. The main body of the British force halted a
few miles before reaching the town.
The American army which crossed the Delaware
into Pennsylvania numbered about two thousand two
hundred men, but two or three days later this force
was further reduced by the departure of about five
hundred whose terms of service had then expired.
But even then Washington did not despair. Gen.
Gates at the North, and Gen. Heath at Peekskill, had
been ordered to join him with their troops with all
possible dispatch, and expresses were sent out through
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland urging the
militia to march to him without delay ; and it was
believed that by these means a sufiicient force might
be collected to enable him to resume offensive opera-
tions at no distant day. Probably he had already
conceived the plan which he afterwards executed so
successfully at Trenton.
When the crossing was made, Washington, fearing
that Cornwallis might attempt the passage of the
stream to attack him, took the precaution to secure
all the boats upon the Jersey side and have them
taken to the opposite shore. He had previously or-
dered all boats, bateaux, and river-craft of every kind
on the Delaware and Lehigh* rivers to be seized,
* " Thia service was assigned to Capt. Daniel Bray, afterwards Gen. Bray,
of the New Jersey militia, Capt. Jacob Gearhart, and Capt. Thomas
Jones, who collected all the boats on the upper waters of the Delaware
and Lehigh and brought them down to Coryeirs Ferry. The boats were
hid behind Malta Island, just below what is known as ' The Mills,' on
the Pennsylvania side. The island was densely wooded, so that the boats
could not be seen by a reconnoitering-party of the enemy as it looked
down from the Jersey heights. These boats were thus secured for the
famous crossing of Christmas night. Capt. Bray was a native of King-
wood, and wai3 familiar with every boat and crossing along the river ;
Capt. Gearhart was from Flemington. To procure these boats, to con-
ceal their plau from the Tories who were lurking about, and who would
betray them at the first opportunity, to cut out these flat-boats in the
darkness of the cold winter nights, to float them down amid the rocks
and through the rapids, to keep them from being crushed or swamped,
was a task most difficult and hazardous. But it was successfully accom-
plished. Cornwallis was informed of this enterprise and sent a detach-
ment to seize the boats, but they could not find them, or were afraid to
venture across the river in the face of those frowning batteries.
"Probably while engaged in this search the British learned that a lot
of guns were stored in Flemington. A part of Cornwallis' army was
then encamped just below Pennington. Five hundred cavalry were de-
tailed to seize these arms. At that time, near the Presbyterian church
was a long low frame building. For many years afterwards it was a
store famous throughout that part of the county. It afforded a market
for wheat to a wide section. The store was kept in connection with a
mill, on the site of John Rockafellow's mill. In this building a quantity
of muskets had been stored by the Continentals. The cavalry reached
the village early in the morning, and found in the street a man with a
cart, whom they pressed into their service. The chests, with the guns
packed in them, were taken out of the building and put into the cart,
and then the whole troop hastened away. But when they reached Tat-
tersall's Lane, where the tile-kiln now is, they became alarmed, and con-
cluded it would be better to destroy the muskets than attempt to carry
them away, so they broke the guns by striking them upon the posts of
the fence.
In the mean time Capt. John Schenck had collected a band of men "
and secreted them in a piece of woods between Copper Hill and Lara-
son's. As the horsemen filed through this they were fired upon. Capt.
Geary, the commander of the British, ordered his troops to halt and face
taken to safe places, and carefully guarded. Some of
these boats were afterwards used in recrossing the
army for its movement on Trenton, and it is not im-
probable that Washington even then contemplated
putting them to this use, but the immediate object in
Securing them was to compel Cornwallis to remain on
the eastern side of the river until he could build new
boats or until the ice should have become of sufiicient
thickness for his troops to pass over on it.
The position of Washington on the Pennsylvania
side of the Delaware was one of safety for his troops,
at least for a time. He made his dispositions at
once by posting Gens. Lord Stirling, De Fermoy,
Stephens, and Mercer, with their brigades, at differ-
ent points along the river from Yardley's to Coryell's
Ferry (Lambertville), with the remaining troops of
the Flying Camp, under Gen. Irvine, to guard (as
well as their feeble strength would permit) the west
bank of the river from Yardley's to the point opposite
Bordentown. The Pennsylvania militia, under Col.
Cadwallader, was posted along the Neshaminy, and
the Third Philadelphia Battalion, under Col. Nixon,
occupied a position at Durck's Ferry. Gen. Putnam
was sent to assume command at Philadelphia, and to
take immediate measures for fortifying the approaches
to the city. Defensive works were rapidly thrown up
at the most exposed points on the river from Coryell's
to McConkey's Ferry. Special orders were given to
the several brigade commanders holding this section
of the shore to exercise sleepless vigilance in guard-
ing every practicable crossing-place, and to be pre-
pared to support one another promptly in case of
emergency; and finally, in case the worst should
come and the army be forced back from the Dela-
ware, the several commands were ordered to retreat
to a general rendezvous at Germantown.
The British army in New Jersey was posted in de-
tachments along a very extended line. The largest
force was at New Brunswick, which was their prin-
cipal depot of military stores. A strong detachment
was stationed at Princeton ; another, consisting of
one thousand five hundred Hessians and a troop of
cavalry, at .Trenton ; a body of troops of about equal
strength was at Bordentown, under Count Donop ;
and smaller detachments occupied Black Horse,
Mount Holly, and several other posts, extending
below Burlington. The chief command in New Jer-
sey was held by Lord Cornwallis, Gen. Howe remain-
ing at his headquarters in New York.
When the main body of the American army crossed
the Hudson Eiver into New Jersey after the battle at
the spot whence the firing proceeded, when he was almost immediately
shot through the head. His men wheeled and fled. Afraid that they
might meet more opposition if they returned the same road they came,
the British turned and went towards New Brunswick. Capt. Geary's
body was buried in the woods. This Capt, Schenck-atterwards colonel
-was a brave ofiicer. With Col. Charles Stewart he rallied the minute-
men m 1775, and was active during the whole conflict, in various ways "
r;»e First Century of Bunterdon Comity, by George S. Molt, D.D
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION. 49
White Plains, Gen. Charles Lee had been left near
the latter place with his division of about three thou-
sand men. Gen. Washington, on reaching his halting-
place at Haokensack, wrote at once to Gen. Lee re-
questing him to move his command to the west side
of the river and join him without delay. Lee having
taken no notice of this request, an order to the same
effect was transmitted to him from headquarters ; and
â– when it was found that he still lingered, the order
was repeated in the most peremptory terms. In
obedience to this second order, but with apparent
reluctance, he moved his division and crossed into
Jersey, but his march was so dilatory that three
weeks were consumed by him in bringing his force to
Morristown.* From that place his division moved
slowly on towards the southwest, and in the evening
of the 12th of December the troops bivouacked at
Vealtown (now Bernardsville), Somerset Co. The
general, however, did not make his headquarters at
that place, but passed the night, with only a small
guard, at the public-house of Mrs. White, at Basking
Eidge, some two and a half miles distant from the
main body of his force ; and there, in the morning of
the 13th,t he was made prisoner by a detachment of
British cavalry under Col. Harcourt. The manner
in which the capture of the general was effected is
thus told in Wilkinson's " Memoirs" :
Gen. Lee wasted the morning in altercationB with certain militia
corpB who were of his command, particularly the Connecticut Light-
horse. One wanted forage, one his horse shod, one his pay, and a fourth
his provisions ; to which the general replied, ' Your wants are numer-
ous, hut yon have not mentioned the last ; you want to go home, and shall
be indulged, for you are no good here.' Several of them appeared in
large full-bottomed perukes and were treated very irreverently.
" The call of the adjutant-general for orders also occupied some of his
time, and he did not sit down to breakfast before ten o'clock. Gen. Lee
wag engaged in answering Gen. Gates' letter, and I had risen from the
table and was looking out of an end window, down a lane, about one
hundred yards in length, which led to the house from the main road,
when I discovered a party of British turn the corner of the avenue in
full charge. Startled at this unexpected appearance, I exclaimed,
* Here, sir, are the British cavalry.' 'Where?' asked the genei-al, who
had signed the letter on the instant. ' Around the house,' for they had
opened files and encompassed the building. Gen. Lee appeared alarmed
and yet collected, and his second observation marked his self-possession :
* Where is the guard? Damn the guard I Why don't they fire?' and
= "" It is evident,"" says Lossing, "" from Lee's conduct, and the tenor of "
his letters at that time, that it was not so much a spiiit of determined
disobedience which governed his actions as a strong desire to act inde-
pendent of the cojnmander-in-chief and perform some sigual service
which would redound to his personal glory. He was ambitious as he
was impetuous and brave. He had endeavored, but in vain, to induce
Gen. Heath, who was left in command at Peekskill, to let him have a
detachment of one or two thousand men with which to operate. Heath
refused to vary from his instructions, and it was well that he did.
Washington continued to urge Lee to form a junction with him; yet, as
late as the 11th of December, two days after the passage of the Dela-
ware, a letter written to Washington by Lee at Morristown hinted at
various contemplated movements, not one of which referred to a junc-
tion of forces. This was the last letter Washington received from Lee
during his march. Two days afterwards, while pursuing his slow and
reluctant progress towards the Delaware, Lee was taken prisoner."
t Gordon, in his " History of New Jersey," p. :;25, says the capture of
Gen. Lee was made on the 12th. Dr. Messier, in his " Centennial His-
tory of Somerset County," p. 135, mentions it as having occurred on the
lllh.
after a momentary pause he turned to me and said, 'Do, sir, see what
has become of the guard.' The woman of the house at this moment en-
tered the room and proposed to him to conceal himself in a bed ; which
he rejected with evident disgust. I caught up the pistol which lay ou
the table, thrust the letter he had been writing in my pocket, and passed
into a room at the opposite end of the house, where I had seen the guard
in the morning. Here I discovered their arms, hut the men were absent.
I stepped out of the door and saw the dragoons chasing them in different
directions, and, receiving a very uncivil salutation, I returned into the
house.
" Too inexperienced immediately to penetrate the motives of this en-
terprise, I considered the rencontre accidental, «.nd, from the terriflo
tales spread over the couutry of the violence and barbarity of the enemy,
I believed it to be a wanton marauding-party, and determined not 'to die
without company. I accordingly sought a position where I could not be
approached by more than one person at a time, and with a pistol in each
hand awaited the expected search, resolved to shoot the first and second
pel-son who might appear, and then appeal to the sword. I did not long
remain in this unpleasant situation, but was apprised of the incursion by
the very audible declaration : ' If the general does not surrender in five
minutes, I will set fire to the house,' which after a short pause was re-
peated with a solemn oath; and within two minutes I heard it pro-
claimed, 'Here is the general; he has surrendered!' A general shout
eusued, the trumpet sounded the reassembling of the troop, and the un-
fortunate Lee, mounted on my horse, which stood ready at the door, was
hurried off in triumph, bare-headed, in his slippers and blanket coat, his
collar open, and his shirt very much soiled fiom several days' use. "
Lee was taken by his captors to Middlebrook
(Bound Brook), and thence to New Brunswick,
whence he was delivered to Lord Cornwallis, who
sent him to Gen. Howe at New York. There he was
denied the privileges of a prisoner of war, but was
treated as a deserter from the British service and
placed in confinement on board the frigate " Centu-
rion,'' in the harbor. This charge against him was
afterwards abandoned, and he was treated as a pris-
oner of war. He was exchanged for the British
general Prescott in May, 1778.
It is stated that the British colonel, Harcourt, was
apprised of the location and unprotected condition of
Gen. Lee's headquarters by an elder in the Presbyte-
rian Church at Mendham, a Mr. Mucklewraith, who
while traveling on foot on private business passed
Mrs. White's inn, learned that the general was there
with but a small cavalry guard, and, proceeding on
his way, soon after met the cavalry of Harcourt, to
whom he imparted the information, and who then
forced him to accompany the detachment as a guide
to the place. That part of the story, however, which
has reference to the compulsion used is not fully
authenticated, and appears, to say the least, doubtful.
But it is certain that Elder Mucklewraith was not the
only one who acted as informer and guide to the
British horsemen, for on page 126 of the "Minutes
of the Council of Safety of New Jersey, 1777," is
found this record :
" James Compton of Baskingridge, having been apprehended as a dis-
aflectcd person, was brought before the Board, and upon his examination "
confessed that he, being frightened from home, went over to Staten Island
in May last, & after continuing there about two months returned home ;
He also acknowledged to have been at the takeing of Geni Lee, but says
the British Light horsemen forced him to go with them for that purpose,
threatening to kill him ou refusal. Also James Worth, of the same
place with the ff^ Compton, having been apprehended on like suspicion,
was brought before the Board, & upon examination, by his own Confes-
sion, found guilty of going voluntarily into the Enemies' lines upon
Staten Island, and after some considerable stay on the said Island, re-
50
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
turned to thia State ; gives no better reason for this his conduct than the
gratifying his curiosity.
"BenjamiQ Worth, brought in as the two foregoing, and appearing in
the same predicament as the others ; The Board considered their case,
& agreed to give Each of the three liberty of Entering on board the ves-
sels of War of the United States of America, or take a trial for their
lives, agreeably to Law. "
The charge of the British horsemen on the head-
quarters of Lee at White's tavern was made with the
sahre only, as they dared not use firearms, fearing to
alarm the American troops at Vealtown and on the
Pluckamin road. The men of the guard, being sur-
prised at a distance from their arms, scattered and
fled, hut two of them, who, when overtaken by the
troopers, refused to surrender, were killed, and their
bodie^s were found to he so horribly gashed and hacked
by the British sabres that they could not be removed
to the burial-ground, and were therefore interred on
the spot where they fell. Gen. Wilkinson, who was
with Gen. Lee at the time of the capture, as above
noticed, concealed himself in the house until after
Harcourt's departure, and then, mounting one of the •
horses in the stable, rode with all speed to carry the
news of the aifair to Gen. Sullivan ; but, as the cap-
turing force were already many miles on its way
towards their lines, pursuit was useless.
The division, or rather the remnant of what had
been a division, was now under command of Gen.
Sullivan, as next in rank to Gen. Lee. Its march
(which was now continued with more rapidity) was
from Vealtown, by way of Pluckamin, to Clinton,*
Hunterdon Co., and thence to the Delaware Eiver
opposite the mouth of the Lehigh, where it crossed
the first-named stream into Pennsylvania. It was
marched several miles up the Lehigh, then down
through Northampton and Bucks Counties to Wash-
ington's army, which it joined on the 21st of Decem-
ber. Four regiments of Gen. Gates' troops, who had
marched from New York State through the northern
part of New Jersey, joined the main army the same
day.t
Having been reinforced by the forces of Gens. Sul-
livan and Gates and by a considerable number of
troops from other quarters, Washington immediately
prepared to execute the plan which he had for some
time had in contemplation, viz., to recross the Dela-
ware by night and march rapidly to Trenton, in the
hope of surprising, and possibly of capturing, the
force of about fifteen hundred Hessians which then oc-
cupied that post in winter quarters. His plan also con-
templated simultaneous attacks by other detachments
of his army on the several British posts along the
* It was recollected by old people many years afterwards that while
on this march through Clinton forty of Sullivan's soldiers were furnished
with breakfast by Mrs. Hope, wife of Capt. Adam Hope, who was himself
a soldier of the Revolution and commanded a company of Hunterdon
militia at the battle of Monmouth.
t Gordon, in his "History of New Jersey," dates the arrival of both
these corps December 20th.
Delaware below Trenton ; but that part which had
reference to the surprise of Trenton was regarded as
of the most importance, and this was to be under the
personal supervision of the commander-in-chief. The
time fixed on for its execution was the night of the
25th and morning of the 26th of December, because,
knowing the convivial habits of the German soldiers-
and the universal custom among them of celebrating
Christmas with bacchanalian revelry, he believed that
in the unheralded visit which he proposed to make in
the early morning of the 26th he would find the guards
less vigilant than usual, and both officers and soldiers
in poor fighting condition, as a result of the previous
night's debauch. The plan was an excellent one, and
the secrecy with which it was carried out seems re-
markable, particularly when it is remembered that
the Hunterdon shore of the Delaware at that time
was infested by a great number of Tories, all closely
watching the movements of the patriots on the other
side, and eager to carry in all haste any information
they might obtain to the nearest British post.
The means for transporting the troops across the
Delaware were furnished by the boats which had pre-
viously been collected on that river and the Lehigh.
Among those collected for the purpose were sixteen
Durham! boats and four scows, sent down by Gen.
Ewiug to McConkey's Ferry, § which was to be the
place of crossing. There, on the evening of the 25th
of December, as soon as the early nightfall of winter
had settled down upon hill and river, the troops des-
tined for the expedition were mustered in silence and
inspected by Washington and his generals. The com-
mander-in-chief had expected to land his army on the
Jersey side with but little delay and to reach Trenton
by midnight, but the river was so filled with masses
of floating ice, and the weather was so thick by reason
of a storm of snow and sleet which had just com-
menced, that it hardly seemed practicable to cross at
all ; and when it was decided to move forward regard-
less of these obstacles, the transportation was found
to be so slow and difficult that it was not until nearly
four o'clock in the morning that the last of the troops
and cannon were landed in safety on the eastern
shore. II
The expeditionary corps, consisting of two thou-
sand four hundred men, with ten pieces of artillery,
was marched in a body by way of the " Bear Tav-
t So called because this particular kind of boat was first constructed
to transport iron on the Delaware from the Durham furnaces to Phila-
delphia. They were very large, flat-bottomed, and rounded at bow and
stem, instead of being square at the ends like scows.
2 Now known as " Washington's Crossing" on the New Jersey side and
Taylorsville on the Pennsylvania side of the river.
I " General Washington (who had sat in silence on a beehive wrapped
in his cloak while hU troops were crossing), as they were about to march,
enjoined upon them aU profound silence during their march to Trenton,
and said to them, â– I hope you will all fight like men.' " Room's Ui,Uyr'y
of TrerUon. Uriah Slack, William Green, and David Lanning were
among those who rendered must efficient service in ferrj-ing the troops
across the river.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
51
em,''* to Birminglisuu (between foiir suid five miles
from T^eJlton^, where it was baited, and the meu took
some refresbmentt The force was tbeji divided into
two columns, one, under Gen. Sullivan, taking tlie
rivex road, and the other, under Gen. Greene, with
G«as. Mercer, Stevens, and Lord Stirling, and accom-
panied by the commander-in-chief, moving to and
down the Scotch road to its junction with the Pen-
nington road, and thence down the latter to Trenton.
The columns marched very rapidly and in perfect
silence under the direction of a number of guides
who were familiar with the routes. Among those
who acted as gviides on that march are mentionedj
the names of Col. Joseph Phillips, Capt, Philip Phil-
lips, and Adjt. Elias Phillips, of M;udenheAd ; Joseph
Inslee, Etion Burroughs, Stephen Burroughs, Ephraim
Woolsey. and Henry Simmons, of Hopewell ; and
Capt, John Mott Amos Seudder. and 'William
Green, of Trenton. It was also desired by Gen.
^^"ashington to find twelve men familiar with the
country, who would ride in advance of the columns,
unarmed and dressed in taxmers' clothes, to gain such
intelligence as they might of the position of tlie
enemy's outposts, and to prevent any of the numer-
ous Tories who infested the vicinity fixtm cjirrying
news of the advance into Trenton. For this hazar-
dous service only three volunteers could be found,
and they were John Guild and John Muirheid of
Hopewell, and David Lanning of Trenton.
The march of the two columns w;ts so well planned
and orvlered that both reached the enemy's outposts
at Trenton at almost exactly the same time, Sullivan
coming in from the west and Washington and Greene
from the north. At a few minutes before eight o"cloci|
the Hessian encampments cajne into view, and, at
the sight, 'Washington, riding to the head of the troops
and pointing with his sword towards Trenton, shouted,
" There, soldiers, you see the enemies of your country,
and now all I have to ask is that you remember what
Tou are about to lisrht for. M.arch! They moved "
* "Tbe rv^Ad which 1*.\,-:? from >V,-ConkeT"? Ferrr ^now T;iylor?viU©)
runs northeast, and on© and a qnartw miles from the river it civ^svii the
rirar ravi si the Bow Tavern, ei^t miles from Trenton; rvvo miles fiur-
ther it cl\*!S^ the S,a>ic1i ivwd, son on miles frvm Trenton. Frvm the
Be*r T*Tern, on tl»e riTer rwad, to Birmingbam wiv? three and a half
niil«6. and fham Bimiin^am to Trenton fimr and a half milee. Faim
Birmitt£ham acxv^ss to the S^vt.-h road wheje it beiuis to Uie east is alv>ut
one mile ; ftvvm this point to its junction with the Pennington road is
twv> and a quarter nulos; and from thence to Ttvnton one mile." i^iuN'j
t **G*n. Washington with liis amv.T halted at the hou.*e of Benjamin
UooiT it Binninghani and ate a jaeot of mince-pie and drank a class of
cider. His meu al-^^ partv«ok of some refiTeshme:.rs befor* marvhing luto
Trenten." Ihid.
:il>id.
j Wasliir^ton in his c*cial rep>^rt of the Trenton fight siid, "The
upper diTision arrired at the enem^ 's adranced post exactlr at eight
o'clock ; and in three minutes after I found fK-«m the fire on the lower
raad that that divsaon had abo got up. The out-gnajvls made but a
small oppositjon, tl>oi:gb., for their nnmbeis, they behaved very well,
keeping up acottstant ivtiwiling^re fKim behind hoi:s<^- We preeentlT
s»w th^ main body lorme^i. tut from their motions they seemed unde-
termined how to act."
forward with great impetuosity, drove in tlie outposts,
and in a few minutes had possession of all the British
artillery. The brave Col. Eahl, tlie Hessian com-
mander, surprised, and not yet recovered from the
ell'eots of his Christmas potations, rushed frantically
out of his quMters and mounted his horse to form hia
men for defense, but he almost immediately received
a mortal wonud ;|! and, as further resistance then ap-
peared hopeless, the place with its troops i^except
such as had escaped aud fled towards Princeton and
Bordentowu) and military stores surrendered to the
American commander.
An account of the Trenton fight (for it could not
with propriety- be termed a battle, in view of the
slight resistance made by the enemy and the very in-
significant loss sustained by the Americans) was soon
after published by order of the Continental Congress,
having been transmitted to that body by the New
Jersey Council of Safety with the expilanation that it
was furnished by " an officer of distinction in the
army.'' Following is the account referred to:
" HkADOrASTEKS, 2f KWTOVn?, BrCKS CotJXTT,
Pecember -7, 1776. "
•* It wns determined some days ag\i that our arnty should pass over to
vTersey at three different places and attack the enemy. Acc\)rdiugly,
about two thousand five hundred men and twenty bra^ field-pieces, with
His Excellency General Wasliingtou at their head, and Mjyor-Genenil
Sullivan and Lreueral Greene in command of two divisions, pa^ed over
on the night of Christmas, and al*out three^ o'clock in the morning were
on their march by tw-o routes towards Trenton. The night was sleety
and cold, aud tli© roads so slipjvry that it was daybreak when we wer»
two miles from Trenton. But. happily, the enemy were not apprised of
our ilosign, and our advanced ^^arties were on their guard, at half a mile
fKan the town, where Gen. Sullivau^s and Gen. Greeners divisions came
into the same r.Md. The guard gave our advanced parties several smart
fir«s .IS we diove them, but we soon got two field-pieces at play, and
several others in a short time, and one of our columns pushing down on
the right, while the other advanced on the left, into the town. The
enemy, consisting of about one thousand rive hundred Hessians, uuder
<\d. Kalil, formed and made some smjirt fires from their musketry and
six field-p'.ocos ; but our people preyed fhan every quarter and drove
tltem from their cannon. They retired towards a field behind a piece of
wovvis, up the creek ftvm Trenton, and fomted in two bodies, which I
expected would have brought on a smart action from the troops who had
! formed very near them ; but at that insiaat, as I Ciune in full view of
! tliem iroin tlie l^ack of tire w^xvi. with His Excellency Gen. Washington,
an officer informed him that one party had grounded their arms and sur-
I rendered prisoners. The ctliors s-vn followed tlloir ejtanrple, except a
' part wlridr had got off, in the Iraiy weather, towards Priucetorr. A party
of their hght-hor^^ made off on our lir^t appearance.
) " T^v much pnuse cannot be given to our otficors and men of every
' regiment, who seemed to vie with each other : and by their active ;ind
spirited behavior they soon put an honorable issue to tlris glorious day.
{ " C^olonel Ralil, the Hessian commander, whose headquarters were at
the City Tavern, corner of Warren ,ind Bank Streets, opposite Still's
.Mley, was mortally w-onnded during the e.arly part of the engagement,
being shct from his horse while endeavoring to form his disnrayed and
disordered troops. Wlien. sr.-, ix-rted by a file of sergeants, he presented
his swor^ to (ren. Washington ^whose conntenance beamed with com-
placency at the sn.vi^ss of the day), he was pale and bleeding, and in
brvken Accents soenred to implorv those atteritions which the victor was
well viisposed to K^tow upon him. He was taken to his headquarter^
where he died." Sta's flWir> o/ IVe»/o«.
The shot that killed Rahl was said to have been fired by Ool. Frederick
Frelingliuysiin, of Somerset c\mnty.
VGen. Washington, however, in his report said: "" But the quantity of
ice made that right impeded the passage of the boats so much that it
V IS three o'clock helbre the artillery could all be got over, and near fotil
before the irooj^ took up their line of marvh."
52
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
I was immediately sent off with the prisoners to McConltey's !Ferry, and
have got about seven hundred and fifty safe in town and a few miles from
here on this side of the ferry, viz., one lieutenant-colonel, two majors,
four captains, seven lieutenants, and eight ensigns. We left Col. Rabl,
the commandant, wounded, on his parole, and several other officers and
wounded men, at Trenton. We lost but two of our men that I can hear
of, a few wounded, and one brave officer, Capt. Washington, who as-
sisted in securing their artillery, wounded in both hands."*
From a narrative detailing events of the Trenton
fight, and published in 1781 in the Pennsylvania
Journal, the following is extracted :
" About eight o'clock in the morning an attack was made on the
picket-tiuard of the enemy. At half-past eight o'clock the town was
nearly surrounded, and all the avenues to it were seized except the one
left for Gen. Ewingf to occupy. An accident here liked to have deprived
the American army of the object of their enterprise. The commanding
officer of one of the divisions sent word to Gen. Washington, just before
they reached the town, that his ammunition had been wet by a shower
of rain that had fallen that morning, and desired to know what he nmst
do.J Washington sent him word to ' advance with fixed bayonets.' This
laconic answer inspired the division with the firmness and courage of
their leader,
The whole body now moved forward in sight of the enemy. An "
awful silence reigued in every platoon. Each soldier stepped as if he
carried the liberty of his country upon his single musket. The moment
was a critical one. The attack was begun with artillery, under com-
mand of Col. Knox. The infantry supported the artillery with firmness.
The enemy were thrown intoiconfusion at every quarter. One regiment
attempted to form in an orchard, but was soon forced to fall back upon
the main body. A company of them entered a stone house, which they
defended with a field-piece judiciously posted in the entry. Capt. AVash-
ington advanced to dislodge them with a field-piece, but, finding his men
exposed to a close and steady fire, he suddenly leaped from them, rushed
into the house, seized the ofiicer who had command of the gun, and
claimed him as a prisoner. His men followed him, and the whole com-
pany were made prisoners. The captain received a ball in his hand in
entering the house In the meanwhile, victory declared itself every-
where ill favor of the American arms."
The captures made by the Americans at Trenton
comprised six brass field-pieces, one thousand stand
of arms, four colors, and nine hundred and nine pris-
oners, of which latter twenty-three were commissioned
officers. In reference to the losses in action of the
British and American forces respectively. Gen. Wash-
ington said in his report,
" I do not know exactly how many they had killed, but I fancy not
above twenty or thirty, as they never made any regular stand.
'* Our loss is very trifling indeed, only two officers and one or two
privates wounded. "
Lossing, in his " Field-Book of the Eevolution,"
says (p. 229), "The victory of the Americans at
Trenton was complete. They lost in the engagement
* This officer was Capt. William A. Washington. He was afterwards a
colonel of cavalry, and as such performed distinguished services in the
Carolina campaigns against Cornwallis and Lord Kawdon. Another
American officer wounded at Trenton though not mentioned in the
above account was Lieut. James Monroe, afterwards President of the
United States.
t Gen. Ewing had been ordered to cross his troops from the Pennsyl-
vania side nearly opposite Trenton and attack from the south, in conjunc-
tion with the movement of Greene and Sullivan from the north and
west. The great quantities of ice running in the Delaware prevented
him from crossing as ordered. The same obstacle prevented Cadwallader
from crossing at Bristol as expected.
{The dispatch, was from Gen. Sullivan. Raum, in his "History of
Trenton," mentions that the soldiers of Sullivan's division found their
priming wet, and proceeds : " Capt. Mott, notwithstanding he had taken
the precaution to wrap his handkerchief around the lock of his gun,
found the priming was wet. 'Well,' said General Sullivan, 'we must
fight them with the bayonet.' "
only two privates killed, and two others who were
frozen to death."? This statement, that men of the
American army were frozen to death in the expedi-
tion to Trenton, has several times been made by other
writers, but it cannot be regarded otherwise than as
of doubtful authenticity, for these reasons : First, that
the account of the expedition above quoted from
the Pennsylvania Journal mentions that "the com-
manding ofiicer of one of the divisions sent word to
Gen. Washington, just before they reached the town,
that his ammunition had been wet by a shower of rain
that had fallen that morning ;" and second, because in
the narrative already given, as published by order of
Congress and written by " an officer of distinction in
the army" who was an eye-witness to the scenes en-
acted at Trenton on that occasion, allusion is made to
" a part [of the Hessian force] which had got oif, in
the hazy weather, towards Princeton. The account "
first noticed was written and published witliin five
years of the time of the Trenton fight, when all the
particulars were fresh in the minds of those who took
part in the expedition, and it is therefore but reason-
able to suppose that no such mistake could have been
made as that of mentioning a shower of rain falling
on a morning sufficiently cold to freeze men to death.
The passage quoted from the account authorized by
Congress sustains the other, and seems to prove that
on the morning of the 26th of December, 1776, the
weather at Trenton, though doubtless damp and chil-
ling, was not of such stinging Arctic cold as has fre-
quently been stated.
The plan of Washington in recrossing the Delaware
had contemplated the probability that, in the event
of success at Trenton, he might be able to maintain
his position in New Jersey ; but, on account of the
inability of Ewing and Cadwallader to cross the river,
as was expected, there were still left at Bordentown,
Mount Holly, and other points below Trenton and
within striking distance several British detachments
which were collectively far stronger than the Ameri-
can force which could be mustered to hold them at
hay. Under these circumstances, Washington thought
it his only prudent course to return with his army to
the west side of the river ; and this he did without
delay, remaining in Trenton only a few hours to allow
his men sufficient time for rest and refreshment. In
the afternoon of the 26th the columns were again put
in motion and marched back by the route over which
they had come in the morning, and, recrossing at
McConkey's Ferry with their prisoners and captured
material, were all safely quartered before midnight in
the camp which they had left in the evening of the
preceding day.
But, though he had found it expedient to retire to
his strong position on the Pennsylvania shore after
§ Gordon, in his "History of New Jersey," p. 227, makes the same
statement.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
53
the victory at Trenton, Washington had by no means
abandoned his plan of repossessing West Jersey, and
he at once commenced preparations for a second
expedition to that end. On the 29th of December
only three days after the Trenton exploit he wrote
from his headquarters at Newtown, Pa., to Congress,
saying,
" I am jnst setting out to attempt a second pSssage over the Delaware
with the troops that were with me on the morning of the 26th. Gen. Cad-
wallader crossed oyer on the 27th, and is at Bordentown with about one
thousand eight hundred men. Gen. Mifflin will be to-day at Borden-
town with about one thousand six hundred more. ... In view of the
measures proposed to be pursued, I think a fair opportunity is offered of
driving the enemy entirely from Jersey, or at least to the extremity of
the province. "
In anticipation of the projectedresumption of opera-
tions in New Jersey, orders had been sent to Gen.
Heath, who was still at Peekskill-on-the-Hudson, to
leave only a small detachment of his troops at that place,
and to move at once with his main body, cross into New
Jersey, and march towards the British cantonment,
to divert their attention, but without intending an at-
tack. Gen. William Maxwell, who in the retreat
through this State had been left at Morristown with
a considerable force (in which was included a large
proportion of the soldiers of Hunterdon and Somerset
Counties), was ordered to advance his troops towards
New Brunswick as if threatening an attack and harass
all the contiguous posts of the enemy as much as pos-
sible ; and finally. Gens. Cadwallader and Mifflin, at
Bordentown and Crosswicks, were directed to hold
their forces (then amounting to more than three thou-
sand five hundred men) in constant readiness to rein-
force the main body under Washington when it should
make its appearance at Trenton. These dispositions
having been made, and all preparations completed,
Washington moved his army across the Delaware into
New Jersey on the 30th of December and marched to
Trenton. At this point he was under serious embar-
rassment, for the terms of service of a large part of the
Eastern militia expired on the 1st of January, and it
was very doubtful whether they could be persuaded
to remain. The arguments of the commander-in-
chief, however, were successful in prevailing on them
to continue for an additional term of six weeks, in
view of the brightening prospects of the American
cause and the promise of a bounty of ten dollars per
man. There was no money in the military chest to
pay these promised bounties, but Washington at once
sent a messenger to Robert Morris, at Philadelphia,
asking him to supply the means if possible ; and that
patriotic financier promptly responded by sending
fifty thousand dollars in cash, borrowed from a rich
Quaker on Morris' individual note and the pledge of
his honor to repay it.
At the time of the Hessian disaster at Trenton the
British forces in New Jersey were under command of
Gen. Grant, whose headquarters were at New Bruns-
wick. Lord Cornwallis was at New York, making
preparations to sail for England, in the belief that
the rebellion was virtually crushed and the war nearly
over. Upon receipt of the amazing news from Tren-
ton he at once relinquished his voyage, returned to
New Jersey, and put his troops dn motion towards
Trenton. The British post at Bordentown, previously
held by a strong force under Count Donop, had been
abandoned on the 27th of December, and the troops
which had been stationed there retreated to Princeton,
where they joined the force of Gen. Leslie and threw
up defensive earthworks. When Cornwallis ad-
vanced fi-om New Brunswick, the force at Princeton,
excepting three regiments under Col. Mawhood,
joined the main column, which moved towards
Trenton and arrived there at about four o'clock in
the afternoon of Thursday, the 2d of January, 1777.
The two hostile armies which then and there con-
fronted each other were each about five thousand
strong, but one-half the force of Washington* was-
made up of undisciplined militia, while that of his
adversary included many of the finest troops of the
British army. Before the advance of Cornwallis,
Washington's forces retired across the bridge to the
south side of Assanpink Creek, where it was soon
afterwards joined by General Greene's division, which
had been sent out to reconnoitre and skirmish with
the enemy, hoping to so delay his movements that no
engagement would be brought on until morning. But
the British regulars promptly drove Greene's detach-
ment into Trenton and across the Assanpink, and
then with very little delay moved in two columns,
one down Green Street towards the bridge, and the
other down Main Street towards the point where the
lower bridge now stands, intending to force a passage
over the bridge and across the ford ; but they were
repulsed by the vigorous fire of Washington's artil-
lery, which, being posted on the high southern bank
of the stream, was so effective that the assailants failed
to cross, and were compelled to retire, but with what
loss is not known.f After the failure of this attempt
of the British to cross, the Americans kept up their
artillery-fire till dark, and the British withdrew to the
higher ground in the outskirts of the town, along the
Princeton road, where Cornwallis established his
* Cadwallafler and MifHin, with their forces from Bordentown, had
joined Wasliington on the night of the Ist of January.
f The " battle of Assanpink" has frequently been described as a fearful
conflict, in which the stream was filled with the bodies of slain British
soldiers. That this is a gross exaggeration, and that there was really no-
battle at all (but merely a brisk cannonade from the American artillery
on the south bank, preventing the enemy from crossing the stream), is
pretty clearly shown by an authority as high as Gen. Washington him-
self, in the report which he made to CongresB, dated Pluckamin, Jan. 5, .
1777, in which, referring to this affair, he says, "On the 2d, according
to my expectations, the enemy began to advance upon us ; and after soma
skirmishing the head of their column reached Trenton about four o'clock,
whilst their rear was as far back as Maidenhead. They attempted to
pass Sanpink Creek, which runs through Trenton, but, finding the fords
guarded, halted and kindled their fires. We were drawn up on the other
side of the creek. lu this situation we remained until dark, command-
ing the enemy and receiving the fire of their field-pieces, which did ua
but little damage." This is all the mention mode by the commander-in-
chief in his official report, of the so-called " battle of Assanpink."
54
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
headquarters and directed dispositions to be made for
a renewal of the battle in the morning, when, he said,
he would " catch that old fox," Washington, whom
he imagined he had now so securely entrapped beyond
the Assanpink. But his boast failed most signally of
execution.
The situation of Washington was now perilous in
the extreme, for nothing could be more certain than
that Cornwallis would renew the battle in the
morning, and it was almost equally certain that in
such an event the victory would be with the disci-
plined soldiers of Britain. If such should be the result,
ths American army could hardly escape the alterna-
tive of surrender or annihilation, for a retreat across
the Delaware in presence of such an enemy would be
impossible. Immediately after dark a council of war
was called, at which were assembled the commander-
in-chief and Generals Greene, Sullivan, Knox, Mer-
cer, St. Clair, Dickinson, Stevens, Cadwallader, Mif-
flin, Stark, Wilkinson, and others. Some of the more
impetuous officers advised a stand for a battle in their
present position ; others favored a retreat down the
left bank of the Delaware and a crossing of the river
at Philadelphia under protection of the guns of Gen.
Putnam ; but the plan which was adopted was that of
a rapid night-movement around the enemy's flank to
his rear, and a sudden attack on the British force at
Princeton, which consisted of only three regiments
of cavalry and three squadrons of dragoons. The
execution of this plan was singularly favored by
Providence, for, even while the council of war was
engaged in its deliberations, the weather, which had
been warm during the day, turned suddenly cold ; so
that in a few hours the muddy roads were frozen suf-
ficiently hard to bear up the artillery and greatly to
facilitate the marching of the troops.
The movement to Princeton being decided on, its
immediate execution was ordered. The camp-fires of
the American army along the shore of the Assanpink
were kept brightly burning, and were replenished
with fresh fuel about midnight ; and soon afterwards,
leaving the sentinels on their posts, to delude the
enemy, the forces were all put in motion, and marched
rapidly but silently away in the darkness, with Elias
Phillips, Ezekiel Anderson, and Patrick Lamb as
guides. The baggage-train of the army was sent
away quietly on the road to Burlington. The route
taken led, by way of Sandtown, across Miry Eun, and,
farther up, across the Assanpink, around the left flank
of the British army ; then, veering to the left, along
the " Quaker road" to and across Stony Brook, where
the main column left the highway and took a by-road
passing through lowlands directly to Princeton ; while
Gen. Mercer, with about three hundred and fifty men
and two pieces of artillery under Capt. Neal, con-
tinued along the Quaker road, with orders to proceed
to Worth's Mill and take possession of the bridge by
which the old road from Princeton to Trenton crossed
Stony Brook.
The march of the American forces had been slow
during the two or three hours immediately following
their departure from their camp on the Assanpink, be-
cause on that part of their route they had been com-
pelled (in order to avoid the outposts of the enemy's
left flank) to traverse a new road, from which the logs
and stumps had not been cleared. But the last part
of their march ha(| been made very rapidly over the
hard-frozen highway ; so that when the sun rose they
were already nearing Princeton. And never was a
sunrise more auspicious than that which sent its rosy
rays through the frosty air on the morning of the 3d
of January, 1777. To Cornwallis at Trenton* it re-
vealed the mortifying fact that the " fox" had escaped
from his trap, and the unpleasant truth was soon after
emphasized by the dull sound of distant artillery
coming from the northward. To the eyes of Wash-
ington and his officers that sunrise was welcome, for
it showed them the position of the foes they had come
to seek ; and it lighted them on their way to one of
the most important victories achieved in the war for
independence.
The British troops in Princeton were a body of cav-
alry and the Seventeenth, Fortieth, and Fifty-fifth
Infantry Eegiments of the line, all under command of
Lieut.-Ool. Mawhood. He had during the night re-
ceived orders to march at daylight with the greater part
of his command for Trenton, to give his assistance in
the battle which Cornwallis intended to open along
the shores of the Assanpink on the morning of the
3d, and in obedience to that order he had put the
Seventeenth and Fifty-fifth Eegiments, with a part of
the cavalry, in motion, and, accompanying them in
person, moved out on the old Trenton road. The
commanding officer, with the Seventeenth Eegiment
and nearly all his cavalry, was fully a mile in ad-
vance of the rear division of the column, and had
already crossed the Stony Brook bridge at Worth's
Mill when he discovered Mercer's force moving
rapidly along the apposite bank of the stream towards
the mill. Upon this he promptly countermarched
his men, moved them on the double-quick back to the
bridge, recrossed it, and hastened on to secure a com-
manding position on high ground to the right of the
road. Gen. Mercer, as his detachment emerged from
a piece of woods near the Quaker meeting-house, dis-
covered the British, and, divining their object, double-
quicked his troops towards the same eminence, deter-
mined to occupy it in advance of the enemy if pos-
sible. Having reached the house and orchard of
* "Groat was his [Oornwallis'] astonisliment and alarm at dawn to find
the patriot camp-firea Btill burning, but not a man, nor hoof, nor tent,
uor cannon there. All was silent and dreary on the south side of the
Assanpink, and no man of the British army knew whither the Ameri-
cans had fled until the din of battle in the direction of Princeton came
faintly upon the keen morning air at sunrise. Cornwallis heard the
booming of cannon, and, although mid-winter, he thought it was the
rumbling of distant thunder. The quick car of Ersklne decided other-
wise, and he exclaimed, ' To anns, general 1 Washington has orUgeneraUd
us I Let us fly to Princeton I' "Loaaing, vol. ii, p. 234.
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
55
William Clarke, he perceived the enemy's line ad-
varicing up the opposite slope. The Americans
pushed on to the slight cover of a rail-fence vs'hich
was hetween the opposing forces, and there they de-
livered their volley with precision and deadly effect,
firing afterwards at will. The British promptly re-
turned the fire and charged with the bayonet. Mer-
cer's riflemen had no bayonets or their pieces, and,
being unable to withstand the furious onset of the
British, fled in precipitation and disorder, abandon-
ing their two field-pieces and closely pursued by Maw-
hood's grenadiers; but when they reached the east
brow of the slope near Clarke's house, they were met
by the Continentals and militia under "Washington,
who had left the by-road on which he was marching,
at a point near the Olden farm, and hurried up to the
support of Mercer. The fugitive Americans were
here rallied and reformed on a new line, and a section
of one of Washington's batteries, commanded by Capt.
William Moulder, poured a storm of canister into the
faces of the pursuers.
At this point, Mawhood, discovering for the first
time the presence of Washington and his force, ceased
the pursuit, brought up his artillery-pieces, and
opened on Moulder's section, which he immediately
afterwards charged in a desperate but unsuccessful
attempt to capture the guns. The scene of the con-
flict at this moment, when the lines of the opposing
forces confronted each other and the men of each
awaited the command to fire, is thus described by
Bancroft :
" Gen. Washington, from hig deeire to animate his troops by example,
rode into the vei-y front of danger, and when within less than thirty
yards of the Britisli he reined his horse with its head towards tliem as
both parties were about to fire, seeming to tell his faltering forces that
they must stand firm or leave him to confront the enemy alone. The
two Bides gaye a volley at the same moment, when, as the smoke cleared
Away, it was thought a miracle that Washington was untouched.* By
• In Custis' KecoUections of the Life and Character of Wsahington,"" "
this part of the battle of Princeton, and the incident of the commander-
in-chief spurring his horse to the front, between the hostile lines, are
mentioned thus: " The aide-de-camp [Col. Fitzgerald] had been ordered
to bring up tbe troops from the rear of the column when the band under
Gen. Mercer became engaged. Upon returning to the spot where he had
left the commander-in-chief, he was no longer there, and upon looking
around the aide discovered him endeavoring to rally the line, which had
been thrown into disorder by a rapid onset of the foe. Washington, after
several ineffectual efforts to restore the fortunes of the fight, is seen to
rein up his horse with his head to the enemy, and in that position to
remain immovable. It was a last appeal to his soldiers, and seemed to
say, 'Will you give up your general to the foe?' Such an appeal was
not made in vain. The discomfited Americans rally on the instant and
form into line. The enemy halt and dress their line. The American
chief is between the adverse posts, as though he had been placed there
a target for both. The arms of both are leveled. Can escape from death
be possible? Fitzgerald, horror-struck at the death -of his beloved com-
mander, dropped the reins upon his horse's neck, and drew his hat over
his face that he might not see him die. A roar of musketry succeeds,
and then a shout I It was the shout of victory. The aide-de-camp ven-
tures to raise hU eyes. Oh, glorious sight I The enemy are broken and
flying, while dimly amid the glimpses of the smoke is seen the chief,
alive, unharmed, and without a wound, waving his hat and cheering his
comrades to the pursuit. Col. Fitzgerald, celebrated as one of the finest
horsemen in the American army, now dashed the rowels in his charger's
flanks, and, heedless of the dead and dying in his way, flew to the side
cf the chief, exclaiming, ' Thank God Tour Excellency is safe I' while
this time, Hitchcock, for whom a raging hectic made this day nearly his
last, came up with his brigade, and Hand's riflemen began to turn the
left of the English. These, after repeated exertions of the greatest cour-
age and discipline, retreated before they were wholly surrounded, and
fled over the fields and fences up Stony Brook. The action, from the first
conflict with Mercer, did not last more than twenty minutes. Washing-
ton, on the battle-ground, took Hitchcock by the hand, and before his
army thanked him for his semces."
Col. Mawhood, with the Seventeenth British Regi-
ment and his cavalry, fled from the battle-field to the
same road over which they had marched in the morn-
ing, and, crossing the Stony Brook bridge at Worth's
Mill, moved rapidly on towards Maidenhead, where
they knew Gen. Leslie had passed the night with Jiis
division, the rear-guard of Cornwallis' army. Leslie,
however, hearing the cannonade in the direction of
Princeton, was already on the march towards Stony
Brook, and in his advance met the routed troops of
Mawhood, which latter had been pursued only a
short distance by the Americans, because Washing-
ton knew of the proximity of Gen. Leslie in the direc-
tion in which they retreated. Mawhood's artillery-
pieces were left on the field, and fell into the hands of
the Americans ; but, as they could not take them
away for want of horses, they afterwards returned to
the possession of the enemy.
At the close of the action near Clarke's house Gen.
Washington sent a detachment, under Maj. Kelley, of
the Pennsylvania militia, to destroy the bridge over
Stony Brook, for the purpose of delaying the advance
of Gen. Leslie with the reserve division of Cornwallis ;
but before they had accomplished the work the enemy
came in sight on Millett's Hill and opened a fire on
the working-party from their artillery, which finally
drove them from the bridge, though not until it had
been rendered impassable for the British artillery and
trains. The commanding officer of the detachment,
Maj. Kelley, was knocked off the bridge into the
stream, but, succeeding in crawling out, was making
his way towards Princeton, when he fell into the
hands of the enemy. The British commander, Corn-
wallis, on coming up to the bridge, found it impassable
for his column ; but so great was his anxiety for the
safety of his magazines of supply at New Brunswick
(which he fully believed to be Washington's destina-
tion) that, bitterly cold as it was, he ordered his troops
to ford the stream, which they did, and then, with
their clothing frozen stiff, pushed on as fast as they
were able in pursuit of the Americans.
In the battle with Mawhood the left wing of his
force, the Fifty-fifth Regiment, was cut off from the
right, and was driven into the town, where it took a
position in a ravine near the college. There it was
attacked by the New England regiments of Stark,
Poor, Patterson, and Reed, and after a desperate re-
the favorite aide, a gallant and warm-hearted sou of Erin, a man of
thews and sinews, and albeit unused to the melting mood, gave loose to
his feelings and wept like a child for joy. Washington, ever calm amid
scenes of the greatest excitement, affectionately grasped the hand of his
aide and friend, and then ordered, ' Away, my dear colonel, and bring
up the troops; the day is our own.' "
56
HUNTERDON AND SOiMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
sistance was utterl)' routed and sent flying in disorder
along the road towards Kingston. A part of the
Fortieth Regiment (which had been left in Princeton
when Mawhood marched out in the morning, and
which consequently participated very little in the
day's fighting) joined in the retreat and swelled the
throng of fugitives. A detachment of the American
force pursued them, but they soon left the main road,
and, striking off to the left, fled in a northerly direc-
tion along the by-ways and through the fields and
woods of Somerset County.^ As to the route of their
flight, different accounts have been given. The Hon.
Ralph Voorhees, in one of a series of historical papers
recently published, said,
" The Fortieth and Fift3'-fifth retreated hastily to Kingston, and from
thence pureued a route that brought them to Middlebush, where they en-
camped for a week in a field a few yards west of where the present church
stands, and a little to the east of the field where Gen. De Heister laid
with his division in June of the same year. "
In another account,! published some ten years
since, it is stated that, "while Washington took the
main road towards New Brunswick, these [the fugi-
tives of the Fortieth and Fifty-fifth Regiments],
frightened and flying, made towards the heights
southwest of Rocky Hill, crossed Beden's Brook, and
rushed on till they crowded on the little point formed
by the junction of that brook with the Millstone River,
just in front of what is now known as the old Van-
derveer homestead. Abraham Vanderveer, now
[1870] living at Rocky Hill, says that when the
family saw them coming they were on a run. When
they came into the forks they halted, finding the ice
broken. They then procured rails, laid them on the
ice, and passed over. The Vanderveers had a large
pot of mush, just taken from the fire, intended for
breakfast. The British on coming up said they had
had nothing but hot bullets for breakfast, and, hastily
scooping the mush out with their hands, pursued their
march. These accounts doubtless have reference to
different parties^ of the retreating British, as it is not
to be supposed that they tept together in one body
during the panic of their headlong flight.
In the college buildings at Princeton there remained
a part of the Fortieth Regiment, which had occupied
it as barracks. Washington, supposing that these
men would stand and defend their position, ordered
up a section of artillery, which opened on the build-
ings. The first shot fired passed into the Prayer-
Hall and through the head of a portrait of His
* Washington had no cavalry with him, and of course the pursuit of a
terrified crowd of fugitives by infantry was fruitless. Many of them,
however, were captured, and the pureuing-parties kept up the chase so
long that they had not all rejoined the main body two days later.
f From the pen of Jacob Magill, of the Newark Journal.
X Washington, in reporting to CongTess under date of Pluckamin, Jan.
6, 1777, mentions that some of the British prisoners taken in the pursuit
after the battle at Princeton were taken across the Delaware River; and
also that at that time two days after the battle the pursuing-parties
had not all returned to the main army. These facts would seem to indi-
cate that some of the British fugitives fled towards the southwest and
entered Hunterdon County.
Majesty George II. which hung on the wall. But lit-
tle show of resistance was made by the British within
the buildings, and finally James Moore, of Prince-
ton, a captain of militia, with the assistance of a few
others as bold as himself, burst open a door of Nassau
Hall and demanded a surrender of the forces within.
The demand was at once complied with, and the en-
tire body, including a number of sick, gave themselves
up as prisoners of war. This was the last of the
British forces in Princeton, and Washington, having
now entirely cleared the town of his enemies, imme-
diately evacuated the place, and wdth his army moved
rapidly away towards the northeast on the New Bruns-
wick road.
The advance division of Cornwallis, which had hur-
ried up from Maidenhead towards the scene of action
and dashed through the icy waters of Stony Brook, as
before mentioned, moved forward in the greatest haste
from that point to Princeton. Guarding the south-
western approach to the town was a bastioned earth-
work which had been thrown up a week or two
earlier by their own forces, and upon its rampart a
thirty-two-pounder gun had been mounted by Count
Donop. Now, as the head of Leslie's division came
on at a quick-step, it was greeted by a thundering re-
port from the great gun, which had been fired by two
or three American soldiers who still lingered near it.
The rush of the ponderous shot above the heads of the
British caused the advancing column to halt, and the
commander, who now believed that Washington had
determined to defend the place, sent out parties of
cavalry to reconnoitre, the infantry in the mean time
advancing slowly and with great caution preparatory
to an assault of the work. By these movements Corn-
wallis lost one precious hour, and when his men at
last moved up to the fortification they found it en-
tirely deserted,, and soon after the cavalry-parties re-
ported that there was not a rebel soldier in Princeton.
Upon this the British general, chagrined at the de-
lay resulting from his useless caution, ordered his
columns to move on with all speed on the New Bruns-
wick road. Arriving at Kingston, three miles from
Princeton, he found that the Americans had broken
down the bridge at that place ; but this was soon re-
paired, and the army, having crossed the stream, was
again hurried on in the hope of overtaking the Amer-
icans in time to prevent the destruction of the
military stores at New Brunswick. Cornwallis
arrived at that place during the succeeding night,
and was rejoiced to find his stores untouched ; but he
found no American army, for " the fox" had again
eluded him, and was at that time safe among the hills
of Somerset.
Washington, on leaving Princeton, moved his force
with the greatest possible speed to Kingston, crossing
the Millstone River and destroying the bridge behind
him. Having proceeded thus far he was not a little
perplexed in deciding on his subsequent movements.
The heavy column of Cornwallis was following so
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN TilE REVOLUTION.
57
closely in his rear that it was only at great peril that
he could pursue his original plan* of marching to
New Brunswick. The destruction of the British
magazines and stores at that place would have been a
most glorious ending of the winter campaign, and
would, beyond doubt, have driven the last vestige of
British military power out of New Jersey ; but, on
the other hand, a collision with the superior forces
of Cornwallis which it seemed hardly possible to
avoid if the march to New Brunswick was continued
could hardly result otherwise than in defeat, and not
improbably in the rout and destruction of the Amer-
ican army. At this juncture the commander-in-chief
adopted his usual course, called a council of war,
which was held by himself and his generals in the
saddle, and, although " some gentlemen advised that
he should file off to the southward,"! the council re-
sulted in the decision to abandon the original plan,
strike off from the New Brunswick road, and march
the army by way of the Millstone valley, and thence
across the Earitan, to the hilly country in the north-
west.
The plan adopted by the council of war was at once
put into execution. The army filed off from the main
highway,! and, turning sharply to the left, marched
over a narrow and unfrequented road to Rocky Hill,
where it recrossed the Millstone Eiver and moved on,
as rapidly as was practicable in the exhausted condi-
tion of the men, to Millstone. " The guides were di-
rected to take the road leading to the northward
through Hillsborough, but before they reached Som-
erset Court-house many of the infantry, worn out
with fatigue, fasting, and want of rest, lay down and
fell asleep by the way. "J That night (January 3d)
* "My original plan," said Wafihington in hie letter to Congress dated
Fluckamin, January 5th, " was to have pushed on to Brunewic ; but
the harassed state of our troops {many of them having had no rest for
two nights and a day;, and the danger of losing the advantage we had
gained, by aiming at too much, induced me, by the advice of my oflB-
cers, to relinquish the attempt; but, in my judgment, six or eight hun-
dred fresh troops, on a forced march, would have destroyed all their
stores and magazines, taken (as we have since learned) their military
chest containing seventy thousand pounds, and put an end to the war.
The enemy, from the best intelligence I have been able to get, were so
much alarmed at the apprehension of this that they marched immedi-
ately to Brnnswic without halting, except at the bridges (for I also took
up those on Millstone on the different routes to Brunswic), and got
there before day."
f Marshall.
1 The French Marquis de Castellux, who visited this region in 1781,
made the following mention of the locality, and of Washington's march
down the Millstone after Princeton : " It was here [Kingston] that Gen.
Washington halted after the affair at Prince Town. After marching
from midnight until two o'clock in the afternoon, almost continually
fighting, he wished to collect the troops and give them some rest ; he
knew, however, that Lord Cornwallis was following him on the Maiden-
head road, but he contented himself with taking up some planks of the
bridge, and as soon as he saw the vanguard of the English appear he con-
tinued his march quietly towards Middlebrook." This account, however,
is not strictly correct.
2 "It was on this march, or possibly on a similar one in December of
the same year, as the Army of Liberty passed the parsonage [at Mill-
stone], half clothed, unshod, and in want of food, that the patriotic Foer-
ing, collecting all the stores of his house (it being, moreover, just after
baking-time), and cutting the food into convenient portions, distributed
6
the headquarters of the commander-in-chief were
made at the Van Doren house, half a mile south of
the old Millstone church, and the weary soldiers of
the army bivouacked in the neighboring woods and
fields.
In the darkness of that winter night a small body
of Washington's militia, under command of that noted
trooper Capt. John Stryker, of Millstone, performed
quite a brilliant exploit in capturing a part of Corn-
wallis' baggage-train on the New Brunswick road.
The British general, terrified at the prospect of losing
his stores at New Brunswick, thinking that Washing-
ton was still in his front and moving on that post,
had pressed on from Kingston in such headlong haste
as to break down a number of his wagons ; and these,
being disabled, were turned out of the road and left,
with a few others, in charge of a quartermaster and
guarded by a detachment of soldiers. The American
militiamen referred to, having learned of the situation
of these wagons, resolved to capture them, and boldly
proceeded to put their plan into execution, though
their party numbered not more than twenty men,
while the British detachment guarding the disabled
train was of more than ten times their own strength.
Cautiously approaching the spot in the thick dark-
ness, they ranged themselves among the trees in a
semi-circle, partially surrounding the bivouac of the
British wagon-guard, and at a preconcerted signal
set up a loud shout and poured in a volley upon the
astonished soldiers, who, believing themselves to be
encircled by an attacking force superior in numbers
to their own, fled in a panic towards New Brunswick,
escaping with a few wagons which happened to have
their teams attached, but leaving the greater number
in the hands of the Americans, who were jubilant at
the success of their project, and still more so when it
was found that the Wagons were principally laden
with the article which their army especially needed,
woolen clothing. The captors with their prize moved
up as rapidly as possible on through Somerset County,
crossed the Millstone at Somerset Court-house, and
overtook the main body a day or two later.
In the morning of the 4th of January, Washington,
with his army and prisoners, left their encampment
of the previous night, and, continuing the march
northward, crossed the Earitan River at Van Vegh-
ten's Bridge. Passing up by the site of the present
village of Somerville, he encamped the same evening
at Pluckamin, where a halt of two days was made for
the rest and refreshment of the army. While at this
encampment the commander-in-chief wrote to the
president of the Continental Congress narrating the
events of the campaign which had then just closed.
This letter, as being an official, and of course an au-
them, as far as they would go, to the weary and hungry soldiers as they
hurried on their way. On one of these occasions, as the army passed,
they encamped for the night in the field directly south of the present
parsonage, Washington himself sleeping in the northwest corner of the
parlor of the present homestead of John Van Doren." Rev. E. T. Corusin^
DM.
58
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
thentic, account of the aflfair at Assanpink and the
hattle of Princeton, and a statement of the losses and
captures at the latter place, is given below, viz. .
" Pltjckamin, January 5, 1777.
Sir, I have the honor to inform you that since the date of my last "
from Trenton I have removed with the army under my command to this
place. The diificulty of crossing the Delaware, on account of the ice,
made our passage over it tedious, and gave the enemy an opportunity of
drawing in their several cantonments and assembling their whole force
at Princeton. Their large picquets advanced towards Trenton, their
great preparations, and some intelligence I had received, added to their
knowledge that the 1st of January brought on a dissolution of the best
part of our army, gave me the strongest reasons to conclude that an at-
tack upon us was meditating.
" Our situation was most critical, and our force small. To remove im-
mediately was again destroying every dawn of hope which had begun to
revive in the breasts of the Jersey militia, and to bring those troops
which had first crossed the Delaware, and were lying at Crosswix's under
Gen. Cadwallader, and those under Gen. Mifflin at Bordentown (amounts
ing in the whole to about three thousand six hundred), to Trenton, was
to bring them to an exposed place. One or the other, however, was un-
avoidable ; the latter was preferred, and they were ordered to join us at
Trenton, which they did, by a nigbt-march, on the 1st instant. [Here fol-
lows an account of the so-called battle of Assanpink,"" before quoted.] "
" Having by this time [that is, on the evening of January 2d, after the
British had made the attempt to cross the bridge and ford of the Assan-
pink] discovered that the enemy was greatly superior in number, and
that their design was to surround us, I ordered all our baggage to be
silently removed to Burlington soon after dark; and at twelve o'clock,
after renewing our fires and leaving guards at the bridge in Trenton and
other passes on the same stream above, marched by a round-about road
to Princeton, where I knew they could not have much force left, and
might have stores. One thing I was certain of, that it would avoid the
appearance of a retreat (which it was, of course, or to run the hazard of
the whole army being cut off) ; whilst we might, by a fortunate stroke,
withdraw Gen. Howe from Trenton and give some reputation to our
arms. Happily we succeeded. We found Princeton about sunrise with
only three regiments and three troops of light-horse in it, two of which
were on their march to Trenton. These three regiments, especially the
two first, made a gallant resistance, and in killed, wounded, and prisoners
must have lost five hundred men ; upwards of one hundred of them were
left dead on the field; and with what I have with me, and what were
taken in pursuit and carried across the Delaware, there are near three
hundred prisoners,* fourteen of whom are officers, all British.
This piece of good fortune is counterbalanced by the loss of the brave "
and worthy General Mercer, Cols. Hazlet. and Potter, Capt. Neal of the
artiller}', Capt. Fleming, who commanded the First Virginia Regiment,
and four or five other valuable officers, who, with about twenty-five or
thirty privates, were slain on the field. Our whole loss cannot be ascer-
tained, as many who are in pursuit of the enemy (who were chased three
or four miles) are not yet come in.
" The rear of the enemy's army, lying at Maidenhead, not more than
five or six miles from Princeton, was up with us before our pursuit was
over ; but, as I had the precaution to destroy the bridge over Stony Brook
(about half ahiile from the field of action), they were so long retarded
there as to give us time to move off in good order for this place. We
took two brass field-pieces, but for want of horses could not bring them
away. We also took some blankets, shoes, and a few other trifling
articles, bnrned the hay, and destroyed such other things as the short-
ness of the time would admit of. [Here follows a paragraph which has
before been given, viz., an explanation that his original plan had been
to proceed to and attack the post of New Brunswick for the purpose of
destroying the British stores deposited there.]
From the best information I have received. Gen. Howe has left no "
men either at Trenton or Princeton. The trnth of this I am endeavor-
ing to ascertain, that I may regulate my movements accordingly. The
militia are taking spirits, and, I am told, are coming in fast from this
State ; but I fear those from Philadelphia wiU scarcely submit to the
hardships of a winter campaign much longer, especially as they very
unluckily sent their blankets with their baggage to Burlington. I must
* The number of prisoners taken by the Americans in the conflicts of
the 3d of January in and about Princeton was two hundred aud thirty.
The entire loss of the Americans on that day did not exceed thirty, kiUed
and wounded.
do them the justice, however, to add that they have undergone more
fatigue and hardship than I expected militia, especially citizens, would
have done in this inclement season. I am just moving towards Morris-
town, where I shall endeavor to put them under the best cover I can;
hitherto we have been without any, and many of our poor soldiers bare-
foot, and ill-clad in other respects.
" I have the honor to he, etc.,
G. W."" "
Gen. Hugh Mercer, whose death is mentioned in
the letter of Washington, was the commanding officer
of the American detachment which first joined battle
with the British troops under Mawhood on the morn-
ing of the 3d of January near Princeton, and it was
in that first short but disastrous conflict that he re-
ceived his mortal wounds. In the volley which the
British Seventeenth Regiment poured into the Amer-
ican line when it held the position along the rail-fence
on the height west of Clarke's house on that memor-
able morning, a ball, striking Mercer's horse in the
fore leg, disabled him and compelled the general to dis-
mount ; and in the hurried retreat which immediately
followed through the orchard, while he was in the very
midst of the fight, trying to rally his flying troops, he
was felled to the earth by a blow from a British musket.
" The British soldiers were not at first aware of the
general's rank. So soon as they discovered he was a
general ofiBcer they shouted that they had got the
rebel general, and cried, ' Call for quarter, you d d
rebel I' Mercer to the most undaunted courage united
a quick and ardent temperament ; he replied with in- ""
dignation to his enemies, while their bayonets were at
his bosom, that he deserved not the name of rebel,
and, determining to die, as he had lived, a true and
honored soldier of liberty, lunged with his sword at
the nearest man. They then bayoneted him and left
him for dead.t It was afterwards ascertained that "
he had received sixteen bayonet wounds,J and he was
also terribly beaten on the head with the butt of a
musket by a British soldier while he lay wounded
and helpless on the ground. He was taken to Clarke's
house, and there most tenderly cared for and nursed
by the ladies of the household ; but after lingering
in agony for nine days he expired on the 12th of
January.
Gen. Washington while on the field of Princeton
had learned with great grief of the fall of Mercer,
who was reported killed, and it was not until he had
made his headquarters for the night at Somerset Court-
house that the commander-in-chief received with cor-
responding joy and thankfulness the intelligence that
his old friend and companion-in-arms,J although
t Kecollections of the Life and Character of Washington, by G. W. P.
Custis.
t "The late Dr. Moses Scott, of New Brunswick, with other surgeons,
was with Gen. Mercer under the tree after the battle, and said that he
had received sixteen wounds by the bayonet, though these were not
thought by the general himself (who was a physician) to be necessarily
mortal, but that wliile lying on the ground a British soldier had struck
him on the head with his musket; ' and that,' said he, ' was a dishonor-
able act, and it will prove my death.' " ijaum's RisUyry of TreiUon.
g Mercer and Washington had been comrades and warm personal
friends in the campaigns against the French in 1765.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
59
severely wounded, was not dead, and might recover.
At this he at once dispatched his nephew, Maj. George
Lewis, with a flag of truce and a letter to Lord Corn-
wallis, requesting that every possible attention might
be shown to the wounded generaJ, and that Maj. Lewis
might be permitted to remain to attend on and nurse
him. " To both these requests," says Custis, " His
Lordship yielded a willing assent, and ordered his
staff surgeon to attend upon Gen. Mercer. Upon an
examination of his wounds the British surgeon ob-
served that, although they were many .and severe, he
was disposed to believe they would not prove danger-
ous. Mercer, bred to the profession of an army sur-
geon in Europe, said to young Lewis, ' Raise my right
arm, George, and this gentleman will then discover
the smallest of my wounds, but which will prove the
most fatal. Yes, sir, that is the fellow that will soon
â– do my business.' . . . During the period that he
languished on the couch of suffering he exonerated
his enemies from the foul accusation which they not
only bore in 1777, but for half a century since, viz.,
of their having bayoneted a general officer after he
had surrendered his sword and become a prisoner of
war, declaring that he only relinquished his sword
when his arm became powerless to wield it."
The kindness and courtesy of Lord Cornwallis in so
readily and fully granting Gen. Washington's request
,^ in reference to the wounded general Mercer was as
fully and generously repaid by the consideration and
kind attention bestowed, by order of the American
commander, on one of his British prisoners, Capt.
William Leslie, of the Seventeenth Regiment, who
was mortally wounded and captured by the patriot
forces at Princeton. An account of the death of this
brave young officer is thus given by Custis :
" It waa while the commander-ln-cbief reined up his horse upon ap-
proaching the spot in a plowed field where lay the gallant Col. Hazlet
mortally wounded that he perceived some British soldiera supporting a
wounded oiBcer, and upon inquiring his name and rank was answered,
* Capt. Leslie.' Dr. Benjamin Bush, who formed a part of the general's
suite, earnestly aaked, ' A son of the Earl of Leven ?' to which the soldiei-B
replied in tlie aiBrmative. The doctor then addressed the geueral-in-chief :
' I beg your Excellency to permit tliie wounded officer to be placed under
my care that I may return, in however small a degree, a part of the obli-
gations I owe to his worthy father for the many kindnesses received at
his hands while I was a student at Edinburgh.' The request was im-
mediately granted, but, alas ! poor Leslie was soon ' paat all surgery.' He
â– died the same evening, and was buried the next day at Pluckamin with
the honors of war. His troops, as they lowered the remains to the
soldier's last rest, shed tears over the remains of a much-loved com-
mander.* "
•The following is a copy of an entry in a diary kept by Col. Bodney
who commanded a battalion of Delaware militia in Washington's army at
that time :
" Pluckamin, N. J., Jan. 6, 1777.
The general continued here this day also to refresh the army. He "
ordered forty of our light infantry to attend the funeral of Col. [Capt.]
Leslie, to bury him with the honors of war. He was one of the enemy
•who fell at Princeton. They readily obeyed in payiuE due respect to
bravery, thongh in an enemy.
" Capt. Henry was now gone home, and I myself had command of the
five companies of infantry, but, as I liad not paid any attention to the
military funeral ceremonies, I requested Capt. Humphries to conduct
it. . . . "
If Capt. Leslie died in the evening of the day on
which he received his wound, as is stated by Custis,
his death must have occurred at or near Somerset
Court-house,t where the general made his head-
quarters on the night of the 3d of January. But,
however this may have been, he was buried with mil-
itary honors, as stated, at Pluckamin, where his grave
may still be known by a plain monument erected to
his memory by his father's friend. Dr. Rush.J After
his death Gen. Washington sent his aide. Col. Fitz-
gerald, with a flag of truce to the camp of Cornwallis.
He was received at the British headquarters with great
courtesy, and upon his relating the fact of Capt. Les-
lie's death and the manner of his burial to the high
officers present, they exhibited great emotion, and one
of the generals, who had been compelled to withdraw
to a window to hide his tears, returned by the colonel
his warmest acknowledgments to the American com-
mander-in-chief for kis kindness, and the honors paid
to the dead officer.
The cannonading on the Princeton battle-field had
been heard in nearly every part of the counties of
Hunterdon and Somerset to their northern bounda-
ries,? and the people were in a state of the greatest
excitement and suspense as to what it portended.
During the latter part of the day those living along
the valley of the Millstone learned the facts by the
â– fOne account of Capt. Leslie's death says he was " carried to Plucka-
min and died on the porch of a small inn almost immediately on reaching
there." There is no reason to doubt that this account is correct; and if
so, then Custis M'as mistaken in saying "he died the same evening," that
is, the evening of the day of the battle. While halting at Millstone in
the nightafter the battle the soldiers having charge of the ambulance in
which Leslie waa conveyed bivouacked on a piece of woodland on, or very
near, the site of the present parsonage of the Reformed Church at that
place.
J.The following, having reference to the last resting-place of the
gallant Leslie, is taken from Dr. Messler's " History of Somerset County"
(1876) : " Many years since, money was sent from Scotland to build astone-
wall in front, and more recently the Presbyterian church was erected
on a part of it. The following extracts will be of interest :
" ' Many persons in this country will recall with pleasure the visit to
this country last year of the Hon. Koland Leslie Melville, brother of the
Earl of Leven and Melville, who some time ago became a partner in
London of Mr. McCulloch, ex-Secretary of the United States Treasury.
While here Mr. Melville mentioned the fact that one oC his /orfeyes, a
young British officer, had fallen in America during the Kevolutiouary
war, and that the family had never been able to learn where he was
buried. There was tradition that his remains had been deposited m a
certain Trinily church-yard, but that vague description gave them little
clue to the spot. Only the other day an American friend of Mr. Melville,
searching our early national history with quite another object, stumbled
on the story of his ancestor's death, and, finding that he fell at the battle
of Princeton, Jan. 3, 1777, pursued the inquiry, and discovered his burial-
place still well presex-ved. . . .' "
J The boom> of the guns ot Princeton wos also heard much farther
away thnn the remotest bounds of Hunterdon. The journal of the Mo-
ravian brethren at Bethlehem, Pa., contains entries showing that fact,
as follows: " On the first of January, 1777, Brother Bttwein made his
rounds tlirough the hospital, and wished the sufferers God's blessing on
the opening of the New Year." " Januan/ 3d. During the forenoon we
heard long-continued cannonading. Later, it wos ascertained to have
been at Princeton." The hospital referred to in the first entry was the
general hospital of the army, which had been removed to that place from
Morristown by Surg.-Gen. John Warren, under an order from Gen. Wash-
ington, Dec. 3, 1776, when the first advance of the British into New Jer-
sey made it necessary to remove it farther into the interior.
60
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
passage of the patriot forces, and on the following
day the glad news was spread farther and more
widely, till, on the morning of the 5th, there were
few of the inhabitants of either county who did not
know that Washington's army had recrossed the Ear-
itan and was in bivouac along the hillside at Pluclca-
min. "Many a horseman .during the night dashed
onward to this point to ascertain what it [the light of
the camp-fires at Pluckamin] portended, and when
the news was brought back that it was Washington
the joy was almost rapturous everywhere."*
The army arrived at Pluckamin on the evening of
the 4th of January! i^ ^ condition of extreme wear-
iness and destitution. Not only were the men worn
out by loss of sleep and the excessive fatigue of the
rapid night-march from Trenton to Princeton, the
battle at that place, and the subsequent marching to
Kingston down the valley of the Millstone, and from
the Earitan to the mountains,- but they were very
poorly supplied with food, many of them shoeless
and suffering from cold through lack of blankets and
sufficient clothing. The officers as well as the private
soldiers suffered from the same cause. Col. Eodney
said (in the diary before quoted from), in reference to
his condition during the halt at Pluckamin, " I had
nothing to cover me here but my great-coat, but luck-
ily got into a house near the mountains, where I fared
very comfortably while we stayed here.'' But there
were few even among the officers who fared as well as
he in this respect.
During the day of January 5th the main body of
the army lay quietly at Pluckamin resting and wait-
ing for detached bodies to rejoin it. J When the com-
mands had all reported, and the men had in some
degree recovered from the effects of the excessive
fatigue and exposure which they had been compelled
to endure in the marches and battles from the Assan-
pink to Pluckamin, the army moved out from its
temporary camps at the latter place and marched
leisurely to Morristown, where it went into winter
quarters in log huts. It is said that while there the
only command of which the men were in complete
uniform was Col. Eodney's battalion of Delaware
troops, which on that account was detailed for duty
as a body-guard to the commander-in-chief.J
CHAPTEE VI.
HUBTTEBDON AliTD SOMERSET COUIirTIES IN
THE EBVOLUTIOIT (Continued).
The Marvelous Change produced by the Campaign of Trenton and
Princeton Gen. Howe's " Protections" Atrocities of the British in
Somerset and Hunterdon Counties Washington's Proclamation to tha
People Skirmish at Weston, Somerset Co. Gen. Dickinson Defeats
the British and Captures a Wagon Train Occupation of Middle-
brook by the American Forces in 1777 Letter of Gen. Heard from
Earitan" Washington Eock" Attempt to Entice Washington from
his Stronghold in the Hills The British Troops leave the State and
the American Army march through Somerset and Hunterdon to the
Delaware Washington's Letters from Coryell's Ferry- Hunterdon
and Somerset Troops at Battle of Brandywine Valley Forge Col.
Frelinghuysen's Expedition to Staten Island A Female Tory Dispatch-
Carrier The Tories Penn and Chew under Surveillance in Hunterdon
County Extracts from Minutes of the Council of Safety, Etc.
British evacuate Philadelphia and pass through New Jersey Wash-
ington's Army cross at Coryell's Battle of Monmouth, Etc. Somerset
and Hunterdon Troops behave gallantly Cantonments at Middle-
brook Gen. Washington and Wife at Somerville Five Soldiers Hung
Gen. Knox's Headquarters at Pluckamin Grand Ball and Supper
Simcoe's Raid in 1779 Burning of the Church, Court-house, Etc.
Capt. Peter G. Voorhees killed The Ladies of Hunterdon and Somer-
set Close of the War The Currency Patriotism under War Burdens
Processes against Forfeited Estates, Etc.
FKOM THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON TO THE CLOSE
OF THE WAB.
The glorious result of the campaign which com-
menced on the south shore of the Delaware at Mc-
Conkey's Ferry at nightfall on the evening of Christ-
mas Day, 1776, and ended when the weary and shiv-
ering soldiers of Washington entered their compara-
tively comfortable winter quarters at Morristown,
wrought a wonderful change in the aspect of affairs
in New Jersey. A few weeks before, when the slender
and constantly-decreasing columns of the American
army were crossing the State towards the Delaware in
flight before the pursuing and victorious legions of
Cornwallis, a large proportion probably a majority
of the people of the State had become discouraged,
and, despairing of a successftil issue to the struggle
for liberty, large numbers of them promptly availed
themselves of the terms offered by the proclamation
of the British commander guaranteeing pardon and
protection to such rebels and disaffected persons a&
would come forward to abandon the patriot cause and
renew their allegiance to the king.|| It is stated that
â– * Kev. Dr. Messier.
â– f Lossing (vol. i. p. 306) says that Washington, having defeated the
British at Princeton, " pursued them as far as Kingston, where he had
the bridge taken up, and, turning short to the left, crossed the Millstone
Kiver twice, and arrived at Pluckamin the same evening.'''' And again (vol.
ii. p. 239) he says, " He destroyed the bridge at Kingston, which checked
the progress of Cornwallis for some time, and having crossed the Mill-
stone twice, he reached Pluckamin that evening." But this is clearly a
mistake, as the account of Washington's bait with his army near Som-
erset Court-house during the night succeeding the battle is well authen-
ticated.
X In Washington's dispatches to Congress dated at Pluckamin on that
day he says, "Our whole loss cannot be ascertained, as many who are
in pursuit of the enemy (who were chased three or four miles) are not
yet come in."
§ The iiag-staff which was used at Washington's headquarters, Morris-
town, up to the time of erecting a liberty-pole, was removed in the sum-
mer of 1880 to the residence of D. D. Craig, at Basking Kidge, in Somer-
set Co., where it was again raised.
II " The British commissioneis [Gen. William Howe and his brother.
Admiral Lord Eichard Howe] issued a proclamation commanding all
persons assembled in arms against His Majesty's government tu disband
and rett^rn to their homes, and all civil officers to desist from their trea-
sonable practices and to relinquish their usurped authority. A full par-
don was offered to all who within sixty days would appear before aa
officer of the Crown, claim the benefit of the proclamation, and subscribe
a declaration of his submission to the royal authority. Seduced by this-
proclamation, not only the ordinary people shrunk from the apparent
fate of the country in this its murkiest hour, but the vaporing patriots
who sought office and distinction at the hands of their countrymen when
danger in their service was distant now crawled into the British lines,
humbly craving the mercy of their conquerors, and whined out, as justi-
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
61
for a considerable time the daily average of persons
within the State who thus signified their adhesion to
the royal cause was more than two hundred. Scarcely
an inhabitant of the State joined the army of "Wash-
ington as he was retreating towards the Delaware, but,
on the contrary, great numbers of those who were
already in the service from this State deserted and
returned to their homes. " The two Jersey regiments
which had been forwarded by Gen. Gates, under Gen.
St. Clair, went off to a man the moment they entered
their own State. A few officers, without a single pri-
vate, were all of these regiments which St. Clair
brought to the commander-in-chief."* The most
earnest exertions of Governor Livingston to induce
the militia to oppose the invading army were fruit-
less. " Those who visited the army brought back an
unfavorable report. They secretly or openly advised
others to do nothing that would involve them in dis-
loyalty, and thus jeopardize their possessions. Old
people tell us that such was the talk with many. The
Legislature, itself defenseless, had moved from Prince-
ton to Burlington,! and there, on the 2d of December,
they adjourned, each man going home to look after
his own affairs. Until the battle of Trenton, on the
26th of that month. New Jersey might have been con-
sidered a conquered province. Even Samuel Tucker
[of Hunterdon], chairman of the Committee of Safety,
treasurer, and judge of the Supreme Court, took a
protection of the British, and thus renounced allegi-
ance to this State and vacated his offices. J Open in-
surrection against the American cause had broken
out in several counties, among which was that of
Hunterdon, where (as before noticed) the malcontents
had proceeded to violence against the Whig inhabit-
ants of that section, plundered the house of Capt.
Jones, and boldly declared their intention of joining
the British army. In Monmouth County a similar,
but even more desperate, state of affairs existed, to
suppress which it was deemed necessary to detach a
strong military force under Col. Forman. Panic, dis-
affection, and cowardly submission were found every-
where; despair had seized on all but the sturdiest
patriots ; and the conflict for liberty seemed well-nigh
hopeless.
But a marvelous change was wrought by the favor-
able result of the campaign of Trenton and Prince-
ton. The Christmas victory at Trenton rekindled a
bright spark of hope in the breasts of despairing pa-
triots, and the glorious event of Princeton fanned
that spark into a strong and steady flame. An imme-
diate result was a revival of hope and courage among
the Jersey militia, causing large numbers of them to
join the American army, adding materially to its ef-
fective strength. " The militia are taking spirits, and,
I am told, are coming in fast from this State," said
Gen. Washington in his dispatches to Congress writ-
ten at Pluokamin on the 5th of January, only two
days after the victory of Princeton ; and the acces-
sions from this source were much more numerous
after that time. " The militia of New Jersey, who had
hitherto behaved shamefully,? from this time forward
generally acquired high reputation, and throughout
a long and tedious war conducted themselves with
spirit and discipline scarce surpassed by the regular
troops. In small parties they now scoured the country
in every direction, seized on stragglers, in several light
skirmishes behaved exceptionally well, and collected
in such numbers as to threaten the weaker British
posts with the fate which those at Trenton and Prince-
ton had already experienced. In a few days, indeed,
the Americans had overrun the Jerseys." Among the
inhabitants, those who had maintained their unswerv-
ing devotion to the patriotic cause once more took
heart ; and even of those who, from motives of fear
and self-interest, had availed themselves of the "pro-
tection" of the British, II the greater number were re-
joiced at the successes of Washington. Gen. Howe's
protectionsl[ had proved to them a delusion. Dur-
ing the time in which the British held undisputed
control the country in all directions had been rav-
aged by their foraging-parties, composed principally
of Hessians. These mercenaries were unable to read
the English language; and so, when the "loyal"
inhabitants who had secured protection papers exhib-
ited them to the German marauders, the latter regarded
them no more than if they had been Washington's
passes, but treated their holders with contempt and
showed them no more consideration than was accor-
ded to their Whig neighbors, which was simply none
at all.
In the depredations and atrocities committed during
this period by the Hessian and British soldiery, Som-
ficatton, that, though they had united with others in seeking a constitu-
tional redress of grievances, they approved not the measures lately
adopted, and were at all times opposed to independence." Gordon's SU-
Utry of Nex Jersey, p. 223.
*Ibid.
fThe removals of the Legislature, enforced by the advance of the
British army, were : First, from Princeton to Trenton ; then from Tren-
ton to Burlington ; from Burlington to Pittstown ; and finally, from that
place to Haddonfleld, where it was dissolved on the 2d of December, 1776.
t Mott's " FiiHt Century of Hunterdon County."
Gordon (p. 223) says, "Dr. Bamsay has given to political infamy the
names of Galloway and Allen, of Pennsylvania. He might have added
those of Tucker and others, of New Jersey."
a See Gordon's " History of New Jersey," p. 233.
I The whole number of those who, in the State of New Jersey, took
advantage of the proclamation of the brfithers Howe is said to have been
two thousand seven hundred and three.
IT Following is a copy of one of these " protection" papers, given to a
Somerset County man by that same Col. Mawhood who, a little more
than two weeks later, was defeated by Washington at Princeton :
"I do hereby Certify that the Bearer Abraham Sedham, of Middle-
bush in the County of Somerset, came and subscribed the declaration
specified in a certain Proclamation published at New York, on the ISth
day of November last, by the Bight Honorable Lord Howe, and His Ex-
cellency General Howe. Whereby he is entitled to the protection of all
Officers and Soldiers serving in his Majesties' Army in America, both for
himself, his family and property, and to pass and repass on his lawful
business without molestation.
Given under my hand this 18th day of December, 1776. "
C. Mawhood, Lt.-Col,
62
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
erset* and Hunterdon were among the four or five
counties which suffered the most severely of any in
the State. " Neither the proclamation of the commis-
sioners [General and Admiral Howe] nor protections
saved the people from plunder or insult. Their
property was taken and destroyed without distinction
of persons. They exhibited their protections, but the
Hessians could not read and would not understand
them, and the British soldiers deemed it foul disgrace
that the Hessians should be the only plunderers.
Discontents and murmurs increased every hour with
the ravages of both, which were almost sanctioned by
general orders, and which spared neither friend nor
foe. Neither age nor sex was protected from outrage.
Infants, children, old men and women, were left
naked and exposed, without a blanket to cover them
from the inclemency of winter. Furniture which
could not be carried away was wantonly destroyed,
dwellings and outhouses burned or rendered unin-
habitable, churches and other public buildings con-
sumed, and the rape of women, and even very young
girls, filled the measure of woe. Such miseries are the
usual fate of the conquered, nor were they infiicted
with less reserve that the patients were rebellious sub-
jects. But even the worm will turn upon the op-
pressor. . . . What the earnest commendations of
Congress, the zealous exertions of Governor Living-
ston and the State authorities, and the ardent suppli-
cations of Washington could not effect was produced
by the rapine and devastations of the royal forces.
The whole country became instantly hostile to the in-
vaders. Sufferers of all parties rose as one man to re-
venge their personal injuries. Those who, from age
and infirmities, were incapable of military service
kept a strict watch upon the movements of the royal
army, and from time to time communicated informa-
tion to their countrymen in arms. Those who lately
declined all opposition, though called on by the sacred
tie of honor pledged to each other in the Declaration
of Independence, cheerfully embodied when they
found submission to be unavailing for the security of
their estates. . . . Men who could not apprehend the
consequences of British taxation nor of American in-
dependence could feel the injuries inflicted by inso-
lent, cruel, and brutal soldiers. "f
Gen. Washington was not slow to avail himself of
the advantages to the American cause offered by this
situation of affairs, and on the 25th of January he
issued, from his headquarters in Morristown, a procla-
mation requiring all persons who had accepted pro-
tection from the British commissioners to repair to
* '* Somerset County lay at the mercy of the enemy, whose foraging-
parties went out from New Brunswick, where Howe had quartered his
troops, across the Millstone as far as Neshanic and the South Branch,
gathering everything they could lay their hands on, and maltreating
the inhahitanta most cruelly whenever any resistance was offered. It
seemed as if the idea that they were or might be rebels formed a suffi-
cient excuse in the minds of the soldiers for any outrage that their pas-
sions prompted them to commit." Mesaler^s History of Sovierset County.
t Gordon, pp. 232, 233.
the army headquarters, or the nearest headquarters of
any general ofllcer in the Continental service, and
there to surrender their protection papers and swear
allegiance to the .United States of America; upon
which terms they were to receive full pardon for past
offenses, provided this was done within thirty days
from the date of the proclamation. But such as should
fail to conform to these requirements within the speci-
fied time were commanded to forthwith withdraw
themselves and families within the enemy's lines, and
upon their refusal or neglect to do so they were to be
regarded and treated as adherents to the King of
Great Britain and enemies of the United States.
The effect of this proclamation was excellent. Hun-
dreds of timid inhabitants who had taken protection
now flocked to the different headquarters to surrender
them and take the required oath of allegiance. The
most inveterate and dangerous Tories were driven
within the enemy's lines, or entirely out of the State,
and the army was largely increased by volunteers and
by the return of many who had previously served in
its ranks, but had deserted and returned to their
homes during the dark days of November and De-
cember, 1776.
The main body of the army lay in quiet at Morris-
townj for nearly five months. During this time,,
although no general movements were made, small
bodies of militia and other troops were almost con-
stantly harassing the enemy, and several minor fights
occurred, one of the most important of which took
place at Weston, in Somerset County, on the 20th of
January. In consequence of the Americans having
captured and destroyed a number of boats ascending
the Baritan laden with provisions for the use of Corn-
wallis' forces at New Brunswick, the British were
compelled to forage the country with more than their
usual energy. One of their foraging-parties, about
four hundred strong,^ had been raiding on the east
side of the Millstone River, in that part of Somerset
County which is now the township of Franklin,
where they had seized a large number of cattle and
sheep, and, learning that a considerable quantity of
flour was stored in a mill at Weston, proceeded to
that place, took possession of the flour, and com-
menced loading it upon their wagons. But in the
I A detached force of several hundred men, under command of Gen. Is-
rael Putnam, was stationed at Princeton in the latter part of January to
act as a corps of observation merely, being too weak in numbers to offer
serious opposition if the enemy should appear in force. In Hageman's
History of Princeton there is related an incident illustrative of Gen.
Putnam's strategy, as follows : " A British officer, Maj.-Gen. McPherson,
who lay mortally wounded at Princeton, desired the presence of a mili-
tary comrade in his last moments. The kind-hearted Gen. Putnam could
not refuse the request, but resorted to strategy to hide his weakness
from the enemy. He sent a flag to New Brunswick in quest of the-
friend, who entered Princeton after dark. The general had arranged it
so that every unoccupied house was carefully lighted, lights gleamed in
all the college windows, and he marched and countennarched his
scanty forces to such effect that the British soldier on his return to tbfr
camp reported it at least five thousand strong, while he had only a few
hundreds."
g One account places its strength at six hundred men.
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
63
mean time intelligence of the movement was carried
to Gen. Philemon Dickinson, who with a small force
was stationed to hold a small earthwork at Somerset
Court-house (Millstone village), a short distance from
the mill, but on the opposite side of Millstone River.
Upon learning the facts, Gen. Dickinson, being de-
termined to attack the party, moved out with a force
of two companies of Continentals, fifty Pennsylvania
riflemen, and a small body of New Jersey militia,
in all, about four hundred and fifty men, and, pro-
ceeding to the bridge at Weston, attempted to cross
it, but failed, as the enemy held the opposite end,
with three pieces of artillery trained upon it. The
Americans then sought a fording-place below, and,
plunging into the river where the water was waist-
deep and filled with floating ice, crossed the stream
ajid attacked the British with such vigor and deter-
mination that they fled precipitately towards New
Brunswick, leaving forty-three wagons, one hundred
and four horses, one hundred and eighteen cattle,
seventy sheep, and twelve prisoners in the hands of
Gen. Dickinson, whose loss of men in the fight was
five. The total loss of the enemy was about thirty
men. Gen. Washington, in his mention of this affair,
highly commended the energy and skill of Gen. Dick-
inson, and the gallantry evinced by the force under
his command, more than half of which was composed
of raw militia.
A similar afikir occurred on or about the 1st of
Pebruary at Piscataway, in which at least thirty-six
of the enemy were killed, while the Americans lost
nine killed and fourteen wounded. The force of the
British was about one thousand, with three field-
pieces ; while the Americans were only about seven
hundred strong, and nearly or quite all militia. In
the first attack the enemy were compelled to retire,
but, receiving reinforcements, they again advanced
and drove the militia from their position. About
three weeks later, " Col. Neilson, of New Brunswick,
with a detachment of one hundred and fifty militia,
surprised and captured Maj. Stockton (one of the nu-
merous family of that name, who from his treachery
was called ' Double Dick'), at the head of fifty-nine pri-
vates, refugees, in British pay."* Two or three quite
severe fights occurred at "Spanktown" (Rahway),
one on the 6th of January, in which a thousand
bushels of salt and other stores were captured from
the British, and another on the 23d of February, be-
tween the brigade of Gen. Maxwell and the Third
British Brigade from Amboy. In the latter fight the
Americans were victorious also, and drove the enemy
through the snow all the way back to Amboy, in-
flicting on them a loss (according to British reports)
of four officers and nearly one hundred men killed and
wounded. The loss of the Americans was three killed
and twelve wounded. Encounters similar to those
above mentioned, and others of less importance, were
* Gordon, p. 233.
of frequent occurrence during the winter and spring
of 1777.
On the opening of spring, the American commander,
fi'om his position at Morristown, watched closely and
anxiously the movements of Gen. Howe's forces at
New Brunswick, for he had no doubt that the British
general was intending to make an important move-
ment, though in what direction he could not learn,
though he believed that Howe's objective-point would
be the city of Philadelphia. Early in May it was ascer-
tained by Gen. Washington that the British forces at
New Brunswick had been largely augmented, and that
they were engaged in building " a portable bridge so
constructed that it might be laid on flat-boats," in
other words, a pontoon-bridge. Regarding this as an
almost certain indication that Howe was preparing to
move forward and cross the Delaware, Washington at
once decided to move his forces to a point nearer New
Brunswick, to be within striking distance of the enemy
in case he should attempt to execute his suspected de-
sign. The point selected was the range of hills to the
northward of the village of Bound Brook, generally
mentioned as the " Heights of Middlebrook," and to
this place the army was moved from Morristown about
the 28th of May,t on which day the headquarters of the
f Detached commands ot the army had, however, been stationed at
ditferent pointB on the Millstone and Baritan Kivers prior to this,
during tlie winter and spring. Gen. Dickinson had been stationed at
Somerset Conrt-honse, as we have seen, and liad made a successful ad-
vance from that place in January against the British foraging party at
Weston. A force under Gen. Lincoln had been stationed at Bound Brook
at least as early as April. This fact is mentioned by the Rev. Dr. Mess-
ier as follows; *'Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Lincoln had his quarters at the
house yet standing at the east end of the village. It was the only house
having two stories that Bound Brook could boast. It was inhabited at
the time by Peter Williamson. Gen. Lincoln himself, when giving an
account of his retreat from this place, uses the following language:
* Being stationed at Bound Brook, on the Baritan, he had an extent of
five or six miles to guard with a force of less than five hundred men fit
for duty. On the 13th of April, 1777, owing to the negligence of his pa-
trol, he was surprised by a large parly of the enemy under Cornwallis and
Grant, who came upon him so suddenly that the general and one of his
aides had barely time to get on horseback ; the other aide was taken, as
were also a few pieces of artillery. Near this house a block -house or for-
tification had been erected commanding the crossing over Bound Brook
Creek, connected with an earthwork reaching to the banks of the river.
It stood on the ground occupied at present by the old shop which Mrs.
Giles owns. When Gen. Lincoln retreated the inhabitants all fled to the
mountain, leaving a soldier's corpse in the block-house as the only occu-
pant of the village."
Gen. Heard was also stationed on the Karitan with his brigade early in
the spring, as is shown by the following letter addressed by him to Gov-
ernor Livingston (N. J. Bevolutionary Correspondence, pp. 45, 46) :
" Headqtjaeters, Baritan, April 1st, 1777.
Sib, Inclosed you have the copy of a letter I received from Col. "
Beavers, in the county of Hunterdon, by which you will see what a bad
situation the militia of that battalion are in on account of the captains
of several companies refusing to do their duty. I should be glad of your
directions how to proceed in the matter, that the men may be brought
here they being very much wanted at present, as many of the militia's
times expire this day. Likewise, should ho glad of directions to know
what is to be done with people that refuse to give up their protections, as
I have now a man under confinement that refuses to give his up. The
militia law points out no mode of what is to be done with such people.
There is a villain apprehended, with a warrant found with him to enlist
men for the British army, and now in confinement, who has informed
64
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
commander-in-chief were established at the new posi-
tion. The location of the American forces at Mid-
dlebrook is thus described :*
" We may sufficiently indicate the precise place of the encampment by
saying that it was on the right of the road leading through the moun-
tain-gorge in which Chimney Book is situated, just where it riaea up
from the bed of the little stream and attains the level of Waahington
valley. A strong earthwork waa thrown up about a quarter of a mile
to the northwest, almost in the centre of the valley, as a protection to
any movement approaching from Pluckamin ; and the whole of the de-
file leading through the narrow mountain-valley was strongly guarded,
while the brow overlooking the plain bristled with cannon. Just at the
edge of the wood, east of Chimney Rock, huts were erected as quarters
for the officers, and everything done which either safety or comfort de-
manded in the emergency. At Bound Brook a strong redoubt was con-
structed, commanding the bridge over that miry little stream, just north
of the present railroad-crossing, looking to any attack to be made from
the way of New Brunswick. Having taken, in this way, all possible
precaution against surprise, he felt strong to abide the issue of events.
The result justified his sagacity as a military tactician. ... On the apex
of the Round Top, on the left of the gorge in which Chimney Rock
stands, there are yet to be seen rude remains of a hut which Washington
sometimes frequented during those anxious months of 1777. On the east
side of the gorge, also, fronting the plain north of Middlebrook, there is
a rock which has been named 'Washington Rock,' because there he
often stood to gaze anxiously upon the scene it overlooks. On the moun-
tain west of Plainfield, also, there is a very large rock which has received
the same appellation. "
The last-named point (which is more generally
known than the other as "Washington's Eock") is on
the mountain-side, near the top, not far from and in
full sight of the railroad-station of Duaellen, in a
northeasterly direction. It is a very commanding
position, from which may be obtained an unob-
structed view of the whole valley and adjacent coun-
try for many miles. This, like the other, has received
its name from the tradition that the American gen-
eral -in-chief often visited it for purposes of observa-
tion.
The army of Washington, at the time when it
moved from Morristown to Middlebrook, was about
eight thousand four hundred strong, including cavalry
and artillery. But of these more than two thousand
were sick, and this, with other causes, reduced his ef-
fective strength to five thousand seven hundred and
thirty-eight men, rank and file. This number, how-
ever, was soon afterwards very considerably increased
by accessions from beyond the Delaware, for orders
had been issued for all troops in the field, as far
south as the Carolinas, to rendezvous in New Jersey.
When the movement to Middlebrook was made, Gen.
Sullivan, who had succeeded Gen. Putnam in com-
me there are many persons out now upon the same business, chiefly in
Sussex County. ... I should have sent after them myself, but have so
few troops now here thought proper not to spare them, but wait your
directions."
The letter from Col. Beavers referred to in the above, dated March 29,
1777, complained of certain officers of the Hunterdon battalion in this
language : " This is the second time the other fleld-ofBcers and myself
have met on the orders you have sent me, and can do nothing, as three
of the captains of this battalion refuse to act; nor have they warned a
man in their companies on either of the orders, to wit: Capt. Shenard,
Capt. Meddler, and Capt. Clioe."
* By Rev. Dr. Messier, in his History of Somerset County, p. 83.
t Hon. Ralph Voorhees, " Our Home," p. 495.
mand at Princeton, had about fifteen hundred
troops under him at that place. He subsequently
retreated to the Delaware River, but again ad-
vanced to the line of the Sourland Hills, along
the southern border of Hunterdon County, and
while in this position, waiting to co-operate with
Washington in case of an engagement, his forces
were considerably augmented by the arrival of troops
from the South, moving northward under the order
before mentioned. Gen. Benedict Arnold, command-
ing at Philadelphia, was ordered to station a force on
the New Jersey side of the Delaware, to do what
might be done to prevent the British from crossing
that river, in case they should succeed in escaping
from Washington and Sullivan.
The British army in and about New Brunswick had
been reinforced until it numbered about seventeen
thousand effective men, a force far outnumbering that
of Washington, including the corps of observation
under Sullivan. Moreover, the British force was
largely made up of veterans and was finely equipped,
while a large proportion of the American army was
composed of raw militia not well provided with
equipments and clothing. The position occupied
by Washington, however, was very strong by nature
and fortified to some extent, and his location was
such that he could at once take advantage of a move-
ment of the enemy, whether he should advance to-
wards the Delaware or retire towards the Hudson ;
for he was still in doubt as to the intention of the
British commander, whether itjiwas to move directly
on Philadelphia by land, to return his troops to Am-
boy, there to embark and proceed by sea and the Del-
aware Bay to reach the same objective-point, or to
move up the Hudson River to co-operate with Gen.
Burgoyne, who was then reported to be moving south-
ward from Canada by way of Lake Champlain.
In a little more than two weeks after Gen. Wash-
ington occupied the heights of Middlebrook the
British commander began to unmask his designs.
Leaving a force of about two thousand men under
Gen. Matthew in New Brunswick, the main body of
the British army, in two divisions, under Lord Corn-
wallis and Gen. De Heister respectively, moved out
at about midnight of the 13th of June, and marched
rapidly by two iroutes towards Middlebush and Som-
erset Court-house, which last-named place was reached
by the division of Cornwallis before sunrise in the
morning of the 14th, while De Heister, having taken
a more southerly and circuitous route, t arrived at
Middlebush at about the same time. Both divisions
t " Gen. Cornwallis, in marching with his division to Millstone, took
the Amwell road, which then came into the Princeton road but a short
distance above the Mile Run Brook near New Brunswick, which he fol-
lowed until he reached Millstone, while Gen. De Heister followed the one
running along the west bank of the Raritan for more than three miles
until he came to the Van Duyn place, where he turned to the left and
followed the road leading from thence into the Amwell road, a few yards
east of the present Middlebush church, about half a mile west of which
lie encamped with his troops." JToti. Redph Voorhea.
HUNTERDOk AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION. 65
threw up earthworks* of considerable strength. The
object of the British general was to sever communica-
tion between Gen. Sullivan and the main body of the
American army, and, if possible, to tempt Gen.
Washington to move down from his almost impreg-
nable position and give battle to the British on ground
of their own choosing. But the American general
could not be so lured from his stronghold among the
hills. He merely advanced his forces to the south side
of the mountain, and made all preparations to fight
on that ground if he should be attacked ; but beyond
this he did not go, for the chances in a battle upon the
plain would have been too much in favor of the enemy.
At the same time, Sullivan's force lay in the neighbor-
hood of Clover Hill awaiting events and receiving
large accessions from the sources before mentioned.
The two British divisions continued to hold their
positions on the Millstone and at Middlebush for five
days, vainly defying Washington to come down and
fight them. During this time Cornwallis' men plun-
dered the inhabitants at and in the vicinity of Som-
erset Court-house, and set fire to the Presbyterian and
Dutch churches there, though the buildings were not
destroyed. A number of farm-houses were burned.
On the 19th of June, the British general having
found it impossible to entice Washington from his
stronghold in the hills, the troops of Cornwallis and
De Heister suddenly evacuated the positions they
had held during the preceding five days and moved
rapidly back to New Brunswick. " When Gen. De
Heister's army left Middlebush, tradition states that
they attempted to burn every building between that
place and New Brunswick. Some of the fires were
put out, and some buildings failed to take fire."t
Yet a very large amount of damage was done by the
retiring Hessians. Judge Voorhees, in the paper
above quoted from, gives the names of the several suf-
ferers, with their losses, as follows : Garret Voorhees,
of Middlebush, dwelling-house, six rooms, entry, and
kitchen, burned, with other property destroyed and
stolen, amounting in all to four hundred and fifty-
one pounds seventeen shillings eight pence; Peter
Eapalye, dwelling-house forty-two by thirty feet,
kitchen twenty-four by twenty-four, weave-house
fourteen by eighteen, barn forty -two by forty-eight,
burned, and other losses, aggregating three hundred
and ninety -three pounds ; John Spader, on the oppo-
site side of the Amwell road, kitchen and barn burned,
value two hundred and twenty-six pounds sixteen
shillings eight pence; Hendrick Bergen, on same
road, good frame house destroyed and other property
* " Two earthen fortifications or redoubts were tlirown up, one acroas
the Amwell road in Middlebush, a few yards west of the residence of the
present Mr. Woolsey, another, about two hundred and fifty yards south of
the first, near the railroad. Two other fortifications were erected [these
last-named by Cornwallis] on the land of the present John V. C WyckofF,
at Millstone, a few yards west of his house. They have all been leveled
by the plowshare, so that scarcely a trace of them is left." Hon. Ralph
Voorhees, in " Our Some" (1873).
t IWd., p. 495.
taken, value three hundred and seventy-one pounds
nineteen shillings three pence ; Johannes Van Liew,
near New Brunswick, house, outhouses, and barns
burned, valued at five hundred and nineteen pounds
sixteen shillings five pence. Others who sufiered
more or less severely during the stay of the Hessians
at Middlebush and on their withdrawal to New
Brunswick were John Wyckoflf, Cornelius Van Ang-
len, Peter Wyckoff, Philip Fulkerson, John Stothofi",
Abraham Van Doren, and Berdus Garretson.
Three days after Cornwallis and De Heister retired
from Hillsborough and Middlebush to New Bruns-
wick that place was evacuated (June 22d) by the
whole British army, which then commenced its retreat
towards Amboy. Anticipating this movement, Wash-
ington had made his dispositions accordingly, detach-
ing three brigades under Gen. Greene to harass their
rear, sending orders to Gen. Sullivan to move down
in all haste with his division to co-operate with
Greene, and directing Gen. Maxwell to fall on their
flank; but his plans did not succeed, for Sullivan,
having received his order at a late hour and being a
long distance away, was unable to join Greene in time
to be of service, while the orders sent to Gen. Maxwell
were not received at all by that ofiicer, the courier by
whom they were sent either having deserted or being
captured by the enemy. Morgan with his riflemen
gave the retreating troops considerable annoyance,
attacking them at sunrise on the 22d as they were
about leaving New Brunswick. Wayne came up and
joined in the attack, driving the enemy from some
redoubts on the hill west of Brunswick, after which
they crossed the Earitan and retreated rapidly, but
in good order and with great caution, to Amboy,
reaching there with very little loss, for their rear-
guard was too strong for the three brigades under
Greene to make much impression upon them. Gen.
Howe, in his report of the operations, said, in refer-
ence to the attack before referred to as having been
made by Wayne and Morgan,^
"Upon quitting the camp at Brunswick the enemy brought a few
troops forward, with two or three pieces of cannon, which they fired at
their utmost range without the least execution or any return from us.
They also pushed some battalions into the woods to harass the rear, where
Lord Cornwallis commanded, who soon dispersed them with the loss of
only two men killed and thirteen wounded, the enemy having nine
killed and about thirty wounded. "
The retreat of Howe's forces from New Brunswick
to Amboy is spoken of by LossingJ as a stratagem
intended only to induce Washington to withdraw his
army from its strong position in the hills at Middle-
X " Field-Book of the Revolution," vol. i. p. 331 : " Failing to draw Wash-
ington from his post by this manoeuvre [the movement of Cornwallis to
Somerset Court-house], be made a feint a few days afterwards which suc-
ceeded better. He suddenly retreated, first to New Brunswick, and then
to Amboy, and even sent some detachments over to Staten Island. Partly
deceived by these movements, and hoping to reap some advantage by
harassing the British rear, WHshington sent strong detachments after the
retreating enemy, and also advanced with his whole force to Quibbletown
(now New Market), five or six miles from Middlebrook. This was ex-
actly what Howe desired to accomplish. . . ."
66
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
trook. But Howe in his report does not support such
a belief. In reference to that part of his operations,
he says,
" On finding their [the Americans] intention to keep a position -which
it would not have been prudent to attack, I determined, without loss of
time, to pursue the principal objects of the campaign by withdrawing
the army from Jersey, and in consequence of this determination returned
to the camp at Brunswicli on the 19th, and marched from thence to Am-
hoy on the 82d, intending to cross to Slaten Island, from whence the em-
barkation was to take place. "
This shows that it was not his object to deceive the
American commander, but to move his army to Staten
Island for embarkation ; and it seemed evident that
Washington believed such to be the case, for soon af-
ter sending Green in pursuit and dispatching orders
to Sullivan to march down and join him he withdrew
his army from the heights of Middlebrook, and
moved it forward to Quibbletown (now New Market),
a position far weaker and more exposed than the one
which it had previously occupied.
The intelligence, that Washington had left his forti-
fied camp in the hills was brought to Gen. Howe af-
ter his troops had arrived at Amboy and part of them
had crossed to Staten Island. And then he con-
ceived the idea of making a sudden retrograde move-
ment back towards Quibbletown, hoping to surprise
Washington in his new and weaker position, to bring
on the general engagement for which he had been
manoeuvring since the 14th, and, by turning the
American left, to gain the hills of Middlebrook in
their rear. These facts are made clear by the follow-
ing extract from his report, viz. :
"The necessary preparations being finished for crossing the troops to
Staten Island, intelligence was received that the enemy had moved down
from the mountain [Middlebrook Heights] and taken post at Quibble-
town, intending, as it was given out, to attack the rear of the army re-
moving from Amboy ; thai two corps had also advanced to their left,
one of three thousand men and eight pieces of cannon, under the com-
mand of Lord Stirling, Gens. Maxwell and Conway, the last said to be a
captain in the French service; the other corps consisted of about seven
hundred men, with only one piece of cannon. In tliis situation of the
enemy it was judged advisable to make a movement that might lead to
an attack, which was done on the 26th, in the morning, in two columns.
The right, under command of Lord Cornwallis and Maj.-Gen. Grant,
Brigadiers Matthew and Leslie, and Col. Donop, took the route by Wood-
bridge towards Scotch Plains; the left column, where I was, with Maj.-
Gens. Sterne, Vaughan, and Grey, and Brigadiers Cleveland and Agnew
marched by Metuchen Meeting-house to join the rear of the right column
in the road from thence to Scotch Plains, intending to have taken sepa-
rate routes, about two miles after the junction, in order to have attacked
the enemy's left at Quibbletown. Tour biittalions were detached in the
morning, with six pieces of cannon, to take post at Bonhamtown. The
right column, having fallen in with the aforementioned corps of seven
hundred men soon after passing Woodbridge, gave the alarm, by the fir-
ing that ensued, to their main army at Quibbletown, which retired to the
mountain with the utmost precipitation. The small corps was closely
pushed by the light troops, and with diJBculty got off their piece of
cannon. "
The above statement by Howe explains his retro-
grade movement and its objects pretty clearly. Hav-
ing become aware of Washington's advance, he caused
that part of the forces which had already crossed to
Staten Island to be moved back during the night of
the 25th, and early in the morning of Thursday, the
26th, marched his columns back towards New Market
in the manner stated. "But the resistance they en-
countered at every stage of their advance was dis-
heartening in the extreme. Nearly every cross-road
had its squad of pugnacious militia, which poured its
deadly volleys into the .splendid columns of the well-
equipped troops." At Woodbridge, Cornwallis fell in
with Morgan's Rangers (the American " corps of seven
hundred men, with one piece of cannon," mentioned
by Howe), and a severe skirmish ensued, in which, of
course, the Rangers were compelled to give way before
the heavy masses of the enemy. But the sound of
their fusillades was borne to the ears of Washington,
who instantly understood its meaning, and without
delay moved his main force back from Quibbletown
to its former secure position on the heights of Middle-
brook.
The British right, under Cornwallis, was soon after
engaged with the troops of Lord Stirling, which fight
was thus reported by Howe r
" Lord Cornwallis, soon after he was upon the road leading to Scotch
Plains from Metuchen Meeting-house, came up with the corps com-
manded by Lord Stirling, whom he found advantageously posted in a
country covered with wood, and his artillery well disposed. The king's
troops, vieing with each other upon this occasion, pressed forward to such
close action that the enemy, though inclined to resist, could not long
maintain their ground against so great impetuosity, bnt were dispereed
on all sides, leaving three pieces of brass ordnance, three captains and
sixty men killed, and upwards of two hundred officers and men wounded
and taken. "
The latter part of this statement is without doubt
an exaggeration, as Lord Stirling, although he ad-
mitted the loss of the three guns, mentioned only a
comparatively light loss in killed, wounded, and pris-
oners. He was, however, compelled to retreat before
the heavy British force,* which pursued him over the
hills as far as Westfield.f The soldiers of both armies
were in a state of almost complete exhaustion from
the intense heat of the day, but when the British col-
umns arrived at Westfield they found that their out-
ward march was ended, for Washington had escaped
and his army was once more posted in security beyond
their reach. " Looking towards the hills, the weary
soldiers saw that Washington had made his camp
among them, having forsaken Quibbletown and all
the plain. Every movement was in view of the
American commander; for, taking his position on
* The forces encountered by Lord Stirling on this occasion were com-
posed of three regiments of Hessian grenadiers, one regiment of British
grenadiers, one British regiment of light infantry, the Hessian chassenrs,
and the Queen's Bangers. Stiriing also knew that the heavier column,
under Howe, was close in the rear and would soon reinforce Cornwallis •
in which event his (Stirling's) command must have been cut to pieces
had he attempted to hold his ground.
t 'â– The enemy," said Howe in his report, " was pursued as far as -West-
field with little efl-ect, the day proving so intensely hot that the soldiers
could with difflculty continue their march thither. In the mean time
It gave opportunity for those flying to escape by skulking in the thick
woods until night favored their retreat to the mouritain. The aruiy lay
that night at Westfield, returned the next day to Rahway, and the day
following to Amboy, On the 30th, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, the
troops began to cross over to Staten Island, and the rear-guard, under the
command of Lord Cornwallis, passed at two in the afternoon without the
least appearance of an enemy."
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
6T
the bold bluff now so well known as ' Washington's
Rock,' he was able to distinguish any important man-
oeuvre the foe might choose to make. It was three
o'clock on Friday afternoon [June 27th] that the
English generals, seeing Washington's impregnable
position, took up their line of march from Westfield
to Amboy, assaulted flank and rear by Scott's Light-
Horse and Morgan's Rangers. They encamped that
night at Spanktown [Rahway] . The next day, har-
assed as before, they resumed their retreat and arrived
at Amboy, from which, on the last day of June, they
departed, leaving New Jersey in possession of the
American army. During the remainder of the war
the latter held Amboy, and the State was never again
BO completely overrun with marauders and British
troops, although many parties entered it for pillage
from hostile camps in adjoining States."*
When the last of the British troops had left Amboy
and crossed to Staten Island, with the evident inten-
tion of embarking on the ships of the fleet, Gen.
Washington was in great doubt, and felt no little
anxiety as to their destination, whether it was
Howe's intention to take the route by sea and the
Delaware Bay to Philadelphia, or to proceed up the
Hudson to co-operate with Burgoyne in his southward
advance down the upper valley of that river. As the
latter seemed rather the more probable, the American
army soon after evacuated its position at Middlebrook
and moved northward to Pompton Plains, where, and
at other points between there and the Hudson, it was
stationed until it was ascertained, about two weeks
later, that the British fleet, with the armyf on board,
had actually gone to sea with the apparent intention
of making a movement against Philadelphia. There-
upon the American army was again put in motion,
and proceeded by easy marchesj across the State,
through the counties of Somerset and Hunterdon, to
the Delaware River, which was reached by the heads
of his columns at three different points (Trenton,
Coryell's and Howell's Ferries) on the 28th of July.
The commander-in-chief moved with the centre col-
umn to Coryell's (Lambertville), from which place he
wrote to the president of Congress as follows :
" CJobyel's Fehrt, Jekset, July 30, 1777.
« Sir, I do myself the honour to inform you that I arrived here ou
the twenty-eighth, at night, with Gen. Greene's division, one brigade of
which passed the river that evening, that the whole might encamp the
* Daily's Woodbridge and Vicinity.
t The British fleet left New Tork Bay, having on board Gen. Howe "
and thirty-six British and Hessian battalions, including light infantry
and grenadiers, with a powerful artillery, a New York corps called the
Queen's Bangers, and a regiment of light-horse. The residue of the
army was divided between New York and Rhode Island." Gordon, p.
245
% Washington did not move towards the Delaware by forced marches,
for he still had a suspicion that Howe's going to sea was merely a feint,
and that his real intention was to return and proceed up the Hudson, in
which case the American army would be compelled to march back again,
and, in any event, Washington knew that he had more than sufficient
time to reach Philadelphia in advance of Howe, when it should become
certain that the latter was really moving against that city.
more comraodiously. Gen. Stephen, with his own and Lincoln's division,,
also arrived a little time after at Howell's Feiry, four miles above this.
"I have' thought proper to halt the whole army at these two places
and at Trenton till our knowledge of the enemy's destination becomes-
more certain. If the Delaware is their object, we are now within two
days' easy march of Philadelphia, and can be there in time, I trust, to
make every necessary disposition for opposing them. On the other hand^
if Gen. Howe, by this expedition to sea, only means a deep feint, and
should turn his attention again to the North River, we can from hence
reinforce Gen. Putnam's army more expeditiously than if we were farther
advanced.
The importance of ray receiving the earliest intelligence of the fleet's "
arrival is apparent ; and Congress, I am certain, will direct proper meas-
ures for obtaining it, and also for transmitting it to me in the most speedy
manner. If authentic advice should be had of the fleet's coming into
Delaware at the same time that it is communicated to me, it will be
proper that an express should be sent to Lord Stirling or the command-
ing officer at Trenton, to advance with all the troops from thence.
Should this not he done, the marching of the troops there will he con-
siderably delayed.
" I have the honor to be, etc.,
G. W."" "
The next day he sent the following message :
" Coryel's, July 31, ten o'clock a.m.
Sir, I am this mom ent honoured with yours of five o'clock this morn- "
ing, and have accordingly set the army in motion. One division had
crossed the Delaware the day before yesterday ; and I am in hopes the
whole of the troops now here will be able to reach Philadelphia to-mor-
row evening. Lord Stirling's division lies just in my rear, and will move
on with us. I propose setting off for your city as soon as I can get the
chief part of the army over.
*' I am, with the greatest respect, etc.,
G. W.?
The main body of the army struck the river at
Coryell's and Howell's Ferries, the division of Lord
Stirling forming the column which crossed at Tren-
ton. Anticipating this movement, Washington had
requested President Wharton to have accurate drafts
made of the river and its approaches. This had been
done, and boats for the passage of the army across the
stream had been collected at New Hope and points
above. Having crossed the river to the Pennsylvania
shore on the 29th and 30th at Coryell's and Howell's,
the main body of the army were put in march down
the York road in the morning of the 31st of July,
Gen. Washington starting at the same time for Phila-
delphia, where he arrived on the 2d of August. Two
or three days later he rode out from the city to Ger-
mantown, where he found the main body of the army.
At about that time information was received which
led to the belief that Howe had returned to Sandy
Hook, and upon this the army was put in motion to
retrace its steps towards Coryell's, but only reached
Hartsville, Bucks Co., Pa., when it was halted by
reason of an express having arrived with dispatches
from Congress contradicting the report of Howe's re-
turn to New York. The forces then remained en-
camped along the Neshaminy Hills for thirteen days,
when, on the morning of the 23d, on receipt of posi-
tive intelligence that the British fleet had appeared
at the head of the Chesapeake, and that the forces had
landed, or were about landing, at the head of navi-
J " Ofllcial Letters of Washington to the American Congress" (vol. ii.
pp. 123, 124), Boston, 1796. copied by special permission from the original
papers preserved in the ofBce of the Secretary of State, Philadelphia.
68
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
gation on the Elk River, tlie army was again put in
motion, and, passing through. Philadelpliia and across
the Schuylkill on the 24th, moved southward. The
movement resulted, on the 11th of September, in the
disastrous battle of the Brandywine, in which conflict
the commands of Lord Stirling and Gen. Maxwell
(containing a large number of Hunterdon and Somer-
set County men) took a prominent part.
The battle of Brandywine was followed by the ad-
journment of Congress to Lancaster, Pa., the British
occupation of Philadelphia (September 26th), and by
the battle of Germantown (October 4th), which re-
sulted in disaster to the American army, and in which,
as at Brandywine, the New Jersey troops under Stir-
ling and Maxwell fought gallantly. After that un-
fortunate battle "Washington took up a position at
Whitemarsh, from which point it was his original in-
tention to advance on Philadelphia ; but this enter-
prise was abandoned, and he soon after moved his
forces to Valley Forge, where they went into winter
quarters.
Meanwhile, during the part of the year which suc-
ceeded the departure of the armies of Washington
and Howe from New Jersey, the State, though freed
from the presence of large bodies of troops, was still
the theatre of some minor military operations. AVhen
Howe embarked his army for Philadelphia he left on
Staten Island between two and three thousand men,
of whom about sixteen hundred were European troops
and nearly one thousand were loyal provincials. This
provincial force made frequent raids into New Jersey,
doing much damage, but always making a short stay,
and retreating rapidly back to the island, where they
were under the protection of the European troops.
On one of these occasions they had penetrated to
Woodbridge, and taken captive twelve persons strongly
attached to the patriot cause. On account of these
incursions, Gen. Sullivan projected an expedition to
Staten Island for the purpose of capturing this pro-
vincial force, whose camping-places were at different
points along the island shore, opposite the Jersey
coast, and so far distant from the camp of their Eu-
ropean allies that it was believed they might be taken
without alarming the foreign troops. The force de-
tailed by Sullivan, and accompanied by him in per-
son, was composed of the select troops of his division,
with a body of militia, the latter under command of
Col. Frederick Frelinghuysen. The expedition, how-
ever, m'et with quite as much of disaster as of success ;
for, having effected a crossing before daylight unper-
ceived by the enemy, it was afterwards misled by the
guides, which caused such an interference with the
preconcerted plan of attack that one entire battalion
of the enemy made its escape, and, although a num-
ber of oflBcers and men of the other commands were
taken, the alarm was given to the British regulars, a
part of whom, under Gen. Campbell, advanced to
attack Sullivan, who thereupon retreated to Kis boats,
but was compelled to leave his rear-guard as prisoners
of war in the hands of the British. According to his
report to the commander-in-chief, he brought off
eleven officers and one hundred and thirty privates
prisoners, and killed and wounded a considerable
number of the enemy ; while his own loss was stated
at three officers and ten privates killed and fifteen
wounded, and nine officers and one hundred and
twenty-seven privates taken prisoners; so that the
losses on each side appear to have been about equal.
The following letter was written by Col. Freling-
huysen* to Governor Livingston immediately after
the return of the Staten Island expedition. It is
given here, not on account of any especial mention
of that affair found in it, but because it was written
by a distinguished soldier and citizen of Somerset
County, and because it has reference to some of the
public matters of that time :
" Earitan, Aug. 25, 177T.
Bear Sir, I expected yeaterday to find Tour Excellency at Morris- "
town, and am extremely sorry that Tour Excellency left the place be-
fore I arrived. I have so much to communicate, and so much to com-
plain of, that I am extremely anxious to see you, but conceive it my
duty to repair again to my station before ni^ht, which I could not
reach should I first go to Princeton. I am, besides, so much fatigued
by losing my rest for two nights past that I must necessarily choose the
shortest road.
" Ool. Middah waits upon you, and will represent to Your Excellency
several things concerning which I have not time to write. In par-
ticular, the colonel will acquaint you with the circumstances of the
affair on Staten Island; for I suppose my letter on that subject, having
been sent to Morris, is not received. The principal matter on which I
am BO desirous of conversing with Your Excellency is the unhappy con-
dition of our State. The Continental troops are to march towards PhilS/-
delphia. The militia who have turned out are a trifling number, the
enemy are encouraged and irritated. The consequences, I fear, will be
fatal to that county, nay, I have reason to believe the enemy will not
lay idle aftar the removal of the Coutinental troops. Is it not in Tour
Excellency's power to prevail upon Gen. Sulhvan to leave one of the
Jersey regiments ? If so, it is the only means, I believe, which can be
used for the salvation of that county [Monmouth]. I must certainly
fall a prey to the enemy with my little party if the enemy choose to
come down and we attempt to drive them back, I fear much the loss of
character, but I am most concerned for the poor inhabitants and their
property. I am, however, determined to exert my utmost abilities for
the defense of this State, and I trust I shall not be blamed for any of my
future conduct by those who are unacquainted with my situation. I
must inform Tour Excellency that I have four prisoners who were
taken up as spies, having been with the enemy all winter, and are now
making their appearance among us ; I shall send them on with the two
before apprehended. Your Excellency's directions respecting such meas-
ures as Col. Middah will mention I hope will he immediately forwarded,
especially with reference to the procuring of ammunition. I must not
forget to congratulate Tour Excellency on the great loyalty of Hunter-
don County.
On Saturday arrived at Blizahethtown Lieut.-Col. Houghton, with "
one private, a baggage-wagon, and two horees.f The colonel says It is
occasioned by a report having been industriously spread among the in-
habitants that Gen. Dickinson advised them by no means to go, there
being no need of any militia; that their being called upon was solely
owing to a ivhimsical notion of Gen. Hinds. Something, doubtless,
must be done immediately upon my arrival at Elizabethtowu. I shall
order Col. Houghton to return and wait upon Your Excellency. I dare
* New Jersey Rev. Correspondence, p. 94.
t The inference is that all the rest of the regiment or battalion had
deserted. Perhaps this is the incident referred to by Gen. Putnam when,
in mentioning the desertions occurring during the summer succeeding
the battle of Princeton, be said that the militia deserted in bodies, and
that in one case an entire command ran away, except one officer and a
lame man.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE EEVOLUTION.
69
Ba^the account of Gen. Sullivan's conduct in the affair of Staten Island
will cause some uneasy sensations. I wish I may be wrong in my
opiuion, but I seriously believe that, upon inquiry, nothing but the
most unpardonable neglect will be found the cause of our loss. I send
by Col. M. three letters which I received last night.
'* I am Your Excellency's most obedient and most honorable servant.
" FrEDK. rRELINQHTJYSEN.
*'Hi8 Excellency Gov. Livingston. "
About three weeks after the afifair at Staten Island
the disaster on the Brandywine made it necessary that
the Jersey militia, as well as the militia of other States,
should be sent to reinforce Gen. Washington's army.
The request of Congress to this effect was transmitted
by its president, John Hancock, on the 12th of Sep-
tember, to Governor Livingston, who immediately
ordered the militia forward under command of Gen.
Armstrong. The number asked for by Congress was
four thousand from New Jersey, and, although the
entire quota was not filled, all the militia companies
which were available at the time (less than a thousand
men) crossed the Delaware and joined Washington
in Pennsylvania. At the same time a column of
American troops which had been stationed at Peeks-
kill-on-the-Hudson, moving from that point, entered
and crossed the State of New Jersey, marching through
Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, and reported to
Washington about the 1st of October.
Soon after the battle of Germantown the New Jer-
sey militia were sent back to their own State, where
their presence was thought to be necessary on account
of the threatening attitude of Sir Henry Clinton, the
British commander in New York, who early in Sep-
tember had invaded the State with three thousand
men in two columns, one moving by way of Eliza-
bethtown Point and the other by Fort Lee, and unit-
ing at New Bridge, above Hackensack. He remained
in the State but a few days, but his presence and his
threatening attitude after his withdrawal created a
general alarm, which continued through the fall and
succeeding winter. In this connection the following
extract from the Minutes of the Council of Safety of
New Jersey is given, viz. :
" MONDAT, 17th Nov., 17V7.
The Council met at Princeton. . . . His Excellency produced to the "
Board a letter from the Eevii M' Caldwell to Maj' Gen' Dickinson dated
the 22 October last, containing his report to Gen' Dickinson who had been
requested by the Board to inform of the most proper place to fix beacons,
and appoint alarm posts, by which it appears to this Board most expe-
dient to remove the piece of Cannon* now lying at Princeton to the
mountain that nearly divides the space between Elizabeth and Morris-
town, to be put under Guard of the Man who lives where the said Can-
non is to be fixed, and a few of his neighbors, who ought to be exempted
from Military Duty. That it would further be proper to erect a pile on
the Hill where M^ M<=Gee formerly lived, whence the Guard from the
said Mountain may see the fire or smoke, and by that means know that
the Suns fired at Elizabeth Town are intended for an alarm & upon that
signal fire the Cannon on the Mountain. The Council hereupon agreed
* Probably the cannon which Count Donop had mounted on his earth-
work at Princeton, captured by Washington on the 3d of January, and
afterwards left there by the British on their withdrawal from the place,
supposed to be the same gun which is still in existence on the college
campus in that town, having been brought back there many years after
being used as above indicated.
That M' Caldwell be desired to carry the above Plan into execution, and
to transmit to the Board an account of the expenses attending the
same."
About the 18th of October the welcome intelligence
was received in New Jersey of the surrender of Bur-
goyne to Gen. Gates at Saratoga.f When the news
came to Gen. Washington he at once issued orders to
all outlying detachments to stop all stragglers from
making their way to the enemy, who then had pos-
session of Philadelphia. An official dispatch from
Burgoyne to Gen. Howe had come as far as Basking
Ridge, in Somerset County, where (as it was feared it
might he captured by the Americans if it proceeded
any farther in charge of the male messenger) it was
intrusted to a woman, doubtless the wife of one of
the Tories of that vicinity, who took it and pro-
ceeded on horseback towards Philadelphia ; but she
had not passed over a great part of the distance when
she was halted by Capt. Craig, of the American
army, and on taking off her bonnet (which operation
she resisted most energetically) the dispatch was dis-
covered ; but after an examination of its contents she
was remounted, the dispatch given back to her, and
she was allowed to proceed on her journey towards
Gen. Howe's headquarters, the captain bidding her
godspeed with the remark that "if she had such news
to take to the British commander, she might be off as
soon as she pleased."!
During the month of September in that year two
distinguished Tories of Pennsylvania, Messrs. Penn
and Chew, respectively the royalist Governor and
chief justice of that State, were removed thence by
the Continental authorities and placed under surveil-
lance in Hunterdon County. The dissatisfaction cre-
ated in New Jersey by this proceeding is shown by
the proceedings of the Council of Safety and by a let-
ter from the Executive, given below. The following
is from the Minutes of the council :
" Satdrdat, 4th October, 1777.
Present His Excellency W"" Livingston, Mr. Condict, Mr. Scudder, "
M' Paterson, M"^ Camp, Mr. Elmer. ... It being represented to the
President & Council of Safety : That the late Gov Penn, of Pennsylvania,
and Benj'n Chew, Esq', late C. Justice of the same State, have been per-
mitted by the Hon'Ji'' Board of War to reside at or near the Umon,§ in
the C" of Hunterdon: Agreed, That a letter be written to the Honbi"
Congress, informing them of the impropriety of suffering disaffected per-
f In a letter written by William Paterson to Governor Livingston,
dated Morristown, Oct. 18, 1777, is found the following : " . . . Glorious
news I Glorious news I Gen. Burgoyne has surrendered himself and his
whole army prisoners of war to Gen. Gates. I believe this intelligence
may be depended upon ; it comes quite direct. The bearer will inform
Your Excellency more particularly." New Jersey Revolviionary Corre-
ejpondeit£e,p. 109.
X PMladelphia Bullelitt.
g " This Union was the iron-works within a few miles of the home of
Cols. Stewart and Johnston. Near the furnaces was the house occupied
by Blr. Taylor, the superintendent. He was a patriot. In this house,
which now forms a part of the residence of Lewis H. Taylor [at High
Bridge], Penn and the attorney-general. Chew, were confined six months
as prisoners of war, in charge of Mr. Taylor. Tradition reports that they
brought their servants with them, and an Indian fiddler to beguile the
hours of their captivity. Governor Penn presented Mr. Taylor with a
copy of Dalrymple's * Memoirs,' with his autograph upon the title-page.'*
MoWb Rimterdon County.
70
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
#NAME?
Enemy ; or if it be suffered, That the above persons be removed from
their present situation to some more secure & better affected part of the
State; and that the Executive Depart"^* of this State have the disjjosal
of them, so far as respects the place of their residence."
In conformity to this resolution of the council,
Governor Livingston wrote the President of Congress
.as follows :
" Princeton, October 4, 1777.
Sir, The council a few days ago was informed, but not oflBcially so, "
"that Mr. Penu, late Grovernor, and Mr. Chew, late chief Justice, of Penn-
sylvania, with some others, had been removed to the Union, in the county
of Hunterdon, by oi'der of the Hon. Board of War. We are extremely
sorry that persons of their political caste and rank in life should have
been sent into this State, which is nearly encircled by the enemy, to say
nothing of our domestic foes. Wherever the enemy go, thej' never fail
to make friends and abettors, or at least to call up such into active life in
their favor as during their absence remained in a sort of inactivity. We
have suffered extremely from persons under parole. A course of experi-
ence has fully convinced us that they have always tinctured the neigh-
borhood in which they have been fixed with Toryism and disaffection.
There is hardly a county in this State which is not at present exposed to
the incursions of the enemy; and therefore we submit it, whether it be
proper to send any suspected persons into it. They have an impercepti-
ble and baleful influence even upon the well 'affected. We request,
therefore, that the above gentlemen may be removed into some other
State as soon as possible. Of all Jersey, the spot in which they are
at present is the very spot in which they ought not to be.* It
has always been considerably disaffected, and still continues so not-
withstanding all our efforts, owing, we imagine, in part, to the inter-
â– ests, connections, and influence of Mr. John Allen, brother-in-law of
Mr. Penn, who is now with the enemy. Of this the Board of War
must have been entirely ignorant, otherwise they would not have made
such an order of removal. And we are willing to ascribe it to the hurry
and multiplicity of their business that either the honorable the Congress
or the Board of War should have selected any part of New Jersej' as a
prison for malcontents without first notifying the same to the executive
power of the State. Nor can we persuade oui-selves that they will have
Any objection against our removing the before-mentioned prisoners out
of thi^ State to such other parts of the country as Congress may think
most fit for their Safety; or, if they must remain in this State, to leave
it to our direction in what particular locality they are likely to do the
least mischief.f
*' I am your ob't and hum. ser't
Will : Livingston. "
" His Excellency John Hancock,
Preset of Congress."" "
The request of the Council of Safety and the Gov-
ernor was acceded to, and it was ordered to remove
Penn and Chew from Hunterdon County to the State
of Massachusetts. Following are given extracts from
the Minutes of the Council of Safety having reference
to their removal :
" MoNDiT, 24th November, 1777.
The Council met at Princeton. . . . Agreed That the officer who is to "
conduct John Penn & Benjamin Chew to Wooster [Worcester, Mass.] be
â– directed to purchase in some of the New England States, for the use of
this State, 20,000 Flints."
* The Governor's letter and the resolution of the council, above quoted,
imply that Toryism was more rampant in Hunterdon than in other por-
tions of the State. But it is proper to remark that, while it is undoubt-
edly true that there existed among the inhabitants of Hunterdon more
disaffection than was found among those of any other county (with per-
haps the exception of Monmouth), yet there were among its people a very
great number who maintained sentiments of the most unadulterated and
â– exalted patriotism throughout the entire Revolutionary sti-uggle, and
that it was excelled by no county in New Jersey in the number and gal-
lantry of the troops which it sent to the flold.
fN. J. Eev. Corr., pp. 101, 102.
" Wednesday, 26th Nov.
The Council met at Princeton. . . . Agreed : That there be ad- "
vanced to Col Chamberlain for purchasing 20,000 Flints in New England,
and for defraying his expenses to Wooster in the Massachusetts Bay,
whither be is to conduct Mesr^ Penn & Cliew, the sum of £200."
That Col. Chamberlain made purchase of the flints
as directed is shown by the following extract from the
Minutes of the council, viz. :
" March 17, 1778.
The Council met at Trenton. . . . Agreed that Co^ Hathaway receive "
from Mr Ogden at Boontown the 20,000 flints sent or to be sent into this
State by M^ Archibald Mercer from Boston (first paying to Ogden at
Boontown for the cartage), & to be accountable for them when properly
called upon."
During the fall and winter of 1777 the Council of
Safety held two sessions at different places in what is
now the county of Hunterdon, viz., at Pittstown,
where it convened on the 16th of October and re-
mained in session from day to day until the 24th,
guarded by a detachment of soldiers under Lieut.
Henry Young,J and at Ringo's from the 26th of De-
cember to the 1st of January, 1778, when it adjourned
to meet at Springfield.
"When the news of the surrender of Burgoyne with
his entire army reached Paris, on the 4th of December,
1777, and was at once transmitted to Versailles, the
king informed the American commissioners, through
M. Gerard, one of his secretaries of state, that the in-
dependence of the United States would be acknowl-
edged by France, and that the treaty of alliance
and commerce between the two countries would be
concluded. In accordance with the assurance given
by the monarch, that treaty was finally ratified on the
6th of February, 1778, but it was not until the 1st of
the following May that the glad intelligence reached
Gen. Washington in his squalid winter quarters at
Valley Forge. On the 7th of that month it was offi-
cially announced in general orders by the commander-
in-chief to the army amid great rejoicings, which
were followed by religious observances in the sev-eral
commands. Washington, with his lady and suite, "
Lord Stirling and his lady, with other general officers
and ladies, attended the religious services of the
Jersey brigade [Maxwell's], when the Rev. Mr.
Hunter delivered a discourse. Afterwards all the
officers of the army assembled and partook of a col-
lation provided by the commander-in-chief. When
he took his leave there was universal huzzaing :
'Long live General Washington P The huzzas con-
tinued until the general had proceeded a quarter of a
mile, and a thousand hats were tossed in the air.
Washington with his retinue turned round and huz-
zaed several times."^ This event marked the coming
of almost the first ray of hope which pierced the
gloom of Valley Forge, and it was not long after-
wards that the campaign commenced which ended in
glory and victory on the field of Monmouth.
X Minutes of the Council, pp. 147-251 § Lossing, vol. ii. p. 346.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
71
On the 11th of May, Sir Henry Clinton took com-
mand of the British army in Philadelphia as successor
of Gen. Howe. His instructions from England were
to evacuate Philadelphia, and this he determined
on doing on the 23d of May,* it being his in-
tention to proceed with the troops by water to New
York. But, as he considered the probability that the
fleet might be delayed by head-winds, thus enabling
Washington to reach New York before him, he
changed his plan, and decided to move his army to
that city by land across the State of New Jersey. In
pursuance of that plan he evacuated Philadelphia be-
fore daylight in the morning of the 18th of June, and
by ten o'clock in the forenoon his entire army had
crossed the Delaware and landed at Gloucester Point.
In the evening of the same day his forces encamped
at and near Haddonfield, on the south side of Cooper's
Creek, five miles southeast of Camden. From that
place they moved on the following morning, march-
ing up the Delaware, and nearly parallel with it.
They moved in three divisions, one by way of Mount
Holly, one through Columbus, and one by Borden-
town. This last division, when near the mouth of
Crosswick's Creek, was attacked by three regiments
of New Jersey militia, under Col. Frederick Freling-
huysen, Col. Van Dyke, and Col. Webster. It was
but a skirmish, resulting in a loss to the British of
four killed and a greater number wounded. They
then moved to Crosswick's, where they were again
attacked by the militia while they were attempting to
repair the bridge over the stream. This they finally
succeeded in doing, and moved on towards Allentown.
Maxwell's Jersey brigade had been detached from the
main body of the American army, and was now co-
operating with the forces of Gen. Philemon Dickin-
son to obstruct and harass the British columns as
much as possible, but they were too weak to interfere
with their march otherwise than by destroying bridges
and obstructing roads before them. Clinton did not
attempt to move rapidly, but seemed rather to invite
an attack. On the 24th of June his column reached
Imlaytown.
Washington had suspected the design of the Brit-
ish commander, to move his forces by land to New
York, but it was not until Clinton's army was safely
across the Delaware that he became certain that such
would be the movement. As soon as positive intel-
ligence of the evacuation reached him he sent Arnold
with a small force to occupy Philadelphia, and in the
afternoon of the 18th (the same day on which the
British crossed into New Jersey), six brigades, com-
prising the divisions of Greene and Wayne, forming
a corps which was under command of Ge n. Lee,t moved
* Egle'B " History of the Commonwealth of PennsylTaoia" says (p.
185) the council of war waB held on the 24th.
t Gen Charles Lee, who was captured, as already noticed, at Basking
Eidge, in December, 1776, hy the British under Col. Harcourt, was ex-
changed in May, 1778. for Gen. Prescott. He joined the army at Valley
rorge, and was reinstated in his old position sa second in command
nnder Washington.
towards the Delaware in pursuit. Passing through
Doylestown, Lee reached the river at Coryell's Ferry,
and crossed into New Jersey at that point in the night
of the 20th. On the same night Washington, who
followed with the remainder of the forces, encamped
at Doylestown, and, resuming the march on the fol-
lowing day, crossed at Coryell's on the 22d.t From
Coryell's the army moved over the highlands to Hope-
well, where Washington remained during the 23d.
At that point he detached six hundred riflemen, under
Morgan, to annoy the right flank of the enemy, while
Maxwell and Dickinson were engaged in the same
duty on his left. Lee's column had moved by a more
southern route, by way of Pennington, and thence to
Princeton. Washington's column, moving from Hope-
well, also passed Princeton, and the entire forces con-
centrated at Kingston. It had been the intention of
the British general to move to the Earitan and embark
his troops at New Brunswick or Amboy, but when he
found Washington almost in his front at Kingston, he
turned to the right, taking the road leading to Free-
hold and Sandy Hook.
Of the battle and victory of Monmouth, which re-
sulted from the movements above mentioned, it is not
intended to give a detailed description, for it is a mat-
ter of general history, and as such well known to all
readers. On the morning of June 28th the British
army, under Clinton, occupied a strong position near
Monmouth Court-house, and Gen. Washington was
approaching it. When within some six miles of Clin-
ton he learned that the latter had abandoned his po-
sition and was moving towards the coast. On re-
ceipt of this intelligence he ordered the army to
move on with rapidity, and sent directions to Lee, who
had the advance with about five thousand men, to use
all possible speed to come up with the enemy, and
on doing so to attack him "unless there are very
powerful reasons to the contrary," assuring him, at
the same time, that the main body would come up
as rapidly as possible to his support. Washington
then pressed on with the rear division of the army,
but after marching some five miles learned, to his
surprise and alarm, that Lee, having only delivered
a single volley into the ranks of the enemy, was al-
ready retreating with precipitation directly on the
rear division, thereby causing imminent danger of a
general panic among the forces. Putting spurs to his
horse, the general-in-chief hastened towards the scene
of disorder, and, meeting Lee, he sternly and severely
X Washington wrote to the American Congress as follows :
" Headquarters near Coryel's, June 22, 1778.
Sir, I have the honour to inform you that I am now in Jersey, and "
that the troops are passing the river at Coryel's, and are mostly over. . . .
As soon as we have cleaned the arms and can get matters in train, we pro-
pose moving towards Princeton, in order to avail ourselves of any favor-
able occasions that may present themselves of attacking or annoying the
" I have the honour to be, etc.,
G. W."" "
72
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
reprimanded him* for his shameful conduct and or-
dered him instantly to turn back. He then dashed
among the flying troops and succeeded in rallying
them, and induced them to re-form and face the en-
emy. This occurred between twelve and one o'clock
in the day, and it was the turning-point in the con-
flict. Other troops soon came up ; Greene and Stir-
ling and "Mad Anthony" Wayne interposed their
divisions and became fiercely engaged; and during
the remaining hours of that hot and sultry Sabbath
afternoon the battle raged at intervals with great fury
and with varying success, but in general favoring the
Americans, until darkness closed over Monmouth
Plain and ended the strife. The wearied soldiers of
Washington and Clinton rested on their arms, appa-
rently waiting for the light of a new day to recom-
mence the struggle. But at about midnight the Brit-
ish columns moved away in the darkness, so silently
that their flight was not detected by the Americans
until hours afterwards. " With silent steps column
after column left the camp and hurried towards Sandy
Hook. So secret was the movement, and so deep the
sleep of the patriots, that the troops of Gen. Poor,
lying close by the enemy, were ignorant of their de-
parture until at dawn they saw the deserted camp of
the enemy. They had been gone more than three
hours. Washington, considering the distance they
had gained, the fatigue of his men, the extreme heat
of the weather, and the deep sandy country, with but
little water, deemed pursuit fruitless, and Sir Henry
Clinton escaped. . . . The British army reached
Sandy Hook on the 30th, where Lord Howe's fleet,
having come round from the Delaware, was in readi-
ness to convey them to New York."t
The battle of Monmouth was one of the most se-
verely contested of the conflicts of the Revolution, and
in its result has always been regarded as a victoryt
for the American arms. This view is sustained by the
fact that the British army stole away in the darkness.
* Lee answered Washington in a defiant manner, and after the battle
used very disrespectful language to him in two letters (dated June 29th
and 30th). For this disrespect to the commander-in-chief, aa also on two
other charges, viz., " Disobedience of orders in not attacking the enemy
on -the 28th of June, agreeably to repeated instructions," and " Misbe-
havior before the enemy on the same day, by making an unnecessary,
disorderly, and shameful retreat," he was tried by a court-martial con-
vened on the 4th of July at New Brunswick. It consisted of Maj.-Gen.
Lord Stirling (who was the president), four brigadiers, and eight colonels.
On the 8th of August their decision was rendered, finding him guilty on
all the charges, and sentencing him to be suspended from any and all
command in any of the armies of the United States for the terra of
twelve months. This finding was approved by Congress, and thereupon
Gen. Lee left the army and removed to Philadelphia, where he died four
years afterwards, never being again called into service.
f LoBsing.
X That Washington so regarded it is shown by the following extract
from his general order dated at Freehold on the morning after the
battle : " The commander-in-chief congratulates the army on the victory
obtained over the arms of His Britannic Majesty, and thanks most
sincerely the gallant ofScers and men who distinguished themselves
upon this occasion, and such others as, by their good order and coolness,
gave the happiest presage of what might have been expected had they
come to action."
leaving Washington master of the field. Lossing
remarks? that the result might have been a complete
defeat for the British, and probably a surrender of
their army, if Washington had brought into the battle
the corps of riflemen under the redoubtable Morgan.
" For hours the latter was at Richmond Mills, three
miles below Monmouth, awaiting orders, in an agony
of desire to engage in the battle, for he was within
sound of its fearful tumult. To and fro he strode,
uncertain what course to pursue, and, like a hound iu
the leash, panting to be away to action. ... It appears
probable that had he fallen on the British rear with
his fresh troops at the close of the day, Sir Henry
Clinton and his army might have shared the fate of
the British at Saratoga. "
The New Jersey troops in the commands of Lord
Stirling and Gens. Dickinson and Maxwell (in which
were found nearly all the soldiers from Somerset and
Hunterdon Counties) behaved most gallantly at Mon-
mouth. Dickinson (who was in command of the Jer-
sey militia, including the battalion of Col. Freling-
huysen) displayed the greatest bravery. He and the
troops under him were commended by Gen. Wash-
ington in his general order, of the day after the battle,
in these words :
"Gen. Dickinson and the militia of this State are also thanked for
their nobleness in opposing the enemy on their march from Phila-
delphia, and for the aid which they have given in embarra.ssing and
impeding their motions so as to allow the Continental troops to come
up with them. "
Maxwell commanded the Jersey Brigade of Conti-
nentals, which behaved with great gallantry during
the battle, and performed excellent service in annoy-
ing the enemy in his retreat to Sandy Hook, this bri-
gade, with Morgan's corps of riflemen, being sent for-
ward on this last-named duty on the morning of the
29th when the enemy's absence was discovered.
The departure of Clinton's army from Sandy Hook
left New Jersey free from the presence of armed ene-
mies upon her soil, and the militiamen of the State
were then allowed to return to their homes, to re-
main until some other exigency should require them
to be again called to the field. The army of Wash-
ington was moved from Monmouth to and across the
Hudson River, and took position in Westchester Co.,
N. Y., awaiting developments as to the intentions of
the British commander, who was quartered in New
York City. The headquarters of Washington were at
White Plains, from which point he narrowly watched
Gen. Clinton, suspecting it to be the design of the
latter to move into the New England States. " Sir
Henry gave currency to the reports that such were his
intentions until Washington moved his headquarters
to Fredericksburg, near the Connecticut line, and
turned his attention decidedly to the protection of the
eastern coast. Clinton then sent foraging-parties into-
I " Field-Book of the Eevolution," vol. ii. p. 364.
HUNTEEDON AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
73
New Jersey, and ravaged the whole country from the
Hudson to the Raritan and heyond."*
Finally, being convinced that the enemy had no
designs on New England, Washington resolved to
place his army in winter quarters at different points
and in the most advantageous positions. This was done
in December, 1778. The dispositions were made as
follows : Five brigades were cantoned on the east side
of the Hudson ; one brigade at West Point ; one at
Smith's Cove, near Haverstraw; one at Elizabeth-
town ; and seven brigades at and in the vicinity of
Middlebrook, Somerset Co. ; the reserve artillery was
quartered at Pluckamin. What has usually been
termed the " camp at Middlebrook" was composed of
three distinct cantonments. On the south side of the
Raritan River, west of the Millstone road, and south
of the residence of the late John Garretson, was
located the encampment of the First, Second, and
Seventeenth Regiments of Pennsylvania troops, form-
ing the division of Gen. Anthony Wayne. A smaller
cantonment was established along the hillside east of
the gorge in which Chimney Rock stands. It is not
clear as to who were the occupants of this encamp-
ment. One account states that they were nearly or
quite all officers of the several brigades, but this is
improbable. The largest body of troops, in which
was included the division of Gen. Greene, occupied a
camping-ground on the northeast slope of Mount
Pleasant, on lands of Derick Van Veghten, between
Chimney Rock and the site of the present village of
Somerville. The ground on which the encampment
was located was then covered with a very heavy
growth of timber, which is probably the reason why
it was selected, for the forest would furnish fire-wood
and logs for the erection of huts for the soldiers, while
such part of it as was not felled for these purposes
would form a very desirable protection against the
winter winds.
For nearly two months after the arrival of the army
at this place the soldiers had only tents to shelter
them, but they were soon set at work building cabins,
which does not appear to have been accomplished by
them with as much rapidity as similar work was
done by the armies in the recent war of the Rebellion,
for it was not until February that they were completed
and occupied, as appears by the following extract
from Thatcher's " Military Journal," viz. :
" Fehrwiry [1779.] Having continued to live under cover of canvas
tentB most of the winter, we have suffered severely from exposure to
cold and storms. Our soldiers have been employed six or eight weeks
in constructing log huts, which at length are completed ; and both offi-
cers and soldiers are now under comfortable covering for the remainder
of the winter. Log houses are constructed with the trunks of trees cut
into various lengths, according to the size intended, and are firmly con-
nected by notches cut at their extremities in the manner of dovetailing.
The vacancies between the logs are filled in with plastering consisting
of mud and clay. The roof is formed of similar pieces of timber and
covered with hewn slabs. The chimney, situated at one end of the
house, is made of similar but smaller timbers, and both the inner and
outer sides are covered with clay plaster to defend the wood against the
* Lossing.
fire. The door and windows are formed by sawing away a part of the
logs of a proper size, and move on wooden hinges. In this manner
have our soldiers without nails, and almost without tools except the axe
and saw, provided for theij- oflQcers and for themselves convenient and com-
fortable quarters with little or no expense to the public. The huts are
arranged in straight lines, forming a regular, uniform, compact village.
The officers' huts are situated in front of the line, according to their
rank, the kitchens in the rear, and the whole is similar in form to a tent
encampment. The ground, for a considerable distance, in front of the
soldiers' line of huts is cleared of wood, stumps, and rubbish, and is
every morning swept clean for the purpose of a parade-ground and roll-
call of the respective regiments. The officers' huts are in general di-
vided into two apartments, and are occupied by three or four ofiBcere,
who compose one mess. Those for the soldiers have but one room, and
contain ten or twelve men, with their cabins placed one above the other
against the walls and filled with straw, and one blanket for each man.
I now occupy a hut with our field-ofl&cers. Col. Gibson, Lieut.-Col. Brent,
and Maj. Meriweatber. "
In Washington Valley, says Dr. Messier, "just
east of the road as it rises up from the gorge below to
the level of the surrounding country, artillery was
placed, and a fort erected a few hundred yards to the
northwest, to defend their position from any attack
by way of the opening of the valley at Pluckamin.
The remains of this earthwork are still visible in some
degree. There was also along the old Raritan road,
east of the road which crosses the old bridge over the
Raritan River, a number of mechanic-shops, where
repairing of ambulances, shoeing of horses, and such
other operations as are necessary in connection with
an army and a military encampment were done.
These shops, as well as the camp-ground on Mount
Pleasant, were on the land of Derick Van Veghten,
and of course he suffered more damage in his property
than any other individual in the vicinity. His wood-
land was cut down for building the huts ; it was used
for fuel, and for any other objects connected with the
comfort of the troops ; but he bore the damage like a
patriot. That he ever received any compensation is
nowhere affirmed in any document, or even in any
traditions coming down to us from the remembrances
of these times. . . . The old Abraham Staats house,
just below Bound Brook, on the east side of the turn-
pike and near the river, in which Baron Steuben had
his winter quarters in 1778-79, stands yet in a com-
fortable state of preservation. Here that noble Prus-
sian, whose love of liberty induced him to give the
aid of his personal influence to our almost fainting
cause, slept and thought and planned during those
long winter nights when hope had hardly yet dawned
upon the struggling efforts for American liberty."
During the time that the army remained at Middle-
brook, Gen. Washington and his lady occupied apart-
ments which had been especially fitted up for their
use in the then unfinished house of Caleb Miller,
which is still standing and in good repair in the west
part of the village of Somerville, near the place where
the railroad crosses the road leading to Raritan vil-
lage. The room occupied at that time by the com-
mander-in-chief now remains in precisely the same
condition in which it was when he left it. It was from
this house that all his orders and dispatches dated
14:00
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Headquarters, Middlebrook were issued during the
â– winter and spring of 1778-79, and it was also in this
house that he conceived and matured the plans for
the expedition which, under command of Gen. Sulli-
van, moved from Easton, Pa., by way of Tioga Point,
into the country of the Six Nations in 1779, and in-
flicted summary punishment on those tribes for their
share in the atrocities of Wyoming and Cherry Valley.
One of the orders issued by the commander-in-chief
from these headquarters, and bearing date Feb. 6,
1779, was as follows :
"The commander-in-chief approves the order issued by Major-Gen.
Lord Stirling* during his command at the camp, and thanks him for the
endeavor to preserve order and discipline, and the property of the farm-
ers in the vicinity of the camp. He douhts not but the officers of every
rank, from a just sense of the importance of securing to others the bless-
ings they themselves are contending for, will use their utmost vigilance
to maintain those privileges and prevent abuses, and nothing can redound
more to their personal honor and the reputation of their respective corps.
Alexander Scammil, "
But neither general orders nor the efforts of the
officers proved effectual in preventing the depreda-
tions of the soldiery on the inhabitants, until finally
the sternest repressive measures became necessary,
and were adopted, as is shown by the following ex-
tract from Thatcher's " Military Journal," it being an
account of a military execution which took place
within the lines at this place for the crimes indicated,
viz. :
"AprU 20^^ [1779]. Five soldiers were conducted to the gallows, ac-
cording to their sentence, for the crimes of desertion and robbing the
inhabitants. A detachment of troops and a concourse of people formed a
circle around the gallows, and the criminals were brought in a cart sit-
ting on their coffins and halteiB about their necks. While in this awful
situation, trembling on the verge of eternity, three of them received a
pardon from the commander-in-chief, who is always tenderly disposed to
spare the lives of his soldiers. They acknowledged the justice of their
sentence and expressed their warmest thankfulness and gratitude for their
merciful pardon. The two others were obliged to submit to their fate.
One of them was accompanied to the fatal spot by an affectionate brother,
which rendered the scene uncommonly distressing and forced tears of
compassion from the eyes of numerous spectators. They repeatedly em-
braced and kissed each other with all the fervor of brotherly love, and
would not be separated until the executioner was obliged to perform bis
duty; when, with a flood of tears and mournful lamentations, they bade
each other an eternal adieu, the criminal trembling under the horrors of
an untimely and disgraceful death, and the brother overwhelmed with
sorrow and anguish for one whom he held most dear. "
The camp of the artillery brigade was located, as
has been already mentioned, at Pluckamin, which was
also the headquarters of Gen. Knox ; and there, on
the 18th of February, was given, under the auspices
of that general and his subordinate officers of the ar-
tillery, a grand ball and supper, in celebration of the
first anniversary of the signi,ng of the treaty of alli-
ance between France and the United States. The
affair, which appears to have been a brilliant one, was
* Having reference to an order which had been previously issued by
Lord Stirling directing that strict attention be paid to a certain resolution
of Congress : " That all officers in the army of the United States be hereby
strictly enjoined to see that the good and wholesome rules provided for
the discontinuance of prolaneness and vice and the preservation uf morals
among the soldiers are duly and punctually observed."
thus noticed in one of the public journals of the
time :
" The anniversary of our alliance with France was celebrated on the
18th ultimo at Pluckamin at a very elegant entertainment and display
of fireworks given by Gen. Knox and the officers of the corps of artil-
lery. It was postponed to this late dayt on account of the commander-
in-chief being absent from the camp. Gen. Washington, the principal
officers of the army, with Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Knox,
and the ladies and gentlemen of a large circuit round the camp, were of
the company. Besides these, there was a vast concourse of spectators
from every part of the Jerseys.
The barracks of the artillery are at a small distance from Pluckamin, "
on a piece of rising ground, which shows them to great advantage. The
entertainment and ball were held at the academyj of the park. About
four o'clock in the afteruoon the celebration of the alliance was announced
by the discharge of thirteen cannon, when the company assembled to a
very elegant dinner. The room was spacious and the tables were prettily
disposed, both as to prospect and convenience. The festivity was uni-
versal and the toasts descriptive of the happy event which had given
certainty to our liberties, empire, and independence. In the evening was
exhibited a very fine set of fireworks, conducted by Col. Stevens, ar-
ranged on the point of a temple one hundred feet in length and propor-
tionately high. The temple showed thirteen arches, each displaying an
illuminated painting. The centre arch was ornamented with a pediment
larger than the others, and the whole edifice supported by a colonnade
of the Corinthian order. [Here follows a description of the thirteen
illuminated paintings, with their accompanying mottoes.]
" When the fireworks were finished, the company returned to the
academy and concluded the celebration by a very splendid ball. The
whole was conducted in a style and manner that reflects great honor on
the task of the managers. "
Thus, with something of festivity, but far more of
privation, if not of actual suffering, the officers and
men of the patriot army passed about six months of
winter and spring in their encampments near Middle-
brook and Pluckamin. That they remained there
until June, 1779, is shown by a letter^ written by Gen.
Washington to Governor Livingston, dated in that
month (but without day), at "Headquarters, Middle-
brook." The army, however, left its winter quarters
about the first of that month, and reached the Hudson
on the 7th. II Gen. Wayne moved from his encamp-
ment, south of the Earitan, to the Hudson, where, on
the 15th of July, he stormed and captured the British
fortifications at Stony Point. " From this time," says
Dr. Messier, " Somerset County ceased to be the rest-
ing-place of armies fighting in the cause of liberty ;
and the foot of a British soldier trod it no more except
in one hasty visit (Col. Simcoe's raid in 1779), which
is to be related." The succeeding operations of the
American army during that year were carried on along
the Hudson Eiver above New York.
f The treaty of alliance was concluded on the 6th of February, 1778,
which was of course the day on which the anniversary celebration would
have taken place but for the absence of the commander-in-chief.
t " The exact locality of the ' academy' tradition fixes on the east side
of the village street, a short distance north of the late Boylan residence,
and the edge of the wood on the farm of the late Dr. Henry Vander-
veer," Dr. Measler. i
§ N. J. Kev. Corr., p. 172,
II " As soon as Washington was advised of this movement (the passage
of the British fleet up the Hudson for the supposed purpose of attacking
the forts in the Highlands), he drew his troops from their cantonments
in New Jersey, and by rapid marches reached the Clove on the 7th, with
five brigades and two Carolina regiments. He pressed forward to Smith's
Clove, whence tliere were moonlaiii-passes to the forts in the Higlilanda,
and there he encamped." Lossmy'a Field-Book, vol. ii. p. 212.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
75
In the latter part of October, 1779, a party of British
troops made a foray into Somerset County, penetrating
as far as Millstone, doing a considerable amount of
damage, and partially accomplishing the object for
which they came. This expedition is usually men-
tioned as " Simcoe's raid," because the exploit was
performed by a force of men under command of Lieut.-
Col. Simcoe, of the British army. The account of it
given below is drawn partly from Simcoe's own report,
and partly from a narrative of the aifair written by
the late Hon. Ralph Voorhees.
The force under command of Col. Simcoe on this
expedition consisted of men belonging to a somewhat
celebrated corps known as the " Queen's Rangers,"
which was mostly made up of native Americans,
Tories, enlisted into the corps in Westchester Co.,
N. Y., and in neighboring portions of Connecticut.
Col. Simcoe had assumed command of this body in
1777, and afterwards brought it up to a condition of
excellent discipline and great efficiency. The strength
of the force detailed from the " Rangers" for this par-
ticular service was about eighty men, who, embarking
at Billop's Point in the night of the 25th of October,
were landed at Elizabethtown Point at about three
o'clock in the morning of the 26th, when, the column
having formed and moved out a short distance on the
road, Simcoe announced to his officers the object of
the expedition, which was to proceed swiftly to Van
Veghten's bridge over the Raritan (near the present
railway-station of Finderne), there to destroy a
number of flat-boats which Washington had left in the
river at that point,* and, having done this, to cross
the river and proceed to Millstone, take the Amwell
road, and follow it till they came to a house at a corner
of a road diverging from it to the south and leading
into the Princeton road running from that place to
New Brunswick. Their object was thus to make a
circuit around New Brunswick, so as to avoid contact
with any American troops that might be stationed in
the vicinity of that town; but after passing New
Brunswick, and having arrived at the heights on
which stood the " Grenadier Redoubt" (which had
been built by the British during their occupancy of
the place in 1776 and 1777), they were "to discover
themselves" to the American militia for the purpose
of inducing the latter to follow them, in which case
they were to retreat to South River Bridge, which they
were not to destroy or to cross, but to form an ambush
near its western approach (in which they were to be
supported by a body of British infantry which had
been ordered to that place, under command of Maj.
Armstrong), for the purpose of entrapping and, if
possible, capturing their American pursuers. This,
in brief, was the general plan of the expedition.
* Fifty boats had been built, by Waahington's orders, on the Delaware,
and hauled across the country on wheels to Van Veghten's bridge on the
Baritan. They were intended to be used for crossing to New Tork, and
were capable of carrying seventy men each. About one-third of tbem
now remained at the bridge.
Setting out from Elizabethtown, the raiders pro-
ceeded to Quibbletown (afterwards known as New
Market) without any notable incident except the cap-
ture of a prisoner. " Capt. Sanford's men formed the
advance-guard, the hussars followed, andStewart'sraen
were in the rear, making, in the whole, about eighty.
A Justice Crow was soon overtaken ; Lieut.-Col.
Simcoe accosted him roughly, called him ' Tory,' nor
seemed to believe his excuse when, in the American
idiom for courtship, he said ' he had only been a-spark-
ing,' but sent him to the rear-guard, who, being
Americana, easily comprehended their instructions
and kept up the justice's belief that the party was a
detachment from Washington's army. Many planta-
tions were now passed by, the inhabitants of which
were up, and whom the party accosted with friendly
salutations. At Quibbletown, Lieut.-Col. Simcoe
had just quitted the advance-guard to speak to Lieut.
Stewart,! when, from a public-house on the turn of
the road, some people came out with knapsacks on
their shoulders, bearing the appearance of a rebel
guard. Capt. Sanford did not see them till he had
passed by, when, checking his horse to give notice,
the hussars were reduced to a momentary halt oppo-
site the house. Perceiving the supposed guard, they
threw themselves off their horses, sword in hand, and
entered the house. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe instantly made
them remount, but they failed to discover some thou-
sand pounds of paper money which had been taken
from a passenger, the master of a privateer, nor could
he stay to search for it. He told the man ' that he
would be answerable to give him his money that
night at Brunswick, where he should quarter,' ex-
claimed aloud to his party, ' that these were not the
Tories they were in search of, although they had
knapsacks,' and told the country people who were as-
sembling around ' that a party of Tories had made
their escape from Sullivan's army, and were trying to
get into Staten Island, as HiS (who had been defeated
near this very spot, taken, and executed) had formerly
done, and that he was sent to intercept them.' The
sight of Justice Crow would probably have aided in
deceiving the inhabitants ; but, unfortunately, a man
personally knew Lieut.-Col. Simcoe, and an express
was sent to Governor Livingston, then at Brunswick,
as soon as the party marched.
" The party was now conducted by a country lad
whom they fell in with, and to whom Capt. Sanford
(being dressed in red and without his cloak) had been
introduced as a French officer. He gave information
that the greater part of the boats had been sent on to
Washington's camp, but that eighteen were at Van
Vacter's [Van Veghten's] bridge, and that their
horses were at a farm about a mile from it. He led
the party to an old camp of Washington's, above
t Lient. Stewart was a native of Somerset County, a partisan royalist, "
and extensively known as ' Tory Jim.' If he had been recognized any-
where about Bound Brook or Earitan, it would not have been well for
him." Dr. Messier.
76
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES, NEW JEKSEY.
Bound Brook* Lieut.-Col. Simcoe's instructions
were to burn these huts, if possible, in order to give
as wide an alarm to the Jerseys as he could. He
found it impracticable to do so, they not being joined
in ranges, nor built of very combustible materials.
He proceeded without delay to Bound Brook, whence
he intended to carry off Col. Moyland ; but he was
not at Mr. Van Horn's.f Two officers who had been
ill were there; their paroles were taken, and they
ordered to mark ' sick quarters' over the room-door
they inhabited, which was done ; and Mr. Van Horn
was informed that the party was the advance-guard
of the left column of the army which was commanded
by Gen. Birch, who meant to quarter that night at his
house, and that Sir Henry Clinton was in full march
for Morristown with the army."
From Bound Brook the raiders proceeded rapidly
to Van Veghten's bridge, where " Lieut.-Col. Simcoe
found eighteen new flat-boats upon carriages; they
were full of water. He was determined efiectually to
destroy them. Combustibles had been applied for,
and he received in consequence a few port-fires ;
every hussar had a hand-grenade, and several hatchets
were brought with the party. The timbers of the
boats were cut through, they were filled with straw
and railing, and, some grenades being fastened in
them, they were set on fire. Forty minutes were em-
ployed in this business. The country began to as-
semble in their rear, and, as Lieut.-Col. Simcoe went
to the ' Dutch meeting,' where the harness and some
stores were reported to be, a rifle-shot was fired at
him from the opposite bank of the river." The dis-
patch which had been sent to Governor Livingston at
New Brunswick had had the desired efiect. The
Governor had sent out express-riders to alarm the
country, and the people were preparing to give the
marauders a warm reception.
The " Dutch meeting" mentioned in Simcoe's nar-
rative was the old edifice of the church of Raritan,
built in 1721. It stood on the north side of the river,
about six hundred yards below the bridge. This
church-building they burned, together with a few
military stores which it contained. They then re-
turned, crossed the bridge, went to Millstone, and
there burned the Somerset County court-housej with
its contents. That building stood about twelve rods
west of the present Millstone bridge. They burned
also a house and shop belonging to Cornelius Lott
(valued at six hundred and twenty pounds ten shil-
lings and eleven pence), and at the same time a house
and kitchen belonging to William Cox. From thence
the troopers followed the Amwell road towards New
Brunswick, intending, when they should come to the
house above mentioned as (supposed to be) standing
* One of the encampments of Washington's army during the preceding
winter ; situated on the hillside east of Chimney Kock.
t Col. Moyland had married a daughter of Philip Van Horn, and il was
supposed he might be found there on a visit to his wife.
t October 27, 1779.
at the corner of the junction of the Amwell road with
the highway leading to the Princeton road, to take to
the right. The house they were looking for was that
of Garret Voorhees, which had stood at the place
named, but had been burned two years before by the
British. The guide which they had impressed at
Quibbletown supposed he knew the place perfectly
well, but he was ignorant of the fact that the house
had been burned, and he therefore unwittingly led
them astray. So they continued, in consequence of
this mistake, to follow the Amwell road until they
came within two miles of New Brunswick.
" Alarm-guns were now heard, and some shots were
fired at the rear, particularly by one person, who, as
it afterwards appeared, being out a shooting, and
hearing of the incursion, had sent word to Governor
Livingston, who was at Brunswick, that he would
follow the party at a distance and then give a shot,
that he might know which way they directed their
march. Passing by some houses, Lieut.-Col. Simcoe
told the women to inform four or five people who were
pursuing the rear ' that if they fired another shot he
would burn every house which he passed.' A man
or two were now slightly wounded. As the party
approached Brunswick, Lieut.-Col. Simcoe began to
be anxious for the cross-road diverging from it into
the Princeton road which he meant to pursue, and
which having once arrived at, he himself knew the
by-ways to the heights he wished to attain, where,
having frequently done duty, he was minutely ac-
quainted with every advantage and circumstance of
the ground. His guide was perfectly confident that
he was not yet arrived at it; and Lieut.-Col. Simcoe
was in earnest conversation with him, and making
the necessary inquiries, when a shot, at some little
distance, discovered there was a party in front. He
immediately galloped thither, and he sent back
Wright, his orderly sergeant, to acquaint Capt. San-
ford ' that the shot had not been fired at the party,'
when on the right at some distance he saw the rail-
fence (which was very high on both sides of the nar-
row road between two woods) somewhat broken down
and a man or two near it, when, putting his horse on
the canter, he joined the advance men of the hussars,
determining to pass through this opening, so as to
avoid every ambuscade that might be laid for him, or
attack, upon more equal terms. Col. Lee (whom 'he
understood to be in the neighborhood, and appre-
hended might be opposed to him), or any other party,
when he saw some men concealed behind logs and
bushes between him and the opening he meant to
pass through, and he heard the words ' Now, now !'
and found himself, when he recovered his 'senses,
prisoner with the Americans, his horse being killed
with five bullets, and himself stunned by the violence
of his fall. "
An American party under command of Capt. Guest
had formed an ambuscade, near De Mott's tavern two
miles west of New Brunswick, and upon the advance
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
77
of the British Rangers had fired upon them, killing
the colonel's horse and taking Simcoe himself prisoner
in the manner above stated. The remainder of the
party were pursued by the Americans, one of whom,
Capt. Peter G. Voorhees, in his zeal advanced ahead
of his men, and in attempting to leap a fence at
George's road, at the head of Town lane, his horse
became entangled, and the British, on coming up,
fell upon him and hacked him most terribly with their
sabres. He was taken to New Brunswick, and died
there a few hours afterwards. He was a brother-in-
law of Col. John Neilson, and was a young man most
highly esteemed. He was a brave officer in the regu-
lar army, having entered it at the commencement of
the war. At the time of his death he was a captain
in the First Eeginient of New Jersey Continental
troops, commanded by Col. Ogden.
Col. Simcoe was concealed, during the night suc-
ceeding his capture, in a store-house in New Bruns-
wick to prevent the enraged people from killing him
in revenge for the cruel treatment which Voorhees
had received at the hands of the British troops. He
was removed from thence to Burlington, where he re-
mained a prisoner until exchanged.*
After Simcoe was taken prisoner his demoralized
command made all haste to reach the appointed ren-
dezvous at South River bridge, where they found the
infantry, under Maj. Armstrong, who had come
promptly up, as agreed, and had taken two American
prisoners, Dr. Ryker and Mr. John Polhemus. The
advantages they had gained by the expedition were
hardly great enough to outweigh the loss of their
leader, a result which came from their guide's ig-
norance of the fact of the previous burning of Garret
Voorhees' house. Otherwise they would have taken
the circuitous route intended by them, would have
probably arrived at South River in safety with their
commander at their head, and might have succeeded
in drawing the Americans into their ambush and
capturing them, as contemplated in the original plan.
In the memoirs of Col. Lee (the celebrated " Light-
Horse Harry") the following opinion is expressed in
* "When Col. Simcoe'e horse was shot under him and he himself thrown
violently to the gronnd and rendered insensible, James Schureman, of
New Brunswick, saved his life by thrusting aside the bayonet of a sol-
dier of the militia who attempted to stah him ; he was braced up against
a tree, and Dr. Jonathan Ford Morris, afterwards of Somerville, then a
student of medicine in New Brunswick, bled him, and administered such
restoratives as could be ohtaioed. ^He was then taken to New Brunswick
and properly cared for. He recovered and was exclianged, entered on his
command again, and was present with his corps, the Queen's Bangers, at
Spencer's Ordinary, on James River, July, 1781, at King's Bridge, Janu-
ary, 1778, and at Oyster Bay, Long Island, 1778-79, where there was liter-
ally a 'nest of Tories,' of whom William Franklin, late Governor of New
Jersey, was chief. He became, after the Revolution, Governor of Upper
Canada, and wrote to inquire for the young man who had so kindly and
humanely assisted him at X>e Mott's tavern, and again, a second time,
to Dr. Morris himself, thanking him for his attentions, and offering him
advancement and active assistance provided he would visit him in
Canada, which Dr. Morris saw reasons to decline. Simcoe died in Eng-
land in 1806, and has a mural monument with several sculptured figures
in Exeter Cathedral, executed by Flaxman, the famous English sculp-
tor." Dr. Abraham Meaaler.
reference to the Simcoe expedition, and the manner of
its execution :
" This enterprise was considered by both armies as among the hand-
somest exploits of the war. Simcoe executed completely his object (then
deemed very important), and traversed the country from Elizabethtown
Point to South Amboy, flfty-flve miles, in the course of the night and
morning, passing through a most hostile region of armed citizens, neces-
sarily skirmishing Brunswick, a military station, proceeding not more
than eight or nine miles from the legion of Lee, his last point of danger,
and which became increased from the debilitated condition to which his
troops were reduced by previous fatigue. What is very extraordinary,
Lieut.-Col. Simcoe, being obliged to feed [his horses] once in the course
of the night, stopped at a depot of forage collected for the Continental
army, assumed the character of Lee's cavalfy, waked up the commissary
about midnight, drew the customary allowance of forage, and gave the
usual vouchers, signing the name of the legion quartermaster without
being discovered by the Ainerican forage commissary or his assistants.
The dress of both corps was thesame, green coatees and leather breeches,
yet the success of the stratagem was astonishing. "
About the 20th of December, 1779, the army went
into winter quarters, the northern division, under
command of Gen. Heath, locating on the east side of
the Hudson below West Point, and the main body,
with the commander-in-chief, at Morristown. No
events of importance pertinent to the history of Som-
erset and Hunterdon Counties occurred in the year
which succeeded. The dispatches and orders of Wash-
ington during that time were dated from " Head-
quarters Morristown," "Headquarters Springfield,''
Headquarters Rockaway, " Headquarters Rama-
paugh," " Headquarters Orangetown," " Headquarters
near the Liberty Pole," and from several other places.
Many of these mention great scarcity of supplies
for the army, the slowness with which new troops
were furnished by New Jersey, the necessity of im-
mediate drafting, the hardships endured by officers
of the army on account of the depreciation of
the currency, which rendered their pay insufficient
for their barest necessities, the alarming condition of
the affairs of the country, and other similar subjects.
During the year (in January, 1870) Lord Stirling
commanded a partially successful expedition to Staten
Island ; a British force of about five thousand men,
under Gen. Knyphausen, crossed (June 6th) from
Staten Island to Elizabethtown Point, and advanced
towards the interior, but was driven back to the Point ;
again, on the 23d of June, a larger force, under Sir
Henry Clinton, advanced from the same place to
Springfield and burned the town, but, being resolutely
met by the Continental troops and the Jersey militia,
deemed it prudent to retire, which he did the same
day, and crossed back to Staten Island. On the 4th
of July the ladies of Trenton met in that town " for
the purpose of promoting a subscription for the relief
and encouragement of those brave men in the Conti-
nental army who, stimulated by example and regard-
less of danger, have so repeatedly suffered, fought, and
bled in the cause of virtue and their oppressed coun-
try, and, taking into consideration the scattered situ-
ation of the well disposed throughout the State who
would wish to contribute to so laudable an undertak-
ing, for the purpose of the convenience of such and
78
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
the more effectually to carry their scheme into execu-
tion, unanimously appointed Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Dickin-
son, Mrs. Forman, and Miss Cadwallader a commit-
tee whose duty it was immediately to open a subscrip-
tion and correspond with the ladies, hereinafter named,
of the different counties throughout the State, request-
ing their aid and influence in the several districts,"
the ladies so named to form a committee to promote
subscriptions. The committee for Hunterdon County
were Mrs. Vice-President Stevens, Mrs. Judge Smith,
Mrs. Charles Cox, Mrs. E. Stevens, Mrs. Hanna, Mrs.
Lowery, Mrs. I. Sexton, Mrs. B. Van Cleve, Mrs.
Col. Berry, Mrs. Dr. Barnes ; county of Somerset,
Lady Stirling, Mrs. Gen. Morris, Mrs. Col. Martin,
Mrs. Attorney-Gen. Paterson, Mrs. E. Stockton.
In the same month (June, 1780) a large force
of French troops arrived, under Gen. Count Eo-
chambeau, to take the field as auxiliaries of the
Americans, and to operate under the orders of Wash-
ington, who thereupon projected a joint attack
on the British in New York, but afterwards aban-
doned the project. On the Hudson the most notable
events of the year were the culmination of Arnold's
treason and the capture of the unfortunate Maj.
Andre. Early in December the American army went
into winter quarters.
In the summer of 1781 the American army and its
French allies concentrated on the Hudson Elver, for
the purpose, as it was understood, of making a com-
bined attack on the British in the city of New York.
They remained in the vicinity of Dobbs' Ferry for
about six weeks, during which time Washington aban-
doned the project (if he ever entertained it seriously)
of attacking the city, and resolved instead to move
the armies to Virginia to operate against Cornwallis.
He, however, concealed his new plan, and wrote letters
containing details of his pretended object to move
against the city, intending that these should fall into
the hands of Sir Henry Clinton. The result was as
he had intended it to be. The letters were intercepted
and taken to Clinton, who was completely deceived by
them, and, continuing to watch the American force on
the Hudson, failed to reinforce Cornwallis, as the latter
had requested him to do. Meanwhile, Washington
completed his preparations, and in the latter part of
August crossed the Hudson at Verplanck's Point with
the American and French armies, and marched rap-
idly across New Jersey to Trenton, some of the troops
passing through the Eamapo valley and Morristown,
and others passing the Eingwood Iron-Works. The
French forces took the route by the Hackensack val-
ley to Newark and Perth Amboy, at which place they
built ovens, constructed boats, collected forage, and
made other movements indicating an intention to
move on New York; but these were suddenly aban-
doned, and the march was resumed to Trenton, where
all the forces arrived before Clinton was aware of the
significance of the movement. The American columns
which took the upper route must haTe moved throuo-h
Somerset and Hunterdon, though the points which
they passed in their march through these counties are
not precisely known.
Crossing the Delaware at Trenton and the neigh-
boring ferries in the morning of September 1st, the
armies marched on towards Philadelphia, which city
they passed through on the 2d, and on the 14th of
September reached Williamsburg, Va., from which
point Washington and Eochambeau went on board
the French flag-ship the " Ville de Paris," in the York
Eiver, and there, with the French admiral, Count de
Grasse, concerted the plan of the campaign which
ended in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis with his
army at Yorktown on the 19th of October.
The march of Washington's forces from the Hudson
on their way to Yorktown in August, 1781, was the
last movement of an army across the territory of Som-
erset and Hunterdon Counties during the Eevolution-
ary conflict, unless we may count as such the return
of the New England and New Jersey troops, a few
months later, after the surrender of Cornwallis ren-
dered their presence in Virginia no longer necessary.
The commander-in-chief, however, passed this way
several times afterwards before the close of the war,
the most memorable of these visits being made in the
autumn of 1783, under the following-named circum-
stances: The preliminary articles of the treaty of
peace between the United States and Great Britain
were signed on the 30th of November, 1782, the treaty
to take effect on the 20th of January following. The
cessation of hostilities was formally proclaimed on the
19th of April. Then arose the question of how the
army could be disbanded in safety, for Congress was
without means to pay the soldiers, and there was, on
that account, a general dissatisfaction among both ofli-
cers and men, and this was accompanied, in some
quarters, by open threats of mutiny and violence. A
band of Pennsylvania troops who had been discharged
at the expiration of their term of service without re-
ceiving their full arrears of pay became violent and
insubordinate, and in spite of the remonstrances of
their officers a body of them marched from Lancaster
to Philadelphia with the avowed purpose of forcing
from the Continental Congress (which was then in ses-
sion in that city) or from the Executive Council of the
State a redress of their grievances. There were only
about eighty of the malcontents, but on their arrival
in Philadelphia, on the 20th of June, they were joined
by other soldiers in the barracks of the city, by which
means the whole number was increased to about three
hundred, and with this augmented force they moved
to the State-House, where both the Congress and the
Council of the State were assembled. They proceeded
at once to place guards at every door, and their leaders
sent in a written message to the president and Council
of Pennsylvania, to the effect that if their demands
were not acceded to within twenty minutes the infuri-
ated soldiery would be marched into the building and
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
79
let loose upon both bodies. Tbe threat was not, how-
ever, carried into execution, and the mutiny was finally
quelled. It was more the State Council than Congress
that was the object of their resentment, hut the mem-
bers of Congress considered that their body had been
grossly insulted, rhaving been kept under duress for
more than three hours, and they at once resolved to
adjourn from Philadelphia to Princeton, N. J. This
was accordingly done, and in pursuance of the resolu-
tion they convened in the library-room of Nassau
Hall, at Princeton, on the 26th of the same month,
and continued there during the remainder of the ses-
sion. Some time after the removal to Princeton the
president of Congress wrote to Gen. Washington, at
Newburg-on-the-Hudson, asking his attendance be-
fore that body to consult on the arrangements for
peace, the disbandment of the army, and other public
concerns. Leaving the army on the Hudson in com-
mand of Gen. Knox, he at once repaired to Princeton
and reported to Congress, when he was addressed by
the president, who congratulated him on the success
of the war in which he had acted so prominent and
brilliant a part. In this address he said,
" In other natione many have performed eminent services for which
they have deserved the thanksof the public. But to you, sir, peculiar
praise is due. Tour servicea have been essential in acquiring and estab-
lishing the freedom and independence of your country. They deserve
the grateful acknowledgmenta of a free and independent nation. "
To this address the general made a brief and
modest reply, and then retired.
Washington remained in attendance upon Congress
until. the early part of November,* and during this
tiroe he occupied as headquarters a house which had
been provided for his use at Rocky Hill, in Somerset
County, some three or four miles from Princeton.f
It was the residence of Judge John Berrien, located
on elevated ground about a quarter of a mile east of
the river, on the right hand of the road as it ascends
from Rocky Hill village to the top of the hill towards
Kingston. It is still standing, in much the same con-
dition that it was in the days of the Revolution, ex-
cepting that a veranda which formerly extended along
the entire south side of the building has since been
demolished. It belonged to the estate of the late
William Cruser for many years, and is now owned by
David J. Mount, Esq. The room occupied by Wash-
ington as his headquarters and oflce remains just as
he left it, and ia kept for inspection by visitors. It
was in this room that he received the committees,
members of Congress, and other dignitaries in con-
ferences on public affairs, and it was also in this room
that he wrote his farewell orders and address to the
armies of the United States. In that address, which
• When he returned to Newburg, and thence, upon the evacuation of
New York by the British (November 25th), moved his headquarters to
that city.
t " We have it from tradition that there was assigned to Gen. Wash-
ington while he was in the village [Princeton], attending upon Congress,
a room in A. L. Martin's present residence." Hoffeman's EUlori/ of
Princeton.
was issued from the headquarters at Rocky Hill on
the 2d of November, 1783, he referred to the procla-
mation of Congress of the 18th of October applaud-
ing the armies for their virtue, fortitude, and magna-
nimity, giving them the thanks of the country for
their long and faithful services, and ordering their
discharge from service after the 3d of November, and
said,
" It only remains for the commander-in-chief to address himself once
more, and that for the last time, to the armies of the United States (how-
ever widely dispersed the individuals who composed them may be), and to
bid them an affectionate, a long, farewell. But before the commander-in-
cliief takes his final leave of those he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge
himself a few moments in calling to mind a slight review of the past ; he
will then take the liberty of exploring with his military friends their fu-
ture prospects, of advising the general line of conduct which, in his opin-
ion, ought to be pursued ; and he will conclude the address by expressing
the obligation he feels himselfunder for the spirited and able assistance he "
has experienced from them in the performance of an arduous office. . . .
And, being now to conclude these his last public orders, to take his ultimate
leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adiea
to the armies lie has so long had the honor to command, he can only
again offer in their behalf his recommendation to their grateful country
and his prayers to the God of armies. May ample justice be done them here,
and may the choicest of Heaven's favors, both here and hereafter, attend
those who, under the Divine auspices, have secured innumerable bless-
ings for others 1 With these wishes, and this benediction, the com-
mander-in-chief is about to retire from the service. The curtain of sep-
aration will soonlje drawn, and the military scene, to him, will he closed
forever."
THE CUKRENCT.
The currency had become largely depreciated. The
dollar which in 1777 was worth seven shillings and
sixpence, in 1780 passed for only threepence. We
have had the use of an old list made as a memoran-
dum of this progress of the downfall of the circulating
medium, and append it as a curiosity. September,
1777, the Continental dollars passed for seven shil-
lings and sixpence ; October, ten shillings ; Novem-
ber, six shillings and threepence; December, five
shillings and eightpence ; January, 1778, five shil-
lings and twopence; February, four shillings and
eightpence; March, four shillings and threepence;
April, three shillings and ninepence; May, three
shillings and threepence; June, two shillings and
tenpence ; July, two shillings and sixpence; August,
two shillings and twopence ; September, one shilling
and ten and one-halfpence; October, one shilling
and seven and one-half pence ; November, one shil-
ling and fourpence ; December, one shilling and two-
pence; January, 1779, one shilling; February, ten
and one-half pence ; March, ninepence ; AprU, eight-
pence; May, seven and one-half pence; June, six
and one-third pence; July, sixpence; August, five
and one-half pence ; September, fivepence ; October,
four and one-half pence ; November, fourpence ; De-
cember, three and one-half pence; January, 1780,
threepence ; February, threepence ; March, two and
one-half pence ; and up to the 18th of May, 1780, two
and one-tenth pence, and then nothing. How the
people managed, in such a state of things, to sell or
traffic at all is a mystery, and how the armies were
kept in the field is almost a miracle. It is only an-
80
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
other confirmation of the adage, " what is to be done
will be done." Robert Morris' immense fortune was
often the only confidence which floated the Conti-
nental currency and kept the armies in the field.
PATBIOTISM UNDER WAR BURDENS,
The following minutes of a public meeting at Mill-
stone, about July, 1779, are interesting as evidence of
the pressure of the burdens of the war, and the patri-
otic spirit in which it was proposed to meet them :
"At a meeting of the electors of the County of Somerset, pursuant to
notice by advertisement on Thursday, 3d Inst., at the Court-House of said
county,
The buBineas of the meeting being introduced and iliscussed, the fol- "
lowing resolutions were adopted :
" Whereas, The concurrance of a variety of causes, the bills of credit
emitted under authority of the United States in Congress assembled, have
greatly depreciated in their value, and in addition to the quantity circu-
lating will tend to increase such depreciation ; therefore
Besolved^ That a petition be presented to the Legislature, requesting "
them to make application to Congress on behalf of this State, that the
emission of bills of credit be henceforth discontinued.
" Resolved, That the Legislature be requested to make application aa
aforesaid, that a plau be adopted and recommended for a general limita-
tion of prices throughout the United States, according to which such
prices may be diminished slowly from the present time or at stated pe-
riods and by small differences, until the quantity of money be reduced
by taxation to what is necessary for a circulating medium.
*'Aiid whereas, Taxation is the most natural and beneficial source from
which to derive the supplies necessary for supporting the army and
carrying on the war,
Resolved, That the Legislature be requested to make application as "
aforesaid that requisitions of taxes be henceforward made on the States
for the above purposes; and that to avoid as far as possible the expense
of purchasing in the modes hitherto practiced, and the necessity of such
large circulations of money through the public treasury, a just quota of
provisions, forage, and other necesaariea for the army be laid upon each
State in such kind as they are severally suited to produce, to be paid in
the way of tax at regulated prices by those who raise them, while those
who do not, pay a fair proportion in money.
"Resolved, That it be expressed to the Legislature as the sense of this
meeting that on levying all future taxes and aids for the use of the State
and Union in general, the assessments be made according to the value of
all property possessed by each individual, it being reasonable that persons
should be taxed for their money, their income, the faculty and means of
acquiring property, or for any estate whatsoever.
*' Whereas, There is great reason to believe that many persons em-
ployed in various branches of the public department of the United States
are guilty of mismanagement and fraud in the execution of their trust
and applying the public money, and there being no ready and regular
mode presented by public authority, of which such as are disposed may
avail themselves, to furnish the necessary information to those who have
the power to correct such abuses and thereby prevent unnecessary in-
crease of the pubhc burdens,
Resolved, That the Legislature be requested to direct some conve- "
nient and adequate means of collecting and transmitting to Congress, or
to such Board or Committee by them appointed as may be adequate in
point of jurisdiction, or to the executive power of the State in cases
where that is competent, all such authentic evidences and documents as
can be procured, that the guilty may be punished and the faithful ser-
vants of the public may be rescued from that indiscriminate censure
which the bad and unworthy bring upon all, and that we will exert our
utmost endeavors for effecting so laudable a purpose.
•' Wliereas, Virtue and good morals are notonly productive of individual
happiness, but have a great and extensive good effect upon the political
state of every government when they are cultivated,
"Resolved, That we will by our example and influence endeavor to
promote these, and will look upon it as the course of duty to support and
strengthen the arm of the civil authority in detecting and bringing to
deserved punishment all such as are guilty of profanity, immorality, ex-
travagance, idleness and dissipation, of extortion, sharping and oppres-
sion, and of all such practices as tend to the unjust advantage of individ-
uals and detriment of the community.
Ordered, That a representation and petition to the Legislature be "
drawn up pursuant to these resolutions and signed by the chainnan, and
that the representatives of this county be requested to lay the same be-
fore the respective house.
" Extracted from the minutes of proceedings and published by order.
Wm. C. Haston, "
Chairman.
RECORD OF PROCESSES AGAINST FORFEITED
ESTATES IN SOMERSET, 1779.
The following is but a sample of many of the in-
quisitions of the courts of both Hunterdon and Som-
erset Counties during the Revolutionary period :
"Somerset, to wU. The State of New Jersey to Jacob Berger, Frederick
Frelinghuysen, and Hendrick Willson, commissioners duly appointed
for said county on the part and behalf of the said State to take and dis-
pose of for the use and benefit of the same, the estates of certain fugitives
and offenders in the said county, or to any two or more of them, greet-
ing:
Whereas, Lately, that is to say of the term of January, in the year of "
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, in the Court of
Common Pleas held at Hillsborough, in and for said county of Somerset,
before the judges of the same court, find judgment was had and entered
in favour of the said State of New Jereey, pursuant to Law, against Rich-
ard Compton, Junior, late of the county of Somerset, on an inquisition
found against the said Richard Compton for joining the army of the
King of Great Britain & returned to the said court, as may fully ap-
pear of record; you are therefore commanded and enjoined to sell and
dispose of all and singular the lands, tenements, & Hereditaments held in
fee or for term of life, and generally all the estate real, of what nature or
kind soever, belonging or lately belonging to the said Richard Compton,
within the said county of Somerset, according to the direction of an Act
for forfeiting to and vesting in the State of New Jersqy the real estate
of certain Fugitives & Offenders, made and passed the eleventh day of
December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
seventy-eight.
" Witness, Peter Schenk, Esq', Judge of the said Court, at Hillsbor-
ough, the first Tuesday of January, in the year of our Lord [one thou-
sand]* seven hundred & seventy-nine.
By the court, "
" Frelinghtjtsen,
Ctk. "
Recorded April 1, 1779.
CHAPTER YIL
HTJNTERDOlSr AND SOMERSET COTJTsTTIES IW
THE BEVOLUTIOIsr (Continued).
Continental Troops, First Establishment Second Establishment The
Jersey Line Recruiting-Officers and Muster-Masters Regiments
raised, and Their Officers Militia The Quotas of the Two Counties
" Minute-Men" Roster of Field- and Staff-OiBcers- Roster of Rev-
olutionary Soldiers from these (bounties, who served in the State Mili-
tia, and Continental Army.
TROOPS FURNISHED BY THE TWO COUNTIES DUR-
ING THE WAR.
The first Continental troops of the "Jersey Line,"
raised in 1775, were two battalions, designated the
Eastern and Western, and subsequently the First and
Second, Battalions. The First was commanded by
Col. William Alexander (Lord Stirling), and, after
his promotion to be brigadier-general, by Lieut.-Col.
William Winds, who was raised to the rank of colo-
* A clerical eiTor.
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION!
81
nel ; the Second by Col. William Maxwell. The
following year a third battalion was added, which was
placed under the command of Col. Elias Dayton. In
the fall of this year (1776) a " second establishment"
of troops from New Jersey for the Continental army
was made, embracing four battalions, commanded by
Cols. Silas Newcomb (succeeded by Col. Matthias Og-
den), Isaac Shreve, Elias Dayton, and Ephraim Mar-
tin. These formed " Maxwell's Brigade," commanded
by Gen. (late colonel) William Maxwell.
A new arrangement of the American army was ef-
fected in 1778, under which, and during the campaign
of 1779, the " Jersey Line" embraced three battalions.
Feb. 9, 1780, Congress called upon this State for six-
teen hundred and twenty men to supply the defi-
ciency, in which volunteers were called for, large
bounties offered, and recruiting-officers appointed for
the several counties, those for Hunterdon and Som-
erset being Capt. John Mott and Capt. Nathaniel
Porter, the quota of Hunterdon being eighty-four, and
of Somerset fifty-four men. The "muster-masters"
were Maj. Joseph Brearley for Hunterdon County,
and Col. Frederick Frelinghuysen for Somerset. The
three regiments thus raised were commanded by Cols.
Matthias Ogden, Isaac Shreve, and Elias Dayton, re-
spectively. Each regiment contained six companies,
and they were commanded as follows :
First Megiment. Capts. Jonathan Forman, John
Flahaven, Giles Mead, Alexander Mitchell, Peter G.
Voorhees, and John Holmes.
/Second Regiment. Capts. John Hollingshead, John
N. Cumming, Samuel Reading, Nathaniel Bowman,
Jonathan Phillips, and William Helms.
Third Regiment. Capts. John Ross, William Gif-
ford, Richard Cox, Jeremiah Ballard, Joseph I. An-
derson, and Bateman Lloyd:
Gen. Maxwell continued to command the Jersey
Brigade until July, 1780, when he resigned, and was
succeeded by Col. Elias Dayton, as senior officer, who
commanded the same until the close of the war.
The news of the cessation of hostilities was an-
nounced in the camp of the brigade April 19, 1783,
and the Jersey Line was discharged November 3d of
that year.
MILITIA.
At various times during the war New Jersey, by
reason of its being continually exposed to the incur-
sions of the British and the ravages of refugees and
Indians, found it necessary to embody, as occasion
required, a certain quota of volunteers from the mili-
tia of the different counties. These men were held
liable to duty when needed, not only in this but in
adjoining States. These organizations were called
New Jersey Levies, " Five Months' Levies," but
most generally designated as " State Troops." Hun-
terdon and Somerset Counties furnished the follow-
ing:
Under the act, passed Nov. 27, 1776, for the raising
of four battalions, Somerset sent two companies, Hun-
terdon four. Of the battalion, comprising these six
companies and two from Sussex, David Chambers
was colonel, Jacob West lieutenant-colonel, and Enos
Kelsey major.
Under the call of Oct. 9, 1779, for four thousand
volunteers to continue in service until Dec. 20, 1779,
one regiment of ten companies was raised in Somer-
set, Sussex, Morris, and Bergen, and another regiment
of equal size in Hunterdon and Burlington Counties.
Other calls were made, viz., June 7th and 14th, for
six hundred and twenty-four men each, whose term
was to expire Jan. 1, 1781 ; and Dec. 26, 1780, for
eight hundred and twenty-four men, whose term was
to expire Jan. 1, 1782 ; Dec. 29, 1781, four hundred
and twenty-two men, for service until Dec. 15, 1782.
On June 3, 1775, the Provincial Congress of New
Jersey passed an act providing a " plan for regulating
the militia of the colony." This plan was still further
considered and amended Aug. 16, 1775. After that
date all officers were ordered to be commissioned by
the Provincial Congress or the Committee of Safety.
In the assignment then ordered Hunterdon had four
and Somerset two regiments. " Minute-men" having
been raised in Somerset and two other counties, in
obedience to the recommendation of Continental Con-
gress, this ordinance [of Aug. 16, 1775] ordered the
several counties to furnish them, ranging from one to
eight companies each, the assignment for Somerset
being five, and for Hunterdon eight companies, being
one-sixth of the number raised in the whole State.
These companies of " minute-men" were " held in
constant readiness, on the shortest notice, to march to
any place where assistance might be required, for the
defense of this or any neighboring colony." They
were to continue in service four months. Their uni-
form was a hunting-frock, similar to that of the rifle-
men in the Continental service.
In February, 1776, the Committee of Safety of New
York called upon the Provincial Congress for a de-
tachment of militia to assist in arresting Tories in
Queens Co., L. I., and Staten Island, N. Y. Of the
seven hundred men ordered out for that purpose, Som-
erset County furnished one hundred. Another de-
tachment of minute-men was ordered, Feb. 15, 1776,
to proceed to New York. This was commanded by
Charles Stewart, colonel ; Mark Thompson, lieuten-
ant-colonel ; Frederick Frelinghuysen, first major ;
and Thomas Henderson, second major. Feb. 29, 1776,
the remnants of the minute-men were incorporated in
the militia of the districts where they resided.
June 3, 1776, the Continental Congress called for
thirteen thousand eight hundred militia, the quota
of New Jersey being three thousand three hundred.
Hunterdon and Somerset furnished one of the five
battalions required, in the proportion of five compa-
nies from the first-named and three companies from
the last-named county. The battalion was com-
manded by Stephen Hunt, colonel ; Philip Johnson,
82
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
lieutenant-colonel; Joseph. Phillips, major; and Cor-
nelius Baldwin, surgeon.*
July 16, 1776, Congress requested the Convention
of New Jersey to supply with militia the places of
two thousand men of Gen. "Washington's army who
had been ordered into New Jersey to form the Flying
Camp. Of the thirty companies of sixty-four men
each, furnished under this call, Somerset provided
two and Hunterdon four companies, which, with two
from Sussex, comprised one of the four battalions, and
its officers were Mark Thompson, colonel ; Abraham
Bonnell, lieutenant-colonel; Enos Kelsey, major;
and Jacob Jennings, surgeon.
April 14, 1778, the militia was divided into two
brigades, that of Somerset being in the first and that
of Hunterdon in the second. Jan. 8, 1781, it was
formed into three brigades. During the war several
companies of artillery and troops of horse were raised.
" The good service performed by the militia is fully
recorded in history. At the fights at Quinton's
Bridge, Hancock's Bridge, Three Elvers, Connecticut
Farms, and Van Neste's Mills they bore an active
part, while at the battles of Long Island, Trenton,
Assanpink, Princeton, Germantown, Springfield, and
Monmouth they performed efficient service in sup-
porting the Continental Line.t "
The field- and stafi'-officers of the militia regiments
of these counties were as follows :
HUNTERDON COUNTY.
FIRST REGIMENT.
Col. Isaac Smith.
Col. (promoted from first major) Joseph Phillips.
Lieut. -Col. Abraham Hnnt.
Lieut.-Col. (promoted from captain) Jacob Houghton.
First Maj. Ephraim Anderson.
First Maj. (promoted from captain) Joseph Brearley.
Second Maj. Isaac De Cou.
Second Maj. (pro. from first lieut. and captain) Benjamin Van CleTe.
Second Maj. (promoted from captain) Henry Phillips.
Adjt. Elias Phillips.
SECOND REGIMENT.
Col. Nathaniel Hunt.
Col. Joseph Beavers.
Lieut.-Col. Abraham Bonnell.
Lieut-Col. William Chamberlain.
First Maj. Nathaniel Pettit.
FirBt Maj. Cornelius Stout.
First Maj. (promoted from second major) David Bishop.
Second Maj. Garret Albertson.
Second Maj. David Jones.
Second Maj. Cornelius Carhart.
Second Maj. (promoted from captain) Samuel Growendyck.
A^t. John Schank.
Quartermaster Reading Howell.
Surgeon Gersbom Craven.J
THIRD REGIMENT.
Col. David Chambers.
Col. (promoted from lieuteuant-colonel) Thomas Lowrey.
Col. (promoted from lieutenant-colonel) George Ely.
First Maj. (promoted from second major) Cornelius Stout.
* Col. Hunt resigned, and Lieut.-Col. Johnson was promoted to colonel
and subsequently killed, when Lieut.-Col. Phillips (promoted from major)
became colonel, and Capt. Piatt Bayles was promoted to be major.
t " Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War," W. S.
Stryker, p. 338.
Second Maj. Daniel McDonald.
Second Maj. (promoted from first lieutenant and captain) George Hol-
comb.
A^jt. David Bishop.
EOTJETH REGIMENT.
Col. John Mehelm.
Col. (promoted from captain, second major, and lieutenant-colonel) John
Taylor.
Lieut. -Col. (promoted from captain and first major) John Tenbroofc.
First Maj. (promoted from second major) John Stevens, Jr.
First Maj. (promoted from captain) Godfrey Rinehart.
Second Maj. (promoted from captain) Ebenezer Berry.
Surgeon Oliver Barnet.J
SOMERSET COUNTY.
FIRST BATTALION.
Col. William Alexander (Lord Stirling).
Col. (promoted from captain) Stephen Hunt.
Col. (promoted from captain) Frederick Frelinghuyaen.
Col. (promoted from lieutenant-colonel) Abraham Ten Eyck.
Lieut.-Col. (promoted from second major) Derrick Middah.
First Maj. (promoted from captain) James Linn.
Second Maj. (promoted from captain) Richard McDonald.
Second Maj. (promoted from captain) Thomas Hall.
SECOND BATTALION.
Col. Abraham Quick.
Col. Hendrick Van Dike.
Lieut.-Col. (promoted from first major) Benjamin Baird.
Lieut.-Col. (promoted from first major) Peter D. Vroom.
First Maj. (promoted from second major) William Verbryck.
First Maj. (promoted from captain) William Baird.
Second Maj. Enos Kelsey.
Second Maj. (pro. from captain) Abraham Neviua.
The following is a list of those from the county of
Hunterdon who served either in the Continental army,
State troops, or militia during the Revolutionary
war: J
Joseph Beavers, colonel Second Regiment.
David Chambers, colonel Third Regiment, June 19, 1Y76 ; colonel bat-
talion State troops, Nov. 27, 1776 ; colonel Second Regiment, Sept
9, 1777 ; resigned May 28, 1779.
George Ely, captain Second Regiment ; lieutenant-colonel Third Regi-
ment, June 21, 1781 ; also colonel.
Nathaniel Hunt, colonel Second Regiment; resigned; also paymaster
militia.
Thomas Lowrey, lieutenant-colonel Third Regiment, June 19, 1776 ; also
colonel Third Regiment.
John Mehelm, quartermaster and paymaster statT Brig. -Gen. Dickinson ;
colonel Fourth Regiment; resigned May 15, 1777 ; colonel and quar-
termaster-general, staff Maj .-Gen. Dickinson.
Joseph Phillips, major Col. Hunt's battalion, " Heard's brigade," Juno
14, 1776 ; lieutenant-colonel Johnson's battalion, Aug. 1, 1776 ; col-
onel ditto. Sept, 20, 1776 ; first major First Regiment; colonel ditto,
March 16, 1777.
Isaac Smith, colonel First Regiment; resigned, Feb. 16, 1777, to accept
appointment as justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Charles Stewart, colonel battalion "Minute-Men," Fob. 16, 1776; also
commissary-general.
John Taylor, captain Col. Neilson's battalion, "Minute-Men;" captain
Fourth Regim ent ; second major ditto, Oct. 28, 1776 ; major Road's
X See sketch in medical chapter.
g These rosters have been carefully compiled from the " Official Reg-
ister of the Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War "
by Adjt.-Gen. William S. Stryker, published by authority of the Legisla-
ture, in 1872. In its preparation the pension-lists of the goTernmont,
the Minutes of the Congress of the United States, and of the Legislature
and Council of Safety of New Jersey, records of the War Department
as well as original manuscripts, rolls of companies of Continental troops,
dianes of ofBcers, paymasters' memoranda, quartermasters' reports,
treasurers receipts, "returns" to the commander-in-chief, etc., were
faithfully examined and compared. It is the only extensive and well-
authenticated record of the kind that has yet been published.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
83
â– battalion of State troops, Nov. 27, 1776 ; lieutenantKJolonel Fourth
Kegiment, Feb. 17, 1777; colonel ditto, May 23,1777; colonel regi-
ment of State troops, Oot. 9, 1779.
Abraham Bonnell, lieutenant-colonel Third Regiment; lieutenant-col-
onel Thompson'fl battalion " Detached Militia," Jaly 18, 1776.
William Chamberlain, lieutenant-colonel Second Regiment, Sept. 9, 1777 ;
cashiered May 14, 1781.
Joab Houghton, captain First Regiment; lieutenant-colonel ditto, March
15, 1777 ; lieutenant-colonel Taylor's regiment, State troops, Oct. 9,
1779
Abraliam Hunt, lieutenant-colonel First Regiment ; resigned.
Philip Johnston, lieutenant-colonel ; pro. to colonel Aug. 1, L776 ; killed
at battle of Long Island.
John Teubrook, captain " Minute-Men ;" firet major Fourth Regiment,
Feb. 1, 1777 ; lieuteuant-colonel ditto.
Garret Albertson, second major Second Regiment ; com. cancelled ; re-
moved from county.
Ephraim Anderson, first major First Regiment ; resigned, Oct. 28, 1775,
to accept commission as adjutant Second Battalion, First Establish-
ment, Continental Line.
Ebenezer Berry, captain Fourth Regiment; second major ditto, April 25,
1778
David Bishop, adjutant Third Regiment; second major Second Regi-
ment; first major ditto.
Joseph Brearley, captain "Minute-Men;" first major First Regiment;
captain Continental army.
Cornelius Carhart, captain Third Regiment ; second major Second Regi-
ment, April 20, 1778.
Isaac Be Cou, second major First Regiment; resigned July 6, 1776.
Peter Gordon, captain First Regiment ; captain Forman's battalion,
Heard's brigade, June 14, 1776 ; brigadier-major ditto, July 25, 1776 ;
also major and quartermaster Quartermaster-GeneiuPs Department.
Samuel Growendyck, captain Second Regiment ; second major ditto, Oct.
7, 1778; major State troops.
George Holcomb, first lieutenant Phillips' company, Third Regiment ; pro.
to captain; pro. to major, June 21, 1781.
David Jones, ensign Third Regiment; pro. to captain; second major
Second Regiment.
Daniel McDonald, second major Third Regiment; resigned July 24,
1777
l^athaniel Fettit, first major Second Regiment ; com. cancelled ; removed
from county.
Henry Phillips, captain First Regiment, May 10,1777; second major,
KoT. 13, 1777.
Godfrey Einehart, captain Fourth Regiment; pro. to first major, Oct. 7,
1778; resigned, Nov. 6, 1779, to become member of Asaembly.
John Stevens, Jr., second major Fourth Regiment, Feb. 1, 1777 ; pro. to
first major; resigned April 18, 1778.
Cornelius Stout, second major Third Regiment, June 19, 1776 ; first major
Second Regiment, Sept. 19, 1777; first major Third Regiment, June
10, 1779 ; cashiered May 14, 1781.
Benjamin Van Cleve, first lieutenant First Regiment ; pro. to captain
ditto, Capt. Johnson's battalion, Heard's brigade, June 14, 1776;
second major First Regiment, March 15, 1777; resigned, Nov. 13,
1777, to become a member of Awembly.
Elias Phillips, adjutant First Regiment.
John Schanck, adjutant Second Regiment, Feb. 6, 1777,
Reading Howell, quartermaster Second Regiment.
Oliver Bamet, surgeon Fourth Regiment, Feb. 14, 1776.
Gershom Craven, surgeon Second Regiment.
Jacob Anderson, lieutenant; pro. to captain.
John Anderson, captain Capt. Johnson's battalion, June 14, 1776; also
captain in Continental army.
Jacob Beatson, captain.
Daniel Bray, lieutenant Second Regiment; pro. to captain ditto.
Nathaniel Gamp, captain.
Jacob Carhart, captain Second Regiment.
Israel Carle, captain troop light-hoi-se, Oct, 6, 1777.
â– Cline, captain Second Kegiment.
Joseph Clunn, ensign Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment, June 19,
1776; pro. to second lieutenant, May 10, 1777; pro. to captain; also
captain State troops.
Jonathan Combs, captain.
Josepli Corshon, captain Second Regiment.
Joshua Corshon, captain Third Regiment; resigned Feb. 17, 1776, dis-
ability.
George Coryell, captain.
William Covenhoven, captain.
Doremus, captain.
Emmons, captain Fourth Regiment.
Peter Ent, ensign Third Regiment; pro. to captain ditto.
Moses Esty, captain ; also captain in State troops.
Jacob Gearhart, sergeant Second Regiment ; pro. to ensign and captain.
William Gearhart, captain Second Regiment.
Jacob Glashart, ensign Third Regiment; pro. to captain, ditto.
James Gray, captain Second Regiment; prisoner of war.
George Green, captain First Regiment.
Ralph Guild, captain First Regiment, May 10, 1777.
Henry Gulick, captain Second Regiment.
Hall, captain Fourth Regiment.
Charles Harrison, captain; resigned July 8, 1776.
Adam Hope, captain Second Regiment.
Cornelius Hoppock, captain Third Regiment.
Joseph Howard, captain.
Hull, captain Fourth Regiment.
John Hunt, captain First Regiment, June 17, 1776.
William E. Imlay, captain Third Regiment; also captain Continental
army.
Christopher Johnson, captain Third Regiment.
Cornelius Johnson, captain Second Regiment.
David Johnson, captain.
James Johnson, captain.
Francis Kruser, captain.
Cornelius Lane, captain Fourth Regiment.
Lucas, captain.
â– Maitland, captain.
â– â– - Medler, captain Third Regiment.
John Mott, captain First Regiment; also captain Continental army;
guide to Washington at battle of Trenton.
Albert Opdycke, captain Second Regiment.
John Peck, captain; also lieutenant Continental army,
Henry Phillips, captain First Regiment.
John Phillips, captain Third Regiment.
Jonathan Phillips, captain Fourth Regiment; also captain Continental
army.
Philip Phillips, captain First Regiment, May 10, 1777.
Charles Reading, lieutenant Third Regiment; pro. to captain; captain.
First Regiment.
John Reed, captain Fourth Regiment; also ensign Continental Army.
Andrew Reeder, private Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment; pro. to
ensign, and captain.
David Schamp, lieutenant Fourth Regiment; pro. to captain.
John Schenck, lieutenant Third Regiment; pro. to captain.
John Sherrard, captain Third Regiment.
Rynear Smock, captain.
Philip Snook, captain First Regiment; wounded in the thigh at the bat-
tle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778 ; captain Third Regiment
William Snowden, captain Third Regiment.
Stanton, captain.
Richard Stilwell, captain Fourth Regiment.
James Stout, lieutenaut Capt. Maxwell's company. Second Regiment;
captain Third Regiment.
Nathan Stout, captain (died March 10, 1826, aged seventy-eight years).
Samuel Stout, captain Third Regiment.
Joseph Thatcher, captain Second Regiment.
Timothy Titus, second lieutenant Capt. Henry Phillips* company, First
Regiment, May 10, 1777 ; pro. to captain.
William Tucker, captain First Regiment, June 19, 1776; also captain
Second Regiment.
Albert Updike, captain Second Regiment.
Edward Wilmot, Jr., captain Fourth Regiment, Feb. 14, 1778.
Isaiah Yard, second lieutenant Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment,
June 19, 1776; pro. to first lieutenant, May 10, 1777; pro. to captain.
H. Bailey, lieutenant Second Regiment.
Barton, lieutenant Second Regiment. ]
Isaac Basset, lieutenant Third Regiment.
Zebulon Burroughs, ensign First Regiment, May 10, 1777 ; pro. to lieu-
tenant.
Thomas Carter, lieutenant Capt. Johnson's company. Third Regiment,
Nov. 5, 1781.
Elihu Chadwick, ensign Second Regiment; pro, to lieutenant.
Richard Corwine, lieutenant Capt. Phillips' company. Third Regiment.
James Crawford, lieutenant Fourth Regiment,
Stephen Dunham, lieutenant Third Regiment.
84
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Gordon, lieutenant Second Kegiment.
Hayman, lieutenant.
Abraham Hogeland, lieutenant Capt. Growendyck'e company, Second
Begiment.
John Hogeland, lieutenant Tbird Regiment; resigned.
Jacob Holcomb, lieutenant Capt. Hoppock's company, Third Regiment.
Jacob Johnston, private Third Regiment ; pro. to lieutenant.
John Matthews, lieutenant Capt. Harrison's company,
Joseph Mattison, liexitenant Third Regiment.
Robert Maxwell, lieutenant Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Regi-
ment.
Cornelius Plahames, lieutenant Third Regiment.
Abram Post, lieutenant.
John Prall, lieutenant Capt. Stout's company, Third Regiment.
Palmer Roberts, lieutenant Second Regiment.
Philip Row, lieutenant.
Garret Scbanck, sergeant Capt. Stout's company, Third Regiment ; pro.
to lieutenant ; discharged April 6, 1777.
Philip Serviss, lieutenant Third Regiment.
#NAME?
Robert Taylor, lieutenant.
Thomas Thomson, lieutenant Fourth Regiment.
Xhomae Tobin, lieutenant "Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse," Oct. 6,
1777
Jacob Vanderbelt, lieutenant Third Regiment.
John Vanderbelt, lieutenant Third Regiment.
John Williamson, ensign Capt. Stout's company, Third Regiment; pro.
to lieutenant.
John Clifford, first lieutenant Capt. Carliart's company, Second Regi-
ment.
John Kitch, first lieutenant Capt. Tucker's company. First Regiment,
June 19, 1776.
George Holcomb, first lieutenant Capt. John Phillips' company. Third
Regiment, Oct. 20, 1777.
Nathaniel Hunt, first lieutenant Capt. Henry Philips' company, Third
Regiment, May 10, 1777.
Andrew Johnson, first lieutenant Capt. Philip Phillips' company, First
Regiment.
Ralph Jones, first lieutenant Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment, May
10, 1777.
Bernice Kirkhoff, first lieutenant Fourth Regiment, Feb. 14, 1778.
Henry Mershon, first lieutenant Capt. Hunt's company, First Regiment,
June 17, 1776.
Moses Moore, first lieutenant Capt. Hunt's company, First Regiment,
May 10, 1777.
"William Parke, first lieutenant Capt. Guild's company, First Regiment,
May 10, 1777.
Zebulon Barton, cornet Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse,"" Oct. 6, 1777.''= "
Stephen Burrowes (Burroughs), second lieutenant Capt. Hunt's company.
First Regiment, May 10, 1777.
John Drake, second lieutenant Capt. Guild's company, First Regiment,
May 10, 1777.
James Egbert, second lieutenalit Fourth Regiment, Feb. 14, 1778.
James Hallet, second lieutenant, and second lieutenant " Heard's bri-
gade," June 14, 1776 ; also first lieutenant Continental army.
EUet Howell, second lieutenant First Regiment, June 12, 1776; also as-
sistant quartermaster in Quartermaster's Department.
Elias Hunt, second lieutenant First Begiment.
Ralph Lanning, second lieutenant First Begiment, June 17, 1776 ; scout
and guide to Gen. Washington.
Jacob Bunk, second lieutenant Capt. John Phillips' company. Third
Begiment, Oct. 20, 1777.
Nathaniel Temple, second lieutenant Capt. Mott's company. First Regi-
ment, May 10, 1777.
Thomas Ackers, ensign Capt. John Phillips' company, Oct. 20, 1777.
Henry Baker, ensign Third Regiment.
Samuel Beakes, ensign Capt. Hunt's company. First Regiment, May 10,
1777
James Biles, ensign Capt. P. Phillips' company, First Regiment ; also in
Capt. Bonnel's company. State troops.
Timothy Brush, Jr., ensign Capt. Guild's company. First Regiment, May
10, 1777.
David Chambers, private Capt. Tucker's company. First Regiment; pro.
to ensign.
John Coudrick, ensign Third Regiment.
* See also Somerset list, second lieutenants.
Abraham Covert, ensign Third Regiment.
Samuel Everett, ensign Capt. Growendyck's company, Second Begiment
Henry Low, ensign Fourth Regiment, Feb. 14, 1778.
James Maehatt, ensign Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment, May 10,
1777
Eli Moore, ensign Capt. Hunt's company, First Begiment, June 17,
1776
Luther Opdyke, ensign Capt. C. Johnson's company, Third Regiment,
Nov. 5, 1781.
John Reed, sergeant State troops ; sergeant Capt. Opdyke's company.
Second Regiment; ensign Capt. Opdyke's company.
Peter Bockafellow, sergeant Capt John Phillips' company, Third Regi-
ment ; pro. to ensign ; also ensign State troops.
Amos Scudder, private Capt Mott's company, First Regiment; ensign,
May 10, 1777.
â– Shanks, ensign Second Regiment
Amos Starke, sergeant ; pro. to ensign. ,
Moses Stout, sergeant Capt Stout's company ; pro. to ensign.
Hendrick Suydam, ensign "Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse."
Alexander Thompson, ensign Third Regiment.
OakeVorehase, ensign Third Regiment; resigned.
Samuel Smith, sergeant Capt Philip Phillips' company ; also quarter-
master-sergeant.
John Burroughs, sergeant Capt. Mott's company, Firfit Regiment
William Cannion, sergeant Capt. Tucker's company. First Begiment.
Henry Cliambers, sergeant Capt. Tucker's company. First Begiment;
sergeant of artillery.
David Davis, sergeant Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Begiment
John Dougherty, sergeant Capt Tucker's company; wounded in hand
by accidental discharge of musket, Sept. 2, 1776.
Benjamin Hendrickson, sergeant Capt. Tucker's company, First Regi-
ment.
Azariah Higgins, sergeant Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Begiment
Peter Hulet, sergeant Capt. Tucker's company.
Jonathan Hunt, sergeant Capt. Philip Phillips' company; disch. Sept
20, 1777.
Cornelius Johnson, sergeant Capt. Gi-owendyck's company.
Joseph Justice, sergeant Capt Tucker's company. First Regiment.
Roger Larison, sergeant Capt. Henry Phillips' company, First Regi-
ment.
William Larison, sergeant Capt, Tucker's company, First Regiment
Thomas Leonard, private Capt. Tucker's company ; pro. to corporal and
sergeant
James McCoy, sergeant Capt. Philip Phillips' company; also private
Continental army.
McCue, sergeant Hunterdon militia.
William McGalliard, private Capt. P. Phillips' company ; pro. sergeant.
John Moore, private Capt Mott's company ; pro. sergeant, Sept. 29, 1777.
Nathan Moore, sergeant Capt H. Phillips' company, First Regiment
Nathaniel Moore, sergeant Capt Hoppock's company, Third Regiment
Samuel Morrow, private Third Regiment; pro. sergeant; also sergeant
Capt Johnson's company. State troops.
Palmer Phillips, sergeant Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Christian Sholster, sergeant Capt Tucker's company.
Jediah Stout, sergeant Capt. Stout's company, Third Regiment
Joseph Tindall, sergeant Capt Mott's company.
Johnson Titus, sergeant Capt Tucker's company.
Andrew Van Sickell, sergeant militia.
Henry Wambaugh, sergeant Capt. Stout's company. Third Begiment.
Jonas Wood, sergeant Capt Henry Phillips' company.
George Wyckoflf, sergeant Capt. Lucas' company.
William Akers, private Capt. Tucker's company; corporal Capt John
Phillips' company.
Mathew Bevans, corporal First Regiment; also private Continental
army.
Philip Bevin, private Capt Tucker's company. First Regiment ; private
Capt Gray's company. Second Regiment; private Capt. Snook's
company, Third Regiment; corporal Capt. Yard's company. First
Begiment.
Henry Burrows, corporal Capt. Heniy Phillips' company, First Regi-
ment.
John Campbell, corporal Capt Growendyck's company. Second Regiment
George Corwine, corporal First Regiment; also corporal in Continental
army.
Jacob Decker, corporal Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Ralph Hart, corporal Capt Mott's company. First Regiment
William Hart, corporal Capt. Philip Phillips' company, First Regiment
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
85
David Hunt, corporal Capt. Tucker^s company. First Regiment
James Kark, corporal Capt. Maxwell's company. Second Regiment.
Henry Moore, corporal Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Joseph Phillips, corporal Capt. Mott's company, Oct 6, IITJ.
John Rosa, corporal Capt Hoppock's company. Third Regiment
Amns Smith, corporal Capt. Henry Phillips' company, Oct. 1, 1777 ; pro.
from private.
Benjamin Van Kirk, corporal Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment
Silas Warters, corporal Capt Philip Phillips' company.
Peter Young, corporal Capt Maxwell's company.
Charles Asford, mudcian Capt Tucker's company, Firat Regiment
Henry Merahou, musician Capt Tucker's company ; also in Capt Mott's
company.
William Morris, musician Capt. Tucker's company.
Jonathan Smith, musician Capt. Plulip Phillips' company.
William Smith, musician Capt. Tucker's company.
Wilson Stout musician Capt Henry Phillips' company.
Amos Smith, drummer Capt Mott's company; also Capt Tucker's
company.
Abbott, John, Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Regiment
Abbott Richard, also in the Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
Abbott William, Sr., Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Regiment
Abbott William, Jr., Capt John Phillips' company, Third Regiment.
Abel, Jonathan, Capt. John Phillips' company. Third Regiment
Adam£, John,
Adams, Mathew, Capt. Stillwell's company ; also in Continental army, in
Capt Luce's company.
Adams, PanL
Adams, Samuel.
Adams, William.
Aimes, John, First Regiment ; also in State troops, and in Continental
army, in Capt. Phillips' company.
Akers, Amos, Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Regiment
Akers, Amos, First Regiment; also in State troops, and in Continental
army, in Capt Phillips' company.
Akers, Daniel, Third Regiment in Capt. John Phillips' company.
Akers, John, Third Regiment Capt John Phillips' company.
Akers, Jonathan, Third Regiment Capt John Phillips' company.
Akers, Obadiah, Third Regiment Capt John Phillips' company.
Alden, Thomas, First Regiment; also in State troops, and in Continental
army, in Second Battalion, Second Establishment
Aljon, John.
AUcut John, First Regiment ; also in State troops, and Continental army,
in Capt Van Anglen's company.
Allen, John, Third Regiment »^ Capt. John Phillips' company.
Allen, William.
Allent John, First Regiment; also in State troops.
Anderson, John (1), Capt. Tucker's company.
Anderson, John (2), Capt. Tucker's company.
Anderson, Moses, Capt John Phillips' company.
Andrews, Herbert
Andrews, John.
Angleman, Jacob.
Applegate, Williajn, Capt. Bray's company, Second Regiment; also State
troops, and Continental army.
AppletoD, Samuel, Capt Tacker's company, First Regiment
Armitage, Enoch, Capt Tucker's company, First'Regiment
ArmstroDg. Rev. James F., Capt. P. Gordon's company. First Regiment ;
also chaplain Continental army.
Armstrong, John, Capt Maxwell's company, Second Regiment
Array, James, Capt Stillwell's company, Fourth Regiment ; also State
troops, and Continental army.
Asten, John, Capt. John Phillips' company. Third Regiment
Atchley, Thomas. Capt Henry Phillips' company. First Rpgiment
Auble, Andrew.
Axford, James, Capt. Tucker's company. First Regiment.
Bainbridge, John, First Regiment ; also in State troops, and Continental
army.
Bake, George, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Bake, Henry, Third Regiment Capt. John Phillips' company.
Bake, John, Third Regiment Capt John Phillips' company.
Bake, Peter, Third Regiment Capt John Phillips' company.
Baker, Joseph, First Regiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company; disch.
Sept 23, 1777.
Baker, Samuel, First Regiment Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Baker, Timothy, First Regiment Capt Tucker's company; also in
Carle's Troop Light-Horse.
Barcalow, Gilbert also in the Continental army, Capt Anderson's com-
pany.
Bardin, John, Third Regiment s.nd also in State troops.
Bans, John, Second Regiment, Capt Maxwell's company.
Barkelow, Cornelius, Second Regiment Capt. Cornelius Johnson's com-
pany; also in State troops.
Barkelow, Hunterdon, Second Regiment; also in State troops,
Barkelow, John, Second Regiment, Capt Growendyck's company.
Bamet William.
Barrell, William, First Regiment in companies of Capta. Tucker and
Henry Phillips.
Bartholomew, DanieL
Beam, John.
Beam, Lewis.
Beard, Moses.
Beemer, John.
Bell, William, Third Regiment; also in the State troops.
BelUs, John, Third Regiment ; also in the State troops and Continental
army.
Belloes, Andrew, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Bennett, John, First Regiment Capt Philip Phillips' company.
Bennett Nehemiah, Capt. Tucker's company ; also in Stat« troops and
Continental army.
Bennett Thomas, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment
Bercan, Peter.
Binge, William, First Regiment Capt P. Phillips' company ; also in State
troops.
Bird, Peter.
Bethe, Archibald, First Regiment; also in State troops and Continental
army.
Blackford, Anthony, also in the Continental army.
Blackwell, Beniami, " Capt Carle's Troop Light-Horse*'*
Blackwell, Benjamin, " Capt Carle's Troop Light^Horse."
Blackwell, Elijah, troop light-horse and infantry; also commissary of
issues.
Blackwell, Stephen, " Capt Carle's Troop Light-Horse."
Blaine, Benjamin.
Blaine, John.
Blair, Benjamin.
Blair, William.
Blane, Benjamin.
Boden, James, Capt. Tucker's company ; also in artillery and Continental
army.
Bogart Adam.
Boiles, Benjamin, Capt. Philip Phillips' company. First Regiment
Bond, Samuel, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Bonham, John.
Bonham, Levi, First Regiment Capt. Tucker's company.
Bonham, Zedekiah.
Boss, Abram.
Boughner, Sebastian.
Boys, John, Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Regiment
Bray, Andrew, Capt Stillwell's company; also State troops and Conti-
nental army.
Breese, Henry, Capt. StillweU's company; also State troops and Conti-
nental army.
Breis, Daniel, Capt. John PhiUips' company. Third Regiment
Breis, John, Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Regiment
Brewer, Henry.
Brittain, James.
Brittain, William, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Broadhurst Joseph, Capt John Phillips' company.
Broadtrees, William, Capt John Phillips' company.
Brokaw, Abram.
Brokaw, Peter, also in the Continental army.
Brown, George, Capt. Stillwell's company; also State troops and Conti-
nental army.
Brown, James, First Regiment; also State troops and Continental army.
Brown, Joseph.
Brown, Timothy, Capt. Stillwell's company, Fourth Regiment; State
troops and Continental army.
Bruner, Jacob.
Brust, Israel, Capt Tucker's company; also Continental army, Capt Pol-
hem us' company.
86
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
BruBt, Israel. Fourth Regiment ; also State troops.
Buchanan, Alexander, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Buckley, Cornelius, Third Regiment; also State troops and Continental
army, Capt. Anderson's company,
Bunn, Jonathan, Capt. Henry Phillips' company, and Capt. Tucker's com-
pany.
Bunn, Joseph, Capt. Growendyck's company, Second Regiment.
Burns, Daniel, also in Continental army.
Burnside, Patrick, Capt. Philip Phillips' company,
Burrougbs, Anthony, Capt. Mott's company.
Burroughs, Edon.
Burroughs, Jonathan.
Burroughs, Stephen.
Burrows, Israel, Capt Henry Phillips' company.
Burrows, James, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Burrows, John, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Burrows, Joseph, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Burtes, John, Capt. Mott's company.
Burwell, Thomas, Third Regiment; also State troops.
Bussingburg, William.
Butler, John.
Butts, Alexander, Capt. Gulick's company, Second Regiment; also State
troops and Continental army.
Cahoon, Jacob, First Regiment; also State troops and Continental army,
Second Regiment.
Gaidar, Ninian, Second Regiment: also State troops and Continental
army, Capt. Ross' company.
Campbell, Daniel, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Campbell, William, Second Regiment, Capt. Bray's company ; also in Con-
tinental army and State troops.
Careck, James, Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Regiment.
Carhart, Richard.
Carhart, Robert.
Carlisle, Ebenezer, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Carpenter, Henry, Capt. Tucker's company.
Carpenter, Hope, Capt. Mott's company. First Regiment.
Carpenter, John, Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment.
Carpenter, Richard, Capt Tucker's company. First Regiment.
Carr, James, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Carr, William, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Case, Samuel, Capt. Hoppock's company, Third Regiment.
Caee, Thomas, in Third Regiment and First Regiment, and State troops â–
also in Continental army.
Case, Tunis.
Casey, William, Capt Maxwell's company.
Catrell, Wm., also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Chamberlain, Clayton.
Chamberlain, David, Capt. Jacob Carhart's company. Second Regiment;
and Continental army, in Capt. Johnson's company.
Chamberlain, Godfrey, Capt Henry Phillips' company.
Chamberlain, John, Capt Henry Phillips' company.
Chamberlain, Lewis, Capt Johnson's company ; also in State troops, and
Continental army.
Chamberlain, Seth, Capt Opdycke's company. Second Regiment
Chamberlain, William.
Chambers, Alexander, Capt, Tucker's company.
Cherol, James, also in Continental army, in Captain Martin's company.
Chew, Richard, also in Continental army, in Second Battalion, Second
Establishment.
Christopher, Daniel, Capt. Tucker's company.
Christopher, Jesse, Capt. Carle's troop of light-horae.
Churles, John.
Clark, Joseph, Capt. Stout's company.
Clark, Joshua, Capt Maxwell's company.
Clark, Thomas, Capt Maxwell's company.
Clayton, Job D., miUtia.
Clemens, John, Capt Mott's company.
Clover, Peter, Capt Stout's company.
Coghran, Tobias, militia.
Coleman, John, Capt Growendyck's company; killed at Tan Nest's
Mills.
Coleman, Samuel, Capt Carle's troop of light-horse.
Comner, John, Capt. Gearhart's company ; also in State troops.
Conger, Daniel, Capt StUlwell's company ; also in State troops, and
Continental army.
Conner, Edward, Capt. Growendyck's company, Capt. Brink's company
in State troops, and Continental army. '
Conselyea, Andrew, Capt Still well's company. Fourth Regiment; also la
State troops, and Continental army.
Contraman, John.
Cook, Henry, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Cook, Jonathan, Capt. Mott's company.
Coolbaugh, William, Capt Bray's company, Capt. Growendyck's com-
pany ; also State troops.
Cooper, John, also in Continental army, and in State troops.
Cooper, Michael.
Cooper, William.
Corhart, Cornelius,
Cornell, John, Capt Tucker's company.
Cornell, Nathaniel, Capt, Tucker's company.
Cornell, William.
Correll, Joseph.
Corwiue, John, Third Regiment; also in Stat-e troops.
Corwine, Samuel, Third Regiment; also in State troops.
Coryell, Abram, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Coryell, John, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Covenhoven, Albert, Third Regiment; also in State troops; and in Conti-
nental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Co well, Isaac.
Crab, James.
Craig, John.
Crammer, Peter.
Cray, James.
Creesey, James. Third Regiment; also Capt. Johnson's company, State
troops.
Critser, Leonard, Second Regiment; also State troops; and Continental
army, Capt Ross' company.
Curren, Richard, Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Regiment.
Dallemar, Robert, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
Dane, James, Fourth Regiment; also in the State troops.
Dangwell, John.
Davis, William, Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment.
Day, Thomas, also in Continental army, Fourth Battalion, Second Es-
tablishment
Dayley, Joseph, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company, and in Capt
P. Phillips' company.
Dean, John, Second Regiment, Capt Opdycke's company; also in State
troops.
Deare, James, Fourth Regiment, Capt Stillwell's company; also in
Continental army.
Decker, John.
Deemer, Joseph, First Regiment; also in State troops; and in the Conti-
nental army, Capt. Longstreth's company.
Demund, William.
Denman, John.
Dennis, Eiios, Second Regiment, Capt. Carhart's company; also in State
troops; and in Continental army, Third Battalion, Second Establish-
ment.
Devotee, John.
Devore, John, Fourth Regiment, Capt Stillwell's company; also in Con-
tinental army, and State troops.
Dils, Peter.
Dilts, Jacob, Second Regiment, Capt Maxwell's company.
Dingwell, John.
Ditmars, John.
Dohedra, John, also in Continental army, Capt Anderson's company.
Drake, Enoch, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company.
Drake, James, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company.
Drake, John, " Capt Carle's Troop Light-Horse," also express-rider.
Drake, Nicholas, First Regiment ; also State troops and Continental army,
in Capt. Polhemus' company.
Drake, William, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company ; disch. Oct..
30, 1777.
Dunbar, Lott, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company.
Dunham, David.
Dunster, John.
Dusenberry, Henry.
Dusenberry, Samuel.
Dusenberry, William.
Elvis, Jacob, First Regiment, Capt Philip Phillips' company.
Emmons, Jacob.
Emmons, Job, First Regiment, Capt. Tuckei's company.
Emmons, John.
HUNTERDON AND SOxMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
87
Ennis (or lunifi), Robert, Second Begiment, Capts Brink's company ; also
in State truops ; also Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
Ent, Daniel, Sr.
Ent, Daniel, Jr.
Ent, Valentine, Third Regiment, Capt. Hoppock's company.
Erwine, Robert, Second Regiment, Capt. 0. Johnson's company; also
State troops.
Evans, John, Fourth Regiment, Capt. Stillwell's company; also State
troops ; also sergeant in Continental army, Capt. Luce's company.
Erans, Obadiah, First Regiment ; also State troops ; and Continental army,
Capt. Anderson's company.
Felty, George, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Ferrat, Cornelius.
Ferrel, Absalom, Capt. Henry Phillips' company. First Regiment.
Fidler, John, Capt. Henry Phillips' company. First Regiment.
Field, Seth, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Fink, Nicholas, Capt. Cornelius Johnson's company; also State troops.
Finley, John, militia; also corporal in Continental army.
Fish, Joseph, Capt. Mott's company. First Regiment ; also in artillery.
Fisher, Christopher, Third Regiment ; also State troops, and Continental
army.
Fisher, Jacob, Third Regiment ; also State troops, and Continental army.
Fisher, John, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Fisher, Moses, Third Regiment; also State troops, and Continental
army.
Fisher, Peter, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company.
Fitch, "William, Capt. Brink's company; State troops; and Continental
army.
Fleet, Jasper.
Foster, Jeremiah, Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Regiment.
Fongh or (Vought), Peter, Third Regiment ; State troops ; Continental
army, in Capt. Anderson's company.
French, Daniel, Third Regiment ; State troops ; Continental army, Fourth
Battalion, Second Establishment.
French, Jeremiah.
Frits, Peter.
Fullmore, John, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Furman, Joshua, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company ; also State
troops.
Furman, Nathaniel, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company; also
waigoner.
Ganen, William, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Ganno, Daniel, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Ganno, Isaac.
Garrison, Matthias.
Gaven, John, First Regiment ; State troops ; also sergeant in Continental
army. First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Ghulick, Ferdinand, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Ghnlick, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Ghulick, Nicholas, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Ghulick, Samuel, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Gillespie, William, Capt. Opdyke's company ; State troops ; and Conti-
' nental army, in Capt. Polhemus' company.
Godown, John, Third Regiment, Capt. Hoppock's company.
Grordon, Bemardus, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Gosling, Levi.
Goulder, Elias, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Groulder, Jacob, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Goulder, William, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Grant, John, Third Regiment, State troops; also Continental army.
Fourth Battalion, Second Establishment.
Grant, Robert, Third Regiment, Capt, Hoppock's company.
Gray, Abram.
Green, "William.
Grim^ Sheppard, First Regiment ; also State troops, and Continental
army, Capt. Phillips' company.
Grindle, Jonathan, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson^s company.
Guild, John, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Guion, John.
Gwinop, George, Capt. Neil's Eastern company artillery, [State troops;
discharged March 1, 1777; Capt. Philip Phillips' company, First
Regiment.
Hagin, David.
Hagxn, James, Third Regiment, Capt, Stout's company.
Hall, Cbailes, also in Continental army, in Capt. Martin's company.
Hall, Jacob, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Hankinson, Joseph, died in Readington, Nov. 30, 1825, aged eighty-one
years.*
Hanner, George, also in Continental army, Capt. Martin's company.
Harden (or Harder), William, Third Regiment; also in State troops.
Harr, James.
Harrington (or Herrington), William.
Harris, William, " Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse."
Harrison, William, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Hart, Absalom, Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment.
Hart, Asa, Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment.
Hart, Asher, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Hart, Frederick, also in the Continental army. Fourth Battalion, Second
Establishment.
Hart, John, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company.
Hart, Joseph, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hart, Nathaniel, Capt. Henry Phillips' company ; disch. disability.
Hart, Philip, Capt. Mott's company.
Hart, Samuel, Capt. Mott's company.
Hart, Stephen, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hart, Titus, Capt. Henry Phillips' company,
Hauu, William.
Heath, Andrew.
Heath, David.
Helmes, Joseph.
Hendershot, Abram,
Hendrickson, Thomas, Capt. Mott's company; wiigoner ditto,
Hepburn, William, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hervey, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company,
Hice, Jacob, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Hice, Jasper, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hickson, Matthew, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Hill, Samuel, Capt, Mott's company.
Himeon, Adam, Capt, Maxwell's company.
Hixon, Abner, Third Regiment; also in State troops.
Hixon, James, Third Regiment; also in State troops; and Continental
army, in Capt. Ballard's company.
Hixon, Jediah, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company.
Hixon, John, Third Regiment; also in Continental army, Capt. Ballard's
company.
Hixon, Joseph, Third Regiment; also in Continental army ; and State
troops.
Hoagland, Amos, Capt, Growendyck's company, Second Regiment.
Hoagland, Derrick.
Hoagland, John, Capt, Growendyck's company.
Hockenberry, John, Third Regiment; also State troops; and Continental
army, Capt, Ballard's company.
Hoff, Abel, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Holcomb, Elijah, Third Regiment, Capt. Hoppock's company ; also in
State troops ; and Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Holden, Benjamin, Second Regiment, Capt. Jacob Carhart's company;
also State troops, and Continental army.
Holden, Benjamin, Third Regiment, Hunterdon; also Continental army.
Hooper, James, Capt. Tucker's company ; also in artillery .-f*
Hooper, Robert, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company,
Horn, Ralph, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Home, Joseph, Third Regiment ; also in Capt. Johnson's company, State
troops.
Horner, Samuel, Third Regiment, in Capt. Stout's company.
Hottenbury, John. [See John Hockenberry.]
Howard, John, Capt, John Phillips' company,
Howell, Absalom, Capt. Mott's company,
Howell, Arthur, militia.
Howell, Ezekiel, Capt. Mott's company.
Howell, Israel, Capt, Mott's company.
Howell, John, Capt. Tucker's company.
Howell, Thomas, Capt. Jacob Carhart's company ; also State troops ; and
Continental army, Capt. Polhemus' company.
Howell, William, " Capt, Carle's Troop Light-Horse,"
Hubbs, James, Capt, Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Huff, Andrew, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Huff, Thomas, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hughes, John, Capt, Hoppock's company; also in State troops.
Hughy, Will, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Humphries, John, Capt. Tucker's company.
* Hunterdon Gazette, Dec, 15, 1826.
â– j- Died near Trenton, March 31, 1827, aged eighty-five years.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Hunt, Benjamin, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Hunt, Daniel, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hunt, Israel, Capt. Tucker's company.
Hunt, Jesse, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Hunt, John, Jr., Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Hunt, John, Sr., Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Hunt, Jonathan, "Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horee."
Hunt, Samuel, Capt. Henry Phillips' company, First Regiment*
Hunter, Harman, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Hunter, James.
Hutchinson, William, Second Regiment, Capt. Bray's company; also in
State troops, and Continental army.
Inslee, Joseph, First Kegiment.
Irwin, James, First Begiraent; also in State troops ; and in Continental
army, Capt. Phillips' company. ^
James, Ellas.
James, Robert, First Regiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Jenkins, Joseph, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Johnson, Abner.
Johnson, Daniel, Third Regiment; also in Capt. Johnson's company,
State troops.
Johnson, Enoch, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Johnson, John (1), Second Regiment, Capt. Johnson's company ; also in
State troops.
Johnson, John (2), in Hunterdon militia; also in State troops; and Con-
tinental army, Capt. Phillips' company.
Johnson, Matthew, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Johnson, Samuel, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Johnson, William, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Johnson, William, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Johnston, Andrew.
Johnston, Daniel
Johnston, David, Second Regiment ; also forage-master.
Johnston, Jacob, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company.
Johnston, Samuel, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Jones, Israel, First Regiment, Capt. Mott'e company.
Jones, Joshua, Second Regiment, Capt. Jacob Carhart's company; also
in State troops ; and Continental army.
Jordan, Felix, First Regiment; also in State troops; and Continental
army, Capt. Phillips' company.
Kallender (or Killenar), Philip, Third Regiment, Capt. Johnson's com-
pany ; State troops.
Kellison, William.
Ketch am, Levi.
Kibler, Matthias, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Kirkendall, Andrew.
Knowles, Jesse, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company, and
Capt. Tucker's company.
Kuleman, Johannes, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Labaw, Charles.
Lafferty, John.
Lahey, John, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Lain, Daniel, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Lake, Isaac, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Lake, Thomas, Second Regiment, Capt. Bray's company ; also in State
troops.
Lamb, Patrick, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Lambert, Jeremiah, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Lambert, Lott, also in Continental army, Capt. Martin's company.
Lancaster, Joseph, First Regiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Lane, Comeliue, Fourth Regiment, Capt. Lane's company ; killed at
Allentown, June 27, 1778.
Lane, Gilbert.
Lane, John.
Lanning, Daniel, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Lanning, David, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company; scout.
Lanning, Elijah, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company; also wagoner.
Lanning, .Tohn.
Lanning, Robert, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Large, Jonathan, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Larrison, John, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Latimer, John, First Regiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Latourette, Peter, also in Continental ai-my.
Lee, Charles.
Iree~, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
* Died June 25, 1825, vide Hunterdon Gazette, 1825.
Leford, Vincent, First Regiment ; also State troops, and Continental
army.
Leigh, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Leonard, Nathaniel, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Leonard, Samuel, Fourth Regiment, Capt. Stillwell's company; State
troops, and Continental army.
Lobdell, Thomas.
Lockade, James, Second Regiment, Capt. Jacob Carhart's company; also
in State troops, and Continental army.
Long, George, also in State troops, and Continental army, First Battal-
ion, Second Establishment.
Long, Henry, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Loratt, Cornelius.
Loratt, Peter.
Lott, Abraham, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's Company.
Lyon, Henry, Fourth Regiment, Capt. Stillwell's company ; State troops
and Continental army.
Lyons, Elias, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Mac Andrew, Andrew, Second Regiment.
MacLick, Leonard.
MacLick, Peter.
Malaby, Cornelius, also in Capt. Anderson's company, Col. Johnson's
battalion " Levies" ; died while prisoner, Dec. 28, 1776.
Malat, Peter.
Malcolm, John, First Regiment ; also in State troops, and in Continental
army.
Manners, John, Sr., Third Regiment, Capt, Stout's company.
Mapes, Joseph.
Marlatt, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Johnson's company ; also in Con-
tinental army.
Marlatt, Peter, Second Regiment, Capt. Peter Stillwell's company, Fourth
Regiment; also in Continental army.
Marcelles, Eden, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Marsh, John.
Marts, William, Third Regimemt; also in State troops.
Martin, Reuben, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Matthews, Henry, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Matthews, Pearae, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Matthews, Robert.
McCafFerty, Joseph, Second Regiment, Capt. Opdyck's company; also
State troops; and Continental army, Capt. Ross' company.
McCain, John, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company,
McClellan, James, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
McCollem, Duncan, Second Regiment, Capt, Maxwell's company.
McCollom, John, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
McConnally, Patrick, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's
company.
McConnell, Hugh, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company,
McCoy, Daniel, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company. •
McDaniel, Edward, Second Regiment, Capt. Gearhart's company ; also in
State troops.
McDonel, John, Second Regiment, Capt, Maxwell's company.
McGonigal. John, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
McKinney, Mordecai.
McKinstry, John, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
McKinstry, Matthias.
McLure, Andrew, also sergeant in Continental army. First Battalion,
Second Establishment.
McLure, James, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
McMahan, David, also in State troops ; and in Continental army, Capt.
Phillips' company.
McNeal, Henry, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
McSperry, Matthew, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
Meloby, Thomas, Third Regiment; also in State troops; and Continental
army, in Capt. Anderson's company.
Merlett, John, Second Regiment (probably same as John Marlatt).
Merrell, Benjamin, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Merrell, David, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Mershon, Asher, First Reyiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Mershon, Benjamin, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Mershon, Timothy, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Milburn, Timothy, First Regiment, Capt. H. Phillips' company: disoh.
Oct. a, 1777.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
89
Miller, lEVancie. First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Miller, Malaher, also in the Continental army, Capt. Anderson's com-
pany.
Miller, Prime, First Re^ment, Capt. Mott's company.
Mitchell, William, alao in the Continental army, Capt, Anderson's com-
pany.
Monfort, Isaac, Fourth Kegiment, Capt. StillwelFs company; State troops ;
and Continental army, Capt. Luce's company.
Montgomery, William, Second Regiment, Capt Maxwell's company.
Moore, Abijah, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Moore, Henry, First Kegiment; also in State troops and Continental
army, First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Moore, Israel, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company ; also wagoner.
Moore, James, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Moore, Jesse, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company.
Moore, John, First Regiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Moore, Loammix, First Regiment, Capt, Henry Phillips' company.
Moore, Moses, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Moore, Philip, First Regiment, Capt. Tncker's company.
Moore, Sackett, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company.
Moore, Samuel, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's compiiny.
Moore, Stephen, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Moore, William, First Regiment, Capt, Tucker's company.
Moorehead, George, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Mcrrgan, Anthony, First Regiment, also in State troops and in Conti-
nental army.
Mount, Elijah, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company.
Mount, Ezekiel, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company.
Mow, William.
Muirhead, John, CaptH. Phillips' company ; also State troops; and Con-
tinental army, Capt. Ballard's company.
Muirheid, William, Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Regiment.
Munjoy, James, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's- company.
Murray, James, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Naylor, Amos, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Neal, Thomas.
Nebbard, Eliphalet, also'in Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's com<
pany. Fourth Battalion, Second Establishment.
Nevius, John.
Nice, Richard, First Regiment, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Nicebauk, John, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Noe, Lewis, also in Continental army, io Capt. Anderson's company.
Nun, John, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Oliver, Allen, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Osbum, Joseph, also in Continental army, First Battalion, Second Estab-
lishment; Capt. Dayton's company, Third Regiment.
Osman, John, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Palmer, Edmund, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Palmer, William, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company.
PeArson, Daniel, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Pearson, Timothy, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company, and Capt
Mott's company.
Peigant, Robert, also in Continental army, Capt Anderson's company.
Penwell, David.
PeiTine, John.
Peters, John, Second Regiment, Capt Growendyck's company.
Peterson, Samuel, Fourth Regiment, Capt. Stillwell's company; also
State troops ; and Continental army, in Capt. Luce's company, Second
Battalion, Second Kstablishment
Pettit, Jesse, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Pliilhower, Christopher.
Phillips, John, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Phillips. John, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company.
Phillips, Lott, Sr., First Regiment, Capt Henry Phillips' company.
Phillips, Lott, Jr., First Regiment, Capt Henry Phillips' company, and
Capt. Tucker's company.
Phillips, Theo., First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company.
Phillips, Thomas, Third Regiment, Capt John Phillips' company.
Pidcock, Charles, Third Regiment, Capt John Phillips' company.
Pidcock, Jonathan, Third Regiment, Capt. Jobn Phillips' company.
Pinkney, William, First Regiment ; also State troops ; and Continental
army, in Capt. Longstreth's company.
Pittson, Andrew.
Puwers, George, also in Continental army. First Battalion, Second Estab-
lishment.
Prall, Jolin, Second Regiment; wounded Jan. 20, 1777.
Pratt, Cornelius, also in Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's company.
7
Price, Benj., Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company ; alao in Conti-
nental army.
Price, Joseph, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company.
Price, Rice.
Quick, Henry.
Quick, Samuel.
Quick, William, Third Regiment; State troops; and Continental army,
Capt. Anderson's company.
Race, Andrew, Third Regiment ; State troops; and Continental army,
Capt. Anderson's company.
Racy, Philip, Third Regiment, Capt Hoppock's company.
Randel, John, also Continental army, in Capt. Martin's company.
Rap, Conrad, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Read, George, Third Regiment ; also State troops ; and Continental army,
Capt. Ballard's company.
Reader, William.
Recey, Philip, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Reed, Benjamin, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Reed (or Read), Ephraim, First Regiment ; State troops ; and Continental
army, in Capt. Polhemus' company.
Reed, Isaac, First Regiment, Capt Mott's company.
Reed, Joshua, First Regiment, Capt Mott's company.
Reed, Richard, First Regiment, Capt Mott's company.
Reed, Thomas.
Reeder, Isaac, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Reeder, John, Firat Regiment, Capt Tucker's company, and Capt Mott's
company.
Reeves, John, Second Regiment, , Capt. Bray's company; also in State
troops; and in Continental army.
Reid, Ephraim, Third Regiment, Capt Stout's company.
Reynolds, John.
Reynolds, William.
Ridler, WiUiam, First Regiment, Capt. Mott's company ; also in artillery.
Riffner, Adam, Second Regiment, Capt Gulick's company ; also in State
troops and Continental army, Capt Anderson's company.
Roberts, Edmund.
Robertson, John, First Regiment, Capt, Philip Phillips' company,
Robeson, William, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company.
Rockefellow, Christ, Third Regiment, Capt John Phillips' company.
Roof, Adam, Second Regiment, Capt Maxwell's company.
Rorits, William, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Rosbrook, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Rose, Charles, Third Regiment, Capt John Phillips' company.
Rose, Ezekiel, First Regiment, Capt Tucker's company.
Rose, Jonathan, Second Regiment, Capt. Growendyck's company.
Rose, Jonathan, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Ross, Joseph, also in Continental army, in Fourth Battalion, Second
Establishment
Roy, Patrick, Second Regiment, Capt Gulick's company; also State
troops; also in Continental army, in Capt. Polhemus' company, First
Battalion, First Establishment.
Ruckman, John, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company ; also in State
troops.
Runk, William, Tliird Regupent, Capt John Phillips' company.
Runnolds, John, Third Regiment; also in Capt Johnson's company,
State troops.
Ryall, George, First Regiment, Capt Mott's company.
Ryan, Timothy, also in the Continental army, Fourth Battalion, Second
Establishment.
Byon, John, Third Regiment; also in State troops; and in Continental
army, in Capt Anderson's company.
Sackville, Peter, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Saxton, Charles, Capt. H. Phillips' company, First Regiment, and " Capt
Carle's Troop Light-Horse."
Scott, Israel, Capt. P. PliilUps' and Capt. Tucker's companies. First Regi-
ment.
Scott, Martin, Capt Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Scudder, Jedediah, First Regiment, Capt Mott's company.
Search, James, Capt. Bray's company, Second Regiment; also State
troops; also Continental army.
Search, Lott, Capt. Bray's company. Second Regiment; also State troops.
Sergeant, Joseph.
Seymour, Jacob, also in Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's company.
Shannon, Daniel, Capt. Opdyck's company, Second Regiment; also in
State troops.
Sheridan, John, Capt. Opdyck's company, Second Regiment ; also in Con-
tinental army.
90
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Shildol, (Jodfrey.
Shoulder, Andrew.
Shubert, John, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company, and Con-
tinental army, Mret Battalion, Second Establishment.
Shusts, Matthias, also in Continental army, Capt. Martin's company,
Fourth Battahon.
Sigler, Henry, Second Regiment, Capt. MaxwelPs company.
Simons, Henry, First Regiment, Capt. Heni*y Phillips' company.
Simpson, John.
Sinclair, Peter, Capt, Maxwell's company. Second Regiment.
Slack, Daniel, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Slack, Uriah, Capt. Mott's company, First Regiment.
Slingsland, Henry, Capt. StiUwell's company, Fourth Regiment ; also
State troops ; and Continental army, in Capt. Voorhees' company,
First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Small, ^Villiam, Capt. Opdyck's company, Second Regiment; also State
troops, and Continental army.
Smith, Andrew, Fii-st Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Smith, Benjamin, Third Regiment, Capt. Stout's company.
Smith, Burroughs (also spelled " Burrowes").
Smith, Abijah, " Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse."
Smith, Hugh, First Regiment; also Continental army.
Smith, Jacob, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Smith, James, Capt. Henry Phillips' company, First Regiment; also Con-
tinental army.
Smith, Jasper, " Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse."
Smith, Jeiemiah, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Smith, John, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Smith, John (1), Third Regiment ; also in the State troops.
Smith, John (2), Third Regiment; State troops; also in Continental
army.
Smith, Jonathan, Jr., Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Smith, Jonathan, Sr., Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Smith, Joseph (1), Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Smith, Joseph (2), Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Smith, Joseph, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Smith, Joseph, " Capt. Carle's Troop of Light-Horse."
Smith, Philip, in companies of Capts. Tucker and Philip Phillips.
Smith, Thaddeus, Third Regiment, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Smock, Matthias.
Smyth, Joseph.
Snedeker, James,
Snider, Henry, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Snyder, Henry, Capt. Bray's company, Second Regiment; also State
troops.
Snyder, M'illiiim, Capt. Growendyck's company, Second Regiment.
Sowere, John.
Spicer, John, also in Continental army. First Battalion, Second Estab-
lishment.
Starker, Aaron.
Stephens, Prince, Capt, Maxwell's company. Second Regiment.
Stevens, Benjamin, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Stevens, John, Capt. Carle's troop.
Stevenson, Augustus, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Stiger, Adam.
Stiger, Baltus.
Stilhvell, Jeremiah, Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Re"-iment.
Stillwell, John, Capt. Tucker's company, Firet Regiment; also ai-tillery.
Stockbridge, John, Capt. Maxwell's company,
Stockton, John, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Stout, Andrew, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Stout, Benjamin, Capt. John Phillips' company'.
Stout, James, First Regiment; State troops, and Continental army.
Stout, John, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment; disch. Oct. 30
1777
Stout, John (tailor), Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Stout, Joseph, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Stout, Sin, Capt. Tucker's company.
Stout, Timothy, Capt. Stout's company. Third Regiment.
Stuart, John, Capt, Maxwell's company.
Sullivan, Daniel, Capt. Gearhart's company, Second Regiment- also in
State troops.
Sullivan, William.
Sutphen, James.
Sutton, Amos, Third Regiment; also in State troops,
Sutton, Joseph, Third Regiment; also in State troops.
Swallow, Jacob, Third Regiment, Capt. Hoppock's company.
Target, John, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Tarret, Cornelius.
Taylor, Elisha.
Taylor, Henry,
Taylor, Isaac.
Taylor, Thomas.
Tedrick, George, also in the Continental army.
Terry, Abraham, Capt. Tucker's company, First Regiment.
Thatcher, Elijah.
Thimpel, John, Capt, Tucker's company.
Thomas, John, First Regiment ; also State troops, and Continental army.
Thomas, Robert.
Thompson, George, First Regiment; also State troops, and Continental
army.
Thompson, James, Capt. Blaxwell 's company.
Thompson, John, Third Regiment; also in State troops,
Thompson, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Johnson's company; also in
State troops; and in Continental army, Capt. Phillips' company.
Tidd, William. (See William Todd, evidently the same person.)
TindaU, Joshua, Capt. Mott's company.,
Titus, Asa, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Titus, Benjamin, Capt. Mott's company.
Titus, Jesse, Capt. Henry Phillips' company; also in Capt. Van Cleve's
company, Col. Johnson's battalion, Heard's brigade.
Titus, John, Capt. Tucker's company.
Titus, John H., Capt. Henry Phillips' company ; also in Continental
army, Capt. Phillips' company.
Titus, Joseph, Fii-st Regiment, Capt. Henry Pliillips' company.
Titus, Samuel, First Regiment, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Titus, Uriah, Firat Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company,
Tobin, Peter, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Todd, William, Capt. StiUwell's company, Fourth Regiment ; also State
troops and Continental army, in Capt. Luce's company.
Treazey, John, Second Regiment, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Troy, Samuel, Second Regiment, Capt. Gearhart's company; also State
troops.
Tucker, Samuel, First Regiment, Capt. Tucker's company.
Turner, Nathan, First Regiment ; also State troops ; in Continental army,
First Battalion, Second Establishment, and Capt. Phillips' com-
pany, Second Regiment.
Tustin, Samuel, Capt. Tucker's company.
Tway, Timothy, also in Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's company ;
later in Capt. Dayton's company.
Ulph, Jacob.
Utt, John, Capt. Stout's company, Third Regiment.
Tan Arsdale, John, Capt. StiUwell's company ; State troops; and Conti-
nental army, in Capt. Luce's company.
Van Atta, John, Capt, Maxwell's company. Second Regiment.
Van Black, Arthur; also in Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's
company.
Van Cleve, Isba, Capt. Henry Phillips' company, First Regiment.
Van Derveer, James.
Van Devort, Charles, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Van Devort, John, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Van Fleet, Abraham, Capt. StillweU's company; .State troops, and Conti-
nental army.
Van Gorden, William.
Van Gorden, , Capt. Maxwell's company, Second Regiment.
Van Kirk, John, Capt. Tucker's company.
Van Kirk, William.
Van Neulen, James, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Van NoUer, Coruelius,Capt. Philip Phillips' company: disch Sept '9
1777
Van Norden, David, Capt. Tucker's company.
Van Noy, Anderson, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Van Noy, John, Capt. Philip Phillips' company.
Van Pelt, John.
Van Reid, Cornelius, First Regiment; State troops, also Continental
army, Capt. Phillips' company.
Van Sickle, Andrew.
Van Sickle, Garret.
Van Sickle, William, Capt. Stout's company.
Van Tyle, Abram.
Van Tyle, John.
Vaught, Peter, Capt. Stout's company. Third Regiment. (See F9ugh.)
Veal, William, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Vint, Juhn, First Regiment, Continental army, Capt. Phillips' company.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
91
Yoorhees, Albert, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Yoorheese, John.
Warman (or Warner), "William, Capt. Johnson's company; State troops;
and Continental Army, in Capt. Koss' company. Third Battalion,
Second Establishment.
Waterson, Thomas, Third Regiment; State troops; a'.so Continental
army, Capt. Mitchell's company.
Welch, Hugh, Capt. Tucker's company.
Welden, Alexander, Capt. Tucker's company.
Welling, John, Capt. P. Phillips' company.
Weser, Jacob.
Westbrook, Cornelius.
Westbrook, James.
Wetherhawk, Johannes, Capt. Maxwell's company.
White, John, Capt. Stout's company.
Whiteal, Nathan.
Wliitehead, John, Capl Stout's company.
Wickoff, Garret, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Wickoff, John.
Willabee, Wm., Capt. Cornelius Carhart's company; State troops; and
Continental army, in Capt. Ross' company.
Wilhelm, Henry, Capt. Gulick's company; also in Continental army, in
Capt. Anderson's company.
Wilkinson, Wm., also in Continental army, in Capt. Anderson's com-
pany ; died Jan. 23, 1777.
Williams, James, Capt. Mott's company.
Williams, John, also in Continental army, Capt. Pothemus' company.
Williams, Owen, also in Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Williams, Samuel.
Williamson, Abram, Capt. Stout's company.
Williamson, Bar, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Williamson, Jaxxib, Capt. Henry Phillips' company.
Williamson, Jacob, Capt. Stout's company; State troops; also in Conti-
nental army, Capt. Ballard's company.
Wilson, Daniel.
Wilson, Francis, Capt. John Phillips' company.
Wilson, James, Capt. Hem^ Phillips' company ; also Continental army,
'First Battalion, Second Establishment, and Capt. Mitchell's company,
First Regiment.
Wilson, John, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Wilson, John, Capt. John Phillips' company. Third Regiment.
Wilson, Thomaa, Capt. John Phillips' company, Third Regiment.
Wilson, William, Capt. John Phillips' company. Third Regiment.
Wiucoop, Cornelius;
Winfield, Matthew, also Continental army, Capt, Anderson's company.
Wood, Aaron, Capt. Bray's company. Second Regiment; also in State
troops.
Wood, Daniel, Capt. Gulick's company, Second Regiment ; also in State
troops; and Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Wood, Hezekiah (Ezekiah), Capt. Growendyck's company.
Wood, Michael, First Regiment; State troops; Continental army, in
Capt. Phillips' company.
Wood, William, also Continental army, Capt. Anderson's company.
Woodruff, Samuel.
Woolsey, Ephraim, Capt, Mott's company.
Worth, James, " Capt. Carle's Troop Light-Horse,'*
Wright, Jacob, First Regiment; State troops; Continental army, Capt.
Polhenms' company.
Yard, Elijah. Capt. Tucker's company.
Yard, Samuel, Capt. Tucker's company,
Yawger, Peter, Capt. Stout's company.
Young, Hezekiah, Capt. Mott's company.
Young, James, Capt. P. Phillips' company, First Regiment, and Capt.
Opdyke's company, Second Regiment ; also in State troops.
Young, Philip, Capt. Maxwell's company.
Young, Powell.
The following are those from Somerset County who
served in the Revolution :
William Alexander (Lord Stirling), colonel First Battalion ; also m^jor-
general of Continental army,
Frederick Frelinghuysen, first major Stewart's battalion Minute-
men^ Fob. 15, 1776 ; captain Eastern Company of Artillery, March
1,1776; colonel First Battalion, Feb. 28, 1777; resigned to accept
appointment as delegate to Congress.
Stephen Hunt, captain artillery; colonel First Battalion, Feb. 3, 1776 ;
colonel battalion, Heard's brigade, June 14, 1776; resigned July
12, 1776 ; disability.
Abrsiham Quick, colonel Second Battalion; resigned Sept. 9, 1777.
Abraham Ten Eyck, lieutenant-colonel First Battalion, Feb. 3, 1776;
colonel ditto.
Henry Vandike, colonel Second Battalion, Sept. 9, 1777; colonel regi-
ment State troops, Oct. 9, 1779.
Benjamin Baird, first major Second Battalion, April 5, 1777; lieutenant-
colonel ditto, Sept. 9, 1777 ; died.
Derrick Middah, second major First Battalion, Feb. 3, 1776 ; lieutenant-
colonel ditto, Feb. 28, 1777.
Peter D. Vroom, captain Second Battalion ; first major ditto, June 6,
1777 ; lieutenant-colonel ditto, Sept. 9, 1777.
William Baird, captain Second Battalion; first major ditto, Nov. 6, 1777.
Thomas Hall, captain First Battalion ; second major ditto, Feb. 28, 1777.
Enos Kelsey, second major Second Battalion ; major Thompson's battal-
ion, *' Detached Militia," July 18, 1776 ; major Chambers' battalion,
State troops, Nov. 17, 1776 ; resigned June 10, 1779, to accept oflace of
State Clothier.
James Linn, captain First Battalion; pro. to first major, Feb. 3, 1776;
resigned Juue 28, 1781.
Richard McDonald, captain First Battalion ; pro. to second major, Feb.
28. 1777.
Abraham Nevius, lieutenant Second Battalion; pro. to captain ; pro. to
major, Nov. 6, 1777.
John Vliet, major First Battalion.
William Verbryck, captain ; second major Second Battalion, June 6, 1777 ;
pro. to first major Sept. 9, 1777 ; resigned Nov. 6, 1777 ; also paymas-
ter Somerset and Hunterdon State troops.
Edward Bunn, paymaster; also paymaster State troops.
Joseph Gaston, paymaster.
Joseph Babcock, captain Second Battalion,
John Baird, sergeant Second Battalion ; pro. to captain Second Battalion.
John Carr (or Kerr), captain Second Battalion.
Benjamin Corey, captain First Battalion.
John Craig, captain First Battalion ; captain State troops.
David De Groot, captain First Battalion July 27, 1776.
Peter Dumont, captain Second Battalion.
Simon Duryea, captain First Battalion.
Philip Fulkerson, captain Second Battalion.
William C. Houston, captain Second Battalion, Feb. 28, 1776 ; resigned
Aug. 17, 1776.
William Jones, captain Second Battalion.
Andrew Kirkpatrick, captain First Battalion.
Francis Lock, captain First Battalion ; killed Sept. 16, 1777, Elizabeth-
town, N. J.
William Logan, captain First Battalion.
Cornelius Lott, first lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company, Second Bat-
talion.
Lowe, captain.
Garen McCoy, captain First Battalion.
William Moffatt, captain First Battalion.
James Moore, captain Second Battalion, April 28, 1777.
John Parker, captain First Battalion.
Nathaniel Porter, lieutenant First Battalion ; captain First Battalion,
March 7, 1777.
Hendrick Probasco, captain Second Battalion.
Peter Pumyea, captain Second Battalion.
Jacobus Quick, captain Second Battalion,
James Quick, captain Second Battalion,
Israel Rickey, captain,
Peter Schenck, captain First Battalion.
John Sebring, lieutenant First Battalion; pro. to captain.
Rulofi" Sebring, captain First Battalion.
David Smalley, ensign Col. Hunt's Battalion, Heard's brigade, July 5,
1776 • ensign Col. Thompson's Battalion, " Detached Militia," July
18, 1776 ; also captain First Battalion.
Rynear Staats, lieutenant Second Battalion ; wounded at battle of Ger-
mantown. Pa., Oct. 4, 1777 ; pro. to captain.
Richard Stite*, captniu First Battalion, Feb. 9, 1776; captain Col. Hunt's
Battalion, July 5, 1776 ; resigned July, 1776 ; captain Col. Thompson's
Battalion,
John Stryker, captain troop light-horse of Somerset; also captain of
"troopers'' in State aei-vice.
Buloff Sutfin, first Ueutenant Capt. Porter's company, First Battalion,
March 7, 1777; pro. to captain; wounded August, 1779.
92
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Coonrad Ten Eyck, eergeant Second BattaUon; pro. to captain Second
Battalion.
Jacob Ten Eyck, lieutenant First Battalion ; pro. to captain First Bat-
talion.
Coi-neliuB Tunieon, private Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, Firat Bat-
talion; pro. to sergeant, to lieutenant, to captain,
Philip Van Arsdalen, captain First Battalion.
Abraham Yan Nest, ensign Second BattaUon ; pro. to captain.
Eynear Teghte, lieutenant Second Battalion ; pro. to captain.
John Toorhees, ensign Capt. Duryea'a company, Firat Begiment; pro. to
captain.
Peter G. (Van) Voorheea, second lieutenant. Continental army, Nov. 29,
1775; first lieutenant ditto, Sept. 18, 1776 ; captain First Battalion,
Second Establishment, Nov. 1, 1777 ; also captain First Begiment;
captured and killed by Tories near New Brunswick, Oct. 26, 1779.
Daniel Wentzel, ensign State troops; pro. to captain, also captain Fii-st
Battalion.
David Wentzel, ensign State troops ; also captain.
James Wheeler, ensign Capt. Ten Eyck's company, Second Battalion ;
pro. to captain.
Nathan All, lieutenant Capt. Duryea'a company, First Battalion.
Peter Allen, lieutenant First Battalion.
Samuel Annin, private; pro. to lieutenant.
Jacob G. Bergen, lieutenant; lieutenant commanding guard at Princeton.
Deuice Bier, lieutenant. [Name aleo given as Dennis Byn.]
Rjbert Bolmer, lieutenant First Battalion.
John Brocaw, lieutenant First Battalion ; killed Oct. 4, 1777, at German-
town.
Abra:ham Dement, lieutenant First Battalion.
William Frazer, lieutenant First Battalion.
George Hall (son of Edward), private Capt. Ten Eyck's company. First
Battalion; pro. lieutenant.
Lane, lieutenant First Battalion.
John Swain, sergeant Capt. Bury ea's company, First Battalion; pro. lieu-
tenant.
John Ten Eyck, lieutenant ; killed June 17, 1777, at Millstone, N. J.
John Tharp, lieutenant; in service until close of war,
John Todd, lieutenant.
James Van Horn, lieutenant First Battalion.
Peter Welch, lieutenant.
James Whalen, lieutenant First Battalion,
Stephen Whitaker, lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company. First Bat-
talion.
Joseph Gatterlin, first lieutenant Capt. Smalley's company, First Battal-
ion ; lieutenant Capt. Outwater's company, and in Capt. Peter Ward's
company. State troops.
Joseph, Catherland, first lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company, First Bat-
talion, Nov. 11, 1777.
Abram Dumont, first lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company. First Bat-
talion, July 8, 1776.
Aaron Longstreet, first lieutenant Capt. Houston's company, Second Batr
talion, Feb. 28, 1776.
Peter Low, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. first lieutenant ; firat
lieutenant Capt. Stites' company, July 6, 1776 ; fii-st lieutenant Col.
Thompson's battalion, Detached Militia,"" July 18, 1776; also first "
lieutenant Continental army.
James Stockton, ensign Capt. Houston's company, Second Battalion, Feb.
28, 1776 ; first lieutenant Capt. Moore's company, April 28, 1777.
Zebulon Barton, second lieutenant Capt. Houston's company, Feb. 28,
1776
John Bennett, second lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company, Second Bat-
talion.
Philip Folk, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company; pro. sergeant ; pro. en-
sign, Aug. 20, 1777; pro. second lieutenant, Nov. 11, 1777.
Derrick Lane, second lieutenant Capt. Stites' company, July 5, 1776 ; also
captain Continental army.
Isaac Manning, second lieutenant Capt. Smalley's company, First Bat-
talion.
Isaac Vanardsdalen, second lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company, First
Battalion, July 8, 1776.
Peter Vandeventer, second lieutenant Capt. Porter's company, First Bat-
talion, March 7, 1777.
John Van Neste, second lieutenant Capt. Ten Eyck's company, First Bat-
talion, Dec. 3, 1776.
Jasper Brokaw, private ; pro. to ensign.
James Hambleton, ensign Capt. Moore'a company, Second Battalion,
April 28, 1777,
Isaac Parker, ensign Capt. Smalley's company. First Battalion.
Joakim Quick, ensign Capt. Vroom's company. Second Battalion.
Cornelius Suydam, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company; pro. corporal
and ensign in State troops.
Matthiaa Sharp, ensign Capt. Porter's company, March 7, 1777.
Peter T. Stryker, ensign Capt. Henry Sparks' company, Second Bat-
talion.
Andrew Ten Eyck, private Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company; teamster
ditto ; pro. corporal, sergeant Minute-men; ensign Capt. Ten Eyck'a
company, First Battalion, June 19, 1778.
Jacob Ten Eyck, Jr., private Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, July 8,
1776 ; pro. ensign.
Isaac Vantyle, ensign Capt. John Sebring's company. First Battalion.
Isaac Voorhees, private; pro. corporal, sergeant, and cornet of troop
light-horse.
Daniel Ammerman, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company; pro. sergeant.
George Auton, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. corporal and
sergeant.
William Beekman, sergeant Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Isaac Bennett, private ; pro. sergeant.
Burgum Brocaw, sergeant Capt. Ten Eyck's company.
Evart Brocaw, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company; pro. corporal and
sergeant.
Derrick Brocaw, private Capt. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. corporal and
sergeant.
Samuel Brown, sergeant Capt. J. Ten Eyck'a company. First Battalion.
Isaac Cool, sergeant Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
Derrick Demit, sergeant Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company. First Battalion.
Frederick Ditres, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to sergeant.
Derrick Dow, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company; pro. td sergeant.
Fulkert Dow, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to sergeant ; also
in State troops, and private in Continental army.
Minne Du Bois, private Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion; pro.
to sergeant.
Mauicus Duboys, sergeant Capt. Coonrad Ton Eyck's company, Second
Battalion.
Aaron Hageman, private ; pro. to sergeant.
Rolif Hageman, sergeant Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Garret Harris, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; sergeant Minute-
men.
Christian Hoagland, private Capt. Vroom's company ; pro. to sergeant.
Joseph Kennan, private ; pro. to corporal and sergeant.
Elijah Leigh, sergeant Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
Abraham Messeroll, private ; pro. to sergeant.
Morris Miller, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to sergeant ;
also sergeant State troops.
David Nevius, sergeant Capt. Stryker's troop.
John Perrine, sergeant Minute-men; sergeant Capt. J. Ten Eyck'a
company.
Hendrick Post, private Capt. Vroom's company ; pro.'to sergeant.
John Powlson, sergeant Capt. Duryea'a company, First Battalion.
John H. Schenck, private Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to ser-
geant.
Thomas Sortore, sergeant Capt. Duryea's company.
Enoch Stillwell, sergeant Capt. John Sebring's company.
Benjamin Taylor, private Capt. Vroom's company ; pro. to sergeant
Conrad Ten Eyck, private Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to
sergeant.
Hendrick Teple, private Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to ser-
geant.
John Tilyer, sergeant Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
George Todd, sergeant Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
John Van Ai-sdalen, sergeant Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Abraham Van Arsdalen, private Capt. Vroom's company; pro. to ser-
geant.
Abraham Van Dorn, sergeant Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Cornelius Van Dyke, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to ser-
geant.
Andrew Van Middlesworth, private Capt. Vroom's company; pro. to
John Van Nortwick, sergeant Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Abraham Van Voorhees, sergeant Capt. Sebring's company.
Jacobus Van Voorhees, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to
Abraham Voorhees, sergeant Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company, First Bat-
talion.
Jacob Voorhees, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company, First Battalion.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
93
Nathaniel Whitaker, private Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company ; pro. to ser-
geant.
Cornelius Willet, sergeant militia.
Jonathan 'Willet, sergeant Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Jacobus Amerman, private Capt. Vrootn's company; pro. to corporal.
Jacobua Bergen, corporal Capt. Yroom's company.
Abraham Bertron, corporal Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company; pro. from
private.
James Boylan, corporal Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company; pro. from private.
Peter Brokaw, corporal Capt. Vroom's company ; pro. from private.
Thomas Covert, corporal Capt. Vroom's company.
Cornelius Coshaw, corporal Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Kichard Davis, corporal Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Abram Defresh, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; pro. from
private.
John Dumont, Jr., corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First Bat-
talion.
Cornelius Eraser, corpoml Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; pro. from
private.
William Hula, corporal Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
Benjamin IngersoU, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First
Battalion.
John Lake, corporal Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
Azariah Parker, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Peter Post, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; pro. from pri-
vate.
John Storms, corporal Capt Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; corporal State
troops ; also private Continental army.
Bernard Striker, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Gilles Sutphen, corporal Capt. Duryea's company.
Abraham Tan Arsdalen, corporal Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Philip Van Arsdalen, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Isaac Van Clefe, corporal Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Peter Vanderbergh, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; corporal
State troops ; also private in Continental army.
Benjamin Van Dorn, corporal militia.
George Van Nest, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; pro. from
private.
Isaac Voorhees, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First Bat-
talion.
Abraham Vourhase, corporal Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company. Sec-
ond Battalion.
Jacob Winter, corporal Capt. Vroom's company.
John Wortman, corporal Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company; pro. from
private.
Philip Toung, corporal Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Joseph Hagerman, musician, militia.
Gilbert Lane, drummer Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Abram Van Voorhees, drummer Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
David Bertram, fifer Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
David Britton, fifer Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McDonald Campbell, fifer Capt. Corey's company, First Battalion ; fifer
State troops ; also fifer in Continental army.
Bargun Covert, fifer Capt. Vroom's company.
Caleb Fulkerson, fifer,
James Hunt, fifer Capt. Ten Eyck's company.
Abram Lott, fifer.
John Nortwick, fifer Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Peter Stryker, fifer Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Andreas Ten Eyck, teamster Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Jacob Ten Eyck, teamster Capt Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Peter Ten Eyck, teamster Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Lewis Harthough, wagoner Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
William Hey, wagoner Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Henry Southard, wagoner Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
James Voorhees, wagoner Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Martin Voorhees, wagoner Capt. Duryea's company.
James Wintersteen, wagoner Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Acans, John.
Aldhood, John.
Allan, David, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'fj company. First Battalion.
Allan, Joseph, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First Battalion.
Allen, John.
Allen, Nathan.
Allen, Robert.
Allen, Samuel, also in Continental army, Capt. Martin's company ;
transferred to invalid corps, July 28, 1778 ; discharged Nov. 1, 1783 ;
leg amputated.
Amerman, Albert, Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion.
Amerman, Daniel, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company. First Battalion.
Amerman, David, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company. Second Battalion.
Amerman, John, Capt. Vroom's company. Second Battalion.
Amerman, Powell, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company, Second Bat-
talion.
Amerman, Powell J.
Andrews, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Andrews, Malcom, Capt, Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Andrews, Michael.
Andries, Michael, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company,
Andries, Robert.
Anson, John.
Appleberry, Ambrose, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Appleby, Amos, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Appleman, David, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Archer, John, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Areuts, Stephen.
Armstrong, George.
Armstrong, Thomas.
Armstrong, William.
Arrowsmith, Benjamin, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Arrowsmith, Nicholas.
Arrowsmith, Thomas.
Atten, Joseph.
Auten, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company,
Auten, Thomas, Capt. John Sebring's company, First Battalion.
Auten, Thomas, Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion.
Ayers, David,
Ayers, Joseph.
Babcock, William.
Baird, Eobert.
Bakeman, Magness.
Baker, Elias.
Ballard, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company. First Battalion.
Ballard, Nathaniel.
Barclay, Joseph.
Barger, John.
Barkley, George,
Barkley, Hugh.
Barkley, John.
Barkley, Joseph.
Bartley, John.
Battow, Lifeless, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Beam, Henry, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Beam, Henry, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Beard, Robert.
Bebout, Peter.
Beckman, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bedine (Bodine), Nicholas.
Bedyne (Bodine), John.
Beedle, Jacob.
Beekman, John, First Battalion, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Beekman, Lawrence.
Beckner, Michael.
Belew, Daniel.
Bell, William.
Bellard, John, Second Battalion, Capt. Vroom's company.
Belly ou, Cornelius.
Bennett, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Bercan, Benjamin, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bercan, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bergen, Hendrick.
Berham, Everet, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Berkley, Hugh. ,
Berkley, John.
Berry, James D,
Berry, Peter.
Bishop, Aaron, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bishop, Moses, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Blackford, Benjamin,
Blackford, Daniel,
Blaw, William.
Blear, Robert.
94
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Blew, Abram.
Blew, Frederick.
Blew, Isaac, Capt Duryea's company.
Blew, John.
Blbw, William, Capt. Duryea's company,
Bloodgood, Phineas.
Bloodgood, Phenice.
Blow (or Blue), Michael.
Blue, Cornelius.
Blue, Daniel, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Blue, Heudrick, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Board, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Bookman, George, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bookman, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'e company.
Bodewine, Peter, Capt. Jones' company. Second Battalion.
Bodewine, William.
Bodley, Nathan, Capt. Parker's company; also State troops; and Conti-
nental army, Capt. Ballard's company. Third Battalion, Second Es-
tablishment.
Bolmer, Garret.
Bond, Benjamin.
Bond, Jacob.
Bonnel, Jacob.
Boorum, Jacob.
Bours, James.
Bowers, William.
Boyd, Alexander.
Boyd, William.
Boylan, Aaron, Capt. Parker's company ; also State troops ; and Conti-
nental army, Capt. Piatt's company.
Boylan, John. '
Boyles, Jonathan.
Bracket, Nathaniel.
Brady, James.
Breese, Garret, also captain and conductor of Team Brigade.
Breese, John.
Bress, Cornelius, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Brewer, George, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First Battalion.
Brewer, George, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company, Second Battalion.
Brewer, John.
Brickman, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bright, Philip.
Brinson, John. \
Britt, Philip.
Brittain, Jeremiah, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; State troops ; and
sergeant in Continental army, in Capt. Piatt's company.
Britton, Abraham, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Brocaw, Adam, Capt. Porter's company ; also Continental army.
Brocaw, Benj., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Brockover, Peter.
Brockaw, Abraham, Capt. Vroom's company.
Brockaw, Casparus, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Brockaw, George, Capt. Vroom's company.
Brockaw, Isaac.
Brockaw, Richard.
Brookhead, Benj., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'a company.
Brooks, Isaac.
Brown, Adam, First Battalion ; also State troops; and Continental army,
Capt. Piatt's company.
Brown, George.
Brown, Gilliam.
Brown, John.
Bruner, Jacob.
Bullas, Adam, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Bnrdine, Wilson.
Burgie, Thomas.
Burkfield, Thomas.
Bushfield, Thomas.
Butler, James.
IJutterfoss, Andrew, also in Continental army, Capt. Martin''s company.
Buys, Jacob.
Buzzy, Mathews, Capt. Moore's company; State troops, and Continental
army.
Caldwell, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Caldwell, William.
Campbell, Alexander, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Campbell, Archibald, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Campbell, John.
Carbon, Christopher, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Carens, John.
Carle, Ephraim T., Capt. Baird's company; also State troops, and Conti-
nental army.
Carman, John, Capt. Duryea's company.
Carmer, John, militia.
Castner, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Catalyou, Henry.
Catolin, Joseph.
Cavaleer, Job n.
Chambers, John, Capt. Moore's company.
Cliambers, Roland, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Chandler, John.
Chandler, Peter.
Chapman, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'a company.
Chapman, William.
Charles, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Christopher, John.
Clark, James, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Cleare, Godfrey, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Clendenning, Isaac.
Cloason, Ebenezer.
CluBon, Josiah.
Coach, Jacob. Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Cobb, Mathias, Capt. Parker's company; also State troops; and Bergeant
in Continental army, Capt. Coxe's company.
Cock, Henry.
Cock, Jacob, Capt. Vroom's company.
Cock, Jacob W., Capt. Vroom's company.
Cock, William.
Cocke, William, First Battalion, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company
Coe, Jacob.
ColUna, Abraham.
Colter, Alexander, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Colter, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Colwell, John.
Colwell, William.
Colyer, Moses, First Battalion.
Colyer, Thomas.
Combs, Charles, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Combs. Samuel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Compton, Jacob, Capt. Quick's company; also in State troops,
Compton, Joseph, troop light-horse.
Compton, Richard, Capt, Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Conaway, John, Capt. Moore's company. Second Battalion.
Conelyou, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Conelyou, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Conk ling, Josiah.
Conover, David, Capt. Duryea's company.
Conover, John, Capt. Moore's company.
Cook, George, First Battalion ; also in State troops ; and Continental
army, in companies of Capts. Piatt and Phillips.
Cook, Henry, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Cook, Jacob.
Cool, David, Capt. Moore's company.
Coole, Peter.
Coon, Aaron.
Coon, Abijah.
Coon, Daniel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, and Capt. Corey's com-
pany ; also in State troops, and Continental army.
Coon, Ebenezer.
Coon, Felty.
Coon, Levi, Fii-st Battalion.
Coon, Peter.
Coon, Euny.
Cooper, John.
Cooper, Thomas.
Copton, Richard, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Corlow, Benjamin.
Cornelison, Garret, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Cornell son, John.
Cornell, Cornelius (1st).
Cornell, Cornelius (2d).
Cornell, Joseph, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Gorrington, Archibald, First Battalion.
Corrington, Benjamin.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
95
Corshon, Joseph.
Corahon, Joshua.
Cortleyou, Hendrick.
Corwell, Cornelius.
Coshow, Abraham, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck'a company.
Cosbow, George,
Coshow, Jacob, Capt. Vroom's company.
Covenhoven, Denice.
Covenhoven, Joseph.
Covert, Burgum, also in Continental army.
Covert, Daniel.
Covert, Jacob.
Covert, John.
Covert, Thomas, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Covert, Tunis, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Craig, Moses.
Crane, Asa, First Battalion; also State troops, and Continental army.
Creesey, James.
Crolns, John.
Ci-oss, Samuel.
Crow, Garret, Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion ; also State troops,
aud Continental army.
Cryer, John.
Cummins, Jacob.
Cummins, John, also in State troops.
Cumpton, John, First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Cunningham, Matthew.
Daley, Nicholas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company. First Battalion.
Dan, William, Capt. Duryea's company.
DaiKildson, William.
Davis, James, Capt. Moore's company.
Davis, John, Capt. C. Ten Eyck'a company.
Davis, Samuel, Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Davis, Thomas, Capt. Baird's company; State troops; also Continental
army, First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Davison, William.
Deamell, Patiick.
De Camp, John, Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Decker, John, Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Decker, Peter.
Defresh, Isaac, Capt. J. Ten Eyck'a company.
De Hart, Hendrick (or Henry).
Demott, Peter.
Demund, Tenes (or Tunis).
Deniante, John.
Dennis, Reuben, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Dennis, Robert.
Dickson, Alexander.
Dickson, William, First Battalion; also State troops, and Continental
army.
Dildine, John.
Dillen, Peter.
Disbrow, Joseph, Lieut. Bergen's company.
Ditmars, Johannes.
Ditmars, Peter, Capt. Vroom's company.
DitmoB, Frederick, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ditmos, John.
Ditmos, Peter.
Doaran, Joseph.
Doran (or Doren), Cornelius.
Dortan, William.
Doty, Jeremiah, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Doty, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Doty, John, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Doty, Peter, First Battalion; also State troops; and Continental army;
Capt. Piatt's company.
Doty, Skillman.
Doty, Zebulon.
Doty, William.
Dougherty, John.
Doughty, Francis.
Doughty, Jeremiah, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Doughty, John, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Doughty, Levi,
Dow, John, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Dow, John, Jr., Capt, J. Ten Eyck's company.
Dowelson, John, Capt. J. Ten Eyck's company.
Downey, William, Capt. Moore's company ; State troops, and Continental
army.
Drake, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Drew, Thomas.
Du Bois, Nicholas, Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion.
Ducker, Peter.
Dumon (or Dumond), Hendrick, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Dumon (or Dumond), Peter, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Dnmon (or Dumond), Peter P.
Dumont, Albert, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Dumont, Elbert, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Dumont, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company
Dumont, John B., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Dumont, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Dumont, Peter J. B., Capt. Vroom's company.
Du Mott, Abraham, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Du Mott, Barent, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Du Mott, Benjamin, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Du Mott, Dirck.
Du Mott, Lawrence, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Duncan, John.
Dunham, John.
Dunning, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Dunn, Jonathan, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'a company.
Dunn, Ben ben.
Dunn, William.
Dunster, James.
Dunvier, Thomas.
Durland, Linus.
Durling, Samuel.
Duychinck, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Dwire, Thomas, Capt. Vroom's company.
Edgar, Archibald.
Edwards, John.
Ellis, Joseph, Lieut. Bergen's company.
Emens, James.
Emens, John.
Emmons, John,
Eoff, Cornelius.
Estle, William.
Evans, William, Lieut. Bergen's company.
Evans, William, Capt. Babcock's company; also State troops; and Conti-
nental army. First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Exsen, Abner.
Fairchjld, Hezekiah.
Fantine, Rine.
Fayer, Christian, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ferguson, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Fine, Abram.
Fisher, Charles, Capt. Moore's company.
Fisher. Henry, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Fisher, John.
Fisker, Hemy, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Ford, Charles.
Foreman, Walter.
Fort, Benjamin.
Fort, Francis.
Fort, Henry.
Fort, Joseph.
Fort, Thomas.
Forth, Francis.
Forth, Phineas.
Eraser, Christian, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Frazee, Henry.
Frazee, Reuben.
French, David.
French, Joseph, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck'a company.
French, WilUam, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Fristler, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Fulkerson, Cornelius.
Fulkerson, Fulkert, Capt. Coonrad TenEyck's'company.
Fulkerson, Henry.
Fulkerson, Hans.
Fulkerson, John, also in the Continental army.
Fulkerson, PhiUp, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Fulkerson, William.
Furmau, Edward, Capt. Duryea's company.
96
HUNTEKDON AND SOBIEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Furman, Waters, Capt. Duryea'e company.
Fusler, Jacob, Jr., Capt. Jacot Ten Eyck's company.
Fueler, Luke, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Fusler, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Gad, Alexander, Capt. Moore's company.
Gad, William, Capt. Moore's company.
Ganno, George.
Garrison, Bernardug.
Garrison, Dirck, Capt. Troom's company.
Garrison, Garret.
Garrison, George, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Garrison, John.
GaiTitaon, Kem.
Garritson, Samuel.
Gasling, Joseph.
Gaston, Hugh.
Gaston, Robert,
Geddes, John.
Ghulick, Derrick. '
Gibbe, John, Second Battalion, Capt. Fulkerson's company; also State
troops, and Continental army.
Gilmore, David.
Gilmore, John.
Gilmore, William.
Goble, Hugh.
Colder, Abraham, Capt. Sti-yker's troop light-horse.
Goldtrap, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Goltry, Thomas, Capt. Sebring's company.
Gordon, John.
Gray, Isaac, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Gray, Joseph.
Gray, William.
Green, William.
Griggs, William, Capt. Yroom's company.
Gulick, Abraham (or Abram).
Gulick, John, First Battalion, Capt. Duryea's company.
Gulk, Joakim,
Hagaman, Adrian.
Hagaman, Andrew.
Hagaman, John.
Hagaman (or Hegeman), Peter.
Hagerman, Eulif, Second Battalion, Capt. Babcock's company.
Hairville, James (given also as Hanville).
Hall, George (son of Edward), First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's
company.
Hall, George (son of Henry), First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's
company.
Hall, Isaac.
Hall, Thomas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
JIamiltoD, James.
Hand, Christopher.
Handley, Ezekiel.
Handley, Jeremiah.
Hannah, William.
Harbough, Tuer, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Hardenbrook, Isaac.
Hardenbrook, Lewis.
Hardenbrook, Peter.
Harder, Christian.
Harder, Henry.
Harder, Philip, also express-rider.
Harpending, Andrew.
Harris, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Harris, Samuel, Capt. Corey's company; aleo State troops ; and Conti-
nental army, Capt. Foreman's company.
Hartshorn 6, Lewis, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Hartfihough, Lucas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Hartsough, Aug., Capt. Troom's company.
Hause, John.
Hegeman, Aaron.
Hegeman, Benjamin.
Helbert (or Helebrant), Da^id, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Henry, Jamea.
Henry, Peter.
Herder, Christian, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Herns, John.
Herrod, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Hewyard (or Heyward), Benjamin.
Heyers, Benjamin,
Hickley, Timothy.
Hinds, Frederick, Second Battalion ; also State Troops.
Hinds, John, also in the Continental army, Third Battalion, First Estab-
lishment.
Hinds, Robert.
Hise, Jacob.
Hoagland, Abram, Capt. "Van Nest's company ; also State Troops, and
Continental army.
Hoagland, Albert:.
Hoagland, Harman A., Capt. Troom's company.
Hoagland, Henry.
Hoagland, Hermanus, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Hoagland, Jacob.
Hoagland, Johannes, Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Hoagland, John, Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Hoagland, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Hoagland, Lucas, Capt. Troom's company.
Hoagland, Luke.
Hoagland, Martin, Lieut, Bergen's company.
Hoagland, Peter, Capt. Troom's company.
Hoagland, Samuel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Hoagland, Tunis, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company (also express-
rider?).
HofF (or HufF), Dirck, Capt. Troom's company.
HofF, Nicholas, Capt. Quick's company. Second Battalion ; wounded at
Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777.
Hog, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Honny, William.
Hosborn, Cooper.
Hosborn, John,
Houghland, John.
Howell, David, Capt, Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Howk, Philip.
Hudson, Thomas,
Huff, Isaac.
Huff, John, First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
HufF, Moses.
Huff, Nicholas, Second Battalion, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Huff, Peter, also in the Continental army.
Huff, Richard, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Huff, Tunis.
Hulfiish, John.
Hunter, Andrew, also in Continental army,
Ingard, Benjamin, Capt. Jacob Ton Eyck's company; pro. to corporal,
Jasper, Richard, Capt. Quick's company ; State troops, and Continental
ai-my,
Jemison, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Jennings, John, Capt. .Tacob Ten Eyck's company.
Johnson, James, Capt. Jacob Ton Eyck's company.
Johnson, John, First Battalion; also State troops.
Johnson, Samuel.
Johnson, William.
Johnston, John, Capt. Parker's company, First Battalion.
Jones, Daniel, Capt. Lott's company. Second Battalion.
Jones, Henry, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Jones, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Jones, Samuel.
Jones, William.
Juel, LIcha, Capt. Moore's company. Second Battalion.
Kelly, David, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Kelly, John.
Kelly, Samuel.
Kennedy, Henry, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company; also troop of
light-horse,
Kershaw, Abraham.
Kershaw, George.
Kilpatrick, Andrew, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck*s company.
Kilpatrick, Hugh, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
King, David, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Kinnan, John.
Kinned, Peter.
Kinny, Simon.
Kirkpatrick, Alexander.
Kirkpatrick, David, wounded June, 1780.
Kirkpatrick, Hugh, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
97
Kirkpatricfc, William.
KlickDor, George.
Lacy, Emanuel.
La Fever, Alinert.
La Fever, Myndert, Capt. Staat's company, Second Battalion ; also State
troops, and Continental army.
Lafferty, Denice (or Dennis).
Lafler, Coonrad.
Lafler, John.
Lalne, John.
Lake, Garret, Capt. Moore's company.
Lane, Gilbert, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Lane, Gulsbert.
Lane, Henry, Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Lane, Jacob.
Lane, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Lane, Mathias.
Lane, Beuben, First Battalion.
Lane, Tunis, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Lane, â– William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company,
Lange, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Lany, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Large, John.
Lasender, Jacob, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Latham, James.
Laton, Thomas.
Laughhead, James.
Laughhead, William.
Lawkerman, Thomas, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Lawrence, Abram.
Layton, Thomas.
Lee, Daniel.
Lee, Samuel.
Lee, Thomas, First Battalion ; also State troops, and Continental army.
Lefferty, Henry C, First Battalion ; also State troops.
Leigh, Elijah, Capt. Duryea's company.
Leterah, Cornelius,
Lewis, Barnett,
Lewis, Barney.
Lewis, Edward.
Lewis, Jacob, First Battalion; also Continental army.
Light, Thomas, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Limbergh, John.
Liinbarger, Gabriel,
Liner, Isaac.
Linn, James.
Linu, Joseph.
Linn, Robert.
Lisk, Abram.
Lisk, John, Capt. Troom's company.
Ldboc, Charles.
Lwfler, Jacob, Capt. Troom's company.
Lofler, Philip.
Logan, Hugh.
Long, Cornelius.
Long, John.
Lorey, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Lorey, John, Jr., Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Losey, John.
Lutt, Abraham, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Low, Abraham, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Low, Abraham, Capt. Yroom's company.
Low, Cornelius.
Low, John.
Lowry, Thomas.
Lowsadder, Benjamin.
LuparduB, William.
Luyster, Peter, Capt. Troom's company.
Lyon, Gideon, Capt. Duryea's company.
Lyon, Solomon, Capt. Jones' company ; also State troops ; and Continental
army, First Battalion, Second Establishment.
MacGraw, Barney.
Malick, John, also in Continental army.
Manfort, Henry.
Manning, Clarkson, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Manning, Isaac, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'a company,
Martin, David.
Martin, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Martin, Jeremiah.
Maahat, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Mawe, By near.
Maxfield, David.
Maybeck, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McCarron, Hugh.
McCarty, Hugh, Capts. Tan Neat's and Jacob Ten Eyck's companies;
State troops , and Continental Army, in Capt. Ballard's company,
Third Battalion, Second Establishment.
McClean, John.
McCleary, Daniel, Capt. Porter's company ; also in State troops ; and Capt.
Piatt's company, Continental service.
McClow, Cornelius.
McColem (McColIom), Hugh, Capt. Troom's company.
McCollom, John.
McConnell, Robert, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McCoy, Gavin.
McCray, James.
McCoUum, Jonas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McDowell, Ephraim, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McDuffee, Daniel.
McElrath, Thomas.
McEowen, William.
McEwen, Daniel, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company,
McGill, James, Capt. Porter's company ; also in Continental army, Capt.
Piatt's company.
McGill, John, Capt. Porter's company ; also in Continental army, Capt.
Piatt's Company.
McGill, Robert, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McKenney, Cornelius.
McKenuey, William.
McKey, Joseph.
McKin, Andrew, Capt. Moore's company. Second Battalion.
McKinney, Joseph, Capt. Corey's company, First Battalion; also State
troops ; and Continental army, Capt. Piatt's company.
McMackin, Andrew.
McManus, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
McMortry, Robert.
McMurtry, Thomas, First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Mc Williams, John.
Mealigh, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Meculick, Robert.
Meeservie, Conrad, First Battalion ; also in State troops.
Melligan, William.
Merrill, Andrew, also in Continental army.
Messerol, Abram.
Messerol, Charles.
Middagh, Cornelius, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Midsco (or Mencow), Conrad, First Battalion ; also Capt. Piatt's company,
Continental army.
Miers, John.
Milburn, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Miller, John.
Miller, Jonathan.
Miller, Marion, First Battalion ; wounded and taken prisoner; died while
prisoner at New York, Dec. 3, 1777.
Miller, Mercer, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Miller, Moreen, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Milligran, James.
Minor, William.
Misket, Peter.
Mitchell, Benjamin.
Moffatt, Samuel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Moffatt, William.
Monfort, Hendrick (or Henry.)
Monfort, Peter.
Montanye, Abram, First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Montanye, Edward, First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Montanye, Edward, Jr., First Battalion, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Moore, Isaac.
Moore, John (1st), Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Moore, John (2d), Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Moore, Joseph.
Moore, Prine.
Moore, Rynear.
Morris, Dennis, First Battalion,
«8
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Morris, States, First Battalion, Capt. Duryea's company.
Morris, Sylvester.
Mount, Matthew, Second Battalion, Capt. Moore's company.
Muler, Frederick.
Mullen, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Mulloner, Joseph, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Murphy, Thomas.
Murphy, William.
Myers, John, Capt Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Nail, John, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Naphis, Pet-er.
Navius,* Christopher, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Navius,* David, Capt. Stryker's troop light-horse.
Nephies, John, Capt. Duryea's company.
Nephies, Martin, Capt. Duiyea's company.
Nevies,* Cornelius.
Nevies,* Martinus.
Neville, John.
Nevins,* Joseph.
Newent, Daniel V.
Nivins,* RulofF.
Nixon, John.
Nnrris, Thomas, Capt. Moore's company.
Northall, William.
Norton, Jacob, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Nortwick, John.
Nurtwick, Simon, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Cake, Jacob.
O'Lefferty, Henry, Capt. Parker's company, First Battalion; also Conti-
nental army, in Capt. Ballard's company.
Oliver, Jerome.
Oliver, Nicholas.
Ci'pey, Christopher, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Owens, James.
Oyers, Benjamin.
Pack, William, also Continental army.
Packer, Jacob, also Continental army, First Battalion, Second Establish-
ment,
Packston, William (also given as William Paxon).
Pain, Stephen.
Pangborn, Peter.
Parker, Azariah.
Parker, Jacob, Second Battalion, Capt. Staat'g company ; State troops,
and Continental army.
Parker, James.
Parker, John.
Parker, Robert.
Parkinson, Aaron.
Parkinson, Jonathan.
Parkinson, Sylvanus,
Peach, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company. First Battalion.
Pearson, Matthew (also given as Matthew Pierson).
Perlee, Peter, Second Battalion, Capt. Vroom's company.
Perrine, James.
Perrine, John.
Periiae, Nicholas.
Perrine, Peter (also spelled Peryn), Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Persee, John.
Peterson, Thomas, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Philhower, Christian.
Piatt, Abram.
Pickens, Alexander, Capt. Corey's company; also in State troops, and
Continental amiy.
Pitman, Jonathan.
Pittenger, Abram.
Pittenger, John.
Pitts, William.
Plum, Samuel.
Poke, John.
Pope, Birney.
Pust, Abraham, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Post, Henry, also in the Continental army.
Post, Tunis.
Post, William, also in the Continental army.
* So spelled in Adjutant-General's Keports, yet most or all maybe
intended for Neviua.
Pound, Cornelius.
Pound, John.
Pound, Jonathan.
Powelson, Abram.
Powelson, Cornelius.
Powelson, Hendrick (or Henry).
Powelson, John, in companies of Capts. Coonrad and Jacob Ten Eyck.
Powelson, Monah, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Probasco, Garret.
Probasco, Peter.
Pull, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Quick, Garret.
Quick, Jacob.
Quick, Peter, Sr., Capt. Vroom's company.
Quick, Tunis.
Ralph, Leroy, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Rapalye, Jeromus.
Reamer, George.
Reamer, John. (See John Roomer.)
Bedding, Chris.
Reemer, Lewis, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company,
Reepley, Baltis.
ReynearsoD, Garret.
Reynolds, Samuel.
Rich, Joseph, also in Continental army, in Capt. Martin's company.
Richardson, Joseph, Capt. Staat's company ; State troops, and Continental
Army.
Rickey, Benjamin.
Rickey, Cornelius, Capt. Parker's company ; State troops, and Continental
army.
Riggs, Jonathan.
Riggs, Thomas.
Bockefellow, Peter.
Rodes, Allan.
Rogers, Henry.
Roland, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Rolde, John.
Rolph, Jonathan, First Battalion ; State troops ; and Continental army,
in Capt. Forman's company.
Rolph, Richard, First Battalion, Capt. Corey's company; State troops;
and Continental army, in Capt, Forman's company.
Roomer, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bosebroom, Garret.
Rosebroom, Hendrick (Henry), Capt, Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Ross, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Rossburg, John, also in Continental army, Capt. Bond's company, Fourth
Battalion, Second Establishment; Capt. Anderson's company, Third
Regiment ; disch. April 10, 1783, " worn out in the service."
Rubart, John, Capt. Jones' company, Second Battalion ; Continental
army, First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Buckman, David.
Ruckman, Samuel, Capt, Moore's company; also State troops ; and Con-
tinental army, in Fii-st Battalion, Second Establishment.
Runyan, Richard (Ist).
Runyan, Richard (2d), Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Runyan, Yincen, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Bush, Peter.
Russell, William, also in Continental army, in Capt. Martin's company.
Ryall, Isaac, Capt. John Sebring's comimny, First Battalion.
Ryker, Cornelius, Jr.
Rynearson, Isaac, Capt. Lett's company. Second Battalion ; State troops ;
and in Continental Army, in First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Rynearson, Rynier B.
Salter, Henry,
Sanders, Israel.
Sanders, John, Capt. Baird'a company. Second Battalion; also State
troops,
Sanders, Thomas, Capt. Staat's company, Second Battalion ; State troops,
and Continental army.
Saums, John, Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion.
Saunders, John,
Saunders, Timothy, First Battalion; also Continental army, in Capt.
Piatt's company.
Schanck, Abram, troop light-horse.
Schanck, Abraham, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First Battalion.
Schanck, John.
Schenck, Garret, Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REVOLUTION.
99
Schenck, Garret, Liewt. Bergen's company.
Schenck, Jacob, Capt. Duryeii's company.
Schenck, Peter F.
Sv.ilman, Thomas, Capt. Moore's company.
Sears, Samuel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; also State troops.
Sesirs, Samuel, Capt. Corey's company, First Battalion ; also Continental
army, in Fourth Battalion, Second Establishment.
Sebring, Abram, Capt. John Sebring's company, First Battalion.
Sebring, Cornelius, Capt. John Sebring's company, Firet Battalion.
Sebring, Jacob.
Sebring, Rodif, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company, Second Battalion.
Sebring, Thomas, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Sedam (or Suydam), Charles.
Sedam {or Suydam), Peter.
Sedam (or Suydam), Rick.
Seday, Jacob.
Sbafer, Peter.
Shankler, Andrew.
Sharp, Jonathan, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Sickles, Zachariah, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Silcock, Valentine, also Continental army.
Simerson, John.
Simonson, Abraham (or Abram).
Simonson, John.
Simonson, Samuel, First Battalion ; also State troops ; and Continental
army, in Capt. Anderson's company.
Simpson, Allen.
Simpson, David.
Simpson, William.
Siulley, John.
Skelton, Thomas, Capt. Moore's company.
Skillman, Gerardus, troop light-horse ; also express-rider.
Skillman, Thomas, in Capt. Vroom's and Capt. C. Ten Eyck's companies.
Slader, Thomas.
Sloan, James, Capt. Fulkerson's company. Second Battalion ; State troops ;
Continental army, in First Battalion, Second Establishment.
Sloat, William.
Slover, Isaac.
Slover, Jacob.
Smalley, Jonas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Smell, Bobard.
Smith, Adam, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Smith, Ethan.
Smith, Jeremy.
Smith, John, also corporal in Continental army,
•Smith, William.
Smock, Abram, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Smock, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Smyley, Robert.
Snowden, John, Capt. Duryea's company.
Solter, Thomas.
Soper, Thomas, also in Continental army, in Capt. Martin's company.
Sortore, Henry, Capt. Duryea's company.
Sortore, Jacob, Capt. Duryea's company.
Southard, Richard.
Spader, Benjamin.
Spader, Bergen.
Spader, Jonathan, Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion.
Spader, William, Capt. Vroom's company, Second Battalion.
Sparks, Gabriel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Sparks, James.
Sparks, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Squire, Simeon.
Staats, Peter.
Staats, Rynear, Capt. Vroom's company.
Stapleton, Richard.
Steel, Alexander, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Steel, Jonathan, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Steele, John.
Steele, John, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Stephens, Peter.
Stephenson, John.
Stevens, Joseph, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Steward, Charles.
Steward, David, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Steward, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Stewart, Alexander, also in Continental army.
Stewart, David, Capt. Corey's company ; State troops ; Continental army,
in Capt. Forman's company.
Stewart, Robert, also in Continental army. Fourth Battalion, Second Es-
tablishment; killed at the battle of Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777.
Stillwell, Azariah ('* Ezeriah").
Stillwell, Garrec, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Stillwell, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Stillwell, Siaa.
Stoll {or Stull), Joseph, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; in Continental
army, in Capt. Piatt's company.
Storan, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, First Battalion.
Stotehoff, Albert, Capt. Vroom's company.
Stotehoff, Cornelius, also express-rider.
Stotehoff, John.
Stout, Benjamin.
Stout, James.
Stout, John, Capt. Duryea's company.
Stout, William.
Stryker, Abram, Capt. Quick's company ; State troops ; and Continental
army, in First Battalion Second Establishment.
Stryker, Abraham, Capt. Vroom's company. Second Battalion.
Stryker, Barnet, Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Stryker, Dominicus.
Stryker, Isaac, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Stryker, James, troop light-horse.
Stryker, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Stryker, Peter, troop light-horse.
Stryker, Peter, Capt. Duryea's company, First Battalion.
Stryker, Peter, Sr.
Stryker, Rano, Capt. Duryea's company.
Stryker, Simon.
Stuart, James.
Stuart, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Sunderlin, Peter.
Sutphen, Arthur, Capt. Duryea's company.
Sutphen, Derrick.
Sutphen, Gilbert.
Sutphen, Guisbert, Capt. Duryea's company.
Sutphen, John, Capt. Duryea's company.
Sutphen, Peter.
Sutphen, Ruliff.
Sutphen, Samuel.
Sutton, Amos.
Sutton, John.
Sutton, Peter. "*•
Sutton, Zebulon.
Swaim (or Swain), Isaac, Capt. Duryea's company.
Swaim, John.
Swim, Isaac.
Sylvester, Peter.
Sympeen, Cornelius.
Tappan, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Taylor, Isaac.
Taylor, Willet, Capt. Vroom's company.
Teeple, George.
Teeple, John, Capts. Jacob Ten Eyck's and Sebring's companies.
Teeple, Luke, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ten Eyck, Abram.
Ten Eyck, Andreas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company. '
Ten Eyck, Andrew J.
Ten Eyck, Andries, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Ten Eyck, Cornelius, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ten Eyck, Jacob, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ten Eyck, John.
Ten Eyck, Matthias, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ten Eyck, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Ten Eyck, Withen, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Terhune, Garret, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company; also express-
rider.
Terhune, Stephen.
Teumey (or Teuney), John.
Thomas, David.
Thompson, Samuel.
Thomson, James.
Thomson, John.
Tingley, Ebenezer.
Tingley, Jeremiah.
100
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Todd, David.
Todd, James.
Todd, "William.
Toland, John.
Tone, John.
Traner, Simon.
Tunison, Derrick, in companies of Capts. Jacob Ten Eyck and John
Sebring.
Tunison, Fulkert, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Tunison, Henry, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck'e company.
Tunison, James.
Tunison, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck^s company.
Ubdike (Updyke), Lawrence, Capt. Duryea's company.
TJbdike (Updyke), Rolif, Capt. Duryea's company.
Updyke, Brogan.
A'^alentine, Borne.
Valentine, Jacob, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Tan Allen, Derrick, Capt Lett's company; also State troops, and Conti-
nental army.
Yan Arsdalen, Abram, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Caleb.
Yan Arsdalen, Capture, Capt, Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Christian, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Christopher, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Cornelius, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Donald, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Garret, Capt. Yroom's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Harmon.
Yan Arsdalen, Hendrick, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Henry, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, James, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company ; also State troops ;
and Continental army, in Capt. Piatt's company.
Yan Arsdalen, John, Capt. Yroom's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Noah, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Philip, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Arsdalen, Stuffel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Arsdalen, "Wilhelmus.
Yan Asdalen, Jacob, Capt. Duryea's company.
Yan Asdol, Hermanus.
Yan Asdol, Isaac.
Van Audler, Abram, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Ausdaul, Jacob.
Yan Beuren, Abram.
Yan Beuren, John.
Yan Beuren, William.
Van Brunt, Nicholas.
Van Clafe, Puryas, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company,
Yan Cleaf, Garret, also dragoon.
Yan Cleaf, Isaac,
Yan Corte (Yan Court), John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Court, Michael.
Yan Dabecke, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yanderbeak, Andrew.
Vanderbilt, Cornelius.
Vanderbilt, Jacob, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Vanderbilt, Peter.
Yanderdunk, Henry.
Yanderveer, John, Capt. Duryea's company,
Vanderveer, Matthew.
Yanderveer, Peter.
Yanderventer, Abram, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yandervoort, Gabriel.
Vandewater, Abram, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Dike, Isaac, Capt. Moore's company.
Yan Dike, Jacob, troop light-horse.
Van, Dike, Jacob, Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
Van Dike, John, troop light-horse.
Van Dike, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Vandine, John, Capt. Stryker's Troop Light-Horse.
Yan Doren, Abram.
Yan Doren, Benjamin, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Doren, Burgam, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Doren, Christian, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Doren, Isaac.
Yan Doren, Jacob.
Yan Doren, Peter.
Yan Doren, William.
Yan Dorn, Chrystoyan, Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Dorn, Cornelius (1st), Capt. C. Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Dorn, Cornelius (2d), Capt, C. Ten Eyck's company.
Van Dorn, Jacob.
Van Dorn, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company,
Yan Duyck, Cornelius, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company,
Yan Dyck, Frederick.
Yan Dyck, John, Capt. Yroom's company.
Yan Dyck, William, Capt. Yroom's company.
Van Dyke, Hendrick.
Van Dyne, Abram.
Yan Dyne, Cornelius.
Yan Dyne, John.
Yan Dyne, William.
Yan Harglen, Rynear.
Yan Harler, Edward, Capt. Duryea's company.
Van Horn, Cornelius.
Yan Houten, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Lew, Cornelius.
Yan Lew, Denice (or Dennis).
Yan Lew, Frederick.
Yan Lew, Hendrick.
Yan Lew, Jeremiah.
Van Lew, John.
Van Lew, Peter.
Yan Lew, Kichard.
Yan Middleswart, Tunis, Sr., Capt. Yroom's company.
Yan Middleswart, Tunis, Jr., Capt. Yroom's company.
Van Middlesworth, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Van Middlesworth, Thomas, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Muler, Cornelius.
Yan Nest, Abram.
Yan Nest, Bernard, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Nest, Cornelius.
Yan Nest, George, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Nest, Jacobus, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Nest, Jeromus.
Yan Nest, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company,
Yan Nest, Kuliff.
Yan Nest, Tunis, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Netten, John, First Battalion ; also in State troops, and Continental
army, Capt. Piatt's company.
Yan Norden, Daniel.
Yan Norden, David.
Van Norden, Michael.
Yan Norden, Tobias.
Van Norsdalen, Philip.
Yan Nortwick, Hendrick, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Nostrand, Crisparius.
Yan Nostrand, George, also in Continental army.
Van Nostrand (or Yan Ostrand), Jacob.
Yan Nowdent, Michael.
Yan Nuys, Jacobus, in companies of Capts. Yroom and C. Ten Eyck.
Van Ostrand, John.
Yan Ostrand, Matthew, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Pelt, Abram.
Van Pelt, Christian.
Van Pelt, Christopher, Capt. Duryea's company.
Yan Pelt, Garret.
Yan Pelt, Kurlif, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Van Pelt, Teras, Capt. Duryea's company.
Van Pelt, Tunis, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Van Sant, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Sickle, John.
Yan Sickle, Thomas.
Van Sickle, Zachariah.
Yan Tine, Bynear.
Yan Tyle, Abram.
Van Tyle, John, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Van Tyle, Orto, Capt. John Sebring's company.
Yan Voorheese, Abram, First Battalion ; also in Continental army, Capt.
Piatt's company.
Yan Voorheese, Abram, Jr., First Battalion ; also in State troops.
Yan Voorheese, Ccmrt, Capt. Yroom's company.
Van Voorheese, John, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Yan Wagonen, C, Capt. Yroom's company.
SLAVERY AND SERVITUDE IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET.
101
Van Wagoner, Conrad, in companies of Capts. C. Ten Eyck, Jacob Ten
Eyck, and in Stryker's light-horae.
Van Zaudt, John, Capt. Duryea'a company, First Battalion.
Van Zandt, Peter.
Varmon, Nebeiniah.
Veghte, Henry.
Voorhees, Abraham, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyok'a company.
Voorbees, Court, Lieut. Bergen's company.
Voorheea, Gerardus.
Voorbees, Gilbert, Capt. Duryea's company.
Voorhees, Grades, Capt. Dnryea's company.
Voorbees, Gnisbert.
Voorhees, James, Capt. Duryea's company.
Voorbees, Jeremiah, Capt. Bui-yea's company.
Voorhees, John, Capt. Stryker's troop Ught-borse.
Voorbees, Lucas.
Voorbees, Martines.
Voorheea, Minnab.
Voorhees, Obadiah, Capt. Duryea's company.
Voorbees, William.
Voorbeese, David.
Voorbeese, Garret, Lieut. Bergen's company.
Voorbeese, Hendrick (or Heuiy).
Voorbeese, Isaac.
Voorbeese, Jacob (or Jacobus), Capt. Vroom's company, and Capt. 0. Ten
Eyck's company.
Voorbeese, Jacques.
Voorbeese, Paul, also in the Continental army.
Voorbeese, Peter, Capt. Vroom's company, and Conrad Ten Eyck's com-
pany.
Voorbeese, Ham, Capt. Duryea's company.
Voiiuus, Nicholas, Capt. Moore's company.
Vorious, Peter, Capt. Moore's company.
VuBseller, Jacob, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Vosaeller, Jacob, Jr., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Vosseller, Lucas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Vtaseller, Luke, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Viisaeller, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Vroom, George.
Vvoom, John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Vroom, Peter, Capt. Vroom's company.
Wade, Thomas, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Waldron, Bei^jamin.
Waldron, Cornelius.
Waldron, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's comp»ny.
W'allace, William.
Webb, Matthew, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
WheaTour, Adolphus, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
Wheeler, Charles.
Wbeeler, Simon.
Wbilsou, William, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
White, Denice (or Dennis).
^Vbitenaught (or Whitnack), Andreas.
AVhitenaught, John.
Whitlock, James, also in the Continental army, in Capt. Bond's com-
pany ; taken prisoner Feb. 15, 1777, near Woodbridge.
Whortman, John.
WickofF, Cornelius.
Wickoff (or Wyckoff), John, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Wickoff, Peter, Lieut. Bergen's company.
Willet, Samuel.
Williams, Cornelius, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Williams, Samuel, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Williams, Stephen.
Williamson, Cornelius, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Williamson, James.
Williamson, John, Capt. Moore's company.
Williamson, Joseph.
Williamson, Nicholas.
Williamson, William.
WilBon, Jacob.
Wilson, James.
Wilson, John.
Wilson, Kindert.
Wilson, Shinab.
Wilson, Thomas.
Wilson, Wm., Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company, and Capt. Stryker's troop.
Winans, William, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Wiuings, Benjamin.
Winings, Philip, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Winter, Jacob, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company, and Capt. Quick's
company; also Continental army, First Battalion, Second Establish-
meut
Winter, Joseph.
Winter, Peter, Capt. Vroom's company.
Wintersteen, Jacobus, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Woan, Peter, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Wortman, Andrew.
Tates, Ephraim, Capt. Moore's company, Second Battalion.
Teagley, Adam.
Young, George, Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck's company.
Toung, John, Capt. Duryea's company.
Toung, Philip, Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck's company.
A " census of pensioners for Revolutionary and
military services, with their names, ages, and places
of residence, 1840," shows that there were living at
that date in
HUNTERDON COUNTY:
BeOilehem Totonship, Jacob Johnston, 87 ; John Head, 83 ; John Bigler,
84; Leonard Martin, 84 ; John Clifford, 92.
Amwell Township. Jacob Williamson, Sr., 86 ; Peter Williamson, 77 ;
John Abbott, Sr., 82 ; Amos Peters, 81 ; Jacob Williamson, 80.
Baritan Toionship. Martin Smith, 84 ; Joseph Gray, Sr., 81 ; John Besson,
90; John Howe, 86.
Readington Toionship. Cornelius Latourette, 85 ; Adrian Johnson, 85 ;
Cornelius Messier, 81 ; Edward Mitchell, 85 ; Peter Shirts, Sr., 92,
Ldaware Tovmship. William Dilts, 8G ; Elijah Hummell, 84 ; Tunis Case,
79 ; Andrew Butterfoss, 81 ; James Underwood, 77 ; William Geary,
85 ; Daniel Ent, 83 ; Samuel Barber, 84.
Alexandria Tovmship. Catharine Hoagland, 85; Edwin Dalrymple, 88;
John Witing, 77.
Lebanon Toionship. Jacob Nitzer, 97 ; John Blane, 82.
Kingwood Tovmship. John Mires, 81 ; John Bray, 85 ; Richard Heatb,
84 ; Christy Little, 77.
TewJcsbury To tfjwTitp. Christopher Pbilbower, 86.
SOMERSET COUNTY:
Bedminster TovmsMp. William Todd, 79; Joseph Annin, 89; Hendi'ick
Field, 88.
Bernard Township. Henry Southard, 92; Hannah Van Sickel, 84; Na-
thaniel Whittaker, 80; Ziba Norria, 78; Mary Kennan, 76; John
Toulin, 69 ; Joseph Kennan, 58.
^anklin Township. Isaac Brokaw, ; James D. Perrien, ; John C,
Wyckoff, 83; Ellen Van Tyne, 78.
Warrm Tovmship. John Coddiugton, 78 ; John Pennington, 78.
BridgewcUer JbiOTwfttp. Jacob Degroot, 90; Robert Little, 86; John
Steele, Sr., 85 ; Henry Vroom, 83 ; Richard Brokaw, 83 ; Lucius Vos-
seller, 83 ; Paul Voorhees, 82 ; Rulif Van Pelt, 82 ; John A. Autin,
78
Hillsborough Township. Adam ^Bellis, 91; George N. Scbamp, 89;
Dinah Van Cleaf, 86 ; Peter Voorhees, 84 ; Peter J. Quick, 81 ; Willet
Taylor, 81.'
CHAPTER VIIL
SLAVEKY AND SERVITUDE IN" HUWTERDON
AND SOMERSET.
The " Peculiar Institution" in the Seventeenth Century Servants in the
Colonial Days Indian Slaves Redemption ers Laws concerning Slav-
ery The Quakers and the Institution Few Capital Crimes committed
by Negro Slaves Negroes hung for Murdering Whites in Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties Negro Rebellion in 1734 Abolition of Slavery
Manumission Rev. Dr. Finley and the "American Colonization
Society."
A FAITHFUL and correct history of those who have
lived here before us, must contain some mention of
102
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
the " peculiar institution" which is happily now no
more. One hundred and eighty years ago, and dur-
ing the century succeeding that time, the inhabit-
ants of New Jersey, in common with those of other
States, considered slavery no crime, and at that early
day it had become one of her institutions. Even the
Quaker settlers at Burlington owned negroes, and the
Dutch, who came up the valley of the Rarita'n, brought
servants with them ; ,so that in 1740 three-fourths of
all the corn that was planted and hoed, flax raised and
dressed, and other work done, was performed by negro
slaves. The records in the clerks' offices of both Hun-
terdon and Somerset Counties show that in the first
ten years of the present century a large number of the
old families still held slaves upon their farms.
Under the proprietors persons were imported into
the province, as " servants,'' to occupy and improve
the land and perform other labors. While these ser-
vants did not absolutely forfeit their personal liberty
by their engagements with their masters, they were
still, in all essential particulars, bondmen, held in
servitude, and entirely controlled by those who had
brought them into the province for their own profit.
It was slavery in everything save the name, a species
of white slavery, for the servitude was for life, and
in some instances included their children also.
The constitution of New Jersey, signed Feb. 10,
1664 (0. S.), by Lord Berkeley and Sir George Car-
teret,* to encourage planters, promised every freeman
who should embark with the first Governor or meet
him on his arrival, provided with a ''good musket,
bore twelve bullets to the pound, with bandeliers
and match convenient, and with six months' provi-
sions for himself," one hundred and fifty acres of
land, and the like number for every man-servant or
slavet brought with him provided with the same ne-
cessaries. To females over the age of fourteen sev-
enty-five acres were promised, and a similar number
to every Christian servant at the expiration of his or
her term of service. Those going before the 1st of
January, 1665-66, were to receive one hundred and
twenty acres, if master, mistress, or able man-servant
or slave, and weaker servants, male or female, sixty
acres ; those going during the third year three- fourths,
and during the fourth year one-half of these quanti-
ties. J
In a letter from James Johnston, of Spottswood,
dated Feb. 13, 1685, " from Piscattaway, in East Jer-
* "The Concessions and Agreement of the Lords Proprietors of the
Province of New Cajsarea, to and with all and every of the adventurers,
and all such as shall settle or plant there." See Appendix to Smith's
Hist, of the Colony ot Nova-Ca>saria, pp. 612-521; also, Bancroft's
Hist. United States (vol. ii. p. 316, ninth ed.).
t Whitehead's "East Jersey under the Proprietary Governments," pp.
38, 39. In a foot-note he says, " Whether any slaves were actually
brought to New Jersey under the Concessions is uncertain ; but if so,
they must have been very few in number, and probably none were di-
rectly imported from Africa for some years thereafter."
t In the "Concessions" of the West Jersey proprietors, which were
similarly worded, the words " or slave" are omitted. ifisf. Coll N J n
38. •••.!â–
sey," he says : " Dear Brother. ... I stand in
need of forty pound value of goods and some Ser-
vants."! In 1684, Thomas Eudyard, first represen-
tative of Gov. Barclay in the province, claimed
head-lands for his two daughters and six servants,
and received a warrant for two hundred and thirty
acres of land, to be surveyed for him on South Eiver. ||
Many of the early settlers were sent out, in the em-
ploy of the different proprietaries and landholders,
under such agreements as would afford them the
benefits of the head-land grants for each individual
brought into the province, fifty acres being allowed
to each master of a family, and twenty -five acres for
each person composing it, whether wife, child, or ser-
vant, each servant to be found three years, at the end
of which time he or she was to be allowed to take up
thirty acres on separate account. Under this plan
there was a shipment from Scotland in 1682, brought
out by Eudyard and Groom, and another the follow-
ing year, on board the " Exchange,'' Capt. Peacock,
which brought thirty-one men- and women-servants
under two overseers. This was but the beginning of
an extensive traffic in servants, as the records of East
Jersey show. Among the names mentioned as figur-
ing in these importations we find Gawen Lawrie,
William Haige, Thomas Pearson, William Dockwra,
John Barclay, Eobert Fullerton, John Campbell,
Capt. Alexander Hamilton, David Mudie, Lord Neill
Campbell, John Forbes, James Johnstone, George
Keith, Charles Gordon, the Scotch proprietaries, etc.1[
It is a fact not generally known at the present day
that native Indians as well as negroes were at one
time held in slavery in New Jersey. This is proved
by occasional references to " Indian slaves" found in
ancient records. Such an instance is found in the " Jour-
nal of the House of Eepresentatives for the Province
of Nova Cesarea, in the Second General Assembly and
1st Sessions, begun at Burlington this 13th day of Nov"',
1704," under date "Die Veneris, A.M. 24° 9'"''',
1704," as follows :
" Onliti-cd, That a Bill be Prepared & brought in for y« Speedy tryin)j
& Regulating of Negro & Indian Slaves ; & y< M' Hartshorn, Capt. Bown
Ac. do prepare and bring in y= same ; And then The H Adjourned till i "
a Clock."
And in the afternoon session of the same day :
Mr. Hartshorn also (according to Order) presented to y« H a Bill En-
tituled an Act for Regulating Negro, Indian & Molatto Slaves w* was.
also read the lirst time."
On the 28th of the same month,
" The Bill Entituled an Act for Regulating of Negro, Indian & Molatto
Slaves was read y= 2i Time & Committed to M' Gordon, M' Wheeler,
M' Laurence & M' Smith. "
i Whitehead's " East Jersey under the Proprietors," p. 444. In the
same work (pp. 438-440) is an interesting letter "writ by Peter Watson
(who went over a Servant with David Barclay, in the year 1683) to John
Watson, Messenger, in Selkirk." The letter is dated "New Perth, the
20th of August, 1684."
II Whitehead, p. 106.
If Ibid., p. 136.
SLAVERY AND SERVITUDE IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET.
103
On the 29th,
" M' Gordon Reported from y^ ComM to whom y Bill Entituled an Act
for Regnlatlng of Negro, Indian and Molatto Slaves was Committed yt
tbey had gone thro' y» 8* Bill & made Bev' Amendments thereto, w^h he
read in his place, & afterwards delivered it at y Table, where y« same
were read & w^ some further Amendments, Agreed to by ye House.
Ordered That y® ^ Bill w^b ye Amendments be Engiossed. "
On the 30th, at the afternoon session,
" The Bill Entituled an Act for Regulating of Negro, Indian and Mo-
latto Slaves wiin this Province of N. Jersey was also read yo 3d time. "
Besolved that y Bill do pass."
The council proposed some amendments to the
bill, which were concurred in by the House December
10, and approved by the Governor Dec. 12, 1704.
The above, and some other similar fragmentary
allusions to the subject, show that Indian slavery
existed and was legally recognized in New Jersey ;
but, beyond this fact, nothing has been found in ref-
erence to its extent or the period of its duration.
There also prevailed in New Jersey and adjoining
provinces another species of servitude besides negro
and Indian slavery, the subjects of it being known as
redemptioners, a class of persons who sold them-
selves for a term of years to pay the price of their
passage to the shores of America. These emigrants
on embarking signed a bond to the master of the ves-
sel authorizing him, on arrival here, to sell them into
servitude for a term sufficient to pay the price agreed
on for passage. After gaining their freedom many of
them succeeded in placing themselves in comfortable
circumstances, and some even became wealthy men.
Servants of this class were first found along the
Delaware River about 1662, and for a quarter of a
century after that time domestic or mechanical labor
was seldom employed for wages. Many of the re-
demptioners who served in New Jersey were from the
Palatinate and other parts of Germany, but a few
were Irish. Redemptioners from German and Dutch
ports were frequently brought over on speculation,
and when they landed were sold at public sale. The
purchaser had the right to re-sell the services of the
poor redemptioners, and he often passed through sev-
eral hands before he had served out his term. The
price paid for them was usually very low. In the
year 1722, at Philadelphia, German redemptioners
sold at ten pounds each for five years of servitude,
but in some cases they brought more than that sum
for a single year. It is related that, in the year 1728,
Lord Altham, then a lad, came to this country un-
known, and was sold as a redemptioner in Pennsyl-
vania, working out his time with a farmer on the
Lancaster turnpike.
This form of servitude prevailed most along the
lower Delaware River and in adjacent parts of Penn-
sylvania and New Jersey, but it existed, to a less ex-
tent, in both Hunterdon and Somerset Counties. An
account is given of the purchase of one of these ser-
vants by a member of the Van Horn family, in Read-
ington township, Hunterdon Co., as follows :
" In accordance ^vlth the custom of that period, the Van Horns bought
of a sea-captain the service of a German emigrant for a term of years
in order to defray the expenses of his passage to New York. It soon
became known that this emigrant waa an excellent mason by trade, and
being a shrewd man as well as a good mechanic, he entered into a bar-
gain with his employers to build them three stone houses in three suc-
cessive seasons (some say they were all to be built within the same year),
in lieu of his term of service, which was not less than three years. He
fulfilled his contract, and claimed all the time as his own during these
seasons in which he was not actually engaged upon these three build-
ings.* "
One of the stone houses referred to as built by the
redemptioner (whose name was Caspar Berger), was
the old Van Horn house, bearing the date 1757 and
the initials " C. V. H.," and standing about half a
mile west of White House Station, a little north of
the railroad-track. Another is the house now or re-
cently occupied by William Pickel, and the third is
said to have been the old stone house demolished a
few years since by G. C. Gearhart to make room for
his new residence. Concerning the identity of this
last named, however, there is some doubt.
It has been stated that the ancestors of the Ilsly
(Inslee?) family who first came to America were
indentured under this system as servants to farmers
in the vicinity of Woodbridge, or rather that the
master of the ship on which they came attempted to
sell them, but failed to carry his project through.
" There is a tradition, which may or may not be true, that they came
over in the old ship ' Caledonia,' the wreck of which for many years was
seen on the shore at Perth Amboy by some who are yet (1873) living. It
is said that, driven by persecution, the Ilslys, with other Dissenters, were
compelled to flee from their homes, which were either in England or in
the north part of Scotland, and were allowed by their enemies to depart
only because they embarked on the unseaworthy ' Caledonia,' which was
confidently expected to founder at sea and engulf the sturdy heretics.
But, lo ! they came safely into harbor. Before they landed, however,,
the Dutch captain proceeded to bind them over as servants to the planters
in the vicinity, according to custom, until certain real or fancied debts in
the old country had been discharged. A Mrs. Ilsly, filled with indigna-
tion, seized a bar of iron, and, flourishing it over the captain's bead,
declared, with emphasis,' that she and the rest had fled from tyranny at
home to find quiet in the new land, and that she would not submit to
slavery right on the borders of freedom. The doughty captain was
cowed by the determination of the brave woman, and saved his head by
landing his passengers without the indentures having been executed.t "
Although the " redemptioners" system had been in
existence for many years prior to 1725, yet by far the
greater number of these unfortunates were sold to
service during the twenty-five years which succeeded
that time. After the middle of the eighteenth cen-
tury, however, it gradually died out, and finally dis-
appeared entirely, though there were occasional in-
stances of its practice down to, and even after, the
close of the Revolution.
The earliest instance of the holding of negro slaves in
New Jersey which is found recorded is that of Col.
Richard Morris, of Shrewsbury, who had as early as
1680 sixty or more slaves about his mill and planta-
* " Our Home," 1873, p. 387.
f " Woodbridge and Vicinity,"
by Rev. Joseph W. Dally,
104
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
tion.* The inhabitants of the Earitan valley all had
slaves as early as 1686 or 1690. In 1790 there were
eleven thousand four hundred and tvi^enty-three slaves
in New Jersey, of which number about two thousand
were in Hunterdon and Somerset ; they had increased
to twelve thousand four hundred and twenty-two in
1800, after which the number very rapidly declined.
Between 1700 and 1800 the traffic was largely carried
on, and records of the sale of Africans are frequently
found. In the Woodbridge town records is the fol-
lowing :
" Know all men by these preeenta y^ J, Shobalt Smith, of Woodbridge,
Jn ye County of Middx Jn y^ provence New East Jersey, for and Jn Con-
sideration of yi sum of fifty pound Currant Silver money, of y s* prov-
ence, to me Jn band paid by Samuel Smith of ye same place yeoman of
ye town and provence afores*! do bargain, sell, allineat, and Deliver, one
Negro woman Named Phebe to sd SamU Smith, for him, his heirs and
' etc.f
It is not to be wondered at that the introduction of
negro slavery into New Jersey was coeval with its
settlement, when it is remembered that the mother-
country not only recognized their existence as prop-
erty, but also engaged in the slave trade, and that the
-adjoining provinces possessed them ; not even Puri-
tanic New England being exempt. J The Eoyal "
African Company" was particularly commended to
the Governor of New .Jersey (Cornbury) by Queen
Anne as deserving of encouragement.^ This was in
the year 1702.
"The early settlers, in clearing the forests, were much assisted by their
slaves. In some families they were numerous. The success of the farm-
ers depended on the rapid clearing of the forests, in which they rendered
important assistance.
One of the Vleet families (in Somerset County), it was said, owned "
seventeen slaves, composed of different ages and both sexes. Cornelius
DeHart purchased from a slave-vessel a negro girl named Phillis who had
been kidnapped, and who waa a daughter of one of the kings of Africa.
She related that on the voyage to America she was often terribly fright-
ened by some of the crew attempting to feel of her hands, she supposing
that it was done for the purpose of ascertaining whether she was in good
condition for slaughtering and her carcass to be eaten, as the neighboring
tribes of cannibals did in Africa, to avoid which she fasted to cause lean-
ness, so as to disappoint them in their expectations, and thereby preserve
her life. She was a faithful servant in the family, but had a great desire
that a time might come when she would be able to say that she the
king's daughter, was free. Her desire in the course of time was granted.
Another of her desires was that before she died she might also see her
youngest son, Thomas, free, which she was also permitted to see. In her
old age Abraham Dehart built a house for her ou his land, in which she
enjoyed the freedom so earnestly coveted, and in which she lived and
died. Her son Thomas, who was also freed, lived therein with her until
she died. Her remains lie buried with those of several of her children
in a colored burying-grouud ou the south bank of the Six-Mile-Eun
Brook, with others of the Vleet, Van Cleef, and DeHart colored families,
located about two hundred yards east of the residence of Ralph Voor-
bees, Jr.
" Almost every family in former days had places on their farms where
they buried their colored dead. About two hundred yards north of the
house of Mrs. Peter Hageman is a colored burying-ground where those
of the Wyckoff and Hageman families were buried. There was another
near the tenant-house of Henry Cortleyou, on the south side of the line
between the lands of Van Cleef and Hageman. When the new road was
* This seems to conflict with Gordon's statement (p. 29, Gazetteer"") "
that in the same year there were but one hundred and twenty negroes
in bondage in the province.
t Liber B, folio 100.
X Hist. Coll. N. J.', pp. 88-89.
g Smith's Hist, of N. J., p. 254.
laid out at that place between the turnpike and the Middlebush road,
about iifty years ago, it was objected to and opposed on account of its
passing over the colored burying-ground; nevertheless, it was laid there.
On each side of the line between the Stryker and StothoflF farms, near
Franklin Park, is another, which was established for burying the colored
dead of their familieB."|J
In 1709 an act of Assembly forbade persons trading
with slaves, except by consent of their owners, under
penalty of twenty shillings for the first and forty shil-
lings for the second offense, one-half to go to the in-
former. A negro, if found five miles from his home,
was taken up and whipped by the party apprehend-
ing him, five shillings being paid for the services. If
the negro was from another province, the informer
received ten shillings and the negro was whipped by
the nearest constable. For conspiracy to kill a white
person, for rape, murder, or arson, the negro was to
be taken before three justices of the peace and five
freeholders, without a grand jury, and if convicted
was compelled to suffer death in such manner as the
enormity of the crime, in the judgment of the justices
and freeholders, seemed meet. The owner of the
slave, however, had a right to appeal and have a jury
appointed, with liberty to make challenges as in
other cases.1[ The same act sets forth :
" Whereas such negro so put to death is a great loss to his owner,
therefore, to prevent said owner from being under the temptation of
withdrawing and secreting said slave, it is provided he shall receive
for each man slave executed thirty pounds, and for each woman slave
twenty pounds,** to be collected in manner and form to wit: The con-
stables to deliver a list of all negro, Indian, or mulatto slaves in their
district, between the ages of fourteen and fifty years, at the May and
June terms of the Court of Quarter Sessions. When a slave is executed
these lists to be taken by the justices of the peace, or any three of them,
and the damages assessed. "
The public whipper was the township constable.
The newspapers of those times frequently contained
advertisements of negroes " strayed" or " ran away
from the subscriber," etc., and in the county records
are found registers of births, bills of sale, as well as of
manumission of slaves.
The Quakers early showed their hostility to the
importation of negro slaves : vide the following ex-
tracts from the Yearly Meeting's minutes for 1716,
meeting held at Burlington, N. J. :
" For the Quarterly Meeting at Shrewsberry, Chester meeting pro-
poses their concern about the practice of buying negroes imported.
Urging that former minutes and orders are not sufficient to discourage
their importation,tt and therefore requests that no Friends may buy aoy
II Hon. Ralph Voorhees.
H Act of 1Y14, Neville's Laws, I, p. 19.
** In the Governor's speech to the Assembly, read on the 24th of Octo-
ber, 1707, occurs the following: '^ Gentlemen, Since I wrote this one
thing more Occurs to my thoughts, which is this: I haVe Keceived In- '
formation from very good hands that the Negroes are grown very Inso-
lent, and Committ great Enormities, the best Expedient I can recom-
mend to you in that case is the passing a law to Settle a price upon the
head of every Ncgroe who Shall be put to death in pureuance of the
Law, to be paid to the owner of every such Negi-o, this I hope will be a
means to frighten them from Committing any the like Enormities for
the future. Journal mid Votes of Oie Souse of Bepresentalives of New "
Jersey, 1703, p. 128.
ft The Yearly Meeting had, in 1696, advised Friends " not to encour-
age the bringing in of any more negroes," and recommended that they
"be careful of them, bring them to meeting, and have meetings with
them in their families. "
SLAVEEY AND SERVITUDE IN HUNTBRDOR AND SOMERSET.
105
Tiegrro for tbe future. Ab to the proposal from Chester meeting about
ni'groes, there being no more iu it than was proposed to the last Yearly
Meetiug, this meeting cannot see any better conclusion than what was
tliB judgment of the last, and therefore do confirm the same. . . And
it is desired that Friends generally do as much as may be [to] avoid buy-
ing such negi'ces as shall be hereafter brought in, rather than offend any
fi lends who are against it. . . Tet this ia only caution, not censure."*
That the conscience of this people was not at rest
the following from the Woodbridge meeting, June
17, 1738, shows:
" Fiirsuant to a Kequest in the extracts of the yearly meeting nunutea
at Philadelphia coDSerning the Importation of negroes & buying them
after they are Imported Friends have inquired into it & Do find that four
or five years ago Som have bin Imported by a Friend and that it hath bin
three or four years Since Friends have bought of them that was Imported
and not since to their Knowlidg.-]- "
For several years the holding of slaves agitated the
society. A report to the Monthly Meeting at Plain-
field in August, 1774, shows that at this time only one
negro "fit for freedom" within the jurisdiction of the
society remained a slave.t
It is a noticeable fact that so few crimes were com-
mitted by the slaves. Pilfering there always was, but
it was of a petty character, and perpetrated generally
to obtain some luxury not allowed them. Cases of
murder, arson, etc., were extremely rare. But two in-
stances are known in all the territory of both Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties where slaves murdered whites,
that of James Guise, in 1828, who murdered his
mistress, in Hunterdon County, and was hung at
Flemington ; and the murder of Jacob Van Nest by
his slave, about 1753, in Branchburg, Somerset Co.,
for which the murderer was burned I at Millstone,
then the county-seat. II A more extended account of
this affair will be found in the township history
of Branchburg.
Notwithstanding these exceptional cases, the peace-
able disposition of the negroes is universally attested ;
and yet, says Dr. Messier, " there had been a sort
of rebellion among them along the Earitan in 1734,
in consequence of which one at least, if not more,
was hung. It is called a ' rising,' and the design
was to obtain their freedom, kept from them, as they
believed, contrary to the express directions of the
king, and the plan was to murder all the whites and
then join the Indians in the interest of the French,
but it failed to do any real harm or have any results.
There seems to be, and no doubt was, a connection
* Daily's Woodbridge and Vicinity, p. 73, et 8eq.
t Ibid., p. 74.
X Ibid., p. 218.
I This is not the only instance of this mode of punishment. Burning
for capital offenses was the fashion, rather than hanging, in the early
days. In Perth Amboy two slaves were burned within two weeks of the
time of the perpetration of the crime.
y '* We have notice of a case of arson succeeded by a public execution,
a-rid also of the murder of one slave by another." Meml^a Siel. Somer-
t-it County, p. 128.
The case of arson here mentioned by Dr. Messier must be that of
Tobey, negro slave of Mary Middagh, of Hillsborough, Somerset Co.,
tried, found guilty, and hung in 1780, an example of swift Jersey
justice. He was executed four days after the indictment 1
between these transactions and tbe famous ' negro
plot' of New York in 1741. Another 'rising' was
feared in 1772, but precautionary measures were
adopted, and the excitement passed off."
" An act had been passed as early as 1713 levying
a duty on the importation of negroes, but it seems not
to have been enforced. It was forty shillings in East
New Jersey, and six pounds in West New Jersey. "
This inequality in the tax was obviated by subsequent
enactments, which continued in force until the Revo-
lution.
" It ought to be noted, also, as an evidence in favor of the gentleness
and amenity of domestic slavery in our country, that when the slaves
were invited by the British in the Revolution to' abandon their homes
and seek refuge in their armies, very few of them responded. The In-
dians were deceived into activity and fought bravely for their natural
enemies, but the slaves remained in quietness. There were, in fact,
slaves enough in the country to have decided the contest against us, if
they had generally entered the armies of our enemies.
*' When Sunday-schools were introduced the negroes were largely
benefited by them [and many became members of .Christian churches]. "
"But in the old church of Raritan, after the Great Revival, was the
largest number. At one cotamuuion season sixty-eight colored persona
came down from tbe galleries and sat down at the table, spread then,
according to older customs, in the middle aisle of the church. Most of
these are now no more, but during their life they maintained a consistent
demeanor, and died in the hope of a better condition.l[ "
From Feb. 24, 1821, dates the first legislative action
having for its object the abolition of slavery. It
provided that the children of all slaves in New Jer-
sey born subsequent to July 4, 1804, should have
their freedom upon attaining to the ages of twenty-
five and twenty-one for males and females respec-
tively. Under the operations of this humane legisla-
tion slavery gradually expended its existence. The
people of this section generally favored the emanci-
pation, and many even anticipated legislation in free-
ing their slaves. Moore Furman in 1784,** the heirs of
George Opdyke in 1796, the heirs of Richard Green
in 1798, Joseph Capner in 1799, John Lambert, Jr., in
1808, and a host of others, manumitted slaves prior to
any legislative action looking to their liberation.
It is an honor to Somerset County that one of her
citizens, Rev. Robert Finley, D.D., was the pioneer in
efforts for the formation of the " American Coloniza-
tion Society," an institution which has done much
in the past for the amelioration of the condition of
the colored race and in christianizing Africa.
T[ Rev. Abraham Messier, D.D.
** We find in the records of the Hunterdon County clerk's oflBce, dated
Jan. 7, 1784, that the sheriff executed the following:
" To ALL CnnisTiAN People to whom these Presents shall come,
GREiiTiNG: I, Moore Fui-man, being convinced of the iniquity and in-
humanity of slavery, and desirous of discouraging the same, have man-
umitted my negro man slave Thomas, and do by these presents manumit,
set free, and discharge my negro man Thomas from all bonds and slavery
to me, my heirs, and assigns forever.
(Signed) Mooee Foeman."" "
106
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER IX.
INTEKJNTAL IMPKOVEMEBTTS.
I. Boads. The MiniBink Path The Old Burlington Path The " Upper
Road" and "Lower Eoad" The Old "York Road" The New Jersey
Turnpike Company New Gemiantown Turnpike Company, etc.
H. Stages and Stage-Lines. First Public Conveyance previous to 1702
Stage-Line between Trenton and New Brunswick " The Swift-Sure
Coach-Line" The Trenton and Flemington Mail-Coach Post-road
from New Brunswick t» Flemington Express Lines, etc. III. Tlie
Delaware and Raritan Canal, Its incipiency, Construction, and Com-
pletion Length, Cost, etc. IV. BaUroads. The Central Railroad of
New Jersey South Branch Railroad High Bridge Railroad The
Delaware and Bound Brook Railroad The United New Jersey Rail-
road and Canal Company " The Belvidere Delaware Railroad" The
Fasten and Amboy Railroad, etc.
HIGHWAYS STAGE-ROUTES BRIDGES CANALS-
RAILROADS.
I .ROADS.
The earliest highways in the State of New Jersey
were the Indian paths. Mention is made of them in
the early Indian title-deeds and old records of com-
missioners for laying out roads. The most noted of
these, was the "Minisink path," which extended from
the highlands of the Navesink to the Earitan, cross-
ing at a place called Kent's Neck ; thence along the
west side of the Rahway River to Springfield, whence
it crossed the mountain and passed near Morristown ;
thence to Minisink Island, on the Delaware, a dis-
tance of seventy-five miles. Besides this long path
were many others. One ran from Perth Amboy to
New Brunswick, where it crossed the Raritan ; froih
thence to Sis-Mile Run, and on through the State
westward to the Falls of the Delaware. The present
road through Six-Mile Run, Kingston, and Princeton
was laid out on this path. Another ran from Shrews-
bury, through Monmouth County, southerly, after-
wards known as the " Old Burlington Path."
These Indian paths were located with skill, much
attention being given to a careful study of the natural
advantages of the ground which they traversed. The
hills were ascended by the easiest grade; the most
solid ground was selected for crossing a marsh. The
streams were forded at a point where they were least
liable to be affected by freshets, and in nearly every
instance the Indian paths were followed in the loca-
tion of the roads that are to-day the great thorough-
fares of the State.
Previous to 1675 the only road in the State (for
the Indian paths, just mentioned, cannot be classed
as roads) was that from Elizabethtown Point to where
New Brunswick now stands, and probably was the
same one that now, widened and improved, is known
as the " old road" between those places. This road
continued almost in a straight line to the Delaware
above where Trenton now stands. The Raritan and
Delaware Rivers were both forded at low water, there
being no bridges ; but later, ferries were established.
This was called the "upper road," to distinguish it
from another, which later was opened to Burlington,
branching off from the old road some five or six miles
from the Raritan, and arriving by a rather circuitoua
route at the site of the present Burlington. This road
was called the "lower road."*
These roads were at the first little more than foot-
paths, and the " upper" one was for most of its dis-
tance laid out on the old Indian path. " Even as
late as 1716, when a ferry had been established at
New Brunswick for twenty years,t provision was only
made, in the rates allowed by Assembly, for ' horse
and man' and ' single person.' The sum required
annually to keep this road in repair was only ten
pounds."
The "Old York Road," which started in Philadel-
phia at a point near what is now known as Fourth and
Vine Streets! and ran to the Delaware, crossing at
Lambertville, thence through Mount Airy, Ringos,
and Reaville to New Brunswick and Newark, was one
of the first wagon-roads opened in the State, although
it was never surveyed.^ In a deed for land at Rin-
gos, dated Aug. 25, 1726, this road is described as
The King's Highway that is called the York Road.||
The first public measures for the improvement or
establishment of roads seem to have been adopted in
November, 1675, when it was enacted that two men
in each town should be appointed "to lay out com-
mon highways." In March, 1683, commissioners
were appointed " to lay out and appoint" in the dif-
ferent counties " all necessary highways, bridges, pas-
sages, landings, and ferries, fit and apt for traveling
passages and landing of goods."T[ These boards con-
tinued for several years, and under their direction the
first system of intercommunication was established,
and the present generation travel many of the roads
laid out by them.**
The " New Jersey Turnpike Company" was incor-
porated by act of the Legislature in 1806, which act
authorized certain persons, named therein, to con-
struct a turnpike road from the city of New Bruns-
wick to Phillipsburg, passing through the counties
of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Sussex (now Warren ).tt
The road was completed late in the year 1809, but
that portion situated in Hunterdon and Warren
Counties was never kept in sufiicient repair to justify
the company in collecting toll thereon, and in 1838
the company surrendered it " to the inhabitants of the
several townships in said counties of Hunterdon and
Warren through which the same passes," in accord-
ance with a special enactment of the State Legislature
* "New Jersey under the Proprietors," Whitehead, p. 235; Hist. Coll.
N. J., p. 41 ; Banker's and Shuyter's Journal, etc.
t Established in 1697, and subsequently called "Inian's Ferry," from
John luian, who was the first grantee; the privilege to continue during
the natural lives of himself and wife at five shilUngs sterling per annimi.
} The road still exists there (1880), and is called " York Avenue."
§ This was not necessary, as it was laid on the bed of the old Indian
path.
I Rev. Dr. Mott's History of Hunterdon County, p. 10.
1[ Grants and Concessions.
** Whitehead's Bast Jersey and Prop., p. 236.
tt Session Laws of New Jersey, 18U0.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
107
passed Jan. 31, 1838.* The indebtedness of the com-
pany had not been extinguished, or any dividend paid
to its stockholders, until 1841, or later, over thirty
years after the road was first opened.f
In the year 1818 the " New Germantown Turnpike
Company" was chartered and organised. It com-
menced at North Branch, Somerset Co., intersecting
and branching off from the Easton and New Bruns-
wick turnpike, and ran through New Germantown to
its terminus at German Valley. James Honeyman
was president, and one of the principal stockholders.
Other turnpikes, chartered by the State Legislature
between the years 1800 and 1828, running through
either Hunterdon or Somerset Counties, were the fol-
lowing : March 12, 1806, " Hunterdon and Sussex ;"
Feb. 9, 1811, " Farmers'," from Springfield, through
Pluckamin, to the Jersey tujnpike, near Potterstown ;
1813, "Spruce Eun," from Clinton, Hunterdon Co.,
to the Washington turnpike, near Sherrard's mill,
(now) in Washington township, Warren Co. ; and in
1813 the " New Germantown," above mentioned.
Gordon, in his " History of New Jersey," gives the
last turnpike constructed in the State as the " Passaic,"
in 1828 ; a few years later the canal and railroads di-
verted capital from turnpikes into other channels.
In another portion of this workj wiU be found a
detailed account of the early roads of Somerset
County, many of which also extended across Hunter-
don County.
n .STAGES AND STAGE-LINES.
The only public conveyance through the province
previous to the surrender to Queen Anne (1702), of
which any knowledge has been obtained, was a wagon
on the Amboy road, which, under authority from
Governor Hamilton, ran at irregular times and with-
out established rates, in connection with the packet-
boat to New York.^ Whitehead remarks that this
may have been " the Post" between East Jersey and
Pennsylvania, several times referred to in the Penn-
sylvania Colonial Records. ||
The earliest mention of stages is found in an ad-
vertisement in the Philadelphia Mercury, dated in
March, 1733, as follows :
"This IB to give notice unto Gentlemen, Merchants, Tradesmen,
Travelers, and others, that Solomon Smith and James Moore of Burling-
ton : keepeth two Stage Wagom intending to go from Burlington to
Amboy, and back from Amhoj' to Burlington again Once every Week,
or ofit'er if that Business presents, etc. "
About this time, a line ran by way of New Bruns-
wick, and in 1734 the first line via Bordentown was
established from South River to New York, " once a
week, if wind and weather permit, and come to the
Old-slip." In 1744 the stage-line between Trenton
and New Brunswick was established, and ran twice a
* Session Laws of New Jersey, 1838.
t Acts of General Assembly, 18«, pp. 83, 84.
X See Chapter V. General History of Somerset County.
§ Smith's New Jersey, p. a02.
I Col. Records, i., pp. 4*1, 467, 640.
week. From New Brunswick it continued east to
Amboy, crossing at the Narrows, and thence to Flat-
bush and New York. David Mizner, now eighty-two
years old and still living at Kingston, was the driver
of one of the stages of Robert Bailes for twenty suc-
cessive years.f
In 1791 there were only six post-ofiices in New
Jersey, Newark, Elizabethtown, Bridgetown (now
Rahway), Brunswick, Princetown, and Trenton.
Somerset seems to have had no mail facilities at all.
The Swift-Sure Coach-Line was established very
early, ^before the Revolution, and possibly as early
as the Trenton and New Brunswick line, and ran
between Philadelphia and New York, over the " Old
York Road," by the way of New Hope, Flemington,
Somerville, Bound Brook, Plainfield, Elizabethtown,
etc. At the first, possibly, but one trip a week may
have been made, later increased to two, and at least
as early as 1826 (no doubt earlier) making three trips
a week.**
The Trenton and Flemington mail-coach com-
menced running about 1828 or 1829. From an ad-
vertisementft of this line, dated " Bloomsbury, Aug.
17, 1829," we learn that the coach left the " Union
Line office, Trenton," for Flemington, every Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday, and left Nathaniel Price's
inn, Flemington, for Trenton and Bloomsbury, every
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The fare through
was one dollar, and we are told that the line was well
patronized.
In 1832 the " Swift-Sure Mail-Line" was revived
between Philadelphia and New York, and "splendid,
Troy coaches'' put on by the proprietors, George Car-
ter & Co., Philadelphia, John A. Weart, Trenton,
and Anderson & McCutcheon, New York. It con-
nected with the steamboat " John Marshall" at Eliz-
abethtown Point for New York City. Three trips per
week each way were made, lodging at Flemington, and
the fare was four dollars and twenty-five cents.
The post-road from New Brunswick to Flemington
was established by Congress early in 1838, and the
New Brunswick, Millstone, and Flemington Stage"
commenced running that year, making tri-weekly
If Ealph Voorhees, 18Y3.
** The following advertisement
Flemington, of date Jan. 3, 1827 :
in the HmUerdon Oazetie,
mmM^s^i
"NEW TOBK & PHILADELPHIA MAIL STAGE,
via
New Bope, Flemingtav, Somerville, Bound Brook, Plainjield, Elizabeth-
town, &o.
PASSENGEES in this line ivill leave Philadelphia at 8 o'clock a.m. oi
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, lodge at Centreville, and arrive
in New-York at 2 p.m. of the succeeding days. Likewise leave New-
York at half-past 10 a.m. of the days above named, stop at Centreville,
and reach Philadelphia at 4 P.M. of Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Fare through 43.60. Way paaaengers in proportion. All baggage at the
risk of the owners.
Peter B. Lowe, "
One of the Proprietors.
"Doc. 27. 1826.
f Hmierdon Ornnty Oaaetle, Aug. 26, 1829.
108
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
trips between Joline's hotel, in New Brunswick, and
Mahlon C. Hart's, in Flemington, via Millstone, "
Flaggtown, Shannock, Clover Hill, and Greenville."
This stage connected at New Brunswick with the cars
for New York, and stages for Princeton, Trenton, and
Philadelphia.* The proprietors were J. V. D. Joline
and Frederick Ten Eyck.
It seems essential to take this retrospective glance
at the old coaching-times in order properly to under-
stand the vast change which the iron rail and steam
propulsion hath wrought.
" where is the coach ? where is the mail ?
The coachman, where is he ?
Where is the guard that need to blow
His horn so cheerily ? "
It is, of course, understood that country stages have
not altogether disappeared from our midst. They
still exist in both Hunterdon and Somerset, yet essen-
tially changed from the old-time stage-coach de-
scribed by Washington Irving in his "Sketch-Book,"'
or by Dickens on the occasion of the journey of Pick-
wick and his friends on the " Muggletown Telegraph,"
to spend Christmas with the Wardles at Dingley Dell.
Such scenes, however, were daily enacted in this sec-
tion less than half a century ago.
Before the era of railroads, travel between New
York and Philadelphia increased to such an extent
that thirty-two stages were frequently run each way
per day to carry the passengers. On days of extra-
ordinary travel the farmers in the neighborhood of
places where horses were changed were in readiness
to furnish additional vehicles and teams if circum-
stances required.
" In 1825, on the day Lafayette passed through tie State to review the
troops at Trenton, assembled to do him honor, there were one hundred
and sixty-eight horses ready harnessed and exchanged at Kingston.
The general passed through in a splendid barouche drawn by six gray
liorses, driven (says Mizner) by David Sauderson, now of Wbite House,
Hunterdon Co., then a youth of nineteen years of age. The stages, on
their way to New York, would often separate a short distance east of
Kingston, some taking the Trenton turnpike, others crossing Bocky Hill
-to New Brunswick by the way of Six-Mile Run.! "
About this time there was also an express-line be-
tween New York and Washington whose route lay
through Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. The
express-rider found a fresh horse ready saddled and
bridled as he came to each of the stations, at short
intervals, on the route. It was by this means that
the New York papers published, in advance of the
mail, the vote on Mr. Clay's tariflT-bill the day follow-
ing its passage in the House, at Washington.
There was also an immense travel across the State
at this time independent of stage- and express-lines.
It consisted principally in conveying produce to mar-
ket at New Brunswick from Hunterdon, Sussex, and
Somerset Counties. Large wagons heavily laden with
flour, flax, flax-seed, or other produce, frequently
* Advertisement in Hunterdon GazeUe, Aug. 1, 1838.
t " The Earitan and its Early Dutch Settlers," Voorhees, in " Our
Home," 1873.
drawn by six horses, passed over the Amwell road to
New Brunswick, while those from Sussex and the
north went principally by the way of Bound Brook.
At a certain time the keeper of the toll-gate at Mid-
dlebrook kept an account, and stated that five hun-
dred vehicles of various kinds had passed through the
gate in one day on their way to the " Landing" and
New Brunswick markets. In 1748 the Earitan
Landing was described as "being a market for the
most plentiful wheat country for its bigness in Amer-
ica."J
From about 1808 until the railroads were built
Messrs. Fish, Hill & Abbey ran goods across the
State from Trenton to New Brunswick, from thence
to New York by sloops, and later by steamboats.
This firm is said to have carried on even at that early
date a very extensive transportation business.
III. THE DELAWARE AND EAEITAN CANAL.
The project of a canal to connect the waters of the
Delaware and Earitan Eivers was earnestly considered
even as early as the year 1804. At that date a route
was examined by a company of intelligent, experienced
men, and a law was passed by the Legislature author-
izing its construction by a private company. Of this
the late Judge Morris was president, and the late
Gen. Braley of Hunterdon, the late Mr. Garnett of
Somerset, with others, were directors. But these gen-
tlemen, with all their zeal, did not succeed in their
project ; the state of trade at that time, and inex-
perience with works of this character, prevented its
execution. Nevertheless, in 1816, and again in 1823,
its practicability was demonstrated by commissioners
appointed by the Legislature to explore the route.
Its practical utility was also realized by many as
being one of the links of the great chain of internal
navigation which would greatly foster the domestic
trade of the country. With the completion of the
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, this one only was
wanted to complete an entire inland navigation from
Newbern, in North Carolina, to Providence, E. I.
Therefore another effort was made. A second joint-
stock company was authorized to build this canal. It
paid to the State treasury the sum of one hundred
thousand dollars for the privilege ; but, failing to ob-
tain the sanction of the State of Pennsylvania to the
use of the waters of the Delaware Eiver, it was com-
pelled to abandon the enterprise. The State refunded
to it the premium which it had paid.
^ This enterprise was by many at that time deemed
visionary,! while not a few rejoiced in this second
X Ibid., p. 6n5.
§ It may sound strange to the present generation,-so familiarized with
railroads and "rapid traDsit,"_but it is a fact, that many of the people
of Hunterdon and Somerset sent remonstrances in 1829 to the Legisla-
ture " against the passage of a law to authorize the formation of a canal
along the South Branch of Earitan from Hunt^s Mills in Hunterdon to
Perth Amboy," alleging that it " would not only injure, but entirely de-
stroy, the many valuable mills located upon the Earitan, and in injuring
them would also injure us as citizens in the vicinity of said mills "
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
109
failure, by whict the power of constructing the canal
reverted to the State, thinking that if it were feasible
she would soon build it. The friends of the measure
were active. Many petitions were presented to the
Legislature in 1828-29, committees were appointed
and reported, and there was much agitation of the
subject and earnest efforts put forth to induce the
State to undertake its construction. A bill introduced
for this purpose was defeated. The State refused to
build it or incur obligation thereby.
Although abandoned as a State measure, its friends
still were confident, and efforts were revived to pro-
vide for its erection as a private enterprise. In Feb-
ruary, 1830, it was committed to a joint-stock com-
pany, with certain beneficial restrictions to the State.
The act of February 4th provided that " subscriptiour
books to the capital stock of the 'Delaware and
Earit^an Canal Company' shall be opened, within six
months after the passing of this act, by James Parker
and James Neilson of Middlesex, John Potter of
Somerset, William Halsted of Hunterdon, and Garret
D. Wall of Burlington.'' The capital stock was " to
be one million dollars, divided into shares of one
hundred dollars each, and when five thousand shares
are subscribed the stockholders shall elect by ballot
nine directors," and annually thereafter said directors
to elect- a president. The act gave them corporate
rights, powersj and privileges, and empowered the
company " to construct ... a canal or artificial navi-
gation from the watere of the Delaware River to the
waters of the Earitan, and to improve the navigation
of the said rivers, respectively, as may from time to
time become necessary below where the said canal shall
empty into the said rivers, respectively ; which canal
shall be at least fifty feet wide at the water-line, and
the waters therein be at least five feet deep through-
out ; and the said company are hereby empowered to
supply the said canal with water from the river Dela-
ware by constructing a feeder, which shall be so con-
structed as to form a navigable canal not less than
thirty feet wide and four feet deep, to conduct the
water from any part of the river Delaware."
The first directors were (1830) Robert F. Stockton,
Garret D. Wall, John Potter, James Parker, James
Neilson, William Halsted, John E. Thompson, James
S. Green, Joseph Mcllvaine, who chose R. F. Stockton
president of the board, James Neilson treasurer, and
J. R. Thompson secretary.
The construction of the canal was commenced late
in the year 1830, and it was completed and in opera-
tion in June, 1834. The entire work was under the
direction of Canvass White, chief engineer, who lived
only a few months after its completion. The eastern
section was built under the sliperintendence of John
Hopkins- the middle section, George T. Olmsted; the
western section and lower part of the feeder, Edward
A. Douglas; and the upper part of the feeder under
the direction of Ashbel Welch, of Lambertville.
The Hon. Ashbel Welch, in a letter to Solomon W.
Roberts, Esq., dated Ttenton, June 27, 1834, so neatly
portrays the event of the opening of the canal that
some extracts are here given, by permission :
" I am here waiting for the packet on my way home from the canal
celebration. On Wednesday the directors of onr canal and railroad com-
panies, and some thirty or more of the principal stockholders, together
with the Governor, and sundry others of our great people, came up the
'feeder' as far as Lambertville in a Chesapeake and Delaware canal-
barge. After dining there all hands got aboard the barge myself among
the number and started for Trenton about nine o'clock at night. . .
By good luck more than good management, we got to Trenton without
wrecking the boat, and after a short nap started off yesterday morning
for New Brunswick.
*' The canal-banks for the whole distance were lined with people,
that is to say, there were large collections of them at the landings,
bridges, etc. A more jolly party than ours was in the afternoon you
seldom meet. John C. Stevens, James S. Green, and Thomas Biddle
acted as fun-makers, and they acquitted themselves admirably. . . When'
we arrived at New Brunswick we were greeted with a salute of twenty-
four gnns, were received by the military with presented arras, stood some-
thing less than half an hour with our hats off while the mayor made a
speech and was answered, hurr.ihed in return to their civilities until we
were all hoarse, were marched up and down the streets, and a little after
dark sat down to a sumptuous dinner, provided at the expense of the
canal company. The military, for their arduous services (to wit, waiting
under arms four or five hours and being nearly broiled), received their
pay partly in champagne, partly in glory. "
The Delaware and Raritan Canal Company and
the Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation
Company were at the time of their incorporation, in
1830, rival and antagonistic corporations. They were
consolidated in interest by act of the Legislature, Feb.
1.5, 1831, and assumed the title of the " Joint Compa-
nies," their affairs being controlled by the boards of
both companies joined as one body. March 14, 1872,
the " Joint Companies" and the " New Jersey Rail-
road and Transportation Company"* were, by act of
the State Legislature, merged into one corporation,
known as the "United New Jersey Railroad and
Canal Company." Its present management (1880) is
as follows : John G. Stevens, President ; A. L. Den-
nis, Vice-President; F. Wolcott Jackson, General
Superintendent. Directors : John Jacob Astor, John
C. Barron, William Bucknell, A.' L. Dennis, Charles
E. Green, Robert L. Kennedy, Thomas McKean,
Isaac W. Sciidder, John G. Stevens, Robert F. Stock-
ton, Ashbel Welch, Samuel Welsh ; Charles A. Butts,
State Director.
This canal extends from the Delaware at Borden-
town to Trenton, thence across the State to New
Brunswick, where it joins the Raritan, passing through
the southwestern portion of Somerset County, along
the east bank of the Millstone River and the south
bank of the Raritan. It is forty-four miles long, with
a feeder, twenty-two miles in length, which extends
from Bull's Island, above Stockton, in Hunterdon
County, southward to the main canal, with which it
unites at Trenton. The canal crosses the Assanpink
Creek, east of Trenton, in a fine stone aqueduct. This
canal is eighty feet wide and eight feet deep, admit-
* Incorporated March 7, 1832 ; it constructed the railroad from Jersey
City, through Newark, Elizabeth, and Bahway, to and through the city
of New Brunswick. ,
no
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
ting the passage of barges of two hundred and fifty
tons burden, and its cost is not far from five million
dollars. In 1867 it passed into the hands of the
United New Jersey Eailroad and Canal Company,
by whom it was subsequently leased to the Pennsyl-
vania Eailroad Company, at an annual rental of ten
per centum per annum upon the capital stock, free of
all taxes ; and, in accordance with the lease, quarterly
dividends of two and one-half per cent., in cash, have
been regularly paid.
The receipts and expenditures of this canal for 1879
were as follows :
From toUaon boats S4,37fi.40
lading 410,816.70
" Bteam towing 273,663.10
*' miscellaneouB 7,203.90
$696,069.10
Working expenses 3-:i6,924.86
Net earnings $369,034.25*
IV. EAILKOADS.
The coach of the sixteenth century, the stage of the
seventeenth, and the mail of the eighteenth led step
by step to the locomotive of the nineteenth, the cen-
tury marked by such giant strides in the matter of
travel and transportation. In 1750 it took from five
to seven days to make the trip Irom New York to
Philadelphia; in 1850, two hours.f
THE CENTEAI; KAILEOAD OF NEW JERSEY.
The principal east-and-west railroad line traversing
the counties of Somerset and Hunterdon is The Cen-
tral Bailroad of New Jersey. This road, besides being
one of the leading avenues for conveying the products
of Pennsylvania and the West to New York City, is
one of the most important routes from the Atlantic
seaboard to the West. No road in the Union is so
indispensable a link in the chain of communication
between the East and West, and none can excel it in
the picturesque attractions which it opens up to the
tourist. •
The history of the road is full of interest, especially
as in its construction it acted as a pioneer and made
the all-important preparation which led to the build-
ing of other and important connecting railroad lines.
The road from Elizabethport to Somerville was
built by the Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad "
Company," under a charter granted in 1831. The
company was poor, and the road was opened first from
Elizabethport to Elizabeth, two and one-half miles,
and connected at the Point with New York and New
Brunswick by boat. The route to Somerville was
surveyed in 1835 by Col. James Moore, the present
chief engineer; who has filled this office and that of
* Beport State Comptroller, 1879.
t In 1829, when steamboatB were running, and the same journey waa
made In nine hours, it waa cause of great rejoicing aa the inauguration
of a new era in the history of traveling in the United States, and truly
it was a marvel when compared with the slow-moving stage-coach and
canal-boat. But the steam-cara soon left even the steamboats in the
background.
general superintendent since the commencement of
the road.
In 1836 it was built as far as Plainfield, and the
panic of 1837 told severely on the finances of the
company; but they still pressed onward, though
slowly, extending the road to Bound Brook, and finally
reached Somerville in 1839,t by a . desperate efibrt
which resulted in the failure of the company and the
foreclosure of the mortgage upon the road. The road
was sold in 1846, the strap-rail taken up by the new
organization, the track relaid with heavy T-rail, and
preparations made for a large business. Feb. 16,
1842, the State Legislature, by special enactment, ex-
tended the time for completing the road until July 4,
1856. A new company was chartered in 1847 (ap-
proved February 26th) to extend the road to Easton,
under the name of " The Somerville and Easton Eail-
road Company." In the fall of 1848 the road was
opened to White House ; the following year? authority
was given the above-named company to purchase the
Elizabethtown and Somerville Eailroad, and the name
of the consolidated company was changed to " The
Central Eailroad Company of New Jersey.'' This was
carried into efi'ect in 1850, the existing roads brought
under one ownership, and immediately thereafter, in
the spring of the same year, the remainder of the
route to Phillipsburg was put under contract. The
portion to Clinton was opened in May, 1852, and the
cars made one round-trip per day from New York to
Clinton, in Hunterdon County, from whence passen-
gers reached Easton in stage. On the morning of the
1st of July, 1852, the last rail was laid, and the next
day, in eight splendid cars (drawn by the gigantic
engine "Pennsylvania," decorated with flags), the
directors of the road, with their invited guests and
accompanied by Dodsworth's Band, sped through the
glorious landscapes of Hunterdon and Warren, to the
wonder of thousands of delighted inhabitants, who
thronged to the stations and greeted the party with the
firing of guns and the waving of handkerchiefs and
banners. From this time that undeveloped country
began to yield up its wealth. Iron-works that had
lain in ruins for the want of fuel since the Eevolution
were rebuilt, and with the advent of the thundering
coal-trains began the ring of tilt-hammers ; while the
exchange of log cabins for beautiful dwellings, and
the founding of churches, schools, etc., marked the
succeeding years of the history of this road.
For eight years more were passengers transferred
from Elizabethtown to New York by boat, but in 1860
authority was obtained to extend the Central Eoad to
Jersey City, which was soon after accomplished. The
most important feature in this extension is the Bav
X John 0. Stearns, who died in Elizabeth in November, 1862, com-
menced his connection with the road in 1834, the firm of Colkett &
Stearns having taken the contract for the construction of a part of the
original Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad. After the foreclosure
and sale of the road, in 1846, Mr. Stearns was appointed superintendent
and retained the office until his death.
i Act approved Feb. 22, 1849.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Ill
Bridge, nine thousand eight hundred feet in length,
over Newark Bay.
In 1869-70 the Central Railroad Company made
many important improvements at points within
Hunterdon County and in its immediate vicinage,
calculated to contribute to the comfort and safety of
passengers, and of persons crossing the tract. They
are thus detailed by the Hunterdon Republican of
March 10, 1870 :
" At FhlUipsburg the fonner complicated network of traclts has been
so changed that the rails all now nin from one switch to the main street.
The old freight-house has been removed to the main street and changed
to a passenger-car house. A new freight-house at the same place has
lately been finished. At Bloomsbnry bridge another track has been laid,
80 that danger from a single track oyer the bridge is thus avoided. At
High Bridge the new station has been finished in a style appropriate to
that romantic growing town. Below the White House a mile of new
track on each side of the road has just been completed for turn-out pur-
poses, so that freight- and coal-trains may lay over, making four tracks
here. A bridge has also just been completed by the company over their
track below White House, so that vehicles on the public road in crossing
are entirely out of danger. This bridge is one hundred and one feet
long and has three spans, one of which is fifty-one feet long. A mile of
tiack has also been added each side of the road from Clinton Station
towards High Bridge, making four tracks here, and three-quarters of a
mile from Hampton Junction towards Spruce Run. These improve-
ments have all been very judiciously made, and prove the good judgment
and engineering skill of the superintendent. "
The first station-agent at Somerville was Bernard
Steams, with James BJreusen as helper; the last
named is now, and has been for years, the agent at
Somerville.
In 1855 the Lehigh Valley Railroad was opened
from Easton, first to Allentown and then to Mauch
Chunk, the centre of the Lehigh Valley coal-region.
During the same year, also, the Delaware, Lacka-
wanna and Western Railroad completed the line from
New Hampton (its point of junction with the Central
Railroad of New Jersey) to Scranton, the centre of
the Lackawanna coal-region, and a convenient depot
for the coal transportation from the Wyoming Valley
eastward. Through these two roads the products of
the richest anthracite mines of Pennsylvania were
brought to the Central Railroad of New Jersey for
transportation to the metropolis. The Lackawanna
connection requiring a six-foot gauge, the Central
Railroad Company at an early period anticipated this
necessity by laying a third rail to Hampton junction.
The common gauge of the Central road is four feet
eight and a half inches, which is uniform with that
of the railroads of the country generally. The
value of these connecting lines may be appreciated
from the fact that during the first year after their
completion the business of the Central Road was
nearly double. During the second year the Lehigh
Valley road brought eighty-six thousand three hun-
dred and fifty-five tons of coal, and the Lackawanna
road two hundred and twenty-four thousand tons, to
the Central road for transportation.
In 1858 the East Pennsylvania (now Philadelphia
and Reading) Railroad was opened between Allen-
town and Reading, establishing a direct line, with
unbroken gauge, to Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and the
West ; and it has direct control of and operates the
roads in Pennsylvania extending from Easton,
through Bethlehem, Mauch Chunk, White Haven,
and Wilkes-Barre, to Carbondale, under the title of
the Lehigh and Susquehanna Division. It also oper-
ates, within the State of New Jersey, the " New York
and Long Branch Railroad," from Perth Amboy to
Long Branch ; the " New Egypt and Farmingdale
Railroad," from Long Branch to Ocean Beach; "The
Long Branch and Sea Girt Railroad," from Long
Branch to Sea Girt, aggregating thirty-four miles,
and in the. summer of 1880 extended the line to Point
Pleasant, under the name of " New York and Long
Branch Extension Railroad," three miles ; also the
Jersey Southern Railroad, from Sandy Hook to
Bay Side, one hundred and seventeen miles. The
Central Railroad, being in harmony and acting in
unison with the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad,
makes connections with the various lines of the latter
road, one important branch of which, the " New York
and Philadelphia New Line," intersects with the
Central at Bound Brook, Somerset Co.
These are the immediate connections of the " Cen-
tral Railroad of New Jersey," all of which are of
incalculable value. Certain it is no road could have
a geographical position more favorable for numerous
and important connections than this one. Along the
line of the Central the beauties of nature and the
utilities of man vie with each other for the overmas-
tering interest. The trunk route that is, that of the
Central road itself extends across the central portion
of New Jersey, and hence its name. Its termini are
Jersey City and Easton, Pa. It traverses the finest
portion of the State, passing through a succession of
alluvial valleys containing the very richest land in
New Jersey, and increasing both in beauty and fer-
tility as one approaches the borders of Pennsylvania.
Who that has looked from Ne9v Hampton upon the
Musconetcong valley of Hunterdon County, will ever
forget the scene or its suggestions ?*
The first president of this company was Governor
Isaac H. Williamson, who was succeeded by Col.
John Kean. Stephen Vail followed, and officiated
until the consolidation of the companies, when John
Taylor Johnston was elected. The last-named gen-
* The route beyond Easton affords an extent and variety of scenery
found on few roads on this continent, mountain-ranges of characteristic
grandeur, cleft here and there by abrupt fissures to their very base,
through which stately rivers lead their pomp of waters to the sea; rich
and beautiful valleys, sometimes so narrow, and, withal, so picturesque,
as to remind the traveler of Swiss cantons among the Alps, and some-
times allowed a broader and longer reach by the yielding mountain-
ranges that inclose them ; forests that still retain the rugged aspect of
their primeval wilderness, and romantic cascades. The mention of these
features but feebly suggests the reality as seen by the eye. One must
actually visit the Delaware Water-Gap, must himself climb the Pocono
range, must follow the winding Susquehanna, must be drawn up the in-
clined planes of Mount Pisgah, must actually realize these things in
his own experience, for it is beyond our power adequately to describe
them.
112
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
tleman served for many yfears, and until recently,
when the present incumbent was chosen.
The present officers, 1880, are as follows: E. C.
Knight, President ; John Kean, Vice-President ; Sam-
uel Knox, Treasurer and Secretary; F. S. Lathrop,
Receiver ; James Moore, General Superintendent and
Engineer ; W. W. Stearns, W. S. Polhemus, Assistant
Superintendents ; Jacob M. Clark, Engineer ; H. P.
Baldwin, General Passenger Agent ; P. H. Wyckoff",
General Freight Agent. The directors are E. 0.
Knight, F. S., Lathrop, F. A. Potts, J. J. Barnes,
G. G. Haven, Edward Clark, Benjamin Williamson,
John Kean, and F. T. Frelinghuysen.
The capital stock of the company is $18,563,200,
while the value of the road and equipments is over
$20,000,000. For the year ending Dec. 31, 1879, the
balance net earnings was $1,371,579.64.
The stations upon this road within Somerset and
Hunterdon Counties ar6 Boulid Brook (where connec-
tion is made with the " New York and Philadelphia
New Line,"' and with stages for New Brunswick),
Finderne, Sbnierville (connecting with the " South
Branch Bailroad," to Flemington), Baritan, North
Branch, White House, Lebanon, Annandale (Clin-
ton), High Bridge (connecting with the "High Bridge
Branch," to German Valley, Chester, and Port Oram,
etc.). Glen Gardner, Junction ("where connection , is
made with the " Delaware, Lackawanna and Western
Railroad"), Asbury, and Valley. From the last-
named station the road crosses the southern corner of
Warren County to Phillipsburg and Easton, where
- the "Lehigh and Susquehanna division" of the road,
with its half-dozen branches, commences.
SOUTH BRANCH EAILBOAD.
This road, a branch of the " Central Bailroad of
New Jersey," extend^ from Somerville to Flemington.
It was chartered in 1870, and its construction com-
pleted soon thereaftej. Its length is fifteen and a
half miles, and its cost was $441,868.87. Its capital
stock is $438,300 ; its floating debt, $3568.87. 0. D.
Hayne and W. F. Rand are the conductors on this
road ; the fortiler is a veteran in railroad service,
twenty-six years "'on the rail," and mostly in the em-
ploy of the Central.
The stations on' this line are Somerville (connecting
with the main line, east and west), Ricefield, Flagg-
town,.Neshanic, Three Bridges, and Flemington, all
within Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.
THE HIGH BRIDGE KAILROAD.
In 1873 a charter was procured for the construction
of a railroad from High Bridge, in Hunterdon County,
to Chester, in Morris County, and to connect with tlae
New Jersey Central at the first-named point. This
was afterwards consolidated with the " Longwood
Valley Railroad." Work was commenced on the
High Bridge road in 1874, and completed in 1876 to
Port Oram, in Morris County, twenty-five and one-
fourth miles. It is coriteriiplated' to extend it east-
ward to the Hudson River. The first president of
this corporation was Lewis H. Taylor, of High Bridge.
This road has short branches to Chester, four and one-
half miles, and to Hacklebarney Mines, one and one-
fourth miles. The statistics of this road show : Cost,
$972,830.03 ; capital stock, $850,000. This line is also
operated by the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
THE DELAWAEE AND BOUND BEOOK EAILEOAD.
THE NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA NEW LINE.
The history of this road is one of unusual interest.
In 1867, Henry M. Hamilton, Esq., of New York,
conceived the idea of building a new line of railroad
from New York to Philadelphia. He removed to
New Jersey for that purpose and entered on the un-
dertaking, which only succeeded after a tremendous
struggle between the popular will as it centred in him
and the United Railroads of New Jersey, a struggle '
which will ever be memorable in the annals of the
history of this State. From the outset the new line,
which crosses the southern part of Somerset County,
was a very popular undertaking, and its conflict en-
listed general sympathy. Mr. Hamilton began with
the Attleborough Railroad Company, a corporation
chartered by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, April
2, 1860, its charter being renewed March 24, 1868.
It was authorized to build a railroad from Philadel-
phia to the Delaware River above Trenton. In order
to be able to withstand the opposition of the Camden
and Amboy Railroad Company, which, with every
resource of money and influence, he was well aware
would throw its whole power against every step
of his advance, he proceeded to procure amend-
ments to the charter of the Attleborough Railroad
Company from the Legislature of Pennsylvania, au-
thorizing the increase of' its capital, so that it could
hold sufficient to build the whole road from Philadel-
phia to New York, empowering it also to purchase
the stock of railroad corporations in New Jer.sey.
Thus authorized, he procured the purchase of con-
trolling interests in the Yardleyville Bridge Company,
the Millstone and Trenton Railroad Company (a body
corporate of the State of New Jersey under an act
approved April 3, 1867), the Peapack and Plainfield
Railroad Company (under acts approved March 30,
1855, and March 11, 1864), the Elizabeth and New
Providence Railroad Company (under act approved
March 22, 1867), and afterwards the Narrow Gauge
Railway Company (under act approved March 22,
1871), these all being corporate bodies existing under
legal charters in the State of New . Jersey, with
full powers to build their respective roads, and so
situated as to connect and form, when built, a con-
tinuous line from New York, with the Attleborough
Company, to Philadelphia.
Another thing was' necessary besides filling up the
links in the chain from New York t6 Philadelphia,
and that was the pi'iltection of -the Stock of this new
INTERNAL ITdPROVEMENTS.
113
enterprise from being bought up by the opposition or
controlled in any way in its interest. To this end, he
had the Attleborough Railroad Company made the
parent company, with its name changed by law to
The National Railway Company, and, pursuant to
authority granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania,
he had its stock arranged into two classes, common
and preferred, each being equal in amount and having
equal privileges, except that the preferred stock was
entitled to receive ten per cent, dividends out of the
net earnings of the road before the common stock
could receive anything. He also had authority
granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania to place
the common stock in trust, that is, to transfer the
power to vote it to a trustee by a deed of trust, the
conditions of the trust being such that no vote could
be cast on it in the interest of the Camden and Am-
boy or any other opposition company. This would
put forever safely out of the reach of the control of
anybody hostile to the interests of the new company
one-half of its entire voting stock. The other half
the preferred could be sold to any purchaser without
risk to the control. It could only be obtained at its
par value in cash, and its proceeds could be used only
towards the building of the road. The equitable in-
terest or money value of the common stock was not
conveyed to the trustee, being reserved for the benefit
of the company. This common stock was used in
buying up the control of the New Jersey corporations
which were needed to make the line from the Dela-
ware Eiver to New York, it having been exchanged
for their stock. This had a twofold result : it com-
pleted the line, and it was made full-paid by the ex-
change, so that it could be placed in trust. The deed
of trust provided that any attempt to vote it in the
interest of any competing line should be void, and
the holder of a single share of it was given full, real,
and equitable power to enforce this provision as com-
pletely as if he were a party to the contract.
The purpose of this provision was not clearly seen
at the time, even by the members of the legal pro-
fession generally in New Jersey, it being the first
time it was ever introduced for the protection of a
railroad company. Mr. Hamilton had worked out
this application of the principle himself, after having
exhausted all the possibilities of protection otherwise.
He had' consulted able lawyers, among them Prof.
Theodore W. Dwight, of the Columbia Law School of
New York, as to the possibility of an irrevocable
proxy, and whatever other forms' of protection against
outside control could be suggested; and this plan was
finally approved, and adopted as the only one reli-
able and satisfactory. It was made the occasion of a
great cry of fraud, and much odium against Mr.
Hamilton was raised in consequence of its misappre-
hension, it being made to appear to the public as a
very great bug-bear. It was in reality the key to the
whole, position, and' was so essential as a means of
protection that but for it the enterprise could never
have been carried through. .This arrangement has
been copied by other corporations since, notably the
Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad Company, which
has used it for the same purpose, ^to protect itself
from the control of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany.
The National Railway Company still lacked the
power to execute a single mortgage on the whole line
from Philadelphia to New York, and capitalists re-
quired that legislative authority to do this should be
secured as a condition precedent to their putting in
the money to build the road. A bill was therefore
introduced into the Legislature of New Jersey in
1870 supplementary to the charter of the Millstone
and Trenton Railroad Company, authorizing that
company to consolidate with the National Railway
Company, so as to give the' required mortgage pii the
whole line ; but it was defeated 'by the .powerful op-
position of the Camden and Aniboy Railroad Com-
pany after a two months' content in the Legislature.
From 1870 to 1872 the time was spent in endeavoring
to obviate the difiiculty growing out of the inability
to make a consolidated mortgage. At length, in the
session of the Legislature for 1872, the Stanhope
charter was obtained, which was approved by the
Governor, March 13, 1872, having passed both
branches of the Legislature without opposition,
though it contained a clause providing for this.neces-
sity, this clause having escaped thei notice of the
agents of the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company,
who were guarding their interests in the Legislature.
This charter, in the opinion of many of the first
lawyers of New Jersey and other States, among
them Hon. Cortlandt Parker, Attorney-General Rob-
ert Gilchrist, Judge William Strong of the United
States Supreme Court, all of whom gave written
opinions, together with Hon. Charles Gibbons and
Messrs. Bullitt and Dixon of Philadelphia, con-
tained the necessary power to unite in one corporation
all the franchises under which the new line was to be
constructed, rendering them competent to execute a
consolidated mortgage and to build and operate the
road. The different New Jersey corporations were
therefore merged into the Stanhope Railroad Com-
pany, and that company leased to the National Rail-
way Company so much of the united franchises as
was necessary to extend it to Jersey City and make
one mortgage on the whole line.
Such eminent counsel having approved the indenture
as competent for the purpose, capitalists willingly en-
gaged to furnish the funds for building the road.
Contracts for construction were let ; the grading of the
road-bed was vigorously commenced along the whole
line, and a considerable portion of the earthwork and
masonry done in a short time.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which had
then leased the works of the Camden and Amboy
Railroad Company, applied to the courts for an in-
junction restraining this new and competing line from
114
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
completing their work. Judge Sharswood, before
whom it came, notified counsel of the National Rail-
way Company, after argument on both sides, that he
intended to deny the injunction, suggesting, however,
that it would expedite a decision in the Supreme
Court if the company would accept an injunction
pro forma, i.e., for the sake of form, and thus be
able to carry it up themselves, so as to secure a final
decision at once. They accepted the injunction, and
it was granted. While these proceedings were pend-
ing, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company applied to
the Court of Chancery of New Jersey for an injunction
against the National Railway Company in this State,
on the ground of their still possessing the monopoly
of all carrying between New York and Philadelphia.
At the original incorporation of the Camden and
Amboy Railroad Company it had been secured the
monopoly of all transportation between New York
and Philadelphia. The legislative enactment of
March 2, 1832, by which this was accomplished, pro-
vides " that it shall not be lawful at any time during
the charter of the Camden and Amboy Railroad Com-
pany to construct any other railroad in New Jersey,
without its consent, which shall be intended or used for
the transportation of passengers or merchandise be-
tween the cities of New York and Philadelphia, or to
compete in business with the Camden and Amboy
Railroad."
This monopoly was complete, and in time made the
Camden and Amboy overpowering in the State, and
so strong as to be felt in the framing of the laws, in
the choosing of the Governors and members of the
Legislature, and even of the judges of the courts.
This had at length become intolerable to such a de-
gree that every effbrt had been made to shake ofi' its
tyranny, but in vain.* Henry C. Carey, the distin-
guished political economist of Philadelphia in those
days, who had done his utmost to curb the power of
the monopoly and failed, said to Mr. Hamilton re-
garding his enterprise, " Young man, that is a noble
thing to do ; but let me tell you that, however well
you lay your plans, you will never get through. Any
body of men you may gather around you will some
day sell you out." It was to prevent this that Mr.
Hamilton first began his search after a means of pro-
tection, which search ended in his deed of trust.
As a means of ending this monopoly, however, a
way was found in 1854 for securing a compact be-
tween the Legislature of New Jersey and the joint
companies, whereby those exclusive privileges were
to cease in 1869, and it was then enacted that no such
claim should ever be made after that date. The legis-
lative act respecting this compact provided " that
after the first day of January, 1869, it shall be lawful,
without the consent of the Camden and Amboy and
Delaware and Raritan Companies, to construct any
* A more full account of this monopoly and its power may be found
n the North American Review of April, 1867.
railroad or railroads in this State for the transporta-
tion of passengers and merchandise between New
York and Philadelphia, or to compete in business with
the railroads of the joint companies"; and this act
the joint companies formally accepted, April 17, 1854,
having received in return certain advantages for which
they were willing to relinquish the monopoly.
Nevertheless, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company,
as the successors of the joint companies, claimed be-
fore the chancellor that until the Legislature should
iu express words authorize a new company to comr
pete with the joint companies, it had exclusive right
of transportation between New York and Philadel-
phia. The National Railway Company was defended
by some of the ablest legal counsel in the State,
Judge Robert S. Green, of Elizabeth, Hon. Cortlandt
Parker, Hon. Robert Gilchrist, then attorney-general
of the State, and Judge J. G. Shipman, who showed
the clear right of the new company to compete ; yet
Vice-Ohancellor Amzi Dodd, before whom the appli-
cation for an injunction came, granted it, Jan. 14,
1873
This decision practically ended the contest in the
courts and left the new company powerless to pro-
ceed, but it aroused public indignation and organized
a sentiment of opposition to the monopoly which grew
in strength and boldness until it culminated in a free
railroad law.
When the Legislature of 1873 convened, it was
found that the Lower House was largely in favor of a
competing railroad, and of granting the National
Railroad Company whatever legislation might be
necessary to give it undoubted right to build a new
railroad between the two great cities of the continent.
The Senate was nearly equally divided, with the
spirit of monopoly in the preponderance. The friends
of the National Railway 'Company, finding special
legislation impossible in face of the opposition in the
Senate, drafted a general railroad law and -secured its
passage. Immediately upon its approval, April 2,
1873, the New York and Philadelphia Railroad Com-
pany was organized under its provisions, and began
anew the eifort to carry forward its work. But it was
found that capital, which was willing to embark in
the enterprise under a special charter, hesitated to
take the risks under an untried general law. The
panic of 1873 soon followed, and the company, dis-
couraged by the difficulties still surrounding it, em-
barrassed by the expense of the long fight it had sus-
tained, and depressed by the effect of the panic, sold
its rights, property, and franchises, in May, 1874, to
the Delaware and Bound Brook Railroad Company,
a new corporation organized in the same general in-
terest, for the same purposes, to build over the same
ground, and including several of the same men.
Most of these men were Philadelphia capitalists and
connected with the North Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, who were backed by that corporation. The
other obstacles having all been removed, the work
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
115
was rapidly completed, and in May, 1876, the road
was opened for travel in time for the Centennial Ex-
position of that year.
It is equipped and operated by the Philadelphia
and Beading Railroad Company, upon a lease of nine
hundred and ninety years from May 1, 1879, at an
annual rental of the amount of interest on its bonded
and floating debt, and a dividend on its capital stock
at the rate of six per cent, per annum for the first two
years, of seven per cent, per annum for the next two
years, and of eight per cent, per annum thereafter.
To Mr. Hamilton is due the credit of this whole
undertaking, as it was by his enterprise it was pro-
jected, by his foresight it was protected, by his skill
it was directed, and by his unflinching perseverance
it was carried through and the courage of its friends
rallied again and again after repeated defeats. To
him, indeed, is due the passage of the free railroad
law of New Jersey, and the liberation of the State
from the curse of special legislation, and from monop-
oly rule to a large extent. Besides the legal gentle-
men already mentioned, to wit. Judge Green, Hon.
Cortlandt Parker, Attorney-General Gilchrist, Judge
Shipman, Judge Strong, Hon. Charles Gibbons,
Messrs. Bullitt and Dixon, a number of other gen-
tlemen associated with him deserve honorable men-
tion, a few only of whom can be even named. Among
them are Hon. William M. Meredith, of Philadel-
phia ; Algernon S. Cadwallader, of Yardleyville, Pa. ;
Samuel K. Wilson and Alfred S. Livingston, of Tren-
ton ; Henry Lewis, Jacob Eiegel, and James Gowan,
Esq., of Philadelphia, all of whom stood manfully
by when the storm of obloquy was overwhelming and
the obstacles apparently insurmountable. Edward
C. Knight, Esq., the president of the Delaware and
Bound Brook Railroad Company, and his associates
of that corporation, are deserving of great credit for
their success and the character of the work they have
achieved, which is surpassed by no other of the kind
in the world, and is an honor to any body of men.
This road, popularly known as the " Bound Brook"
or " Air Line" Railroad, has a double track, is well
built, and is finely outfitted in rolling stock. It ex-
tends from Philadelphia .to Bound Brook, N. J.,
where it intersects with the Central Railroad of New
Jersey, continuing thence to New York City. The
cost of the road and equipments was $3,138,056.64;
capital stock paid in, $1,584,400; bonded debt,
$1,500,000; floating debt, $299,600. Its receipts for
1879 were $310,469.31, and expenditures for the same
year were $167,213.83. E. C. Knight is the present
officiating president.
The stations of this line within Somerset County
are Bound Brook, Weston, Hamilton, Van Aken,
Harlingen, SkUlman, and Stoutsburg.
UNITED NEW JEESBT EAILEOAD AND CANAL COMPANY.
This corporation embraces quite a network of rail-
roads in this State, as also the Delaware and Raritan
Canal. It includes the Camden and Amboy Railroad,
with its many branches and connections, also the
Millstone and New Brunswick, the "Belvidere
Delaware," and the " Flemington" Railroads, all ex-
cept the first named being wholly or in part within
the counties of Hunterdon and Somerset.
At the beginning of the year 1867, Hamilton Fish
and Ashbel Welch, with others, effected the consoli-
dation of the New Jersey Railroad Company with the
joint companies. This consolidation was in the
form of a contract, drawn up by Joseph P. Bradley,
the counsel of the joint companies, and was validated
by act of the Legislature approved Feb. 27, 1867.
Although these roads were now operated by a joint
board, the combination was at first rather that of an
association or partnership of the several roads con-
cerned than as a unit; but in 1872 (March 14th), by
an act of the Legislature, they were merged into one
corporation, henceforward known as the " United
New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company." The
Pennsylvania Railroad Company subsequently took
possession of the roads under their lease, although
the stock remained in the hands of the united com-
panies. John A. Anderson, of Lambertville, who
had been assistant superintendent of the Belvidere
Delaware Railroad, became superintendent of what
has since been known as the " Belvidere Delaware
Division of the United Railroads of New Jersey."
This position he still holds.
The " Belvidere Delaware â– Railroad" was completed
to Lambertville in 1850, to Milford in February, 1853,
and finished in 1854. It was leased to the United
New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company, Feb. 15,
1876, and assigned to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany March 7th of the same year. It has a length of
sixty-eight miles, and extends from Trenton, N. J^, to
Manunka Chunk, N. J., where it intersects the Dela-
ware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. It is laid
upon the east bank of the Delaware River, whose
windings it follows, and gives the western part of
Hunterdon County railroad communication from its
southern to its northern boundary. Its capital stock,
paid in, is $994,050, its bonded debt is $3,444,500, and
its floating debt (being special bonds) is $156,081.77.
The cost .of the road and equipments has been
$4,246,638.92. The receipts from all soiirces for the
year 1879 were $718,152.31, and the expenditures for
the same time $454,900.11, leaving as net earnings
$263,252.20. Ashbel Welch is its president, and Hugh
B. Ely secretary and treasurer.
THE FLEMINGTON EAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION COM-
PANY,
which is a part of the railway chain above mentioned
as now operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany, was constructed in 1854. It runs from Flem-
ington, in a southwest direction, to Lambertville,
twelve miles, where it connects with the Belvidere
Delaware Railroad both north and south. This line
116
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
is wholly within Hunterdon County. Its receipts for
1879 were $10,593.08, and expenses $17,576.45.
Ashbel Welch, of Lambertville, is president, and
Hugh B. Ely treasurer and secretary. The cost of
the road and equipments was $290,653.87; capital
stock paid in, $150,000 ; bonded debt, $250,000.
The Belvidere Delaware Eailroad Company and the
Flemington Railroad and Transportation Company
still have their own oflBcers and boards of directors,
though those officers and directors have no control of
the working of these roads. They have cognizance of
all things that have not passed under the lease, for
example, making loans secured by mortgage, and
agreements of a permanent character.
tHK BASTON AND AMBOT KAILEOAD COMPANT.
This road extends from the middle of the Delaware
River, at Phillipsburg, eastward across Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties, to Perth Amboy, a distance of
sixty miles, and is popularly known as the " Packer
Road," Mr. Asa Packer having been from the first
largely interested in it.* It was leased, and is now
operated, by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company,
at an annual rental of the cost of maintenance, taxes,
and interest on its securities.
Capital stock paid in, $5,000,000; bonded debt,
$5,000,000; floating debt, $387,413.78; cost of the
road and appendages, etc., $9,412,651.63. The re-
ceipts and expenses of the Easton and Amboy Rail-
road are not kept separately by the Lehigh Valley
Railroad Company, and the exact figures cannot be
given, but the following is an estimate for 1879:
Income from passengers, $22,460.99; from freight,
$290,140.88; from coal, .$665,902.34; total, $978,604.21.
The expenditure for 1879 was $538,177.31.
Charles Hartshorne is the present (1880) secretary
and treasurer of this road.
THE MERCEK AND SOMEESET EAILWAT COMPANT.
This road, constructed in 1870, extended from Som-
erset Junction, on the line of the Belvidere Delaware
Railroad, to East Millstone, in Somerset County, a
distance of twenty-two and a half miles, where it
connected with the Millstone and New Brunswick
Railroad. It was leased to the United New Jersey
Railroad and Canal Company, and the lease by them
assigned to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company,
who equipped. and operated the road. On account
of default in payment of interest on the bonded debt,
Strickland Kneass, trustee of the mortgage securing
the payment of the same, caused the road, with its ap-
purtenances and franchises, to be sold at public auc-
tion, n Trenton, Nov. 20, 1879, when it was purchased
â– * It is to a .Somerset County man, William H. Gatzmer, that Now Jer-
sey is largely iudebted for the Buccessfiil issue of this undertaking. His
oonnection with the Lehigh Valley Kailroad commenoed in 1853, and as
one of its first directors (he continued until 1880), and later m consult-
ing manager, he was instrumental in enabling Judge Packer to secure
and retain for many years the majority of the whole capital stock of the
company, which gave him the controlling management of the road.
in the interest of the bondholders by G. Morris Dor-
rance for fifty thousand dollars. The lessees have ter-
minated the lease and ceased operating the road.
Within a year past therails have been taken up and
the route vacated.
THE MILLSTONE AND NEW BRUNSWICK EAILEOAD COM
PANT.
This road extends from Millstone, in Somerset
County, eastward six and three-fourths miles, to New
Brunswick, in Middlesex. It was subsequently leased
to the New Jersey Railroad Company, and ulti-
mately passed (1871) into the hands of the Penn-
sylvania Railroad Company at an annual rental of
six per cent., by which corporation it was equipped
and is now operated. A. L. Dennis is president.
Cost of the road and equipments, $113,404.42; re-
ceipts for 1879, $6802.57 ; expenditures, $9824.71 ;
paid in dividends during the year, in cash, $2866.
THE WEST LINE EAILROAD
was surveyed about 1868, and opened for travel a few
years later. It runs from Bernardsville, Somerset Co.,.
through the townships of Passaic in Morris and New
Providence in Union County, to Summit, where it
connects with the Morris and Essex Division of the
Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.
EOCKT HILL EAILROAD AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANT.
This road extends from Rocky Hill to Monmouth
Junction, Middlesex Co., a distance of six and one-
half miles. Capital stock, paid in, $45,995; cost of
road and equipments, $45,005.74. D. H. Mount is
president. It is leased to the " United Railroad and
Canal Companies," at an annual rental of six per
cent, on the capital stock held by individual stock-
holders. Income for 1879, $3410.52; expenditures,
$11,384.62.
CHAPTER X.
HUKrTEEDOBT AHD SOMEKSET COUKTTIES IN
THE WAB OF THE BEBELilOIT.
The Patriotism of the People of Hunterdon and Somei-set The First
Volunteers, Three Months' Men ^amhertviUe the First to Respond
to the Governor's Call for Troops- Services in the Field of the New
Jersey Brigade Roster of the Companies from Hunterdon County.
The part taken by the counties of Hunterdon and
Somerset in the war which was waged from 1861 to
1865 for the suppression of rebellion and the preser-
vation of the Union, was most honorable and patri-
otic. At the receipt of the intelligence of the attack
on Port Sumter, in April, 1861, there were seen in
these counties the same demonstrations of loyalty to
the Union and of determination to crush out treason
at every hazard, the same patriotic meetings and flag-
raismgs, the same disposition of young men to volun-
teer and of old men to encourage and aid them in
doing so, as were found everywhere in the other
HUNTEEDON AND. SOMERSET COUNTIES IN THE REBELLION.
117
counties of the patriotic State of New Jersey. And
when the Union armies melted away in the fervent
heat of battle, and call after call was made for
men to take the places of those who had fallen, there
was shown here the same determination to stand by
the government at whatever cost ; and the people and
the local authorities with the same alacrity voted the
moneys which were called for to accomplish the de-
sired end.
From the time when the President's first call for
men was made until the time when the death of the
great Rebellion made further calls unnecessary, the
men of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties responded
to each appeal with a patriotic devotion not excelled
in any part of the State or of the Union. The names
of these soldiers are found on the rolls of a large num-
ber of regiments of this and other States ; and such
of those regiments as were most noticeable for the
number of Hunterdon and Somerset County men
serving in their ranks are especially mentioned in the
following pages, in historical sketches of their organ-
ization and services in the great war for the Union.
THE FIRST VOLUNTEERS. THREE MONTHS' MEN.
On the 15th of April, two days after the fall of
Fort Sumter, President Lincoln issued his first call
for troops, the number required being seventy-five
thousand, of which number the quota of New Jersey
was four regiments, of seven hundred and eighty
men each, a total of three thousand one hundred
and eighty, to be detached from the militia of the
State. On receipt of the requisition, on the 17th,
Governor Charles S. Olden issued his proclamation di-
recting all individuals or organizations willing to volun-
teer to report themselves within twenty days ; and at
the same time orders were issued to the four generals
of division for each to detail one full regiment for
the service, and immediately to proceed to the organ-
ization of the reserve militia. Under the orders,
volunteers were to be accepted for three months' ser-
vice ; but if a sufficient number of these did not of-
fer, the deficiency was to be made up by draft from
the militia. It was not, however, found necessaiy to
adopt the latter alternative. Volunteers aggregating
more than the required number* were easily obtained,
and to this force Somerset and Hunterdon Counties
contributed their full proportion, Hunterdon furnish-
ing three companies to the Third Regiment (three
months) and Somerset sending a large number of
men, who, however, did not form any full companies
as distinctively of the county, but enlisted, according
to their fancy, in various companies of the several
regiments.
The first regimental offer was made by the First
* Within a few days over one bundled companies of volunteers equal
to ten thousand men had offered their services under the Governor's
proclamation, and even this number would have been greatly increased
butfor the prevalent belief that the quota would be filleri by the brigade,
already organized. FosUr^s New Jersey and llie RebeUkni.
Regiment of the Hunterdon brigade on the day follow-
ing the appearance of the Governor's proclamation.!
The letter to the Governor preferring the services of
this organization was as follows :
" Lambeetville, N. J., April 18, 18G1.
GoTERNOE Chakles S. Olden : "
" Dear Sir, The Tirst Eegiment of the Hunterdon Brigade, at this
time numbering about two hundred men; rank and file, respectfally ten-
der their services to the government to aid in putting down the present re-
bellion. We are ready to obey your command.
V. R. Mathews, "
LixnUnant-CoTmid of the First Regiment Hunterdon Brigade.
The troops were raised with such expedition that
on the last day of April the quota of the State was
complete, and the brigade was mustered into the
State service and placed under command of Brig.-
Gen.t Theodore Runyon, with Maj. Alexander V.
Bonnell, of Hunterdon County, as brigade inspector.
On the 1st of May, Governor Olden sent a special
messenger to Gen. B. F. Butler, then in command at
Annapolis, Md., requesting him to prepare to receive
the New Jersey brigade. At the same time he
sent another messenger to "Washington to notify the
Secretary of War that the State authorities of New
Jersey would furnish their volunteers with the ne-
cessary arms and accoutrements, which the United
States government was at that time unable to do.
The Governor also telegraphed the War Department
saying that the troops from this State would move
forward on the 1st, 2d, and '3d of May, and asking
that all possible measures might be taken to insure
their efficiency and promote their comfort.
As railroad communication with Baltimore had
been severed by reason of the destruction of the
bridges over Gunpowder Creek and other streams, it
was decided to send the New Jersey troops forward by
water, by way of Annapolis, Md. They were accord-
ingly embarked on fourteen Delaware and Raritan
Canal propellers on the 3d of May, and proceeded
down the Delaware and through the Delaware and
Chesapeake Canal and Chesapeake Bay to their des-
tination, which was reached in the night of the 4th.
" The arrival of the brigade was at once reported to Gen. Butler, wlio,
after some ceremony, ordered its advance to Washington, and on the 5th
the Firet Kegiment, with six companies of the Second and nine companies
of the Third, started forward in two trains of cars. The first of these
trains reached Washington about midnight, .and the second at eight
o'clock the following morning. The same evening the Fourth Regiment
and the remaining company of the Third reached the capital. The four
companies of the Second left at Annapolis were detailed, by order of Gen.
Scott, to the service of guarding the telegraph and railroad-track between
Wasliington and Annapolis Junction. On the 6th of May the arrival
of the brigade was reported to Gen. Scott, and, no camps being provided,
the troops went into such quarters as were available in Washington.
On all sides the arrival of the troops was hailed with pleasure. Men "
felt that now the capital was safe. These three thousand Jerseyman,
thoroxighly armed and equipped, as no regiment previously arrived had
been, could be relied on to repel all assaults. New Jersey never stood
higher in the estimation of the loyal people of the country than at that
juncture when she sent to the nation's defense the first full brigade of
troops that reached tlie field." §
f Ibid. X Commissioned April 27, 1861.
g Foster's New Jersey and the Rebellion.
118
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
The passage of the troops from Trenton to Annap-
olis and their arrival at the latter place were thus
noticed hy the National Intelligencer :
"The whole brigade, with its four pieces of artillery, arrived at Annap-
olis on Sunday, May 5th, in twenty-eight houi-e from Trenton, and pro-
ceeded direct for Washington. It ifi 8ta;ted that the fourteen transports,
with a strong convay, C^t. F. E. Leper, made a splendid appearance "
steaming: in two lines down the Chesapeake. They had been greeted by
a great Union demonstration as they passed along the Chesapeake and
Delaware Canal. They are armed with the Mini6 musket, but are to
have the Mini6 rifle and sword-bayonet; . . . This regiment is composed
of some of the best men in the State, and in athletic appearance, as well
as general soldierly deportment, is a credit to the country."
On the 9th and 10th of May the regiments of the
hrigade moved out from Washington to Meridian Hill,
near the city, where they formed a camp which was
christened " Camp Monmouth." There they remained,
engaged in drill and the perfecting of their discipline,
until the 23d of the same month, when, in obedience
to orders received from Gen. Mansfield (commander
of the forces around Washington), the Second, Third,
and Fourth Regiments* moved from their camp at
about midnight and took the route, by way of the
Long Bridge across the Potomac, to Virginia. They
reached the " Sacred Soil" at about three o'clock in
the morning of the 24th, then, proceeding a short
distance farther on the Alexandria road, halted, and
after a brief rest and the making of the usual military
dispositions commenced the construction of a strong
defensive work, which, after about three weeks of
severe and unintermitted labor, performed exclu-
sively by the men of New Jersey, was completed,
mounted with heavy guns, and appropriately named,
in honor of their brigade commander, " Fort Run-
yon," a name which remained unchanged during
the continuance of the war.
The position of the brigade remained substantially
unchanged until the 16th of July, when a part of it
was moved forward a few miles, this being part of the
grand advance on Manassas, from which the most
favorable results were expected, but which ended in
the disgraceful defeat and rout of the Union forces at
Bull Run on the 21st of July. The Jersey brigade,
however, was not actively engaged in the battle of
that disastrous day, being posted at several points in
the reart as part of the large reserve force commanded
* The First did not move till the following day.
t " Meanwhile, Gen. Kunyon had, on the 16th, sent the First Regiment
of his brigade to a point occupied by our pickets, on the Oi'ange and
Alexandria Railroad, three miles beyond Springfield, where they acted
as a guard to a party engaged in repairing the railway. On the same
day four hundred and twenty-five men of the Third Begiment were
detailed as an escort to a provision-train en route for the main body of
the army. At the same time a guard was detailed from the Fourth
Regiment for another section of the railroad which it was important to
hold.
guarding the Long Bridge, and still another on duty at Arlington Mills.
The remainder of the regiment was ordered to proceed to Alexandria,
together with the Second (three months) Regiment. Col. Taylor, com-
manding the Third (three years) Regiment, was at the same time ordered
to march to a point on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and during
the night following the First and Second (three years) Regiments were
moved foi-ward to Vienna. On the same day the division headtiuarters
by Gen. Runyon. But in the positions assigned to
them the several commands did their whole duty, and
when the day was hopelessly lost, and the Union
army came flying from the field in disorganization
and panic, these Jersey regimenfe, standing firm,
aided materially in rallying the terrified fugitives,
and so staying the tide of overwhelming disaster.
On the 24th of July, three days after the Bull Run
battle, the Third and Fourth Regiments (their term
of service having expired) were ordered to report to
Gen. Mansfield for muster out. The First and Second
received the same orders on the following day, and
the four regiments of three months' men were accord-
ingly mustered out of the United States service, and
returned to New Jersey, where they were most enthu-
siastically received by their fellow-citizens. A ma-
jority of the men afterwards enlisted in three years'
regiments and did good service, while many of them
gave their lives for their country on the battle-fields
of Virginia and the Southwest.
Following is a list of the ofiicers and men of the
three Hunterdon County companies in the Third
(three months) Regiment:
COMPANT E (LAMBERTVILLE).
The officers and enlisted men of this company were all enrolled
April 25, 1861, mustered into service April 27, 1861, and mustered out,
July 31, 1861.
George Hunt, corporal.
William Spencer, corporal.
Henry Cafry, corporal.
Joseph Sprote, corporal.
George Terkes, iifer.
William Lees, drummer.
Aehbel W. Angel, captain.
Aaron H. Slack, first lieutenant.
Isaac M. Bunnell, ensign.
Charles A. Angel, first sergeant.
Theodore F. Large, sergeant.
Thomas Hunt, sergeant.
Samuel Mustard, sergeant.
Privates.
James Agin, Charles Bauman, Jacob J. Bergen, Jerome Bogart, Lewis T.
Brant, Albert Buriingame, John H. Chidester, James Clark, John H.
Clark, Richard S. Conover, Alexander Corrie, John Craig, Patrick
Daver, Andrew I. Day, Michael Downs, William H. Egan, John Ely,
Richard Ely, Thomas Flaherty, John W. Fowler, John H. Gilbert,
Patrick Hammell, Jacob Hines, Daniel K. Hinson, Thomas Horn,
Michael Hunt, William Hnnter, Benjamin H. Joiner, John B. Jonesi
John H. Keisle, Smith F. Kinsey, Matthias Kiret, Peter C. Kulp, John
A, Kutter, William Linburn, John.Logue, James Longshore, James
were transferred to Alexandria, and instructions were issued to the De
Kalb Begiment, wbicli had become attached to the division, with other
troops, to keep a guard at all times on the railroad from Camp Trenton
the former headquarters, to Ariington Mills. On the 17th orders werj
issued to all the regiments in the command to provide themselves with
two days' cooked rations, and, on the 18th, Gen. Bunyon formally as-
sumed command of all the troops not on the march to the front.
"The troops actually under Gen. Rnuyon's command at this critical
and important period numbered thirteen regiments, comprising perhaps
ten thousand men. Of these, the term of service of some four thousand
would expire witliin a week, and that of one regiment within two davs
after his assumption ot the command. His prepaiations, however, went
regulariy forward, every call upon him being promptly met. On the 2Tst
of July-the day on which the army advanced to the attack-he for-
Another detail of one company from this regiment was then ^^Xr'w^th ^feti^t'^t^d'Tnd'lhii;' fthrT -- J-^^--.-
obedience to orders from Gen, McDowell. On the evening of the same
day, orders being received to cease sending reinforcements, the battle
havmgbeen lost, the forts were at once placed in rea<liness to receive
the enemy should he
pursue our retiring columns, and every preparatk.u
was made to retrieve, so far as possible, the misfnrtnnes of the day
luster s New Jersey iwd llie ReMlion.
THIRD INFANTRY REGIMENT (THREE YEARS).
119
Magie, James H. May, Patrick McNamara, James H. Moon, George
Haylor, Howard O'Daniel, 'William O'Daniel, Charles F. Peterson,
Stacy Pidcock, John R. Price, George W. Risler, John Robbins, John
Savage, Thomas D. Schenck, Thomas Seery, James M. Sly, Ahram E.
Smith, James Stites, Charles A. Stout, Theodore C. Stryker, Daniel
Scudder, disch. for disability at Roche's Springs, Va., May 29, 1861,
John P. Thompson, George W. Trauger, George C. Van Camp, Joseph "
â– Warford, John Waterhouse.
COMPANT H (FLEMINGTON).
Mustered in April 27, 1861 ; must out July 31, 1861.
George A. Allen, captain.
Jam^ Gordon, first lieutenant.
Martin Wyckoff, ensign.
(Jeorge W. Forker, first sergeant.
John H. Clark, sergeant,
Peter M. Larue, sergeant.
Robert Ramsey, sergeant; pro. from corporal May 29, 1861.
Samuel B. Mann, sergeant ; pro. from corporal May 25, 1861.
Lemuel Fisher, corporal.
David A. Wilson, corporaL ,
Andrew V. Smith, corporal; pro. from private May 25,1861.
"William H. Stryker, corporal ; pro. from private May 29, 1861.
Samuel Volk, fifer.
Jonathan Hanpence, drummer.
Prwates.
James 0. BelUs, William R. Bellia, John Bosenbury, Joseph Bosenbury,
Peter Boss, George W. Breene, Isaiah Buchanan, Asa Carkhuff, Chaa.
P. Case, disch. for disability May, 1861, William D. Clark, Andrew
S. Connet, Asa Dalrymple, Isaac N. Danberry, Isaac Dayton, Hugh
Doran, William Dorrington, Frank W. Downs, John V. D. Drost,
William Dnngan, George Ege, George H. Engles, William Fleming,
John W. Forker, Max Franklin, Hamilton Gary, Forman V. Hart-
pence, George Heauy, Herman Heimbold, Lemuel Hoagland, George
W. Keller, Frank Kelly, Joseph D. Kinney, Henry S. Lake, John R.
S. Lane, William Lare, Daniel Luther, Mahlon Martindell, Richard
C. Martindell, William McGinn, James H. Melick, Charles Merriam,
William T. Merrill, Horatio P. Milburn, Samuel Milburn, Joseph H.
Pettit, Joseph R. Potts, Ranslear D. Runkle, John F. Schenck, Jr.,
Theodore R. Servis, Wesley Servis, Isaac P. C. Shemela, Levi Snyder,
William H. Snyder, Henry Stothoflf, Benjamin Stradling, John Sul-
livan, John W. Thomas, Augustus Thompson, Henry R. Yan Doren,
Jacob W. Van Fleet, Jacob R. Weart, Samuel Woodruff, John S.
Yard, William Yard.
COMPANY I (LAMBERTYILLE).
Enrolled April 27, 1861 ; mustered out July 31, 1861.
Wail, Charles Wesner, James H. Welch, missing, and not mustered
out with company ( Adjutant-General's Report) ; Spencer Williams,
Giles Wright, James Wristband.*
Simeon E. Huselton, captain.
TheophiluB Stout, first lieutenant.
William W. Abbott, ensign.
Theodore H. Field, first sergeant.
Anderson Slack, sergeant.
George W. Day, sergeant.
Charles Kitchen, sergeant.
Asa Price, corporal.
Preston B. Goodfellow, corporal.
Joseph Taylor, corporal.
Oliver Case, corporal.
Nathaniel Sliuttuck, fifer.
Jacob A. Errickson, drummer.
CHAPTER XL
THIBD HTPASTTET KEGIMEITT (THKEE
TEAES).
The GoTernor calls for Three Regiments for Three Tears' Service The
First, Second, and Third Regiments take the Field Officers and Move-
ments of the Third Infantry At the Battle of Gaines' Mill Heavy
Losses Gen. Taylor Wounded Orampton's Gap Campaign of Chan-
cellorsville Battles of the 'Wilderness Ite Laat Fight, at Cold Harbor
Hegiment Mustered Out and Disbanded Sketch of Brig.-Gen, George
W. Taylor Boster of OfBcers and Men from Somerset County.
It has already been mentioned thait in response to
Governor Olden'a proclamation of the 17th of April,
1861, calling for troops, nearly ten thousand men
responded, of which number only four regiments
(three months' men) could be accepted. Of the large
number which remained, many, being anxious to enter
the service, proceeded to New York, Philadelphia,
and other points outside the limits of New Jersey,
and enlisted in regiments of other States. Of the
large number who enlisted in this manner estimated
by the adjutant-general at five thousand men from
the entire State of New Jersey no record can be
given.
But it was not long before it became apparent to
the authorities at Washington that it would be neces-
sary to call into the field a much larger number of
regiments, to be made up of men enlisted for a longer
term of service, and the President thereupon issued a
call for thirty-nine additional regiments of infantry
and one of cavalry, to be enlisted for three years or
during the continuance Of the war. Under this call
the quota of New Jersey was placed at three full regi-
ments, and a requisition for these was received by
Governor Olden on the 17th of May. No diffi-
culty was found in furnishing them,t for a sufficient
number of companies had been already raised and
organized, and were anxiously waiting to be mustered
into the service. From these companies there were
Charles A. Abbott, Charles Akers, Gershom A. Akers, Augustus Bodine,
Joseph Briese, William Bunker, Jeremiah B. Carroll, William J.
Carroll, John Clary, Christopher S. Conway, John Coulton, William
M. Craft, Timothy Courley, John 0. Daniel, William F. De Hart,
Kalph Dilts, William F. Dilta, Benjamin F. Dollas, disch. for dis-
ability May 29, 1861, Ephraim Ellison, George Enganoch, Eichard
Garmo, Samuel Goodfellow, Charles H. Green, Eldridge Green, Peter
Halpin, William Henderson, Andrew Henry, Henry B. Kitchen,
Lewis L. Landis, Joseph Larrasou, Michael Madigan, Charles Mann,
Thomas McDermott, Thomas McDonald, Pierson C. McFerren,
Samuel McGarr, James McBae, William Murphy, John Myers, James
M., Naylor, John N. C. Nelson, Joseph Nelson, John B. Orner, dis-
charged on account of disability May 29, 1861, John E. Pitman,
Albert J. Beading, Peter P. Eink, William Bobbins, Franz Eeiley,
Daniel Saylor, Augustus Sbeppard, Hiram Sibbett, Paul Simhold,
Calvin Sisson, George W. Skillman, William E. Skinner, Elnathan
Stephenson, William W. Ten Eyck, Frederick G. Tliomas, Godliep
* No list of Somerset County three months' men can be given, for tlie
reason that no whole companies were formed in that county. As its
volunteers under this call enlisted in companies formed in other counties,
it is impracticable to select the names of Somerset County men from others
borne on the rolls of those companies.
j- On tho 18th of May, the day following the receipt of the requisition
Governor Olden wrote to the War Oflice as follows :
Hon. Simon Cameeon, Seceetaut ofWak: "
"Deab Sie, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
favor of the 16th inst. inclosing plan of organization of the volunteers
for three years or during the war, and assigning three regiments to this
State.
Tho three regiments are now ready, and only await orders to the "
mustering oflicer, Maj. Laidley, who is now here awaiting orders, to be
mustered into the service. I have not called out more than three regi-
ments, because I have not been authorized to do so by you ; but it the
occasion required their services, this Stale would willingly furnish twice ae
manii regiments to serve during llie war. ..."
120
HUNTERDON AND -SOMERSET COUNTIES, N^EW JERSEY.
organized without delay the First, Second, and Third
(tliree years') Regiments, which were mustered into
the United States service for that term, being uni-
formed, equipped, and furnished with camp and
garrison equipage by the State of New Jersey, but
armed by the general government. The three regi-
ments left Trenton on the 28th of June,* and were
reported to Gen. Scott, at Washington, on the follow-
ing day.
The Third Regiment was mustered under the follow-
ing-named field-officers : Colonel, George W. Taylor ;
lieutenant-colonel, Henry W. Brown; major, Mark
W. Collett; adjutant, Robert T. Dunham; quarter-
master, Francis Sayre ; surgeon, Lorenzo Lewis Cox.
The commissioned officers of the Somerset County
company! (G) of this regiment were : Captain, Peter
F. Rogers ; first lieutenant, Richard D. Cook ; second
lieutenant, Arthur H. Hardcastle.
Soon after its arrival in Washington, the Third
Regiment, as well as the first and second three years'
jegiments, was ordered across the Potomac and as-
signed to duty in the Jersey brigade, under command
of Gen. Runyon. A few days before the commence-
ment of the fii-st advance towards Manassas, but after
the movement had been determined on, the Third was
ordered forward to perform the duty of guarding and
repairing the railroadj to Fairfax Station, at which
point the regiment was stationed, as part of the
reserve force, during the progress of the battle of
Bull Run, therefore taking no active part in that
engagement, but doing good service, nevertheless, in
rallying fugitives from the field and helping to restore
something like order among a part at least of the
flying and panic-stricken troops which were pressing
on in disorder and rout towards Washington in the
evening of that disastrous day, the 21st of July. Im-
mediately after the battle the Third was moved to the
neighborhood of Alexandria, and there encamped
with the other regiments of the Jersey brigade, which
early in August received as its commander Brig-Gen.
Philip Kearney, one of the bravest and best soldiers
that ever drew a sabre, and one whom the veterans of
New Jersey will ever remember with love and ad-
miration.
The Third Regiment was first under hostile fire on
the '29th of August, when, in making a reconnoissance
in the vicinity of Cloud's Mills, it fell into an ambus-
cade of the enemy, and in the skirmish which followed
* Foster, p. 66.
t Tills waa the first company which Somerset County seut to the field,
tliough a considerable number of men from the county had previously
volunteered in other organizations.
X Following is a copy of the order :
" Headquarters Fourth Division, July 16th.
^' Sj)ecial Order No. 2.
Col. Taylor, of the Third Regiment of three yeal-s' New Jei-sey vol- "
unteei-B, will proceed with all practicable dispatch, in light marching
order, up the Orauge and Alexandria Railroad to a point occupied by our
pickets, about three miles beyond Springfield, or thereabouts, and re-
port to the railroad manager there for duty.
By order of Brig.-Gen. Theo. Runyon.
lost two men killed and four wounded. A month
later (September 29th) it took part in a reconnois-
sance in force, made by Gen. Kearney with his entire
brigade, one company of Kentucky cavalry, and a
light battery under command of Capt. Hexamer, the
object of the expedition being to ascertain the strength
and position of the enemy at Mason's Hill, a point
which he was reported to be fortifying in front of the
Union lines. The object was accomplished without
loss. After a summer and autumn spent in camp-
and picket-duty, varied by the events above mentioned
and some other minor affairs of similar nature, the
Third with its brigade went into winter quarters near
Alexandria.
On the 7th of March, 1862, the brigade left camp
and moved forward to Burke's Station, on the Orange
and Alexandria Railroad, as a guard to a working-
party, and on the 8th made an extended reconnois-
sance of the country, which developed the fact that
the Confederate forces were preparing to evacuate
their strong position at Manassas. Upon this. Gen.
Kearney, without ftirther orders from the division
commander, pressed on with vigor, driving the scat-
tered pickets of the enemy before him, and on the 9th
reached Sangster's Station, where the Second and
Third Regiments surprised a detachment of rebel
cavalry, killing several and taking twelve prisoners.
On the 10th the brigade occupied the abandoned
position at Manassas, eight companies of the Third
Regiment being the first force to enter and hoist the
Union flag on the works.
On the opening of the spring campaign of 1862 the
Third Regiment with its brigade, which then formed
part of the First Division of the First Army Corps,
moved forward to Catlett's Station, two miles from
Warrenton, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad,
the object of the movement being to divert the atten-
tion of the Confederate commander while Gen. Mc-
Clellan was moving the Army of the Potomac to Fort-
ress Monroe and Newport News for the commence-
ment of the movement towards Richmond by way of
the A'irginia Peninsula. It does not appear that Gen.
Lee was greatly deceived by this movement to Cat-
lett's, and on the 11th of April (six days after the
army of McClellan had arrived in ft-ont of Yorktown)
the division moved back to Alexandria, where, on the
17th, the Third wuth its companion regiments was
embarked on steamers bound for the Peninsula to join
the army. It landed at York Point, on the York
River, whence, on the 5th of May (the day of the
battle of Williamsburg), it was moved by steamer up
the river to West Point. The brigade was then under
command of Col. Taylor, Gen. Kearney having been
advanced to the command of the division.
At West Point, during the night and day following
the disembarkation of the troops, a- brisk skirmish
amounting almost to a battle was fought with the
Fifth Alabama and other Confederate regiments, but
the Third New Jersey, being held in reserve, sustained
THIED INFANTRY REGIMENT (THREE TEARS).
121
no loss. On the 15tli the First Division joined the
main body of the Army of the Potomac at White
House, and marched thence with the grand column
to the Chickahominy Eiver.
In the fighting which subsequently occurred along
the dismal shores of that ill-omened stream, the Third
Regiment took no active part until in the afternoon of
the 27th of June, it was moved with its brigade from
the camp on the south side of the Chickahominy
across that river to its north bank, and there plunged
into the fire and carnage of the battle of Gaines'
Mill.
" The brigade was at ouce formed into two lines, the Third andFonrth
Begimente in front, and the First and Second in the second line, and in
this order advanced to the brow of a hill in front, where the Third Regi-
ment, under Lieut.-Col. Brown, was ordered into the woods to relieve
Newton's brigade, which was sorely pressed by the enemy. At this point
the woods, some four hundred yards in front of our line of battle, swarmed
with rebels, who fought with the greatest desperation and ferocity, hand-
ling their artillery especially in the most effective manner, and doing
fearful execution in our ranks. The gallant Third, however, bravely
stood its ground, opening a galling fire on the enemy and remaining in
the woods until the close of the action.*
About half an hour after reaching the field the First Regiment, under "
Lieut.-Col. McAllister, was also ordered into the woods, and took position
under tlie eye of Gen. Porter. The volleys of musketry from the enemy
were at this time terribly rapid and destructive, but oflBcers and men
alike bravely held their ground. At length. Gen. Taylor, dashing to the
frout, ordered a charge, and the line swept forward with a cheer, driviug
the rebels clear out of the woods into an open field. Here, however, the
reserves of the enemy were encountered, and our men were compelled
to fall back and take a new position. ... On either side of the open field
the enemy's ai'tillery was placed, having a perfect range of our forces.
But, with all the odds of position and numbers against them, the Jersey
Blues fought steadily on until nightriill, their ranks terribly thinned,
indeed, but the sui-vivore still bravely keeping heart. Three times the
enemy were driven from the woods, but as often returned, reinforced, to
renew the contest. . . . Three several times Gen. Taylor sent his aids
through a fearful fire to procure from some commander necessary orders
and Buppoi^, but none could be found, and so, abandoned, he was com-
pelled to fight a force outnumbering him six to one as long as the most
obstinate courage could hold out. It wjis no wonder, under these cir-
cumstances, that the heroic brigade, the flower of the division, represent-
ing three thousand New Jersey households, where women wrestled in
prayer through all those bitter days of blundering and disaster, was
almost obliterated; that, out of tlie two thousand eight hundred stout-
hearted men who marched afield early in the afternoon, but nine hun-
dred and sixty-five, wearied, scarred, and dark with the grime of battle,
* The following, having reference to the service performed by the
Third Regiment at Gaines' Mill, is from the report of the battle, by
Bi-ig.-Gen. George W. Taylor:
" The battle, begun the day previous, had been renewed near Gaines'
Farm, where we arrived about four o'clock p.m. I immediately formed
my brigade in two lines, the Third and Fourth Regiments in front and
the First and Second Regiments iu the second line. My line was scarcely
formed when the Third Regiment, under Lieut.-CoI. Brown, was ordered
to advance into the woods, where a fierce combat was raging. Col.
Brown immediately formed his regiment in line of battle, led it into the
woods, and began a rapid fire upon the enemy. As this was the first of
my regiments engaged, I will complete my report of it by saying that
they continued tlie fight in the woods until the close of the action. They
weie all this time under a galling fire, often of a cross-fire, but main-
tained their ground until near sunset, when the whole line fell back.
They had at this time expended (a large majority of the men) their last
cartridge, sixty rounds to the man. It is but justice to say that this
regiment bore itself most heroically throughout the entire action. Their
conduct was all Ihat.conld be desired. With their comrades falling
around, they stood up like a wall of iron, losing over oue-tliird of their
number, and gave not an inch of gi'uund until thdr ammunition was ex-
pended and the retrograde movement became general. They were under
this fire one hour and a half, "
9
answered to their names in the solemn midnight when the morning's
camp was reached,"f
The loss of the Third Regiment in the battle of
Gaines' Mill was one hundred and seventy killed and
wounded, and forty-five missing.
At eleven o'clock in the night succeeding the battle
the New Jersey regiments recrossed to the south side
of the Chickahominy, and remained quietly there in
the woods until midnight of the 28th, when they
moved silently out, taking the road to Savage Station
and thence to White Oak Swamp, on the retreat to
the James River. A brisk engagement took place
near the crossing of White Oak Creek, but the Third
did not take part in it, though it occupied a position
of peril between the batteries of the contending forces,
where the shells of both passed over the men as they
lay on the ground for comparative security. From
this point the brigade moved on by way of Malvern
Hill (passing that position on the 1st of July, but
taking no part in the bloody battle of that day) to
Harrison's Landing, which it reached in the morning
of the 2d, in the midst of a drenching rain, and en-
camped in a wheat-field of several hundred acres in
extent.
The regiment remained in the vicinity of the Land-
ing for about six weeks, at the end of which time it
marched with the army down the Peninsula, and was
transported thence by steamer up the Chesapeake Bay
and Potomac River to Alexandria, where it arrived
on the 24th, and was moved from that place to Cloud's
Mills on its way to reinforce the army of Gen. Pope,
who was in the neighborhood of Manassas and sorely
pressed by the Confederates under Stonewall Jackson.
On the 27th it moved forward by rail from Cloud's
Mills to Bull Run bridge, and from there marched to
the old battle-field, where it became engaged with the
enemy's infantry and fought bravely for more than an
hour, sustaining severe loss from the musketry- and
artillery-fire. It was at last compelled to give way
before the overwhelming force of the Confederates,
but retreated in good order to Fairfax Station and
thence to Cloud's Mills, which latter point was reached
at noon on the 28th. In the engagement at Bull Run,
Gen. Taylor was severely wounded in the leg, and died
at Alexandria on the 1st of September from the effects
of amputation.
After defeating Pope's army in Virginia the Con-
federate forces moved rapidly to the Potomac at
Edwards' Ferry and other points, and crossed into
Ma,ryland. The Union army pursued, and overtook
them at South Mountain, _ where a severe bat-
tle was fought on the 14th of September. In that
battle the First Jersey Brigade (then under command
of Col. Torbert) was engaged at the point known as
Crampton's Gap, and fought with its usual gallantry,
the Third Regiment sustaining a loss of thirty-one in
killed and wounded. In the great battle of Antietam,
which occurred three days later, the brigade stood in
f Foster's " New Jersey and the Rebellion."
122
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
position for forty-two hours, and during six hours of
that time was under a very severe artillary-iire, but
was not ordered into action. After the battle it re-
mained in Maryland for more than two weeks, and
finally, on the 2d of October, crossed the Potomac at
Berlin, and after a number of tedious movements in
Virginia reached Stafibrd Court-house on the 18th,
and remained there in camp until Gen. Burnside
ordered the forward movement against Fredericks-
burg.
In that movement the brigade marched from its
camp to the Rappahannock, which it reached on the
11th of December, and crossed to the south shore at
daylight on the following morning. It remained at
rest until two o'clock in the afternoon, when it ad-
vanced rapidly across a plateau under a heavy fire of
artillery until it reached the shelter of a ravine
through which flow the waters of Deep Hun, and in
this ravine it remained until the morning of the 13th.
It was not until three o'clock in the afternoon that
the brigade was ordered forward into the fight, and
then the Third Eegiment, being in the second line,
did not become engaged, and its loss in the battle was
only two, wounded by shells. The loss of the brigade
was one hundred and seventy-two, killed, wounded,
and missing. After the battle the army recrossed to
the north side of the river, and the First New Jersey
Brigade went into winter quarters near White Oak
church.
In the movement across the Rappahannock in the
spring of 1863 known as the campaign of Chancel-
lorsville, the First Brigade, then commanded by Col.
Brown in place of Col. Torbert, who was sick, crossed
the river with the Sixth Corps at " Franklin's Cross-
ing," below Fredericksburg, on the 29th of April, but
remained occupying the old rifle-pits and with strong
pickets posted until the morning of the 3d of May,
when it was put in motion, and, moving up the river
through Fredericksburg, about three miles on the
road to Chancellorsville, came to Salem Church,
where the enemy was found in strong force and ad-
vantageously posted in thick woods, with earthworks
on both sides of the road. The brigade advanced and
attacked this position, and the battle raged with great
fury until night, the enemy being driven a short dis-
tance with severe loss until he occupied another line
of rifle-pits. The loss of the Jersey brigade was
heavy, but its reputation for bravery was fully sus-
tained. The loss of the Third Regiment was seventy-
nine killed and wounded and sixteen missing. The
brigade remained on the field during the following
day, but was not again engaged except as a support to
the batteries. In the early morning of the 5th of
May it recrossed the river and marched back to its
old camp-ground at White Oak Church.
Moving northward with the Army of the Potomac in
pursuit of Lee, who was then marching towards Penn-
sylvania, the First Brigade (then in Wright's division
of the Sixth Corps) crossed the Potomac at Edwards'
Ferry on the 27th of June, and reached Gettysburg
on the 2d of July, its last day's march being thirty-
six miles. It immediately went into position, and
remained without change until the following morning,
when it was advanced to the front line ; but it did not
become engaged, except slightly on the picket-line,
where it lost eleven men wounded. In the pursuit
of Lee's army it was again slightly engaged at Fair-
field, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md. It crossed the Po-
tomac on the 19th at Berlin, and on the 25th of July
reached Warrenton, where it remained till the 15th
of September. During the remainder of the fall it
participated in a number of minor movements, and
early in December encamped near Brandy Station,
where it remained in winter quarters until the latter
part of April, 1864.
The Third Regiment commenced its last campaign
on the 4th of May, when, with the other regiments of
the First Brigade, it crossed the Rapidan at Germania
Ford, and moved southward into the labyrinths of the
Virginia Wilderness. In the month which succeeded,
its movements, battles, and skirmishes were too nu-
merous to be recorded in detail. On the day follow-
ing the crossing it became heavily engaged with the
enemy, fighting stubbornly until its ammunition was
exhausted, and losing severely. On the 6th it was
again fighting, and suffered heavy loss. On the 8th,
at the Po River, it took part in an assault on strong
earthworks, but was compelled to retire from the
overpowering numbers and impregnable position of
the enemy. It was briskly engaged in skirmishing
on the 9th, and at Spottsylvania, on the 10th, it again
formed part of an assaulting-party which carried one
of the Confederate works and took a considerable
number of prisoners. Still again, at Spottsylvania,
on the 12th of May, it took part in the battle, and
charged the enemy's position with great bravery. At
the end of eleven days from the time when it crossed
the Rapidan its losses aggregated one hundred and
twenty-three killed and wounded, and thirty-three
missing, an exceedingly heavy loss, considering its
greatly reduced numbers at the commencement of tlio
campaign.
In the advance beyond Spottsylvania the regiment
(now but a handful of men) was engaged in heavy
skirmishing along the North Anna River and at Tolo-
potomoy, until finally it stood on its last battle-field,
at Cold Harbor, where through two days of blood and
terror it fought as bravely as ever. But its term of ser-
vice had expired, and on the 3d of June the First and
Third New Jersey Regiments (both together number-
ing only three hundred and forty men) left the front
and proceeded, by way of Washington, to Trenton,
where they arrived on the 7th, and were soon after
disbanded.*
* Those or tbe men whose teims, l.y reason of their re-enlistme-.t, hud
not yet expired were transferred to the Fourth and Fifteenth Eegin,e..ts
but afterwards, witli those of the same class from the Second Eegiment,
were consolidated into the First, Second, and Third Battali.uis
THIED INFANTRY REGIMENT (THREE YEARS).
123
The following biographical sketch of Brig.-Gen.
George W. Taylor, the original colonel of the Third
Infantry Regiment, is taken from Foster's "New
Jersey and the Rebellion" :
George W. Taylor, who gave his life in defense of
the country, was a native of Hunterdon Co., N. J.,
and early exhibited a predilection for military pur-
suits. Graduating, at the age of eighteen, at the
celebrated military school of Col. Allen Partridge, in
Connecticut, he entered the navy as a midshipman
and made several cruises, subsequently, however, re-
signing and engaging in mercantile pursuits. But
when the Mexican war broke out his military instincts
were aroused, and his native patriotism incited him
to raise a company of volunteers, of which he was
commissioned captain, and which was offered to the
government, accepted, and arrived in Mexico in time
to endure some fatiguing marches and many hard-
ships, but too late to participate in any of the battles.
Upon the outbreak of the Rebellion, in 1861, Capt.
Taylor was one of the first to respond to the appeal
for troops, at once engaging in the formation of com-
panies and inciting the people of his county generally
to patriotic action. This done, he made preparations
to leave home, with his horse and arms, with a view
of offering himself as a volunteer upon the staff of
some general already in the field and at the post of
danger. He was, however, deterred from this action
by the unexpected and, so far as he was personally
concerned, unsolicited offer by Governor Olden of
the colonelcy of the Third Regiment, then in process
of formation. Accepting without hesitation, Col.
Taylor at once addressed himself to the task of re-
ducing his new levies into a state of discipline. On
the 28th of June, 1861, he accompanied them to
Washington, near which place they were stationed
until the 21st of July, when he assisted, with the
other New Jersey regiments, in checking the dis-
graceful flight from Bull Run, and rendered other
important service. In the following spring, upon the
assignment of Gen. Kearney to the command of a
division. Col. Taylor, as the senior officer of the First
Brigade, became acting brigadier-general of that com-
mand, and June 10, 1862, he was promoted to that
rank. He commanded the brigade during the battles
of the Peninsula, displaying in them all the most in-
domitable courage.
Returning with the army to Alexandria, he was
sent forward (August 27th) to Bull Run bridge with
a view of moving up to Manassas Junction and dis-
persing a rebel force reported to be at that point.
Upon reaching the field, however, his command found
itself confronted by the entire corps of Stonewall
Jackson, and, being violently assailed, was obliged
to fall back with severe loss. In this movement Gen.
Taylor was seriously wounded in the leg. He was
removed to Alexandria, where he died, Sept. 1, 1862,
from the effects of the amputation of the limb, his
spirit remaining firm and undaunted to the last.
As a soldier. Gen. Taylor's prominent character-
istics were* courage, intelligence, and inflexible devo-
tion to duty. As a disciplinarian, he was stern almost
to harshness; and, although on this account he was
for a time far from popular with the troops of his
command, he soon became endeared to them. In
personal manners he was haughty and reserved, sel-
dom unbending from his lofty mood even among his
intimates ; but underneath all this there throbbed a
nature at once passionate and noble, a nature which
scorned injustice and held unyieldingly to convictions
honestly and deliberately formed. Had his life been
spared he must have attained a high rank among the
generals of the Union army, in which, whatever its
misfortunes, courage and unselfish patriotism always
commanded generous and certain applause.
OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE THIRD REGIMENT
FROM SOMERSET COUNTY.
COMPANT G.
Peter F. Bogere, captain ; com. May 29, 1861 ; rea. Oct. 26, 1861.
John Roberts, captain ; com. Nov. 8, 1861 ; res. Aug. 6, 1863.
CharleB A. Wahl, captain ; com. Ang. 6, 1863; pro. from first lieutenant
Co. H ; dismiBsed S. 0. War Department Ang. 12, 1S64.
Eichard D. Cook, first lieutenant ; com. May 29, 1861 ; pro. to captain
Ck>. B Sept. 20, 1862
John L. W. Wentz, first lientenant ; com. Ang. 21, 1862 ; pro. to captain
Co. A Sept. 29, 1863.
Washington Irvine, first lieutenant ; com. Sept. 29, 1863 ; pro. from second
lieutenant Co. J> ; must, out June 23, 1864.
Arthur H. Hardcastle, second lieutenant ; com. June 13, 1861 ; res. Nov.
7. 1861.
William C. Barnard, second lieutenant; com. Dec. 16, 1861; aide-de-
camp to Gen. Kearney ; killed in action at Williamsburg, Va., May
6. 1862.
Franklin H. Coles, second lieutenant ; com. May 29, 1862 ; pro. to first
lieutenant Co. A Sept. 4, 1862.
Charles A. McOlung, second lieutenant ; com. Sept. 15, 1862 ; pro. to first
lieutcnaut Co. E Dec. 10, 1862.
John Torbert, Second lieutenant; com. Feb. 19, 1863; private of Co. 1,
Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry ; pro. to second lieutenant ; res.
Nov. 12, 1863.
Oscar H. Westlake, first sergeant; enl. May 29, 1861; pro.
lieutenant Co. B Aug. 13, 1862.
John Miller, first sergeant ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; pro. from sergeant Sept.
1, 1862 ; must, out June 23, 1864. ,
John 0. Wiggins, sergeant; enl. May 29, 1861; pro. to second lieutenant
Co. C Nov. 8, 1861.
Kichard Cassidy, sergeant ; enl. June 24, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864.
Lewis S. Fisher, sergeant ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; pro. to second lieutenant
Co. H July 2, 1862.
John T. Space, sergeant ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864.
Augustus Gootsche, sergeant ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864.
Peter T. Vanderveer, sergeant ; enl. May 29,1861; disch. for disability
Nov. 28, 1862.
James Toomer, sergeant; enl. May 29, 1861 ; disch. for disabUity Sept.
9, 1863.
Theodore McCoy, sergeant; enl. May 29, 1861; killed at Crampton's
Pass, Md., Sept, 14, 1862.
Johns. Judd, sergeant; enl. May 29, 1861 ; died of wounds May 30, 1864.
David T. Eunyon, corporal; enl. May 20, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864.
Philip French, corporal ; enl. May 29,1861; must, out June 29,1865;
re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863 ; served in Co. C, Fifteenth Eegiment, and Co.
A, Third Battery.
George W. Luse, corporal ; enl. May 29, 1861; not must, out with com-
pany.
Jasper Van Buskirk, corporal; enl. May 29, 1861; not must, out with
company.
Corelius Van Zandt, corporal ; enl. May 29, 1861 ;
Oct. 7, 1862.
, to second
disch. for disability
124
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Henry V. Lowe, corporal ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; disch. for disability Oct.
31, 1862.
Jacob Crater, corporal ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; died of wounds at Fredericks-
burg, Vtt., May 24, 1864.
Christopher Hoagland, corporal ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; killed at Spottsyl-
vania Court-house, Va., May 12, 1864.
William Fuller, corporal ; ent. May 29, 1861 ; died of disease Sept. 11, 1863.
George W. Himes, musician ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864.
John Burkmeyer, musician ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; died March 22, 1864.
Benjaniio F. Sliinn, wagoner; enl. May 25, 1861 ; must, out J\ine23, 1864.
Martin Blanchard, wagoner j enl. May 29, 1861 ; died of fever Sept. 22,
1862
Pi-ivates*
Peter S. AUeger.
Woodhull Amerman, disch. for disability Nov. 18, 1862.
Samuel Apgar, disch. from hospital Aug. 20, 1863.
Martm Bush.
Miller G. Bell, disch. for disability Sept. 12, 1S63.
Philip W. Bunn, disch. for disability May 15, 1862.
John V. Bennett, miflsing in action May 10, 1864; recorded at "War De-
partment as died at that date.
George C. Cummings, enl. June 24, 1861 : re-enlisted ; must, out June 29,
1865
Ananias M. Oonover, disch. for disability Feb. 16, 1863.
James Doyle, paroled prisoner; must, out Jan. 19, 1865.
Daniel Dickson, disch. for disability May 15, 1862.
Abraham P. Drost, disch. for disability Oct. 24, 18G2.
John Duryea, disch. to join regular army Dec. 12, 1862,
John J. Delta, killed in action at Gaines' Farm, Va., June 27, 1862.
Joseph Dunham, died of fever Oct. 17, 1 861 ; buried at Alexandria, Ya.
William S. Forgus, disch. for disability Oct. 29, 1862.
George Fenner, tiaus. to Co. C, Fifteenth Regiment ; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863.
William Fenuer, enl. Jan. 25, 1S64 ; missing in action May 10, 1864;
supposed dead.
Edward Gaylord, not mustered put with compauy.
Smith D. Gibbons, enl. June 20, 1861 ; not mustered out with company.
Philip Good heart.
Joachim Giilick.
Andrew Getberd, trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps; disch. therefrom
March 19, 1864.
Jacob Hauck, re-eul. Dec. 30, 18G3 ; must, out June 29, 1865.
Thomas Hines.
Joseph Human, re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must, out June 29, 1865.
James Hymer.
Valentine Holla, disch. for disability March 29, 18G2.
â– Charles Hill, not mustered out with company.
Adam Job, killed in action at Gaines' Farm, Va., June 27, 1862.
Michael Kaley, died in camp March 26, 1863.
John Reiser, died of wounds Sept. 10, 1862; buried at Alexandria, Va.
Nicholas Kortzendoifer.
Frederick Kreti-hman.
Adam Knhn, Jr., enl. Jan. 25, 1864; recruit; must, out June 29, 1865.
Elias C. Kiilp, re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863 ; must, out June 29, 1865.
Lewis Kaliler, disch. for disability July 16, 1862.
John Kelley, discb. for disability April 2, 18(33.
William, Latuurette, disch. for disability Dec. 24, 1862.
Charles Leonhait, enl. Sept. 20, 18G1; disch. for disability Jan. 23, 1863.
Christopher Lynch, disch. for disability March 16, 1863.
Michael V. D. Lawrence.
Henry Ladingburg, trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps.
Augustus C. Liudsley, trans, to Signal Corps; disch. therefrom Aug. 16,
1865
John Lederman, killed in action at Gaines' Farm, Va., June 27, 1862.
William Liltell, died of wounds May 24, 1863.
Itobert Leslie, enl. Jan. 6, 1862; not must, out with company.
Joseph McNcar, killed in action at Salem Heights, Va., May 3, 18G3.
Francis McKenna, re-enl.; must, out June 29, 18G5.
Benjamin Mabey, disch. for disability May 24, IS'rA.
Samuel Meyurs, disch. to join regular army Jan. 27, 1863.
John MeyeiB. trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. therefrom May 28, 1864.
William Nurtou, disch. fur disability March 27, 18G3.
Tuni-s H. Orr, disch. on account of wounds April 14, 1863.
Steplien Oveiton.
* The privates all enlisted May 29, 18G1, and were mustered out June
23, 1864, unlesB otherwise stated.
Michael C. O'Neil, not must, out with company.
Samuel Phillips, not must, out with company.
Rudolph P. Prtshoud, disch. for disability May 16, 1862.
Thomas E. Reeder, enl. Jan. 26, 1864; must, out June 29, 1865.
Louis C. Riddle.
Henry Rockafellow.
Charles Schill.
Joseph Seal.
William Skillman.
Charles Spangler, re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863 ; must, out June 29, 1865.
Lewi? C. Scull, enl. Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. for disability Sept. 12, 1863.
Samuel D. Solomon, eul. June 25, 18G1; disch. for disability Jan. 19, 1863.
William Southard, disch. for disability Nov. 4, 1861.
Peter Smith, enl. July 1, 1861 ; not must, out with company.
Dennis Snee, not must, out with company.
William Steinka, killed at Salem Heights, Va., May 3, 1863.
John B. Templeton.
Clark D. Todd, enl. June 20J 1861 ; disch. for disability March 2, 1863.
John Thompson, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps ; disch. therefrom May 30, 1864.
Samuel Tyler, enl. Sept. 25, 1861 ; trans, to Co. C, Fifteenth Regiment.
Joseph T. Walter, disch. for disability Aug. 11, 1862.
Andrew Watson, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; not must, out with company.
Frank Wheeland.
E. Augustus Wilson, must, out June 17, 1865.
John Williamson, disch. for disability May 15, 1862.
Caleb Woodruff, killed at Manassas, Va., Aug. 27, 1862.
Joseph T. Young, re-enl.; must, out June 29, 1865.
David Toung, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps ; died of fever April 27, 1864.
CHAPTEE XII.
FIFTH AND SIXTH IKrFAKTTKY EEGIMENTS.
Hunterdon County fiirnishea a Company for each Eegiment OflQcera of
the Fifth and Sixth Infantry Leave " Camp Olden" Form a Part of
the Second New Jersey Brigade AsBigned to duty as the Third Bri-
gade, in Hoolcer's Division Movements on the Potomac Battle of
â– Williamsburg Fair Oaks Losses in the Peninsula Campaign En-
gaged at Bristow Station, Chantilly, etc. UuHincliing Bravery at Get-
tysburg-Superb Behavior at Spottaylvania Court-house Other en-
gagements Muster-out Kusters of Co. A, Fifth Infantry, and Co. H,
Sixth Infantry Regiments.
The Fifth and Sixth Eegiments of New Jersey in-
fantry contained each one company raised in Hunter-
don County. As these two regiments served together
in the same brigade, and as the histories of their cam-
paigns are consequently very nearly identical, they
are here given together in one narrative.
These regiments, as also the Seventh and Eighth,
were raised under a requisition made by President
Lincoln on the 24th of July, 1861, three days after the
great disaster at Bull Run. The Fifth was mustered
into the service under Col. Samuel H. Starr, the other
regimental officers being: Lieutenant-colonel, Ger-
shom Mott ; major, William S. Truex ; adjutant, Cald-
well K. Hall; surgeon, James C. Fisher; assistant
surgeon, Addison W. Woodhull; quartermaster, James
F. Eusling. The regimental officers of the Sixth
were : Colonel, James T. Hatfield ; lieutenant-colo-
nel, Simpson E. Stroud; major, John P. Van Leer;
adjutant, Leonard J. Gordon; quartermaster, Joseph
Woodward ; surgeon, John Wiley ; assistant surgeon,
Bedford Sharpe. The commissioned officers of A
company of the Fifth were: Captain, Ashbel W.
Angel; first lieutenant, Charles A. Angel; second
FIFTH AND SIXTH INFANTEY REGIMENTS.
125
lieutenant, Theodore P. Large. Those of H company
of. the Sixth (also from Hunterdon) were: Captain,
James Bird ; first lieutenant, Samuel G. Stockton ;
second lieutenant, Jonas F. Hull. Both these com-
panies were raised at Lamhertville, Hunterdon Co.
The Fifth Regiment left Camp Olden on the 29th
of August, and reported for duty in Washington on
the following day. The Sixth left Camp Olden Sep-
tember 10th, and reported in Washington on the 11th.
The Seventh and Eighth Eegiments left the State on
the 19th of September and 1st of October, respect-
ively, and the four regiments were brigaded together
as the Second Brigade of New Jersey troops, under
Col. Starr, of the Fifth, as brigade commander. The
first camp was made at Meridian Hill, near Wash-
ington.
About the 1st of December the brigade was moved
to Budd's Ferry, Md., a point about forty-five miles
below Washington, and there assigned to duty as the
Third Brigade of the division of Gen. Hooker. This
division lay at that time encamped at various points
extending from Mattawoman Creek to Liverpool
Point, on the Potomac. On the south side of that
river, opposite the position of Hooker's division, were
formidable Confederate batteries at Shipping Point,
Cockpit Point, and Evansport, these having been
erected for the purpose of closing the navigation of
the river. But the evacuation of Manassas by the
rebels made it inexpedient for them to hold these
batteries, and they were accordingly abandoned about
the 8th of March. Upon this fact becoming known,
a detachment of five hundred men of the Fifth Eegi-
ment, under Lieut.-Col. Mott, crossed the river under
orders from Gen. Hooker to seize and occupy the po-
sition which the Confederates had evacuated. This
was the first important duty peirformed by the men of
this brigade. The detachment temporarily occupied
the position, capturing four pieces of artillery and a
large amount of stores, which had been abandoned ^y
the enemy in his hasty retirement.
After this expedition the brigade remained quietly
encamped until the first week in April, when, with
the division, it was transferred to the York Eiver,
Virginia, and landed near the mouth of Cheeseman's
Creek, where it was placed under command of Brig.-
Gen. F. E. Patterson, the division being incorporated
with the Army of the Potomac and destined to take
part in all the important movements of that army in
its Peninsular campaign against Eichmond. Its first
position was in front of the strong works of the enemy
at Yorktown.
Early in the morning of Sunday, May 4th, it was
found that the Confederate line stretching southward
from Yorktown to the mouth of Warwick Eiver had
been abandoned, and thereupon the Union army was
put in motion in pursuit of the enemy, who was re-
treating towards Eichmond. The Second New Jer-
sey Brigade entered Yorktown, and at about two
o'clock moved out from that place on the Williams-
burg road. Its bivouac for the night was in a swamp
about seven miles beyond Yorktown. At two o'clock
in the morning of the 5th it moved out from this
bivouac, and struggled on through darkness and mud
and pouring rain towards its first battle-field, that
of Williamsburg. At that place the Confederates lay
in heavy force and very strongly posted, their main
work, Fort Magruder, commanding the road and a
broad " slashing" on either -side of it, with a line of
about twenty strong redoubts stretching away from
the fort in both directions entirely across the Penin-
sula from river to river. Arriving in front of this ap-
parently impregnable position at about half-past seven
o'clock in the morning, the undaunted Hooker at
once moved to the attack. Two batterie,, Bramhall's
and Eakin's, were advanced on the right of the road,
with the Fifth New Jersey Eegiment to support
them. The Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Eegiments
were formed in line on the left of the road and or-
dered forward.
"Steadily adTancing through the underbrush, the gallant regiments
soon came upon the enemy's forces, and at once opened a vigorous iire.
Here, for three hours, the coniiict ra.sed with desperate fury. Command-
ing the ground at every point, tlie fire of tile enemy was pitilessly de-
structive, and did not slaclcen for a moment. But the brave men into
whose faces it was poured stood firmly and unfiinchiugly, sometimep,
indeed, pushed back a little space, but ob surely hurling the rebels,
bleeding and shattered, baclc to their works. From the nature of the
ground, there was no opportunity for tlie bayonet, buf the rapid volleys
of our heroic troops were scarcely less effective. Aud thus the battle
raged, the enemy, reiuforced again and .again, directing against these
three regiments all the fury of their attack, but still the little column
stood immovable. At last, however, the enemy, driven now to despera-
tion, rushed forward in overwhelming numbers, pouring a terrific fire
into our whole line. Then, at last, that line wavered. Their ammuni-
tion exhausted, their muskets rusted by the drenching rain, their ranks
terribly thinned, exhausted by want of food and a dilBcult march, these
heroes of the day before this last overwhelming onset fell slowly hack.
But they were not defeated. They had held the enemy in check, had
frustrated every attempt to flank our position, and so had saved the di-
vision, which but for this stubborn resistance would have been swept in
disaster from the field.* "
The Fifth, which had been sent in support of the
batteries, maintained its position there under a tre-
mendous fire of musketry and artillery for six long
hours ; and at last, when the rebel infantry charged
and captured some of the pieces, the regiment made
a counter-charge, carried an advanced position, and
held it through the remainder of the day, maintain-
ing a continuous and most destructive fire on the
enemy for fully four hours. Finally, the gallant
Kearney threw his division into the fire, assaulting
the Confederate line with the most desperate impetu-
osity, and the battle became more furious than at any
time during the day. An important part of the hos-
tile works was carried, and when night closed the
Union arms were victorious all along the line. The
enemy retreated during the night, taking the road to
Eichmond aud leaving his dead and wounded on the
field. The losses of Hooker's division in this san-
guinary conflict aggregated nearly sixteen hundred
* Foster's " New Jersey and the Rebellion."
126
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
men, of which the Jersey brigade sustained more than
its proportionate share.
Three days after the battle the brigade moved with
its division towards Richmond. Marching by way of
Tunstall's Station and Bottom's Bridge, it crossed
the Chickahominy at the latter point, and halted at
Turner's Farm on the 26th. From this place it was
advanced to a position in the rear of Casey's division,
which occupied the front line, facing the enemy near
Fair Oaks Station of the York River EaOroad. At a
little after noon on the 31st of May this division
(Casey's) was suddenly attacked by an overwhelming
force of Confederates, and was forced back in disor-
der ; but reinforcements came up, the battle became
general, and raged with great fury through the after-
noon. Late in the day the Third Corps was ordered
to advance, and under this order the Fifth and Sixth*
New Jersey Regiments moved forward with their di-
vision and, reaching the front line at dark, went into
position, and so remained during the night.
The battle was renewed on the following day (Sun-
day, June 1st), and the Fifth and Sixth New Jersey
went in, leading the advance, and with Gen. Hooker
in person at their head. The enemy was soon found,
and the battle raged furiously for nearly three hours,
in which the Jersey regiments fully sustained the rep-
utation they had gained at Williamsburg. Col. Starr,
in his report of the battle, said,
" The road, and the fields on both sides of the road, were thronged
with flying regiments from the battle-ground, two or three miles in
front, through whose routed and disorderly masses I was compelled to
force my way with bayonet and sabre. At 7 a.m. on the let instant the
Fifth and Si.tth New Jersey marched forward (Gen. Patterson still being
very ill), and were actively engaged from about a quarter past seven
A.M. until a quartor to ten a.m. two and a half hours-with the enemy,
the Fifth Regiment losing four privates killed, three ofBcers and fifty-
one men wounded, and two privates missing; total, si.xty. . . . The loss
of the Sixth Regiment has not yet been reported to me, but is consider-
able less. Gen. Hookei- was himself witness, a part of the time, of the
behavior of the two regiments under my command, and to him I leave
the comments thereon.f Credit being but reluctantly accorded to this
brigade for their services, its members look inwards and upwards for
their reward. The Fifth aud Si.vth Regiments have been for four days
and nights under anus, in battle, reconnoissance, and in holding the
most advanced position on this flank of the army. They are still under
arms, and see no prospect of an hour's rest for days to come. They have
been exposed night and day to deluges of rain, and have suffered every
species of privation incident to an army in an enemy's country. "
The loss of the Sixth Regiment in the battle of Fair
* The Seventh and Eighth had previously been detailed for other duty.
t The comments made by Gen. Hooker in his report of the battle were
as follows: "It gives me great pleasure to bear testimony to the con-
tinued good conduct of the Fifth and Sixth New Jei-sey Regiments
Their ranks have been greatly thinned by battle and sickness, and they
had been encamped in the immediate neighborhood of troops partially
demoralized from the events of the preceding day ; yet, on the fli-st in-
dication of a renewal of the conflict, I found their lines formed and
they were as ready to meet it as though our arms had been crowned with
success. Brig.-Gen. F. E. Patterson w«3 prevented from participating in
these operations on Sunday by sickness, and his command devolved on
Col. S. H. Stan-, of the Fifth New Jersey Regiment, whose energy and
courage were conspicuous on every part of the field. Especial mention
is also due to Ool. G. Mott and Lieut.-Col. George 0. Burling of the
Sixth New Jersey Regiment, for their distinguished services'on this
field."
Oaks was twenty-one killed and wounded. The two
regiments bivouacked in their position on the night
of the 1st, and on the 2d of June advanced and occu-
pied the ground recovered from the enemy. On the
25th of June they took part in a battle fought a short
distance in front of the old battle-ground of Fair
Oaks, and here again they fought most bravely.
In the retreat to the James River, which com-
menced on the 28th of June, the brigade was ordered
to the rear, which is the post of honor and of danger
in a retreat, and was under heavy and long-continued
fire, and sustained slight losses, both at Glendale
(June 30th) and Malvern Hill (July 1st), but was not
otherwise engaged. It reached Harrison's Landing
on the 3d, and there went into camp. A few weeks
later it took part in the second battle of Malvern Hill,
which, however, was but an inconsiderable affair.
This was the last fighting done by this brigade on
the Peninsula. Its losses in the Peninsula cam-
paign were six hundred and thirty-four in killed and
wounded alone.
On the 21st of July the brigade marched, with other
commands of the army, from Harrison's Landing,
moved down the Peninsula to Yorktown, was there
embarked on transports, and proceeded to Alexan-
dria, being destined to reinforce the overmatched
army of Gen. Pope. From Alexandria it was moved
out to Warrenton Junction on the 25th, and from
there marched rapidly to the front. It found the
enemy at Bristow Station, where a severe battle was
fought on the 27th of August, the Jersey regiments
charging and driving the Confederates in gallant
style ; again at Bull Run on the 29th, and still again
at Chantilly on the 30th, keeping their bright record
on both fields. The losses of the two regiments
in this series of battles were : Fifth Regiment, killed,
wounded, and missing, fifty-one; Sixth Regiment,
one hundred and four.
From this campaign the brigade returned to Alex-
andria, where it remained (taking no part in the An-
tietam campaign) until the 1st of November. From
that time until the 20th it was employed in a series
of unimportant movements, but at the last-named
date it moved down the Rappahannock River to Fal-
mouth, where it arrived on the night of the 28th.
The march to this place had been a most severe one
on the men, as they were without rations and many
of them nearly barefooted. During this march the
brigade commander. Gen. Patterson, died very sud-
denly in his tent, and the command then fell to Col.
Joseph W. Revere, of the Seventh Regiment.
In the movement against the Confederate position
at Fredericksburg on the 13th of December the Second
New Jersey Brigade was not engaged in actual battle,
though it moved across the river and remained in
position during the conflict. It was for a time under
a very heavy fire, but sustained no loss except that of
one man killed in the Seventh Regiment. In the
night following the battle it returned to the north
FIFTH AND SIXTH INFANTRY REGIMENTS.
127
l)ank of the river and reoccupied its former camps,
which, became its winter quarters.
When the new commander of the army, Gen.
Hooker, moved his forces across the Rappahannock,
in the spring of 1863, the brigade (which then com-
prised, in addition to the New Jersey regiments, a
New York and a Pennsylvania regiment) took part
in the campaign, under command of Col. Mott, of the
Fifth New Jersey. It crossed the river on the 1st of
May, but remained near, guarding the fords, until
about six o'clock p.m. on the 2d, when it was ordered
to the front to help retrieve the disaster caused by the
disgraceful flight and panic of the Eleventh Corps.
It did not; however (on account of the wild disorder on
the field), reach the position assigned to it until about
two o'clock A.M. on the 3d. At half-past four it was
advanced a short distance farther to the front, where
it occupied a breast-work, and stubbornly held it for
two hours against several desperate assaults made by
the enemy, but was at last compelled to withdraw.
It was reformed in the rear of the Chancellor House,
and soon after advanced to another charge, capturing
the assaulted work and planting the Union coloirs
upon it. It was found, however, that the stronghold
could not be held except at the probable sacrifice of
nearly the- entire command, and so it was reluctantly
withdrawn, to take position in the new line which
had been formed in the rear of the Chancellor House.
In this battle the fighting was terrific, and the beha-
vior of the New Jersey regiments splendid. The loss
of the Fifth was one hundred and sixteen killed and
wounded and nine missing ; that of the Sixth, sixty-
four killed and wounded and eight missing. After
the operations above noted the brigade was not se-
verely engaged, but remained on the field until the
6th of May, when it recrossed the Rappahannock and
occupied its former camp.
In the great battle of Gettysburg the brigade was
engaged, and in the thickest of the fight, on the 2d of
July, when it was under the heaviest artillery- and
musketry-fire for a long time, and sustained repeated
assaults of the enemy's infantry with unflinching
bravery.
On the 3d it was again engaged, but less heavily.
The losses of the Fifth Regiment on this field were
seventy-eight killed and wounded and sixteen miss-
ing ; the Sixth lost thirty-three killed and wounded
and eight missing. The total loss of the brigade
was five hundred and thirteen. After the Confed-
erate army had retreated across the Potomac the
Jersey brigade, crossing that river with the army,
went into camp at Bealton, Va. It was engaged in a
fight with the enemy's cavalry and infantry at Mo-
Lean's Ford on the 15th of October, losing in all
about thirty men. After this it participated in the
movements of the army during the remainder of the
year, but was not again engaged. Its winter quarters
were taken near Brandy Station.
On the 4th of May, 1864, the Second New Jersey
Brigade* then a part of the Second Army Corps
crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and moved rap-
idly away with other commands of the army into the
Virginia Wilderness. It became engaged with the
enemy on the 5th, and again, more heavily, on the 6th.
From this time it saw little fighting until the 10th,
when it fought at Spottsylvania Court-house. The
11th was a day of comparative quiet, but on the 12th
it again moved under fire in the terrific battle of that
day at Spottsylvania.
" The behavior of the New Jersey regiments in this terrible battle was
superb. For fourteen hours they stood the very brunt of the storm,
never yielding an incli or losing heart in their work. All around them
the slaughter was terrible, but they remained unappalled. The rebel
dead were piled in heaps on their side of the works, presenting a spec-
tacle of horror almost without parallel. Among the dead were many
wounded writhing under the bloody heaps. On McAUister'sf immediate
front, where the enemy repeatedly threw forward his massed columns to
break our lines, a tree measuring twenty-six inches in diameter was (it
is said) cut down by musket- and rifle-balls, a fact which shows better
than any description the intensity of the fire.:): "
The result of the struggle was undecisive, but the
fighting had been so tremendous that the Union and
Confederate forces were completely exhausted ; and,
as if by mutual consent, hostilities were suspended
during the succeeding two days. The brigade fought
again on the 15th, with slight loss. It was subse-
quently engaged on the 23d and 24th at Chesterfield
Bridge, a few days later at Tolopotomy, and on June
3d in the bloody battle at Cold Harbor, where it suf-
fered very severely. On the 7th it was at Baker's
Mill, on the Chickahominy, and remained there until
the 12th. Thence it moved to the James River,
crossing that stream on the 14th, and arriving in
front of Petersburg on the following day. On the
16th it took part in a general assault on the enemy's
lines encircling that stronghold, and again in an
equally bloody assault on the 18th. For three days
afterwards the fighting was almost continuous. Still
another heavy assault was made on the 23d, and after
that there was a comparative lull in the fighting
through the remainder of the month. Up to that
time that is, during the months of May and June
the losses of the Fifth Regiment had been one hun-
dred and sixteen killed, one hundred and nineteen
wounded, and twenty-two missing ; of the Sixth, one
hundred and fifteen killed and wounded and eight
missing.
The movements of the forces investing Petersburg
from this time until its final capture were too numer-
ous and complicated to be mentioned in detail. It is
sufBcient to say that in all these movements, during
the summer and fall of' 1864 and the winter and
spring of 1865, down to the closing scene at Appo-
mattox, the regiments of the Second New Jersey
Brigade bravely and nobly performed all the duties
* The brigade then comprised the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and
Eleventh New Jersey, the One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania, and
the First and Sixteenth Massachusetts Regiments.
f Col. McAllister, cummandiug the Jersey brigade.
J Foster's " New Jersey and the Eebellion."
128
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
assigned to them and added new lustre to their al-
ready brilliant record. The war was virtually ended
by the surrender of Lee, and on the 2d of May the
brigade left Burkeville Station for the march towards
home. Passing through Richmond on the 6th, it ar-
rived at Arlington on the 15th, and took part in the
memorable review of the Army of the Potomac at
the national capital on the 23d of May. A few days
later the men were transported to Trenton, where
they were disbanded and returned to their homes.
Following is given a list of oflicers and enlisted men
of the two Hunterdon County companies in the Fifth
and Sixth Regiments :
COMPANY A, FIFTH EBGIMENT.*
Ashbel W. Angel, captain ; com. Alig. 28, 1861 ; trana. to Co. I.
John W. Neal, captain ; com. Dec. 16, 1SG2, vice Angel ; res. April 14, 18G3 ;
disability.
Tiiomae G. Mon-ow, captain ; com. May 19, 1863, vice Neal ; pro. from first
lieutenant ; trans, to Co. B.
David H. Aj'ers, captain; com. April 1, 1864; trans, from Co. I; trans, to
Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Charles A. Angel, first lieutenant ; com. Aug. 28, 1861 ; trana. to Co. I.
Jamea H. Wilson, first lieutenant ; com. Sept. 20, 1862, vice 0. A. Angel;
res. May 23, 1863 ; disaWlity.
Charles C. Dalley, first lieutenant ; com. April 1, 1864, vice Wilson ; trans.
to Co. E, Seventh Keginient.
Theodore P. Large, second lieutenant; com. Aug. 28, 1861 ; pro. to first
lieutenant Co. H May 16, 1862.
Edward P. Berry, second lieutenant; com. May 16, 1862. vice Large; pro.
to first lieutenant Co. G July 7, 1862,
George J. Lawyer, second lieutenant ; com. July 7, 1862, vice Berry ; trans.
to Co. C Dec. 12, 1862.
Henry R. Clark, second lieut. ; com. Dec. 16, 1862, vice Lawyer; killed at
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 ; buried at Mercer Cemetery, Trenton, N. J.
Elias G. Wright, second lieutenant ; com. April 1, 1864, vice Clark ; trans
to Co. C.
James T. Odem, second lieutenant; com. Oct. 13, 1864, nice Wright; trana.
to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Charles W. Aruett, first sergeant ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; pro. to second lieu-
tenant Co. C May 16, 1862.
Isaac Barnes, first sergeant; enL Aug. 28, 1862; disch. for disability Oct
24, 1863.
William H. Powera, first sergeant ; enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co. F
Seventh Regiment.
Henry Seabridge, muiician ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; disch. Dec. 4, 1865.
William W. Smith, musician ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co I Aug
11, 1862.
Andrew L. Day, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; disch. for die. July 30, 1862.
Richard J. Waidell, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862; trans, to Co E Feb
11, 1864.
Edwin Ellis, aergt. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862 ; trans, to Co. F, Seventh Regiment.
Eben N. Pieraon, sergeant; enl. Feb. 29, 1864; trana. to Uo. E, Seventh
Regiment.
Alexander Duffees, aergeant; enl. Nov. 1, 1862; trans, to Co. F Feb 11
1864. " ' '
Jamea 0. Bellis, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 14. 1861 ; trana. to Co. K Aug. 11, 1862.
George I. Smith, sergeant; enl. Feb. 18,1864; killed at Cold Harbor Va
May 31, 1864. ' ''
Thomas Dowling, sergeant; enl. Sept. 13, 1862 ; killed at Chancellorsville
May 23, 1863.
James Bamford, corporal; enl. Aug. 28, 1862 ; trana. to Veteran Eeaei-va
Corps Jan. 15, 1864; disch. Feb. 1, 1865.
Jacob Skillman, corporal ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862 ; trans, to Co. G, First Cav-
ali-j', Nov. 27, 1862.
James M. Van Houten, corporal; enl. March 14, 1864; trans, to Co. E,
Seventh Regiment.
* In Auguet, 1862, thia company waa diabanded and its offlcera and
men tranaferred to ditferent companiea in the regiment. A new Com-
pany A was raised, and sent into the field about the 1st of October, 1862.
Those of the original members of A company who did not re-enliat were
mustered out Sept. 7, 1804.
George W. Preston, corporal ; enl. Oct. 4, 1862 ; trans, to Co. D.
William F. Bariolett, corporal; enl. March 2, 1864; trans, to Co. E,
Seventh Regiment.
John B. Cruden, corporal; enl. March 26, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh
Regiment.
Marmaduke Goodyear, corporal ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; died of disease June
20, 1862.
Willinm Van Horn, corporal ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862; died of disease Deo.
30, 1863; buried at Trenton, N. J.
William Wortman, corporal ; enl. March 4, 1864; killed at Petersburg,
Va., June 18, 1864; buried at City Point Cemetery, Va.
Wm. C. Warden, corporal ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Privates.
Elijah C. Ager, enl. July 23, 1864 ; trans, to Co. F, Seventh Regiment.
Lewis Allegar, enl. April 15, 1864 ; trana. to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
James W. Andrews, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Conrad Apgar, enl. Feb. 27, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
William Asband, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
David Allen, enl. Dec. 24, 1862; not must, out with company.
John Allen, eul. Nov. 4, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Edward Armatrong, enl. March 23, 1864; not muat. out with company.
Owen Bannen, enl. Sept. 30, 1862 ; trana to Co. D Feb. 11, 1864.
J.xme3 Bell, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Peter D. Bergen, enl. Aug. 30, 1862; trana to Co. D Feb. 11, 1864.
Corneliua A. Booze, enl. Aug. 2S, 1862 ; trans, to Co. D Feb. 11, 1864.
John Brink, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
John Buck, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trana. to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Joseph Butcher, enl. Aug. 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Jacob Beckstein, enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; killed at Petersburg, Va., June 16,
1864
Joseph Bower, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; died May 17, 1862, of wounds received
at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862.
Bradford, Samuel W., enl. Sept. 5, 1862; killed at Gettysburg July 2,
1863
William Brewer, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; killed at Fair Oaks June 1, 1862.
George Brown, enl. Feb. 9, 1864 ; kUled at Wilderness May 6, 1864.
Peter H. Ball, enl. Feb. 23, 1864 ; missing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
John Barrett, enl. Sept. 19, 1862 ; missing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
Philip Battman, enl. Dec. 24, 1862 ; missing, and not must, out with
company.
Archibald Bell, enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; missing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
Louis Blanck, enl. May 2, 1864; missing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
Charles Bradford, enl. Nov. 28, 1862; missing, and not must, out with
company.
Lewis T. Brand, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; missing, and not must, out with
company.
Charies Brown, enl. Nov. 23, 1663 ; missing, and not must, out with
company.
Andrew Burns, enl. Dec. 1, 1862; missing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
John Burns, enl. March 19, 1864 ; miaaing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
Frank Caldwell, enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; missing, and not must, out with
company.
Edward Camp, enl, March 29, 1864 ; missing, and not must, out with
company.
John Cirey, enl. April 22, 1864 ; missing, and not must, out with com-
pany.
Michael Convery, enl. Oct. 10, 1862 ; missing, and not must, out with
company.
James Crawford, enl. March 26, 1864; missing, and not must, out with
company.
Andrew J. Curren, enL March 9, 1864; missing, and not muat. out with
company.
John Callahan, enl. March 12, 1864; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.
Horace W. Carey, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862
David W. Carr, enl. March 17, 1864; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.
Dunbar H. Case, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Edward W. Case, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862.
William J. Cliamberiain, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862.
William Chidester, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862.
John Clancy, enl. Oct. 31, 1862; trans, to Co. D Feb. 11, 1864.
FIFTH AND SIXTH INFANTRY REGIMENTS.
129
John W. Clai-k, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F Ang. 11, 1862.
William H. Clark, enl. March 31, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Kegiment
â– William Cole, enl. Feb. 2-5, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
John Colton, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Charles H. Compton, enl. Aug. 29, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve
Corps, Dec. 1, 1863 ; disch. July 24, 1865.
William Cooker, enh Ang. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Ang. 11, 1862.
Henry Courter, enl. Feb. 18, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Patiick M. Cox; enl. March 12,1864; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.
William Craig, enl. Sept. 11, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve Coi-ps,
Sept. 1 , 1863 ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865.
George W, Cain, enl. Oct. 7, 1862 ; died of fever in hospital April 14,
1863
.Inmes Clark, enl. March 23, 1864 ; missing at Wilderness ; supposed dead.
Alexander Cornelius, enl. Sept. 16, 1862; died in hospital June 4, 1863,
buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, D. 0.
Edward Cyphers, enl. March 29, 1864 ; died of disease at Beverly, N. J.,
November, 1864.
Dennis Dalrymple, enl. Feb. 10, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E.
Patrick Daver, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
John Benman, enl. March 10, 18G4 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
David Dilts, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E .\ug. 11, 1862.
George W. Dilts, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862.
John W. Dilts, enl. Ang. 30, 1864 ; trans, to Co. I, Seventh Regiment.
Louis Dubois, eul. March 22, 1864 ; trans, to Co. I, Seventh Regiment.
Joseph Dunn, enl. Aug. 30, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
I'eter Dunn, enl. Feb. 23, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Walter Davidson, enl. Sept. 2, 1862 ; died of apoplexy at Trenton, N. J.,
Sept. 11, 1862.
David A. Demarest, enl. March 28, 1864 ; died in Andersonville prison
Aug. 15, 1864; buried in National Cemetery, Andersonville, grave
5689
Alfred J. Be Mott, enl. July 20, 18G4 ; not mustered out with company.
John Denver, enl. April 22, 1864.
Andrew Diamond, enl. Sept. 30, 1862.
James Doyle, enl. Dec. 11, 1862.
Charles Dreniard, enl. March 22, 1864.
James Dunn, enl. April 22, 1864.
John Dnnnovan, enl. Dec. 10, 1862.
Christian Eberbeck, enl. Dec. 2, 1862 ; trans, to Co. F, Seventh Kegt.
John H. Emerick, enl. Aug. 30, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Andrew J. Emmons, enl. March 10, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regt.
William N. Emmons, enl. Feb. 26, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regt.
William Etchell, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Charles Edwards, enl. Nov.'8, 1862; not mustered out with company.
George Edwards, enl. March 29, 1804; missing.
Thomas Ellis, enl. Feb. 9, 1864; missing.
James B. French, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; died of disease at Camp Baker, Md.,
April 4, 1862.
Thomns Flaherty {alias Andrew J. Smith), enl, Aug. 14, 1861; disch.
July 26, 1862, on account of wounds received at Williamsburg, Va.
Franklin Foster, enl. Oct. 6, 1862; disch. Nov. 6, 1862, to join regular
army.
Joseph Gano, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Miller H. Gary, enl. Feb. 18, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Asher W. Gilbert, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Edward Gorman, i^nl. Ang. 14, 1801; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Benjamin F. Graves, enl. .Vug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
George S. Gray, enl. March 22, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
James W. Gamble, enl. March 9, 1864 ; killed at Cold Harbor, Va., May
31, 1864.
Johii Gutchol, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; killed at Fair Oaks, Va., June 1, 1862.
Hamilton Gary, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; not mustered out with company.
Charles Glassford, enl. March 9, 1864 ; not mustered out with company.
John Gordon, enl. March 19, 1864.
Thomas Green, enl. Nov. 26, 1862.
James Graves, enl. March 18, 1864.
(!harles Gunzer, enl. Sept. 1, 186-.
Coonrad Hockenburj', enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; disch. for disability July 22,1862.
Patrick Hopkins, enl. Sept. 29, 1862; disch. Sept. 30,1862; rejected by
medical board.
Jonathan E. Haines, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Samuel C. Haines, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Joseph G. Hall, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F Aug. 11, 1862.
Eli Hamilton, enl. Aug. 14,1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
John Haney, enl. Nov. 14, 1802 ; trans, to Co. D Feb, 11, 1864.
Thomas Haunigan, enl. Sept. 16, 1802 ; trans, to Co. B Feb. 11, 1864.
Thomas Hannon, enl. March 5, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
James W. Hartpenco, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G Aug. 11, 1862.
Michael Hasson, enl. Oct, 2, 1802 ; trans, to Co. E Feb, 11, 1864.
John 0. Heath, enl, Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 6 Aug. 11, 1862.
Charles Hennin;;er, enl. Aug. 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co, E, Seventh Regiment.
Patrick Henry, enl, Feb. 22, 1SC4 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Albertus K. Hibbs, enl, Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
John Higgins, enl. Aug, 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Robert Hill, enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co, E, Seventh Regiment.
Lemuel Hoagland, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1862.
Henry Hoehn, enl. April 1, 1804 ; trans, to Co, G, Seventh Regiment.
George Home, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E Aug. 11, 1802.
Jacob Heulmes, enl, Aug. 30, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Michael Humphrey, enl, Nov, 28, 1862 ; trans, to Co. E Feb. 11, 1864.
Thomas Hunt, enl. Feb. 13, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
Thomas R. Hunt, enl, Aug, 14, 1S61 ; trans, to Co. G Aug. 11, 1862.
Francis Hagerty, enl. Nov. 7, 1862; not must, out with company.
William Han-ison, eul. March 23, 1864.
Charles Henry, enl. Bee. 6, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Patrick Hubbin, eul. Nov. 8, 1802 ; not must, out with company.
Loraine Hull, enl. Marcli 10, 1864; not must, out with company.
Thomas Jackson, enl. Dec. 20, 1862.
John Johnson, enl. Dec. 31, 1862.
Thomas Jones, enl, March 19, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
George Kane, enl. Sept, 4, 1862; not must, out with company.
John Kelly, enl. Sept, 3, 1802 ; not must, out with company.
Jonathan T. Kelly, enl. Sept. 4, 1862; not must, out with company.
Richard Kemble, enl. March 31, 1804 ; not must, out with company.
Christian Koch, enl. Sept. 22, 1£^02 ; not must, out with company,
John H. Keiscl, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G Aug. 11, 1862.
William H. Ketch, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1802.
Hudson Kitchell, enl. Feb, 27, 1804 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
Smith Kitchen, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G Ang. 11, 1802.
Frederick Kling, enl. Aug. 29, 1864; trans, to Co, E, Seventh Regiment.
Gustavua Knoll, enl. Aug. 29, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Godfried Kolb, enl. Aug, 27, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
George Kopp, enl. April 26, 1804; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Edward Kopper, enl. April 27, 1804; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Thomas Kingsland, enl. March 22, 1804 ; died at Trenton, N. J., March
26, 1804.
Henry Luther, enl. Aug. 28, 1802 ; disch. for disability Feb. 11, 1864.
Joseph S. Lauer, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
William Lees, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co, B Aug, 11, 1862.
George Leifer, enl. March 29, 1804; trans, to Co, E, Seventh Regiment.
Louis Linz, enl. May 3, 1864; trans, to Co. F, Seventh Regiment.
Jacob Long, eul. March 11, 1804; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
James Longshore, enl, Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co, G Aug. 11, 1862.
Thomas C. Lovett, enl. Aug. 28, 1862; trans, to Co. G, First Cavalry,
March 25, 1803.
Abr. N. Lunger, enl. March 9, 1804 ; trans, to Co, E, Seventh Regiment,
aiaries Lupardus, enl. Sept. 2a, 1802; trans, to Co. I Feb. 11, 1864.
Daniel Luther, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. G Aug. 11, 1862.
Henry Luther, enl. Aug. 28, 1862 ; disch. for disability Feb. 11, 1864.
William Lepp, enl. Dec, 1, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Frank Limps, enl. March 10, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
Audrew Lynch, enl. Sept. 30, 1862; not must, out with company.
George W. McPeck, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; disch. for disability June 2, 1862.
William D. Moore, enl. Aug, 14, 1861 ; disch, for disability July 30, 1862.
Charies C. Morgan, enl. Oct. 31, 1802; disch. Nov. 6, 1802, to join regular
army.
James Mullan, enl. Sept. 15, 1862; disch. Sept. 17, 1862; rejected by
medical boai-d.
John N. Maines, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Thos. Mansfield, enl, March 7, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Geo. W. Martin, enl, Aug, 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Patrick Martin, enl. March 30, 1864; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
Dominick Mayenflsh, enl. March 31,1864; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regt.
John McCafTerty, enl. Ang. 29, 1862 ; trans, to Co. I Feb. 11, 1864.
James McCarty, enl. March 19, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
Thomas McGeaving, enl. March .23, 1864; trans to Co. E, Seventh Regt.
Peter McKenna, enl. Feb. 26, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.
David McPeak, enl. Feb. 23, 1804; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
John McCann, enl. Sept. 3, 1802.
Philip McCann, enl. April 27, 1804.
James McCoy, enl. March 22, 1864.
James McKale, enl. Sept. 19, 1862.
Edward McKan, enl. Oct. 14, 1862.
130
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
George McMichael, eul. Dec. 23, 1802.
Dauiel McCarthy, enl. March 25, 1864 ; missing in action at Wilderness,
Va., May 6, 1864 ; supposed dead.
John McCarthy, enl. March 15, 1864 ; missing in battle of Wilderness
May 5, 1864 ; supposed dead.
Adam Mann, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; died of wounds June 3, 1862.
James McKanna, enl. Dec. 26, 1862; died of wounds May 15, 1863.
James Murry, enl. March 19, 1864 ; missing in action May 6, 1864; sup-
posed dead.
Angel Moran, enl. Feb. 29, 1864.
John Murphy, enl. Feb. 23, 1864.
William Murphy, pnl. Sept. 8, 1862.
Samuel Meara, enl. Aug. 28, 1802; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.
James H. Melick, enl. .\uk. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. F Aug. 11, 1862.
John Mettler, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Eben A. Miller, enl. April 4, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
George H. Miller, enl. Feb. 25. 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
John Miller, enl. Sept. 22, 1862 ; ti-ans. to Veteran Reserve Corps ; disch.
July 26, 1866.
Louis Miller, enl. Feb. 20, 1804; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regiment.
Joseph Minsterman, enl. March 29, 1804 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Eegt.
James Montgomery, enl. Sept. 17, 1 862 ; trans, to Co. I Feb. 11, 1864.
Anthony Moreen, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 8 Aug. 11,1862.
Alexander B. Muckey, enl. Feb. 27, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regt.
Jefferson L. Muaselman, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G Aug. 1 1, 1862.
Siimuel Mustard, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. U, 1862.
John Myers, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. F Aug. 11. 1862.
Jolin Neal, enl. March 11, 1804; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.'
Charles O'Malley, enl. Oct. II, 1862; disch. Kov. 5, 1862, to join regular
army.
Jcineph O'Neil, enl. Sept. 6, 1862; trans, to Co. I Feb. 11, 1864.
Howard O'Daniel, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Willijm O'Daniel. enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Osnian Opdycke, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Abraham A. Peters, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 : disch. for disab. Nov. 30, 1861.
Abram Peteraon, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; disch. for disability Nov. 30, 1861.
WilliHm Phelan (or Freeland), enl. Oct. 7, 1862 ; disch. Dec. 5, 1862, to
join regular army.
Melvin B. Parse, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H Aug. 1], 1862.
Matthew J. A. Penn, enl. Sept. 2, 1802 ; trans, to Co. I Feb. 11, 1864.
Jesse Pettit, enl. Oct. 7, 1862; trans, to Co. F Feb. 11, 1804.
Stacy Pidcock, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Lewis Ploeger, enl. Feb. 26, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
William P. Price, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
John Pitt, enl. Aug. 29, 1862; not must, out with company.
James Pollard, enl. April 5, 1804.
William H. Ramsey, enl. April 20, 1804; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regt.
Frederick Rigler, enl. Aug. 30, 1804; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
John Robbins, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. D Ang. 11, 1802.
Hiram E. Rooks, enl. Aug. 14, 1801; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Joseph Boach, enl. Feb. 27, 1864; died of wounds June 25, 1804.
Andrew Robbins, enl. Oct. 0, 1802; killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May
3, 1863.
Patrick Rogan (1), enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; not must, out with company.
Patrick Rogan (2), enl. Aug. 14, 1861; died at Washington July 7, 1862.
Chas. Ryan, enl. March 22, 1864 ; missing at Wilderness ; supposed dead.
Patrick Ryan, enl. Oct. 4, 1802 ; died July 8, 1863, of wounds received at
Gettysburg.
Robert T. Riley, enl. Oct. 17, 1802 ; not must, out with company.
Jacob Skillman, enl. Dec. 12, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Henry Springer, enl. Sept. 9, 1802 ; not must, out with company.
John Smith, enl. Nov. 12, 1802; died of pneumonia Nov. 18, 1863 ; buried
at Richmond, Va.
Charles Smith, enl. Aug. 14, 1801; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1862.
Francis E. Smith, enl. April 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Sevejith Regiment.
William H. Smith, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. H Aug. 11, 1802.
Asber Smith, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; disch. for disability April 20, 1802.
Hugh Scullin, eul. Sept. 12, 1802; disch. for disability July 21, 1863.
Johu Savage, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1852.
Henry Schweis, enl. Sept. 22,1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps;
disch. Aug. 19, 186S.
David Schomp, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. II, 1802.
Jacob F. Seals, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G Aug. 11, 1802.
James A. Servia, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1862.
Jonathan Servis, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1802.
Winthrop H. Shattuck, enl. Nov. 14, 1802; trans, to Marine Battalion
Nov. 24, 1802.
Hiram Sibbett, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1862.
Jonathan Sibbett, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1862.
Richard Sibbett, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1862.
Augustus F. S. Singleton, enl. Nov, 6, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve
Corps ; disch. Jan. 8, 1806.
George W. Sisco, enl. April 5, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Elnathan Stevenson, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Go. I Aug. 11, 1862.
Morgan Stevenson, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862.
John C. Stryker, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D Aug. 11, 1862.
Peter Sutphin, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1802.
Job Swaim, enl. April 4, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Joseph V. Snook, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; killed at Williamsburg, Va., May
6, 1862.
Fritz Sponholz, enl. Aug. 28, 1862; died of wounds June 3, 1863.
John M. Swable. enl. March 5, 1804; taken prisoner at Wilderness ; died
of starvation and cruelty at Andersonville July 15, 1864.
John Thompson, enl Dec. 20, 1802.
Michael Tigh, enl. Sept. 9, 1802 ; killed at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863.
Thomas Teriell, enl. Sept. 15, 1862 ; trans, to Go. F Feb. 11, 1864.
George W. Trauger, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. B Aug. 11, 1862.
Israel Trauger, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. I Aug. 11, 1862.
Samuel Trauger, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F Aug. 11, 1862.
Charles P. Turner, enl. Feb. 10, 1804; trans, to Co. G, Seventh Regiment.
Patrick Tynan, enl. Sept. 10, 1802 ; trans, to Co. F Feb. 11, 1804.
Robert Upton, enl. March 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regiment.
Ferdinand Van Fleet, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; trans, to Co. G Aug. 11, 1862.
John Vaughn, enl. Sept. 2, 1802 ; trans, to Co. B, Fourth Regiment, Feb.
4, 1863.
John Walton, enl. Feb. 22, 1864; trans, to Co. B, Fifth Regiment.
Theodore ]Varner, enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; trans, to Co. F Feb. 11, 1864.
William Waters, enl. Aug. 14, 1801'; trans, to Co. D'Aug. 11, 1862.
John H. Whitehead, enl. Feb. 18, 1804 ; trans, to Co. B, Seventh Regi-
ment.
Jacob E. Wortman, enl. March 10, 1804 ; trans, to Co. E, Seventh Regi-
ment.
Charles W. Watts, enl. Aug. 28, 1862 ; disch. for disability Oct. 6, 1863.
John Williams, enl. Nov. 19, 1802 ; disch. for disability June 24, 1863..
Emanuel Woolverton, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; disch. for disability May '28,
1802
William Ware, enl. March 4, 1804 ; died at Newark, N. J., Nov. 3, 1864.
Samuel K. White, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; died at Washington, D. 0., May 22,
1302
George F. Williams, enl. Aug. 14, 1801 ; died at Meridian Hill, Va.,Nov.
19, 1801.
Henry Wagner, enl. Dec. 24, 1802.
John Wagner, enl. March 5, 1864.
William Ward, enl. Dec 16, 1862; not mustered out with company.
Anton Wiger, enl. March 30, 1864.
Charles Williams, enl. March 18, 1864.
William W. Wright, enl. Sept. 3, 1802.
James Young, enl. Sept. 2, 1802.
Ellas Yauger, enl. March 4, 1804 ; trani. to Co. E.Seventh Reglipent
John W. Ziuk, enl. Sept. 24, 1802.
COMPANY H,* SIXTH REGIMENT.
James Bird, captain ; com. Sept. 9, 1861 ; resigned for disability Dec. 27,
1802
Theodore F. Field, capt. ; com. June 9, 1803 ; pro. from first lieutenant.
Samuel G. Stockton, iirst lieutenant; com. Sept. 9, 1801; resigned Feb.
12, 1862.
Samuel S. Marseilles, first lieutenant, com. Feb. 26, 1862 ; first sergeant,
Aug. 26, 1801 ; second lieutenant, Jan. 16, 1862 ; resigned for disa-
bility July 28, 1802.
Cliarles Merriam, first lieutenant ;â– com. Oct. 24, 1862 ; pro. from sergeant-
major to second lieutenant Feb. 26, 1862; resigned on account of
wounds Jan. 11, 1863.
William G. Thompson, first lieutenant; com. May 3, 1863; pro. from
second lieutenant.
Jonas F. Hull, second lieut. ; com. Sept. 9, 1861 ; resigned Jan. 8, 1862.
Wilson R. Marseilles, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; pro. from cor-
poral to sergeant ; to first sergeant.
Daniel K. Hinsou, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; pro. to second lieu-
tenant Co. B July 22, 1862.
* Surviving members of this company who did not re-enlist were mus-
tered out Sept. 7, 1864.
FIFTH AND SIXTH INFANTRY EEGIMENTS.
131
Edward "W. Forker, aergeant ; enl. Aug, 9, 1861 ; pro. from corporal ;
must, out Sept. 7, 1804.
George "W. P. Fisher, sergeant; enl. Aug. 9, 1861; pro. from corporal;
must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
Alfred H. Stockton, sergeant; enl. Aug. 9, 1861; discli. for disability
Oct. 26, 1861.
Theodore Abbott, sergeant; enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. for disability Dec.
16, 1862.
Lewis T. Brant, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E, Eighth
Begiment ; re-enl. Jan. 27, 1864.
Stephen Hull, corporal; enl. Aug. 9, 1861; must, out Sept. 18, 1864.
Simon Snyder, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
William S. Landis, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Dec.
13. 1861.
George H. Pitman, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. paroled prisoner
May 22, 1862.
Henry Day, Corp. ; enL Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Sept. 16, 1862.
Joseph West, corp. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Sept. 26, 1862.
Benjamin Abbott, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability June
1, 186.'i.
Kelson Christiansen, corporal; enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. for disability
Feb. 28, 1863.
€hr. F, Stevenson, corporal; enl. Nov. 21, 1861; trans, to Co. G, Eighth
Begiment.
Augustus Trimmer, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth
Begiment; re-enl. Dec. 29, 1863.
Anderson W. Pidcock, corporal; enl, Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed in Wilderness,
Va., May 6, 1864.
Jolm Ely, corpoml ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed at Williamsburg, Va., May
5, 1862.
Joseph D. Rogers, musician; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; drum-major Sept. 1, 1861;
must, out Sept. 17, 1864.
Nathaniel B. Parent, musician; enl. Aug. 9, 1861; pro. to drum-m^or
June 18, 1862.
David S. Bender, musician ; enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; missing Dec. 23, 1862.
Privates.
Ferdinand H. Akers, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
C. V. Anderson, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
James Agin, enl. Oct. 9, 1861 ; disch. fur disability Jan. 24, 1863.
Farley F. Akers, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Sept. 3, 1862.
Kiser Ambrose, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Regiment; re-
enl. Feb. 22, 1864.
Neil F. Arentzen, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment;
re-enl. Dec. 27, 1863.
Joseph Ambruster, enl. Aug. 18, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Bartholomew Anearane, enl. June 2, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
Jacob Bergen, enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; disch. for disability Dec. 9, 1861.
Jacob W. Bishop, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability June 2, 1862.
Augustus Bodine, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Oct. 18, 1862.
John F. Bodine, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Oct. 18, 1862.
Martin Byrne, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. for disability Oct. 26, 1861.
William Bragg, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment;
re-enl. Deo. 27, 1863.
John Bartley, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died of fever Feb. 23, 1862..
Theodore Brewer, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed in Wilderness May 6, 1864.
John Banco, enl. June 2, 1864.
Joseph Berean, enl. June 1, 1864.
Elijah Q. Burroughs, enl. Aug. 9, 1861.
Michael Byrne, enL May 31, 1864.
Aaron C. Cornell, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1804.
Patrick Callan, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; disch. for disability, June 4, 1863.
Thomas ConnofiT, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Oct. 11, 1862.
Richard Cummings, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. as paroled prisoner May
22, 1862.
George W. Case, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment;
re-enL Feb. 22, 1864.
George F. ChideHter, enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begi-
ment ; re-enl. Nov. 29, 1863.
John Clary, enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment; re-
enl. Feb. 22, 1864.
Joseph S. Cohine, enl. Oct. 19,1861; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment.
Charles Cleveland, eul. May 20, 1864.
William Daymond, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; must, out May 15, 186.5.
Paul C. Dilts, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
Thomas Dcmpsey, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability March 16, 1863.
Henry Devert, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Sept. 12, 1862.
Jacob Davis, enl. June 2, 1864.
Charles Dumont, enl. June 1 , 1864.
Thomaa Flalievty, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; served as corporal, sergeant, and
first sergeant from Aug. 2B, 1861, to March 1, 1863 ; subsequently as
private ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
Cornelius Farley, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Sept. 21, 1864.
Augustus Fisher, (1), enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; killed at Chancellorsville, Va.,
May 3, 1863.
Augustus Fisher, (2), enl. Oct. 7, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellorsville, Va.,
and died May 24, 1863.
Thomas Garvey, enl. April 4, 1862; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment.
James Gorden, enl. Sept. 8, 1862.
Philip Graf, enl. June 1, 1864.
Peter Halpin, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Oct. 20, 1862.
Franklin Hand, enl. Sept. 6, 1862 ; disch. for disability May 10, 1863.
Reuben V. Hewlett, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability May 20, 1862.
Patrick Hurley, eul. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Dec. 21, 1863.
Harm. S. Hammond, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died of fever June 10, 1862.
Charles Harden, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died of fever July 26, 1 862.
Wilson Horn, enl. Aug. 9, 1801; killed at Williamsburg May 6, 1862.
William Hulmes, eul. Feb. 26, 1864.
Charles Jones, enl. May 19, 1804.
Amos A. Krewsin, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
disch. for disability Sept. 20, 1863.
Henry S. Krewsin, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
disch. Sept. 3, 1864.
Thomas Larby, enl. June 1, 1864.
Eli H. Lawyer, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. to join regular army Oct. 26, 1862.
Lambert S. Lisk, enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; disch. for disability Feb. 10, 1863.
Charles F. Moore, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; pro. to second lieutenant Co. I June
23, 1862.
John Mahan, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; disch. for disability March 1, 1803.
George W. McLoughan, enl. Aug. 9, 180 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join
regular army.
Thomas S. Monroe, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 20, 1862, to join regular
army.
Morris Majtwell, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Veteran Beserve Corps May
1, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 26, 1804.
Thomas Miller, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; trans, to Veteran Beserve Corps Sept.
1, 1803 ; disch. Aug. 30, 1864.
Patrick Monighan, enl. Nov. 10, 1802; trans, to Co G, Eighth Regiment.
Charles Moore, enl, Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Regiment ; re-
enl. Feb. 22, 1804.
John McMnllen, enl. Sept. 28, 1861 ; died July 17, 1862.
Gotlieb Miller, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed at Williamsburg, Va., May 6, 1862.
Christian Miller, enl. June 1, 1864.
Michael Murphy, enl. June 1, 1864.
George W. Naylor, enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Regiment.
John W. Neice, enl. Oct. 0, 1802 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment.
James O'Daniel, enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 22, 1864.
John O'Daniel, Sr., enl. Aug. .9, 1801; disch. for disability Oct. 17, 1862.
John O'Daniel, Jr., enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed at Williamsburg, Va., May
5, 1802.
John O'Neil, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Aug. 26, 1862.
James Olwell, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; disch. for disability Nov. 30, 1802.
Stephen O'Grady, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment;
re-enl. Feb. 22, 1804.
John O'Brien, enl. June 1, 1864.
Henry Pettit, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; not must, out with company.
John R. Pitman, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. to join regular army Oct. 26,
1862
Lewis C. PuUen, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment;
re-enl. Dec. 23,1803.
Jeremiah Eeed, enl. Feb. 10, 1804 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment.
Thomas Robinson, enl. May 2:J, 1864.
Isaac W. Bounsaville, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; died of fever at Torktown, Va.,
May 11, 1862.
Henry T. Bowland, enl. Nov. 14, 1861 ; discharged for disability April 19,
1803
Charles Service, enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
James Sharp, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
John Stingle, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
John Sharp, enl. May 19, 186^ ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Begiment,
John Shafer, enl. May 19, 1804,
John Shean, enl. May 18, 1864,
James Smith, enl. May 20, 1864.
John Smith, enl. May 24, 1864,
132
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Charles Snowilen, eiil. May 18, 1804.
Michael Spellman, eel. Oct 18, 1861.
John Sweeny, enl. May 20, 1804.
Samuel Tomlinson, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disaUlity Oct. 17, 1862.
George W. Taylor, enl. Aug. 9, 1601 ; died of fever March S, 1862.
William H. Tracy, enl. Aug. 9, 1801; killed at Petersburg, Va., June IT,
1S64.
Obediah Wiley, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; trans, to Co. G, Eighth Regiment; re-
enl. Dec. 27,1863.
Ephraim Walker, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; died of fever March 1, 1862.
Peter Wean, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died of wounds, Gettysburg, July 11,
1863
George Walker, enl. May 23, 1864.
Charles White, enl. May 18, 1864.
Charles Williams, enl. May 18, 1864.
Oliver G. Woodward, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
Michael Wright, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. May 3, ISOo.
James Wrisband, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864.
William A. Yard, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps
Sept. 1, 1863; disch. Aug. 29, 1864.
CHAPTER XIII.
FIFTEEBTTH IlfFANTET BEGIMEH"T.
Three Companies from Hunterdon and Somerset Leave for Washington
Construct "Fort Kearney" The Tifteenth at Fredericksburg
Michael Mulvey, Co. G, the first Man killed Battle of ChaDcellorsTille
The " Wilderness" Capt. Vanderveer and Lieut. Hamilton wounded
Roster of Casualties in the vicinity of Spottsylvania Court-house
In the Charge at Cold Harbor With Sheridan's Army in the Shenau-
doah Valley Fisher's Ilill and Cedar Creek engagements Maj. Boe-
man killed List of Battles of the Fifteenth Rosters of OfBcers and
Enlisted Men of the Companies from these Counties.
Isr the composition of the Fifteenth Infantry Regi-
ment of New Jersey, two of its companies (A and G)
were made up of men from Hunterdon County, and
one (E) from Somerset.* The regiment was organized
at Flemington during the months of July and August,
1862. It was mustered into the service on the 25th
of August, under command of Col. Samuel Fowler.
The other regimental oflacers were: Lieutenant-col-
onel, Edward L. Campbell ;t major, James M. Brown ;
adjutant, William P. Seymour ; quartermaster, Lowe
Emerson; surgeon, Eedford Sharp ; assistant surgeons,
George R. Sullivan and George Trumpore. The com-
missioned officers of the Hunterdon and Somerset com-
panies were: A company: Captain, Lambert Boeman;
first lieutenant, Thomas P. Stout; second lieutenant,
John R. Emery. E company: Captain, John K.
Vanderveer; first lieutenant, Stephen H. Bogardus;
second lieutenant, Ellis Hamilton. G company : Cap-
tain, William H. Slater ; first lieutenant, Henry Suy-
dam Crater; second lieutenant, John D. Trimmer.
On the 27th of August the regiment, then number-
ing nine hundred and twenty-five men and oflicers,
left the State for Washington, and on its arrival at
the capital marched thence to Tenallytown, Md.,
where it was at once placed on fatigue duty in the
* Of the other companies, three were from Sussex, two from Warren,
and two from Morris County.
t Lieut.-Col. Campbell, who was already in the field with Ihe Army of
the Potomac, did not join the Fifteenth until the Ist of October, when
the regiment was on its march to join the Sixth Corps in Maryland.
building of roads and the erection of defenses ; among
which latter was the construction of the formidable
work named " Fort Kearney," in honor of that brave
and dashing New Jersey general who gave his life on
the field of Chantillj^ at almost the precise time when
the men of the Fifteenth commenced their work on
the fortification.
The regiment moved from Tenallytown on the 80th
of September, and, proceeding to Frederick, Md.,
marched thence, by way of the Antietam battle-field,
to Bakersville, where it was incorporated with the i
First (New Jersey) Brigade of the First Division,
Sixth Army Corps. It remained here about a month,
engaged in drill and camp duty, and on the 31st of
October moved forward with the other commands of
the Army of the Potomac,! and, crossing the river into
Virginia, marched, by way of Warrenton (where a halt
of several days was made), to Stafford Court-house,
and thence, after another considerable delay, to Staf-
ford Heights, where it arrived on the morning of the
11th of December, and where the men of the Fifteenth
had their first view of the scenes of actual battle, the
bombardment of Fredericksburg by Gen. Burnside's
batteries, posted on the left bank of the Rappahan-
nock.
In the evening of that day the army was massed on
the plain north of the river preparatory to the grand
crossing of the stream. The pontoons were placed in
position, and at daylight on the following morning
the Fifteenth, with the other regiments of the Jersey
brigade, crossed at " Franklin's Crossing" to the soutli
shore, and moved quickly through a dense fog up the
acclivity to the edge of the plateau which extends to
the foot of Marye's Heights, which were then brist-
ling with the enemy's batteries and the bayonets of
his heavily-massed infantry. At about two o'clock in
the afternoon the brigade again moved swiftly for-
ward in line of battle, and under a vigorous fire from
the Confederate artillery on the Heights. The range
of the rebel artillerists, however, was imperfect, and
the brigade advanced without serious casualties to
Deep Run, where shelter was fotind in the ravine
through which it flows. In this ravine the brigade
remained during the remainder of the day and
through the night.
The 13th of December was the day of the great
battle at Fredericksburg. Early in the morning the
entire line of the Army of the Potomac advanced to
assault the strong positions of the Confederates, and
the battle raged with fearful energy and with little
intermission until nightfall. During the greater part
of that bloody day the Fifteenth was posted along
the line of the railroad, keeping up a steady fire and
making occasional charges, but with light loss. At
about four o'clock the Jersey brigade made a more
determined attempt on the position in its immediate
front, but was forced back with a greater loss than it
1 The regiment was then under cmuiand of Lieut.-Col. Campbell,
Col. Fowler being leit behind in hospital, sick -with typhoid fever.
FIFTEENTH INFANTRY REGIMENT.
133
had before sustained, many of its men being taken
prisoners, among whom were a number from the
Fifteenth. This charge was the last of the regiment's
fighting for the day. Its total loss at Fredericksburg
was about thirty, of whom very few were killed* out-
right. It could not be regarded as a heavy loss to be
sustained in so fierce and protracted a conflict as that of
Fredericksburg, yet to the soldiers of the Fifteenth it
seemed a very serious one, because this was the first
field on which they had been tried in the fire of
battle.
In the morning of the 14th the regiment was re-
lieved at the front (and under a heavy fire) by the
One Hundred and Twenty-first New York Regiment.
The battle, however, was over ; the assault of those
grim heights was abandoned, and the army recrossed
to its old position on the north side of the Eappahan-
nock. The Fifteenth Regiment went into camp at
White Oak Church, where the men spent a most
dreary winter, during which the typhoid fever in a
malignant form appeared among them, and many died
of the disease.
On the opening of the spring campaign under the
new commander of the army, Gen. Hooker, the
Fifteenth again crossed the Rappahannock, and par-
ticipated in the great battle of Chancellorsville.f The
part taken by it in that battle is shown in the report
of Lieut.-Col. E. L. Campbell, J as follows:
"My command broke camp at Wliite Oak Church, Va., on the after-
noon of Tuesday, April i8th, and taiarched to the bank of the Rappa- "
hannock, near Franklin's Crossing, where it bivouacked until towards
morning, when it was moved to the river, and crossed in boats just before
daylight on the morning of the 29th, taking up a position on the south
hank. Remained there until the morning of the 3d of May, a part of
which time was employed in doing outpost duty immediately in the
face of the enemy. On the morning of the 3d instant [May], I was or-
dered to the fi'ont at about daybreak, and was assigned a position in sup-
port of a battery on tlie extreme left which was hotly engaging the
â– enemy. Remained upon this duty, taking up various positions, and part
â– of the time exposed to a severe scattering Aauk lire from the enemy's
line of skirmishers, until the enemy was driven from his position on tiie
heights above Fredericksburg, and the line on the left was ordered to
retire towards that place, when I was left in the rear as a support to our
retiring skirmishers by order of tlie general commanding the division.
Tverythiug was brought from the field without diiiiculty, as tlie enemy
â– did not follow up. After procuring ambulances {to get wliich I was com-
lielled to send to the city of Fredericksburg) and moving the wounded
left upon the field during the rapid movement, I proceeded upon the
line of march of the corps. Arriviug some distance out of the city, on
the plank road, I learned that the enemy was making a stout resistance
* "Michel Mulvey, Company G, was the first man of the regiment
killed. At the time, shots were being exchanged with the reijel pickets.
He was cautioned not to expose himself, but exclaimed, ' Hush ! don't
tell a Jersey boy to keep back when the enemy is in sight.' He had
fixed his attention on a rebel sharpshooter who fired from behind a tree.
When, at length, the rebel exposed himself in firing, he took aim and
fired. Tlie rebel was seen to tumble over, evidently killed. At the
same moment Michel fell back dead, shot through tiie brain. As tlie
regiment was relieved on Sabbath morning, a plunging bullet-shot
passed through the knapsack and body of Alexander S. Sergeant, Com-
pany F, killing him. Ezekiel C. Quick, Cumpuny G, was shot through
the lungs, and lived several days, expressing his entire willingness to
Bufi'er for his country, and his strong faith in tlie Saviour." A'o(fi« bjj
AlaiiHon A. Haines, Ghnplain of tlte FlfUeidh Regiment.
f Othei'wise known as tlie battle of Salem Heights.
X Col. William H. Penrose, a lieutenant in tlie Tliird Regular Infantry,
was made colonel of the Fifteenth in the latter part of April, 18U3,
in front, and that the First Brigade was about to engage him. March-
ing as rapidly as practicable, I arrived at the front at about five o'clock
P.M., and without halting was immediately ordered by the general o.m-
niandiug the corps to engage the enemy on the right of the road, in a
thick wood in which the enemy had taken a position and effectually i e-
sisted any attempt to dislodge him. My command advanced about one
hundred yards, through a dense and in places impassable undergrowtli,
to within about tliirty yards of the enemy's position, where it engaged
at least four of his regiments, with, as I am convinced, a terrible effect,
but without driving him from his well-chosen position. Just at dai-k,
my ammunition being entirely exhausted and the enemy's fire destruc-
tive, I retired in good order, the enemy showing no disposition to follow.
I have the satisfaction of saying for my command that not a man left
the line of battle except the wounded, and when the rolls were called,
immediately upon arriving in the open field, every man was present or
properly accounted for except those who were killed, wounded, or miss-
ing in action, the latter being but five, and all probably killed or wounded.
My wounded were all brought off during or after the action, except pos-
sibly the five mentioned above, not found on account of the dense under-
growth of bushes.
" On Sunday night (May 3d) my command bivouacked upon the battle- â–
field. During the engagement of Monday I was assigned to various
positions, a part of the time in support of batteries ; when at night the
artillery was ordered towards the river, I was ordered to follow it. Re-
crossed the river just before daylight in the morning, and went into
camp on the north bank. On Friday, the 8th instant, marched to my
present place of encampment. "
After Chancellorsville a few weeks of quiet ensued,
and then it was ascertained that the Confederate com-
mander was moving his army down the Virginia val-
ley with the evident intention of invading the States
north of the Potomac. Upon this, the army of Gen,
Hooker was put in motion, and the Fifteenth Regi-
ment with its brigade, as a part of the Sixth Corps,
moved rapidly northward, by way of Fairfax, to
Edwards' Ferry, where it crossed the Potomac into
Maryland, and, thence pressing onward by forced
marches, came, in the afternoon of July 2d, to the
field of Gettysburg, where the great battle had already
commenced. At about half an hour before sunset
the brigade was moved to the front to hold a position
from which Sickles' corps had been compelled to re-
tire. But no further assault was made that evening,
and the men slept on their arms in the advanced
position. Through all the carnage of the following
day, including the tremendous charge made by the
Confederate infantry under Pickett, the Fifteenth
with its brigade stood constantly in line ready for
work, but was not ordered in. " The Fifteenth," wrote
a member of the regiment, " witnessed all from their
position, but, though ready for duty, were not sum-
moned to actual fighting."
Hostilities were suspended during the following
day, July 4th, and before the sun rose on the 5th the
Confederate legions were in full retreat towards the
Potomac. The Jersey brigade took part in the pur-
suit and in minor engagements at Fairfield, Pa., and
Funktown, Md., and crossed the river into Virginia?
with the main body of the army. During the re-
mainder of the year it participated in the various
movements of the Sixth Corps, and in December,
1863, went into winter quarters about two miles from
Brandy Station, Va.
i July lOth.
134
HUNTERDON AND SOMEKSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
In the spring of 1864 was opened the bloody cam-
paign of "the Wilderness/' under the immediate
supervision of Lieut.-Gen. Grant. In this campaign
the Fifteenth saw its most desperate fighting and sus-
tained the severest losses experienced during its term
of service. On the 4th of May, at daylight, the regi-
ment with its brigade moved out from its winter
camp, and marched, by way of Brandy Station and
Stevensburg, to Germania Ford, where it crossed the
Rapidan, and soon entered that desolate region of
stunted woods and copses known as the Wilderness.
In the afternoon of the 5th it came up to the position
where Warren was already fighting with the Confed-
erate corps of Ewell, and later in the day it became
slightly engaged, suffering some losses, among which
was that of Capt. John H. Vanderveer, of E com-
pany, who there received the severe wounds which
soon after compelled his resignation. In the opening
of the fight on the following day Lieut. Ellis Ham-
ilton, of the same company, was desperately wounded
in both thighs. During the latter part of this day the
regiment was not heavily engaged. On the 7th the
regiment did some fighting and lost slightly.*
" On the 8th, about noon, at the head of the corps, it reached the front
at Spottsylvania CJourt-house, after a long niglit-march by a circuitous
route, Warren, whose corps (the Fifth) had moved by a more direct
route and reached the position first, had met with a check. He sent to
Sedgwick the graud old leader of the Sixth for aid, and the Jersey
brigade was sent to his assistauce. After some manoeuvring, the Fif-
teenth, with the Third (then little more than a detachment and used as
a Bkirmish-Iiae), was selected to make an assault on the enemy and de-
velop his position and strength. No charge was ever more gallantly de-
livered. With two armies looking on, it advanced across an open field ;
when within about three hundred yards of the front of the wood in
which the enemy was posted, it fixed bayonets, and with a line of glitter-
ing steel as steady as on dress-parade dashed up to the rebel position to
find, them strongly intrenched and in full force. As far as rifle-shot
could reach, upon each flank they opened upon the devoted little band.
Notwithstanding the deadly fire, it drove the enemy out of the work in
its front, captured two prisoners, and, to save annihilation, was ordered
by its commander to retire. One hundred and one of its brave officers
and men were left upon tlie field, killed or wounded. It may be doubted
if a more perilous 'forlorn hope' was ever mure daringly executed.
The Sixth Corps took position on the left of the line as it was formed, "
its lamented commander falling on the same spot at which one of the
color-bearers of the Fifteenth had but just fallen ; and on the afternoon
of the 9th the regiment was detached, with the Fiist, to turn the right
flank of the enemy and gain possession of a cross-roads. Alter wading a
deep swamp, and having a sharp brush with the rebel skirmishers, tlie
cross-roads was under their guns and they were separated some distance
from the main army. The next morning, being ordered to develop the
flank of the enemy's main line, the two regiments advanced, drove the-
rebel skirmish-line before them for about a mile, aud finally struck the
right of the rebel line, strongly intrenched on the top nf a high hill.
This was the position afterwards known as ' the bloody angle.' The two
regiments attacked vigorously, but were forced back by a heavy mus-
ketry- and artillery- fire. Two more regiments were sent to their assist-
ance, and again they attacked, but with no better success, and they were
* " It was two o'clock in the morning of May 7th when the regiment
came into the new line. It had stood its ground when others fled, and
panic prevailed on either side, and now, determined tn hold its position,
began intrenching at daylight. By ten o'clock a.m. the works were
very strong, and, though the enemy felt tho line in front, and drove in a
part of the skirmish -line, by which three men were wounded and John
Brogan, Company A, killed, no real advantage was guiiied. At dark the
regiment marched by the .Fredericksburg road to Chancellorsville, and
thence to the point where Grant waa now concentrating.*' i-'ojiier's New
Jersey and Ike RebeVion.
compelled to he content with holding the position they had gained in an
unequal contest. The characteristic orders under which they were act-
ing, issued by an able general officer, afterwards killed and sadly missed^
were *Fi"'ht! Fight! ^ it, fight I' Two days later this was found
to be the strongest field-work ever attacked by the army.
"On the afternoon of the same day (the 10th) a series of assaults was
organized along the different corps lines. The Second Division of the
Second Corps, which had come up by the cross-roads taken as above re-
lated, was to make the charge on the extreme ^left, and the two detached
regiments reported to and participated in the charge with it. Only one
of these assaults was successful (that of the Sixth Corps), and the line of
works and many of the prisoners captured by it had to be abandoned,
owing to the failure of the attacks to the right and left. That on tlie
left beingunsuccessful, and the troops retiring from the hill, left the twi>
detached regiments again alone to hold the ground which had cost them
a severe struggle. This they did until relieved, after dark, when, re-
joining their brigade, they left the positinu to the Second Corps, all of
which was concentrated there on the night of the 11th.
On the 12th came one of the most stubbornly-contested struggles of "
the war. It was for the possession of ' the bloody angle' which the Fif-
teenth and First had repeatedly attacked two days previously. The first
charge was made by the Second Corps early in the morning, took the
rebels by surprise, carried a part of the line of works, captured several
thousand prisoners and a large number of guns. The Sixth Corps was
moved to the position as soon as practicable, to complete the victory, the
enemy having recovered from the shock and concentrated his fnrces.
The First Division was ordered to attack first, to the right of the Second
Corps, in echelon of brigades, the First Brigade on the right, and the
Fifteenth Kegiment on the extreme right of the front line. It wiid
placed in position in a wood of low pines, by a superior officer, in a
drizzling rain. At the order to charge it dashed gallantly forward with
bayonets fixed, and trailed to escape the low branches, into the narrow
strip of open ground upon the opposite margin of which was the rebi*l
intrenched line, covered with an abattis of slashed brush. Its line being
very oblique to that of the enemy, it was compelled to execute a half-
wheel under a most murderous fire. Again it dashed forward, carried
the work at the point of the bayonet (and with some actual bayonet-
fighting, a very unusual thing), captured a stand of colors and all the
rebels who did not fall or inn. It was the only regiment of the Sixth
Corps which got inside the enemy's fortifications that day. Its right
flank, however, being entirely ' in the air,' and a solid rebel line moving
towards it, subjected to the continued fire from a second rebel work In
front and from the numerous traverses of the line to the°left which had
not been carried, it was compelled to retire again to the wood. This
desperate charge was made at fearful cost. More than half of the rank
and file and seven of the most valued officers fell, killed or wounded, i n-
side or near the hostile works. Out of four hundred and twenty-nine
men and fourteen line-officers who crossed the Bapidan on the 4th, only
one hundred and twenty-two men and four officers remained."!
The losses in the Hunterdon and Somerset com-
panies of the Fifteenth during eleven days succeed-
ing the crossing of the Rapidan that is, up to the
close of its fighting in the vicinity of Spottsylvania
Court-house are given in the sketch of the regiment
from which the above is extracted, as follows :
COMPANY A.
Capt. C. C. Shimer, killed ; Sergt. Paul Kuhl, killed; Sergt. Lucien A.
Voorhees, killed; Lieut. George C. Justice, killed; Sergt. Willijim
B.Dungan, wounded; Corp. John F. Servis, wounded ; Corp. Jona.
P. Collis, killed ; Corp. Joseph Rankle, wounded; David Allgard,
missing, David Anthony, killed; Jacob Apgar, killed; Jacob Bryan ;.
wounded; William B. Bryan, wounded; John Butler, wounded;
John Burns, wounded; John Brogan, killed; Jacob Beam, wounded
and missing; Geo. S. Beaver, wounded ; Andrew Closson, missing;,
Isaac Dayton, missing; Joseph Dawes, missing; Jos. Everett, killed ;
John Evans, niibsing; William Gulick, wounded; George P. Hen-
derson, killed ; Lewis Higgins, missing ; Wm. L. Higgins, wouniltnl ;
Silas Hockenberry, killed; Lemuel Hockenbury, wounded; Muses
Housel, missing; John W. Henry, wounded and missing; Her-
man Helmhold, killed; Garret Hogan, missing; Henry P. Johnson,.
t From a " HisturicHl Sketch of the Fifteenth lli-jiitneut New Jersey
Volunteers." by a mi nil-er of the regiment.
FIFTEENTH INFANTKY KEGIMENT.
135
wouDded; John Moser, wounded; Van Meter P. Hammet, wounded;
Cornelius I. Nevius, killed; William N. Peer, killed; James C.
Palmer, wounded ; John Eouch, wounded ; Geo. Kessler, wounded ;
Bobei-t Sorter, wounded ; Joseph SuUivan, wounded ; Henry G.
Smith, Killed ; Charles Scherer, killed ; Charles E. Smiley, wounded ;
Theodore Stammets, wounded; John Staats, missing; AUram Trau-
ger, wounded ; Peter I. Teabroeck, wounded.
COMPANY E.
Capt. John H. Tandei-veer, wounded; Sergt. Benj. 0. Scudder, killed;
Sergt. Garret I. Schenck, wounded ; Corp. Daniel Richardson, killed;
Sergt "William C. E. Gulick, killed; Abraham D. Baird, wounded;
Peter S. Bennet, wounded; Nicholas Conover, killed ; Andrew Cran-
ney, missing; Peter Dennis, killed; William K. Dow, wounded;
Francis Hughes, wounded ; John H. Jones, wounded ; James McKen-
sey, killed ; Thomas McConral, wounded ; Benjamin Moulton,
wounded ; John W. Priestley, wounded ; William H. Bose, killed ;
Jeremiah Slack, wounded ; George Thompson, wounded; John L. S.
Van Doren, wounded.
COMPANY G.
Lieut Henry M. Fowler, wounded ; Sergt. Wm. E. Trimmer, killed ; Sergt.
Jacob J. Lair, wounded ; Sergt. Wm. M. Thompson, killed ; Sergt.
Jacob F. Thatcher, wounded ; Corp. John Bocock, wounded; Corp.
John Garren, missing ; William Ashcroft, wounded; Nathan Culver,
wounded ; George Haney, missing ; Cornelius King, missing ; Simeon
G. Peddrick, missing; John Eeisinger, wounded; John M. Smith,
killed ; Levi Stull, killed ; William H. Wyckoff, wounded ; George
D. Wagoner, wounded ; James C. Myers, wounded.
Moving southward from Spottsylvania, in the flank
movement to Petersburg, the regiment again became
engaged at the North and South Anna Rivers, at
Hanover Court-house, at Tolopotomy, and at Cold
Harbor ; on which last-named field, in a charge made
on the 1st of June by the Sixth Corps, the Fifteenth
sustained a loss of twenty-five. " In the charge," says
Foster, " the Fifteenth and Tenth Regiments reached
a position on a hillock, which they held when the line
was broken on either side of them, and which they
began to intrench upon at sundown. On this little
hillock they remained for the greater part of the next
ten days, and from it many never came alive. The
firing from the enemy was almost constant, and when-
ever a man raised his head above the surface he was
almost certain to be struck. The men, in fact, were
obliged to burrow in the ground, and communication
was kept up with the rear through a long ditch, dug
to hide those passing from the sight of the enemy.
The dust, the great heat, the confined space, and the
dead bodies buried just under the surface, soon ren-
dered the place most oflensive. Day after day passed,
line after line of works were constructed, the number
of dead and wounded increased, but still the regiment
was not taken from this horrible place, till, on the
night of the 12th, it marched for the James River."
Crossing that stream, it reached the exterior defenses
of Petersburg on the 19th of June, and remained on
that line until the 9th of July, when it was embarked
on steamers and sailed for Washington, and moved
thence to join Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah
valley.
In the campaign which succeeded the arrival of the
Fifteenth in the valley the regiment took conspicuous
part and fully sustained its reputation. It fought at
Strasburg on the 15th of August and at Winchester
on the 17th, losing seventy men in the two engage-
ments. Again, at Opequan, near Winchester, on th^
19th of September, it sufiered a loss of about fifty
men killed and wounded. On the 21st it was en-
gaged in heavy skirmishing, and lost seventeen in
killed and wounded. It displayed great gallantry at
the battle of Fisher's Hill, Va., on the 22d, and took
â– part in the pursuit of the flying enemy to Staunton.
On the 19th of October, at Cedar Creek, the
famous battle-fleld to which Sheridan rode on hia
black charger " from Winchester, twenty miles away,"
afteu parts of the Eighth and Nineteenth Corps had
been surprised and routed, " the Sixth Corps moved
rapidly by a flank across the track of their advance,,
and the Jersey brigade occupied the most advanced
and difficult position, holding it firmly under severe
fire. Once it was ordered back to the general align-
ment, but, its former place being considered a key po-
sition, it was ordered to retake it, which it did, and
held it tenaciously and successfully until again ordered
to retire, with the whole corps, to the new line selected
for strategic reasons (the first having been assumed in
the haste and confusion of the morning)." In this,
action the color-guard were all killed except three,
the commanding oflScer, Col. Campbell, was wounded,,
and Maj. Lambert Boeman, of Flemington, previously
of the Fifteenth, but then in command of the Tenth
New Jersey, was killed.
Cedar Creek was the last field on which the Fifteenth
fought in the Shenandoah valley. On the 1st of De-
cember it moved with the Sixth Corps to rejoin the
Army of the Potomac before Petersburg, and remained
there till the following spring. It was never again
heavily engaged, though it took part in the final as-
sault on the enemy's works on the 2d of April, 1865,
sustaining trifiing loss. When the Rebellion was
ended by the surrender of Lee at Appomattox the-
Fifteenth was sent to Danville, Va., where it re-
mained five or six weeks, and in the latter part of
May was transported, by way of Washington, to-
Trenton, where it was disbanded, and the surviving
members returned to their homes.
The official list of actions of greater or less import-
ance in which the Fifteenth was engaged during the
war is recorded in the office of the adjutant-general
of the State as follows : Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13-
and 14, 1862 ; Fredericksburg, Va., May 3, 1863 ; Sa-
lem Heights, Va., May 3 and 4, 1863; Franklin's
Crossing, Va., June 6 to 14, 1863 ; Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 2 and 3, 1863; Fairfield, Pa., July 5, 1863;
Funktown, Md., July 10, 1863 ; Rappahannock Sta-
tion, Va., Oct. 12, 1863; Rappahannock Station, Va.,
Nov. 7, 1863 ; Mine Run, Va., Nov. 30, 1863 ; Wil-
derness, Va., May 5 to 7, 1864; Spottsylvania, Va.,
May 8 to 11, 1864; Spottsylvania Court-house, Va.,
May 12 to 16, 1864; North and South Anna River,
May 24, 1864; Hanover Court-house, Va., May 29,
1864; Tolopotomy Creek, Va., May 30 and 31, 1864;
Cold Harbor, Va., June 1 to 11, 1864 ; before Peters-
136
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
burg, Va., June 16 to 22, 1864; Weldon Railroad,
Ya., June 23, 1864 ; Snicker's Gap, Va., July 18, 1864;
Strasburg, Va., Aug. 15, 1864; Winchester, Va., Aug.
17, 1864; Charlestown, Va., Aug. 21, 1864; Opequan,
Va., Sept. 19, 1864 ; Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 21 and
22, 1864; New Market, Va., Sept. 24, 1864; Mount
Jackson, Va., Sept. 25, 1864; Cedar Creek and Mid-
dletown, Va., Oct. 19, 1864; Hatcher's Eun, Va.,-
Feb. 5, 1865 ; Fort Steedman, Va., March 25, 1865 ;
capture of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865; Sailor's
Creek, Va., April 6, 1865 ; Farmville, Va., April 7,
1865; Lee's surrender (Appomattox, Va.), April 9,
1865
The number of deaths which occurred in the regi-
ment during its term of service was as follows : From
disease, ninety-nine ; from wounds received in battle,
two hundred and forty-seven ; from starvation and
other causes, in rebel prisons, fifteen.
Through all its war experience the Fifteenth Regi-
ment always did its duty. " No regiment fought
with more tenacious courage or presented a more
unbroken front to the foe. Where the fire was hot-
test, the charge most impetuous, the resistance most
stubborn, the carnage most fearful, it was found. It
was never ordered to take a position that it did not
reach it; it was never required to hold a post that it
did not hold it ; it never assaulted a line of the enemy
that it did not drive it ; it never charged a rebel work
that it did not breach it. Whatever might be the
general result, the Fifteenth New Jersey Regiment
always performed the part assigned it."
OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT
FROM HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES.
COMPANY A (HUNTERDON).
Lambert Boeman, captain ; com. Aug. 15, 1862; pro. to major May 24,
1863 ; killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864.
ComeliuB C. Shimer, captain ; com. Aug 28, 1863 ; first lieutenant Co. I
Aug. 15, 1862 ; pro. to captain Co. A ; killed in action at Spottsyl-
vania Court-houBe, Va., May 12, 1864; buried on battle-field.
Ebenezer W. Davis, captain; com. July 3, 1864; first lieutenant Co. I
Nov. 4, 1863; pro. to captain Co. A; pro. to brevet-major Oct, 19,
1864; pro. tu major Jan. 31, 1865.
Henry M. Fuwler, ca4)tain ; com. Jan. 31, 1865 ; second lieutenant Co. G
Jan. 19, 1863; pro. to captain Co. A, vUx Davis; must, out June 22,
1865
Tbomas P. Stout, first lieutenant; com. Aug. 15, 1862; pro. to captain
Co. F April 7, 1863.
Samuel R. Connett, first lieutenant ; com. April 7, 1863 ; second lieuten-
ant Co. C Aug. 12, 1862; pro. to first lieutenant Co. A; resigned
Jnne 20, 1863.
George C. Justice, first lieutenant; com. July 27, 1863; first sergeant
July 24, 1862; pro. to second lieutenant March 18, 1863; pro. to
second lieutenant, vice Connett; killed at Spottsjlvania Court-house,
Va., May 12, 1864; buried at National Cemetery Fredericksburg, Va.
James H. Comings, first lieutenant; com. July 3, 1864; sergeant Co. I;
pro. to first lieutenant, vice Justice, killed ; pro. to captain Co. C
Dec. 31,1804.
Horace E. Lewis, first lieutenant; com. Feb. 9, 1805; private Co. A,
Second Regiment; pro. to first lieutenant, vi<x Comings; brevet-cap-
tain April 2, 1805; must, out June 22, 1805.
John R. Emei-y, second lieutenant; com. Aug. 15, 1802; disch. for dis-
aliilily Veh. 23, 1803.
James Donnelly, second lieutenant; com. July 3, 1864; sergeant Co, H;
pro. to second lieutenant, rice Emery; ninsl. out June 22, 1805.
James J. Bullock, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 4, 1802; pro. from corporal
May 29, 1804; pro. to first lieutenant Co. I July 3, 1864.
Manuel Kline, first sergeant; enl. July 29,1862; pro. from sergeant July
28, 1804; pro. to second lieutenant Co. H Sept. 10, 1864,
Willi.am B. Dungan, first sergeant ; enl. July 25, 1802 ; pro. from sergeant
Feb. 1,1865; must out June 22, 1865.
Paul Kuhl, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 5, 1862; pro. to first sergeant April
22, 1863; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house, Va,, May 12, 1804;
buried at National Cemetery, Fredericksburg,
Wilson H, Snyder, sergeant; enl, Aug. 9,1862; pro. from corporal to
sergeant Feb, 1, 1805 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John F. Servis, sergeant; enl. ,Tuly 30, 1802; pro, to sergeant Feb. 4,
1805 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Levi Runyon, sergeant; enl, Aug. 7, 1862; pro. from corporal April 22,
1863 ; disch. by order from War Department May 3, 1805,
William H, Sloan, sergeant ; enl. July 23, 1862 ; disch. for disability Jan.
3,1863: appointed second lieutenant Co, K, Thirty-first Regiment,
United States Colored Troops, Feb, 18, 1865,
Andrew F. Henry, sergeant; enl. Aug. 2, 1862; pro. from corporal March
1, 1806; trans, to Co, G, Second Regiment, June 21, 1865,
David E, Hicks, color-sergeant; enl, Aug. 5, 1802; killed at Salem
Heights, Va., May 3, 1863,
Lncien A, Yooi hees, sergeant ; enl. July 29, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylva-
nia Court-house May 8, 1864.
Charles R. Jackson, sergeant; enl, April 19,1861; trans, from Co, A,
Third Regiment; died July 31, 1804, of wounds received at Spottsyl-
vania Court-house May 8, 1864 ; buried at Philadelphia, Pa.
William T. Barber, corporal ; enl. Aug, 6, 1862 ; pro, from private Sept,
22, 1862 ; disch, for disability May 3, 1865.
Garret Hogan,- corporal ; enl. July 29, 1862 ; pro. from private Feb, 1,
1805 ; must, out June 22, 1 866,
Joseph E, Sullivan, corporal; enl, July 24, 1862; pro. from private
March 1, 1866 : must, out June 22, 1S65.
George S. Beavers, coi-poral ; enl. Aug, 8, 1802 ; pro. from private March
1, 1666; must, out June 22, 1806.
Abraham Tranger, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; pro. from private March
1, 1805 ; must, out June 22, 1866,
James C, Palmer, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; pro, from private April 1,
1806 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
John A. Kutter, corporal ; enl, Aug, 7, 1862; disch. Sept, 28, 1863, on ac-
count of wounds received Ma3' 3, 1863.
John P, Collins, corporal; enl. Aug, 11, 1862; pro. from private May 30,
1863; disch, for disability May 30, 1865.
Albert G, Reading, corporal; enl, Aug. 9, 1862; trans, to Veteran Re-
serve Corps March 27, 1804; disch. for disability June 1, 1804.
William P. Bryan, corporal ; enl. Feb, 29, 1804; pro, from private Feb. 1,
1866 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment, June 21, 1806.
Warren N. Dunham, corporal; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; killed at Salem
Heights, Va., May 3,1863.
Joseph G. Ruukle, corporal ; enl, Aug, 1, 1862 ; died in hospital at W.ish-
ington, D. C, Jnne 7, 1804, of wounds received at Spottsylvania
Court-house, Va., May 12, 1864.
Thomas R. Gregory, musician, enl. Aug, 1, 1862 ; must, out June 22,1865.
John W, Parrish, musician, enl, Aug, 9, 1862; must, out June 22, 1866.
Wm. B, Clayton, musician, enl, July 26, 1862 ; disch, S, 0. War Dept,
Feb, 7, 1864,
Privates.
Jacob D. Abrams, enl, March 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment.
David Algard, enl, Aug, 4, 1862; killed at Spottsylvania Va,, May 8,
1804,
David Anthony, enl. Aug. 9, 1802; died in hospital May 13, 1804, of
wounds received at Spottsylvania Court-house, May 12, 1804.
Jacob D. Apgar, enl. July 31, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house,
Va,, May 12, 1864.
James H, Apgar, enl. July 22,1862; died in hospital, Washington, D, C,
May 20, 1803, of wounds received at Salem Heights, Va., May 3,
1863; buried in the Military Asylom Cemetei-y, District of Columbia.
William H. Agin, enl. July 22, 1802,
John Baker, enl. Sept. 16, 1804 ; trans, to Co. I, Fifteenth Regiment.
Thomas Banfield, enl. March 23, 1866 ; trans, to Co, G, Second Begiment,
June 21, 1868.
Charies Banks, enl, March 21, 1866; trans, to Company G, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1806.
George W. Barton, enl, July 26,1802; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps,
Feb, 2, 1865; disch, July 24, 1865.
Charles Baxter, enl. March 23, 1805; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866,
Theodore B, Bellis, enl. July 28, 1802; must, out June 22, 1805.
FIFTEENTH INFANTEY EEGIMENT.
137
Jacob Beam, enl. Jan. 20, 1864 ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 8, 1804.
Christian Bischoff, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1866.
Louis Blanc, enl. March 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
Benjamin Booth, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; trans, to Co. C, Fifteenth Regiment.
Jonathan B. Bowman, enl. Jan. 4, 1864; ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Regt.
William Broadwater, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
William Brown, enl. April 12, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Charles Brown, enL Jan. 27, 1865 ; discb. from hospital, Washington,
r. C, May 3, 1865, for disability.
William Brown, enl. Sept 30, 1864 ; trans, from Co. K ; must, out June
22, 1865.
John Brogan, enl. Aug. 10, 1862 ; killed in action at Wilderness, Va.,
May 7, 1864.
William W. Briggs, enl. Aug. 7, 1 862 ; disoh. for disability Jan. 3, 1863. I
John Bums, enl. July 28, 1862 ; discb. on account of wounds June 16,
1865
Jacob F. Bryan, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died in hospital, Winchester, Ya.,
Sept. 19, 1864, of wounds received in action.
John Bulmer, enl. Aug. 8, 1862; disoh. at Trenton, N. J., May 3, 1865.
John Butler, Jr., enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John Butler, Sr., enl. Jnly 26, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps
Sept. 3, 1863 ; discb. June 30, 1865.
WQliam Butt, enl. Mar. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
David Cantrell. enl. Dec. 15, 1863 ; trans, to Co. I, Fifteenth Regiment.
Hugh Carey, enl. March 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Samuel Case, enl. July 30, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps, July
31, 1864; discb. June 27, 1865.
Michael Cash, enl. March 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Adam Campbell, enl. March 26, 1865 ; died in hospital near Fortress
Monroe, Va., June 18, 1866.
Isaac Cathrell, enl. July 28, 1862 ; died in hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.,
July 13, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg July 3, 1863.
Robert Chester, enl. March 21, 1866 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
William D. Clark, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps
Nov. 15, 1863 ; discb. July 6, 1865.
Andrew C. Olawson, enl. July 30, 1862 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
Alfred Collins, enl. Feb. 24,1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
John Corcoran, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Nabnm Cregur, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. from hospital, Philadelphia,
Pa., May 3, 1865.
Joseph S. Daws, enl. Sept. 3,1862; died at Spottsylvania, Va., May 19,
1864
Daniel G. Dayton, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; died of fever at White Oak Church,
Va.,Jan. 17, 1863.
Isaac Dayton, enl. July 27, 1862 ; missing in action at Spottsylvania May
8, 1864 ; recorded at War Department as died that date.
James Dayton, enl. July 27, 1862 ; died of fever in Virginia Feb. 27, 1863.
J.ihn J. Dewitt, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
John Dobleman, enl. March 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Joseph Droll, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 2i; 1865.
Henry Dybert, enl. March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Isaac N. Danbury, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; disch. for disability April 20, 1865.
James Edwards, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Herman Ebrismann, enl. March 25, 1866 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1866.
John Evans, enl. Feb. 24, 1864; missing in action May 12, 1864; sup-
posed dead.
James Everett, enl. July 28, 1862 ; died of fever at White Oak Church,
Va., Feb. 10, 1863.
Joseph C. Eveiett, enl. Jan. 5, 1804 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house,
Va., May 12, 1864.
10
Peter B. Frey, enl. July 28, 1862 ; wounded, and missing at Salem Heights
May 3, 1863 ; supposed dead.
Thomas Force, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John S. Green, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
Mahlon Green, enl. Sept. 5, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K, Fifteenth Regiment.
Henry Goodwin, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
William Gnlick, enl. Feb. 26, 1864; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Martin V. Grasaman, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died of disease at hospital in
Virginia May 4, 1803.
Evin J. Green, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; died of disease in hospital at Ports-
month Grove, R. I., May 14, 1864; buried at Sergeantsville, N. J.
Charles Garmo, enl. Aug. 11, 1862.
Isaiah Hassell, enl. July 28, 1862 ; died at Tennallytown, D. C, Oct. 28,
1863
Van Meter P. Hammitt, enl. Nov. 12, 1863 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regi-
ment. June 21, 1865.
Peter Harman, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Begimentr
June 21, 1865.
Michael Harrington, enl. Sept, 13, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B, Fifteenth Regt.
John Harris, enl. Aug. 26, 1864; trans, to Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Abraham Hendershot, enl. Dec. 17, 1863 ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Regt.
Charles Henzerling, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
Herman Heimbold, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; killed at Spottsylvania Court-
house, Va., May 12, 1864.
Philip I. Hendershot, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; died of fever in Virginia Feb.
9, 1863.
George B. Henderson, enl. Aug. 9. 1862; died in rebel prison Richmond,
Aug. 29, 1864.
John W. Henry, enl. Aug. 5, 1862; missing in action May 8, 1864; sup-
posed dead.
Lewis Higgins, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; missing in action May 12, 1864; re-
corded in War Department as having died that date.
Charles A. Heath, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. for disability March 23, 186S.
David D. Hendershot, enl. July 23,1862; disch. for disability Jan. 18,
1863
William L. Higgins, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
Moses G. Housel, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. at Annapolis, Md., May 4,
1866
James Hoffman, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
disch. June 4, 1866.
John Hopkins, enl. Nov. 19, 1863; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Regiment.
Elijah W. Horn, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
disch. July 10, 1865.
Eli Howarth, enl. Sept. 27, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K, Fifteenth Regiment.
Lemuel Hockenbury, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; died in hospital May 20, 18&1,
of wounds received at Spottsylvania May 12, 1864.
Silas N. Hockenbury, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May
12, 1864.
James Hurley, enL July 26, 1862 ; died of fever at Washington Jan. 4,
1863 ; burled in Military As.ylum Cemetery, D. 0.
David P. Ingle, enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; trans, to Co. C, Fifteenth Regiment.
Alfred B. Jackson, enl. Jan. 2, 1804 ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Regiment.
Abraham Johnson, Jr., enl. Nov. 19, 1863 ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth
Regiment.
Bernard Johnson, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Regiment.
Joseph Johnson, enl. Sept. 5, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K, Fifteenth Regiment.
Henry P. Johnson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; disch. at Trenton, N. J., May 3,
1865
William B. Jackson, enl. Aug. 2, 1862; was never mustered in with
company.
Solomon Rise, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; disch. for disability Dec. 19, 1863.
Simon N. R. Keesler, enl. April 20, 1864; trans, to Veteran Reserve
Corps ; discb. June 17, 1866.
Joseph M. Krewaon , enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B, Fifteenth Regt.
Ferdinand Kuhn, enl. March 23, 1866 ; trans, fcj Co. F, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Joseph Langdon, enl. Dec. 14, 1863 ; trans, to Co. I, Fifteenth Regiment.
Abraham Latourette, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; traus. to First Cavalry Regiment
Sept. 4, 1862.
Ferdinand Margraff, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1866.
Thomas McGarvey, enl. Dec. 19, 1863 ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Regt.
138
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Philip McNulty, enl. Mirch 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. T, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Patricll Mullen, enl. Nov. 19, 1863 ; trans, to Co. B, Fifteenth Eegiment.
Jauiea Madison, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. for disability July 28, 1863.
John Moser, enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; disch. on account of wounds June 7, 1865.
John Miller, enl. Sept. 27, 1864.
Cornelius J. Nevius, enl. Aug. 1 1, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-
house May 12, 1864.
Peter J. Nevius, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died of fever at White Oak Church,
Va., Jan. 2, 1863.
William Olbon, enl. Sept. 27, 1864; trans, to Co. K, Fifteenth Eegiment.
William N. Peer, enl. Aug. 1, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house
May 12, 1864.
Henry Quartz, enl. March 23, 1865; trans, to Co. F, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Michafil Eay, enl. Jan. 26, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Eegiment.
John Beading, enl. July 24, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 15, 1864.
John Bedding, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Peter M. Kyberg, enl. March 23, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Eouch, enl. Feb. 24, 1864.
Charles Scheerer, enl. Dec. 21, 1863 ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 8,
1864
Samuel Servis, enl. July 24, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
John Slater, enl. July 25, 1862 ; died suddenly in his tent, near Brandy
Station, Va., March 30, 1864.
Henry 0. Smith, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house,
May 12, 1864.
Charles B. Smiley, enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Begiment.
Lewis Snyder, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. from hospital at Philadelphia,
May 3, 1866.
Eobert S. Sorter, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; died in hospital at Winchester, Va.,
Oct. 9, 1864, of wounds received at Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864.
Alfred Somers, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Joseph Storey, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Frederick Strasburger, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Eeg-
iment, June 21, 1865.
Theodore Stryker, enl. Aug 11, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Eeserve Corps ;
disch. for disability Nov. 26, 1864.
Charles Stewart, enl. Dec. 16, 1863 ; trans, to Co. I, Fifteenth Eegiment.
August Stuter, enl. March 23, 1866 ; disch, from hospital by order of the
War Department May 3, 1865.
John C. Staats, enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; died at AndersonvUle Prison Sept. 17,
1864; buried in National Cemetery, Andersonville, Ga.
Tbeodore Stamets, enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; missing at battle of Wilderness ;
supposed dead.
Andrew 0. Starker, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died from fever at Washington,
D. C, Nov. 29, 1863.
Stephen Starker, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died at Andersonville prison Sept. 13,
1864; buried in National Cemetery, Andersonville, Ga.
Charles H. Stanley, enl. May 12, 1864.
George Sutton, enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Eegiment.
Peter J. Ten Broeck, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 30, 1865.
George C. Van Camp, enl. July 30, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John Van Btten, enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; trans, to Co. C, Fifteenth Eegiment.
AbramVan Fleet, enl. Aug. 1,1862; trans, to Veteran Eeserve Corps
Sept. 7, 1863; re-enl. Aug. 24, 1864; disch. Nov. 20, 1865.
Eufus West, enl. March 21, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1866.
Benjamin F. Wean, enl. July 22, 1862 ; must, out Juue 22, 1865.
Micbael Welch, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John M. White, enl. Feb. 24, 1864; must, out June 20, 1865.
Charles White, enl. March 20, 1866 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Alex. Whitford, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1866.
Frank Winkler, enl. March 22, 1866 ; trana. to Co. F, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Watson Wintermute, enl. Feb. 29, 1864; trans, to Co. D, Fifteenth Eegi-
ment.
Augustus Whitney, enl. Jan. 2, 1864; died of wounds June 14, 1864.
Daniel Woodruff, enl. July 28, 1862 ; missing in action Sept. 19, 1864 ;
recorded at War Department as died that date.
Benjamin S. Wolverton, enl. July 22, 1862 j must, out June 22, 1865.
John H. Wyckoff, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died of fever in Virginia March 9,
1863
John York, enl. Aug. 11 , 1862 ; disch. for disability March 23, 1863.
William Young, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
Juue 21, 1865.
Wm. H. Young, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; missing at White Oak Cburch, Va.
Frederick Zwiokey, enl. March 21, 1865 ; must, out June 19, 1865.
COMPANY E (SOMERSET).
.John H. Vanderveer, captain ; com. Aug. 15, 1862 ; res. July 19, 1864,
by reason of wounds received in action.
Charles R. Paul, captain; com. Aug. 19, 1864; trans, to Co. C, Second
Begiment, June 22, 1865; brevet-major Oct. 19, 1864 ; brevet-lienten-
aot-colonel April 2, 1866.
Stephen H. Bogardus, first lieutenant ; com. Aug. 16, 1862 ; res. Feb. 5,
1863
Ellis Hamilton, first lieutenant ; com. Feb. 5, 1863 ; pro. captain Co. F
Not. 4, 1863.
Elias B. Nichols, first lieutenant; com. July 3, 1864; res. Jan. 21, 1865.
James W. MuUery, first lieutenant ; com. Feb. 9, 1865 ; trans, to Co. D,
Second Eegiment.
Ebenezer W. Davis, second lieutenant ; com. March 18, 1863 ; pro. to first
lieutenant Co. I.
Jacob J. Lair, second lieutenant; com. Sept. 10, 1864; pro. from first
sergeant Co. G ; must, out June 22, 1865.
James Van Antwerp, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; pro. to second
lieutenant Co. F.
William H. DoUiver, first sergeant ; enl. Aug, 11, 1862 ; must, out June
22, 1865.
Joseph Vanderveer, first sergeant ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; died of fever March
12, 1863.
Tunis D. Johnson, first sergeant ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; died of wounds Nov.
19, 1864.
Simon W. Nevius, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; died of wounds May 19,
1863
Benjamin Scudder, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania
May 8, 1864.
William C. E. Gulick, sergeant; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; killed at Spottsyl-
vania May 10, 1864.
Garret I. Schenck, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; must, out June 9, 1865.
Edward T. Dunn, sergeant ; enl . Aug. 12, 1 862 ; must, out July 7, 1865.
Mathew W. Wright, sergeant ; eul. Aug. 2, 1862 ; must out June 22,1865.
Benjamin Moulton, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
Peter C. Peterson, sergeant ; eul. Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Eeserve
Corps ; re-enlisted.
Albert V. Wyckoff, corporal ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; pro. to sergeant-m^jor
Nov. 14, 1863.
Peter S. Bennett, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Thomas S. Richardson, corporal ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 22,
1865
John L. S. Van Dorn, corporal ; eul. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 22,
1865
Thomas McConral, corporal ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Thomas N. Stout, corporal ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. for disability Feb.
17, 1866.
Abraham D. Baird, corporal ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; trans, to Co. E, Second
Eegiment.
Francis T. Maybury, corporal ; enl. Oct. 20, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Second
Regiment.
John Haggerty, corporal ; enl. July 7, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Eegi-
ment.
William H. Green, corporal; enl. July 8, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Second
Regiment.
Theodore B. Howe, corporal; enl. Aug. 2, 1862; died March 17, 1863.
Jonathan B. Hutchinson, corporal ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Salem
Heights, Va., May 3, 1863.
Daniel Eichardson, corporal ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania
Court-house, Va., May 12, 1864.
Isaac N. Allen, musician ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
James E. Struck, musician ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John H. Drake, wagoner ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Privates.
John Allen, enl. July 11, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
Gilson Baldwin, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
Joshua Beekman, enl. Aug. 11, 1802; disch. for disability Nov. 30, 1863.
FIFTEENTH INFANTRY REGIMENT.
139
Henry B. Blate, enl. Ang. 4, 1862; dlsch. S. 0. War Department Jan.
U, 1864.
Joiiatllan BTewstor, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; killed at Salem Heights, Va.,
May 3, 1863.
John Butler, enl. July 12, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
William W. Conltliu, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; died of wounds June 24, 1864.
Nicholas Conover, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania May 12
1864
Adrian M. Cornell, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; died of diphtheria July 14, 1864.
Williani S: Cathbcrt, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; died of fever May 14, 1865.
Andrew Cranny, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
Jesse E. Cranmer, enl. Ang. 11, 1862 ; diach. for disability Jan. 19, 1863.
Francis Campbell, enl. July 7, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Peter Connarty, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Eegiment,
June 21, 1865.
Harris Connor, enl. Sept. 1, 1804 ; trans, to Co. H.
GaiTet S. Conover, enl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; trans, to Yeteran Reserve Corps,
and disch. Aug. 5, 1865.
Jas. V. N. Cornell, enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; trans, to Teteran Reserve Corps,
and disch. July 14, 1805.
James DanUn, enl. July 6, 1864 ; must, out June 9, 1865.
Francis T. DulBeld, enl. Ang. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 30, 1865.
William P. DuBield, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Noiih W. Dunham, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
George E. Da Forrest, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; disch. for disability April 28,
1863
Elias Daw, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment, June
21, 1806.
Marcus B. Duvall, enl. Sept. 22, 1862 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Thomas Davis, enl. July 6, 1864; missing in action ; supposed dead.
Peter Demons, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania May 10, 1664.
James Dow, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1,
1864
William K. Dow, enl. Aug. 15, 1862; died of wounds June 17, 1864.
Luke Faney, enl. March 22, 1866 ; must, out June 19, 1865.
Jeremiah Fulkerson, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Lewis D. Farrington, eul. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1866.
John Fenton, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co.E, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
Herman Fischer, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Timothy Fitzgerald, enl. Feb. 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. B, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Flaherty, euL April 13, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Henry Pox, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. B, Second Regiment, June
21, 1866.
William Francis, enl. March 21, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Garretson, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; died of fever March 9, 1863.
Richard Garretson, enl. Aug. 7,1862; trans, to Signal Corps June 13,
1863
Peter V. D. Hardcastle, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
David S. Haviland, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
. Joseph B. Hughes, enL Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
John 0. Heath, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; disch, for disability March 8, 1864.
Charlt-s Height, enl. Ang. 18, 1802 ; disch. for disability March 3, 1863.
Francis Hughes, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; disch. for wounds May 26, 1866.
Emanuel Hunter, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. for disability Jan. 3, 1863.
James Hall, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
John Haley, enl. March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
L'luis Hartmau, enl. March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
James Headley, enl. Aug. 3, 1864; trans, to Co. F, Seventh Regiment.
Manritz Hendenberg, enl. March 22, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regi-
ment, June 21,-1865.
Charles R. Henderson, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
Cornelius A. Hoagland, enl. Aug. 21, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve
Corps, and disch. for disability Oct. 15, 1864.
George Hendrickson, enl. Sept. 1, 1862; died of wounds Sept. 3, 1864.
JacoLj Haines, enl. July 12, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
Robert M. Jackson, enl. Aug. 6, 1864; not must, out with company,
John Johnson, enl. July 12, 1864; died of fever Oct. 17, 1864.
John H. Jones, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died of wounds May 18, 1864.
Stephen Jeroloman, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1866.
John Kinsman, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
James Kane, enl. March 22, 1865; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
Emanuel Keil, enl. March 21, 1865; trans, to Co. K, Second Regiinent,
June 21, 1865.
James H. Kelly, enl. March 23, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
John Kimble, enl. Feb. 23, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
Timothy Kirby, enl. March 22, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Clmetiau Koenig, enl. July 18, 1864; died of wounds Oct. 25, 1864.
James Langdon, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; drowned at Newark, N. J., Nov. 12,
1863 ; buried at Newark.
Charles M. Lewis, enl. Feb. 26, 1866; must, out June 10, 1865.
Asher Latourette, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; disch. for disability March 22, 1863.
John J. Laughton, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; disch. for disability April 11, 1863.
Alfred W. Lavine, enl. March 21, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
Silas T. Leonard, enl. Feb. 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1805.
Martin lindhorn, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Eegiiient,
June 21, 1865.
Dennis McMuUen, enl. Aug. 15, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
Patrick McCormick, enl. Aug. 3, 1864; trans, to Co. B, Fifth Eegiment.
James McKineey, enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house,
Va., May 12, 1864.
Lorenzo M. Moore, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died of fever Nov. 1, 1863.
Francis Musshea, enl. Aug. 15, 1802 ; died of fever March 12, 1863.
Cornelius Miller, enl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Jacob Mayers, eul. Aug. 4, 1802 ; disch. to join regular army Oct. 26,
1862
Nelson Marlatt, enl. Sept. 1, 1864 ; trans, to Co. H.
Christian Melfessel, enl. March 21, 1866 ; trans, to Co. B, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
Joseph B. Millburn, enl. Feb. 26, 1866; trans, to C«. E, Second Regiment,
June 21,1806.
William H. Miller, enl. March 21, 1865; trans, to Co. E, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
Abraham Morgan, enl. Feb. 25, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
Caleb J. Morton, enl. Aug. 30, 1864 ; trans, to Co. H.
William Mulohay, enl. March 21, 1805 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Murphy, enl. March 21, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
James Nolan, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; died of wounds July 5, 1864.
John O'Hara, enl. March 22,1866; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiinent,
June 21. 1865.
Oliver Orr, enl. March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. B, Second Regiment, June
21, 1805.
Henry C. Ogborn, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; died of diphtheria June 12, 1864.
Joseph Potter, enl. July 11, 1864 ; missing in action Oct. 19, 1864 ; sup-
posed dead.
John W. Priestley, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; died of wounds May 12, 1864.
John Paine, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. B, Second Regiment, June
21, 1806.
Benjamin R. Patterson, enl. March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1866.
Isaac Porter, enl. Aug. 14, 1802 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Moses H. Byer, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 17, 1864.
Cornelius Roach , enl. July 14, 1864 ; trans, to Co. H.
Williani H. Rose, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court-house
May 12, 1804.
William Rever, enl. July 8, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
Thomas Ryan, enl. July 7, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
James S. Smith, enl. July 14, 1864; not must, out with company.
John A. Saums, enl. Aug. 4, 1862; died of diarrhoea Jan. 7, 1863.
Jeremiah S. Slack, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; missing in action May 12, 1864 ; sup-
posed dead.
Robert Sylvester, onl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; died of fever Dec. 6, 1862.
Frederick Schulackebier, enl. March 22, 1866 ; trans, to Co. E, Second
Regiment, June 21, 1866.
140
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Patrick Scully, enl. Aug, 11, 1S62; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21,1865.
Martin Slatterv, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Nicholas H. Smith, enl. Feb. 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Isaac S. Suydam, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; trans, to Signal Corps Aug. 22, 1863.
Peter P. Sutphin, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. for disability Oct. 7, 1863.
Peter Schenck, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John H. Spille, enl. Aug. 11, 18G2; must, out June 22, 1865.
Henry B. Staats, enl. Aug. 19, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
George Thompson, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch., wounded, Feb. 21, 1865.
George Tucker, enl. July 13, 1864; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1868.
William H. Tuthill, enl. April 12, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regiment,
.Tune 21, 1865.
WilUam N. Therp, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; killed at Salem Heights, Va., May
3, 1863.
George M. Vanderveer, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; not must, out with company.
Isaac T. Tan Cleef, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 9, 1806.
George V. Viste, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 10, 1865.
James V. B. Voorhees, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John V. A. Van Cleef, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
disch. Aug. 24, 1865.
William A. Van Doren, enl. April 13, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
William H. Voorhees, enl. April 12, 1865 ; trans, to Co. H.
Cornelius V. N. Wilson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve
Corps ; re-enl. ; disch. Nov. 26, 1866.
Cornelius S. Williamson, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; died of diarrhoea Bee. 2, 1863.
Francis Wagner, enl. March 21, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
George Wean, enl. Aug. 18, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
Henry D. Watts, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. for disability March 22, 1863.
COMPANY G (HUNTERBON).
William H. Slater, captain ; com. Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. on account of
wounds April 21, 1865 ; right leg amputated.
Henry Suydam Crater, first lieuteuant; com. Aug. 28, 1862; resigned
Dec. 31, 1862.
John B. Trimmer, first lieutenant; com. Jan. 19, 1863; pro. to captain
Co. K July 27, 1863.
Charles R. Paul, first lieutenant ; com. July 27, 1863 ; pro. to captain Co.
E Aug. 19, 1864.
Emanuel AckeiBOn, first lieutenant; com. Sept. 10,1864; must, out June
22, 1865.
Henry M. Fowler, second lieutenant ; com. Jan. 19, 1863 ; pro. to captain
Co. A Jan. 31, 1865.
Chauncey B. Anderson, second lieutenant; com. March 28, 1865- trans.
to Co. I, Second Regiment, June 21, 1865.
Adolph Weiss, first sergeant ; enl. July 20, 1863 ; pro. to first lieutenant
Co. B July 3, 1864.
Jacob J. Lair, first sergeant ; enl. July 28, 1862 ; pro. to second lieuten-
ant Co. E Sept. 10, 1864.
George H. Gordon, first sergeant ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June
22, 1865.
Edwin D. Ulmer, fii-st sergeant; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. May 29, 1865
on account of wounds received at Cedar Creek, Va. ; hip-joint ampu-
tated.
William B. Trimmer, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; killed at Spott-
sylvania May 8, 1864.
William McK. Thompson, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; killed at Spott-
sylvania May 12, 1864.
Jacob F. Thatcher, sergeant; enl. Ang. 14, 1862; died of wounds June
8, 1864.
William H. H. WyckofT, sergeant; enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran
Reserve Corps; disch. July 12, 1865.
Charles B. Haring, sergeant; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; pro. to second lieuten-
ant Co. I March 28, 1865.
Jacob Ulmer, sergeant ; enl. July 28, 1862 ; must, out June 22 1865.
John Bocock, sergeant; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 22 1865.
William H. Cawley, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
Peter Smith, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John Garron, corporal ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Joseph W. Benson, Corp.; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
Wilson Housel, corporal ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Thomas Sheridan, corporal ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Jacob Stull, corporal ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must out June 22, 1865.
Samuel Hoff, corporal ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865,
Levi Wert, corporal ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
John Grovendyke, corporal; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; disch. for disability
April 20, 1863.
Ezra S. Scarborough, corporal ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. for disability
Dec. 11, 1863.
Henry Pittenger, corporal ; enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; trans, to Co. G, Second
Regiment, June 21, 1865.
Francis C. Roberson, corporal; enl. Ang, 14, 1862; trans, to Veteran
Reserve Corps ; disch. July 7, 1865.
Stephen D. Runkle, corporal ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; died of pneumonia
Dec. 16, 1864.
James Miller, corporal ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
William J. Allen, enl. March 21, 1865; must, out June 13, 1865.
William Ashcroft, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June 15, 1865.
Morris Ader, enl. May 30, 1864 ; disch. for disability Feb. 17, 1865.
Henry Abbott, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Adams, enl. March 22, 1865 ; ti'ans. to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
William Albrecht, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co, G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865,
Charles Alford, enl, March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co, G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866,
William F. Allen, enl, March 22, 1865 ; ti'ana, to Co, G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865,
David Allison, enl, Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
William Allison, enl. March 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
David Anderson, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
John Anderson, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Isaac Apgar, enl. July 28, 1862 ; died of diarrhoea April 12, 1863.
Ralph B. Bryant, enl. July 28, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865.
Edward Barrage, enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. for disability April 20, 1864.
Harmon Bush, enl. July 28, 1862; disch. to join regular army Oct 29,
1862
Martin Baker, enl. March 22, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment
June 21, 1866.
Edward P. Beebe, enl. March 21, 1865.; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Tenbroek K. Bethel, enl. July 29, 1862; trans, to Veteran Reserve
Corps Jan. 15, 1864.
Ernst Boise, enl. March 20, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Beginient,
June 21, 1866.
Daniel Boyd, enl. March 18, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21,1865.
William Braddock, enl. Feb. 23, 1866; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment
June 21, 1865.
Fritz Buck, enl. Aug. 29, 1864; trans, to Co. H.
Mathias Burnett, enl. Feb. 25, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866. â–
Samuel Burns, enl. March 18, 1866 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment.
June 21, 1865.
Cephas Bryant, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; not must, out with company.
John Bushwald, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Walter Coles, enl. April 6, 1865 ; not must, out with company
David P. Cramer, enl. Ang. 11, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
William S. Culver, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; died at Fredericksburg, Va., May
4, 1863, of wounds.
Morris Coile, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; must, out June 22, 1866.
James 0. Connerty, enl. Aug. 5, 1862; disch. for disability Feb. 27, ISeH.
Augustus Cronce, enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. for wounds May 18, 1866.
Nathan Culver, enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. for disability Feb. 2, 1865.
Richard Cahill, enl. March 21, 1866; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Thomas Carroll, enl. Aug. 11, 1864; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Ohristianson, enl. March 21, 1866; trane. to Co. G, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1866.
Andrew Biamond, enl. Sept. 1, 1864 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
FIFTEENTH INFANTEY REGIMENT.
141
John Buckworth, eiil. Aug. 11, 1862 ; djsch. to joio regular army Oct.
28, 1862.
Barney Dufflcy, enl. July 28, 1 862 ; disch. for wounds July 26, 1865.
Dennis Daley, enl. March 21, 1865; trans, to Co. Gr, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
John N. Douglass, enl. Aug. 24, 1864 ; killed at Middletown, Va., Oct. 19,
1864
James DavlB, enl. April 6, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
Oeorge Eather, enl. March 20, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
James Emmons, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; killed at Salem Heights, Va., May
3, 1863.
Samuel Ernest, enl. March 1, 1864 ; died of disease July 18, 1864.
Nicholas Fogerty, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; died from diarrhoea April 28, 1863.
Cornelius Franke, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; trans, from Second Regiment;
must, out Sept. 13, 1864.
Lewis Farber, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; disch. for disability July 7, 1863.
Eni.s Freeman, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; disch. for disability April 20, 1863.
Hiram Geddis, enl. Sept. 2, 1864 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Jacob W. Ganon, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; disch. for disability Jan. 19, 1863.
Abernethy Grovendyke, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; disch. for disability March
26, 1863.
John V. Gordon, enl. July 28, 1862 ; trans, to Teteran Reserve Corps
March 15, 1864.
James T. Giles, enl. July 28, 1862 ; died of fever Dec. 9, 1862.
Joseph A. Griliith, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; died of wounds Jan. 22, 1863.
Nicholas Hart, enl. June 3, 1864 ; must, out June 21, 1865.
Georgij Heaney, enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
.lime 21, 1865.
John Hener, enl. March 17, 1865; trans, to Co.G, Second Regiment, June
211,865.00
Edward L. Hill, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
dlach. July 7, 1865.
Samufl S. Hoff, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; trans, to Co. B, First Cavalry, Sept.
15, 1862.
Zeph. 0. Holcombe, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
di^ch. as sergt. May 16, 1864.
Coward H. Hopkins, enl. June 2, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Emanuel Hill, enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; died of fever Dec. 5, 1862.
Isaac Holmes, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died of wounds June 15, 1863.
Jerome Hornbaker, enl. Aug. 1, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
Nicholas Johnson, enl. Sept. 2, 1861 ; trans, from Third Regiment ; must.
out Sept 2, 1864.
Whitfield H. Kinney, enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; must, out .Tune 22, 1865.
Cornelius King, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; died of disease Nov. 16, 1864.
William P. Kise, enl. July 28, 1862 ; died of disease March 9, 1865.
Alfred La Fosse, enl. July 7, 1864; killed at Middletown, Va., Oct. 19,
1864
Thomas Logan, enl. April 6, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Charles Ludec, enl. March 18, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Andrew Mantle, enl. Feb. 1, 1864; must, out June 1.1, 1865.
Garret Marvin, enl. Sept. 1, 1864; must, out June 22, 1865.
Jas. C. Meyers, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Samuel Meyers, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
John McOormick, enl. June 3, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
William B. McGill, enl. April 6, 1865 : trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Edward McGuigan, enl. March 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
James J. Morralley, enl. March 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regi-
ment, June 21, 1865.
Hugh H. Mason, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; died of diarrhoea Dec. 2, 1862.
Eeed Meyers, enl. Aug. 30, 1864 ; died of wounds Nov. 26, 1864.
Micbel Mulvey, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13,
1862
James Nisbet, enl. July 29, 1862 ; was never mustered.
Jacob Naylor, enl. July 23, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
21, 1865.
Joshua Pedrick, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
George Plotts, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Ralph H. Philhower, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. for disab. Feb. 18, 1863.
Si mon G. Pedrick, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; missing in action at Spottsylvania
Court-house; supposed dead.
Ezekiel C. Quick, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; died of wounds Jan. 4, 1863.
William B. Parker, enl. March 18, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
John Risinger, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Balser T. Rockafellow, enl. July 28, 1862 ; disch. for disab. Deo. 11, 1863.
Peter Regan, enl. March 14, 1865 ; trans, to Co. I.
George Ritter, enl. March 17, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John Ryan, enl. July 14, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
211,865.00
Andrew Rupp, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; not must, out with company.
John M. Smith, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; killed at Spottsylvania May 9, 1864.
Zebulon Stout, enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; died of diarrhoea March 13, 1865.
George B. Shrope, enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Charles Snook, enl. Sept. 1, 1864; must, out June 22, 1865.
Albert H. Stires, enl. Aug. 25, 1864 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Charles A. Stires, enl. Sept. 2, 1864 ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Levi StuU, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June 21, 1865.
James 0. Schwitzer, enl. July 29, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863.
William R. Skinner, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. to join regular army Oct
28, 1862.
John Smith, enl. Aug. 19, 1862; disch. for disability April 7, 1863.
Thomas Smith, enl. March 25, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,.
June 21, 1865.
William Smith, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
Carl Sberer, enl. March 17, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
21. 1865.
Samuel H. Stabler, enl, .\ug. 18, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps ;
disch. Aug. 25, 1865.
John S. Tidd, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must out June 22, 1865.
David Turner, enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; disch. to join regular army Oct. 28,
1862
John P. Thatcher, enl. July 28, 1862; trans, to Second Pennsylvania
Cavalry June 22, 1863.
Stewart Thateher, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps;
re-enl. Sept. 7, 1864.
John Traft. enl. July 30, 1862; not must, nut with company.
Michael Tye, enl. Aug. 18, 18G4 ; not must, out with company.
GuBtav Voight, enl. March 17, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
George D. Wagner, enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must out June 22, 1865.
William Wright, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must out June 22, 1865.
John Walden, enl. March 20, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
John Walsh, enl. Feb. 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
21. 1865.
John W. Weaver, enl. March 17, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
J. tJ. Weidenkeller, enl. May 25, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment ,
June 21, 1865.
Charles Weldon, enl. March 18, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1866.
James Welsh, enl. March 16, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
George Westman, enl. March 20, 1865; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment
June 21, 1865.
Henry Wilson, enl. March 16, 1865 ; trans, to Co. 6, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
John J. WyckoiT, enl. Sept. 2, 1864 ; died of wounds April 13, 1865.
William H. Wyckoff, enl. Aug. 5, 1862; killed at Middletown, Va., Oct.
19, 1864.
Thomas Walker, enl. April 4, 1866 ; not must, out with company.
Jacob Teager, enl. Sept 24, 1861 ; trans, from Third Regiment ; disch.
on account of wounds Oct. 4, 1864.
Philip Z. Tost, enl. July 28, 1862 ; disch. for disability Feb. 20, 1863.
Carl Tehring, enl. March 20, 1866 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment, June
21. 1866.
August Ziner, enl. March 20, 1866 ; trans, to Co. G, Second Regiment,
June 21, 1865.
142
HUNTEEDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES, NEW JEESEY.
CHAPTEE XIV.
THIKTIETH AND THIETT-FIEST INFANTKY
KEGIMENTS.
Rendezvous at Flemington Both Regimenta Mustered into Service
Sept, 17, 1862 OfBcers of Regiments, and of Hunterdon and Somerset
Companies Movements in Virginia, with tlie Army of the Potomac
Promotions of Lieut.-Col. Chadek, Major Ten Eyck, Major Honey-
man, etc. The Two Regiments at the Battle of Chancellorsville The
Thirty-first Regiment, as Rear-Guard, hold the Enemy in Check
Other Movements and Services of these Commands Rosters of the
Companies from Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.
The services of the Thirtietli and Thirty-first New
Jersey Eegiments in the war of the Eebellion were so
nearly identical that it has been thought proper, in
the following narrative, to blend the account of them
together as one. These regiments, with nine others
(Twenty-first to Twenty-ninth, inclusive), were raised
under President Lincoln's call of Aug. 4, 1862, for
three hundred thousand men, to be drafted from the
militia or otherwise enlisted for the term of nine
months unless sooner discharged. As there was
apparent among the people of the State a general de-
sire that a draft might be avoided, it was announced
by the authorities that volunteers, in lieu of drafted
men, would be received up to the 1st of September,
but that if at that time the requisite number should
not have been obtained, the draft would then certainly
proceed in townships which had not filled their quota.
The result showed that drafting was unnecessary, for
on the 2d of September ten thousand eight hundred
volunteers (three hundred and twenty-two men more
than the quota of the State) were actually in camp at
the five different points designated as places of ren-
dezvous. On the morning of the 3d the Governor
announced to the War Department at Washington
that the quota of New Jersey was full, and that the
men (not one of whom was drafted) were already in
camp, ready for muster.
The rendezvous of the Thirtieth and Thirty-first
Eegiments was at Flemington, where the first compa-
nies reported on the 27th of August, and occupied
the camp-ground which the Fifteenth Eegiment had
just before vacated. The work of organization pro-
ceeded energetically, and both regiments were mus-
tered into the United States service on the 17th of
September. Their regimental officers were : Of the
Thirtieth: Colonel, Alexander E. Donaldson;* lieu-
tenant-colonel, John J. Chadek ; major, Walter Cam-
man ; adjutant, John W. Mann; quartermaster,
Lemuel E. Young ; surgeon, Joseph W. Wolverton ;
assistant-surgeons, Alexander Barclay, Jr., George
E. Summers ; chaplain, John S. Janeway. Of the
Thirty-first: Colonel, Alexander P. Berthoud; lieu-
tenant-colonel, William Holt; major, Eobert E.
Honeyman; adjutant, Martin Wyckoff; quartermaster,
Israel Wells ; surgeon, Eobert B. Browne ; assistant-
surgeons, Joseph S. Cook, Nathaniel Jennings ; chap-
« Previously brigadier-general of the Somerset brigade of militia, and
editor of the Somerset Messenger.
lain, John McNair. In the Thirtieth there were five
companies from Somerset County, viz., A company,
raised at North Branch, Capt. Arthur S. Ten Eyck ;
E company, raised at Somerville, Capt. Cornelius T.
Cox ; F company, raised at Neshanic, Capt. Oliver
A. Kibbe ; I company, raised at Basking Eidge, Capt.
John C. Bloom ; and K company, raised at Middle-
bush, Capt. Benjamin S. Totten. Two companies were
from Hunterdon County, viz.: D company, Capt.
Barclay S. Vail, and G company, Capt. George W.
Day. In the Thirty-first there were four Hunterdon
County companies, viz. : A company (New German-
town), Capt. Samuel Carhart; D company (Flem-
ington), Capt. Alexander V. Bonnell; E company,
Capt. Woodbury D. Holt; and K company, Capt.
Nelson Bennett.
The Thirty-first was the first of the two regiments
to depart for the front, leaving the State on the 26th
of September. The Thirtieth, one thousand strong,
followed on the last day of the same month, and a few
days later both regiments were encamped near Tenal-
lytown, Md., a few miles north of Washington. Here
they remained until the 1st of December, when they
moved from Tenallytown and proceeded, by way of
Fort Carroll, Piscataway, Md., and Mattawoman
Creek, to Liverpool Point, on the Maryland side of
the Lower Potomac. They were now a part of the
provisional brigade formed of these two, with the
Twenty-second and Twenty-ninth New Jersey and
One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Eegi-
ments. They crossed the Potomac on the oth of De-
cember, landing at Aquia Creek, Va., where the men
suffered greatly from exposure in the excessively cold
and stormy weather. Soon after, the brigade was
placed under command of Gen. Patrick, provost-
marshal-general of the Army of the Potomac, and
under his orders they were placed on post, railroad,
and provost duty, the Thirty-first being stationed at
Belle Plains, Va. The Thirtieth was moved to Fal-
mouth, opposite Fredericksburg, but neither regiment
took part in the great battle at that place on the 13th
of December, under Gen. Burnside.
On the 10th of January, the Thirtieth was ordered
to Belle Plains, Va., where the Thirty-first was sta-
tioned, and the two, with the Twenty-second and
Twenty-ninth New Jersey, were brigaded together,
forming the Third Brigade (under Gen. G. E. Paul) of
the First Division (Wadsworth's) in Eeynolds' (First)
army corps. From the 20th to the 23d of January,
inclusive, they participated in the discouraging and
profitless "mud march" of the Eappahannock, and
on the last-named day returned to their camps, which
then became their winter quarters.
Col. Donaldson having resigned soon after the cross-
ing into Virginia, Lieut.-Col. Chadek became colonel •
of the Thirtieth, and, on the 12th of March, Capt. A.
S. Ten Eyck of A company was commissioned major,
vice Camman promoted. On the 5th of April, Maj.
Ten Eyck was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy.
THIRTIETH AND THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY REGIMENTS.
143
and commanded the regiment during most of its subse-
quent movements. In the Thirty-first, on account of
the resignation of Lieut.-Col. Holt, Maj. Robert R.
Honeyman was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel,
and the command of the regiment devolved on him
during nearly all the remainder of its term of service,
Col. Berthoud being for a time in command of the
brigade, and afterwards retiring on account of sick-
ness.
Both regiments with their brigade participated in
the spring campaign of 1863, which culminated in
the disastrous battle of Chancellorsville. On the 29th
of April the brigade crossed the Rappahannock at
Franklin's Crossing, below the town of Fredericks-
burg.
" On the morrow, late in the afternoon, the brigade waa adTanced to
meet an approaching advance of rebel infantry, the Thirty-first fomiiug
the Becond line of battle, in support of the Twenty-ninth New Jei-sey.
The line had scarcely been formed on the summit of the declivity form-
ing the river-bank when the enemy quickly withdrew and opened a re-
morseless fire from his batteries which no troops were able to stand. The
Twenty-ninth, being most exposed, fell back, forming in the rear of the
Thirty-first, all the troops protecting themselves by lying flat on the
ground. There were no casualties in the Thirty-first, owing to its for-
tunate position, but the firing was terrific. About dusk the firing slack-
ened, and soon ceased, when the Thirty-first was ordered to advance
under cover of the darkuess and complete and occupy some rifle-pits in
close proximity to the rebel line, which was at once done, the men work-
ing in profound silence most of the night in strengthening their position.
. . . Day broke on the field, but passed, quite unexpectedly, as peace-
fully as if the foe had quit the scene. On the 2d, however, the batteries
of the enemy opened with a terrible fire, compelling the division speedily
to retire. The Thirty-first, however, maintained its position in compara^
tive safety, relying upon its defenses, which were so well constructed as
to be highly complimented by Gens. Wadsworth and Paul.* "
During these operations the main force of Gen.
Hooker had sustained a severe reverse at Chancellors-
ville, and orders were now received for Reynolds'
corps to move up and reinforce the army at that point.
In executing this movement it was necessary to hold
the advanced line, with the apparent intention of en-
gaging the enemy, until the main body of the corps
had crossed to the north side of the river. The
Thirty -first was a part of the rear-guard left for this
purpose, and it was the last regiment to cross the pon-
toon-bridge, which it did under a most destructive
artillery-fire firom the enemy, who had by this time
become aware of the purpose of the movement, and
seemed determined to annihilate the little force which
had held him at bay. An officer of the regiment,
writing of the affair, said,
" The situation of the regiment at this time was most critical . The cor-
respondent of the New York Tinm reported the Thirty-first as 'cut to
pieces.' When he left that portion of the field the regiment was nearly
surrounded and the bridge in its rear partially destroyed. The whole
corps was in motion, the Thirty-first alone excepted, it being left to hold
the enemy at that point as long as possible, and to deceive him as to
numbers. The men behaved admirably, marching firmly down to the
bridge, where they were held until a battery had crossed, expecting every
moment to be charged upon. After crossing we were obliged to scatter,
as the enemy had accurate range of us. The colonel had previously
designated a rallying-point for the regiment, which proved to bo beyond
his observation, and every man came to time in that race. We saved the
battery, but came near losing the regiment. "
* Foster's ** New Jersey and the Kebellion."
After this crossing the Thirty-first moved rapidly
on and rejoined the brigade, which had already ad-
vanced a considerable distance up the river.
The march of the brigade with its corps was made
with all possible speed to United States Ford on the
Rappahannock, several miles above Fredericksburg.
This point was reached late in the night, and the
wearied men bivouacked on the north bank for a brief
rest. At daylight in the morning they crossed the
river at the Ford, and the Thirtieth and Thirty-first
with their brigade moved along the line, by way of
the Chancellor House, to the extreme right of thq
army, where it took position at sunrise on the 3d of
May. Through all the day and succeeding night it
remained in that position without becoming engaged.
On the 4th the position of the Thirty-first was changed
more to the right, but neither this nor the Thirtieth
Regiment was brought into action on the field of
Chancellorsville, though at times lying under very
heavy fire. On the 5th orders were given for the
army to withdraw to the north side of the Rappa-
hannock, and during that night these two regiments
crossed the river, though at diiferent points. On the
7th they rejoined the brigade, which then went into
camp near the " Fitzhugh House," not far from the
river, and two or three miles below Fredericksburg.
No events of importance occurred thenceforth in
the history of these regiments. When the Army of
the Potomac left the vicinity of Falmouth and started'
northward on the route that finally brought it to the
field of Gettysburg, the Thirtieth and Thirty-first
moved with the other commands, but at the end of
one day's march orders were received directing their
return and muster out, their term of service having
expired. Under these orders they moved back to
Falmouth, whence, after turning over their wagons
and other quartermaster's property, they marched to
Stafford Court-house, and from there to Dumfiries and
across the Occoquan to Alexandria. They soon moved
across the Potomac to "Washington, where a slight â–
delay occurred, and then they were transported by
rail to New Jersey and mustered out of the service at
Flemington.
The experience of these two regiments on the field
of conflict had not been great, and their losses in
actual battle were but nominal ; but Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville had proved their bravery and
steadfastness, and that they were worthy of the patri-
otic State which had sent them to the field.
Following is a list of officers and men in the Thir-
tieth Regiment from Somerset and Hunterdon Coun-
ties : „ .
FUtd and Slaff.
Colonel, Alexander E. Donaldson ; resigned March 4, 1863.
Lieutenantcolonel, John J. Cladek ; pro. to colonel, rics Donaldson,
March 4, 1803.
Major, Walter Oamman ; resigned Feb. 17, 1863.t
t William A. Henry, first lieutenant Co. D, pro. to adjutant March 16,
1863 ; pro. to major Apiil 5, 1803, vice Arthur S. Ten Eyck ; pro. to lieu-,
tenant-colonel April 5, 1803.
144
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Adjutant, John W. Mann ; disch. Jan. 15, 1863, by special order of War
Department.*
Quartermaster, Lemuel K Toung, vice John V. Toorhees, resigned Nov.
29, 1862.
Surgeon, Dr. Joseph "W. "Wolverton ; assistant surgeon Fourteenth Kegi-
ment July 11, 1862.
Aeaistant Surgeons, Drs. Alexander Barclay, Jr., John T. Lanning, and
George E. Snmmers.f
Chaplain, Rev. John S. Janeway ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Non-CoTnmi^ioned Staff.
George E. Dayton, sergeant-major; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; pro. to first lieu-
tenant Co. I Jan. 28, 1863.
Abram Quick, sergeant-major; enl. Feb. 25, 1863 ; died of fever at Belle
Plains, Ta., April 9, 1863.
Joseph H. Mulford, sergeant-major ; enl. April 9, 1863 ; pro. to first lieu-
tenant Co. H April 17, 1863.
George "W. Swain, sergeaut-major; enl. April 17, 1863; private Co. H
May 1, 1863.
Ira F. Morgan, sergeant-major; enl. May 1, 1863 ; pro. to second lieuten-
ant Co. K May 9, 1863.
John S. Ten Eyck, sergeant-major; enl. May 30, 1863; must, out June
27, 1863.
Lemuel R. Toung, quartermaster-sergeant; enl. Sept. 18,1862; pro. to
quartermaster Dec. 10, 1862.
David T. Crowell, quartermaster-sergeant; enl. Dec. 28, 1862; must. 'out
June 27, 1863.
Morris D. Rouse, commissary-sergeant; eul. Sept. 18, 1862; must, out
June 27, 1863.
Jonathan D. Drake, hospital steward ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; must, out June
27, 1863.
COMPANY A (SOMERSET).
Arthur S. Ten Eyck, captain ; com. Sept 5, 1862 ; pro. to major March 12,
1863 ; pro. to lieutenant-colonel April 5, 1863.
' James Bowman, Jr., capt. ; com. March 16, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
James D. Vanderveer, first lieutenant; com. Sept. 5, 1862; pro. to cap-
tain Co. B Dec. 26, 1862.
Joseph B. Smith, first lieutenant; com. Dec. 26, 1862; must, out June
27, 1863.
Robert S. Van Dyke, second lieutenant ; com. Dec. 26, 1862 ; must, out
June 27, 1863.
John S. Ten Eyck, first sergeant ; enl. March 1, 1863 ; pro. to sergeant-
major May 30, 1803.
William C. Smith, first sergt. ; enl. June 1, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jacob K. Hull, sergeant; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. from corporal June 1,
1863 ; must, out Juue 27, 1863.
Tunis Vanderveer, sergeaut; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. from corporal May
15, 1863; must, out June 27, 1863.
Cornelius L. Voorhees, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jeremiah S. Smith, sergeant; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; died of disease June
231,863.00
Samuel Hall, corporal; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; pro. from private May 15,
1863 ; must, out June 21, 1863.
James N. Shurtz, corporal ; eul. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jacob K. Stryker, corporal; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. from private March
1, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jacob K. Dermott, corporal; eul. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. from private March
1, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
David R. Weaver, corporal ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Abram Quick, corporal; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. to sergeant-major Feb.
25, 1863.
Peter S. Bellis, corporal; eul. Aug. 25, 1862 ; pro. from private June 1,
1863; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jonathan P. Dunham, corporal; eul. Aug. 25, 1802; died of fever at
Millington, N. J., June 24, 1863.
George S. Woodruff, corporal; eul. Aug. 25, 1862 ; died of fever at Wash-
ington June 23, 1863.
David Van Camp, corporal; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; died of fever at Belle
Plains, Va., Feb. 15, 1863.
Robert B. Hall, musician ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Anthony E. Dennis, mus. ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Eteber C. Belden, wagoner; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
=^ .r. Augustus Fay, Jr., first lieutenant Co. H, pro. to adjutant, vice
Mann, April 17, 1863.
t Dr. Barclay resigued as assistant surgeon March 5, 1863.
Pi-ivates.X
John K. Bangham (died of typhoid fever in hospital at Washington, D. C,
July 9, 1863; buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C), Abra-
ham Bellis, John C. Biggs, Nicholas O. Biggs, Gilbert L. Brokaw,
Tunis J. Carey. Abraiiam Cole, Michael Collins, Samuel D. Collyer,
Peter H. Conover, James Curry, Philip -Cnrry, Richard S. Dennis,
Abraham Ditmars, John R. Ditmars, Henry Dow, Abraham Dumont,
Sering P. Dunham (disch. at Emory United States General Hospitel,
Washington, D. C, for disability Jan. 31, 1863), Aaron L. Field, James
Gaston, John Gaston, Fernando Gersey, Isaac Guest, Brogan B.
Hageman, Jonathan C. Henry (pro. to corporal Aug. 25, 1862), Au-
gustiu P. Honeyman, Samuel C. Irving (disch. for disability Jan. 23,
1863), Dayton E. Jeroloman, James Jeroloman, Jacob Karns (died
of disease at Fhiladelpbia, Pa., June 27, 1863, and buried there), John
P. Krymer (died of fever in Virginia Feb. 18,1863), Robert B. Little,
Gideon Lindsley (died of fever at Belle Plains, Va., Feb. 25, 1863),
Isaac P. Mannon, William A. Merrill, Henry Mingle, Stephen B.
Mullen, George F. Nash, George Perry, William J. Perry (pro. lo
corporal Aug. 25, 1862), Augustus Peterman, John W. Philhower
(disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1863), Hugh H. Powelson, Cornelius V.
L. Robbins, Radford J. Runyon (died of fever at Washington Jan.
30, 1863), Michael Ryan, Minnah V. Saums, Benjamiu Skillman,
Daniel Smith, Edward Smith, Garret T. Smith (disch. for disability
at Belle Plains, Va., Feb. 23, 1863), Peter S. Smith, James H. Staats,
Joachim Q. Staats, John C. Staats, Cyrenus T. Stryker, John B,
Stryker, Jason Suydam, John V. Teiple, James V. D. Ten Eyck,
Thomas Tester, Garret W. Vanderveer, Henry S. Vanderveer, Abra-
ham D. Van Doren, Joseph Van Doren (died of fever at Washington
June 12, 1863), Garret T. Van Pelt, Henry V. Van Pelt, Matthew
Van Pelt, Peter J. Van Zandt (died of fever in Virginia March 21,
1863), Peter V. Weaver (pro. to corporal Aug. 25, 1862), Philip T.
Williams, David W. Williamson, Christopher N. Wilson, Henry D.
Wilson, David H. Wortman, Edward S. Wortman, Dennis G. WyckofF.
COMPANY D (HUNTERDON).
Barclay S. Vail, captain ; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Edward S. Barnes, first lieutenant; com. Sept. 9, 1862; died of fever in
Virginia Dec. 29, 1862.
William A. Henry, fii-st lieutenant; com. Feb. 10, 1863 ; pro. to adjutant
March 16, 1863.
William B. Woodruff, first lieutenant; com. March 16, 1863 ; pro. from
first sergeant Sept. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jesse Dalrymple, second lieutenant; com. Sept. 9, 1862; must, out June
27, 1863.
Morris D. Rouse, first sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. to commissary-
sergeant Sept. 18, 1862.
Theodore Carling, fii-st sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from sergeant
April 5, 1863 ; must, out June 27. 1863.
Lewis Sapbar, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Lorenzo Beers, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. from private Sept. 18,
1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
John B. Mason, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from corporal April 5,
1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
John Scott, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; died at Sanitary Lodge, Wash-
ington, April 20, 1 863.
Samuel V. Ribble, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27. 1863.
James W. Hawk, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from private April 1,
1863 ; must, out June 27, 1803.
Moses V. Shoemaker, corp. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Joseph Tillman, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from private April 5,
1863; must, out June 27, 1863.
Isaac Bunnell, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
James Ashcroft, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jacob 0. Brown, Corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must out June 27, 1863.
Elijah Potts, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Horace A. Wambaugh, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; disch. for disability
Washington, Feb. 23, 1863.
Demarest Gordon, musician; enl. Sept 3, 1802; must, out Jtine 27, 1863.
Jonathan Hartpeuce, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27,
1863,
Isaac B. Andrews, wagoner; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must out June 27, 1863.
X All enlisted Aug. 25, 1862, all mustered into the service Sept 17,
1862, and all mustered out unless otherwise specified June 27, 1863.
THIKTIETH AND THIKTY-FIRST INFANTEY REGIMENTS.
145
Privates.*
Israel AUegar, Samuel Bacliman, CbarleB M. Beers, Eldridge BenDett,
David M. Bosenbnry, Joseph Buchanan, Peter Buchaoan, Edgar H.
Bowlby (died in hospital at Washington Feb. 6, I8G3), Jacob Case,
Thomas Coatea, William N. Ooates, Henry Counterman, Moses Court-
right (died of fever at Belle Plains, Va., March 25, 1863,\ Jamea Crips,
George Cronce, Ephraim Cronce (died of fever near White Oak
Church, Va., June 1, 18G3 ; buried in National Cemetery, Fredericks-
burg, Va.), Christian Cumminga, Morris R. Curtis, John W. Dilts,
Gilbert Dikeman, Theodore GaJlagher, William Gary, John Howell,
Abraham Hunsberger, Amos Hyde, Holcombe Hyde, Martin Hyde,
William H. H. Kase, Joseph L. Lair, Thomas B. Lake, Charles M.
Lee (diach. for disability Nov, 18, 1862), Jonah Letaon, Suldon Lozaw,
Samuel Mack, William F. Marshall, Cortland McCann, Jacob Mc-
Laughlin, John W. Mellick, Joseph Merrill, Reed Myers, Jeremiah
Opdyke, Samuel Opdyke, Isaiah Parker, John Prall (died of fever in
Virginia Jan. 14, 18G3), George W. Race, Wilson L. Rake, Oacar
Reading, Mark T. Ribble, Jacob S. Kifenberg, John Kittenhouse,
George W. Robinson, John W. Savidge, William L. Scott, Elijah
Schoonhoven (diach. for disability Alexandria, Va., March 23, 1863),
Jacob W. Sheppard, Augustus Shmeal, Thomas F. Siegfried, Aaron
Slack, John B. Slater, John A. Snyder, Reuben Snyder, Samuel B.
Snyder, William Snyder, Sylvester Souders, William B. Stewart,
George Strublo, Joaeph Sutton, William V. Sutton, .Tohn Taylor,
Peter Tilton, Amos Trimmer, Joseph Van Norman, Samuel Van Nor-
nian, William Ween, Benjamin S. Welter, Watson B. Williamaon,
George A. Young, Alfred Zeller.
COMPANY E (SOMERSET).
Cornelius T. Cox, captain ; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
James Bowman, Jr., iirst lieutenant; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; pro. to captain
Co. A March 16, 1863.
Edward C. Mulford, first lieutenant; com. March 16, 1863; pro. from
second lieutenant; must, out June 27, 1863.
Garret B. Sanborn, second lieutenant; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; rea. March 5,
1863
Philip E. Tufts, second lieutenant; com, March 16, 1863 ; pro. from cor-
poral Co. C; pro. first lieutenant Co, F April 17, 1863.
John T. Marthaler, second lieutenant ; com. April 17, 1863 ; pro. from
first aergeant Co. H ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jacob W. Stout, first sergeant ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; pro. from sergeant
April 16, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1803.
Morris R. Giles, first aergeant ; enl, Aug, 30, 1862 ; disch. from hospital
at Philadelphia March 12, 1863, for disability.
Wm. C. Abbott, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must, out June'27, 1863.
James B. Brown, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863,
Stephen Dooley, sergeant ; enl, Ang, 30, 1862 ; pro, from corporal March
1, 1863; must, out June 27, 1863.
Samuel Dancer, sergeant ; enl. Aug, 30, 1862 ; muat, out June 27, 1863,
John H. Stryker, sergeant; enl, Aug, 30, 1862; disch, for disabilii^ at
Newark, N, J,, March 9, 1863,
John B, Hunt, corporal; enl, Aug. 30, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Isaac C. Davis, corporal ; enl, Aug, 30, 1862 ; pro, from private Jan, 10,
1863 ; must out June 27, 1863.
Josiah Q. Hoagland, oorp. ; enl, Aug, 30, 1862 ; pro, from private March
15, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1883.
Samuel T. Hall, corporal ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 : muat. out June 27, 1863.
Harned Smith, corporal; enl, Aug, :io, 1862; muat out June 27, 1863.
Frederick Van Nest, corporal; enl, Aug, 30, 1862; pro, from private
March 15, 1863 ; mnst. out June 27, 1863,
Benj, F, Brown, corporal; enl, Aug, 30, 1862; pro, from private March
18, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863,
Henry H. Hoagland, corp. ; enl. Ang. 30, 1862 ; muat, out June 27, 1863.
Dennis Cox, corporal ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; died of typhoid fever in hos-
pital at Washington Jan. 29, 1863 ; buried at Military Asylum Ceme-
tery, Washington, D, C.
John N. Conine, musician ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Wm, Vosseller, muaician ; enl, Aug, 30, 1862 ; muat, out June 27, 1863,
John L. Brokaw, wagoner ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must. out. June 27, 1863.
Privates.f
George R. Allegar, Daniel H, Amerman, William H. Amerman, Cornelius
W. Auten, Garret T. Bailey, Pe ter Bell, Squire A. Blackford, John
* Enlisted Sept. 3, 1862, and were mustered in Sept. 17, 1862 ; all mus-
teied out June 27, 1863, unless otherwise mentioned.
t Privates enlisted Aug. 30, 1862, and all were mustered out June 27,
1863, unless otherwise specified.
H. Brokaw, Abraham C. Burt, Enoch Carkhuff, John Carroll, John
H. Case, James H. Cavaleer (died at Bridgewater, Somerset Co., N. J.,
while on furlough, May 29, 1863), Jacob Cole, John Conover, Eben
S. Dally (pro. to corporal Aug. 30, 1862 ; was private from Jan. 10,
1863), John Dally, John L. Dally, Samuel Davis, Jacob V. Drake,
John G. Dumont, Christopher Ehni, Jacob Eider, William Emily,
Amos Fenner, John Fenner, Henry S. Fritts, James Gallagher,
Frederick Gardner, John D. Garretson, Isaac V. A. Gumble, Jacob
H. Gumble, Henry Hall, John N, Hall, John Herman, Herman J,
Hoagland, George Hoffman, Hiram Hope, Whitfield D. Hope (pro. to
corporal Aug. 30, 1862 ; private from Oct. 23, 1862), Henry Keider-
ling, Godfrey Keller (disch. for disability at Belle Plains, Va., Feb,
21, 1863), Michael Lary, Robert Little, Isaac Lott, George H. Miller,
James Murray, Patrick Murray, Georeg W. Perrine, Andrew Pfaff,
Garret V. C. Polhemua (died of fever at Belle Plains, Va., Feb. 27,
1863), Mai-tin N. Porter, Peter A, Quick, Peter V. Quick, Theodore
Rutan, Herman H. Riger, John H. Schenck, William D. W, Sebring,
Jamea Simonson (disch, for disability at Washington Jan. 22, 1863),
John W. Slack, Jacob S. Smalley, William S. Smalley fdisch. for
disability at Alexandria, Va., May 2, 1863), Cornelius Smith, Henry
Staats, Henry D, Staats, John Statts, John H. Styker, John N, Stry-
ker, Thomas L, Stryker, John Tuniaon, Peter Van Aradale (died of
typhoid fever at Belle Plains, Va,, April 6, 1863), William 6. Van
Fleet, Abraham G, Van Nest (died of camp fever in hoapital at Alex-
andria, Va,, Dec, 7, 1862), William Van Zandt, Simon P, Voorhees,
Henry Vosseller (disch, for disability at Belle Plains, Va,, Feb. 23,
1863), Michael Weitzel, Robert Wentzler, Charles Wilson, Jacob Wil-
kinson (disch, at Flemington, N, J., Sept, 27, 1862), Lemuel R.
Young (pro, to quartermaster-sergeant Sept, 18, 1862).
COMPANY F (SOMERSET),
Oliver A, Kibbe, captain ; com. Sept, 9, 1862 ; res. Feb, 4, 1863,
Charles W, Lanning, captain ; com, Feb. 4, 1863 ; pro, from second lieu-
tenant ; must, out June 27, 1863,
Henry Lane, first lieutenant ; com. Sept, 9, 1862 ; dismissed March 1, 1863,
Philip E, Tufts, first lieutenant ; com, April 17, 1863 ; pro, from second
lieutenant Co, E ; must, out June 27, 1863,
John F, Kennedy, second lieutenant ; com, Feb. 4, 1863 ; pro. from private
Co. C, Thirty-flrat Regiment ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Wesley H. Horner, iirst aergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. to aecond lieu-
tenant Co. I March 16, 1803.
Cornelius M. De Camp, first sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from ser-
geant April 5, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863,
William H, Schenck, aergeant ; enl, Sept. 3, 1862 ; mnst. out June 27, 1863.
Garner A. Thatcher, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Joaeph V, H, Reed, aergeant ; enl. Sept, 3, 1802 ; must, out June 27,1863.
Frederick Skillman, aergeant ; enl. Sept, 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27,1863.
Henry PoUiemua, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1802 ; muat. out June 27, 1863.
Abraham Sullivan, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; muat. out June 27, 1863.
James W. Darling, conjoral ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; muat. out June 27,1863.
John V. D. Droat, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Abram B. Van Cleef, corporal ; enl. Sept! 3, 1802 ; muat. out June 27, 1863.
John C. Polhemus, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Zephaniah S. Drake, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. from private Oct.
1, 1862 ; mu&t. out Juue 27, 1863.
Oscar ff. Wood, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
William H. Lane, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1803.
Dennla V. L. Sheppard, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; muat. out June 27,
1863
Cornelius Cray, wagoner ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
PrivcUes.X
George F. Anderson, Jacob W. Apgar, Milton Baker (pro. to sergeant
Oct. 1, 1S62 ; private from December 1, 1862), Abram W. Baldwin,
William J. Bellia, Wm. B. Bigley (died uf typhoid fever at Aquia
Creek, Va., Jan. 3, 1863 ; buried at National Cemetery, Fredericks-
burg, Va.), Philip Brady, Thomas Brady, Abram V. D, Brearley
(died of tever at Belle Plains, Va., April 11, 1863), Henry B, Burt,
John Burt, William F, Byer, Isaac Cherry, Abram B, Conover,
Charles H, Conover, Lawrence T. Conover, Jeremiah Cray, Chas. A.
Cmser (died of fever at Belle Plains, Va,, April 3, 1863), Theodore
Cruser, Asher Danley (reported missing Sept, 19, 1862), Lewis Da-
vison, Albert M, Doremus, Andrew Fraley, Samuel Garmo, Benjamin
X All enlisted Sept, 3, 1862 ; must. Sept, 17 and 19, 1862 ; and (unless
otherwise stated) mustered out June 27, 1863,
146
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Griggs, Josepbus Griggs, Dennis Hagaman (died of fever at Aquia
Creek, Va.. May G, 1863; buried at National Cemetery, Fredericks-
burg, Ya.), James G. Hagaman, Joseph H. Hagaman, Israel B. Hig-
gins, Andrew Hughes, Lewis R. Labaw, John P. Lawrence, Joel
Long, Thomas McAIUeter, John McHune, Jacob Miller, Martin
Murphy {disch. for disability, Phila., Pa., Jan. 19, 1863), Archibald
B. Ogborne, Benjamin C. Piggott (died of typhoid fever March 23,
1863), Jonathan Prall, Frederick K. Raisnor, Zephaniah S. Randolph,
Nathan S. Saxson, Luther S. Skillman, Thomas Skillman (disch. for
disability at Aquia Creek, Va., Jan . 6, 186it), Samuel H. Smith,
Charles Snook, Jacob Snook (corporal Sept. 3, 1862 ; private from
Oct. 1, 1862), Charles W. Soden, Charles Somberger.AbramC. Staats,
Peter Y. Staate, Jacob D.Sterling, James H. Stout, Alexander H.
Stryker, Frederick Stryker, William C. Stryker, Abram S. Sutphin,
John Sutphin, Edwin Sutpbiu (disch. for disability, Jan. 18, 1863),
Andrew J. Thompson, Robert Trout, Luther Vanderveer, John B.
Yan Dyke (died of fever at Aquia Creek, Va., Jan. 16, 1863), AVilliam
Van Marter, Garret Van Nnys, Augustus Yoorhees, Benjamin Voor-
bee-B, Bernard S. Yoorhees, John Yoorhees, John W. Yoorhees, Ste-
phen, Yoorhees, Jr. (died of typhoid fever in hospital at Washington
Jan. 6, 1863), John D. Westcott, William Whipple, Abram Whited,
Jacob T. Whited, John Williamson, George Wilson, Abram Woolver-
t»n, Melanchthon Wood.
COMPANY G (HUNTERDON).
George W. Day, captain; com. Sept. 9, 1862; must, out June 27, 1863.
Clark T, Hunt, first lieut. ; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Frederick S. Phillips, second lieutenant: com. Sept. 9,1862; must, out
June 27, 1863.
John M. Case, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro. to second lieu-
tenant Co. K March 16, 1863.
Samuel Johnson, first sergeant; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; pro, from corporal
April 5, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 18G3.
Daniel Dilts, sergeant; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; must. out June 27, 1863.
Andrew L. Day, sergeant ; enl. Aug 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27. 1863.
Lafayette Phillips, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Gershom L. Akers, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Reading M. Dilts, corporal; enl. Aug 25, 1862; pro. from private April
5, 1863.
Oliver Phillips, corporal; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; must, out June 27, 1863.
Charles P. Swayze, corporal ; enl. Aug, 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
James L. Fritz, corporal ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; mvist. out Juue 27, 1863.
Samuel B. Soden, corporal ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Charles D. Akere, corporal ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; pro. from private March
1, 1863 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
John v. Dilts, corporal; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; must, out June 27, 1863.
Ira Munson, corporal ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Geo. H. Fisher, musician; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Thomas Trainer, musician ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Amos T. Dalrymple, wagoner; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; must, out June 27,
1863
Privates*
Isaac S. Agens, George W. Akers, Joseph Akers (disch. for disability
Feb. 22, 1863), George H. Allen, Alfred G. Baylor, Henry K. Beu-
ward, William Blanchard, David Burd, George M. Case, Paul K.
Cole. Andrew T. Cromwell, Andrew Dakerman, George Dilts, Ezra
S. Emmons, Henry Erig, Richard G. Everett (died of exposure at
hospital, Washington, June 29, 1863), Y'^illiam Everett, Adwit Ex-
man, William Fleming, Baldwin Forker (died of exposure on hos-
pital-boat, near Aquia Creek, Va., Jan. 25, 1863), Joseph A. German,
John A. Grimes, Amos Hann, Cornelius Hann, William Hardin,
Samuel P. Hagerman (died at hospital near Falmouth, Ya., May 26,
1863 ; biuied at National Cemetery, Fredericksburg, Ya.) ; Joseph
Hibbs, Jacob Hime, John C. Hoagland, Isaac Hoffman, John Hope,
Stephen Hortou (disch. for disability Feb, 22, 1863), Edward Housol,
Charles M. Johnson, Martin Johnson, Diderick Kolenkamp, Sanford
La Fever, William H. Lame, John B. Lefler,John Lutes, George W.
McFern (disch. for disability April 24, 1863), Adolphe Menge, Horatio
P. Milburn, Mordecai W. Mills, Godfried Miller, Nelson D. Morris,
Charles H. Naylor, Edward Naylor (died of congestive fever at Belle
Plains, Ya., Feb. 22, 1863 J, Hiram R. Naylor (corporal, Aug. 25, 1862;
priv. from March 1, 1863), James Naylor, George 0' Daniel, Theodore
* Privates enlisted Aug. 25, 1862; mustered in Sept, 17, 18R2: and
mustered out with the company Juue 27, 1863, unless otherwise men-
tioned in the list.
O'Daniel, John C. Opdyke, Charies W. Parrish, William B. Parrish,
George W. Phillips (disch. for disability Feb. 10, 1863), Henry C.Pro-
baeco, Izer G. Rake, George B, Reed, Joseph R. Reading (disch. tor
disability Jan. 26, 1863), Conrad Reis, William N. Robinson, Richard
H. Romine, Franklin Rooks, William Sharp, Hiram G. Sheppard,
Cornelius Slack, Corson Slack, Johnson Slaght, John Slieghteumier,
Derrick S. Smith, Theodore W. Sutton. Uriah Sutton, Jacob H. Ten
Eyck (disch. for disability at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 26, 1863), Elius
Yan Camp, George M. D. Yandeventer, Adrian Yan Fleet, Jaxiob K.
Van Fleet, Samuel Van Sickle, Abel Webster (died of exposure at
hospital, Washington, June 29, 1863).
COMPANY I (SOMERSET).
John C. Bloom, captain ; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
James S. Adams, first lieutenant; com. Sept. 9, 1862; res. Jan. 28, 1863.
George E. Dayton, first lieutenant; com. Jan. 28, 1863; must, out June
27, 1863.
Samuel A. Allen, second lieutenant ; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; res. Feb. 17, 1863.
Wesley H, Horner, second lieutenant; com. March 16, 1863; pro. from
first sergeant Co. F ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Oscar Conklin, first sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. to second lieuten-
ant Co. B Feb. 4, 1863.
John T. Bird, first sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 27, 1863.
Robert Hauna, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3,1862; must, out June 27, 18&1.
Pander P. Parks, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Josephus C. Sanders, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1 862 ; must, out June 27. 1863.
Charles C. Pope, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863,
Walter K. Sturges, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1SG3.
James S. Quimby, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 186:1.
Cliarles Bass, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Peter Wolfe, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
William Lawrence, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 27, l>ffi3.
Thomas J. Todd, corporal; enl. Sept, 3, 1862; must, out June 27, 1863.
William S. Y'iiigert, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1802 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jacob Bass, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 : died of fever March 31, 1863.
Nicholas Blank, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; died of fever June 10, 1 863.
Ezra S. Day, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; died of fever Feb. 18, 1863.
George T. Bunn, musician ; enl. Sept, 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
John T. Allen, musician; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 27, 1863.
Henry Dougherty, wagoner ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Prii-ates.f
Michael Albert, John B. Ammerman, James Anderson, Y'^illiam H. Baird
(was sergeant from Sept. 3, 1862, till April 1, 1863), Frederick Baker,
Edward A. Berry, Ethelbert C. Blazier, Henry C, Blazier, John B.
Blazier, John H. Blazier, John P. Brown, Abraham Bush (died of
fever Feb. 14, 1863), Theodore Bach (missing Dec. 1, 1862\ Jacob H.
Cole, Philip Coddell, John C. Conklin, Austin W. Cross, William D.
Depoe, Julius Dunnebower, John Dougherty, Peter Dougherty (died
of smallpox at Washington, April 30, 1863; buried in Harmony
Burial-Ground, District of Columbia), Daniel Fieller, Barney Fidleu,
Edward Giddis, Hiram Giddis, Robert Gimble, John Gitus, .lolin
Grierson, Valentine Goodman (disch. for disability Feb, 21, lbii3),
William Hamma, John Heudersuu, John High, Ezra Hill, James P.
Hines, Philip Hoffman, Philip Honeyman, Stephen Harvey (died uf
fever Jan. 20, 1863 ; buried at National Cemetery, Fredericksburg,
Va.), Louis Lindenberger (died of fever at Belle Plains, Ya., March
17, 1863), Peter Lockwood, William Lockwood, Jerry 0. Ludlow.
Henry Luse, Morris Levi (died of fever at Bernard, Somerset Co.,
N. J., June 27, 1863), David Manning, Joseph Margatell, John Mc-
Williams, Jolin C. Miller, William L. Mirax, Samuel Moore, Epliraim
Muckle, James E. Mullen (corporal from Sept. 3, 1862, to Nov. 15,
1862), John C. Mullen (corporal from Sept. 3, 1862, to Sept. 20, 1862),
Simeon Mirax (assigned to Co. I, Fifth Regiment, Sept. 12, 1863), John
Noe, George Opie (died at home, Somerset County, while on furlough,
Juue 27, 1863), John Overland, Robert M. Parka, Alfred Philhower,
Edmund E. Pope, William Ralph, William Reynolds (corporal from
Sept. 3, 1862, to April 1,1863), Nicholas W.Riel, John Scholl, Michael
Sharkey, Zopher Snell, Isaac S. Stites, William H, Stites, Charles
Starr, Henry Todd (died of fever in hospital at Aquia Creek, Va.,
Jan. 22, 1863), Levi D. Uliler, William H. Yactor, Zachariah Wilson,
Isaac Wingert (died of fever at Belle Plains, Ya., March 29, 1663).
t Members enli^^ted Sept 3, 1RG2. and mustered out June 27, 18G3, un-
less otherwise specifically mentioned.
THIRTIETH AXD THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY REGIMENTS.
147
COMPANY K (SOMEKSET).
Benjamin S. Totten, captain; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 27,1863.
Tteodore Strong, Jr., first lieutenant; com. Sept 9, 1862; died Feb 24
1863
Ira C. Carman, Jr., first lieutenant ; com. March 16, 1863 ; pro. from sec-
ond lieutenant; must, out June 27, 1863.
John M. Case, second lieutenant ; com. March 16, 1863 ; pro. first lieu-
tenant Co. B May 9, 1863.
Ira F. Morgan, second lieutenant; com. May 9, 1863 j pro. from sergeants
m^jor ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Jos. Mathew, first sergeant ; enl. Aug, 30, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Garret Layton, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must, out June 27. 1863.
Peter H. Wakeham, sergeant; e^^ept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Tenadoie Van Cleef, sergeant ; eiS^ept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27* 1863,
William H. Smith, sergeant ; enUSept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
â– William Esler, corporal ; enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
John P. Wyckoff, corporal ; enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Peter Sylvester, corporal ; enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
James T. Milliken, corporal ; enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Field 6. GarretBon, corporal ; eol. Sept 1, 18G2 ; must, out June 27, 1863.
Eobert S. Vandewater, corporal; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must out June 27
1863
John S. Barcalow, corporal ; enl. Sept 1, 1862 ; pro. from private ; must
out June 27, 1863.
Frederick French, corporal; enl. Sept. 1, 1862; disch. at Philadelphia,
Pa., March 27, 1863.
Patrick McAleer, musician ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must out June 27, 1863.
James M. Keer, wagoner ; enl. Sept 1, 1862 ; must out June 27, 1863.
Privaiet,*
William H. Barcalow (musician from Sept 1, 1862, till April 1, 1863),
Abram J. Beekman, Daniel Blaney, Andrew Bowman, Isaac P.
Brokaw, John G. Brown, Henry W. Carlisle, John S. Carman, Peter
Cavaleer, Ellas Conger, Thomas Connors, Henry V. B. Cox, Henry
Crozier, John T. B. Cruser (died of dysentery at Belle Plains, Ta.,
March 1, 1863), John Dessinger (died of fever at Philadelphia, Pa.,
Dec, 25, 1862), Lawrence T. S. Danberry, James Darcey, John Dow-
ney, William H. Earle, Garret Eick (wagoner from Sept 1, 1862, till
Dec. 2, 1862), Cornelius V. Elbertson, Michael Gallagher, Peter S.
Garretson, Peter V. Garretson, Peter S, Garretson, Jr. (disch. for dis-
ability March 25, 1863), James P. Grownoy, George E. Gulick (died
of fever at Belle Plains, Va., March 6, 1863), Francis Hannon, Abram
B. Hart (disch. by 6. C. M., Dec. 10, 1862), Patrick Hogan, Ogden
Honeyman, Henry Hnlick, Charles Irwin (enl, Aug, 30, 1802; ser-
geant from Aug. 30, 1862, till April 8, 1863), William H. Jackson
(enl. Aug. 30, 1862), Henderson W. Knowles (enl. Aug. 30, 1862),
James Litchell, William H, Litchell, James Lloyd, Charles H.
Maple, John Mcdoskey, Jacob Metts, Martin Nevius, Joseph Oker-
son (disch. for disability April 29, 1863), Cornelius V. Oppie, Arthur
Orr, James Parker (died of fever at Aquia Creek, Va,, Dec, 28,
1862), Hewlett Perrine (not must, out with company), John Perdun
(enl, Aug, 30, 1862), John D, Polhemus, George Pyott, John Pyott,
Roger Eeagan, John H, Biddle, Charles Schmidt, John B, Smith,
Jonathan Smith, William C, Sperling, Charles Stines (enl, Aug, 30,
1862), Richard Stevenson (enl, Aug. 30, 1862), Abram Stryker, Wil-
liam C. Stryker, Charles C. Sylvester, Gilbert Sylvester, Manning
Etns, Cyneas V. D. Van Cleef, John H. Van Doren, William H. Van
Doren, Henry C. Van Duyn, John D. Van Duyn, John K. Van Pelt,
William Van Tuyne, Abram V. D. Voorhees, Henry Welles, William
Wiggins, Christopher W. Wilfcerson, Peter N. Williamson, Benney
Wyckofi; Theodore Wyckofr, Peter Worts (disch. for disability at
Belle Plains, Va., Feb. 21, 1863).
OFFICEKS AND MEN FROM HUNTERDON COUNTY
IN THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
COMPANY A.
Samuel Carhart, captain ; com. Sept. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Leavitt Sanderson, first lieuteDant; com. Sept. 16, 1862; must, out June
24, 1863.
Andrew A. Thompson, second lieutenant; com. Sept, 16, 1862 ; must out
June 24, 1863.
Dennis S. Messier, first sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24,
1883
* All enlisted Sept 1, 1862, and mustered oat June 27, 1863, unless
otherwise stated.
John D. Brown, sergeant; enl. Sept.3, 1862 ; mnst. out June 24, 1803.
William C. Hyler, sergeant ; enl. Sept 3, 1862 ; must out June 24, 1863.
Jeremiah J. Hotf, sergeant; enl. Sept 3, 1862; must out June 24, 1863.
Martin Hoffman, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must out June 24, 1863.
Jacob W. Todd, corporal ; enl. Sept 3, 1 862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
David S. Boss, corporal ; enl. Sept, 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
David Astell, corporal; eul. Sept 3, 1862 ; must, out Jane 24, 18C3.
Heury M, Van Horn, corporal; enl. Sept 3, 1862; must out June 24
1863
PhiUp E. Thorp, corporal ; enl. Sept 3, 1862 ; must out June 24, 1863.
John N. Clark, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must out June 24, 1863.
John C. Kline, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Boss J.Hoffman, corporal; enl. Sept 3, 1862 ; disch. from hospital for
disability Feb, 28, 1863,
George Beavers, corporal ; enl. Sept 3, 1862 ; died of typhoid fever May
28, 1863,
Albert Bolmcr, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863,
.lames K, K. Swick, musician ; enl. Sept 3, 1862 ; must out June 24. 18&3.
John Emmons, wagoner; enl. Sept 3, 1862; mnst. out June 24, 1863.
Privat£8.'f
Peter K. Agens, George Anthony, Hulet Apgar, John B. Apgar, Wesley
L. Apgar, George AUigar, Joseph C. Beavers, George Bolmer, John,
H. Bush, John E. Burrell (died at hospital April 20, 1863; buried in
National Cemetery, Fredericksburg, Va., Division B, Section B,
Grave 3:J3), Aaron V. S. Crate, WilUam M. Dickerson (died of iiver
in hospital May 21, 1863), Daniel Dilley (died of fever in hospital
April 30, 1863), Job n Dooley, George F. Drake, Philip M. Duy, George
E. Eick, Isaac Eick, Henry E. Emmons, David A. Everett, Wesley
B. Fisher, John F. Gorno, Francis A Gulick (corporal Sept 3, 1862 ;
private Jan. 22, 1863), George Hahn, John R. Haver, Joseph H. Ilen-
dersbot, Andrew S. Henderson, Joseph B. Henderson, Conrad Her-
mann (corporal Sept. 3, 1862 ; private Jan, 22, 1863), Nathan Ilil.le-
brant, John D, Hill, John B, Hoagland, David T, Hoffman, ,lessft
Hoffman, Lewis Hoffman, Cbaiies Husaman, Theodore Huffman
(disch, for disability at Baltimore, Md,, March 11, 1863), David W.
Jones, Jacob Klingle, Coi nelius C. Latie, John B, S, Lane, Henry
Latourette, Charles B, Lunger, Wesley H, Lunger (died of fever in
hospital at Washington, D. C, June 19,1863; buried in Military
Asylum Cemetery, D. C), Andrew L. Melick (died of fever in hos-
pital April 29, 1863), Simon V. Melick (died of fever in hospital June-
5, 1863), Jeremiah L. Meh'ck, Edward P. Mannon, William J. Mitch-
ell, John M. Moore, Henry C. Mulliner, William H. Murphy, Fisher
Pidcock (disch. for disability at hospital at Newark, N. J,, Feb, 2,
1863), William B, G. Price, Eynear V, Quick, Minna N, Eockafelluw,
William S, Beed (disch, for disability at hospital at Newark, N, J,,
Feb, 2, 1863), Adam Schuyler, Hummer Smith, Martin Smith, Wal-
ter Smith, David Snyder, James Snyder, Samuel Snyder, George A,
Stiers, Aaron P. Sutton, Paul Sutton, David B, Swick, Luke Swick,
James Thurston, Nicholas B, Tiger, Gilbert L, Todd, William Todd,
Samuel Trimmer, Isaac Van Fleet, Hiram Vercelius, Andrew J.
Walker, Benjamin S. Wyckoff, Samuel S, Wyckoff,
COMPANY D,
Alexander V, Bonnell, capt, ; com. Sept 10, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863;
John H. Clark, first lieutenant : com. Sept 10, 1862; disch. Dec. 26, 1SU2.
John 0. Coon, first lieutenant ; com. Dec. 26, 1862 ; pro. from second lieu-
tenant ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Andrew T. Connett, second lieutenant ; com, Dec, 26, 1862 ; pro, from
first sergeant; must, out June 24, 1863,
Joseph B, Potts, first sergeant ; enl. Sept, 3, 1862 ; pro. from sergeant
Jan. 1, 1863 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Peter Boss, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; mnst out June 24, 1863.
Leonard G. Bird, sergeant; enl, Sept. 3, 1862; pro. from corporal Dec, 22,
1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863,
Joseph D. Kinney, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from corporal Jan.
13, 1863 ; must out June 24, 1863,
John H, Wilson, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from corporal May 20,
1863 ; must out June 24, 1863.
John S, Yard, corporal; enl. Sept, 3, 1862; must out June 24, 1863.
Ezekiel Ewing, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Thomas McConnell, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must out June 24, 1863,
Bichard Choice, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must out June 24, 1863.
Lemuel Hixon, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must ou^ June 24, 1863.
f Privates enlisted Sept. 3, 1862 ; all mustered in Sept 17, 1862 ; and
all mustered out June 24, 1863,
148
HUNTEEDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
EenBselaer D. Runkle, corp. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out .Tune 24, 1863.
Lewis Runkle, corporal; eul. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863.
Beuben P. Holman, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Chas. H. McCann, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863,
Samuel H. Yolk, musician; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863.
William Brown, wagoner ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863.
Privates*
Andrew J. Bellis, Stewart Bellis, William J. Blackwell, John Bosenbury,
Abratam W. Boss, Robert Boyd, Thomas Brown, John Buchanan,
William R. Cronce, George Dahmer, Gideon B. Davis, Samuel W.
Dilts, Alonzo Dow, Francis W. Downs, Edmond B. Dungan, Corne-
Jius S. Emmons, Joseph 0, Ewing, David H. Fisher, John B, Fisher,
Weon Fisher, William Fleming, William Gethard, EliasW. Guhck,f
Patrick Hays, John Hinckley, William H. Holman, Thomas Hop-
pock, William Hoppock, William Hummer, William V. Hunter,^
Oliver H. Johnson,g Evans G. Lake, Abraham S. Larew, Isaac B. La-
rew, Joseph 0. Larew, Asher Mattisnn, James McCormick, Emanuel
McConuell,[| Joseph Millburn, Charles Miller, William Parker, Har-
man B. Phihower, Abraham A. Polhemus, John D. Purcell, James
V. D. Quick, John V. H. Quick, Eliaa M, Rake, Lewis Ramsey,
Timothy Riordan, Samuel Ruuyon, John F. Schenck, Alexander
Sergeant, Theodore R. Servis, Dauiel Sheridan, Francis P. Smith,
Israel Smith, Joseph Smith, Mahlon Smith, Hiram Snook, William
H. Snyder, Robert Spenct^r, Sidney Stout, Simpson S, Stout, Andrew
Stryker, John D. Stryker, Jacob S. Sutphin, James M. Thatcher,
Michael TuUey, George Van Houten, John S. Van Houten, John
Van Sickle, Aaron L. Van Sickle,l[ Cornelius Waldron, William T.
Waldron, William Wambaugh, Frederick Wenzel, Charles Wyckoff,
Jiicob F. Toung.
COMPANY E.**
M'oodbury D. Holt, captain ; com. Sept. 10, 1862.
William L. Rodenbaugh, first lieutenant; com. Sept. 10, 1862.
Johu Alpaugh, second lieutenant; com. Sept. 10, 1862 ; res. Feb. 2, 1863.
John Robbins, second lieutenant ; com. Feb. 3, 1863 ; pro. from first sergt.
William D. Johuson, first sergeant ; pro. from sergeant Feb. 4, 1863.
Jeese Teats, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
Stewart K. Beers, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862,
Alexander Altemus, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
Jacob R. Wert, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
Lorenzo D. Stevenson, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
Joseph C. Rea, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. Feb. 7, 1863.
Milton A. Gregory, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. Feb. 7, 1863.
William S. Naughright, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. Feb. Y, 1863.
Mai-tin V. B. Sine, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. Feb. 7, 1863.
James Conley, corporal; enl. Sept. 3. 18C2 : pro. Feb. 7, 1863.
Enoch Streeter, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. Feb. 7, 1863.
Sylvester Groff, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. Feb. 7, 1863.
Thomas S. Gibbons, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
David Roper, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
David Hulsizer, wagoner; enl. Sept. 3, 1862.
Pi-ivates.ff
John L. AUigar, William E. Alpaugh, Hei-man Altemus, Charles Alte-
mus (died of fever at Washington, D. C, Nov. 13, 1862), Thomas
Barraaa, Andrew Bartels, Stephen H, Beers, Joseph B. Bird, William
T. Bird, Henry Blackburn, Aaron Bowlby, Sylvester Bowlby, Henry
Bruner, Cornelias Buchanan, Ishe Butler, John Butler, Thomas
Butler, William H. Ball (disch. for disability at Washington, D. C,
Nov. 14, 1862), Levi Case, Peter Y. Chandler, Enoch Cramer, Lyman
B. Cramer, Victor Cramer, William E. Cramer, George Creager,
Henry L. Cummings, Hiram Demott, Eliphalet W. Duffert, Samuel
D. Edmonds (corporal Sept. 3, 1862; private Feb. 7, 1863), Isaac S.
Eldridge, Henry P. Ely (disch. for disability at Washington, D. C.
Nov. 14, 1862), James A. Exton, Bennett Gano, George Graham, Wil-
liam Graham, Eldridge Green, Henry A. Green, James C. Gulick,
William B. Hardy, Samuel Hoppock, August Hilkerman (disch. for
* All enlisted Sept. 3, 1862 ; all mustered out June 24, 1863.
t Died of fever .at hospital in Washington, D. C, Dec. 26, 1862.
X Discharged for disability at Washington, D. C, April 22, 1863.
Discharged for disability at Washington, D. C, Jan. 23, 1863.
II Died of fever at hospital in Georgetown, D. C, Dec. 13, 1862.
1[ Discharged for disability at Philadelphia, Pa., March 16, 1863.
** Mustered in Sept. 17, 1862 ; mustered out June 24, 1863.
tf- All enlisted Sept. 3, 1862; all mustered out June 24, 1863.
disability at Baltimore, Md., Feb. 25, 1863), John Huddleson, Robert
Huddleson, Peter Hulsizer, William Hulsizer, Allen King, Aaron H.
Lanniug (disch. at Annapolis, Md., Dec. 7, 1862; died Jan. 4, 1863;
buried at Annapolis), Edwin G. Lewis, Elias Lewis, James M. Lewis,
Charles E. Madison (corporal Sept. 3, 1862; private Feb. 7, 1863),
Emanuel Manning, John Manning, Samuel Manning, Robert Mc-
Cush, George A. Melick, Edward W. Merritt, Abraham Mount (cor-
poral Sept. 3, 1862 ; private Feb. 7, 1863), Alexander Mulligan, Alex-
ander Probasco, Aarou Rockafellow, James H. Rodeubough, John
H. Schomp, Lucian C. Sheppard, William W. Smith, George Snyder,
Henry Soliday, Joseph E. Starr, Theodore Stout, John Stryker, Geo.
W. Sutton, Charles W. Slack (died of fever near Belle Plains, Va.,
Feb. 23, 1863), John W. Smith, die^of fever near Belle Plains, Va.,
March 23, 1863), Jacob Swarrer, Wfetson F, Swarrer (corporal Sept,
3, 1862; privates Feb. 7, 1863), William Vanse, died of fever near
Belle Plains, Va., Feb. 19, 1863 ; corporal Sept. 3, 1862 ; private Feb.
7, 1863), Samuel Wagner, Richard Wilson. Thompson H. Wheat (died
of dysentery at hospital in Tennallytown, D. C, Oct. 17, 1862 ; buried
at Military Hospital Cemetery, D. C), Levi S. Toung.
COMPANY K.
Nelson Bennett, captain ; com. Sept. 10, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Edson J. Rood, first lieutenant; com. Sept. 10, 1862; must, out June
24, 1863.
Martin Lunger, second lieut. ; com. Sept. 10, 1862 ; res. Dec. 27, 18C2.
George Emory, second lieutenant; com. Feb. 8, 1863; pro. from first
sergeant; must, out June 24, 1863.
Edwin Walters, first sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; pro. from sergeant
Feb. 20, 1863; must, out June 24, 1863.
James McBurth, sergeant ; eul Sept, 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863,
Geo, Henderson, sergeant; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863.
Jethro German, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. from corporal Feb. 20,
1863 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Warren Hagerty, sergeant ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. April 1, 1863 ; must.
out June 24, 1863.
Thomas Cole, corporal ; eul. Sept, 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863,
Samuel Fritts, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
John McNear, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863.
William Crotsley, corporal ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Horace Denike, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 24, 1863.
James Myers, coi-poral; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. Feb. 20, 1863; must, out
June 24, 1863.
Henry R. Queen, corporal; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro, Feb, 20, 1863; must.
out June 24, 1863.
Christopher Hartman, corporal ; eul, Sept. 3, 1862 ; pro. April 1, 1863 ;
must, out June 24, 1863.
Samuel L. Comer, corp. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; died of typhoid pneumonia
at Belle Plains, Va., March 2, 1S63.
Johnson H. Bennett, mus.; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
William Lisk, musician ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Abraham B. Seals, wagoner; eul. Sept. 3, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1863.
Privates, XX
Samuel S. Allen, Frederick H, Apgar, David Awble, William Bodine
(disch. for disability in hospital at Washington, D, C, April 24, 1863),
William Briggs, Chnatopher Bryan, John M. Bryan, Nelson Bunn,
Samuel W. Burd, William B. Burk (pro. to hospital steward Sept. 18,
1862), Theodore Castuer, William H. Conover, Matthias J. Crammer,
Joseph S. Daws (assigned to Co. A, Fifteenth Regiment, Jan. 14,
1864), James Elson, William Flatt, Benjamin Fritts, Conrad A.
Fritts, Henry Fritts, James Gary, Charles Hahu (corporal Sept. 3,
1862 ; private Feb. 9, 1863), James Hand, Moses F, Hann, Godfrey
H. Hardy, Enoch C. Hartpence, Horace G. Hildebrant, William Hen-
derson, Jr., Oliver Henry, Patrick Higgins, Garret Hoffman, Jacob
Hofi'mau. Peter Hoffman, James Horning (disch. for disability in
hospital at Philadelphia, Pa., June 1, 1863), James Hummer, Peter
P. Johnson (disch. for disability in hospital at Washington, D. C,
May 18, 1863), Benliart Krouse, Jos. Leigh, Emanuel Lisk, Thomas
Mahar, Stout McCastle, Henry McClary, Hugh McLaughlin, Baltes
Melick, John W.Mitchell, Wm. S. Mitchell, Peter F.Moor, Nicholas
Mon, Peter D. Morgan, John Nier, Garret S. Nichols, Jacob Peterson,
Wm. Petty, Abra. Philhower, James S. Seals, Johu 0. Shay, Philip
Smith, John Snyder, Joseph Snyder, James Stevenson, Jacob D.
Stires, William Stires, John Strouble (sergeant Sept. 3, 1862 ; private
XX All enlisted Sept. 3. 1862; all mustered in Sept. 17, 1862, and mus-
tered out June 24, 1863, unless otherwise stated.
THIRTY-FIFTH INFANTRY, AND OTHER REGIMENTS.
149
April 1, 18G3), Hi-nry Swalbapk, Wesley Sweazy, Whitfield Strouble
(died from disease at Belle plains, Va., March 19, 1863), John B.
Swick, Abraham Teats, Williijqi F. Thompson, George Walters (cor-
poral Sept. 3, 1862; private Feb. 20, 1863), John L. Warren, Stephen
Whitbeck, Charles A. Wood, George T. Woolston (pro. to quarter-
master-sergeant Sept. 18, 1862).
CHAPTER XV.
THIRTY-FIFTH IWFAITTKT, AND OTHER
RBGIMEBTTS.
Officers of the Thirty-fifth Regiment, and of Company A Movements of
the Begiment in Virginia and in the Southwest In the Georgia Cam-
paign, with Sherman Capt. Angel killed Battleof Decatur In Front
of Atlanta " March to the Sea" Close of its Campaigning, and Mus-
ter-out ^Boster of Co. A Hunterdon and Somerset Men in other Beg-
iments: Co. F, Ninth Infantry; Co. E, Eleventh Infantry; Co. B,
Thirty-eighth Infantry.
HuNTEKDON County fumished. to the Thirty-fiffch
Regiment one full company (A), as well as many men
who served in some of its other companies. The re-
mainder of the regiment was recruited chiefly in the
county of Essex.* Its rendezvous was at Fleming-
ton, where it was mustered into the service in Sep-
tember, 1863. It soon afterwards moved to Washing-
ton, D. C, whence a few weeks later it was transferred
to the Southwest, going by way of Wheeling, W. Va.,
Cincinnati, Jeffersonville, Ind., and Paducah, Ky.,
and from the latter place up the Tennessee River to
Eastport, Miss., but was soon moved back to Colum-
bus, Ky., and thence to Union City, Tenn., where it
went into winter quarters. But about the middle of
January it was again moved to Columbus, Ky., and
thence down the Mississippi to Vicksburg. It saw
some skirmishing on the expedition to Meridian,
Miss., on which it was engaged during nearly the
whole of February, and after its return to the river it
proceeded to Cairo, 111., and thence, a week later, was
transported to Chattanooga, Tenn., where it joined
the army of Gen. Sherman, and was assigned to duty
in the First Brigade, Second Division, Sixteenth
Army Corps.
With this command it took part in the memorable
campaign which resulted in the capture of Atlanta.
On the 13th of May it became engaged, but lost only
one man killed and thirteen wounded. On the 14th
it was ordered to support a storming- party, and re-
mained under fire during all that day and night, sus-
taining some loss. On the 15th, Capt. Angel, of A
company, was sent with his command into Resaca,
where he captured thirty prisoners and some Confed-
erate mails. The total losses of the regiment in front
* The regimental officers of the Thirty-fifth when it moved to the front
were: Colonel, John J. Cladek; lieutenant-colonel, William A. Henry;
major, Austin H. Patterson; adjutant, J. Augustus Fay, Jr.; quarter-
master, Lemuel B. Toung ; surgeon, George E. Summers ; assistant sur-
geons, Bichard G. Taylor, John T. Lanning ; chaplain, Nathaniel L. Up-
ham. The commissioned officers of Company A were : Captain, Charles
A. Angel; first lieutenant, Andrew L. Day; second lieutenant, James
McMillan.
of Resaca were two killed and twenty-two wounded.
On the 27th of May, near Dallas, it was again en-
gaged, two companies, under Capt. Angel, charging
the enemy and carrying the assaulted position, but
not being able to hold it against reinforcements which
then came up. On the 28th and 29th it was almost
constantly skirmishing, but sustained a loss of only
twelve, killed and wounded.
On the 15th of June the Thirty-fifth was heavily
engaged in skirmishing between Kenesaw and Pine
Mountain, losing fifteen in killed and wounded. On
the 16th it marched to Kenesaw and took part in the
two weeks' fighting which succeeded, but lost only
thirteen men wounded during these operations. On
the 4th of July the regiment was briskly engaged at
Ruff's Mills, Ga., in which Capt. Angel, of A com-
pany (then acting-major of the regiment), was killed
within thirty yards of the rebel position. " No oflScer
in the regiment had displayed higher soldierly quali-
fications or was more generally beloved, and his death
was sincerely lamented not only in his own command,
but throughout the entire brigade."
On the 8th of July the regiment entered Marietta,
Ga., proceeding thence to the Chattahoochee River,
which it crossed by fording on the 9th, and intrenched
on the south side of that stream. Here it remained
for several days, but on the 19th moved forward to
Decatur, where it took part in the engagement of the
22d, being, with two other regiments, attacked by an
overwhelming force of infantry and cavalry.
" The men of the Thirty-fifth moved steadily into line of battle, and
at once opened on the rebels, checking them for some minutes. Soon,
however, they advanced with added force, and the regiment, vastly out-
numbered, gradually fell back for a distance of thirty yards, when it
again turned and poured a deadly volley into the ranks of the pui-suera,
causing them in turn to fall back. But their repulse was but for a mo-
ment. Promptly rallied by their ofQcers, the rebels once more advanced,
and, although the Thirty-fifth a third time turned upon them and held
them for half an hour, it was at last compelled to retire to the town.
Here the regiment was joined by the rest of the brigade, but, the enemy
coming in on all sides, the entire command continued the retreat, suffer-
ing severely from the fire of the pursuers, the casualties in the Thirty-
fifth numbering one killed and sixteen wounded, with a loss of two
officers and thirty-seven men missing. f "
On the 24th the regiment moved to the front of At-
lanta, and there occupied a line of rifle-pits. On the
28th it sustained seven successive charges made by the
Confederates on its position, repulsing them all with
heavy loss to the enemy, who left his dead on the
field. The loss to the Thirty-fifth was very lightj.
though " the flag of the regiment was riddled with
bullets and the State standard was twice shot down
but as often replaced." This was the last action of
any moment in which the regiment was engaged dur-
ing the Atlanta campaign. On the 8th of September
(the serious work of the campaign having ended by
the capture of the city) it went into- camp at East
Point for a season of rest and recuperation. It was
again in motion in October, however, and during that
month marched two hundred and twenty-one miles
f Foster's " New Jersey and the Rebellion."
150
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
in various directions through Northwestern Georgia,
and was engaged with the enemy at Eesaca on the
15th, losing twenty-five, killed and wounded.
The Thirty-fifth took part in the great " March to
the Sea,'' leaving its camp on the 15th of November
and moving with the army through the heart of
Oeorgia, arriving within six miles of Savannah on the
10th of December without having been engaged be-
yond a little light skirmishing on the way. On the
21st the enemy evacuated the city, which was occu-
pied by the Union troops on the following day,
though the Thirty-fifth did not enter, but remained
on picket duty. On the 3d of January, 1865, it moved
through the city to the Savannah Eiver, where it
embarked on the steamer " S. E. Spaulding'' and
proceeded to Port Eoyal, S. C, whence, with other
troops, it was forwarded to Pocotaligo. On the 1st of
February, with the other forces, it moved northward
through swamps and lagoons, often wading knee-deep
in water for long distances. It reached and passed
through Orangeburg on the 12th, and arrived at
Columbia, the capital of the State, on the 16th.
From there it marched through Winnsboro' to
Cheraw, where it was on provost duty for several
days. Still pressing on, it reached Fayetteville,
N. C, on the 11th of March, and after a halt of two
days took the road to Goldsboro', where, soon after
its arrival, the men were furnished with new clothing
and other necessaries. The regiment did not take
part in the battles of Averysboro' and Bentonville,
N. C, but its march from Pocotaligo had been one of
great hardship, and the men sufiered very severely ;
but they had endured all without complaint.
On the 10th of April, Gen. Sherman advanced
with determination against the Confederate general
Johnston at Smithfield, N. C. The town was en-
tered on the following day, the enemy retreating to
Ealeigh, and thence to Greensboro'. The news of
Lee's surrender at Appomattox having been received,
Johnston at once asked a suspension of hostilities,
which being granted, negotiations were entered upon,
which, on the 26th, resulted in the surrender of
Johnston's army. The campaigning of the regiment
was now over, and on the 29th of April it broke
camp for the march to Washington. It reached
Petersburg, Va., on the 8th of May, and, passing
thence to and through Eichmond, arrived in the
vicinity of the national capital on the 19th. Here it
remained several weeks (much to the disappointment
of the men, who greatly disliked this long halt on
the homeward march), but the welcome order came
at last, and on the 22d of July the regiment left for
Trenton, where it was disbanded.
The following is a list of officers and enlisted men
of Company A of the Thirty-fifth Eegiment, raised
in Lambertville, Hunterdon Co. :
Charles A. Angel, captain ; com. Aug. 28, 1S63 ; killed in action near
KuffB Mills, Ga., July 4, 1804 ; buded at National Cemelerj', Marietta,
Ga.
J. Augustus Fay, Jr., captain ; com. July 31,1864; adjutant July 21,1863;
pro. to captain, vice Angel, killed; pro. to major Fortieth Be^ment
Feb. 16, 1865.
Daniel K. Hineon, captain ; com. March 28, 1865 ; private July 27, 1863 ;
sergeant-major Oct. 14, 1863 ; iirst lieutenant March 9, 1864 ; captain,
vice Fay, promoted.
Andrew L. Day, first lieutenant; com. Aug. 28, 1863; disch. Jan. 11,
1864, by S. 0. War Department.
James McMillan, second lieutenant ; com. Aug. 28, 1863 ; dismissed Feb.
8, 1864, by S. 0. War Department.
James Crowell, second lieutenant; com,- March 9,1864; quarterma^ter-
sergeant; second lieutenant, wice McMillan, dismissed; res. Feb. 1,
1866
William H. Martin, second lieutenant ; com. March 28, 1865 ; pro. from
sergeant Co. D ; must, out July 20, 1865
Edward Kennedy, first sergeant; enl. July 27, 1863; pro. to second lieu-
tenant Co. F Nov. 7, 1864.
Charles H. Naylor, first sergeant; enl. July 27, 1863; sergeant Dec. 17,
1863 ; first sergeant Jan. 1, 1865.
Samuel L. Slack, sergeant; enl. July 27, 1863; pro. May 1, 1865; must,
out July 20, 1865.
John C. Higgins, sergeant; enl. July 27, 1863; pro. from corporal July
10, 1866 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
John Coward, sergeant ; enl. July 27, 1863 ; pro. from corporal July 1.
1866 ; must out July 20, 1865.
Patrick Kiley, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; pro. from private July 1,
1865 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
Samuel Boyd, sergeant; enl. Aug. 11, 1863; trans, to Co. E, Fourteenth
Regiment, Oct. 31, 1863.
William Chidester, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; missing on picket near
Goldsboro', N. C, March 20, 1865 ; recorded at War Department as
died that date.
John Hayes, sergeant ; enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Andrew J. Roe, corporal; enl. Sept. 1,1863; trans, from Co. K_; must,
out July 20, 1865.
Owen O'Neil, corporal ; enl. Aug. 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Joseph Beckhardt, corporal ; enl. Aug. 19, 1863; must, out July 20, 1866.
Richard Calligban, corporal ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864; disch. at Washington by
order of War Department May 18, 1865.
John King, corporal; enl. Aug. 13, 1863; died at military hospital,
Chicago, Nov. 10, 1864; buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago, 111.
Alfred Woolverton, corporal; enl. Aug. 24, 1863; died of diarrhcea at
Jefferson Barracks, Mo., June 26, 1864 ; buried at National Cemetery,
Jefferson Barracks.
John W. Neal, Jr., corporal ; enl. July 27, 1863 ; not must, out with com-
pany.
William C. Bryaut, corporal; enl. Aug. 11, 1863; not must, out with
company.
Charles Verthuren, corporal ; enl. Feb. 2, 1865 ; not must, out with com-
pany.
Robert Snowden, musician ; enl. Aug. 13, 1863 ; disch. by order of War
Department May 4, 1865.
Charles Van Marter, musician ; enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20,
1806
Isaac H. Miller, wagoner ; enl. Aug. 4, 1863 ; disch. on account of wounds
June 13, 1865.
Samuel Carr, wagoner ; enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; disch. on account of disability
April 20, 1804.
Richard Garmo, wagoner ; enl. Oct. 6, 1863 ; disch. on account of dis-
ability April 10, 1866.
John P. Nice, wagoner ; enl. July 27, 1863 ; disch. on account of dis-
ability Jan. 13, 1864.
John Reed, wagoner ; enl. Aug. 17, 1863 ; disch. on account of disability
June 8, 1864.
Michael Roach, wagoner; disch. S. 0. War Department Jan. 14, 1865.
Herman Stehr, wagoner; enl. Sept. 14, 1864; disch. at Trenton, N. J.,
Oct. 2, 1864.
Privatee.
Joseph Anthony, enl. March 30, 1865 ; trans, from Co. G ; must, out July
20, 1865.
John Allen, enl. Feb. 17, 186fi ; not must, out with company.
John Barnes, enl. Jan. 14, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
George Beck, enl. Feb. 17, 1806 ; not must, out with company.
Louis Becker, enl. April 10, 1K65 ; not must, out with company.
Henry Blum, enl. Aug. 8, 1863 ; missing ; not must, out with company.
Chas. Burns, enl. Aug. 4, 1863 ; missing; not must, out with company.
THIRTYFIFTH INFANTRY, AND OTHER REGIMENTS.
151
Thninas Burns, enl. A\ig. 21, 1863 ; missing : not must, out with company.
Peter Bain, enl. Fell. 23, 18S4; must, out July 20, 1866.
Jamen Barrett, enl. Au?. 13, 1863 ; disoli. at Phila., Pa., March 26, 1866.
Chiirles Bier, enl. March 14, 1865 ; must, out Nov. 29, 1866.
Chua. J. Bice, enl. Oct 14. 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
Jam^s S. Blue, enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; disch. by order of "War Department
May 30, 1866.
Henry Bogert, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, ont July 20, 1865.
Alfred Booze, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; must, out July 20, 1866.
Henry Bradley, enl. Oct. 4, 1864 ; trans, from Co. K ; must, out July 20,
1866
Abraham M. Budd, enl. Sept. 13, 1864 ; disch. by order from War De-
partment May 30, 1865.
Louis Buedel, enl. April 12, 1865 ; trans, from Co. J ; must, out July 20,
1865
Daniel Burget, enl. March 8, 1866 ; must, out July 6, 1866.
Henry Baker, enl. Aug. 29, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
Owen Baker, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
George Barker, enl. Sept. 15, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G.
â– William Basto, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E.
Jerry J. Bertrand, enl. Feb. 18, 1866 ; trans, to Co. D.
Edwin Clark, enl. July 27, 1863 ; disch. by order from War Department
July 7, 1865.
Joseph J. L. Clinton, enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; pro. to commissary-sergeant
Dec. 25, 1864.
Henry C. Cook, enl. Aug. 8, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
James Cox, enl. Aug. 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
John Corning, enl. Jan. 9, 1866 ; trans, to Co. G.
Michael Connor, enl. Aug. 24, 18G3 ; not must, out with company.
Isaac Chambers, enl. Jan. 21, 1865 ; final record unknown.
James Doyle, enl. March 23, 1864 ; final record unknown.
John Dnrcy, enl. Feb. 26, 1866 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
Henry De Gram, enl. March 28, 1866 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Edmund Disbiow, enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; disch. at hospital at Newark, N. J.,
Aug. 17, 1865.
William J. Dunning, enl. Aug. 24, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Joseph Durand, enl. Sept. 28, 1863; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps
March 20, 1866; disch. Nov. 28, 1866.
John Daley, enl. Jan. 17, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
Anthony De Silvn, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; not must, out with company.
Joseph Elk, enl. Feb. 4, 1866 ; disch. from hospital by order from War
Department ; must, out July 8, 1865.
Levis Ensign, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
William Everett, enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; disch. by order from War Depart-
ment May 30, 1866.
Alexander Evans, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. D.
John Fisher, enl. Sept. 15, 1864 ; disch. at hospital by order of War De-
partment June 28, 1865.
Patrick Fanning, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
John L. FuUrman, enl. March 16, 1865 ; trans, to Co. K.
Francis Flanley, enl. Aug. 26, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
John Gillen, enl. Sept. 16, 1864 ; trans, from Co. E ; leg amputated ;
disch. May 30, 186S.
William F. Gordon, enl. Aug. 4, 1803; must, ont July 20, 1866.
Andrew Green, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
William Grant, enl, Sept. 29, 1863; not must, outwith company.
Joh n Green, enl. March 11 , 1865 ; not must, out with company.
Eicliard Griflin, enl. Oct. 10, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
John Gill, enl. April 11, 1864; wounded at Savannah. Ga., and leg am-
putated.
Michael Goggins, enl. Jan. 26, 1866 ; final record unknown.
John Hammell, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Samiiel B. Harold, enl. Aug. 22, 1868 ; disch. by order of War Depart
ment July 31, 1865.
Patrick Haynes, enl. March 13, 1866 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Charles Herbst (or Halps), enl. Jan. 21, 1865; must, out July 20, 1866.
James Higgins, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Samuel C. Hill, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; must, out July 2U, 1866.
James Howard, enl. Sept. 21, 1863 ; paroled prisoner ; disch. at Trenton
by order of War Department June 17, 1865.
Cornelius Hully, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
John Hubs, enl. Sept. 21, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
George H. Hutchinson, enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Charles Hayes, enl. Jan. 9, 1866 ; trans, to Co. G.
James Haley, enl. Jan 17, 1865 ; not mnst. out with company.
Joseph Harrington, enl. Feb. 16, 1866 ; not must, out with company.
Joseph Headley, enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
John C. P. Heaney, enl. Feb. 17, 1866 ; not must, out with company.
George Hillyer, enl. Jan 14, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
George M. Jones, enl. Sept. 11, 1863 ; trans, to Co. K ; not must, out with
company.
W. T. Johnson, enl. Aug, 13, 1864; final record unknown.
Frederick Kaiifman, enl. March 8, 1865 ; must, ont July 20, 1866.
Robert M. Kerrison, enl. July 27, 1863 ; disch. by order of War Depart-
ment July 23, 1865.
John G. Kimball, enl. Aug. 20, 1863 ; disch. by order of War Department
June 6, 1865.
John Keim, enl. Sept. 14, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
David Kreiger, enl. Sept. 14, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
Thomas Kane, enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Patrick Keating, enl. Feb. 24, 1866 ; not must, out with company.
Gottleib F. Keherer, enl. March 9, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
James Kennedy, enl. Feb. 1, 1865; not must, out with company.
William W. Kendrick, enl. Aug. 13, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Peter C. King, enl. Feb. 3, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
Henry E. Kohler, enl. March 6, 1866 ; not must, out with company.
Samuel Legasey, enl. March 14, 1866 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
Henry Lawler, enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Eugene Lepron, enl. Sept. 23, 1864 ; trans, from Co. E ; disch. by order of
War Department May 30, 1866.
George W. Lloyd, enl. Sept. 14, 1864; trans, from Co. K; disch. by order
of War Department May 30, 1865.
W. Harrison Lum, enl. Aug. 4, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
John Lander, enl. Aug. 22, 1863 ; not must, outwith company.
Patrick Mannan, enl. Sept. 7, 1864 ; disch. by order of War Department
May 30, 1866.
Gotleib Mannerhan, enl. March 7, 1865 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
George McCliesney, enl. Aug. 8, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
William McCne, enl. Aug. 7, 1863; must, out July 20, 1865.
Patrick McDermott, enl. Sept. 12, 1864; disch. by order of War Depart-
ment May 30, 1865.
William McGowan, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
William McGuire, enl. Aug. 8, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Peter McLinden, enl. March 8, 1865 ; trans, from Co. F ; must, out July
20, 1866.
Joseph M. Mitchell, enl. Jan. 5, 1865 ; trans, from Co. C ; must, out July
20, 1865.
Francis Mulligan, enl. Feb. 27, 1866 ; disch. by order of War Department
July 23, 1865.
Jesse B. Moore, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B.
Patrick Mahan, enl. Sept. 26, 1864 ; not must, out with company.
John Mann, enl. Aug. 22, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Henry Mayuard, enl. Sept. 29, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Samuel Milroy, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; not must, out with company.
Joseph Murphj', enl. Aug. 19, 1863; not must, ont with company,
Amos Myers, enl. July 27, 1863; not must, out with company,
John W. Neal, enl. Sept. 7, 1864; disch. by order of War Department
May 4, 1865.
George O'Daniel, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, ont July 20, 1866,
William Osborne, enl, Aug. 8, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865,
Charles Owen, enl. Feb. 24, 1866; must, out July 20, 1866,
Joseph Y. Packer, enl. Aug. 20, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865,
John W, Pfefl'er, enl, March 13, 1865 ; mnst. out July 20, 1866.
Charles Petit, enl. Sept. 15, 1864; trans, to Co. K.
John Pesco, enl. Oct. 10, 1863 ; not mnst. out with company,
Patrick Phelan, enl. Aug. 7, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
John R. Price, enl. Oct, 2, 1863 ; not must, out with company,
John Keppert, enl. March 5, 1865; must, out July 20, 1865,
George G. Kosendale, enl. March 16, 1866 ; trans, to Co. I,
Charles Rue, enl, Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
William B. Rapp, enl. Jan. 14, 1865 ; not must, out with company,
William S. Rolland, enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Harr.y Russell, enl. Aug. 13, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
George Salter, enl. Aug. 14, 1863 ; disch, by order of War Department
July 11, 1866,
John Schafl'er, enl, March 7, 1865 ; mnst, out July 20, 1866,
Peter Schuster, enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865,
John Sides, enl, Aug. 4, 1863 ; must, ont July 20, 1865,
John Skillman, enl. Sept, 24, 1863; trans, from Co. G; must, out July
20, 1865.
Bishop C. Smith, enl. Aug. 10, 1863 ; mnst. out July 20, 1866,
John Smith, eul. March 7, 1866; disch. by order of War Department
July 11, 1865.
Mahlon Smith, enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1866.
152
HUNTEKDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
John W. States, eiil. Sept. 12, ISGi ; disch. by order of War Bepartment
May 30, 1865.
William H. Stewart, enl. Sept. 13, 1864 ; discli. by order of War Departr
meDt May 30, ISGS.
Cornelius Q. StuU, enl. Sept. 3, 1863 ; trans, from Co. K • must, out July
201,866.00
James Sandford, enl. Jan. 9, 1865 ; trans, to Go. I.
David Schoen, enl. Sept. 12, 1864; trans, to Co. G.
Theodore Swanaker, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B.
Patrick Sharkey, enl. Sept. 14, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E.
Garret Smith, enl. Jan. 9, 1865 ; trans, to Co. B.
James W. Smith, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to First Connecticut Cavalry
Sept. 24, 1864.
Henry B. Stevenson, enl. Sept. 14, 1864 ; trans, to Co. K.
James Stewart, enl. Jan. 18, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E.
George Sldnner, enl. April 11, 1865; final record unknown.
Daniel Sailor, eul. July 27, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Joseph R. Sailor, enl. Julyi7, 1863, not must, out with company.
William Sinclair, enl. Aug. 27. 1863 ; not must, out with company.
David Spencer, enl. March 11, 1865 ; not must, out with company.
Sidney B. StuU, enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
Christopher Thudeum, enl. Aug. 10, 1863 ; disch. from hospital by order
of War Department June 7, 1S65.
Charles Towee, enl. Sept. H, 1864 ; trans, from Co. K ; disch. by order of
War Department May 30, 1865.
Miles Taylor, enl. Feb. 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. B.
David Trauger, enl. July 27, 1863; trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps;
disch. for disability Sept. 24, 1864.
Dennis Tunny, enl. Sept. 13, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B.
Charles Taylor, enl. Oct. 10, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
John W. Thorp, enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; not. must, out with company.
Martin Thravers, enl. March 14, 1865; not must, out with company.
Edward Vannaman, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Henry F. Vaughn, enl. July 27, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
John H. Vogeding, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
Samuel L. Wright, enl. Sept. 1 3, 1864 ; pro. to hosp. steward May 1, 1865.
Wilson D. Wright, enl. Aug. 4, 1863 ; must, out July 20, 1865.
George H. Westcott, enl. Sept. 13, 1864; trans, to Co. E.
Richard Westcott, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E.
Christopher Wilson, enl. Aug. 22, 1864; trans, to Co. D.
William Wilson, enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; not must, out with company.
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTY MEN IN
OTHER REGIMENTS.
In the Ninth New Jersey Infantry Kegiment there
was one company (F), Captain William B. Curlies,
which was partially filled by men of Hunterdon and
Somerset Counties. This regiment (originally a rifle
organization) was mustered at Camp Olden, Trenton,
in October, 1861, and left the State on the 4th of De-
cember following. On the 4th of January, 1862, it
was moved to Annapolis, where it was embarked as
part of the famous " Burnside expedition" against
Roanoke Island, N. C. Its first battle was in the
assault on the rebel works at that place, where it lost
thirty-four killed and wounded. It also fought bravely
at Newbern, and at other points in North Carolina
during the campaign of that year, in a manner which
drew from the Legislature of New Jersey the follow-
ing flattering recognition of its services, viz. :
*' Besohed, That the Ninth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers, by their
patieut endurance under privation and fatigue, and by their courage at
the ever-to-be-remombered battles of Roanoke and Newbern (a courage
evinced by the havoc made in their own unwavering columns better than
by the reports of partial journals), have sustained the high reputation
which since the days of the Revolution has belonged to the soldiers of
New Jersey; and as evidence of our appreciation of that acme of every
manly virtue, ' patriotic devotion to country,' the Governor of the State
is requested to have prepared and forwarded to said regiment a standard,
on which shall be inscribed these words: 'Presented by New Jersey to
her Ninth Regiment, in remembrance of Roanoke and Newbern.' "
The color so ordered were presented to the regiment
at Newbern on the 24th of December, 1862.
Subsequently, until the close of the war, the Ninth
fought with gallantry and distinction in a great num-
ber of battles and skirmishes, of which the entire list,
as recorded in the office of the adjutant-general of the
State, is as follows : Roanoke Island, N. C, Feb. 8,
1861 ; Newbern, N. C, March 14, 1862 ; Fort Macon,
N. C, April 25, 1862; Young's Cross-Roads, N. C,
July 27, 1862 ; Rowell's Mill, N. C, Nov. 2, 1862 ;
Deep Creek, N. C, Dec. 12, 1862 ; Southwest Creek,
N. C, Dec. 13, 1862; before Kinston, N. C, Dec. 13,
1862 ; Kinston, N. C, Dec. 14, 1862 ; Whitehall, N. C,
Dec. 16, 1862; Goldsboro', N. C, Dec. 17, 1862; Com-
fort, N. C, July 6, 1863 ; near Winston, N. C, July
26, 1863; Deep Creek, N. C, Feb. 7, 1864; Cherry
Grove, N. C, April 14, 1864; Port Walthall, Va.,
May 6 and 7, 1864; Swift Creek, Va., May 9 and 10,
1864; Drury's Bluff', Va., May 12 to 16, 1864; Cold
Harbor, Va., June 3 to 12, 1864; Petersburg, Va.,
from June 20 to Aug. 24, 1864; Gardner's Bridge,
N. C, Dec. 9, 1864; Foster's Bridge, N. C, Dec. 10,
1864; Butler's Bridge, N. C, Dec. 11, 1864; near
Southwest Creek, N. C, March 7, 1865 ; Wise's Forks,
N. C, March 8, 9, and 10, 1865 ; Goldsboro', N. C,
March 21, 1865.
The Eleventh Infantry Regiment had one company
(E) which was largely composed of men from Hun-
terdon County. This regiment was raised in the
summer of 1862, and, under command of Col. Robert
McAllister, left Trenton on the 25th of August in
that year for Washington, from which city it crossed
the Potomac into Virginia, and was there engaged in
the ordinary duties assigned to regiments fresh from
the camp of organization. At Fairfax Court-house,
on the 16th of November following, it was incor-
porated with Carr's brigade of Sickles' division, and
two days later set out on the march to Falmouth, on
the Rappahannock, where it arrived on the 27th with
other commands of the great army which Gen. Burn-
side was concentrating at that point in preparation
for the great struggle at Fredericksburg. The terrible
battle at that place, on the 13th of December, was the
first general engagement in which the Eleventh took
part, but (although its loss on that day was slight,,
being only six killed and wounded and six missing)
the regiment performed all that was required of it,,
and behaved with steadiness and gallantry on this as-
on many a later field.
From this time the Eleventh took part in all the
campaigns of the Army of the Potomac until the
close of the war. In the great battle of Chancellors-
ville it lost one hundred and thirty-three in killed
and wounded, and assisted in repelling some of the
heaviest assaults* made by the veterans of Stonewall
* A letter written from the field of Chancellorsville said that in that
battle the Eleventh New Jersey, by holding its position aud fighting des-
perately against overwhelming odds, saved the Second Brigade of New
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
153
Jackson. At Gettysburg, on the 2(i of July, it sus-
tained some of the heaviest attacks of the day, losing
one hundred and fifty-four officers and men killed
and wounded. It fought at Kelly's Ford of the Rap-
pahannock on the 8th of November, taking a large
number of prisoners. On the 26th it was engaged at
Locust Grove, losing twenty-six killed and wounded.
On the 3d of December it went into winter quarters
near Brandy Station.
On the opening of the spring campaign of 1864
the Eleventh left its winter camp at one o'clock a.m.
on the 4th of May, and moved into the " Wilderness."
In the terrible advance through that dark and bloody
ground, in the fire and carnage of Spottsylvania, at
Cold Harbor, on the route from that ghastly field to
the front of Petersburg, and in the tedious and de-
structive operations against that stronghold during
the summer of 1864 and the spring of 1865, its mem-
bers always showed conspicuous gallantr)"- and strict
attention to the requirements of soldierly duty. Upon
the termination of hostilities its survivors were
marched to Washington, and thence were transported
to Trenton, where they arrived on the 15th of June,
1865, and were soon after discharged.
The Thirty-eighth Eegiment of infantry, which
was raised in the summer and autumn of 1864, under
Col. William J. Sewell, contained one company (B,
Capt. George W. Day) which was partially made up
of men from Hunterdon County. Upon leaving the
State this regiment proceeded to City Point, Va.,
thence to Bermuda Hundred, and from there to Fort
Powhatan, on the James Elver, about fifteen miles
below City Point. The troops at that place consisted
of this regiment, a squadron of cavalry, and a battery
of artillery, and their duties were keeping the river
open and protecting a line of telegraph for a distance
of about forty miles. In the performance of this duty
skirmishes with guerrilla bands frequently occurred,
but no general engagement resulted. The Thirty-
eighth remained at Fort Powhatan engaged in this
duty until the close of the war, when it was ordered
to City Point, and thence to Trenton, where it arrived
on the 4th of July, 1866.
CHAPTER XV L
EDUCATIONAL ABTD STATISTICAL.
#NAME?
The Early Dutch enjoin the Support of a Schoolmaater, in 1629'
Schoolmaster and School-house in New Jersey The Scotch-Preshy-
terlans bring Schoolmasters with them The Quakers and Schools-
Colonial Legislation The OoUeges School-Fund created in 1817
Subseanent Legislation, etc. Free Schools Educational Statistics of
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties Statistics of Population, etc.
The Dutch who first settled New York and the
adjacent part of New Jersey held the Church and the
Jersey from being flanked, and enabled the Fifth Begiment of that bri-
gade to take the colors whose capture gave them so much distinction.
11
school in the same high estimation with which they
were regarded in their own Fatherland. The charter
of the West India Company (1629) enjoined upon its
patrons and the colonists " in the speediest manner to
endeavor to find out ways and means whereby they
might support a minister and a schoolmaster."
The first schoolmaster who taught in New Jersey
was Englebert Steenhuysen, at Jersey City, in 1662,*
where the first school-house was erected in 1664.
One hundred years prior to the Declaration of
Independence (in 1676) the Scotch Presbyterians
brought preachers and schoolmasters with them, and
established schools in their settlements in East
Jersey.! The Woodbridge charter (1669) also looked
after the subject of educating the young ; James Ful-
lerton was the first schoolmaster there, in 1689. With
the pioneer Quakers in West New Jersey, education
being a part of their religion, schools were very early
established. The first school fund established in the
province (and, we think, in America) was by the set-
tlement at Burlington, in 1683, in setting apart an
island in the Delaware, opposite the town, for educa-
tional purposes, and the revenues derived from the
rent or sale of lands were reserved for the support of
schools.
Twice under the proprietary government were
schools and schoolmasters made the subject of legis-
lation. First, in 1693, the first school law of the
State, the General Assembly of East New Jersey
authorized the inhabitants of any town, by warrant
from any justice of the peace, to meet and choose
three men to make a rate and establish the salary of
a schoolmaster for as long a time as they might think
proper, a majority of the inhabitants to compel the
payment of any rates levied and withheld, the act
setting forth that " the cultivation of learning and
good manners tends greatly to the good and benefit of
mankind."! This act, being found inconvenient, " by
reason of the distance of the neighborhood," in 1695
was amended : it provided that three men should be
chosen annually in each town, to have power to select
a teacher " and the most convenient place or places
where the school shall be kept, that as near as may
be the whole inhabitants may have the benefit
thereof." This was a complete recognition of the
principle of taxing property for the support of public
schools, which at that time was up to the most ad-
vanced legislation on this subject in America.? Under
this law schools were established in all parts of the
province.
The College of New Jersey was incorporated in
1746, and ten years later was permanently located at
Princeton. The Presbyterian Church founded a the-
* Bergen had a school about the same time, 1661-63, which possibly
may have antedated the one at Jersey City. PrcUCs Annals of Education
in New York, pp. 36, 37.
f Vide records of Newark, etc.
X Learning and Spicer's Laws, p. ?'28. â–
§ Ellis A. Apgar, School Eeports, 1879, p. 37.
154
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
ological school at the same place in 1811. Rutgers
College was chartered by King George III. in 1770,
under the name of Queen's College, at New Bruns-
wick.' In 1825 the State Legislature changed its name
in honor of Henry Rutgers, one of its benefactors.
The Reformed Church control this institution.
" The first definite step taken by the Legislature of
the State to provide the means of education by cre-
ating a fund for the support of free schools was in
1817. The act that was passed made certain appro-
priations for the establishment of a permanent school
fund. The following year a board of trustees was "
established for the management of the school fund.
In 1820 the townships of the State were first autho-
rized to raise money for school purposes, for the
education of " such poor children as are paupers."
It was in consequence of this legislation that the New
Jersey public schools were for so many years regarded
as pauper schools.* In 1824 it was enacted that one-
tenth of all the State taxes should every year be
added to the school fund. In 1828 townships were
first empowered to vote moneys at town-meeting for
the building and repairing of school-houses. During
the next few years there was a general agitation of
the subject of public education throughout the State.
A. "central committee," appointed by a convention
ield at Trenton in 1828, canvassed the State; the
Rev. Dr. Maclean, of the College of New Jersey, the
same year delivered at Princeton an address, in which
he urged nearly all the features that characterize the
present system of public instruction ; the New Jersey
Missionary Society appointed a committee to inquire
into the condition of education in the State, etc.f
To the many memorials and petitions the Legisla-
ture nobly responded in the law of 1829, which appro-
priated twenty thousand dollars annually from the
school fund, and which was the first comprehensive
school law in the State. In 1831 these funds were
bestowed upon all schools, public, private, or paro-
chial. The enactment of 1838, while repealing all
former acts, restored many of the desirable features
of the act of 1829. Township school committees were
again to be elected, who were to proceed to divide the
township into school districts ; they were required to
visit schools and make reports as before. By it, also,
the annual appropriation was increased by an addi-
tion of ten thousand dollars. Teachers were obliged
to pass examination and obtain license from boards
of county examiners elected by the chosen freeholders,
or from the township school committees.
The constitution of 1844 required the school fund
to be securely invested, and to remain a perpetual
* The opprobriouB term " paupera" remained in all subsequent enact-
ments relating to public schools until the year 1838.
-f From the report of a committee of the Legislature of 1829 we make
the following extract: "The lamentable truth appears that nearly fifteen
thousand persons over the age of fifteen years remain in total ignorance,
unable either to read or write ; . . . nearly twelve thousand children
under the age of fifteen years, are depriyed of the means of obtaining
even the first rudiments of an education."
fund. In 1845 a State superintendent was first pro-
vided.
By the law of 1846, while the annual school fund
appropriation remained the same and the limitations
of school age five and sixteen were continued,
many other features were changed. The licensing of
teachers, before optional, now became obligatory, as
also the requirement that townships shall (not may)
raise a sum " at least equal to that received from the
State, and not greater than twice such amount." In
1848 authority was first given townships to use the
interest of the surplus revenue for the support of
public schools. In 1851 an amendment to the act of
1846 increased the annual appropriation to forty
thousand dollars, changed the basis of apportion-
ment, and made the school-age limitation five and
eighteen years, which latter still obtains. In 1854
teachers' institutes were first established. In 1855
the Legislature provided for the purchase of a copy of
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary for each school
in the State, and the next year added a copy of " Lip-
pincott's Pronouncing Gazetteer of the World." The
State Normal School was instituted in 1855. The
State board of education was established in 1866.
The act of 1867 authorized the board to appoint
county superintendents. The county superintendent,
with two teachers selected by him, became the county
examiner; examinations were held quarterly, and
certificates issued of three grades.
The Legislature of 1871 passed the liberal act which
made all the public schools of the State entirely free.
A fixed State school tax of two mills on the dollar
was substituted for the uncertain township school
tax, and trustees were prohibited from charging tui-
tion fees. In 1876 certain amendments to the State
constitution were ratified which make it impossible
for the State or municipalities to make any appro-
priations to sectarian schools, obligatory upon the
State to maintain an efficient system of free schools,
and prohibited all special school legislation. At
present (1879) the school fund amounts to $1,660,502.
For much of the above history we are indebted to
Ellis A. Apgar, the present efficient State superin-
tendent of public instruction, and to which we append
some special mention of the schools of Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties.
EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS, 1879.
At the present time Hunterdon County has 10,585
children between five and eighteen years of age, of
whom 8721 were enrolled in the school registers, with
an average attendance of 4185 ;t 70 male and 72 fe-
male teachers have been employed, of whom 18 are
of the first grade, 32 second grade, and 91 third grade.
Of the 108 school-houses, 79 are constructed of wood,.
7 of brick, and 22 of stone, which are valued at over
t Estimated number of children attending private schools, 405; esti-
mated number who have attended no school during 1879, 1325. SoJioo!
Report.
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
155
$145,000. The schools of the county are graded as
follows : Of the first grade, 15 ; second grade, 17 ;
third grade, 58 ; fourth grade, 12 ; fifth grade, 6 ;
total, 108.* The numher of school districts is 104; of
school departments, 137 ; number of unsectarian pri-
vate schools, 8 ; sectarian private schools, 3. The per-
centage of average attendance upon the public schools
in 1879 was .48 ; percentage of the census in the public
schools, .83 ; percentage attending private schools,
.04 ; percentage attending no schools, .13. Eighteen
of the schools have libraries, embracing several hun-
dred volumes. The present county superintendent is
E. S. Swacthamer, of White House, from whose re-
cent reportf we learn that school-houses were com-
pleted during the year in Districts Nos. 5, 52, and 108
(Mount Airy, Lebanon township ; New Stone, Union
township ; and LambertvUle), the latter being " a
model in regard to size, arrangement, and construc-
tion." Hunterdon County's apportionment from the
State appropriation for 1879 was $38,508.72.
Somerset County has, according to the statistical
tables, 5477 children between the ages of five and
eighteen enrolled in the school registers, J of which the
average number who attended school in 1879 was
2631 ; these were taught by 32 male and 56 female
teachers, occupying 72 school-houses, valued at about
$90,000. The school-houses of the county will com-
fortably seat nearly 4000 children. The grade of the
schools of the county is as follows : 8 first grade, 27
second, 31 third, and 6 fourth. The nine townships
are divided into 71 school districts, containing 72
schools? and 88 school departments. There are also
sixteen private schools in the county. Sixteen of the
public schools have libraries, aggregating 1182 vol-
umes. J. S. Haynes is the county superintendent.
The following is the apportionment of the appro-
priations for public schools in the several townships
of Somerset County for the school-year commencing
Sept. 1, 1880, according to the report of J. S. Haynes,
the county superintendent :
Further details of the schools of both Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties will be found in the several
township histories in this work.
STATISTICS OF POPULATION, Etc.
CENSUS OF 1737.
Townships.
si
mp5
State
Appropri-
ation.
Two-Mill
Tax.
3
729
701
468
2290
431
1010
941
619
1090
$i25.79
217.12
141.86
709.27
133.49
312.83
291.46
160.76
337.6
«222.38
213.83
139.71
698.66
131.48
308.09
287.05
158.33
332.6
82644.95
2263.08
1266.66
6172.73
1382.71
2660.3
3674.66
1626.42
3772.1
82993.12
2694.03
1648.13
7680.66
1647.68
North Ploinfleld
3281.22
4263.16
1944.6
4442.2
8169
$2,630.17
82491.93
825,362.60
830,384.60
Counties.
ii
m CO
as
<o
n
li
â– 3a
1
1618
967
1230
940
1270
999
1170
867
5288
219
66071
4606
* In 1840 there were 84 Bchoole and 2622 pupils.
t 1879.
- t The whole number of children in the county, of school age, is 8169.
g Somerset County had, in 1840,47 common schools, with 1306 scholars.
Vide census.
CENSUS or 1746.
Counties.
5 e8
11
'a
.
S2
i
1
2302
740
2182
766
2117
672
2090
719
8691
2896
460
343
9151
3239
In the census for 1745 there was an enumeration
made of Quakers, showing 240 in Hunterdon and 91
in Somerset of that faith.
CENSUS OF 1790.
•Si,
SO
s
E
11
13 o!
"I
ID
Counties.
3iS
â„¢
1
»o«
«. o
£
K
£S
.
s
U)
f^
f»
&
<
s
â– <
4966
2819
4379'
2390
9316
6130
191
147
1301
1810
20,163
12,296
r
CENSUS OF 1800.
m
S
•3
S^'S
'3
&
Counties.
s
s
^
^
5 s "
1
£
â– 3
H
9867
6346
9664
6432
620
175
1220
1863
21,261
12,816
CENSUS OF 1810.
3
i
«5»
^7s
a
s
r.^r.
Counties.
^.ss
^
^
«sf
s
^
s
fi
<
1
s
11,448
6,330
11,302
6,111
687
316
1119
1968
24,656
14,725
I By a transposition of figures, Gordon's " History of New Jersey," 1834,
erroneously gives the total as 6670.
^'J
156
HUNTEKDON AND SOMEESET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
CENSUS OF 1820.
oi-
« o
â– a
15.2
COITNTIES.
£3
PS
n
3
^
1^
m
ta
â– ^^ "
H
13,741
7,296
13,299
6,910
616
1122
1443
1487
91
29,190
16,815
CENSUS OF 1830.
#NAME?
» = »
HA
COIJNTIES.
Il
^•i
â– ^s
o ?
£3
r
1
EH
14,465
14,653
172
1770
31,060
7,665
7,717
448
1859
17,689
The census of 1830 gives the following items of
interest :
Deaf and dumb in Hunterdon County 34
'* Somereet 14
Blind in Hunterdon County 19
SomeiBet 17
Aliens in Hunterdon County 210
Somerset 118
Of the 4249 slaves and free colored persons in both
counties, none were deaf or dumb, and only five
reported as blind.
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS, 1S30.
Hunterdon Somerset
County. County.
Total number of acres 324,572 189,800
Lota of and under ten acres 1,167
Neat cattle over three years 12,492 8,634
Horses and mules over three years 7,538 4,621
Stud-horses 50 25
Grist-mills, run of stones 80 64
Saw-mills 71 44
Fulling-mills 10 8
Cotton-factories 1
Carding-machines 17 11
Cider-distilleries 58 27
Tan-vats 524 211
Number of householdei-s 668
" singlemen 673 391
taxables 6,000 3,500 "
*' merchants and traders 86 68
" ferries and toll-bridges 9
sulkies and dearborns 894 218 "
" coaches and chaises 4 32
fisheries 17 "
'* two- and four-horse stages.... 10 15
The taxes for 1830, according to the census, were as
follows :
^ Hunterdon Somerset
Township Tax. County. County.
Poor tax S6,850 $4,176
Koad " 8,300 6,837
Total $15,150 $10,313
County tax 10,000 6,000
State " 4,535.84 2,642.86
Aggregate $29,685.84 S18,965.86
The status of the militia in 1830 was as follows :
Hunterdon County had 327 cavalrymen and 2584 in-
fantrymen, total in service 2911, and was brigaded
with Warren and Sussex Counties.
Somerset County had 158 cavalrymen, 107 artillery-
men, 93 riflemen, and 1304 infantrymen ; total, 1662.
Somerset was brigaded with Middlesex and Monmouth
Counties.
CENSUS or 1870.
Sunterdon County.
Townships. White, Colored. Total.
Alexandria 3,318 23 3,341
Bethlehem 2,183 28 2,211
Clinton 3,097 34 3,131
Delaware 2,932 31 2,963
EastAmwell 1,707 96 1,803
Franklin 1,318 7 1,325
Frenchtown 912 8 920
High Bridge (formerly part of Lebanon) ...
Kingwood 1,944 2 1,946
Lambertville 3,819 26 3,845
Lebanon 3,.533 23 3,666
Baritan 3,516 140 3,655
Keadington 3,005 64 3,069
Tewksbury 2,243 86 2,328
Town of Clinton 765 30 785
Union 1,040 11 1,061
WestAmwell 992 40 1,032
Total 36,313 648 36,961
Somerset County,
Townships. White. Colored. Total.
Bedminster 1,790 91 1,881
Bernards 2,324 45 2,369
Branchburg 1,196 67 1,263
Bridgewater 5,605 379 6,884
Franklin 3,539 373 3,912
Hillsborough 3,176 269 3,444
Montgomery 1,816 249 2,066
Warren 2,649 57 2,706
Total 21,994 1520 23,514
POPULATION OF SOMERSET COUNTY, 1880.*
Bedminster township 1,812
Bernards township 2,622
Branchburg township 1,316
Bridgewater township 7,995
Franklin township 3,819
Hillsborough township 3,249
Montgomery township 1,928
North Plainfield township 3,268
Warren township 1,203
Total 27,212
The population (1880) for the several villages and
hamlets is given as follows : Bedminster, 140 ; Pea-
pack, 235 ; Pluckamin, 135 ; Basking Ridge, 366 ;
Bernardsville, 147 ; Liberty Corner, 97 ; Madisonville,
49; North Branch, 120; Somerville, 3108; Raritan,
2040; Bound Brook, 936; Bloomington, 611; East
Millstone, 431 ; Middlebush, 84; Neshanic, 117 ; South
.Branch, 117 ; Millstone, 262.
POPULATION OF HUNTEKDON COUNTY, 1880.*
Alexandria township i 324
Bethlehem township 2*830
Clinton township 2*133
Delaware township 3*092
East Amwell township 1*646
Franklin township 1*338
High Bridge township 2I2II1
Holland township j g87
Kingwood township 1*694
Lebanon township 2*701
Baritan township 41911
Beadington township !".".".'.*.!.".'.'."! 3^104
Tewksbury township 2*108
Union township !!!!!'.!!! 1*167
West Amwell township ....I!!'.!!!!!*. 1*039
Lambertville: '
First Ward 1 354
Second Ward 1*'^81
Third Ward .'.'.".'.".'.".'.".'.'.".'."'.'.'. I,r,i8
Town of (Jlinton '342
Borough of Frenchtown .!....!!!!.."!!."!!!! 1 039
Total 38,627
* From report of the supervisor of the censns, in advance of the print-
ing and issue of the census returns by the United States government.
^ "-...
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
15t
The population of the several villages of the county
for 1880 is : Bloomsbury, 587 ; Annandale, 379 ; Leb-
anon, 314 ; Locktown, 29 ; Raven Rock, 56 ; Sergeant-
ville, 139 ; Stockton, 577 ; Eingos, 298 ;" Wertsville,
41; Pittstown, 100; Cherry ville, 50; High Bridge,
1034; Milford, 554; Baptisttown, 112; Glen Gardner,
1427; Flemington, 1754 ; Califon, 130; Mountain ville,
113; New Germantown, 249; Stanton, 109; Three
Bridges, 166 ; Mechanicsville, 200 ; Pleasant Eun, 185 ;
White House Station, 350 ; Centreville, 54 ; Eeading-
ton, 59.
The number of farms in each township of both
counties at the present time (1880) may be seen at a
glance by the following table :
HUNTERDON COUNTY.
Alexandria 196
Bethlehem 123
Clinton 170
Belaware 366
East Aniwell 146
Franklin 180
High Bridge 98
Holland 170
Kingwood 281
Lebanon 168
Raritan 376
Readington 369
Tewksbury 189
Union 146
West Amwell 160
Clinton (town) 8
Frenchtown, borough 18
3166
SOMERSET COUNTT.
Bedminster 176
Bernards 218
Branchburg 154
Bridgewater 256
Franklin 322
Hillsborongh 389
Montgomery 228
North Plainfleld 63
Warren 232
2048
In order that the reader may draw true conclusions
from the above tables, the following, showing the area
both in square miles and in acres, is given :
HUNTERDON COUNTT.
Townships. Square Miles. Acres.
Alexandria (including Holland) 52.08 33,331
Bethlehem 25.30 16,191
CUnton 33.82 21,646
Delaware 45.48 29,107
EaetAmwell 26.95 17,248
FrankUn 23.04 14,746
Kingwood 38.00 24,820
Lebanon 33.48 21,427
Raritan 36.78 23,639
Readington - 44.69 28,602
Tewksbury 36.82 22,926
Union 21.82 13,965
West Amwell 19.04 12,185
UambertTille City 1.21 T74
437..61 280,000
SOMERSET COUNTT.
Townships. Square Miles. Acres.
Bedminster 32.95 21,088
Bernards 41.47 26,641
Branchburg 19.74 12,634
Bridgewater 40.08 25,6.61
Franklin .'. 49.38 31,610
Hillsborough 69.21 37,894
Montgomery 30.61 19,690
North Plaiufleld and Warren 32.26 20,646
306.71 195,664
VITAL STATISTICS OF HUNTERDON AND SOMER-
SET COUNTIES FOR THE TEAR ENDING JULY 1,
1879:00:00
Hunterdon Somerset
County. County.
Births 800 607
Marriages 285 169
Deaths 527 429
Deaths, under 6 years 12.3 97
" from 5 to 20 years 47 42
from 20 to 60 years 124 104 "
" overeOyeare 204 164
undeflned 29 9 "
PRINCIPAL CAUSES OP DEATH.
Hunterdon Somerset
County. County.
Remittent fever 1 3
Typhoidfever 9 6
Scarlet fever 9 3
Measles 2 1
Croup and diphtheria 16 42
Diarrhoeal diseases 29 31
Consumption 59 56
Acute lung diseases 55 46
Brain diseases (children) 32 20
Diseases heart and circulation 32 23
Diseases urinary organs 18 18
Brain and spinal diseases (adults) 63 52
Digestive and intestinal diseases 37 30
Cancer 19 10
Puerperal 2 3
Erysipelas 4
Acute rheumatism 1 1
CHRONOLO(JICAL LIST OF GOVERNORS OF NEW
JERSEY FROM 1665 TO 1884.
GOVERNORS OF EAST JERSET.
1665-81, Philip Carteret; 1682-83, Robert Barclay; 1683, Thomas Rud-
yard, Deputy Governor; 1683, Gawen Lawrie ; 1686, Lord Neill
Campbell ; 1692-97, Andrew Hamilton ; 1698-99, Jeremiah Basse.
GOVERNORS OF WEST JERSET.
1681, Samuel Jennings, deputy ; 1684-86, Thomas Oliver ; 1686-87, John
Skein, deputy; 1686, William Welsh, deputy; 1687, Daniel Coxe;
1692-97, Andrew Hamilton; 1697-99, Jeremiah Basse, deputy; 1699
-1702, Andrew Hamilton.
In 1702 the government was surrendered to the
crown, and thenceforth the Governors were for
BAST AND WEST JEESBT UNITED.*
1703-8, John, Lord Cornbnry : 1708, John Lovelace (died in ofloe) ; 1709
-10, Richard Ingoldsby, Lieutenant-Governor ; 1710-20, Gen. Andrew
Hunter; 1720-27, William Burnett; 1728-31, John Montgomerie ;
1731-32, Lewis Morris; 1732-36, William Crosby; 1736-38, John
Hamilton.
COLONIAL GOVERNORS, SEPARATE FROM NEW YORK.
1738-46, Lewis Morris; 1746-47, John Hamilton; 1747-67, Jonathan
Belcher; 1767-68, John Reading; 1768-60, Francis Barnard; 1760-
61, Thomas Boon; 1761-63, Thomas Hardie; 1763-76, William
Franklin.
FROM THE ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
1776-90, William Livingston (Fed.) ; 1790-92, William Paterson (Fed.) ;
1792-1801, Richard Howell (Fed.) ; 1802-3, John Lambert, Vice-
President of Council (Deni.) ; 1803-12, Joseph Bloomfleld (Dem.) ;
1812-13, Aaron Ogden (Fed.); 1813-15, William S. Pennington
(Dem.); 1816-17, Mahlon Dickerson (Dem.); 1817-29, Isaac H. Wil-
liamson (Fed.); 1829, Garret D. Wall (Dem.), declined; 1829-32,
Peter D. Vroom (Dem.) ; 1832-33, Samuel L. Southard (Whig) ; 1833-
34, Elias P. Seeley (Whig) ; 1834-36, Peter D. Vroom, Jr. (Dem.) ;
1836-37, Philemon Dickereon (Dem.) ; 1837-43, William Pennington
(Whig) ; 1843-44, Daniel Haines (Dem.).
GOVERNORS UNDER THE NEW CONSTITUTION.f
1845-48, Charles C. Stratton (Whig) ; 1848-51, Daniel Haines (Dem.) ;
1851-64, George F. Fort (Dem.) ; 1864-67, Rodman M. Price (Dem.) ;
1857-60, William A. Newell (Rep.) ; 1860-63, Charles S. Olden (Rep.) ;
1863-66, Joel Parker (Dem.) ; 1866-69, Marcus L. Ward (Rep.) ;
* Also Governor, at same time, of New Tork.
f Assume their ofBoial duties in January following their election.
158
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
1869-72, Theodore F. Randolph (Dem.) ; 1872-75, Joel Parker (Dem.);
1876-78, Joseph D. Bedle (Dem.); 1878-81, George B. McClellan
(Dem.) ; 1881-84, Eichard G. Ludlow (Dem.).
POST-OFFICES HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUN-
TIES (OFFICIAL), 1879.
HUNTEBDON COTINTT.
Annandale, Anthony, Baptisttown, Bethlehem, Bloomabury, Califon,
Centreville, Cheri^ville, Clinton, Clover Hill, Copper Hill, Croton,
Everittstown, Fairmount, Flemiogton, Frenchtown, Glen Gardner,
Hamden, High Bridge, Holland, Junction, Kingwood, Lambertville,
Lebanon, Little York, Locktown, Milford, MountainTille, Mount
Pleasant, New Germantown, New Hampton, Norton, Oak Dale, Oak
Grove, Pattenburg, Perryville, Pittstown, Pleasant Bun, Potters-
ville, Quakertown, Eaven Eock, Eeadington, Eeaville, Eingoes,
Eowland Mills, Sand Brook, Sergeantsville, Sidney, Stanton, Stock-
ton, Sunny Side, Three Bridges, Tumble, Wertsville, White House,
White House Station.
SOMERSET COUNTY.
Basking Eidge, Bedroinster, Bernardeville, Blackwell's Mills, Blawen-
burg. Bound Brook, East Millstone, Finderne, Frankfort, Griggs-
town, Harlingen, Hillsborough, Kingston, Lamington, Liberty Cor-
ner, Lyons, Martinsville, Middlebush, Millstone, Montgomery,
Neahanic, North Branch, North Branch Depot, Peapack, Plainville,
Pluckamin, Earitan, Eocky Hill, Royafield, Somerville, South
Branch, Stoutsburg, Warrenville, Weaton.
POPULATION.
The population of the State in 1865 was 773,700,
being 102 persons for every square mile. The fol-
lowing tabular statement shows the population by
counties at various periods during the last one hun-
dred and thirty years. The counties are grouped so
that those which have been formed last may be near
those from which they were taken.
POPULATION OF NEW JERSEY AT DIFFERENT PERIODS.
COTJNTIES.
1737
1746
1786
1790
1800
1810
1820
1830
1840
1860
1860
1865
4,096
3,006
12,601
16,956
16,603
18,178
22,412
13,223
16,734
9,483
44,621
14,726
22,669
21,822
73,960
21,618
29,013
62,717
98,877
27,780
34,677
23,846
28,433
33,664
37,419
22,067
34,812
39,,346
11,176
49,730
34,467
18,444
11,780
22,468
22,605
7,130
24,636
34,856
87,819
124,441
36,410
36,513
23,91:9
31,523
40.788
41,478
21,010
36,916
42,868
14,262
60,719
38,464
20,134
11,344
23,162
26,233
7,626
7,019
6,988
17,786
22,269
26,984
30,793
41,911
4,436
16,216
19,600
17,760
22,534
21,828
26,649
21,368
32,762
23,665
20,346
18,627
31,060
25,844
21,770
20,366
24,787
21,602
17,466
21,893
32,909
30,158
22,989
22,368
28,990
27,992
19.692
28,636
30,313
10,032
43,203
25,422
14,665
8,961
19,467
17,189
6,433
â– Warren
6,670
9,161
20,163
21,261
24,666
28,604
4,606
4,764
6,086
3,239
7,612
8,627
12,296
15,9.'i6
16,918
12,816
17,890
19,872
14,725
20,381
22,160
16,606
21,470
26,038
17,689
23,167
29,233
Middlesex
6,238
6,803
18,096
21,624
24,972
28,882
31,107
32,831
3,267
3,606
13,363
16,115
19,744
23,089
28,431
26,438
8,726
16,024
14,374
6,324
Atlantic
6,888
6,847
10,437
8,248
2,671
11,371
9,529
3,066
12,761
12,670
3,632
14,022
12,668
4,265
14,166
14,093
4,936
Cumberland
1,004
1,188
Total
47,369
61,403
140,436
184,193
211,949
245,656
277,426
320,823
373,306
489,556
672,035
773,700
New Jersey was first settled by an agricultural
population, and the way in which they distributed
themselves over the State is well shown in this table.
The following statement of areas, total popula-
tion, and population per square mile in the several
geological districts of the State shows this in a strong
light. It is made for 1866, but a like comparison may
be made for any other of the years given in the table
of population.
TABLE.
Geological
foemation.
Areas in
Sq. Miles.
Popnlation
in Cities.
Eural Pop-
ulation.
Rural Pop.
per. Sq. Mile.
772
692
1643
1491
3078
40,000
60,000
210,000
160,000
73,000
200,000
40.006
10,000
130
100
24
Tertiary
Totals
7676
260,000
623,000
69
HISTORY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
CHAPTEE I.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OP
HUHTEEDOW COUBTTY.*
MouQtainB, Streams, and other Physical Features of the County Geo-
logical Formations, etc.
HuNTEKDON CouNTT lies Upon the western border
of the north-central portion of the State of New Jer-
sey, with the Delaware River, upon the west, sepa-
rating it from the State of Pennsylvania, while its
neighboring sister-counties are Warren and Morris,
bounding it upon the north ; Somerset, adjoining it
on the east ; and Mercer, inclosing it upon the south.
Its civil divisions embracing fifteen townships,
one city, and two borough corporations cover an
area of 280,000 acres, or 438 square miles.
The physical character of Hunterdon County is a
feature of which but little has been written, yet it is
one of great interest. It will here be treated under
classified heads ; and, so far as possible, technical terms
will be avoided in the descriptions, in order that they
may be the more clearly understood by the unscien-
tific reader.
RELIEFS.
The reliefs of Hunterdon County are prominent,
yet not bold. They consist of approximately parallel
ridges extending, with some interruptions, from the
Delaware River northeastward beyond the line which
divides Somerset from Hunterdon. In altitude, in
width, and in quality of surface they vary.
SOUELAND EIDGB.
The most southerly of these ridges is that one
known as the Sourland. It extends from the Dela-
ware River near Well's Falls northeastward until it
is lost in the plain in Somerset County. In length it
is about seventeen miles.
In outline it is remarkably even ; and yet it is not
entirely in want of eminences, curves, or depressions.
At the top it is table-like, nearly level. In width it
varies. Near the Delaware it is about two and a half
miles wide ; about three miles east of the Delaware,
and from this point northeastward for about ten
miles, its width is scarcely more than two miles.
Nearer the eastern extremity, beyond the limits of
Hunterdon County, it spreads out into a broad, level,
marshy plain from three to four miles wide.
• By Prof. Cornelius W. Larison.
Rising up from its flat surface here and there are
slight eminences. Of these, excepting one, the lofti-
est in our county is near the Delaware, on the south-
ern side of the ridge. It is known by the name Goat
Hill. It is a rocky eminence that rises to the height
of four hundred and ninety-one feet above the level
of the sea. Its soil is gritty, and mainly covered with
low cedars, scattered forest-trees, brambles, and the
like. However, here and there are patches cleared
and tilled. These produce abundantly.
Opposite to Goat Hill, towards the northwest, near
the northern border of the ridge, rises up another em-
inence. This is called North Goat Hill. This too is
a rocky prominence, covered with cedars, hard-wood
trees, brambles, etc. Its soil is similar to that of Goat
Hill. Its altitude is three hundred and seventy feet.
Towards the opposite hill the slope of this knob is
gentle; towards the northeast it is very steep, but
covered with soil ; towards the west it is precipitous
and rocky. This eminence is much visited to .gain a
view of the surrounding country. Here, too, in early
spring the lover of flowers comes.
About four miles northeast of Goat Hill extends up
to the height of three hundred and thirty -five feet an-
other prominence. This is called Fisher's Peak. It
is a projection of trap-rock sparsely covered with soil
and small stones. It sustains, however, a tolerably
good growth of hard-wood trees. From this point the
observer gains a very extensive view of the Red Shale
Valley and of the southern slope of the swamp table-
land. Although not so high as Goat Hill, this prom-
inence forms the most conspicuous object upon this
whole ridge. This happens more from its site than
from its altitude. While the other eminences of this
ridge, with a single exception, are situated near the
centre of the ridge or else are near to other promi-
nences nearly as high, this elevation stands alone
upon the crest of the ridge, which at this place is
along the very border of the table-land.
Two miles farther towards the northeast is Basaltic
Cliff". It consists of a projection of basaltic trap that
at the culmen is bare of earth. However, with the
exception of a small area, the rock is covered with a
gritty soil, and upon it grow stalwart hard-wood trees
and a great variety of plants requiring a loose but
rich soil. In altitude it is three hundred and thirty
feet. Like Fisher's Peak, this prominence is situated
upon the northern border of the table-land, and, as it
stands alone, it seems more elevated than it really is.
159
160
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
Near the northern base of this eminence is a pool
of water that is very slightly affected by the severest
droughts. Around this pool is an area of flat ground
well suited to the wild-flowers of early spring. This
peak, with its contiguous woodland, is the favorite
haunt of the botanist.
The lowest place in the Sourland Eidge is that site
over which the road extends from Eingos to Woods-
ville. Its elevation is three hundred and eighteen
feet. From this place northeastward to Cedar Sum-
mit, near the Somerset county line, the rise is very
gradual. This part of the ridge is locally known as
the Sourland Mountain. That. part of the Sourland
Eidge which extends between the Eocktown road and
Goat Hill is known as " The Eocks." For the most
part, the surface is rough, rocky, badly suited to till-
age, and much neglected.
From the table-land of the Sourland Mountain rise
up several slight eminences that have local names.
Of these is Lake's Knob, which has an altitude of
three hundred and ninety feet. Farther east is Pe.ro
Hill, rising to an altitude of four hundred and forty
feet. Still farther east, near the county line, is Cedar
Summit, which has an altitude of five hundred and
five feet.
Pero Hill is famous for bowldel-s of enormous size
and fantastic shapes. Here is that group of rocks
known as the Three Brothers.
Cedar Summit is a ridge that rises about fifty feet
above the table-land. It is the highest summit of
ourland that has yet been measured.
From end to end through the centre of the Sour-
land Eidge extends a belt of gritty soil known locally
as mountain grit. This soil is well adapted to the
culture of peaches, apples, and pears. In fact, for the
culture of these fruits it has long been famed. How-
ever, in many places it is so extensively bestrewed
with basaltic bowlders that the horticulturist is al-
most prevented from practicing his art.
Flanking this belt of gritty soil on either side is a
border of clayey loam, oftentimes stony, mostly wet,
cold, and sour. It is difiicult of tillage, but under
proper cultivation it produces heavy crops of timothy
and herd's-grass.
ANASTOMOSING EIDGE.
South of the confluence of the Alexsocken rivulet
with the Delaware, in the city of Lambertville, is an
eminence that consists mainly of altered shale.
Towards the north the slope is steep, but, for the most
part, the surface consists of a soil that sustains a vig-
orous growth of timber, etc. But towards the south
for several hundred yards the escarpment is mural,
and the beds of shale are well disclosed. Indeed, this
site is favorable to the study of the bedding of the
red shale.
From this eminence extends northeast a narrow
ridge that in elevation is much less than that of the
Sourland. Excepting the peaks that rise fi-om its
anastomosing paft, its greatest altitude is near Mount
Airy. At Fisher's Peak it anastomoses with the Sour-
land Eidge, and then blends with this ridge as far as
the Basaltic Cliff. From this site it trends on towards
the northeast into Somerset County.
The eastern part of this ridge is divided by ravines
into three sections.
As we go northeastward from the Basaltic Cliff the
first part is separated from the main ridge by a ravine
formed by Mountain Eivulet. This section is known
as Bleak Eidge.
The second section extends between the ravine of
Mountain Eivulet and the ravine of Wert's Eivulet.
This is known as Eattlesnake Eidge.
The third extends from the ravine caused by Wert's
Eivulet eastward till it is lost in the plain of Somer-
set. This is known as the Eainbow Eidge.
There are several geological facts connected with
this ridge that will compel every geologist that pre-
tends to minuteness to speak of it as a whole, and also
to speak of its several parts. Hence, in order to facil-
itate the geological description, I propose the term
Anastomosing Eidge as the name by which the entire
ridge shall be known.
GILBO.
Along the Delaware, south of Vandolah's Eivulet,
is an eminence that rises up abruptly to the height of
two hundred and fifty feet. This eminence is known
as Gilbo. Towards the west the surface is very steep
and rocky. In many places it is soilless, and at any
place it is but sparsely covered with brambles, bushes,
and trees. However, out of the crevices of the rocks
grow in great luxuriance the moss-pink {Phlox sub-
ulata) and a few other flowers peculiar to rocky hill-
sides that render this escarpment very beautiful and
very attractive to the botanist during the vernal
months.
Upon the top the hill is flat and bestrewed with
huge bowlders. The soil is gritty and fertile, and
sustains a luxuriant growth of hard-wood trees,
shrubs, and the grasses. From the culmen the hill
slopes very gently towards the northeast for about
two miles and a half The surface of this area is be-
strewed with large basaltic bowlders. From the ter-
minus of these bowlders a low ridge extends north-
eastward across the county to a point upon the South
Branch of the Earitan, in Somerset. Although not
much elevated, this ridge is important. It is the axial
ridge of the Eed Shale Valley from the Delaware Eiver
as far northeastward as the valley extends. All along,
the elevation consists of a core of indurated or altered
shale covered with a good but a not very deep soil.
The slopes are gentle, and consist of ordinary shale
covered by .a deep loamy soil that is not excelled in
fertility.
That part of this elevation that extends from the
railroad cut, north of Eingos, to the Neshanic Eiv-
ulet is known as Pleasant Eidge. That part which
extends between the Neshanic and the South Branch
is known as Clover Hill. Upon the crest of this last-
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
161
named ridge, near the county line, is the village of
Clover Hill.
At some places along this ridge the rock is quarried
for building-stone. Such is the case at Ringos and
near the bridge that spans Neshanic Rivulet on the
Old York Road. Many other sites are favorable to
quarrying, and in time, no doubt, will yield an abun-
dance of good stone.
The greatest altitude of this elevation is at the site
at which it is crossed by the dike that extends from
the brow of the table-land to Bleak Ridge. This site
is in the Old York Road about one and a half miles
northeast of Ringos. At this site it is three hundred
and fifty feet above the level of the sea.
SANDY RIDGE.
Extending from the Delaware near Stockton north-
eastward for the distance of about five miles is a bold
ridge that varies very much in elevation, in outline,
and in quality of surface. From the Delaware River
northeastward to a site a few hundred feet to the east
of the parsonage of the Sandy Ridge Baptist church
the acclivity is gradual. From this point eastward
for about one and a half miles its crest is nearly level.
But at the site at which the road from Dilts' Corner
to Headquarters crosses it, it slopes off very steeply, so
that in the course of half a mile the altitude is but
two hundred and fifty feet above the level of the sea.
Beyond this point it is lost in the plane. This eleva-
tion is known locally as the Sandy Ridge. Its culmen
is near the parsonage of the Sandy Ridge Baptist
church. As one might infer from its name, its surface
is sandy. Its slope is towards the northwest. This is
regular and unbroken, and its soil everywhere is
suited to tillage and is very fertile. The counterslope
of this ridge is towards the southeast. It is gentle,
well suited to tillage, and very productive.
In this ridge are many sand-pits. From them are
taken large quantities of sand used by the neighbor-
ing people for building purposes. In the terminus of
this ridge, along the Delaware River, are extensive
quarries of freestone.
THE TABLE-LAND OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
Over against the Sandy Ridge, towards the north-
west, at the distance of some two miles, the surface,
from the Delaware River northeastward for about
eleven miles, rises up somewhat abruptly to a promi-
nent ridge. This ridge is the southern brow of the
table-land in Hunterdon County. A continuation of
this same ridge, extending around towards the north,
forms the eastern brow of the above-named table-land
to the Cakepoulin rivulet. This ridge, in most places,
presents this peculiarity, namely, over against it to-
wards the northwest or towards the west is another
ridge, which in the main is a few feet the more ele-
vated. These ridges are not exactly parallel. At
some places they are less than five hundred feet, at
others more than five hundred yards, apart.
To facilitate in this description we will call the most
southerly of the ridges the brow of the table-land of
Hunterdon, and the one over against it the counter-
brow. The space between these ridges we will call
the trough.
In many places the brow consists of a protruding
ridge of very hard reddish or bluish rock. In others
it consists of a ridge of the same kind of rock, sparsely
covered with soil and fragments of the underlying
rock.
The counter-brow, for the most part, is a bolder
ridge than the brow. In many places it consists of a
ridge of very hard reddish or bluish strata of rock
that breaks with a conchoidal fracture. Here the
southern border is often an escarpment of nude strata
that rise up like a wall to the height of fi'om four to
six feet. At other places the wall-like escarpment is
more bold. Such is the case in that part that extends
from the Pittstown road eastward for a mile or two.
Such, also, is the case in that part that extends
northward from the road that leads from Flemington
to Croton. A similar condition may be seen not far
from Locktown. At other places it is covered with a
sparse deposit of soil and fragments of rocks. At
others still it is deeply covered with soil, and is diffi-
cult to trace.
The trough formed by these two ridges for the most
part is narrow, and consists of fragments of rock,
broken mainly from the counter-brow, in some
places deeply, in some places sparsely, covered with a
clayey soil. In many places the drainage is bad.
This circumstance, in connection with the flat condi-
tion of the surface of the soil to the north of the
counter -brow, gave to this belt of country the name
swamp. In fact, both the surface of this trough and
that of the land skirting the counter-brow towards the
northwest has until recently been in that condition
that it well merited the name. Especially is this the
case about Locktown, about Croton, and elsewhere.
Northwest of Flemington the elevation of the
counter-brow above the level'of the sea is five hun-
dred and fifty feet ; at the Hen's Foot it is seven hun-
dred and thirty feet ; at the culmen, north of Cherry-
ville, it is seven hundred and seventy-five feet.
At Amos Barder's, on the road that extends from
Ringos to Croton, the brow attains an altitude of
four hundred and seventy feet ; at David Morgan's,
north of Rosemont, the summit is about three hun-
dred and seventy-five feet.
QUAKER KIDSB.
From the brow of this table-land of the northwest
part of Hunterdon the surface gradually descends for
a little way, and then as gradually ascends to the
crest of the Quaker Ridge. This ridge extends across
the table-land from the Delaware, south of French-
town, to the South Branch of the Raritan, near the
confluence of that stream with the Cakepoulin rivu-
let. This ridge is not sharp ; its outline is gracefal, and
162
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
its surface well suited to agriculture. It culminates
in an eminence north of Cherryville.
That part of the table-land included between the
brow on the southeast and the northeast, the Quaker
Eidge on the north, and the valley of the Delaware
River on the west, is known as the swamp. Its
greatest elevation is in the culmen of the counter-
brow, a few rods north of the Baptist church at
Cherryville. The general slope of this area is towards
the southwest. Without exception, the streams drain-
ing this section have a very sluggish flow and dis-
charge their waters into the Delaware. In gen-
eral, it is not easy of drainage, and requires much
skill on the part of the husbandman to raise a mod-
erate crop of any of the cereals. The forest is largely
composed of pin-oak, white-oak, hickory, and maple.
North of the Quaker Ridge, extending entirely
across the table-land, is a deep, narrow trough known
as Spring Valley. This valley divides the table-land
into two nearly equal parts. Its sides everywhere are
very steep. From these sides flow numerous never-
failing springs. To thi.s circumstance the valley owes
its name.
This valley, by a water-shed of considerable eleva-
tion, situated a little to the west of Pittstown, is
divided into two nearly equal parts. To the east of
this water-shed is the Cakepoulin basin ; to the west
is the basin of the Nishisakawick.
FLINT KIDGE.
Towards the northwest from Spring Viillcy the sur-
face of the country gradually rises up to the crest of
a slight ridge, which extends across the table-land in
a northeast and southwest direction. This is Flint
Ridge. The crest of this ridge, near the road that
leads from Pittstown to Bloomsbury, attains an alti-
tude of eight hundred and fifty-nine feet. East of
this point the elevation of the ridge is higher ; west
of it, it is lower.
In some places the surface is bestrewed with bowl-
ders of whitish, grayish, or reddish quartzite that very
much interfere with agricultural processes. The cen-
tral part of this area is the region known as the Ijar-
rens. Upon the soil of this section, almost to the ex-
clusion of every other kind of forest-tree, grows the
chestnut. Indeed, for a long time the barrens has
been famed for the excellency of its chestnut timber.
To the northwest of Flint Ridge is a slight trough.
From this trough the surface rises up to the crest of
the Musconetcong Mountain, which is an elevation
that extends from the Delaware, just south of the con-
fluence of the Musconetcong River, northeast as far
as Spruce Run. This mountain attains an elevation
of eight hundred and seventy-four feet above the sea-
level near the Bloomsbury and Pittstown road.
Towards the southeast the slope of the Musconet-
cong is gentle and graceful, but towards the north-
west it is very steep, in many jilaces precipitous.
From Spruce Run northeast to the South Branch of
the Raritan extends a ridge that is a part of
Schooley's Mountain. It is very stet^ji, and for the
most part not adapted to agriculture.
FOX HILLS.
Extending northwcut from tlic, South Bninch into
Somerset County lire the Fox Kills. The RurliuH^ of
these hills is rugged and stony, and not W(OI suited to
agriculture.
LONG EIDGE, EOUND MOUNTAIN, CUSIIETONG AND I'lOKl.lfl'H
MOUNTAIN, Etc.
To the east of the table-land, and sc^paralcd from it
by the South Brani'.li of the Raritan River, is an ele-
vation, almost eresceiitic in form, that rises up ab-
ruptly from the contiguous plain to the height, in one
])]uee, of seven hundred and sixty-seven leet. Tliis
is known as Jjong Ridge. Tliis ridge, although con-
tinuous, is usually described as consisting of tliree
parts. The iriost westerly of theses parts is known as
Round Mountain. This is an (eminence that swells
up from the main ridge in a form muidi re,scuil)liiig a
sugar-loaf Its altitude above the sea-level is five
hundred and S(!venty-five feet. Its slopes arc gi^.ntlc,
but the top and sides of it are bestrewed with l)Owl-
ders to such an extent that it is not tillable. Iferiee,
the most elevated ]iart of it is eov(!red with a fonwt of
hard-wood, and is not much frequented. Valueless as
it is in point of agriculture, in the landscape of the
northeastern part of Hunterdon it forms n spot of
beauty. Its graceful slopes and symmetrical curves,
as viewed from the Sourland Ridge and the contigu-
ous plain, have delighted the eyes of many a lover of
the beautiful. Its robe of snowy white in winter, of
verdant hue in summer, and its various colors in au-
tumn, lit up by the gleam of morning, present to the
eyes of the lover of nature a spectacle always attrac-
tive and much admired.
The nortlieastern part of the. crescentic ridge is
somewhat comiilicated. It consists of three |)arl.s.
The southwestern part is broad and l)old. It has an
altitude of six hundred and seventy-five feet. To-
wards the west its surfiiee slopes off gently, and the
soil is tillable. Towards the eiist the slope is very
steep and rocky. It is forest-clad. This part is lo-
cally known as the Cushetong Mountain.
The northeastern [lart consists of a sharp ridge
with Hlr.i-.p slo|>es that are bestrewed with rocks arid
covered, for the most part, with a forest of hard-wood.
Upon this ridge are several ]]cakH or eminences which
give it the appearance of a sierra. This part of the
ridge is known as I'iekle's Mountain.
Between the northeastern and the southwestern
parts that is, between the Cushetong and Pickle's
Mountain is a third part, that bears a relation to tlic!
other two portions somewhat similar to the relation
that the toe of a horseshoe bears to the parts it serves
to connect. This is the most southeasterly part of
this mountain. It is also the least elevak^d and the
PHYSICAL GEOGEAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
163
most accessible. Much of it is arable and under good
tillage.
Northeast of Pickle's Mountain, at the distance of
five miles, is another group of eminences. The lofti-
est of these eminences is known as Silver Hill. Upon
its top and north slope it is quite rugged and stony.
Upon its southern slope the surface is more uniform
and freer from stone. Towards the southeast, at a little
distance away. Silver Hill is environed by a semi-
circular ridge of some prominence.
YALLBTS.
In many places between the several ridges that ex-
tend across the county are valleys of more or less
local importance. But those demanding a place in a
general description of the county are the Red Shale,
South Branch, Round, German, Bunn, Musconetcong,
and the Delaware valleys.
KBD SHALE VALLEY.
Between the Sourland Ridge on the southeast, the
Hunterdon table-land, the crescentic ridge, the Fox
Hills, and the semicircular ridge on the northwest,
fi'om the Delaware River to the elevations known as
First and Second Mountain, extends a plain that
varies in width from six to ten miles. Across this
plain, from Fisher's Peak northwest to the Hunterdon
table-land, extends a water-shed that divides it into
two sections.
That part west of this water-shed is known as the
Red Shale Valley. The term red shale is applied to
this region because almost everywhere the soil thereof
is formed from the disintegration of the subjacent red
shale rock. This valley is a part of the basin of the
Raritan River.
The Red Shale Valley is gently rolling, is every-
where well drained, and is very well adapted to agri-
culture. The fertility of the soil, the ease of tillage,
and its capabilities to withstand the vicissitudes of
rainfall make it a most desirable section for the agri-
culturist. Nor has it been neglected. Perhaps in the
Atlantic States there is not another area so well
suited to the culture of maize, wheat, and grass, and
perhaps there is not another area of equal size that is
so well tilled and so productive.
SOUTH BRANCH VALLEY.
This valley embraces the lowlands that lie along
the South Branch of the Raritan from the narrows
between Round Mountain and the Hunterdon table-
land northward to the narrows between the Musconet-
cong Mountain and the Fox Hills. In outline it is
very irregular. Its surface is gently rolling and well
drained, its soil is well suited to agriculture, and it is
well tilled.
BOUND VALLEY.
This is a small area of land partly encompassed by
Cushetong and Pickle's Mountain. Its situation is
singular, and, as viewed from the crest of Pickle's
Mountain, it is a beautiful factor in a delightful land-
scape. Towards the northwest it communicates with
the South Branch Valley ; towards the north with the
Red Shale Valley.
GEEMAN VALLEY.
That area of lowland extending along the South
Branch northwestward between the Fox Hills and
Schooley's Mountain is known as the German Valley.
At the lower extremity it is narrow. Indeed, at this
end it terminates in a deep ravine. Towards the
northwest it widens out, until at the distance of some
six miles above the ravine it is about two miles wide.
That part of this valley that lies within the limits
of Hunterdon County is well drained and well suited
to agriculture. In it is an abundance of limestone,
which is extensively used as a dressing to the farm-
lands. The fertility of German Valley is far famed.
MUSCONETCONG VALLEY.
This valley consists of the lowlands extendi^along
the Musconetcong River between the Musconetcong
Mountain on the southeast and the Pohatcong Moun-
tain on the northwest. This valley is narrow, rolling,
well drained, abounding in limestone, well suited to
agriculture, and is well tilled. This valley is cele-
brated for the excellency of its crops of wheat and
grass.
DELAWARE VALLEY.
Along each side of the Delaware River from the
Falls of Trenton to the north limit of the Allegheny
Mountain is a narrow border of land but a few test
above the surface of the river. These strips, a little
way from the river, are skirted by hills or mountains
that rise up more or less abruptly to the height, in
some places, of a hundred feet, in some places a thou-
sand feet, in some places still higher. In many places
the escarpments are mural, cliiF-like, or craggy. In a
few places the strip of lowland extends back from the
river to the distance of a mile or more, gradually ris-
ing as it extends away.
The narrow and deep trough forming the bed of the
Delaware, its contiguous lowland borders, and the
slope of the hills and mountains that skirt these
borders constitute the Delaware Valley.
That part of the Delaware Valley that lies within
the limits of Hunterdon County consists of a low,
narrow, irregular strip of land that extends along the
east side of the river between Goat Hill on the south
and the mouth of the Musconetcong River on the
north. As a rule, the soil is sandy, loose, easy of till-
age, and very fertile.
BUNN VALLEY.
At the mouth of the Hakihokake Rivulet the Dela-
ware Valley widens out and extends back from the
river to the distance of about six miles. This exten-
sion of the lowlands of the Delaware is known as
Bunn Valley.
DRAINAGE.
The main streams that serve as the drainage of the
surface of Hunterdon County are the Delaware,
164
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
which flows along its western border, and the branches
of the Raritan, that ramify like a network all the
central and eastern part of the county.
RIVERS AND RIVULETS.
THE DELAWAEB BIVEE.
That part of the Delaware which flows along the
western border of our county abounds in rifts, is
swift, shallow, rocky, subject to great extremes of
depth, and in every way ill suited to navigation. In
it are numerous small islands, some of which are
tillable. In it, also, are numerous shoals.
Near the southern limit of our county is Wells'
Falls. This consists of a rapid and dangerous current
swiftly flowing over ledges of indurated shale that,
with interruptions, extend quite across the stream.
From the earliest times this site has been a terror to
the raft-men, and to such others as have at times sub-
sisted by managing crafts upon this stream. How-
ever, at last art has lent some aid, and now these
falls are much less to be dreaded than they were a
few years ago.
Some six miles above Wells' Falls is another shoal,
known as the Sow and Pigs. When the stream is
low this site is said to be dangerous, but during high
water this shoal can hardly be seen.
At Point Pleasant another ledge of indurated shale
extends across the river, rendering navigation danger-
ous, excepting during a freshet.
Near Ridge's Island is another ledge extending
across the stream, which from the earliest times has
been considered a place of danger. This is known
as Tumbling Dam.
Tributaries of the Delaware. The Alexsocken is a
small rivulet draining a small basin by the same
name in the southwestern part of the county. It flows
into the Delaware near Lambertville. In the upper
part of its course it is a very rapid stream. It is fa-
mous for that species of fish known as sucker.
Vandolah' s Rill is a rapid and important little stream
that flows into the canal a little north of the rooky
knob called Gilbo. It affords excellent mill-seats.
Wickecheooke is a strong, rapidly-flowing rivulet
that rises along the counter-brow of the eastern
part of the table-land anxi the southern slope of
Quaker Ridge and flows southwestward into the Del-
aware and Raritan Canal just south of the southern
terminus of the table-land. In the upper part of its
course it flows very sluggishly. Through the brow
of the table-land it has eroded a very deep ravine.
From this ravine to its terminus it is very strong and
flows very rapidly,
Lochatong is a rivulet that rises near the central
part of that district known as the swamp. It flows
almost south into the Delaware River, a little north
of Huffnagle's Island. It drains the western part of
the swamp. It has eroded a deep and dark ravine,
possessing many features of interest, through the brow
of the table-land.
Warford's Bill is a small stream that flows into the
Delaware opposite Ridge Island.
Copper Bill flows from the western part of the
table-land into the Delaware.
Little Nishisahawich and the Greater Nishisakawick
are rills that flow into the Delaware at Frenchtown.
Harihohake is a rivulet that flows from the cen-
tral part of the barrens southwestward into the Dela-
ware.
Hakihokake is a rivulet that flows from the south-
ern slope of the Musconetcong Mountain into the
Delaware at Milford.
Musconetcong is a small river that flows from Lake
Hopatcong southwestward into the Delaware. The
water of this stream is noted for clearness. It is the
home of the trout. In flow the Musconetcong is rapid.
Propelled by it are numerous mills, factories, etc.
This stream is the northern boundary of Hunterdon
County.
BRANCHES OF THE RARITAN RIVBK.
The Lamington is a small river that flows along the
eastern border of our county. Oold Brook is a rill
that is tributary to the Lamington.
North Bockaway rises in the highlands in Tewks-
bury township, and flows southward into the Laming-
ton.
South Bockaway rises on the southern slope of the
Fox Hills, and flows eastward into the North Rocka-
way.
Chambers' Brook flows from the eastern slope of
Pickle's Mountain into the North Branch of the Rari-
tan.
Hollands' Brook flows from the southeast slope of
Pickle's Mountain into the South Branch.
CampbelFs Brook flows from the southern slope of
Pickle's Mountain southeastward into the South
Branch.
The South Branch flows from Budd's Lake, in
Schooley's Mountain, southwestward, then southeast-
ward, then northeastward, till it joins the North
Branch to form the Raritan. It is a river of great
importance. Along it, and propelled by its waters,
are numerous flouring-mills, saw-mills, factories, and
the like. The flow of this stream is so gentle that it
is controlled with the greatest ease.
Spruce Biviilet flows from the southwestern slope of
Schooley's Mountain southward into the South
Branch.
Mulhockaway is a rivulet that rises upon Jug Moun-
tain and flows westward into Spruce Run.
Cakepoulin flows from the barrens eastward into
the South Branch.
Bush Kill is a rill that is tributary to the South
Branch.
Neshanic is a rivulet that rises upon the water-shed
that divides the Red Shale Valley from the Delaware
Valley, and flows eastward into the South Branch.
Its flow is gentle. Its waters propel numerous mills,
etc. It has several important tributaries.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY. 165
Mine Brook flows from the eastern slope of the table-
land southward into the Neshanic, which also receives
the waters of Walnut and Sand brooks and Malard
rivulet.
As a rule, the rivulets that discharge into the Eari-
tan flow gently. Those that discharge into the Dela-
ware flow slowly in the upper and longer part, but
very rapidly through the last part of the course. For
a bed each has excavated a ravine, which in some
cases is very deep. This happens from the circum-
stance that the table-lands drained by the rivulets
flowing into the Delaware are skirted by slopes that
are very steep. The Alexsocken in its course de-
scends about four hundred feet, although the length
of the stream is only about nine miles. The Neshanic
descends only about one hundred and fifty feet, al-
though its course is over twenty miles long.
SPRINGS.
The permanent springs of Hunterdon County are
numerous and excellent. The most famous, so far as
known, are:
Martindale's Spring, near Basaltic Clifi', is not
affected by the severest drought. The temperature of
the water is very little influenced by the heat of sum-
mer : in August a thermometer plunged into it stood
at 54° Fahr.
Spring on Basaltic Cliff farm is not affected per-
ceptibly by the severest drought; temperature in
August, 56° Fahr.
Spring near Fisher's Peak is not affected by drought ;
temperature in August, 60° Fahr.
The water of these springs is famous. In quality
there is very little difference.
Spring from which Yandolah's Rill flows is not af-
fected by drought ; temperature in August, 57° Fahr.
Spring in the woods on B. Larison's farm is perma-
nent; temperature in August, 56° Fahr.
Spring in J. S. WUson's milk-house, above Head-
quarters, is permanent; temperature in August, 53 J°
Fahr.
Spring in the woods below Headquarters, near the
roadside, is permanent; temperature Ln August, 54°
Fahr.
Cold Spring, at the still-house near Sand Brook, is
permanent ; temperature in August, 52J° Fahr.
The above springs all flow from sandy soils. In
every case the water is soft and free from ferruginous
properties. The springs found in the loamy soils of
the Red Shale Valley are generally much affected by
drought. Their water is generally hard, and during
the summer it becomes quite warm. I know of no
spring surrounded by loamy or clayey soil in the Red
Shale Valley that in August has a temperature as low
as 64° Fahr. '
In the swamp permanent springs are numerous.
The water of them is generally soft and somewhat
colored, and very much affected by the heat of sum-
mer.
Upon the table-land north of the Quaker Ridge
the water of the springs is generally soft, cool, and
clear. Indeed, this region is famed for the excellency
of its springs and wells.
CLIMATE.
Although subject to great extremes in temperature
and humidity, the climate of Hunterdon County is
salubrious. The prevailing wind blows from a point
a little south of west. At the beginning of a storm
the wind usually blows from the southeast. Although
this is the rule, to it there are many ejsceptions.
Sometimes during the whole time of a storm the wind
blows from the south. Indeed, our heaviest rainfalls
often occur when the wind is blowing from this quar-
ter. An east wind without variation as to direction
frequently attends a storm. A northeast wind is not
common, but when it occurs it is usually very severe.
The winds most dreaded in Hunterdon are those
blowing from the south and those blowing from the
northeast.
In the main, the winds pass over the surface of
Hunterdon County in such a way as to keep the at-
mosphere of each valley in proper commotion. To
this rule, however, there is one marked exception :
this is the valley of the Delaware. From the mouth
of the Harihohake Creek to Point Pleasant the river
flows almost directly south ; from Point Pleasant to
Brookville it flows east-southeast; from Brookville to
Well's Falls it flows south-southeast. Of this valley,
then, there are two sections which are so situated that
our most salubrious winds (the westerly) meet them
at almost right angles. It happens, too, that through-
out these sections the valley is deep. On both sides
the surface rises up abruptly into hills ranging in
height from one hundred and fifty to three hundred
and fifty feet. Hence, in its course the westerly
wind, passing from hilltop to hilltop, sweeps over this
narrow deep valley in such a way as to leave that
volume of air beneath the level of the hilltops undis-
turbed. In this quiet air of these sections of this
valley accumulate the efluvia of the animals, both
living and dead, and the malaria incident to growing
plants, as well as to such as are undergoing decompo-
sition. Here then are fit habitats for bacteria and
spores, the germs of disease.
Hence, in these valleys prevail epidemics, malarial
fever, scarlatina, diphtheria, and the like.
The atmosphere of these sections of this valley is
subject to great extremes. During severely cold
weather the thermometers at Lambertville and French-
town show a temperature several degrees lower than
that upon the neighboring hills. During extremely
hot weather this is reversed, and the temperature at
these two places is notably higher than it is on the
uplands adjacent. This may be learned by examin-
ing the following figures, which show the temperature
at Lambertville, at Ringos, and at Cherryville during
the cold morning of Jan. 29, 1873. At Lambertville
166
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1.66
2.37
1.79
3.6
3.S7
6.29
4.92
2
2.12
,09
6.42
2.42
6.11
8.03
10,43
3.49
2.63
2.31
0.24
2.46
1.89
2.46
G.68
3.43
the mercury stood at sixteen degrees below zero ; at
Ringos it was ten degrees below; while at Cherry -
ville it was only two degrees below.
RAINFALL.
The amount of pluvial water is not constant in
Hunterdon. From year to year it varies within nar-
row limits. To.eshibit the status of rainfall as ac-
curately as possible, I will subjoin a table compiled
from the records kept at the Academy of Science and
Art at Eingos since the 1st of January, 1876 :
PLUVI.iL WATER.
Depth in Inches.
1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880.
Jannary 1.16 3.09 4.34
Ffibruary 4.67 1.79 2.48
March , 8.19 6.73 2.61
April 2.19 2.00 1.62
May 2.76 .96 3.98
June 1.77 4.86 3 89
July 4.09 6.03 3.94
August 1.S6 6.37 4.64
September 6.22 2.99 6.62
October 94 8.46 4.60
November 6.44 6.61 3.46
December 2.63 1.04 6.00
42.11 60.81 47.78 47.65 40.43
GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
The rocks of Hunterdon County belong either to the
Archaean Age, to the Potsdam Epoch of the primor-
dial period of the Silurian Age, to the calciferous
epoch of the Canadian period of the Silurian Age,
to the triassic period of the Reptilian Age, to the
glacial period of the Quaternary Age, or to the mod-
ern era of the recent period of the Quaternary Age.
ABCHiBAN AGE.
In Hunterdon County the area occupied by rocks
of the Archaean Age extends from the Delaware River,
a little south of the confluence of the Musoonetcong
River with the Delaware, northeastward to the county
line. The northern border of this area is in the Mus-
oonetcong Valley. At the Delaware the area is not
more than two miles wide ; at Spruce Run it is about
four miles wide; east of this stream the southern'
boundary extends southeast to Round Valley, making
the area between this valley on the south and the
Musoonetcong on the north not less than eight miles
wide. From this point eastward to the county line it
gradually widens.
Within the limits above cited there is an area of
limestone, a part of the German Valley limestone
formation. Along the northwestern border, except-
ing a short span, is the limestone of the Musoonetcong
Valley. Upon the southern side is the Triassic area,
the Little York area of limestone, and the Clinton
area of limestone.
To this formation belong the Musoonetcong Moun-
tain, Schooley's Mountain, and the Fox Hills. These
elevations form a part of that group of hills and
mountains that is usually called the Highlands. The
term Archaean, signifying "the beginning," as relates
to the time when the mountains were made, is more
expressive, and is the appellation by which we shall
call the group or system.
The I'ocks existing in this area are all stratified.
They are nowhere horizontal ; on the contrary, they
are very much inclined. Nor is the inclination regular.
At some places they are almost horizontal ; at others
they are almost vertical. In short, we may say that
the dip ranges from 0° to 90°. Of the Archaean rocks,
the strike .in general is northeast nnd southwest; the
dip, southeast.
Composition of the rocks. The strata of the Archaean
area in Hunterdon County consist of gneiss and mag-
netic iron ore. A very lucid description of these rocks
is given by Prof Cook, in the " Geology of New Jer-
sey, 1868," from which the following extracts are
taken :
" The term gneiss, in accordance with the usage of the country, is ap-
plied to any crystalline and stratified rock wliich ia composed of feldspar
and quartz, with small quantities of mica, hornblende, magnetite, or other
simple mineral. Syenite and syenilic gneiss are the names frequently
and properly applied to this kind of rock. The gneiss of the Highlands
(ArchoBan mountains) is characterized by the almost entire absence of
mica. Feldspar makes up from two-thirds to three-fourths of the rock,
and the rest is mainly quartz. Hornblende is usually found in it in suf-
ficient quantity to affect the color, and sometimes it makes up the largest
portion of the rocky mass ; this, however, ia not common. The quartz is
generally in grains, which are flattened in the direction of the stratifica-
tion, and which in size range from an eighth to a half inch in the plane
of the stratum, and from one-Bi.\teentb to an eighth of an inch in thiok-
ness. In some coaree-grained specimens the grains of quartz are larger,
and not so much flattened. The feldspar varies in color and euae of do-
composition, and these peculiarities give the prominent characters of the
rocks tliroughout the whole region. In somo specimens the foldepar is
so hard and unchangeable that it can easily be mistaken for quartz; in
others it isopaque, harsh to thetouch, and crumbling; and in othera still
it is entirely decomposed, and only a mass of soft earth, with the quartz
grains and the stratification, remains. The color of the feldspar varies
from the bluish and translucent to flesh-colored, white, and opaque, and
specimens of a greenish tinge are aometimcs seen.
No better idea of the varieties to be found in tliia rock can be given "
than by a description of the apecies met with in passing across the for-
mation from one side to the other. The following specimens collected on
these eectioua will illustrate the point mentioned ;
" Delaware Jiivej- Sectiov. In the ledges expoaed in the aouthwest end
of the Musconetcung Mountain the rock is generally a light-colored
mixture of feldspar and quartz, with a little hornblende. A few beds of
coarsely crystalline gneiaa or gneissoid granite occur in the aoriea. Of
ten specimena selected ns representatives of the mountain, five are very
fine-grained, compact, grayish in color, and consiat of feldspar, quartz,
and hornblende. Three specimens have the same mineral composition
and shade of color as the preceding, but aro more coarsely granular. The
remaining two apecimena are made up of quartz and fleah-colored feld-
apar in quite large massea. Theae, like the flret-described rocks, are
compaxit and hard. Nearer Riegelsville a low cut along the railroad ex-
poses a greenish-gray gneiaa, conaisting of feldapar and quartz intimately
mixed.
*' Section along the Central and Warren Railroadfi. Three specimens from
railroad cut west of Lebanon: (1) One feldspar and hornblende in equal
proportions, with scarcely any quartz ; (2) One (prevailing type) feldspar,
with small percentage of quartz and very little hornblende; (3) One
hornblendic, fine-grained, with conaiderable plumbago. Theae are all
friable, and known commonly as ' rotten rock.'
Central Railroad Cut east of High Bridge ; four spooimms. One a gran- "
itoid mass of Qoarsely cryalallino feldspar and quartz, with scales of grar
phite: this is Arm and solid; one hornblende and J'eldspar in small
grains, crumbling; one (type specimen) feldspar and quartz, hard and
tough ; one feldspar, ijuartz, and liornblende, coarsely crystalline, and
compact, with scales of graphite through it.
"In railroad cut next west of High Bridge the common variety of
rock la a mixture of quartz, feldapar, and hornblondo in amall grains,
dlaintograted. From the cut about one mile northwest of High Bridge
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
167
two specimens: one light-colored and fine-grained, feldspar and horu-
blende, the former Id- excess; one dark-colored and fine-grained feldspar
and hornblende, but with the latter in excess. Both specimens in seama,
firm and solid. Another specimen contained magnetite. In the cut near
Clarksville one specimen, consisting of a greenish feldspar, with quartz
in very small grains, almost amorphous ; rock tough and of the common
variety.
North of the railroad, at Banghart's Copper Mine, the rock is dark- "
colored and very fine-grained, and contains copper pyrites scattered in
small strings through it. At the cut east of Hampton Junction two
varieties were obtained, one a coarsely crystalline mosH of feldspar and
hornblende, light-colored and slightly decayed : thefeldspar is chalky ;
one feldspar, hornblende, and a little quartz, also coarse-grained; in this
the feldspar is flesh-colored. From the Wan-en Ballroad cut west of the
Junction one specimen (common variety), feldspar and quartz, the for-
mer chalky in appearance, fine-grained, and crumbling. In the cut near
Changewater one specimen, a greenish, tough rock, consisting of feldspar
and quartz. Out east of Washington shows a rotten gneiss composed of
feldspar and quartz, coarse.
" Van Neat Gap Timnel. Greenish-gray, hard rock, feldspar, quartz,
and hornblende. Some of the rock pinkish tinge.
The chemical composition of the rocks of this formation is a subject "
of much interest. Hitherto the country in "which they are found has
been considered poor and little capable of improvement. But gradually
the farmer has been encroaching upon them, and turning these unprom-
ising hills into fruitful fields. It is observed that the rocks are in many
places subject to rapid decay, and that in such localities the soil is sus-
ceptible of high cultivation. It becomes, then, a matter of inquiry as
to the cause of this decay, and also whether it can be controlled or has-
tened by art. It is mucli too long an inquiry foi a survey of this kind,
and the remark is thrown out in the way of suggestion, hoping that it
may find response in the minda of those who are in circumstances to
carry out the investigation.
" In the gneiss-rock the chief mineral constituents are quartz, feldspar,
and hornblende. Of these, feldspar and hornblende are the only ones
capable of decomposition, and the former is by far the most abundant of
the two. Feldspar is of several varieties, of which three may be noticed
liere, those containing potash, those containing soda, and those con-
taining soda and lime.
It has been long known that the soda and the soda-and-lime feldspars "
were much more easily decomposed than the potash feldspars, that the
action of carbonic acid, and perhaps other atmospheric agencies, would
cause the feldspars containing soda and lime to decay and fall to pieces,
â– while they would exert but a very slight influence on that containing
potash. Some trials have been made to verify these observations.
" A soft and crumbling feldspar from a cut in the Central Railroad
a.bove High Bridge was found to have the following composition:
Silica 57.4
Alumina and a little oxide of iron.. 1^6.4
Lime 10.3
Soda
Potash..
Water..,
1.8
.7
Magnetite, or Magnelic Iron Ore. This occurs sometimes in beds, form- "
ing parts of a stratum, sometimes in masses or of limited extent, some-
times in grains disseminated through the layers of gneiss rock. Prof.
Ckjok says the ore is known to mineralogists under the name of mag-
netite and magnetic iron ore, and to chemists as magnetic, or black oxide
of iron. It consists of 72.4 per cent, of iron, 27.6 per cent, of oxygen,
when pure. It is black in mass, and also in powder, and it gives a black
streak when scratched ; it has a metallic lustre, and is attracted by the
magnet, though not always itself magnetic. Its specific gravity varies
from 4.98 to 5.20. Its crystalline form is a regular octohedron, but as
usually found it is in irregular grains or in compact masses. It is about
as hard as feldspar, ranging in the mineralogist's scale from 5.5 to 6.5. It
most resembles hornblende, but can at once be distinguished by being
attracted by the magnet.
« Ab an ore it la always found mixed with more or less rock, the rock
being sometimes in grains and at other times in large masses or in strati-
fied streaks. The rock is the usual one of the Azoic region ; gneiss,
â– syenite, hornblende, feldspar, limestone, etc., and grains of phosphate of
lime are common in some of the ores. Iron pyrites are found in minute
quantity in many of the ores, and in some places so much is found as to
render the ore unfit for the present modes of working. In some of the
'Ores in limestone graphite is found.
" The ore is found in beds or layers which are conformable to the gneiss
in which they lie. They are also founij mixed in with the rock in all
proportions, from 1 to 100 per cent. ; and where it is found pure it is not
uncommon to find it gradually becoming impure by the mixture of more
and more rock until the ore is all gone. It is not separated from the
rock by well-defined marks of division, as is the case with the metallic ores
is in true veins, neither is there a peculiar gangue-rock, such as in ti-ue
veins; hut the rock is the common one of the formation. "
The magnetite of the Archaean formation is mined
at several sites. The following locations are given by
Prof. Cook:
" Bethlehem Mine, in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co., three-quar-
ters of a mile southeast of Valley Station, on the Central Railroad. This
mine was not in operation when visited, and there is no information as
to its extent.
Van Sickle*8 Jlfine, in Union township, Hunterdon Co., just back of "
Bethlehem Methodist church. It is an old mine, abandoned for nearly
a hundred years, and reopened in 1864. When visited, the old mine,
forty feet deep, had been cleared out and sunk twenty feet deeper. The
ore was ten or eleven feet thick, and had been worked along northeast
and southwest fifteen or twenty feet. No smooth walls had then been
found. The ore contains some rock, which resembles chlorite and is
rather lean. The ore is black, with a bright and reddish lustre. Another
vein northwest of the first had been opened, and some ore in a breadth
of seven feet had been taken out, but it was very lean. There was a
good deal of attraction in the fields northeast of the mine, and ore can
probably be found in some other places than those now opened.
" Asbury Mine, in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co., one and a half
miles southeast of Asbury, and on the side of Musconetcong Mountain.
It was not in operation when visited. The compass showed attraction at
the mine ; it did not indicate any extension of the vein either northeast
or southwest.
BangharVs Mine, in Lebanon township, Hunterdon Co., one mile "
northeast of Gardneraville, on Abraham Banghart's land. There are
three openings where the rock is found to contain a considerable amount
of iron pyrites and some copper pyrites. The explorations have been
made hoping to find ore in quantity, but so far without success. There
is no regular or continuous attraction about the openinga.
" High Bridge Mines, in Clinton and Lebanon townships, Hunterdon
Co., ou the northwest side of the North Branch of the Raritan, and a
quarter of a mile north of the Central Railroad at High Bridge. This
mine is said to have been opened one hundred and fifty years ago, and
during almost the whole of that period it supplied ore for the use of the
Solitude forge, and, before the Revolution, for Union furnace. It has
yielded a large quantity of excellent ore. The only difficulty experi-
enced in getting out any amount of the ore has been that there was on
the hanging-wall a thick layer of pyritous ore which was not thought
fit to work in a forge, and yet it had to be taken out, thus increasing the
cost of extracting the pure ore which was on the foot-wall. A few years
since there was a pile of many hundred tons of this pyritous ore which
had been lying for years. It had become very red and rusty, and so
much of the pyrites had decomposed and formed copperas and been dis-
solved out by the rain that the ore was found to be of excellent quality
for the forge. The modern processes of working ores allow the whole of
these to be used now, and the mine is being actively worked by the
Thomas Iron Company. The workings, altogether, extend along on the
vein for near three-quarters of a mile, and in some places has been sunk
on to a depth of two hundred feet. The vein is irregular in thickness,
widening out to eighteen feet in breadth, and then pinching in to two
and a half feet. The dip of the vein is towards the southeast sixty-five
degrees. There is fault of twenty feet in the vein towards its northeast
end. An adit was driven in from the side hill upon the strike of this
vein which has done much to relieve it of water. The openings recently
made towards the southwest end of the vein are on the property of Mr.
Creger.
Analysis of Ores from High Bridge Mines. "
1, 2.
, 75.1
Magnetic iron ore
Silica and insoluble matter 15.4
Sulphur 0-0
Phosphoric acid T^^
Metallic iron, percent 54.4
91.9
5.4
0
0.3
" 1 ia from the Old mine, now owned by the Thomas Iron Company ; 2
is the best ore from the Lehigh Valley Iron C<impany's mine. "
168
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
In the railroad cut at Glen Gardner is disclosed a
dike of trap in the gneiss-rock.
Age. Relatively, it is not difficult to determine the
age of the Archsan rocks. They are the oldest, the
primal, rocks. These were the rocks first formed
when the exterior of the earth began to be solid :
hence the name. That they are older than those con-
tiguous thereto is proven by the circumstance that at
Amsterdam, in this county, the limestone is known
to overlie it, while at the same place, but a few feet
away, the limestone is overlaid by the Red Sandstone.
At Franklin furnace the gneiss-rock is superimposed
with strata of Potsdam Sandstone. Upon these lay-
ers of sandstone rest trata of magnesian limestone.
SILDBIAN AGE.
The Potsdam Epoch. The rocks formed during this
epoch, as found in Hunterdon County, are in small
areas contiguous to those of the Archsean Age. They
are stratified, but usually they are so covered with soil
or drift material that they cannot be very extensively
examined. They are quartzose, very hard, and in
color light gray. " The Geology of New Jersey, 1868,"
contains the following :
'* South of Lebanon, and west of Round Valley, or Pickle's Mountain,
is a small area occupied by sandstone. Its southern limit is at Leigh's
jimestone-quarry. On this side, as also on tlie west, limestone adjoins it.
A ravine separates it from the gneiss on the north. The road to Lebanon
forms the eastern limit. The outcrop is of a triangular form, the southern
angle being at the limestone-quarry. No rock was seen in place except
at this quaiTy, where its strata are in a vertical position. Elsewhere
this area is covered with a great deal of quartz-rock in sharp, angular
fragments. About two miles northwest of this point, and about one mile
northeast of Clinton, near N. S. Race's and W. H. Yawger's, are two
separate outcrops of grayish-white quartzites. One is east of the road
and northeast of Race's, forming a low ridge bordering the gneiss-rock.
The rock is in place. Northwest of Yawger's, and close to the road, is
another ledge of the same rock. Higher up the hill is the gneiss, while
to the west and south is the Clintuu limestone-tract. These are both
narrow hands between the gneiss and magnesian limestone, and hence
of this geological age.
" Eajit of Amsterdam, and between that place and Spring Mills, is the
liigh hill known as Gravel Hill. This is supposed to belong to the Pots-
dam Sandstone. It is a broad hill or ridge, rising quite gently to a peaked
summit, whose altitude is nearly equal to that of the Musconetcong
Mountain, north of it. Southward it slopes away to the Delaware. On
the north it is partially connected with the mountain by an elevated
neck, which is the water-shed between Spring Mills and Amsterdam
Valleys. The surface of the hill consists almost wholly of sharp, angu-
lar masses of red and white quartz. Along the road north of the hill the
surface is very white, and mostly of quartzose materials. Only one ledge
was found, and that on the southeast slope. The hill, being covered by
forest, presents few opportunities for examining the rock in place. It is
properly a quartzite conglomerate, very hard and of a mottled aspect,
due to a mixture of white and reddish quartz.
About one mile from Gravel Hill, and south of the road to Johnson's "
Ferry, is a ridge very similarly situated to Gravel Hill, Most of it is red
shale, but some beds on the north resemble the Potsdam rocks. The
above-described localities are all that are at present known of this rock
or formation on the southeast of the Highlands. The formation is so
thin and the drift covering so thick that we could not expect to find it
at many points, even if it were an unbroken baud along this border of
the Azoic (Archseau) rocks."
The age of this sandstone is proved by its position.
At Franklin furnace it can be seen lying uncon-
formably upon the gneiss (Archsean rock), with the
magnesian limestone (of the Calciferous Epoch) di-
rectly over it.
Calciferous Epoch. The rocks belonging to this
epoch are magnesian limestones. They are stratified
and much folded. The beds range in thickness from
two inches to two feet. Some layers are tolerably
pure dolomite ; others contain so much earthy sub-
stance that the stones quarried from them will not
slack when burned. When free from impurities the
rock is fine-grained and even, having a lustre some-
what vitreous. In. color it varies " from a drab through
a pale to a deep blue and almost black. It is so soft
that it can be easily scratched with a knife, and effer-
vesces when sulphuric or other strong acid is dropped
on it."
Upon analysis, a pure specimen yields 54 per cent,
of calcic carbonate and 46 per cent, of magnesic car-
bonate.
Between the Musconetcong River and the gneiss of
the Musconetcong Mountain, from the Delaware to
Hughsville, the Musconetcong Valley is composed of
this kind of limestone. South of the Musconetcong,
about two hundred feet from the gneiss, the rock crops
out. At this place the dip is 60° S. 20° E.
Again, between the Musconetcong River and the
gneiss of the Musconetcong and Schooley's Moun-
tains, from a mile below Bloomsbury northeastward to
the county line, the valley is underlaid with this
grade of limestone. Its relation to the gneiss of Mus-
conetcong Mountain can be in a cut made by the
Central Railroad about half a mile northeast of As-
bury Station. At this place the limestone dips from
30° to 50° towards the southeast. This is upon the
north side of the track. Upon the south side the
gneiss may be seen dipping in the same direction.
That part of German Valley that is included in the
limits of Hunterdon County is also underlaid with
magnesian limestone. This rock is extensively quar-
ried and burned into lime, chiefly for agricultural
purposes.
*' Clintmi.T\\?. limestone outcrop under this designation extends from
Dawes' Mill, on Prescott Brook, northeasterly, by Allerville and Clinton
Station, to Clinton and the Spruce Ruu, aud then westward between the
Musconetcong Mountain and the Mouselaugh.^way Creek to Patenburg.
Its length, as thus traced out, is about eleven miles. It varies greatly in
breadth, being over two miles across from Clinton to its northern border,
while east of Clinton it is scarcely a half mile in breadth. Towards each
extremity the outcrop becomes very much contracted. On the north aud
northeast it joins gneiss-slopes, and is bounded by that rock, excepting
at two points where the Potsdam Sandstone, already described, comes
between it and the gneiss. The red shale of the Triassic formation
bounds it on the south throughout its whole length,
" North of Clinton, along Willoughby Run and nearly a mile north of
the Central Run, limestone has been found in sufficient quantity to yield
five kilns of lime,
The rock of this tract generally dips towards the west or southwest. "
At a few of the places observed the dip was towards the east or south-
east. The only inference to be drawn from these observations on the
position of the beds is that they incline away from the gneiss towards
the red shale that laps over their southern border.
"The Clinton limestone is generally of a light drali-color, verj- hard,
crypto-crystalline or massive, and breaking with a smooth fracture.
Some specimens found at Mulligan's quarry are buff and reddish shades,
in irregular masses, due to an oxidation of the iron. A variety used for
building-stone is bluish-black, very hard and compact, and subconchoidal
fracture. The g^e.^t mass of the stone of this tract is characterized by
its light drab-color and its compact texture. Several analyses showed.
PHYSICAL GEOaRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
169
it to be a magneslan limestoiie. It is essontially a dolomite, modified by
more or less foreign mattor. An immense amount is quarried in the
vicinity of Clinton for the making of lime.
SuuthweBt of the main body of the Clinton limestone there are three "
isolated ontcrops of the same formation, due, apparently, to the denuda-
tion of the overlying shale. The most southerly of these is about half a
mile southwest of the Sidney church, on lands of H. Hoffman, who has
quamed it for lime. It is a very limited area, and about forty rods west
of the Clinton and Pittstown road. It dips 30° N. 50° W. It is almost
black, very compact, and traversed by seams of calcite and quartz.
" About one mile north of this locality is another exposure of a very
similar rock, on the farm of Aaron Dunham. Its area is very small.
Nearly on a line connecting these localities, and prolonged north- "
â– ward, there is a third outcrop of limestone. It is on lands of William
Bonnell, and lies north of the Clinton and Perryville road and not far
from a school-house. It has a dip of 15° N. 50° W. The rock is in very
thin beds (averaging two inches thick) and dark-colored. It resembles
that at Hoffinan's and Dunham's. This latter outcrop is not over half a
mile south of the Mouaelaughaway Creek, or southern border of the
Clinton tract.
" LMle York and Spring Mills. This is a narrow belt of limestone at the
foot of the Musconetcong Mountain, extending from Spring Mills north-
eastward to Little York. Its greatest dimensions are four miles long by
half a mile in breadth. At Little York it is seen north of the village as
far as B. W. Alpaugh's residence. It runs thence west by W. J. Duck-
worth's and W. Vanderbilt's north of a small brook, by Van Syckle's and
Bunn's quarries south of Henry Cole's, and a little north of Spring Mills
to its terminus in that direction. It appears in the road north of Spring
Mills, and a short distance west of this road.
Amsterdam and JohnKon^s Ferry. The magnesian limestone appears "
along the base of the mountain at several intermediate points between
Amsterdam and the Delaware River. It occupies the northern side of
the little valley near the Presbyterian church east of Johnson's Ferry,
and crops out at three or four places near Amsterdam. "Whether the^e
sepai'ate exposures are parts of one continuous belt of rock is not known.
If they are, the hill south of the valley road belongs to the Triassic for-
mation, instead of the Potsdam Sandstone. The breadth of the outcrop
does not exceed two hundred yards. The farthest extent easterly is near
the old store at the corner of the road, in Amsterdam. Here a slaty lime-
stone or a calcareous slate is found in the roadside, east of the bridge.
South of west from this corner, the dark-blue, sutvcrystalline limestone
appears in the bed of the brook, south of Eliaa M. Kapp's, showing itself
several rods along in the stream. It is here in a horizontal position.
Forty feet south of the stream the red shale forms the side hill next the
meadows.
"About one hundred and fifty yards west of this and north of the
brook is a small quarry. Limestone of very fine grain and light-colored
was formerly quarried on lands owned by Willis Vanderbilt, formerly
the farm of William Snyder. A large amount of stone has been taken
from this locality for lime.
REPTILIAN AGE.
Triassic Period. The rocks belonging to this period
are shales, sandstones, conglomerates, and traps. They
extend from the Delaware River northeastward en-
tirely across the county. As a rule, they are all strati-
fied, and all slope towards the northwest. To afford
a complete definition of what is meant by the terms
shale, sandstone, conglomerate, trap, etc., the follow-
ing, from the Geology of New Jersey, 1868,"" is "
introduced :
" Sandstone. A. rock composed of grains of quartzose sand cemented
together by oxide of iron, carbonate of lime, silica, or other agent, the
baud constituting the largest part; and it may be of any degree of fine-
ness, from one-eighth of an inch in diameter downwards. It may contain
fragments of mica, feldspar, or other rock, and may be of any color,
white, drab, yellow, red, purple, blue, green, or gray.
Conglomerate. A rock composed of pebbles or fragments of other "
rocks is a conglomerate. The pebbles may be oi quartz, limestone, slate,
oi" other rock, and they may vary in size from a buckshot to the bowlder
(if a foot or more in diameter. The cementing material may be oxide of
iron, carbonate of lime, or other fine substances, and the color may de-
pend either upon the paste or on the pebbles.
12
"Shale. Rocks which are nearly destitute of sandy particles, and con-
tain a great deal of clay, which are tender and split or break with an un-
even fracture, are called shales. They are frequently but little harder
than dried clayey mud, and when exposed to the weather soon crumble
down into earth. In this formation they are, in their natural state, of a
red color, and these are by far most abundant. But in the vicinity of
trap-rocks they are much changed, the colorpassing from a red to purple,
dark -blue, and black. The hardness in such cases has also increased with
the change of color, till the black is almost as hard as flint, and breaks
with a smooth conchoidal fracture like that of a mineral. Shales are also
seen about New Brunswick, and other places where a little copper is
disseminated through the rock, which are entirely changed in color with-
out any increase in hardness. The change follows the joints of the rock,
or, in some cases, the seams in the line of stratification, and the color
passes from the red to a blue or^ bluish-drab. Dark -colored and black
shales are also found in some places, which owe their color to the pres-
ence of bituminous matter. They are not changed in hardness; fre-
quently considerable vegetable remains ; fossil fish are found in such ;
and when they are heated they give off a gas which burns with a bright
blaze.
*' Limestone or calcareous shale has been found to a limited extent in
this foiTaation.
Basalt. Under this name are included the trap-rocks, which are dark- "
colored, have a specific gravity greater than 2.9, and on their weathered
surfaces are brown or dark gray, and if they have been covered by soil
are of a dull, earthy, yellowish -brown color. In their fresh fractures
they may be either coarse or fine-grained, crystalline or massive, and,
though usually dark -colored, may vary much in shade. When powdered
and tried with a magnet, they are found to contain particles of magnetic
iron ore.
" Trachyte; White or Trachytic Trap. This variety is not near so com-
mon as the basaltic. Its chief localities are about Round Valley Moun-
tain and the northern part of Hunterdon County. Rocks of this kind
are light-colored by the weather to a dull, chalky white, and in or under
the soil are, on their surface, of a yellow-white color. They have a
specific gravity of 2.8 or less. They are of various degrees of coarseness,
and are rougher to the touch than the basaltic varieties. "
The rocks of this period are remarkably uniform in
dip. Having their outcrops extending in lines north-
east and southwest, they verge towards the northwest
at an angle of about ten degrees. To this rule, how-
ever, there are some exceptions.
By far the greatest part of the rocks of this forma-
tion are shale and sandstone. Everywhere they con-
stitute the rocks of the valleys and of the sides of the
ridges. Exposures of them are seen almost every-
where along the roadsides, the banks of the rivulets,
the railroad cuts, the escarpments of the hills, and in
the beds of streams, in quarries, etc. For opportuni-
ties to observe and study no Hunterdonian can go
amiss, nor need he go far from his own dwelling. In
color they vary, but some shade of red is quite com-
mon, hence the name, red shale and red sandstone.
They exist in layers that vary in quality and in thick-
ness. It is not uncommon to find a layer that is at
one place a perfect shale, while farther on it is a per-
fect sandstone. And between these sites is seen a
shading of the shale towards the sandstone so uniform
that no eye can determine at what point the line of
demarcation between the shale and sandstone occurs.
At one place the layer may be thin-bedded, at another
thick-bedded, and farther on thin-bedded again. As
a rule, that portion of a bed that is shaly is thinner
in bed than that part which is sandy. But to this
rule are many exceptions.
During the process of weathering, the shale first
splits up into thin laminae; these laminse are often-
170
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
times as thin as the leaves in a book. In this con-
dition the rock is of short duration. It soon mould-
ers into a soil that, as is found in roads in dry weather,
may be worked up into an impalpable powder. In-
deed, when exposed to the weather the red-ahale rock
is very rapid in the process of disintegration and
crumbling to soil. While fresh the blocks look as if
they would form a beautiful and durable wall ; and
so they do when immediately laid up in mortar. But,
exposed to the action of the climate during the fall,
winter, and spring, the exterior of each block crum-
bles, the interspaces become filled with the moulder-
ing fragments, and during the following summer ixom
the surface of the mouldering heap red and white
clover grows most luxuriantly.
Where better material is regarded as too expensive,
the most indurated ft,yers of the red-shale rock are
sometimes quarried for building purposes. For cellar-
walls the stones from these layers do very well, pro-
vided that they are laid up immediately with a free
use of rich mortar. But this provision is essential.
Nor is the use of the red-shale stones in architecture
confined to the building of cellar-walls. Within the
county there are several houses the walls of which
are built entirely of this material. In the village of
Eingos stands an old hip-roofed house that was built
out of red-shale stones which were quarried out of the
layers along the south side of the road about two hun-
dred yards above where the building stands by one
Landis in the year 1837. The walls in this edifice are
in excellent condition, and will not need rebuilding
in five hundred years. Indeed, walls made of red-
shale stones, with plenty of mortar rich in freshly-
slacked lime, seem to grow firmer with age. However,
as a building material, red shale is not in good re-
pute.
Frail's Quarry. On a farm owned by A. J. Prall,
in the township of East Amwell, is a, quarry from
which have been taken a great many perches of
stones, mainly for building bridges. The quarry is in
the side of Bleak Eidge, along the west bank of
Mountain Brook ; it is well drained and easy to work.
In it the layers range in thickness from eight to
twenty inches. They are divided by two systems
of joints that meet very nearly at right angles. They
dip towards the northwest at an angle of twelve de-
grees. The stones from this quarry dress well, "take
mortar" quickly, are very sightly, make a strong wall,
and resist the disintegrating effects of the climate ex-
traordinarily. From this quarry may be taken stones
that are three feet wide, a foot or more thick, and from
six to twelve feet long.
WycJcoff's Quarry. About a mile southwest of Rea-
ville, in the bank on the west side of the Neshanic,
is a quarry which has been occasionally worked for
stones to build bridges. The abutments of the bridge
over the Neshanic near this site were here obtained.
Nevius' Quarry. Along the east bank of the Ne-
shanic, near Nevius' mill, is an outcrop of indurated
shale that has at some time been worked for building-
stones.
An analysis of the red shale shows it to contain
all of the ingredients to form a productive soil :
Silicic acid and quartz 73.00
Peroxide of iron 10.00
Alumina 3.20
Lime *-S3
Magnesia 0.90
Potash 0,73
Soda 0.97
Sulphuric acid trace
Carbonic acid
Water 1.00
Altered Shale. In some places the shale presents
an appearance that leads the geologist to believe that
it has been exposed to intense heat, and to a very
great degree by this agency altered in its appearance,
in its physical qualities, and in its chemical composi-
tion. Such is the case with those layers found adja-
cent to the trap-rocks hereafter to be described. For
instance, as we ascend the Sourland Eidge from Van
Lien's Corner, all along the roadsides, at and near the
base of the hill, the rock exhibits the appearance of
ordinary shale; but as we ascend, the appearance of
the rock becomes such that one believes it to have
been altered by igneous agencies. Near the base
it is easily broken, easily impressed with the ham-
mer ; on its exposed outcrop it exhibits its Ifimi-
nated structure, and is covered with a deep soil, made
from its disintegrated laminae. About midway up the
ascent we notice that the layers of rock are harder,
broken with more difficulty, show less of the laminar
structure along the outcrop, aiid are covered with a
less depth of soil. Farther up the layers are still
harder, and the weathered surfaces present less of the
lamination ; the soil over the layers is also less deep.
Near to and at the brow of the ridge the layers are
well defined, are of almost flinty hardness, break with
diflficulty, and to the blow of the hammer yield a con-
choidal fracture. Many of the specimens found along
the brow, if suspended when struck with the hammer,
ring like pot-metal or like the blacksmith's anvil.
Here and there specimens may be found that preieiit
an appearance that leads one to believe that, at some
distant time, they have been in a state of fusion, their
seams being obliterated by that coalescence of the
sides of continuous layers that much resembles the
union of contiguous bricks and stones that have
been heated up to the melting-point. " This feature
is well exhibited in the altered shale north of Pero
Hill. Here, in place, is seen a great succession of
strata completely fused together ; so that, if quarried,
the beds would divide up into blocks from one foot to
five feet thick, and, in proportion, as long and as
wide. Indeed, upon the surface and imbedded into the
soil are fragments of indurated shale, three feet thick,
four feet wide, and six feet long, that are almost as
hard as flint.
The shale north of Cedar Summit ex'hibits the same
phenomena very boldly. Upon the surface here are
huge blocks of altered shale of flinty hardness. Upon
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
171
the bank that skirts the eastern side of the road that
extends from Wertsville to Cedar Summit rests a
block of this material that is four and a half feet
wide, four and a half feet deep, and eight feet long.
The layers of this stone seem to be completely and
very firmly joined by fusion.
At many other places similar appearances are pres-
ent to one ascending the northern slope of the Sour-
land Ridge, for instance, along the road from Ein-
gos to Rocktown, from Wertsville to Cedar Summit,
from Unionville to Bihl's Corner, and from Wyckoffs
Corner to Cedar Summit.
The indurated rock above described doubtless is
but ordinary shale altered by the agency of heat com-
municated to it from the basaltic trap over which it
lies. There can be but little doubt that the trap that
underlies this indurated rock was injected, in a mol-
ten condition, into the bed in which it now exists.
In the process of cooling it must have imparted to
the contiguous shale an enormous amount of heat,
enough to fuse the layers contiguous to it, while
those farther distant must have suifered a less eleva-
tion of temperature. Hence the gradation in the
amount of alteration that we find in the successive
layers of the shale which is found along the northern
slope of this ridge.
Another evidence that the rock here described has
been subjected to a high degree of heat is the occur-
rence in it of mineral in a crystalline form. At many
places along the slope of the ridge are found, in the
indurated rocks, crystals of quartz, tourmaline, epi-
dote, and those of kindred minerals. In many places,
too, the rock is shivered or broken up into very small,
regular or irregular, fragments, which are sometimes
cuboidal, more frequently lozenge-shaped, a fractur-
ing that is easily explainable on the hypothesis that
the layers now formed out of these pieces were once
layers of ordinary shale that have been subjected to
intense heat and very great lateral pressure.
To the rock modified or altered by the influence of
heat is given the term "altered shale." To show that
in chemical composition, as well as in physical ap-
pearance, it differs from ordinary shale, the following
table is given, being the results of the analysis of
three specimens of altered shale, one fi-om Hunter-
don County, the others from Mercer County. No. 1
is a specimen from along the Lockatong Creek ; No.
2, from the farm of Spencer S. Wearts ; No. 3, from
Moore's mills, upon Stony brook :
No. 1. No. 2.
No. 3.
Silica 51.08
Alumina 22.45
Protoxide of iron y.-42
Manganese 93
Lime 2.63
Magnesia 3.37
Potash 1.38
Soda 2.18
Sulphuric acid 2.81
Carbonic acid 1.3U
â– Water 2.64
99.93
51.2
68.6
20.2
20.66
8.1
5.8
0.1
3.8
4.76
6.4
0.65
1.44
6.43
"5.6
.80
1.7
.65
99.93
The above table shows that the altered shales con-
tain in considerable quantities the elements for mak-
ing a valuable soil.
At many places altered shale is used for architec-
tural purposes. Upon the Sourland Ridge and along
the brow of the table-land are many houses built of
the surface-stones which are but the fragments of
altered shale. In color these stones are generally
purple or dark blue. They are very hard, and very
durable : a wall made of them is very beautiful. But
since, under the hammer, the fracture is conchoidal,.
they are difficult to shape and are much hated by
masons. They do not take mortar"" well, and, as a "
consequence, they make a wall that is less strong than
one made of common shale-stones.
From strata farther away from the trap-rock, where
the layers have been less altered by heat, stones may
be quarried that work well under the hammer, " take
mortar" middling well, and are comparatively durable.
Of this character are the stones obtained from the
quarry on the farm owned by Joseph G. Quick, also
from the one on the farm owned by Ashur Higgins, and
from the quarry at the factory near Eingos, from Dr.
G. H. Larison's quarry, at the western terminus of
Anastomosing Eidge in Lambertville, and at Patrick
Hunt's quarry, on the northern slope of the Sourland,
in the same city.
The altered shale along the northern slope of the
Sourland Eidge and along Bleak Eidge abounds in
the minerals epidote, tourmaline, steatite, pyrites, and
mica.
Epidote is found in abundance in the altered shale
along Swan Eill, in the city of Lambertville. More
sparingly, it is found in the shale of the quarries
within the city limits. Near Basaltic Cliff is another
site at which are found in considerable numbers no-
dules of epidote. From this locality there is at the
Academy of Science and Art a block of altered shale
containing nodules of this mineral from an inch and
a half to two inches in diameter.
Tourmaline occurs in the ''sandy shale" on the
high grounds southeast of Lambertville. Gener-
ally, the crystals are small. In color they are dark
brown or black.
Steatite occurs in the joints of the quarry worked
by Patrick Hunt at Lambertville. Its color is light
red or reddish-gray.
Cavities lined with quartz crystals often occur in
the strata of altered shale. In these, sometimes, the
crystals are alriiost acicular and long; in others,
columnar and short.
Crystals of iron pyrites occur in the sandy layers
of altered shale.
Flakes of mica occur in the arenaceous strata of
shale. At some places pieces of shaly sandstone are
picked up that, from the presence of the mineral,
glitter as if set with scales of burnished silver.
All along the brow of the table-land, from the
Delaware River to the Cakepoulin Rivulet, occur
172
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
outcrops of altered shale. Indeed, from river to
rivulet there are two lines of outcrops that are ap-
proximately parallel.
The altered shale along these lines is very similar
to that found upon the northern slope of the Sourland
Eidge. At some places it is flinty, rings when struck
with the hammer, and breaks with a conchoidal frac-
ture; at others it is less indurated and breaks with
more regularity. In it exist the same kind of min-
erals found in the altered shale of the Sourland.
The shale forming Baven Eock is a part of the
most southerly of these lines.
Sandstone. That part of a layer of a sedimentary
Triaasic rock that consists largely of grains of quartz-
ose sand is known as sandstone, sometimes called
freestone. As above intimated, sandstones do not
constitute entire layers, but the same layer is called a
shale in that part which is largely made up of clay
and is nearly destitute of sandy particles ; while that
part of it that is made up chiefly of sand-grains, with
an absence of clay, is called a sandstone.
As above stated, as a rule that part of a layer which
is sandy is thicker than that part which is shaly. This
condition of the layer gives a clue to the solution of
the problem concerning the origin of the strata com-
posing the Triassic Period, as found in New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
As to the origin of the Triassic rock, the most
plausible theory is that at the close of the Carbon-
iferous Age there existed a lagoon that extended
from the Hudson Eiver southwestward through Penn-
sylvania and Maryland into Virginia. This lagoon
was flanked upon the northwest and upon the south-
east by rock belonging to the Archaean Age. Along
the northwest the land rose up abruptly into the
Archaean highlands, as at present. Here was a short
slope to contribute of its detritus to the filling up of
this ancient lagoon. But towards the southeast rose
up a plain of Archaean rocks that extended away from
the shore of the lagoon far back into a region which
is now covered by the waters of the Atlantic. From
this extended slope the streams transported the de-
tritus and deposited, as silt, the clayey elements of
their freight to form the red-shale rock, and the coarse
and sandy elements to form the sandstones and con-
glomerates.
As the streams were transporting to this lagoon
their freight of detritus, to be spread out to form the
layers of trias, those particles which were coarser and
heavier such as sand-grains and the like would be
first deposited, while the finer-grained and conse-
quently the more easily transportable would be car-
ried farther on and spread more extensively over the
bottom of the lagoon. Hence, we infer that those por-
tions of a layer, or of a succession of layers, that are
sandy are at the bottom of what once was an estuary
of an ancient stream, and in consequence was the
recipient of the heavier particles of the freight brought
down by each successive freshet of the stream ; while
the lighter particles of the same freight were carried
beyond these gritty beds, to be spread out to form
laminae of shale.
Every observer must have noticed that the shale-rock
consists of laminae ; that the sandstones are destitute
of laminae. At some places it is possible to trace a
thin layer of sandstone as it thins out into a lamina
of shale. Perhaps every layer of sandstone, no mat-
ter how thick, is but a swell of gritty material in a
lamina of a Triassic layer that at the time of its
deposition extended over the bottom of the whole
lagoon. If this be so, we see that the estuaries of
streams must have filled up more rapidly than those
parts of the lagoon that were farther away. This
must have caused frequent changes in the course of
the streams as they flowed through those estuaries.
Of this we have abundant evidence in any quarry
that we may visit. However, in some it is more
noticeable than in others. At Stockton we see a suc-
cession of layers of sandstone superimposed by a suc-
cession of laminae of shale. These laminae in turn are
superimposed by a succession of layers of sandstone.
These sandstone are again superimposed by layers of
shale ; and so on to the end of the layers that consti-
tute the quarry. This happened, no doubt, by the
filling in of the bed of the stream with sand, while the
elements to form shale were carried farther away.
Nor is it difiicult to determine in what direction the
current of the estuary moved. Ui^on the surface of
freshly-exposed layers in the quarries at Stockton is
seen the arrangement of the particles of sand forming
the stones. This arrangement is rrjarvelously similar
to that of the grains in a bar of sand deposited in any
of our mill-ponds at the time of a freshest from a
heavy shower. Further, the largest stones of this
justly-famous quarry may be broken to pieces, and
every piece reveals the same structure. Nor is this
quarry the only site that ofi^ers testimony to this
hypothesis. The whole bed of sand forming Sandy
Eidge everywhere exhibits the same structure. In-
deed, so boldly is this fact exhibited in the structure
of this ridge that, when a boy, I used to hear the men
working in the sand-pits of this deposit remark,
" This sand looks as if it had been washed here by
some great freshet of an enormous river. "
The arrangement of the particles of sand forming
the stones of the quarry at Stockton and the huge
deposit of sand known as Sandy Eidge are such as to
show that the current, at the time these beds were
formed, moved from southwest to northeast, or, in
other words, moved from the site at which these quar-
ries appear in the direction of the line of Sandy
Eidge. Hence, we may infer that the stones of the
quarry at Stockton, Brookville, and Prallsville are
composed of the sand-grains and pebbles first depos-
ited in the bed of the stream in the ancient estuary,
that the sands of Sandy Eidge and those of the de-
posit at Sand Brook were the sediments of the current
under less rapid movement, and that the fine-grained
PHYSICAL GEOGKAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
173
sands at the eastern terminus of these ridges are the
small particles that were carried along by a current
that had lost much of its rapidity of movement ; while
the laminae of shale beyond these ridges, forming the
layers of the Red Shale Valley, consist of the clayey
elements that were easy of transportation, and floated
on to be deposited in waters more quiet, -perhaps
almost tranquil. In support of this hypothesis are the
conglomerate, of coarse but well-worn fragments,
forming the top of the hill below Stockton ; the bed
of finer pebbles beyond ; the pits of building-sand in
the same ridge, farther to the east; the fine sand,
graduating into a sandy shale and then into a red
shale, at the eastern terminus of Sandy Ridge.
Quarries at Stockton and in its vicinity. Sandstones
outcrop at various sites in the Triassic parts of our
county, but there are only a few places at which they
are in layers thick enough to work well for building
purposes. At Stockton and in its vicinity are numer-
ous quarries. Here the layers of sandstone are some-
times six or seven feet in thickness. Especially is
this the case in Hoppock's quarry, at Prallsville,
from which have been taken the stones for the con-
struction of some of the strongest pieces of masonry
within the Central States.
The stones in this quarry are beautiful. In respect
to grain, they are fine ; in color they are light gray ;
in composition they are mainly quartz and feldspar.
In this quarry the layers are divided into regular,
smooth-faced blocks of large size. From it have been
taken cuboidal blocks the sides of which were six feet
across. With the "wedge and feather" these blocks
spilt easily. With the chisel they are readily worked
into handsome cornices, sills, stepstones, and the
like.
As at present worked, the face of the quarry is about
thirty -three feet. The dip of the strata here is gently
towards the northwest.
This quarry was opened about 1813. In 1832-33 it
was worked by the Delaware and Raritan Canal Com-
pany. Some years ago it was worked by one Kessler.
It is now in the care of the heirs of William Hop-
pock, deceased.
Several of the largest railroad-bridges in the Lehigh
Valley, and many other of the most important stone
structures built within the present decade, are con-
structed of material from the quarries at Stockton and
vicinity.
The quarries in the vicinity of Stockton have each
its peculiarity of bedding. The one at Brookville is
thin-bedded. In this the layers range from eight to
fifteen inches in thickness. In color the stone is a
buflish gray.
The quarry at Stockton exhibits layers ranging in
thickness from six to twenty-four inches. In this are
a few intercalations of shale. The color of the stones
here is light gray. Out of the stones of this quarry
many a beautiful building has been constructed.
In the canal company's quarry, north of the Wick-
echeoche Rivulet, the layers range in thickness from
four to eight feet. The rock is composed almost ex-
clusively of quartz-grains. In some places it is con-
glomerate. It contains very little cementing material.
In color it is almost white.
The layers all dip towards the northwest. They
are divided by two systems of joints which are nearly
at right angles. These extend almost vertical. Upon
this, to a great extent, depends the ease with which
this quarry is worked. A blast here sometimes forces
a block that would weigh twenty-five tons.
Haven Hock. At this place is a deposit of coarse
quartz-grains that have solidified into a very hard
sandstone. These are quarried and used for building
purposes. The layers are not very thick. In color
they are light gray. Near by is another formation of
sandstone, also quarried for building purposes. In
this the stone is -fine-grained and in thin layers. In
color it is pale red. Some layers are rather shaly.
Sergeant's Quarry. About a mile southwest of
Flemington, on a farm owned by John Sergeant, is
an outcrop of sandstone that has occasionally been
worked for building-stone. The layers are thin and
the grain of the rock very fine. In color it is bufi",
inclining to gray.
About a mile south of Flemington, on a farm owned
by Gershom C. Sergeant, is an outcrop of sandstone
strata. These have never been worked for building-
stone. The strata are but few, and are quite thin.
In color the stone is buff, with shining specks of mica.
It consists mainly of fine grains of quartz, feldspar,
and small flakes of mica, cemented by means of the
oxide of iron. The dip of these strata is very steep.
Flagstone Quarries at Milford. Along the Hakiho-
kake Creek, about a mile from Milford, is an exten-
sive quarry of excellent flagstone, owned by Mr.
Clark. In this quarry the layers range in thickness
from one to twelve inches. They are divided by a
system of joints extending N. 75° E. Another system
extends N. 15° W. They split evenly, yielding slabs
with even surfaces that are highly prized for flooring
or sidewalks. The dip of the layers is 20° N. 40° W.
In color the stone is bluish ; in grain it is fine. From
this quarry have been taken stones that measure
twenty-two feet in length by seventeen in breadth.
This quarry was opened in 1860. In it have been
found thin seams of coal and impressions of stems of
plants. Here, too, have been found some indistinct
footprints.
On a branch of the Hakihokake is Rowland's
quarry. In this the layers are thickest at the top,
and range from one to twenty-four inches. The rock
is composed almost entirely of quartz. In grain it is
rather coarse ; in color, a dark gray. Here, too, have
been found thin seams of coal. From this quarry
have been taken stones that were twenty by twenty
feet.
These quarries are located upon a high hill near the
Belvidere and Delaware Railroad, and are easy to
174
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
work. From them are shipped large quantities of very
superior flagging.
Conglomerate. The follo\Ying description of the
conglomerate of Hunterdon County, found in the
Geology of New Jersey for 1868, is so lucid and
so complete that it is quoted nearly entire :
"Along the Delaware Elver, above Milford, there is a remarkably
coarse conglomerate exposed in the high bluff on the roadside. A red
shaly rock alternates with this conglomerate. The latter is geneniUy in
beds from one to ten feet thick, and with less shale between them towards
the northwest. The dip is 16°-20=' N. 00' W. The conglomerate thins
out in certain strata, and shale takes its place. Nearly all of the mate-
rial in it is silicions. Some of the rounded quartzites in it are a foot in
diameter. There are a few red-shale pebbles, and very rarely one of
limestone is seeu among them. The matrix is red and similar to the
material of the alternating layers of shale. The general aspect of the
rock is dnll red, in places grayish. This conglomerate is seen along the
river for nearly two miles. It may also be seen in the Nockamixon
Cliffs, ou the opposite side of the river.
Westof this and along the river road, south of the Presbyterian church, "
at Johnson's Ferry, a conglomerate crops out,, dipping 40' N. 60° W. It
consists of a red siliceo-argillaceous paste, cementing together angular
and partially-rounded pebbles and masses of quartz, gneiss, and grayish
limestone. Some of these imbedded fragments are a foot in diameter.
The rock appears back of the church, dipping steeply to the southeast,
while close to it on the north is the magnesian limestone, which also
dips towards the southeast. The two rocks are here seen only a few rods
apart.
" Near Amsterdam a calcareous conglomerate occurs, near the residence
of .laoob Bobbins, on the east of the road to Holland Station. It has been
used for lime, but only to a small extent. Its dip appears to be towards
the southeast.
At Little York some ragged rocks of calcareous conglomerate are "
seen projecting above the surface. Their dip is almost vertical.
" A calcareous conglomerate occurs near New Germantown and Leba-
non, occupying a narrow strip of country between the gneiss and the red
shale and sandstone. That near New Germantown lies west of Cold
Brook, and extends, between that stream aud a part of the Fox Hill
range, from the village northerly about one and a half miles to the resi-
dence of H. 0. Hoffman, at the road-corners. Northward the drift pre-
vents the farther tracing of tliis rock. East of Cold Brook the rock is a
hard, flinty, red quartzite. The conglomerate is made up of blue-lime-
stone pebbles, and slightly-rounded masses cemented together by a red
shaly paste. It is quarried on several farms as a source of lime.
Northwest of New Germantown, and west of the conglomerate just "
described, a calcareous rock is quarried, near the North Rockaway Creek,
on the lands of Peter W. Melick.
" West-southwest of these outcrops is the conglomerate north and
northeast of Lebanon. Wjiethor it is connected with that at New Ger-
mantown is uncertain. It is seen on several farms east of the Lebanon
and Cokesburg road, occupying a belt of country about half a mile wide,
bordering the gneiss on the north and the red shale on the south. The
rock dips to the north and northwest, except at Hoffman's quarry, where
it dips gently towards the south. At Van Sickle's aud at Eamsey's quar-
ries the dip is about ten degrees towards the northwest. Near George E.
Apgar's the rock dips also to the northwest.
Northeast of Pottersvllle, near the border of the gneiss, there is a hill "
containing a calcareo-silicious conglomerate. The hill is about half a
mile long, and perhaps one hundred feet high. On the surface the rock
is cellular or amygdaloidal, owing to the calcareous matter dissolving out
and leaving the cavities in it. On the west-noithwest is a limestone°that
has been quarried. It is probably this conglomerate."
TKAP-KOCKS.
Of trap-rocks in Hunterdon County there are two
kinds, basaltic and trachitic, the former being much
the more abundant.
Trap-rock of the Sourland Hidge.Fiom the Dela-
ware northeastward to the terminus of the Sourland
Ridge, as a core through its centre, extends a layer of
basaltic trap. It outcrops at but few places, but it
may be traced all along by the overlying belt of gritty
soil bestrewed with basaltic bowlders that has resulted
from its decay.
It may be seen in places along the western escarp-
ment of Goat Hill; on the top of Goat Hill, south of
Mount Airy, at Fisher's Peak, along the sides of the
road that extends from Ringos to Rocktown, at Ba-
saltic Cliff, along the side of the road south of Basal-
tic Cliff, and west of the Rock Mills. It is in the
form of a dike between layers of altered shale. With
the strata of shale it seems, in all particulars, entirely
conformable. Its thickness cannot be accurately de-
termined, yet we may approximately measure it.
Upon its surface the soil that has resulted from its de-
composition is about half a mile wide ; perhaps the
underlying trap-rock is about the same width. The
outcrop south of Ringos affords a favorable oppor-
tunity to determine the dip of this stratum of trap.
At this site the dip is N. 20° W. The altered shale
that outcrops along its southern border, and conse-
quently extends beneath it, and that which out-
crops along its northern border, and as a consequence
overlies it, has a dip, upon an average, of twenty de-
grees towards the northwest. If, then, the dip of this
trappean layer is twenty degrees, and its horizontal
surface is half a mile wide, its thickness must be not
far from nine hundred and sixty-four feet a dike
of no mean proportions.
The trend of this trappean dike is not straight or
direct ; at one place it exhibits a remarkable curve.
Starting from the Delaware at Goat Hill, it extends
northeast for about five miles ; it then curves north-
ward to Fisher's Peak ; thence it extends northeast to
Basaltic Cliff; thence southeast to Snydertown, where
it resumes its northeastern course, and continues it to
the terminus of the ridge.
Trap of Gilbo.The main bulk of this hill consists
of basaltic trap. Its outcrop seems to be ellipsoidal,
the greater diameter, which is about a mile and a half
in length, extending nearly north and south. To-
wards the west, quite to the river, the trap is bare ;
upon the other side it is covered with strata of altered
shale. These strata seem to dip uniformly towards
the northwest, and are conformable to those of the
shale between which it is injected.
Trap near Point Pleasant. 'Nea.r Point Pleasant is
an outcrop of trap that is very fine-grained. As
measured across it along the road it is about two hun-
dred yards wide. From the river eastward it can be
traced about a mile. It forms the core of a hill that
rises to the height of about two hundred and fifty-five
feet above mean tide-level.
Upon the southeast side this trap is flanked by very
hard strata of altered shale that form the western
terminus of that long line of outcrops that extends,
with interruptions, from this site, in a curve, along
the'southern and eastern brow of the table-land to the
Cakepoulin Creek, a distance of about eighteen
miles. Upon the northwest a deep ravine in part sep-
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
175
arates it from the altered shale. However, a little
way back from the river it is covered by strata of al-
tered shale that form the western terminus of that
chain of outcrops that extends, in a curve almost
parallel with the line of outcrops just described, from
this site to the hank of the Cakepoulin Creek.
Trap near Sidney. In a cut through the hill near
Sidney, made by the construction of the Easton and
Amboy Railroad, trap is disclosed. In color and in
texture it very much resembles the trap at Point Pleas-
ant. It seems to be in a stratum that stands vertical.
On the east side it is flanked by the altered shale
that forms the northern terminus of that chain of
outcrops that gives prominence to the brow of the
table-land.
There are many considerations that lead to the be-
lief that the trap near Sidney and that near Point
Pleasant are connected, that both are but the out-
crops of a great dike of trap that extends between
the layers of altered shale whose outcrops form the
brow and the counter-brow of the table-land. Al-
though within these two lines of outcrops of altered
shale there are neither outcrops of trap between
these points, nor even fragments of trap in the
soil, nor yet that ochre-oolor of the surface peculiar to
a soil that results from the decay of the trap, yet it
may be that but a few feet beneath the surface of a
soil made from the disintegration of the altered shale
a stratum of trap extends from the Point Pleasant
outcrop to the outcrop in the cut made by the Easton
and Amboy Railroad. In support of this hypothesis
is the fact that from two sites in the chain of out-
crops forming the brow of the table-land may be
traced the trap-dike of Dike Hill. One of these sites
is almost north of Sand Brook ; the other is north-
west of the same village.
Again, from a site in the brow of the table-land
just south of the point at which the road extending
from Flemington to Croton crosses the brow may be
traced the dike of basaltic trap that extends from the
above-named place across the Red Shale Valley to
its terminus in Basaltic Cliff. Also, from a site in
the same line of outcrops about three miles farther
north may be traced, in the • direction of Round
Mountain, a dike some two miles in length.
It seems that at the time of injection there was
thrown in between the layers of altered shale a quan-
tity of molten liquid not large enough to fill the
space to the surface, and yet seemingly large enough
to separate the layers several feet, and, as it cooled, to
hold them apart. Consequently, subsequent to the
injection, all along from Point Pleasant to the rail-
road cut there must have been a yawning abyss. This
chasm must have been peculiar.
The northern side, formed of the layers of shale
baked hard by the heat escaping from the injected
molten fluid, must have so projected southeastward
as to efiect a partial covering a long deep trench
partly covered with a shaly roof that projected for-
ward and upward. The rear portion of the floor must
have been level and formed a trappean rock ; the front
part must have been composed of altered shale that
sloped upward to the opening. Hence, it must have
appeared like an immense corridor extending from
end to end along the brow of the table-land.
In the course of time this chasm began to be filled
with debris and detritus from the contiguous sides.
As the roof wall had no columns to support it, and as
upon its under side as well as upon its upper side it
was subjected to the disintegrating influences of the
atmosphere, it soon began to moulder and fall to
pieces, and to fill the chasm with the ruins of its
decay. As along its free margin fragments were de-
tached and fell, a mural-like escarpment resulted ;
hence those outcrops of altered shale that form in
many places the wall-like line of elevation that we
call the counter-brow.
As the detritus and debris of the contiguous lands
have not, in many places, entirely filled the space be-
tween, a long narrow hollow or valley is left, the
trough formed of the brow and the counter-brow of
the table-land.
Trap of Bound Mountain. An ellipsoidal area cov-
ered with trap forms the central and the most elevated
parts of Round Mountain. The greater diameter of
this area extends east and west ; it is about one mile
and a half long. The other diameter is less than a
mile. Perhaps the core of this hill consists of trap.
Trap of Cushatong Mountain and Pickle's Moun-
tain. On the north, the east, and the south sides,
Round Valley is environed with a narrow area of
trap that in shape somewhat resembles a horseshoe.
This trappean area forms the core and the most ele-
vated parts of Cushatong and Pickle's Mountain. In-
deed, in many places the sharp back of the projecting
dike constitutes the crest of the mountain ; in others
the core of trap is covered by a soil that has resulted
from its decay. Everywhere the sides of the ridge
are bestrewed with fragments of the decaying trap.
In fact, the entire ridge that forms the elevations
known as Cushatong and Pickle's Mountain seems to
be composed of trap.
The trap of this semicircular belt is of that variety
known as trachyte. It seems to be in the form of a
dike that stands vertical, which has broken ver-
tically through both the underlying Archaean rocks
and the successive layers of shale. In these respects,
in chemical composition, and in position it differs
very greatly from the dikes in the southeast part of
the county.
In appearance this trachytic trap differs very much
from the basaltic. The crystals of which it is com-
posed are coarse; when exposed to the weather it
becomes white, and its surface is rough; it fractures
with a heavy blow, yielding a rough surface ; its
specific gravity is 2.74 ; in composition feldspar pre-
dominates ; " in its fracture and general appearance
it resembles syenitic granite."
176
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
For architectural purposes this rock has very little
value, hut the soil that results from its decay is very
fertile and well adapted to the cultivation of the
cereals as well as to that of pears, apples, plums,
cherries, and especially of peaches. On this soil the
peach-tree grows to extraordinary proportions and
lives to an extraordinary age. In quality the fruits
that grow upon this soil are superior.
Trap of New Germantown and Silver Hill. " Near
the gneiss of the Highlands and west of New Ger-
mantown is another semicircular trap-range, and
facing the open semicircle is a round hill of the same
rock, known as Silver Hill. Both of these outcrops
are bordered on the north and east by the calcareous
conglomerate of the Triassic age. Silver Hill is quite
elevated, and very stony on its top and north side.
Its southern slope is shaly. The main ridge, west of
the village of New Germantown, has the conglom-
erate on the east along Gold Brook and near the vil-
lage. This ridge bends west and crosses the Eocka-
way at Trimmer's mills, where its breadth is only one
hundred yards. Its northwest termination is just be-
yond the Potterstown road and the Tewksbury town-
ship line. South of this is red shale. In the valley
between this and Silver Hill the surface is also shaly,
but no shale is seen in place. North and west of
these trap-outcrops is the.gneiss, separated from it by
blue limestone at one point, and probably by the con-
glomerate also, which, as has already been mentioned,
occurs east of these hills."*
Anastomosing and Insulated Trap-Dikes. The trap
above described seems to exist, for the most part, in
the form of dikes, which have been made by inject-
ing, at an early time, molten liquid through long
lines of fissures in the basement or Archfean rocks
into the spaces between layers of shale. With the ex-
ception of the trap which forms the ridge known as
Cushatong and Pickle's Mountain, it is all in layers
or beds entirely or nearly conformable to the strata of
the shale between which it lies. Indeed, in every
case the trap seems not only to exist in a layer with
regular outline, but the layer itself is stratified, in
most places, with the greatest regularity.
But another system of dikes exists that presents
other peculiarities. Notable among these peculiari-
ties are the following : They do not exist in layers
conformable to the strata of shale ; on the contrary,
they stand vertical, and for the most part seem to be
in dikes that extend across the strata of shale. In
each case the bed of trap is narrow, and in some no-
table cases a dike extends between two larger masses
of trap in the form of dikes, forming a kind of anasto-
mosis. In some cases the dike is short and narrow
and entirely separated from any of the less or larger
dikes, forming a kind of trappean island in an area of
shale.
Of the anastomosing dikes, the most notable is that
* Geology of New Jersey, 1868, p. 194.
one which extends between the hill w^est t)f, Fleming-
ton, near the brow of the table-land, and Basaltic
Clifi', upon the Sourland Eidge. This line of trap is
not direct. Commencing at the cemetery, we can
trace it a little north of east across the road that ex-
tends from Flemington to Klinesville. A few yards
beyond it curves around towards the south, then to-
wards the west until it recrosses this road. From
this site it trends a little east of south to the crest of
Bleak Eidge ; from thence southwest to Basaltic Cliff.
All the way across theEed Shale Valley it maybe easily
traced by the ochreous soil that has resulted from its
decay, as well as by the train of small in some
places large pieces of trap with which the ochreous
soil is bestrewn. It may be seen in place at both
sites where it extends across the Flemington and
Klinesville road, on the hill not far from the ceme-
tery west of Flemington, in the side of the road that
extends from Flemington to Stockton, near the mines,
and in the railroad cut north of Copper Hill.
The northern part of this dike is the narrowest. In
the side of the road north of Flemington it stands
vertical and is well exposed ; here it has a thickness
or width of about three feet. Near the old mines
it seems to be about ten feet thick. Where cut
through by the railroad, north of Copper Hill, it is
about eighty feet wide. At the summit between
Copper Hill and Pleasant Corner, also at A. T. Wil-
liamson's gate, in the Old York Eoad, it is about
thirty feet wide.
The trap of this dike is basaltic ; it is fine-grained
and very dark. Upon the surface, at some places,
the fragments are very small and very few ; at others
they are very large and very abundant. From Cop-
per Hill southward they are abundant.
There is a peculiarity as respects the position of the
surface-fragments of trap of this dike. Whether
large or small, all of them lie upon the ochreous
soil covering the subjacent trap, or else are upon
the shaly soil to the eastward of it. It may be that
within the last few years, in a few cases, by agricul-
tural processes, more or less of the small fragments
have been transported westward of this dike. My
attention was called to this peculiarity in the spring
of 1858. At that time, from Copper Hill southward,
the dike extended through forests. Consequently, we
may assume that the surface-trap had not been moved
by art. At this time it was quite impossible to find
even small specimens upon the shaly soil that skirted
the dike along its western border. But upon the
shaly soil towards the east from the dyke are found,
in many places, thousands of tons of trap, and, what
is somewhat remarkable, the largest fragments are
farthest eastward.
This singularity leads to the belief that at the
time of, and perhaps for a short period after, its in-
jection this dike acted as a volcano, throwing up into
the air from its boiling surface of molten fluid quan-
tities of lava that solidified more or less while in the
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
177
region between the earth and the sky. While high
up in the air, acted upon by the west winds, the cool-
ing masses were carried so far towards the east that
they fell upon sites sometimes two hundred yards
eastward of the line of the dike. And we may some-
what estimate the activity of the projectile force by the
amount and the kind of work it did. Upon A. T.
Williamson's farm are several large pieces of trap
that lie some one hundred yards east of the dike.
The largest of these is fifteen feet in length, eleven
feet in width, and five feet in thickness, and the
piece would weigh at least sixty tons. To have
thrown- this so high into the air that the wind could
carry it this distance eastward before it returned to
the surface must have taken a great deal of force.
Trap of Dike Ridge. The core of Dike Ridge is a
narrow dike of fine-grained basaltic trap. The dike
seems to stand vertical, and in many places to con-
stitute the entire upper portion of the ridge. In the
process of disintegration it breaks up into lozenge-
shaped masses, the largest of which have a diameter
of not more than three inches. In color the fresh
fractures are very dark; the weathered surfaces,
ochreous. It may be seen in place at the south-
eastern extremity of the ridge, at the site at which
the Sand Brook makes its way out to the Red Shale
Valley. Here, on the southwest side of the rivulet,
the outcrop is a craggy clifi" rising to the height of
seventy-five feet above the surface of the stream. It
may also be seen in place near the crest of the ridge
along the side of the road that extends from Higgins'
still-house to the Dunkard church ; also near the top
of the hill on the north side of Sand Brook; and
near the south side of the road which extends from
Copper Hill across the ridge to the Sand Brook Val-
ley.
Klineavilk Dike. A. little north of Klinesville a
narrow dike extends, apparently from the Sudo-dike
in the brow of the table-land, northeast across the
road. Upon the surface we picked up a number of
lozenge-shaped pieces of trap, and the soil is very
ochreous. In color the freshly-fractured surfaces are
very dark, the weathered surfaces are ochreous. The
grain of the stone is very fine. It is not only pos-
sible, but highly probable, that this dike forms an
anastomosis between the trap of the Sudo-dike and
the dike that constitutes the core of Round Moun-
tain.
Trap-Dihe near Three Bridges. Less, than a mile
northeast of the village, across the road that leads
from the Three Bridges to Centreville, extends a nar-
now dike of basaltic trap. The surface-pieces that
we picked up are cuboidal, very dark upon the sur-
face, of a fresh fracture, deeply ochreous upon the
weathered surface.
Trap of the AkxsocJcen Dihe.Yxom Fisher's Peak,
a little south of west, extends a narrow dike of
basaltic trap that can be traced almost to the Dela-
ware. It extends across the road near the summit
less than a mile southwest of Mount Airy. Here,
and west of this site for a mile or more, it forms the
core of Anastomosing Ridge ; about a mile east of the
Delaware it ceases to form the core of this ridge.
From this point it is traced along the northern slope
of the ridge to the bank of and across the Alex-
socken Creek. Where crossed by the Alexsocken the
walls of the dike are well exposed, but between them
no trap is seen. For the distance of a hundred feet
the stream, in low water, flows between these walls.
They are apart about three feet in the narrowest place.
They consist of altered shales that exhibit evidences
that at some time they have been heated almost to a
molten condition. So much is this the case that the
chasm presents the appearance of a miniature extinct
volcano, and no doubt such it is.
The shale here, in the process of disintegration,
breaks up into small lozenge-shaped masses, the edges
of some of which are almost as sharp as a knife. In
color it is very dark, almost glossy black in some
places. No fragments of trap have been found here,
but it is reasonable to suppose that the floor of this
chasm or, at the least, the space but a few feet below
the floor is filled with this substance.
At the Alexsocken Creek the altered shale that
forms the walls of this pseudo-dike are very well ex-
posed for about a hundred and fifty feet. They trend
S. 84° W. The chasm is not exactly vertical ; as it
extends downward it inclines a little towards the
south.
I have reasons to believe that this dike extends from
the Alexsocken to the trap that forms the core of
Gilbo. If so, this too is an anastomosing dike.
Trap near Van Lieu's Corner. About a quarter of a
mile south of Van Lieu's Corner, across the road to
Hopewell, extends a dike that trends almost east and
west, and may be traced from the road eastward for a
mile or more. It seems insular. It is narrow, but it
has been very prolific in surface-fragments.
This dike is, no doubt, but an injection of basalt
into a rent into the strata of shale that overlies the
trap of the Sourland.
I doubt not that several other anastomosing and in-
sular dikes exist in the Triassic portion of Hunterdon
County. Indeed, it seems to me that, directly subse-
quent to the deposition of the material out of which
the strata of shale were formed, some profound com-
motion occurred in the fluid that then existed beneath
the Archsean rocks which established a great wave,
or a line of waves, along the northwestern border of
the trias. The wave or waves, moving southeastward
beneath the Archaean rocks upon which the shale
rests, fractured these old basement-strata in long lines
at right angles to the direction of its motion, as a
wave that passes beneath a sheet of ice breaks it up
into great slabs which have their longer diameter at
right angles to the course of the wave. The space
made by these long lines of fracture at once became
filled with the molten material. Thus originated the
178
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
great dikes that are conformable to tlie strata of the
shale. And, as the inequality of the surface of a
wave in a pond is such as to fracture the lifted slab
of ice into smaller pieces, so the wave in the molten
basaltic fluid fractured the floating fragments of
Archsean rock and its superimposed freight of shale
into pieces of various length and of various shape.
The spaces affected by these transverse or secondary
fractures were at once injected with molten trappean
material. Thus originated the anastomosing or in-
sular dikes, which are secondary both in size and in
time of origin.
AVhen this molten trappean material was injected,
the contiguous shale must have been so heated that
in many places it assumed the liquid form, and the
water it contained must have been quickly converted
into steam. And of this there is abundant evidence.
All along the dike in the Dike Eidge are beds of
amygdaloid or scoriaceous rock that have resulted
from reducing the shale to a molten condition and
then rendering the molten mass cellular by the ex-
pansion of the pent-up steam. Other sites there are
that abound in scoriaceous shale.
In chemical composition as well as in physical
qualities there is considerable difference in the trap
that exists in separate dikes, and even in different
parts of the same dike. The difference in chemical
composition may be learned by inspecting the follow-
ing analyses, published in the " Geology of New
Jersey, 1868" â–
Specimens from
Point Cemetery Anastomo- Goat Pickle's
Gilbo. Pleasant. Hill, slug Dike. Hill. Mountain,
Silica 60.4 60.6 5:i.4 50.6 51.4 GH.l
Protoxide of iron. 16.4 13.0 1:1.0 12 2 12.2 7.3
Alumina 16.6 12.5 11.2 14.9 18.3 16.7
Magnesia 4.9 7.2 6.9 6.0 5.3 1.2
Lime 7.1 11.1 6.6 ll.l 8.0 6.2
Soda 1.4 1.6 2,3 1.9 1.1 3.1
Potassa 2,0 0,7 1,3 0.6 0.9 4
Water 1.8 1.6 4.8 2,9 1,9 2,1
98,6 98.2 99.6 100.2 99.1 99.1
These analyses show that the trappean rock, wher-
ever found, consists of elements that make good soils.
Nor is it possible, in Hunterdon County, to find a
belt of soil that is the result of the decay of trap-rock
that is not susceptible of the highest culture.
For architectural or sculptural purposes the trap-
rocks of Hunterdon County were formerly regarded
as almost worthless. But, in the year 1868, Mr. James
Murphy, a sculptor of Flemington, began a series of
experiments which have shown that the bowlders of
trap upon the Sourland Eidge are very valuable for
sculptural purposes. At first it was extremely dif-
ficult to find a customer who would take a grave-
monument worked from basalt, but Mr. Murphy in-
forms me that at present about four-fifths of the
orders that come to his establishment call for monu-
ments of basaltic granite.
With the " wedge and feather" the coarser-grained
basaltic rock is readily worked. Sills, cornice, step-
stones, and building-stone of any size or shape can
easily be worked out of this rock. The time will come,
no doubt, when this will be the material in greatest
request for fine edifices. At present, owing to the
cost, it is not attracting much attention for this pur-
pose. The only structure in Hunterdon that is built
of this material is the one in which the author of this
chapter now sits writing this article. It was erected
by the writer in the fall and winter of 1875.
From Goat Hill much valuable basaltic granite has
been shipped to Philadelphia and elsewhere. Upon
this site the rock works well, and, the canal being
near by, it is easy of transportation. At this place
have been split out slabs twenty feet long that were
not more than two and a half feet wide and two feet
thick. From this site, also, thousands of tons have
been shipped for paving material.
The other sites upon the Sourland at which the
surface-trap has been successfully worked are Shep-
herd's Hill, Eocktown, Basaltic Cliff!', and Pero Hill.
As they exist in the larger dikes, the trap-rocks are
stratified. This may be seen in the exposure near
Eocktown, in that upon the west side of Goat Hill,
and elsewhere. In the main, the layers are thick. In
some places are beds that are twenty feet deep ; at
others not more than one or two feet ; while upon the
top of Goat Hill, on lands owned by W. F. Bain-
bridge, is a quarry or working of basaltic trap in
which the layers are in many cases less than half an
inch in thickness. Slabs of basalt four feet long, two
and a half feet wide, whose average thickness was less
than an inch, are here obtained. This quarry is
worked for flagstones and for bridge-covering ; and
from it, for these purposes, is taken some of the most
handsome and substantial material.
In the main, the strata of trap are traversed by two
systems of joints that cross each other at such angles
as to divide the beds into blocks somewhat lozenge-
shaped. Occasionally the blocks are rather cuboidal,
sometimes rhombohedral. Be the blocks whatever
shape they may, when exposed to the atmosphere they
yield to climatic influences, and in the process of dis-
integration the course is always the same. The block
exposed first loses its corners. Upon examination of
the pieces that have fallen we learn that the surface
by which it adhered to the parent block is concave;
upon examining the surface of that part of the block
from which a corner fell, we learn that it is convex.
In the process of time, from each of the projecting
parts of the remaining portion of the parent block a
somewhat meniscus-shaped piece becomes disjointed
and falls. In time, from each of the protuberances
another meniscus-shaped piece separates, and so the
process is repeated, until the residue of the block be-
comes almost a perfect sphere. Nor does this process
of concentric exfoliation cease at this juncture, for
meniscus-shaped pieces still separate from the spheroid
until the core is in size, in many cases, less than a
walnut. The core, however, disintegrates in another
way. At first it divides ; then it subdivides ; and
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OP HUNTERDON COUNTY.
179
finally its crystals disjoin and crumble into very small
particles.
In many cases, when tlie process of concentric ex-
foliation has progressed only so far as to round off the
corners a little, the parent block separates through
the middle. Thus are produced two fragments, each
of which has four sharp, well-defined corners and
four convex protuberances. But angularity is not
allowable by the law that regulates the disintegration
of detached basaltic blocks. Ere long the corners of
the newly-formed fragments fall, meniscus-shaped
pieces follow, and in a short time the disintegrating
block becomes at first irregularly plano-convex, then
irregularly ovoid, and finally irregularly spheroid. In
many cases where the parent block is very large the
meniscus-shaped fragments are correspondingly large,
and ofltimes, especially when separated from inferior
parts of the parent stone, remain standing, sometimes
in a vertical position, but more frequently they are
inclined. Occasionally the separation is such that
the parent block, while exfoliating, divides into four,
eight, or sixteen pieces, or any other number that may
result from a fission in which the joints are horizontal
and vertical. Hence arise so many of those fantas-
tic forms seen in the shapes of the trappean bowlders
along the Sourland Ridge. Some of these are worthy
of mention.
A little north of Pero Hill, on the west side of the
road, is a large bowlder projecting its upper surface
some three feet above the soil. This table-rock is
about twenty-seven feet long and about twenty-six
feet wide. Upon it are three irregularly oblong rocks,
each of which is about fifteen feet long, five feet high,
and seven feet wide. These superimposed rocks are
known as the "Three Brothers."
Along the east side of the base-rock lies a bowlder
about one-half the size of one of the Brothers, which
within a few years has dropped from one of these su-
perimposing fragments, and within a few years more
another segmentation will take place with another of
the Brothers r in fact it began long since, and is rap-
idly completing its work. Now, these five rocks, the
table, the Three Brothers, and the fragment which
has fallen off, have in an earlier day been but one
ro'ck, an immense bowlder almost cubical in shape.
At first the segmentation took place horizontally.
When the two parts had grown entirely distinct, and
their adjacent edges, by the exfoliating process, had
become somewhat rounded, the upper rock fractured
vertically, with joints that extend from east to west.
But these several vertical fractures were not all made
at the same time. At first was separated the south
Brother ; after this the northern piece divided in two ;
and finally, the segment that now lies upon the ground
fell from the south Brother.
On the east side of the road, a little way north of
the Three Brothers, may be seen specimens of this
kind of work on a scale far more grand. But, as they
are farther removed from public view, their fantastic
forms have not so much attracted the attention of
lovers of the marvelous.
A favorable example of the process of concentric
exfoliation may be seen in the bank along the road
extending from Ringos to Rocktown ; a more favor-
able one still may be found in a sand-pit upon the
northern slope of Goat Hill.
The disjointed corners and the meniscus-shaped
spalls, as a rule, are very ephemeral. They soon
crumble and moulder to soil. Each is but the result
of a step in the process of disintegration. This will
be learned upon a careful inspection of any basaltic
bowlder that is rapidly disintegrating. Even those
masses that are decaying beneath the surface of the
soil exhibit this fact in a striking manner. In sand-
pits along the Sourland we often see a vertical wall
that seems to consist of solid blocks, each of which is
formed of a core around which are concentric layers
capped with corners. But when this fantastic wall is
struck with the pick it yields, crumbles, and, except-
ing the cores of the apparent blocks, moulders to
sand.
COPPER OKE.
In the altered shale along the northern part of the
Anastomosing Dike exists that variety of copper ore
known as gray cupric sulphide. This ore occurs mas-
sive and is sectile. In color it is a dark lead-gray.
Specimens are sometimes found that polish readily by
rubbing them with a woolen cloth. This is the kind
of ore found in the mine at Flemington ; also in those
on Gershom C. Sergeant's farm and at Copper Hill.
Copper ore of the same grade has been found in a
digging on the southeast side of Dike Ridge. Indeed,
it may be looked for along any of the anastomosing
or insular dikes.
Cupro-ferric sulphide, or copper pyrites, is occa-
sionally found associated with cupric sulphide.
OXIDE OF MANGANESE.
A vein of this ore was found on a hill about equi-
distant between Clinton and Lebanon, and somewhat
south of the line between them. It is on lands of
John T. Leigh and the estate of Gen. George Taylor.
The hill is of red sandstone and conglomerate, and
the openings in it are in a northwest and southeast
line at intervals for about one hundred and fifty feet.
They indicate a vein about ten feet wide, and the
openings have been made four or five feet deep. The
ore is quite distinct from the rock, and not at all
intermixed. The ore contains between seventy and
eighty per cent, of oxide, but a portion of it is sesqui-
oxide.
It has not been applied to any use, and the open-
ings were made on the supposition that it was iron
ore.
FOSSILS.
Fossil wood is found in small fragments at almost
every point where the shale is quarried. In some
places may be found the fruit of the Triassic forest.
180
HUNT5)RD0N COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
Such is the case in the shale in the bank of the
Locatong Rivulet, where it cuts through the brow
of the table-land. At this site are some layers
of shale that seem to have been formed of sticks,
twigs, leaves, and fruit, cemented together by mud.
Indeed, the shale of these layers, when pulverized
and heated in a retort, gives off abundantly an in-
flammable gas. In most places the shale is too soft,
if exposed, to retain in a legible condition the fossils
it contains, but where indurated it retains its fossil-
iferous treasures for a greater length of time.
The only well-defined fossils indicative of animal
life are those found by Prof Smock in the indurated
shale along a rill near Tumble's Station, not far from
the Delaware. These are the tracks of a reptile
whose stride was thirteen inches, and the length of
whose central toe was three and a half inches.
Doubtless the animal that made these tracks belonged
to the Dinosaurs, and at the time of making them
was erect, walking upon its feet, with its hands pend-
ent. The slabs upon which are the tracks are in the
museum of Rutgers College, at New Brunswick, ,N. J.
In the quarries of Milford tracks are said to have
been found, although quite indistinct. The writer
has searched all the accessible exposures of shale for
the past twenty years, and, with the exception of
those upon the slabs in Rutgers College, has seen no
tracks.
QUATEKNAET AGE.
The rocks of this age belong either to the Glacial
Period, or else to the modern era of the Recent Pe-
riod.
Olaoial Period. The rocks belonging to this period
are unstratified drift. They do not occur in all parts
of the county, nor are they very abundant or of great
depth at any place. A part of the surface of Leb-
anon, Tewksbury, Clinton, and Readington is be-
strewn with small bowlders, gravel, and sand of this
period. The most southern limit of the drift is in the
southern part of Clinton township, between the South
Branch and Prescott Brook. Here is a deposit of
small bowlders, gravel, and sand that overlies the red
shale. From this deposit we have picked up bowl-
ders of Medina sandstone, Oneida conglomerate, Pots-
dam sandstone, magnesian limestone, fossiliferous
limestone, Hudson River slate, Lower Helderberg
limestone, Oriskany sandstone, gneiss and cauda-galli
grit. Hence, we see that this mass of drift, small as
it is, consists of fi-agments from nearly all the older
rocks that lie to the north of it. And perhaps one
would express a truth should he affirm that this little
tongue of drift contains fragments of every formation
that lies within a hundred miles north of it.
Modern Era of the Recent Period. In this county,
during this era, no extensive beds of rock either have
formed or are now forming. Since within the county
there are no estuaries, bays, or lakes into which
streams flow, we seem almost barren of opportunity
for the deposition of rook of this era. However, de-
posits have taken place upon a small scale, and are
still taking place. These deposits are confined almost
exclusively to ponds of water the result of art, mill-
ponds and the like. Of these there are none so large
or so important as to deserve a special description.
But, while there are but few areas over which rocks
are now forming, excepting these small areas, the en-
tire soil of our county is suffering change disintegra-
tion and transposition to effect the formation of de-
posits upon the bottoms of the bays or estuaries into
which, beyond the limits of our county, our streams
flow. This change is immense, and the amount of
material annually transported from the surface of our
county to the Delaware Bay and to Raritan Bay is
enormous. But so silently is this change effected,
and so commonplace are the agents employed in
effecting it, that the commonalty of people scarcely
notice it.
At each rainfall the rills, rivulets, and rivers are
swollen. The pluvial waters saturate the surface of
the ground, flood the soil, and flow off to the sea. At
each rainfall some substances are dissolved from the
soil, others are held in suspension, others are pushed
along at the bottom of the flow ; all are transported
seaward. In this way, during every considerable rain,
tons of the soil are carried from our fields and de-
posited upon the bottoms of the estuaries of the
streams that drain our land.
About twenty-five years ago the writer began to make
systematic observations upon the Wickecheocke Rivu-
let and its basin. As this stream has a rapid flow,
about eighty feet in a mile, it is favorable to this
kind of study. The observations that have been made
show the following: Since the observations began,
between Sergeant's saw-mill and the bridge that spans
the stream some quarter of a mile above, the rivulet
has eroded the solid rock to a depth of two and a half
feet ; between the bridge and Pine Hill Pond it has
excavated a channel about five feet deep. Twenty-
five years ago a little way below the saw-mill was a
pond, about four and a half feet deep, with solid,
smooth rock floor ; at present there is a riffle about
where the middle and the deepest part of the pond
formerly were. By eroding the bed of the channel
below the pond the stream has drained the pool, and
now the area of rook previously covered with water
is as dry, and exhibits its joints as plainly, as the
rock in any well-worked quarry. Nor is the change
respecting the altitude and condition of the stream
here greater than at any other place for a full mile
down the stream.
At the point where the stream from Sergeantsville
flows into the Wickecheoche was some time ago a pond.
It was about fifty yards long, about twenty-five yards
wide, and about four and a half feet deep, a favorite
resort for the young who were learning to swim.
Upon the south side the bank was steep, formed of
rocks that well preserved the mark made by a chisel.
Upon these rocks the writer used to keep his mark-
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OP HUNTERDON COUNTY.
181
iiigs. But now the pond is gone, and the rocks have
been eroded and removed. Here now is a riffle which
is at least ten feet below the altitude that marked our
old swimming place. Farther down, where the stream
flows through what was formerly B. Larison's farm,
the surface of the water, upon an average, is fully five
feet lower than it was twenty-five years ago.
In this way we might take up section after section
and show that from Pine Hill to the canal at Pralls-
ville the Wickecheoche is rapidly deepening the bed
of its basin and transporting seaward the material of
its banks.
While this rivulet is excavating its bed, the pluvial
waters are washing from the slopes that form its basin
silt, detritus, and debris to lower the level of their
surfaces. To be sure, this lowering of the altitude of
these slopes is less than the lowering of the altitude
of the bed and banks of the stream. Yet, from mark-
ings upon pillars and the like, it is evident that from
the face of the farm on which the writer was raised so
much detritus has been transported that the surface,
upon an average, is fully twelve inches below the sur-
face of the sod which he used to plow. Indeed, he
who farms the old homestead now plows not the soil
which the writer used to turn twenty-five years ago.
That which he now tills was the subsoil then, beneath
the reach of the plowshare. Similar changes are, and
have been, effected everywhere. The surface of our
fields is removed, our hills are lowered, our valleys
deepened, the estuaries of our streams filled.
The removal of the finer particles of the surface of
the land the loam, clay, sand, and gravel by clima-
tic influences effects many phenomena that are hot
easily explained by the tyro. Of these phenomena,
we will discuss but one, the bowlders and surface-
stones existing in our county that are not a part of
the drift material.
We have already stated that the strata belonging to
the Triassic Period vary in chemical and physical
composition and in degree of hardness or durability.
Some of the strata yield readily to climatic influences,
easily moulder into soil, and are quickly transported
to expose the subsoil. Other strata are more durable
and for a greater length of time resist decay. Again,
in the same stratum there are sections which, in
chemical and physical composition, are quite unlike
the main portion of the bed. These sections are
sometimes harder, sometimes softer, than the main
part of the layer. Hence it is that a durable layer,
or a durable portion of an average layer, maybe both
underlaid and overlaid by softer and more yielding
rock. And, as the softer and more yielding rock is
the soonest removed, the layer underlying as well as
the layer overlying a given hard stratum may be dis-
integrated and transported, while the hard strata, or
the hard section of a softer one, are only exposed
along the line of their strike, or so disintegrated that
they are separated into bowlders, spalls, sand, and the
like. Hence results, in long ridges, the projecting
outcrop of the more silicious layers, everywhere seen
over the face of the red shale. So, too, has resulted
the bowlders that seem to be collected upon isolated
patches or are scattered over the surface, as seen
in the Sandy Ridge district and elsewhere. Likewise
has resulted the cobble-stone, or scattered surface-
stone, more or less numerous everywhere.
At some places these bowlders and surface-stones
are far removed from the strata from which they have
been detached. Such is the case with the basaltic
bowlders south of Rooktown. Here we find large
bowlders of basalt lying upon the surface of altered
shale, two, three, four, and five hundred yards from
any stratum or bed of rock of the same kind. In-
deed, the nearest bed of this kind of rock is that
forming the dike that extends along to the north of the
village, and from this layer, doubtless, they have been
detached. At an early time the Sourland Ridge, at
this place, and indeed at every other place, was very
much higher than it now is. At that time the eleva-
tion, as now, was effected by the continuity and thick-
ness of its strata. Then the strata of altered shale
that flank the dike on the south were longer than
now, and, with the same dip that they now have, ex-
tended upward and reached farther towards the south.
Upon these strata of altered shale the trap-dike
rested. At the same time, the dike itself was covered
with indurated shale. But, the shale being the most
easily disintegrated and transported, the layer above
has been first removed, exposing the outcropping
basalt; the outcropping basalt has then been sepa-
rated at its joints into large blocks, which, by exfoli-
ating, have effected large interspaces, so as to expose
more or less the underlying altered shale ; the under-
lying altered shale, then subjected to climatic in-
fluences, has been disintegrated and transported more
rapidly than the fragments of basalt that rested upon
it. As the transporting process reduced the elevation
of the surface, the detached portions of the basalt re-
main to show how far towards the southeast the dike
extended in earlier times.
There is a phenomenon relating to surface-bowlders,
and to surface-stone in general, that demands ex-
planation. Everywhere the cobble-stones and bowl-
ders are seen, not resting upon the surface of the
ground, but partly sunken into it, as it were. How
happens this? In the spring, at the time that the
frost disappears from the soil, the earthy substance is
surcharged with water, so much so that the entire
soil becomes an imperfect liquid. Then the bowlders
and surface-stone sink into the ground until they
reach that point at which their weight is poised by
the specific gravity of the liquid soil. Trees main-
tain their relation to the soil in the same way. But
for this process the transporting of the soil by cli-
matic influences would in a short time not only leave
bowlders upon the surface of the ground, but would
lay bare the roots of every tree and every perennial
plant.
182
HUNTBRDOxV COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTEE 11.
LAND TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
Title derived from the Crown Deeds from Indians Head-lands Irregu-
larity in Surveys Treaty with Indians, 1703 Dividends of Land
Proprietary Tracts Early Settlement The Quakers make first Settle-
ment, in 1076 First Church First Accurate Survey in Hunterdon,
1707 Tax-roll of 1722 Early Settlers in Various Portions of the
County Early Bridges First Eoad Early Mills During the Revo-
lution Growth, etc.
The title to the lands of West as well as East Jer-
sey was derived from the Crown. Although deeds
from Indian claimants are held by some of the pres-
ent owners, unless patents or surveys were also ob-
tained, the legal title must rest upon possession and
not upon deeds. After the division of the province,
in 1663, West Jersey was sold in hundredths. Fen-
wick, to whom a conveyance had been made in trust
for Byllinge, and who himself executed a long lease
to Eldridge and Warner, was recognized as entitled
to ten hundredths, and other parties became proprie-
tors of ninety hundredths, so that a full proj)rietary
right in West Jersey was a hundredth part. These
were subdivided into lots of one hundred parts
each. No patents were issued in West Jersey. In
1676 the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants
established and signed certain concessions and agree-
ments regulating the government and the mode of
acquiring title to land. "Head-lands" were granted
to settlers, and commissioners appointed to regulate
the setting forth and dividing them. The amount of
land thus appropriated was not large. After the right
to head-lands ceased title was derived from the orig-
inal proprietors of the hundredths. Regular deeds of
conveyance formerly by lease and release, in modern
times by deeds of bargain and sale, either of a frac-
tional part or of a specified number of acres trans-
ferred thp title.
During the early years of the settlement there was
much irregularity in the mode of making surveys.
For many years the surveys called for fixed monu-
ments, and, the measurement of the lines being re-
turned much shorter than they really were, great frauds
were perpetrated by making the survey to include more
land than the acres specified.* This led, about 1786,
to the order to surveyors to establish a "beginning"
corner, and then to confine themselves to strict course
and distance. This remedied the abuse in part, but
it was found in some cases that, though no fixed cor-
ners were specified in the return, they were marked
on the ground, and, being re.spected by other survey-
ors, they were, after a lapse of time, necessarily recog-
nized by the council and courts as established monu-
ments, although a large overplus of land became thus
included in the survey.f
* An allowance of five acres to the hundred was made in West Jersey
fur highways.
t Appendix to " Constitution and Government of the Province and
State of New Jersey," by L. Q. C. Elmer, 1872, pp. 481, et sei].
Commissioners were elected who were empowerc
"to set forth and divide all the lands of the Provinc
as were taken up, or by themselves shall be taken u
and contracted for with the natives, and^he said lane
to divide into one hundred parts, as occasion sha
require.! The fir.?t and second divisions extende "
as far as the Assanpink (Trenton).
At the beginning of the eighteenth century th
people of West Jersey, some eight thousand strong,
began to look with longing eyes upon the territory t
the north, which was yet held by the Indians, s
the proprietors urged the council to grant them
third dividend or taking up of land. In complianc
with this request, John Wills, William Biddle, Jr,
and John Reading were appointed a committee t(
treat with the natives. The committee reported at i
meeting of the council June 27, 1703, " that they hai
made a full agreement with Himhammoe for oni
tract of land adjoining to the division-line" (i.e., th(
line between East and West New Jersey) "and lyinj
on both sides of the Raritan River. . . . And also wit!
Coponnockous for another tract of land, lying betweer
the purchase made by Adlord Boude|| and the boun-
daries of the land belonging to Himhammoe fronting
on the Delaware."1f This purchase was computed tc
contain one hundred and fifty thousand acres, and the
cost was estimated at seven hundred pounds. It was
proposed to allow five thousand acres for each dividend
to a projjrietary.
At another meeting of the council, Nov. 2, 1703,
the same committee was sent to those Indians, partic-
ularly to Coponnockous, to have the tract of land
lately purchased " marked forth, and get them to sign
a deed for the same, . . . and that they go to Him-
hammoe's wigwam in order to treat with them, and to
see the bounds of the land lately purchased of him."
This purchase covered the greater part of the present
county of Hunterdon.
The one hundred and fifty thousand acres above
mentioned were divided among the proprietors, but
the tract extending northward from Trenton, and em-
bracing the original township of Hopewell, belonged
to the West Jersey Society, a company of English
proprietors. Daniel Coxe, who owned twenty-two
proprietary shares and obtained his title in 1685, con-
veyed this tract to them in 1691. One of the fir.st to
take up land out of this tract of one hundred and fifty
thousand acres was Benjamin Field. His estate had
two tracts, one of three thousand, on the Delaware,
and another of two thousand, near Ringos.
Joseph Helmsley and Thomas Hutchinson, both of
Pennsylvania, bought ten proprietaries of land in
this county of the trustees of Byllinge. In 1676,
William Biddle, " of Burlington County," bought the
X Chap. i. of Concessions of " The Trustees." Quoted in Gordon's Hist.
N. J., p. 68.
g Gordon's History, p. 57.
II The Buude tia< t extendeil south friim Lamhertvillc.
1[ Smith's Histoiy of Kew Jersey, pp. !t5-U7.
LAND TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
183
third division of one-fourth of a proprietary of land
of Helmsley, and in 1686 the same amount of Hutch-
inson. Biddle dying, it descended to his son, William,
who subsequently sold a portion (1705) to ,Tohn Hol-
combe, of Abington, Pa., and in 1714 a part, lying
west of Rosemont, to Charles Wolverton. Mr. Hol-
combe is the ancestor of the Holcombe families in
this county. Eleven hundred and fifty acres of tlie
Biddle tract was sold in 1732 to Peter Emley, of Mans-
field (now Washington), Warren Co. ; this passed to
Christopher Cornelius in 1750, and four hundred
acres of it to Daniel Howell the same year, near the
north boundary of Delaware township. This was the
Howell from whom the ferry took its name. His
land joined John Beading's at the Delaware River.
In the surveyor-general's office, at Burlington, is
recorded, in Liber M, folio 10, the ninety-one thou-
sand eight hundred and ninety-five acre tract called
the Morris purchase. In 1701 was surveyed to Gov-
ernor A. Hamilton and Benjamin Fields, for the West
Jersey Society, two thousand acres (Liber A, folio 43,
Hunterdon County). This was a part of tiae pur-
chase from the Indians made by Adlord Boude. In
1702, also, a tract of three thousand acres was sur-
veyed to Benjamin Field (recorded Liber A, folio 43,
Hunterdon County), being near an Indian town called
Nishalemensey,* at "AUexhocken brook." The
ten thousand acre tract of the "West Jersey Society is
recorded in the Secretary of State's office, Trenton, in
Revel's book, folio 142. This was on the Delaware,
adjoining the thirty thousand acre tract, while in the
same book (folio 143) is recorded a twenty thousand
acre tract, which adjoined the Coxe purchase. The
West Jersey Society had an aggregate of four hun-
dred and seventy-four thousand one hundred and
sixty-eight acres of land in this section of the State.
The three thousand acre tract, before referred to as
surveyed in 1702 to Benjamin Field of Burlington, was
not fully conveyed to him on account of his sudden
death, leaving a will, dated May 13, 1702, in which
he constituted his wife, Experience, sole executrix ;
but he appears to have become possessed of sixteen
hundred and fifty acres of the tract, and she, by deed
(dated May 29, 1702), conveyed the same to Nathan
Allen, of Allentown, in the county of Monmouth.
He began to sell the same to settlers about 1720.
Thus, among others, Philip Peter became possessed
of one hundred and fifty acres, deed dated May 2d and
3d, 1720 ; Rudolph Harley, " of Somerset," of one hun-
dred and seventy-six acres, at what is now Ringos.
In 1677, William Penn and his associates, by deeds
of lease and release, conveyed to Francis Collins,
Richard Mew, and John Ball one whole proprietary
in Kingwood and Alexandria, Richard Mew to have
two-sevenths of the whole tract. At his death it de-
scended to his son, Noel, who devised it to his son,
Richard, who in 1716 sold one-half of it to his sister
* In eomu di-eds aleo ajpUeJ " Wishalanieiity.'"
and the other half to John Mumford, of Rhode
Island. In 1735, Mumford sold to Dr. John Rodman,
of Bucks Co., Pa. The title then descended through
his son to his grandson, William, who in 1794 sold to
Thomas Lowrey for two thousand eight hundred and
eighty-four pounds six shillings seven pence.
Of the " Society's Great Tract," James Alexander
purchased, in 1744, ten thousand acres, taking in the
whole of Round Valley and sourrounding mountains,
and all the land from Bray's Hill to White House.
Two thousand acres (the Lebanon part) of this were
conveyed in 1782 by Alexander's heirs to Anthony
White. A tract of five thousand and eighty-eight
acres, extending from Asbury to Hampton Junction,
was purchased by John Bowlby in 1740. The Coxe
tract lay east of this, and extended to Clinton ; it ad-
joined the Kirkbride tract, the two covering an area
of four miles. Northward lay the tracts of Budd and
Logan, James Parker, George Willocks, and others,
and south lay the Penn tract of five thousand acres,
the dividing-line between the Penn and Coxe tracts
being in the village of Flemington.
In the south part of the county were several tracts.
Robert Dimsdale had extensive tracts about Lambert-
ville and Mount Airy ; John Calow, northward, along
the Delaware ; William Biddle held five thousand
acres north of Calow's tract and fronting on the river.
John Reading took up land in the vicinity of Pralls-
ville and Barber's Station. Other owners of tracts
were Benjamin Field, Gilbert Wheeler, John Kays,
Richard Bull, John Clarke, etc. Allen and Turner,
of Philadelphia, bought at an early day from the pro-
prietors ten thousand acres north and west of Clin-
ton, extending from Van Syckel's to German Valley.
But it is impossible to give here the details of the sub-
divisions and the innumerable transfers of these tracts
occurring in their subsequent history. The most of
that considered essential on this subject is given
elsewhere, by the township writers, in their separate
treatment of the civil divisions of the county.
BAKLY SETTLEMENT.
In the opening up to settlement of the territory
now constituting the county of Hunterdon there were
two points of approach, the Delaware Bay on the
south, and Baritan Bay on the east, openings to
the sea of the (two) rivers of the same name, one
coursing along the western line of this territory, the
other, with its tributaries, draining nearly all of its
hiUs and watering nearly all of its valleys. The
course of immigration from the Old World and the ear-
lier settled portions of the New was up these streams,
spreading westward from Woodbridge and Piscata-
way into the valleys of the Raritan and Millstone
Rivers, and thence along the branches of the Raritan
into Hunterdon County, and at the same time extend-
ing northward up the Delaware, from Burlington and
from Trent's Town, into Hopewell, Amwell, and all
portions of the vast domain of old Hunterdon.
184
HUNTBEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The first settlements in Hunterdon County were
made by the Quakers about the year 1676, at the Falls
•of the Delaware, as the country in the vicinity of the
Assanpink* was then and for some time known.
Among those who came from Hull, England, in 1678,
on the " Shield," which was the first vessel that had
ever ascended the Delaware as far as Burlington, were
a number who settled in what was known after 1713
as the south part of Hunterdon, but which then was
a part of Burlington County. Prominent among
these pioneers were Mahlon Stacy, who took up a
tract of eight hundred acres, principally on the north
side of the Assunpink ; f Thomas Potts, and Thomas
Lambert, who settled at Lamberton about 1679, and
from whom the place derived its name. Mahlon
Stacy lived in a log house near the site of the present
residence of Edward H. Stokes, Esq.t In 1680,
Mahlon Stacy built a grist-mill on the Assanpink,
and about the same time Thomas OUive erected one
on his plantation, on Rancocas Creek. These two
mills were for several years the only ones in this
section of West New Jersey. Nathaniel Pettit took
up eight hundred acres of land to the north of Stacy,
and adjoining the tracts of Peter Fretwell, William
Spencer, and Joshua Ely. Pettit and Spencer not only
took up land, but were actual settlers, as the records
show them to have been respectively assessor and
collector of the township in 1701. At the northwest
corner of William Spencer's land, later the Dickin-
son farm, commenced Thomas Hutchinson's manor.
Andrew Heath also settled prior to 1700, and to him
the township owes its name.
In 1703, John Hutchinson (only son and heir of
Thomas Hutchinson, who died intestate) conveyed
two acres of land to the inhabitants of Hopewell, for
a " public meeting-house and also for a place of burial"
(AAA, folio 105, p. 114, ofiice Secretary of State, Tren-
ton). This was the first house built for public wor-
ship in Hopewell, and, so far as has been ascertained,
the first in the State, except that of the Quakers.?
It was occupied by the Episcopalians until their
church was built, in Trenton, and occasionally for
many years after. A portion of the foundation is still
standing, and in it the stone which perpetuates the
memory of Samuel Tucker, president of the Second
Provincial Congress of New Jersey, as well as that of
his wife, etc. The Presbyterians built a log church
in 1712, near the spot on which the brick church now
stands, in Ewing. The land was given by Alex-
ander Lockart, who was county clerk of Hunterdon
in 1721.
* Mahlon Stacy, iu writing to his friends in England, in 1680, dates his
letter from the " Falls of the Delaware in West Jersey." Smithes Hist.,
p. 114.
t This creek is called in the public records Derwent, St. Pink, Sun
Pink, Assanpink (meaning " stony creek," from its gravelly bottom), and
Assunpink, its present name. Raum'i Hist, p. 42.
I Ibid, p. 43.
g The Quaker meeting-house at Burlington was established in 1696;
that of Trenton city in 1739.
Among other early settlers of Hopewell were Moore
Furman, the first mayor of Trenton, prominent in
the affairs of the county ; William Green and John
Eeading, who were the first assessors of Hunterdon
County; John Muirhead, who was the first sheriff';
Col. William Trent, || who in 1723 was Speaker of
the New Jersey Assembly and a commissioner of
the county of Hunterdon along with John Eeading ;
William Yard, who settled in 1712, and William
Trent in 1714 (the latter purchased the Mahlon
Stacy tract before referred to ; and his oldest son,
James, established the ferry on the Delaware at the
Old York Eoad crossing in 1726 ;T[) William Yard,
who was county clerk in 1722; John Porterfield, who
was a justice of the Hunterdon courts in 1721 ; and
Joseph Stout, who in 1727, with John Porterfield,
was admitted to a seat in the General Assembly, the
first members from the county of Hunterdon.
Joseph Stout was the son of Jonathan, the head of
one of the three families who settled in the north part
of Hopewell, near the Sourland Mountain, in 1704.
At this time " the place was a wilderness and full of
Indians." The Jonathan Stout here referred to was
the founder of the Baptist Church in the north part
of Hopewell, whose membership extended far into
old Amwell, and which was, no doubt, the first so-
ciety of this denomination in Hunterdon County. It
is generally held and may be true that Daniel
Coxe, the great landowner of Hunterdon County,
was a non-resident and never lived within its borders,**
but the records at Trenton show that some of his de-
scendants lived in the county, and were prominent
and influential in its early affairs.ff The name of
Daniel CoxeJt appears in 1746, "in the 19th reign of
King George II.," as one of the burgesses of the
borough of Trenton, under the royal charter, along
with William Morris, Joseph Warrell, Andrew Smith,
Alex. Lockart, Theophilus Phillips, Samuel Hunt,
Eeuben Armitage, Joseph Decou, Andrew Eeed, David
Martin, and Robert Pearson. The Common Council
were Joseph Paxton, Theophilus Severns, Benjamin
Biles, Jasper Smith, Cornelius Ringo, Jonathan Stout,
John Dagworthy, Jr., George Ely, Thomas Burrows,
Jr., Jonathan Walters, Joseph Phillips, John Hunt,
William Plasket, John Welling, Daniel Lanning, and
Benjamin Green. J?
II He died Dec. 26, 1724. f Raum's Trenton, p. 70.
** Wickes' Hist. Med. in N. J., el aU.
ft The court minutes, in the clerk's office at Flemington, also corrobo-
rate the statement; Daniel Coxe's name there appeai-s as a justice in
1723, and as a judge oihciating on the bench of the county, in 1726, etc.
XX Tliis Daniel Coxe must have been Col. Daniel, the eldest son of the
proprietor. The latter is said to have died about 1739. Dr. Mott, in his
History of Hunterdon County (p. 60), says that Judge Coxe waa a grand-
son of Daniel Coxe, the first proprietor, " whose large proprietary tracts
made his descendants immensely wealthy. In the latter part of the cen-
tury Charles Coxe bought the farm of twelve hundred acres owned by
Judge Johnson at Sidney, and afterwards the residence of Judge Wilson.
In the old mansion Judge Coxe spent his summers, extending a princely
hospitality" to his friends, including tlie first families of Philadelphia.
§g Liber AAA, Oom'rs, p. 206, Sec. Off.
LAJSTD TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
185
The first accurate surrey of the south part of old
Hunterdon County, now embraced in Mercer, of which
there is any record is to be found in the Book of Sur-
veys, page 103, in the office of the Secretary of State,
at Trenton, having the marginal note, " Re-survey of
Hopewell tract for Col. Cox, 31,000." It is as follows :
'• SEPTBMBEE, 1707.
** Eesurveyed then for Coll. Daniel Cox, hie tract of land called Hope-
well, beginning at the upper comer of the same by the river Delaware,
at a white oak corner in the low land, and rune thence East South East
fourty chain to a markt maple and hickory for a corner; then East three
hundred and one chain to a white oak for a comer ; then north by west
one hundred and sixty-five chain to a white oak comer; then East two
hundred sixty-four chain to a white oak corner ; then again Ea£t two
hundred and forty chains to a white oak comer in a line called the Scotch
line, or ine of partition between East and West Jersey ; then along the
said line neare South South West four miles and thirtj'-two chains to a
white oak comer in the line of Maiden head Indian purchase ; then
alonge the said line, south west and south south west to the head of a
creek called little Shabbaconck ; then south west to a creek called Great
Shabbakonk ; then down by the same fivety-six chaine to a tree markt
for a comer on the south west side thereof; then south west eighty-two
chain to a hickory comer to land surveyed to Thomas Hutchinson ; then
by the same North West two hundred eighty-five chaines to a hickory
comer by the land surveyed to Pope and Wetherell ; then bounded by
the same by a line Korth East seventy-three chains and East by South
fourty-nine chaine, and South Eleaven chaine and East by South fivety-six
chaine, and Korth by East one hundred and three chaiues and a halfe,
and west sixty-four chains, and South West by West one hundred and
ninety-eight chaine to a hickory comer at the Dellawar aforesaid, and
so bounded up by the said river to the first mentioned corner containing
one and thirty thousand acres besides allowances for highways.
Resui-veyed by me, Daniel LEEns.
Another testimony to the oft-stated fact that the
lands of New Jersey were fairly purchased of the In-
dians is the deed to Adlord Boude, agent of Daniel
Coxe, from the Indian chiefs Hoham, Teplaopamun,
Mehekighue (Meheekissue), Capernonickon, Nahu-
sing, Mehkaekan (Neheekan), and Shawonne, dated
March 30, 1688. This was for the lands previously
mentioned, being portions of what are now Hunterdon
and Mercer Counties.
In 1722, when Hunterdon County embraced the five
townships of Hanover, Amwell, Maidenhead, Trenton,
and Hopewell, the tax-roll contained the names of
138 men subject to taxation, 16 of whom were single
men. It shows also 11 slaves, 785 cattle and horses,
487 sheep, and 2 mills, the latter owned by Philip
Eingo, now Moore's, and the other by Cornelius An-
derson, in Hopewell. The number of acres of land
then in possession was 16,995. The tax-list is here
given, as much for its record of early settlers as for
its statistical information :*
Hue Standland, cattle and horses, 9 ; sheep, 2 ;
acres, 50.
Thomas Smith, cattle and horses, 16 ; sheep, 15 ;
acres, 200.
Eichard Arnal, cattle and horses, 3 ; acres, 50.
Nicholas Hagerte, cattle and horses, 3 ; acres, 130.
Joshaway Ward, cattle and horses, 3.
Eldad Davis, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 100.
John Feald, cattle and horses, 13 ; sheep, 12 ; acres,
200
* The orthography of the original is here retained.
13
Robert Darck, cattle and horses, 2 ; sheep, 2.
Abraham Laru, cattle and horses, 8 ; sheep, 6 ;
acres, 50.
Peter Laru, cattle and horses, 10 ; sheep, 10 ; acres,
50
James Laru, cattle and horses, 6 ; sheep, 4 ; acres, 50.
Thomas Woacer, cattle and horses, 3.
John Allbado, cattle and horses, 6 ; acres, 200.
Samuel Bouldwin, cattle and horses, 6 ; acres, 500.
Francis Hege, cattle and horses, 7; acres, 600.
Ely Allbado, cattle and horses, 8 ; sheep, 2 ; acres,
200
Cornelius Allbado, cattle and horses, 5 ; acres, 150.
Francis Fonnoy, cattle and horses, 10 ; acres, 150.
Robert Shaw, cattle and horses, 7 ; acres, 140.
Timothy Titus, cattle and horses, 6 ; slaves, 1 ; acres,
200
Thomas Roberds, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 40.
William Reede, single.
Joseph Huflf, single.
James Evanse, cattle and horses, 6 ; acres, 200.
Robert Maclelean, cattle and horses, 7 ; acres, 100.
John Johnson, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 100.
Roger Woolverton, single.
Andrew Millburne, single.
Jonathan Stricklin, Sr., single.
Henry Heldren, single.
John Bennett, single.
John Murched, cattle and horses, 16 ; sheep, 25 ;
slaves, 1 ; acres, 200.
John Coe, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 40.
Ezekel Oleno, cattle and horses, 1.
Nathaniel Moore, cattle and horses, 16 ; sheep, 25 ;
acres, 300.
Charles Hufi", cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 100.
Jonathan Stickler, Jr., single.
Joseph Hart, single.
John Smith, cattle and horses, 12 ; slaves, 1 ; acres,
166
William Merrell, Jr., cattle and horses, 20 ; sheep,
7 ; acres, 130.
Hezekiah Bonham, Jr., cattle and hoxses, 5_;- acres,
150
Philip Ringo, mills, 1 ; cattle and horses, 4 ; acres,
60
Benjamin Drack, cattle and horses, 17 ; acres, 260.
Joshua Andrus, Jr., cattle and horses, 6.
Frederick Debough, cattle and horses, 7.
Aran Funhuck, cattle and horses, 10 ; acres, 200.
Tunus Huff", cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 50.
Andru Routtenhors, cattle and horses, 5 ; acres, 110.
Danel Deno, cattle and horses, 1 ; acres, 50.
Samuel Runyoun, cattle and horses, 2 ; acres, 50.
Jesse Hide, cattle and horses, 9 ; acres, 200.
Danel Geano, cattle and horses, 7 ; acres, 100.
Steven Geano, cattle and horses, 6 ; acres, 50.
Joseph Combs, single.
William Merrel, Sr., cattle and horses, 24; sheep,
20 ; slaves, 2 ; acres, 300.
Benjamin Merrel, cattle and horses, 5.
Nehemiah Bonham, cattle and horses, 2 ; acres, 150.
Jabes Jarvis, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 100.
Joseph Davis, cattle and horses, 3.
Ananies Olen, cattle and horses, 12; sheep, 8;
acres, 350.
Edward Butler, cattle and horses, 1.
Barth Corvine, cattle and horses, 3 ; acres, 100.
Johannes Hendrikx, cattle and horses, 13 ; sheep,
10 ; acres, 149.
Samuel Fitch, cattle and horses, 16 ; acres, 200.
John Everit, cattle and horses, 5 ; acres, 100.
John Framton, cattle and horses, 14 ; sheep, 6 ;
acres, 100.
186
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Samuel Furman, Jr., cattle and horses, 3 ; acres, 50.
Jonathan Furman, cattle and horses, 5 ; sheep, 4 ;
acres, 50.
Thomas Eunyon, cattle and horses, 15 ; sheep, 16 ;
acres, 150.
Viencien Runyon, cattle and horses, 2.
Roger Parke, Jr., cattle and horses, 16 ; sheep, 16 ;
acres, 200.
Roger Parke, Sr., cattle and horses, 4 ; sheep, 9.
John Park, cattle and horses, 15 ; sheep, 20 ; acres,
300
John Reede, cattle and horses, 16 ; sheep, 4 ; acres,
240. '
John Sharp, single.
William Whited, single.
Joseph Longlee, cattle and horses, 3 ; acres, 60.
Samuel Furman, Sr., cattle and horses, 10 ; sheep,
6 ; acres, 100.
John Capender, cattle and horses, 5 ; acres, 90.
Joshua Ely, cattle and horses, 10 ; acres, 200.
Richard Smith, cattle and horses, 10 ; acres, 100.
Joses Lombard, cattle and horses, 2.
Joseph Stout, cattle and horses, 28 ; sheep, 18 ;
acres, 280.
Hezekiah Bonel, cattle and horses, 1 ; acres, 10.
Isaak AsstoU, single.
Thomas Combs, cattle and horses, 10 ; acres, 140.
David Stout, cattle and horses, 10 ; sheep, 1 ; acres,
250
Thomas Evans, cattle and horses, 5; sheep, 8;
acres, 100.
Thomas Ourtes, cattle and horses, 15; sheep, 14;
acres, 150.
William Brient, Sr., cattle and horses, 6 ; sheep, 6 ;
acres, 100.
Robard Blackwel, cattle and horses, 8 ; acres, 250.
Enoch Armitage, cattle and horses, 11; sheep, 4;
acres, 250.
Ralph Hunt, cattle and horses, 9 ; sheep, 6 ; acres,
300
Thomas Huf, sheep, 6.
Henere Hendrix, sheep, 6 ; acres, 100.
Jeremiah Hendrix, single.
Peter Hendrix, single.
Addom Bratten, sheep, 3 ; acres, 50.
William Larason, cattle and horses, 11 ; sheep, 9 ;
acres, 160.
John Titus, cattle and horses, 22 ; sheep, 10 ; acres,
200
Efrom Titus, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 100.
Ralph Hunt (stone brock),* cattle and horses, 7 ;
acres, 100.
John Hunt, yoreng ; cattle and horses, 2 ; acres, 100.
Elisha Bord, cattle and horses, 5 ; acres, 40.
Elnathan Boulder, cattle and horses, 18 ; sheep, 20 ;
acres, 100.
Thomas Reede, cattle and horses, 8 ; acres, 200.
John Hart, cattle and horses, 10 ; sheep, 6 ; acres,
200
Samuel Hunt, cattle and horses, 9 ; sheep, 10 ;
acres, 200.
John Hunt, cattle and horses, 13 ; sheep, 11 ; acres,
200
Edward Hart, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 50.
Isaac Herren, cattle and horses, 9 ; sheep, 7 ; acres,
260
Thomas Merrel, cattle and horses, 9 ; acres, 100.
Peter Ringo, cattle and horses, 1 ; acres, 50.
William Cornel, cattle and horses, 20 ; sheep, 30 ;
slaves, 1 ; acres, 200.
Andru Foster, cattle and horses, 1 ; acres, 100.
Jemse Terrel, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 3.
Calap Carman, cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 90.
Andru Smith, cattle and horses, 25; sheep, 15;
slaves, 1 ; acres, 500.
John Hickson, cattle and horses, 14 ; acres, 100.
William Larance, cattle and horses, 12 ; sheep, 5 ;
acres, 200.
Henery Oxly, cattle and horses, 15 ; sheep, 7 ; acres,
200
William Huff, cattle and horses, 5 ; sheep, 1 ; acres,
500
William Briant (Stone bruk),* cattle and horses,
13 ; sheep, 28 ; acres, 300.
Cornelius Andrus, Sr., mills, 1 ; cattle and horses,
17 ; sheep, 3 ; acres, 184.
Samuel Everit, cattle and horses, 9; sheep, 4;
acres, 100.
Joseph Reeder, cattle and horses, 7 ; acres, 200.
William Miller, cattle and horses, 2 ; acres, 120.
Joseph Reed, Sr., cattle and horses, 5 ; sheep, 13 ;
acres, 80.
Thomas Finne, single.
Joseph Reede, Jr., cattle and horses, 4 ; acres, 60.
Jemes Melven, cattle and horses, 9 ; sheep, 1 ; acres,
500
David Price, cattle and horses, 3.
William Lin, cattle and horses, 5 ; acres, 200.
Joseph Nasbet, cattle and horses, 1.
Nicolas Roberds, cattle and horses, 3.
Jorge Wolse, cattle and horses, 11 ; acres, 200.
Thomas Burrus, cattle and horses, 18; sheep, 18;
acres, 297.
These particulars of the early settlement of Hope-
well are given not only because it was a part of Hun-
terdon County at that time and for many years, but
because its settlement was intimately connected with
thQse other portions of the county now known as Hun-
terdon. It will he seen, by examining the foregoing
names and comparing them with the lists of public
oificials (see Civil List in another chapter), that by
far the greater portion of them were officers of Hun-
terdon, and prominent in many ways in civil affairs
of the county. But we leave it now, to consider that
portion embraced within its present limits.
The first settler of Amwell township, without doubt,
was John Reading, who settled near Lambertville in
1703, or soon after. He was recorder of Burlington
from 1693 to 1701, was one of the proprietaries of
West Jersey, and was a prominent member of the
Provincial Council. He was a member of that body
in 1701, and immediately after engaged in surveying
the West Jersey Society's lands in what is now Hun-
terdon County. While thus engaged he selected
several fine tracts for himself, which he soon after-
wards purchased. These lands were north of Lambert-
ville, in the vicinity of Prallsville and Barber's
Station ; also about Centre Bridge, which was called
Reading's Ferry until 1770, when it went by the
name of " Howell's Ferry." These lands were pur-
chased of the Indians in 1703, and John Reading was
one of the three commissioners appointed to treat
with the natives, his associates being John Wills and
William Biddle, Jr.
Other early settlers in Amwell were the Stouts, in
the south part of the township, the Ringo family, in
* Stoney Brook.
LAND TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
187
the centre and eastern portion, and Jolin Holcombe
and the Coryells, in its western part, most of whom
were occupying their respective plantations as early
as 1720, and some of them even earlier. John Hol-
combe purchased lands as early as 1705, but did not
occupy them for several years. He was the ancestor
of the Holcombe families of Hunterdon County.
From one of the Stouts the township is said to have
taken its name, but it is more likely that it was
named from Amwell, in England. When we consider
that all the early settlers of this section were English-
men, and that many of their settlements were called
after places in their native land, it seems reasonable
that such should have been the case in this instance.
It may appear like sacrilege to destroy the old tradi-
tion of " I hope you're well," and " I am well," which
has not only been treasured for years as the origin of
the names of Hopewell and Amwell townships, and
handed down from one generation to another, but
quoted by the historian and interwoven with the an-
nals of the church and home circle ; yet honesty
demands, and that future for whom these records are
being prepared calls for, the proof or verification of
the tradition. Having an ardent desire to verify this
statement, the writer has labored hard and made dili-
gent search, but not one stroke of the pen among all
the records now existent points to such an origin for
the names. And, while this is so, there is indubitable
proof that " Hopewell" at least had a different, and
even an earlier, origin, in evidence of which is the
following fact: May 20, 1688, Cornelius Empson, of
Brandywine Creek, sold to Andrew Smith two hun-
dred acres, which tract, the deed says, he, the said
Empson, "doth enfeoff and confirm unto the said
Andrew Smith, heretofore laid forth in the county of
Burlington aforesaid, and also settled upon, and by
him the said Andrew Smith called and to be called
Hopewell."
John Ringo, however, gave his name to a settle-
ment which has become historic in this section, and
which enjoys the honor of being the only village and
post-office of the name in the known world.
Coryell's Ferry was established about 1732 by John
Emanuel Coryell, who came from Somerset County.
The settlement now known as Lambertville has a
much earlier origin, the tradition says in 1707, and
it is very likely that both John Holcombe and
Emanuel Coryell came there between 1705 and 1710,
Holcombe having purchased his lands, as before
stated, in 1705. John Lambert, from whom the vil-
lage was named, in 1812, in compliment to his eiforts
in procuring its post-office, was a son of Gershom
Lambert, who, with his brother John, settled (near
each other) about three miles from Lambertville, and
were the first of the name in Amwell. They came
about 1740. His son, Joseph, purchased the ferry of
the Coryells, and it was thenceforth, and until 1812,
known as Lambert's Ferry.
Adventurous settlers pressed farther up the Dela-
ware, purchasing tracts in Kingwood and Alexandria
townships, even so far north as the Musconetcong
Mountain, establishing settlements at Baptisttown,
Quakertown, and in Bunn's Valley, a little later at
Frenchtown and Milford, and up the Musconetcong
Creek at Bethlehem and German Valley, in what is
now Bethlehem and Lebanon townships. Quaker-
town was settled prior to 1744, for the records of its
meeting date back to that year. Among the ear-
liest settlers in that vicinity were the Kings, Wilsons,
Rockhills, and Stevensons, all members of the Bur-
lington Quarterly Meeting. The Dalrymple family,
numerous in Kingwood, were of Scotch origin. Many
others from " Old Scotia" settled in the north part of
the county, among whom were the heirs of James
Alexander, and notably William (Lord Stirling),
Walter Rutherford, etc. In 1740, John Bowlby pur-
chased a tract five thousand and eighty-eight acres
reaching from Asbury to Hampton Junction ; while
he was running his boundaries Col. Daniel Coxe was
laying out an adjoining tract on the east, and there
was great strife as to which should first get his survey
on record, in order to secure as much of the Muscon-
etcong Creek as possible. Bowlby was successful.
The settlement of German Valley, in the north
part of the county, in the early part of the eighteenth
century, was due to accident rather than design, as
the emigrants who located there had a very different
destination. A colony of German Reformed people
who had been driven by persecution to Rhenish Prus-
sia, and from Holland had embarked for New York
with intent to settle on the banks of the Hudson, but
had been carried by adverse winds into Delaware Bay
instead, attempted to make their way overland to the
point for which they set out. "They started from
Philadelphia and went up to New Hope ; there, cross-
ing the river, they took the Old York Road. Pre-
cisely where this band struck the mountainous region
is not known, but their vision was charmed with the
tempting nature of the soil and the streams. They
found this whole section astir with pioneers, who were
prospecting and settling. Abandoning, therefore,
their original intention, they resolved to establish
themselves on the good land around them. From
them and their descendants Germantown and German
Valley derive their names. The names of many of
these pioneers are yet found on the church records of
Lebanon. Probably at New Germantown a few Eng-
lish people had already settled,"* but they were few
and scattered. Yet this point, now known as New
Germantown, and early called " Smithfield," was the
first point occupied in what is now Tewksbury town-
ship. Robert R. Honeyman, after searching among
the records of New Germantown to prove the truth
or falsity of many of the local traditions, prepared
an able article, which was published in " Our Home"
in 1873 and from which a pertinent extract is made :
f History of Hunterdon County, Eev. George S. Mott, D.D., 1878, p. 14.
188
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
" It is impossible to ascertain who was the first settler, or the date of
the first settlement, at New Germantown. Our local sources of informa-
tion on these points are scant, and we are quite well assured that no ac-
cessible records at Burlington or Trenton would furnish more light. But,
with the information at hand, we can safely assert that New Germantown
was the first settlement in lewksbury township, and that it was settled
by the English. . . . Johnson, Thompson, Cole, Plat, Ireland, Carlisle,
and other English names appear cotemporaneonsly, and soon disappear.
But Smith waa the ruling man, a large landowner, wealthy, and am-
bitious of founding a town. The street now ranning east and west
through the Tillage formerly known as the 'Potterstown Eoad' (but
called ' Church Street' in the existing surrey uf James Honeyman, 1818,
and ' King Street' in the surrey of Edward Wilmot, 1755) was first called
' Smith's Lane.' A tract of ground lying between the Fox-Hill Eoad
so called from its first existence and Smith's Lane was called ' Smith's
Field,' and the first name by which the settlement wa£ known was
Smiihftdd. But the Germans were rapidly filling np the country, and
Smithfield was destined to become a German town in fact as well as in
The village began to be called by the latter name
about the year 1750. In the charter for the old Lu-
theran Church, procured from George III. in the year
1767, appear the following German names, indicating
many of the settlers of that period, and somewhat the
earlier settlers of this portion of the county : Law-
rence Kudolph, Philip Weigs, Jacob Klein, Peter
Eisli, Christopher Vogt, Balthus Pickel, Anthony
' Melick, etc., and the Eev. Henry Muhlenberg, Sr.,
who succeeded Paul Bryzelius, who followed John
Albert Waygand, the first pa-stor (dating from 1748),
save the Lutheran missionaries, who preached here as
early as 1742.
Other early settlers in this section were John
Honeyman, John Bergen, George Wilcox, Adam
Ten Eyck, and Frederic Bartles. The latter was in
the cavalry service of Frederick the Great, and was
the grandfather of Charles Bartles, Esq., of Flem-
ington.
At Fairmount, originally called Parkersville,* the
first settlers came about 1740. There was preaching
at the church of Fox Hill as early as 1747, according
to Michael Schlatter. The name of the hill and of
the settlement (Foxenburg) was derived from a man
named Fox, an enterprising farmer, who introduced
a new and superior kind of wheat.
One of the first settlers in the vicinity of White
House was Baltus Pickel, who owned a tract at the
foot of Cushetunk Mountain, now better known as
Pickle's Mountain."" Abram Van Horn, from Mon- "
mouth, came about 1749, and settled on both sides of
the creek, along the turnpike (south of the railroad) ;
he built a mill which, like most of those of the Eari-
tan valley, ground flour for the patriot army during
the Revolution. Adrian Ten Eyck purchased in
1724, and about that date emigrated irom Somerset
County and located thereon. Cornelius Wyckoff,
also, very early located here, settling on the Bock-
away. He owned six hundred acres, and left numer-
ous descendants.
The territory between the South Branch and Rin-
* From James Parker, one of the early Jersey proprietors, who owned
a large tract here.
gos was occupied about 1740. In that year Adam
Bellis located near Copper Hill, and about the same
time the Stouts and Kuhls. In 1756, Samuel Fleming
and Thomas Lowrey settled at Flemington, around
whom clustered Philip Kase (at the Mine farm),
George Creed, the first physician of the place, Joseph
Smith, John Haviland, Thomas Hunt, Robert Bur-
gess, William Norcross, and James Farrar. North of
Flemington, besides those before named, were Fred-
erick Van Fleet, who came firom Esopus, N. Y., in
1725, and bought lands of Van Etta at what was later
known as Van Fleet's Corner. His son, Thomas, was
the great-grandfather of the present vice-chancellor
of the State. Governor John Reading, a son of the
first John, located on the South Branch about the year
1715, two miles from Flemington, where afterwards
he built the Reading homestead, and where he died
at the age of eighty-one; it is now occupied by
Philip Brown.
But it is impossible, in this connection, to enu-
merate even the advance-guard of that vast army of
emigrants who came in and occupied the land in the
early days, for " their name is Legion.''
The most that has been aimed at in the foregoing
account of early settlement has been to show in out-
line, as near as possible, when the several portions
of the county were first settled. In the township his-
tories which are given herewith may be found more
extended notices of the early families of the county.
The tide of emigration, advancing westward along
the Raritan, spread along the two main branches of
that stream, as we have seen, adding Scotch Presby-
terians and Dutch Huguenots to the already located
Quaker element, and, combining, gave, as Bancroft
says, to " the rising commonwealth a character which
a century and a half has not efiaced." This part of
Hunterdon County ^the district between the conflu-
ence of the branches of the Raritan and the Delaware
soon became known, and its natural advantages
attracted many settlers. There was an abundance
of timber, oak, hickory, beech, and maple, and the
forests were full of game and the streams teemed with
fish. The Raritan was navigable up to the union of
the North and South Branches. Long afterwards
much of the heavy produce was carried to market on
those streams. In seasons of freshets the farmers up
the river conveyed their grain to New Brunswick in
flat-bottomed boats, floating them down and pulling
them back. Old persons tell how, fifty years ago,
brooks were double their present volume. No won-
der, then, that East and West Jersey joined hands
over Hunterdon County, and that the children were
attracted away from their old homesteads at an early
day, for that same eagerness' to occupy the frontier
and push farther west which has been the ruling
passion for the last half-century possessed and ani-
mated the sons of the settlers in the seventeenth
century.
In addition, the political institutions were so liberal
LAND TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
189
in their character that those who appreciated civil
and religious liberty were attracted. And thus it
came to pass that no county in the State had so
mixed a population, composed, as it was, of Hugue-
nots, Hollanders, Germans, Scotch, Irish, English,
and native Americans.
The earliest record in the matter of building new
bridges in Hunterdon County was May 9, 1764, when
action was taken upon building a stone bridge over
Assunpink Creek at Trenton. Nottingham was to
pay one-third of the cost, and the justices and free-
holders of Hunterdon voted three hundred pounds to
be raised by tax for the purpose of paying its share
(two-thirds) of the cost; Aug. 13, 1765, one hundred
and fifty pounds additional was voted to complete the
bridge.
The first action looking to the erection of a bridge
within the present limits of Hunterdon was at a meet-
ing held at John Daily's, Eeadington, Aug. 12, 1779,
"agreeable to a notice issued by Nicholas Egbert and
Cornelius Polhemus, two of the overseers of the roads
of said township, in order to consult about building a
bridge over the South Branch of Karitan River at a
place known by the name of Reading's Ford, the
question being put whether it should be notice or no
notice, and it passed in the negative.'' The bridge
was ordered to be built, however, Nov. 23, 1785, and
two hundred and fifteen pounds were appropriated
therefor. Thomas Reading took the contract for its
erection.
The first road laid out in this county of which we
find official mention is called in the records the "
Amwell road, that leads from Malayehik into the
road that comes from Green's plantation to Cornelius
Anderson's," and is of date Dec. 13, 1721.* The draft
of this road may be found in the history of West
Amwell township, in this work.
Among the early mills of Hunterdon was the grist-
and fulling-mill of John Grandin, on the South
Branch, later known as " Johnston's Mills." It was
in a ruined condition a hundred years ago. Other
pioneer mills were those of Philip Ringo, in Amwell ;
the one near Copper Hill, built at an early day by
Cornelius Stout, which was supplanted in 1812 by
another on the same site ; " Hunt's Mill," at what is
now Clinton ; that of Abraham Van Horn, on the
Cushetunk ; Lowrey's old red grist-mill and saw-mill
at Lowreytown, later known as Mill-ford, and now
Milford ; Dall's old mill, and a host of others, for
Hunterdon County was noted for its mill-seats at an
early day, and in no county in the State were mills
more numerous. All along the North and South
Branches of the Raritan, and even on some of their
tributaries, they could be found, and, almost without
exception, during the Revolution they supplied flour
to the patriot army whilst operating in this portion of
the State.
* Minutes of Court, Hunterdon County, vol. 1. p. 7.
It has been published that the first religious society
established in the county was the Friends' Meeting
at Quakertown. This is an error. The Quakei" Church
there dates back only to about 1733, the date of the
deed to the land on which their meeting-house was
erected. The Presbyterian Church of Hopewell, at
Pennington, was established in 1698, and the Baptist
Church of Hopewell in the year 1705. The Reading-
ton Reformed Dutch Church dates from 1719. All
these, and possibly others, antedate the Quakertown
Church.
Hunterdon County was noted for its patriotism,
during the Revolutionary struggle, and hands down
to us a long list of patriots who served with its militia
and the Continental line during the war. Many of
her sons were prominent members of the Provincial
Congress or Council of Safety, and many, too, distin-
guished themselves upon the battle-field. Gen. Daniel
Morgan, Col. John Mehelm, Gen. Charles Stewart,
Col. Maxwell, Col. Philip Johnston, Col. Bonnell,
Maj. Runyon, Capts. Adam Hope, Nathan Stout,
Joseph Stout, David Schomp, William Chamberlin,
and a host of other honored names, present them-
selves. In the chapter upon the "Revolutionary
Period," and the several township histories, will be
found detailed accounts of the Revolutionary heroes.
It was some time after peace was declared before
business, both public and private, became settled, so
much had the war and the unsettled state of the
country diverted public attention from matters trans-
piring right at home. It was but a few years, how-
ever, before it was found that the location of the
county-seat at Trenton, in an extreme corner of the
large county, was not only an inconvenience, but a
matter of deprivation to a large portion of its people,
who asked for a more central location. Accordingly,
in 1785 it was removed to Flemington, although the
court-house was not built until 1791. This delay was
due, doubtless, to the poverty of the country and the
worthlessness of the Continental money. In the
chapter on " Courts and County Buildings" are many
interesting facts bearing upon this topic.
In 1790, Hunterdon stood first among the counties
of the State as to population. It had 20,153. Sussex
came next (19,500), and Burlington followed with
18,095. The population of the townships, at that
time, was as follows: Amwell, 5201; Kingwood,
2440; Alexandria, 1503; Bethlehem, 1335; Hopewell,
2320; Trenton, 1946; Maidenhead, 1032; Lebanon,
Readington, and Tewksbury, combined, 4370. The
number of slaves was 1301 ; of free blacks, 191.
In 1800 the county gained 1108, and ranked as
fourth in the State. The growth of the county since
that date a period of eighty years can scarce be
comprehended by a comparison of the present popula-
tion 39,000 of 1880, unless it be borne in mind that
the Hunterdon of to-day is but a fragment of the
territory which at the commencement of this century
gave an aggregate of twenty-one thousand souls.
190
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER III.
ORGAWIZATIOM' AND CIVIL HISTORY.
Hunterdon set off from Burlington Changes in its Temtory First oflB-
cere Townships Colonial Elections Poll-List of 1738 First Deed on
Record Innkeeper's Prices in 1722 Early Taverns Licensed Ex-
tracts from " Records of the Proceedings of the Justices and Freehold-
ers, beginning 1739" Wolf and Panther Bounties First Meeting of
the Board at Flemington, Etc.
Peeviotjs to 1693, West Jersey had been divided
into three counties, Burlington, Salem, and Falls ;
in 1693, Cape May County was formed, and, in 1694,
Gloucester. The bounds of Burlington were fixed in
1694, when the General Assembly enacted that they
should be " on the south by the river Cropwell
(formerly called Pensaukin), and on the north by the
river Derwent (formerly called Sunpink)."* But in
1710 the territory of Burlington was definitely defined.
By this it will be seen that what is now Hunterdon
County was first an undefined country, a part of the
grant of the English Crown to the Duke of York,
subsequently was in Monmouth County, later in Bur-
lington, and finally was organized under its present
name.
Hunterdon County was set off" from Burlington by
an enactment of the General Assembly for " erecting
the upper parts of the western division of New Jer-
sey into a county," which was passed March 11, 1713,
and was in the following words :
" That all and singular the lands and upper parts of the said western
division of the province of New Jersey, lying northwards of, or situate
above, the brook or rivulet commonly called ASHunpink, be erected into
a county, and it is hereby erected into a county, named, and from hence-
forth to be called, the county of Hunterdon; and the said brook or rivu-
let, commonly known and called by the name of Assunpink, shall be the
boundary-line between the county of Burlington and the said county of
Hunterdon.! "
From 1713 until 1738, when Morris was erected from
its territory, Hunterdon County embraced a vast terri-
tory, nearly or quite four times its present area,
reaching from the Assunpink, to the boundary-line
between the provinces of New York and New Jersey,
and from the Delaware River to the east line of
West New Jersey, including all, or nearly all, of the
present counties of Mercer, Hunterdon, Morris, War-
ren, and Sussex. March 15, 1738-39, in pursuance of
an act passed that date, Hunterdon County gave up
all the lands and upper parts of its territory " lying
to the northward and eastward of a well-known place
in the county of Hunterdon, being a fall of water in
part of the North Branch of Raritan River called in
the Indian language, or known by the name of, Alla-
matonck, to the northeastward of the northeast end
or part of the lands called the New Jersey Society
lands, along the line thereof crossing the South
Branch of the aforesaid Raritan River, and extend-
ing westerly to a certain tree, marked with the letters
L. M., standing on the north side of a brook empty-
* Learning and Spicer, p. 350.
t Revised Statutes of New Jersey, 1877, p. 200.
ing itself into the said South Branch, by an old
Indian path to the northward of a line to be run north-
west from the said tree to a branch of the Delaware
River, called Muskonetkong, and so down the said
branch to Delaware River ;" said lands being erected
into a county thenceforth to be known as Morris.
The upper portion of Morris was, June 8, 1753, set off"
as Sussex County, t From this Warren was erected,
Nov. 20, 1824,^ its southerly boundary being "the
middle of the Muskonetkong Creek," which has ever
since defined the bounds of Hunterdon upon the
north.
March 16, 1786, was passed an " act to ratify and
confirm an agreement made between the commis-
sioners appointed by the Legislature of the State of
Pennsylvania and the commissioners appointed by
the Legislature of the State of New Jersey for the
purpose of agreeing upon and accurately describing
which of the islands, islets, and insulated dry land
mentioned in the agreement between the two States,
bearing date on the 26th day of April, 1783, belong to
each of the said States, according to the purport of
that agreement." From this act is quoted the follow-
ing, showing that a portion of the territory of Hun-
terdon County was in the Delaware River :
" And that the following islands, opposite to the county of Hunterdon,
in the State of New Jersey, and the townships hereafter named, that is
to say, opposite to the township of Trenton, Yard's island, Mott's two
islands, and Gould's two islands; opposite to the township of Hopewell,
Stout's island; opposite to the township of Amwell, Smith's Mill island,
Coryell's island, Holcombo's two islands, Eagle island, and Bull's ifeland ;
opposite to the township of Kingwood, Rush island, Eidge's island. Shy-
hawk's three islands, Pinkerton's island, and Man-of-war island ; oppo-
site to the township of Alexandria, StuU's island, Lowrey's island, and
Loughley's island and bar, . . . shall be annexed to the State of New
Jersey, etc. "
Hunterdon County at that time had a frontage upon
the Delaware of fifty miles.
The last permanent change in the marginal lines
of the county occurred Feb. 22, 1838, || and Feb. 14,
1839,1[ when she yielded up portions of her southern
lands to Mercer, embracing all of the present town-
ships of Hopewell, Ewing, and Lawrence, as well as
all of the city of Trenton which lies north of the
Assunpink.
The last change affecting its relations with its ad-
joining neighbors was in 1844,** when Tewksbury
was set off to Somerset County. This was a political
measure, hence was but a temporary transfer ; it was
returned to its original status the following year.tt
t Ibid., p. 203. g Ibid., p. 204:.
1 Ibid.
U " All of that part of the county of Hunterdon embraced within the
limits of the township of Hopewell shall be . . . made a part of the county
of Mercer; . . . and the boundary-line between the said township of
Hopewell and the township of Amwell, in the county of Hunterdon,
shall be hereafter the boundary-line between the county of Mercer and
the county of Hunterdon." 4cto of Aasembh/, 1839, p. 39.
** Proceedings General Assembly, sixty-eighth session, second sitting,
p. 263, Stat.
tt Ibid., sixty-ninth session, firat sitting, p. 45, Stat.
ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY.
191
The county was named in honor of Gen. Robert
Hunter, who was governor-general of the provinces
of New York and New Jersey at the time this county
was formed, having been appointed thereto June 10
1710
" He was a nataye of Scotland, and, when a boy, was put an apprentice
to an apothecary. But he deserted his master and entered the army,
and, being a man of wit and personal beauty, acquired the affections of
lady Hay, whom he afterwards married. He had been nominated, in the
year 1707, lieutenant-governor of Virginia, under George, Earl of Ork-
ney, but, having been captured by the French in his voyage to that
colony, was carried into France. He was unquestionably a man of merit,
since he enjoyed the intimacy of Swift, Addison, and others distinguished
for sense and learning. He mingled freely with the world, and was
somewhat tainted by its follies ; had engaging manners, blended, per-
haps not unhappily for his success in the province, with a dash of original
vulgarity. His administration, of ten years' duration, was one of almost
unbroken harmony.* "
He was the most popular Governor with whom the
province had been favored, and hence the respect
shown him in the christening of the only county
formed during his term of office.
Although the county was formed in March, 1714, its
inhabitants were restricted from choosing members of
the General Assembly until the year 1727, and con-
tinue! to vote for representatives for Burlington as
before the county was divided.! In 1727 it was au-
thorized to choose two, and John Porterfield and Jo-
seph Stout took seats in the General Assembly as the
first members from Hunterdon County. Joseph Stout
lived in the north part of Hopewell, and Mr. Porter-
field near Trenton. J
In December, 1720, the court "required the justices
and freeholders to meet at the court-house on the 25th
of that month to levy taxes to defray the county
charges," and in March following they ordered the
innkeepers to meet at the house of William Yard
{where court had been held years before) to take out
license.? The justices and freeholders were a joint
body in the care of the county business, and so con-
tinued until 1798, when the freeholders were, by act
of the Legislature, incorporated as a separate body.
William Green and John Reading were the first as-
sessors of Hunterdon County, and Ralph Hunt the
first collector. II John Muirhead was the first sheriff,
holding until 1727. Joseph Yard was the first clerk
of the board of justices and chosen freeholders, so far
as existing records show ; he served as such from 1739
to 1763. For a list of the officers of the county, see
the " Civil List," elsewhere given.
At the organization of the county it was divided
into the following townships : Trenton, Hopewell,
Maidenhead, and Amwell, of which only the latter was
within the present limits of the county. In 1738 the
records show the townships named above, and " Read-
ing" and Bethlehem in addition ; Alexandria was set
* Gordon's History of New Jersey,
â– f Kaum's Trenton, p. 57.
t Ibid., pp. 66. 68.
g Minutes of Hunterdon County, vol. i. p. 61, clerk's ofdce, Flem-
ington.
II Hist. Coll. New Jersey, Barber and Howe, p. 284.
off March 5, 1765. In 1791 the year the first court-
house was erected at Flemington the list of town-
ships had been increased by the addition of Kingwood,
Lebanon, and Tewksbury, while "Reading" appears
with an extra syllable, Readington.
In 1798 the above-mentioned townships were in-
corporated by the State Legislature^ The townships
which have been since erected are as follows : Clinton,
from Lebanon, in 1841 ; Delaware, from Amwell, in
1838 ; Raritan, from Amwell, in 1838 ; East and West
Amwell, by division of Amwell, in 1846 ; Franklin,
set off from Kingwood, in 1845; High Bridge, from
Clinton and Lebanon, in 1871 ; Union, from Bethlehem,
in 1853 ; Holland, from Alexandria, in 1874.** But
after the erection of Mercer, in 1838, the townships of
Trenton, Hopewell, and Lawrenceville (formerly
Maidenhead) figure no more as civil divisions of
Hunterdon County.
Lambertville was incorporated as a city in 1872, and
the town of Clinton and borough of Frenchtown were
created in the years 1865 and 1867, respectively.
Frenchtown was erected out of the territory of Alex-
andria, to which a portion of Kingwood was added in
1876. Clinton borough was formed from Clinton,
Franklin, and Union townships.
COLONIAL ELECTIONS.ft
Under the colonial election law of 1709 none were
permitted to vote for representatives in the General
Assembly but freeholders having one hundred acres
of land, or worth fifty pounds in real and personal
estate. The persons elected to serve as representa-
tives were required to have one thousand acres of land,
or to be worth five hundred pounds current money.
By the law of 1725 the sheriff, to whom a writ had
been directed for electing a member or members of
the General Assembly, was required to give notice by
advertising, and on the day and at the place specified
proceed to the election by reading his writ and ap-
pointing one clerk and one inspector for each candi-
date, the same to be nominated by the candidates
respectively, whose duty it was to set down the
names of the electors, the place of their residence,
and the person they gave their votes for. The poll
was to be taken until all the electors then and there
present had voted ; and he was not to adjourn to any
other place without the consent of the candidates, nor
by unnecessary adjournment delay the election.
By the act of May 10, 1768, members of General
Assembly were limited to the term of seven years.
Previous to that time the term of service was discre-
tionary with the Governor.
Morris County was set off from Hunterdon in 1738,
but was not allowed representation in the General
Assembly " until His Majesty's Pleasure be farther
K Ibid.
** Subsequently re-annexed to Alexandria, and again set off in 1879.
ft The article concerning colonial elections and poU-liet for 1738 is
contributed by Henry Race, M.D.
192
HUNTERDON" COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
known therein, or that it shall be otherwise ordered
by Act of Assembly." But "until such time that the
said Morris County shall be allowed the privilege of
Choosing Representatives of their own in the General
Assembly, it shall, and may be lawful, to and for the
Freeholders of the said county, from time to time, as
occasion shall be, to appear at Trenton, or elsewhere in
the said County of Hunterdon, and there to vote, and
help to elect, and choose Representatives for the said
County of Hunterdon, after the same Manner as for-
merly, before the making of the Act, they were accus-
tomed to do."*
All of what is now Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Sus-
sex, and Warren was represented in the following
poll-list; and, from the promiscuous order in which
the names of the precincts occur, it is nearly certain
that the election was held at only one place.
The Pole of the Freeholders of the County of Hunterdon for Bepresen*
tatives to serve in Geneinl Assembly of the Province of New Jersey
for the County of Hunterdon, taken -per Christopher Search, One of the
aerks, Oct. 9, 1738, Before David Martin, Esq., High Sheriff.
CANDIDATE, JOHN EMLET.
Freegift Stout, Amwell.
Jno. Burcham, Amwell.
Jno. Holcomb, Amwell.
Wm. Bryant, Hopewell.
Ephraim Quimby, Amwell.
Jos. Burt, Hopewell.
Antony Hemp, Bethlehem.
Kami. Stout, Hopewell.
Dennis Wolverton, Amwell.
Isaac Wolverton, Amwell.
Josh. Higgena, Amwell.
Peter Wooliever, AmwelL
Wm. Krettinghoueen, Amwell.
Henry Wooliever, AmwelL
John Kobbina, Amwell.
Henry Coate, Amwell.
ThoB. Hunt, Amwell.
Jno. Buise, Amwell.
Aaron Pi-all, Amwell.
Job Robins, Amwell.
Andrew Pettit, Bethlehem.
Jno, Olivant, Amwell.
Peter Kockifeller, Amwell.
Jno. Garrison, Amwell.
Job. Howell, Bethlehem.
Wm. Wurt, Amwell.
Jno. Buckman, Amwell.
Peter Fisher, Amwell.
Peter Overfelt, Bethlehem.
Amos Thatcher, Amwell,
Bichd. Heath, Bethlehem.
Henry Weaver, Amwell.
Jos. HixBon, Amwell.
Jeremiah Cluck, Amwell.
Andrew Heath, Amwell.
Job Warford, Bethlehem.
Chrifltian Weaver, Amwell.
James Bray, Bethlehem.
Jno. TouDgblood, Amwell.
Geo. Wm. Wamback, Amwell,
Jno. Lewis, Amwell.
Danl. Lowe, Amwell.
Josiah Furman, Hopewell.
Roger Park, son of Jno., Hopewell.
Thos. Buckman, Amwell.
Benj. Hixon, Amwell.
Garret Vancampa, Readington.
Thos. Martin, Amwell.
Peter Laroc, Hopewell.
David Stout, Hopewell.
James Laroc, Hopewell.
Jno. Warford, Bethlehem.
Scamp, Readington.
Jno. Huff, Maidenhead.
Wm. Binge, Maidenhead.
Derrick Hoagland, Amwell.
Benj. Slack, Hopewell.
Jho. Farnaworth, Amwell.
Abram Laroc, Amwell,
Jeremiah Smith, HopeweU.
David Oliphant, Amwell.
John Vansickel, Readington.
Hermanus Kester, Bethlehem.
Peter Vanest, Readington.
Adrian Auter, Readington.
Jno. Stale, Beadington.
Jacob Gray, Amwell.
Whalter Harney, Beadington.
Andrew Stall, Readington.
Caleb Carman, Hopewell,
Benjn. Stout, Amwell.
Lawrence Updike, Maidenhead.
Abraham Hattan, Hanover,
Tolkert Derrickson, Beadington.
Isaac Whitehead, Hanover.
Jonas Goball, Hanover.
Jos. Howard, Hanover.
Benj. Hallaway, Hanover.
David Wheeler, Hanover.
Isaac Whitehead, Hanover.
Mathiaa Nichols.
Thos. Cock, Bethlehem.
Jno. Phillips, Hopewell.
Wm. Updyke, Amwell.
Benj. Stevens, Maidenhead.
Peter Prall, Amwell,
Jas. Stout, Amwell.
Richard Burt, Trenton.
Isaac Anderson, Hopewell.
Ralph Hunt, Hopewell.
* Chap, clx. Col. Laws.
Ezekiel Rose, Amwell.
Setli Lowrey, Amwell.
Jos. Sackett, Trenton,
Michael Henry, Readington.
Isaac Boeder, Trenton.
Roger Park, Hopewell.
Nicholas Emmans, Beadington.
Wm. Fowler, Bethlehem.
Galeace Frazer, Trenton.
Benj. Anderson, Trenton.
William Green, Trenton.
Jno. Hobbs, Trenton.
Enoch Armitage, Hopewell.
Henry Vankirk, Hopewell.
Jno. Porter, Amwell.
Elnathaa Baldwin, Hopewell.
David Stout, Hopewell.
Stephen Burrough, Amwell.
Saml. Stevenson. Bethlehem.
Joseph King, Bethlehem.
Jno. Johnson, Amwell.
Jno. Weymer, Amwell.
Jno. Vauvorst, Amwell.
Henry Best, Amwell.
Tunis Quick, Amwell.
Jonathan Foreman, Hopewell.
John Coate, Bethlehem,
Thos. Lake, Amwell,
Jno. Biles, Maidenhead.
Jno. Stout, Amwell.
Jno. Bainbridge, Maidenhead.
Josh. Reader, Amwell.
Jno. Johnson, Maidenhead.
Jamea Stout, James' son, Amwell-
Thos. Smith, Maidenhead.
Antony Deardorff, Amwell.
Honust Moore, Amwell.
Valentine End, Amwell.
Coonroad Boltenhouaer, AmwelL
Gudolph Hartley, Amwell.
Geo. Beckelshammer, Amwell.
Henry Farnsworth, Amwell,
Wm. Mott, Trenton.
Honust Houshale, Amwell.
Jos. Stout, Amwell.
Honust Rapman, Amwell.
Jno. Updike, Amwell. •â–
Ephraim Olivant, Amwell.
Jno. Williamson, Amwell.
Henry Deardorff, Amwell.
Ghas. Harelocker, Amwell (141),
CANDIDATE, BENJ'N. SMITH.
Freegift Stout, Amwell.
Jno. Burcham, Amwell.
Jno. Holcomb, Amwell.
Ephraim Quimby, Amwell.
Job. Burt, Hopewell.
Antony Kemp, Bethlehem.
Dennia Woolverton, Amwell.
Isaac Woolverton, Amwell,
Josh. Higgens, Amwell.
Peter Wooliever, Amwell.
Wm. Retting! lousen, AmweU.
Henry Wooliever, Amwell,
Jno. Robbins, Amwell.
Henry Coate, Amwell.
Jno, Buise, Amwell.
Aaron Prall, Amwell.
Job Robbins, Amwell.
Batw. Anderson, Hopewell.
Jno. Olivant, Amwell.
Peter Rockifeller, Amwell,
Nathan Davia, Trenton.
Jno. Garrison, Amwell.
Jos. Howell, Bethlehem.
Wm. Wart, Amwell.
Jno. Ruckman, Amwell.
Peter Fisher, Amwell,
Peter Oveifelt, Bethlehem.
Amos Thatcher, Amwell.
Richd. Heath, Bethlehem.
Joa. Hixon, Amwell.
Jeremiah Cluck, Amwell,
Andrew Heath, AmweU.
Job Warford, Bethlehem.
Henry Weaver, Amwell.
Chriatian Weaver, Amwell.
James Bray, Bethlehem.
Jno. Toungblood, Amwell.
Geo. Wm. Wamback, Amwell.
Jno. Lewis, Amwell.
Danl. Laroc, Amwell.
Aaron Skeyhawk, Bethlehem.
Cornehus Skeyhawk, Bethlehem.
Henry Freeman, Bethlehem.
Roger Park, son of Jno., Hopewell.
Thos Buckman, Amwell.
Benj. Hixon, Amwell.
Thos. Martin, Amwell.
Peter Laroc, Hopewell.
James Laroc. Hopewell.
John Warford, Bethlehem.
Derrick Hoagland, Amwell.
Benjamin Slack, Hopewell.
Abram Laroc, Amwell.
Jno. Vansickel, Beadington.
Hermanus Kester, Bethlehem.
Peter Vanest, Beadington.
Adrian Auter, Beadington.
Jno. Stull, Beadington.
Jacob Gray, Amwell.
Whaltor Harney, Beadington.
Andrew Stall, Readington.
James Scott, Maidenhead.
Benj. Stout, Amwell.
Lawrence Updike, Maidenhead.
Abram Hattaway, Hanover.
Volkert Derrickson, Beadington.
Isaac Whitehead, Hanover.
Jonas Goble, Hanover.
Jos. Howard, Hanover.
Benjn. Hattaway, Hanover.
David Wheeler, Hanover.
Isaac Whitehead, Jr., Hanover.
Mathias Nichols, Hanover.
John Phillips, Hopewell.
Wm. Updyke, Amwell.
Benj. Stevens, Maidenhead.
Peter Prall, Amwell.
James Stout, Amwell.
Richard Burt, Trenton.
Isaac Anderson, Hopewell.
Ralph Hunt, Hopewell.
Ezekiel Rose, Amwell.
Seth Lowrey, Amwell.
Joa. Sacket, Trenton.
Michall Henry, Readington.
Isaac Beeder, Trenton.
Roger Park, Hopewell.
Nicholas Emmans, Readington.
Jno. McClocklen, Hopewell.
Wm. Fowler, Bethlehem.
Daniel Doughty, Bethlehem.
Galeace Frazer, Trenton.
Jno. Stevenaou, Bethlehem.
Benj. Anderson, Hopewell.
Wm. Green, Trenton.
Jno. Hobbs, Treoton.
ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY.
193
Enoch Annitage, Hopewell.
Henry Vankirk, Hopewell.
Elnathao Baldwin, Hopewell.
Nehemiali Howell, Maidenhead.
Jasper Smith, Maidenhead.
Saml. Stevenson, Bethlehem.
Josh. King, Bethlehem.
Jno. Johnson, Amwell.
Jno. Wea,ymer, Amwell.
Jno. Vanvorst, Amwell.
Henry Best, Amwell.
Tunis Quick, Amwell.
Robt. Blackwell, Hopewell.
Jno. Ck)ate, Bethlehem.
Thos. Lake, Amwell.
Jao. Biles, Maidenhead,
Wm. Binge, Maidenhead.
Jno. Stont, Aniwell.
Jno. Huff, Maidenhead.
Jqo. Bainbridge, Maidenhead.
Jos. Ileeder, Amwell.
Jbo. Jobuson, Maidenhead.
James Stout, Jas'. son, Amwell.
Thos. Smith, Maidenhead.
Antony DeardorfF, Amwell.
Honust Moore, AmwelL
Valentine End, Amwell.
Coonroad Boltenhousen, Amwell.
Gudolph Harley, Amwell.
Geo. Beckelshommer, Amwell.
Henry Farnsworth, Amwell.
Wm. Mott, Trenton.
Honust Honshall, Amwell.
Jos. Stout, Amwell.
Honust Bapman, Amwell.
Ephraim Olivant, Amwell.
Jno. Williamson, Amwell.
Henry Deardorff, Amwell.
Charles Horelocker, Amwell (136).
CANDIDATE, DANIEL COXE.
Thos. Newman, Amwell.
Bobt. Eaton, Amwell.
Hugh Martin, Amwell.
Jno. Titus, Jr., Hopewell.
"Wm. Bryant, Hopewell.
Saml. Stout, Hopewell.
Jno. Burroughs, Trenton.
Wm. Crumb, Eeadingtou.
Tho. Grant, Amwell.
Wm. Lummox, Amwell.
Bat''. Anderson, Hopewell.
Nathan Davis, Trenton.
Timothy Baker, Maidenhead.
George Green, Amwell.
Josiah Furman, Hopewell.
Michal Shnrt, Beadington.
Chaa. Morgan, Hopewell.
Garret Vancampa, Beadington.
Godfrey Peters, Amwell.
Cliaxles Huffi HopewelL
David Stout, HopewelL
Ralph Hunt, Hopewell.
Saml. Hnnt, Maidenhead.
Theophilns Phillips, Maidenhead.
George Scamp, Beadington.
George Biggs, Beadington.
Christ. Howell, Trenton.
Jno. Parker, Trenton.
James Gary, HopewelL
Andrew Millborne, HopewelL
Jeremiah Smith, Hopewell.
David Olivant, Amwell.
Caleb Carman, HopewelL
Joshua Anderson, Hopewell,
Abraham Temple, Hopewell.
Jno. Heart, Hopewell.
Andrew Bedrick, Beadington.
Christian Hassel, Beadington.
DanL Sebring, Beadington.
Thos. Cock, Bethlehem.
Jacobus Swart, Reading^on.
Eliakim Anderson, Hopewell.
Jno. Anderson, Hopewell.
Wm. Johnson, Trenton.
Saml. Green, Greenwich.
Henry Stewart, Greenwich.
Jno. Anderson, Greenwich.
Wm. McCoy, Bethlehem.
Abraham Vanawker, Walpack.
Jno. McClocklen, Hopewell.
Cornelius Aducher, Walpack.
Bichd. Green, Amwell.
Benj. Seaverns, AmwelL
Jno. Wright, Amwell.
Jno. Pearson, Trenton.
Bonjn. Temple, Hopewell.
Tunis Quick, Walpack.
Thos. Quick, Walpack.
Edward Hunt, Maidenhead.
Nehemiah Howell, Maidenhead.
David Stout, Hopewell.
Steph. Burroughs, Amwell.
Jonathan Stiles, Hanover.
Jno. Kenney, Hanover.
Jasper Smith, Maidenhead.
Phillip Phillips, Maidenhead.
Jonathan Foreman, HopewelL
Bobt. Blackwell, HopewelL
Cornelius Anderson, Hopewell.
Jno. Updyke, Amwell (70).
CANDIDATE, JOSH. PEACE.
Thos. Newman, AmwelL
Bobt. Eaton, Amwell.
Hugh Martin, Amwell.
Jno. Titus, Jr., Hopewell.
Jno. Burroughs, Trenton.
Andrew Pettit,- Bethlehem.
Timothy Baker, Maidenhead.
George Green, Amwell.
Godfrey Peters, Amwell.
Charles Huff, HopewelL
Ralph Hunt, Hopewell.
Saml. Hunt, Maidenhead.
TheophiluB Phillips, Maidenhead.
Chris'. Howell, Trenton.
John Parker, Trenton.
James Gary, HopewelL
Jno. Farnsworth, Amwell.
Jno. Heart, Hopewell.
Jas. Scott, Maidenhead.
Saml. Green, Greenwich,
Henry Stewart, Greenwich.
Thos. Anderson, Greenwich.
Wm. McCoy, Bethlehem.
Abram. Yanawken, Walpeick.
Ricbd. Green, Amwell.
Benj. Seaverns, AmwelL
Jno. Wright, AmwelL
Benjn. Temple, HopewelL
Edward Hunt, Maidenhead.
Philip Philips, Maidenhead.
Josh. Moore, Hopewell (31).
CANDIDATE, ABRAM TANHORNE.
Wm. Crumb, Readington. Christian Hassell, Beadington.
Michael Shurt, Beadington. Jacobus Swart, Beadington.
George Biggs, Readington. Thos. Quick, Walpack (7).
Andrew Bedrick, Readiugton.
CANDIDATE, JNO. COATE.
Daniel Doughty, Bethlehem.
CANDIDATE, MARTIN BEYARSON.
Thos. Stevenson, Bethlehem.
The officers of the townships of the county of Hun-
terdon for the year 1721 were, Amwell : Samuel
Green and Adrian Lane, Freeholders ; Samuel Green,
Assessor; John Grandin, Collector; George Green
and John Holcombe, Surveyors for the Highways.
Hopewell : Joseph Stout and Philip Ringo, Freehold-
ers ; Nath. May, Assessor ; Cornelius Anderson, Col-
lector ; Thomas Burns and Philip Ringo, Surveyors
for Highways. Maidenhead : John Bainbridge and
John Browery, Freeholders ; John Bainbridge, As-
sessor ; Alexander Harper, Collector ; Edmund Bain-
bridge and Alexander Biles, Surveyors. Trenton :
Alexander Lockart and Richard Scudder, Freehold-
ers ; Alexander Lockart, Assessor ; Charles Clarke,
Collector ; John Burroughs and Charles Clarke, Sur-
veyors for the Highways.
It will be seen by the above that in that early day
one person filled several offices. But even so early as
1709 to be a freeholder involved the ownership of one
hundred acres of land or the possession of fifty pounds
current money. From 1725 until after the Revolu-
tion the sheriff gave public notice of the day and
place of election, and opened the polls, between the "
hours of ten and twelve," by reading his writ. Voting
was done by the holding up of hands, and there was
but one place of election in the county. The polls
were frequently kept open two or three days, and
sometimes a week or longer. In 1789, when voting
for the location of the general government, to be
temporarily at New York or Philadelphia, it was
said the polls were kept open three or four weeks.
Voting by ballot does not appear to have been prac-
ticed until after the Revolution.
At that time, too, attendance upon an election
involved both several days^ time and considerable in-
convenience, as many of the early settlers had a long
distance to go to reach the county-seat, which they
rode on horseback (the only mode of travel then in
use) over rough roads or through the woods, fording
streams, consuming nearly or quite a day in going and
another in returning to their homes. But after 1790
the voting was done in the respective townships.
The first deed of which any record appears in the
present county of Hunterdon is in vol. i. (p. 13),
Minutes of the Court of Hunterdon County, and
bears the date of " 15th of January in the first year
of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George ye first,
over England King," 1714. It is "between Alex-
ander Lockart, of Nottingham, in the county of Bur-
lington, within the western division of Nova Cesaria,
194
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Esquire, on the one part, and Charles Clarke, of
Hopewell, in the county of Hunterdon, in the western
division aforesaid, Taylor, on the other part," etc.
This was for two hundred and ninety acres lying in
Hopewell, then, but not now, in this county.
The first deed on record in the county clerk's ofiice,
riemington, is on page 1 of volume A, and bears date
of Jan. 1, 1784. It was from George Beaty and wife,
of Trenton, to Susannah Medford, of Philadelphia,
widow, for land situated near Trenton, which was
confiscated by the State from Isaac Allen " for offend-
ing against the form of his allegiance to the said State
of New Jersey," and sold at public vendue, March
25, 1779, to George Beaty.
One of the first recorded deeds for land situated in
what is now Hunterdon County is that for the lot
upon which the court-house is located.
On the 5th of March, 1722, it was
" Ordered by the court that All publique houses in this Couuty shall
pay obedience and deuly observe and keep All the Directions of prices
of liquors And other things contained in sd order which shall here After
be exprest by the particulars, And that the clerks of the County shall
record the same and give a copy to each puhlique house proprietor in the
County. And they shall hang upe the same in some puhlique place in
their Beverall houses, so that all Travelers And others may have Recourse
thereto. And that it shall so remain on the penalty of the forflture of
their licenses in case of default viz., as follows, the prices all to be proc-
lamation money :
d. qr.
To every Hott Dinor 7 1^
iJito cold as Breakfast And Supper 4 ^
Madera wine per pint 11
Hott dito per pint 1 ...
D: Caneroy Mamsey or white wine per pint 1 3
D: Hott Mamsey or white wine per pint 1 6
D: tealls wine per pint 7
D; Claret l\ine per pint 1 3
Metheglin per pint 6
Rum per gill 3
B: Hott per gill 4
Eume punch per quart fewer gills of rum in it Made
with Muskevado Shewgar 1 8
D; Made of Duble refined Shewgar 1 8
Brandy per gill 2J^
Brandy punch per quart fower gills brandy made of
Muskevado Shewgar 3 ,.,
D: made with Duble refined Shewgar 3 3
And so in proportion for a greater or Lesser quan-
tity of Brandy or Rum punch per quart.
Poor per quart 4
D: BristoU or London beer per the bottle 1 3
Syder per quart 3
Lodging per night 3
Horse pasturage per night or twenty fower owrs 4V<
Standing ditto all Hay per night or twenty fower owrs .. 4^
Oats per peck 9
Indian Corn per peck 1 ...
Bran per peck 3 "
In 1732, Abraham Lane petitioned for a license " to
keep a publick house of entertainment in the town-
ship of Beading" ; the court ordered (October term)
that it be granted. At the May term of 1738 the fol-
lowing petitions for tavern license were granted :
Benjamin Slecht, John Eouse, and Jonah Sherman,
of Hopewell; Richard Loveland, James Neilson,
William Hoff, William Yard, and Thomas Barns, of
Trenton; Abraham Hathaway and Jacob Hord, of
Hanover; Joseph Inslee, Philip Ringo, and John
Taylor, of Amwell ; and Daniel Sebring, of Eeading-
ton. Each was required to enter into a recognizance
of twenty pounds, and a surety to give ten pounds.
These were some of the earliest licensed innkeepers
of this county. A little later (1746) the records show
quite a number in Amwell alone, Philip Ringo, Na-
thaniel Parker, George Van Buskirk, Andrew Pettit,
Peter Kesler, and Samuel Fleming. The last named
was licensed in subsequent years as late as 1763. But
they soon grew to be very numerous all over the
county ; " their name was Legion," and the amount of
liquor sold by them almost taxes our credulity. The
war of the Revolution brought rum and whisky into
general use, and the manufacture of ardent spirits
was largely carried on in this section. " In one town-
ship along the Raritan, at the commencement of this
century, eight distilleries were in operation. Custom
required each hand, in hay or harvest, to be fiirnished
with one pint of rum a day. Almost every farmer
had his cellar stocked with barrels of cider, spirits,
and rye whisky."*
" At a meeting of the assessors of the county of Hunterdon at the
house of Philip Ringo, in Amwell, on the 12th day of June, 1753, pur-
suant to an order from the justices and freeholders of s* county to divide
the quota for raising the sum of One Hundred and Thirty Pounds for
repairing the Gaol and Court-House and killing wolves and panthers,
etc. The Quota of each Township is as follows, viz. :
£ 8. i.
Kingwood 12 13
Bethlehem 16 5 11
Reading 18 4 5
Lebanon 21 6 8
Amwell 34 6 2
Hopewell 16 12 5
Maidenhead 6 16 8
Trenton 4 15 9
(Signed by) Joseph Deacon, George Readimq, "
"CoBNELiua Lahe, Charles Hoff,
William Bay, William Bates, "
".ioHN Van Cleve, Azahiah Hunt,
Records of the Proceedings of the Justices and "
Freeholders of the County of Hunterdon on publick
affairs Relating to said County Beginning Sept. 7,
1739," such is the inscription upon the outside cover
of what is the earliest official record extant of the
board of freeholders of this county. It is a leather-
bound volume, and the inscription appears to have
been written with a red-hot iron. It is possible that
the records of their proceedings prior to 1739 were
not preserved in any book, which supposition is rather
strengthened by one of the first items entered in the
above volume :
" Ordered that there shall be a Record Book provided for the said clerk
of Ten Shillings Price at the expense of the county. "
The following is the account of the proceedings of
the first session of the board, as found in the above-
mentioned volume :
" At a meeting of the Justices and Freeholders for the County of Hun-
terdon on the Seventh Day of September, 1739, at the Court-House in
Trenton, Its agreed, ordered, and directed as follows: first. That there be
Twelve pounds allowed for the Chief Justice and the Expense of the
Special Commission for the Tryall of James Fitzgerald, now in Prison
for Murder. Secondly, that the Sheriff set Workmen at work to do
What is Necessary to be done to the Prison, according to the Account of
What is Wanting, this Day Rendered to us and hereunto annexed, hav-
ing been Perused, be allowed and also to be paid. It is Lastly agreed by
* Hist. Hunterdon Co., G. S. Mott, D.D., p. 53.
ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY.
195
and Between the said Justice and Freeholders that they meet again at
the Court-House in Trenton in order to adjust all the Accounts Belating
to said County on the first Monday in October next.
BiCHAED Green, Michael Henbie, "
" Nathaniel Haet, Petee Monfoed,
John Peice, Benjamin Stout, "
" Alexandeb Lockhaet, Edwabd Kockhill,
Daniel Doughty, W. Moeeis, "
" John Andehson, Jaspee Smith,
Nathaniel Mooee, Chaeles Claee."" "
i" F. Bowes,
David Martin is mentioned as late steriflf, and Ms
account of three pounds three shillings was pre-
sented and audited, and his receipt for the fall amount
bears date of April 9, 1740.
The following account of " sundries of repairs on
the Gaol" also appears :
"1739. The Co. of Hunterdon to Thomas Clark, Dr.
To paid for writing 6 notices for the Justices and "
Freeholders to meet, at Is. each £0 6
" To expenses for a man and horse 2 days in putting
up the notices in each township 13
fO 19
The board met in October, pursuant to adjourn-
ment, and there were present the following : Justices,
Joseph Stout, William Morris, Charles Clark, James
Gould, Andrew Smith; Freeholders: Alexander
Lockart, Richard Green, Trenton ; Capt. John Ander-
son, John Price, Maidenhead ; Nathaniel Moore, Na-
thaniel Hart, Hopewell; John Garrison, Benjamin
Stout, Amwell ; Michael Henry, Peter Monfort, Read-
ing ; Daniel Doughty, Bethlehem.
At this meeting the accounts of Benjamin Smith
and William Morris were examined and allowed.
Joseph Yard was appointed clerk, with compensation
of eight shillings per day. It was agreed to adjourn "
for one hour to the house of William Yard, in Tren-
ton." William Morris, Benjamin Smith, Alexander
Lockart, John Anderson, Michael Henrie, and Daniel
Doughty were appointed a committee to inspect the
account of the county collector " and make a report
thereon to the Justices and Freeholders to-morrow
morning at Ten of the Clock at the Court-House, to
which time and place they adjourn."
At this adjourned meeting, October 2d, " on motion
being made by some of the Justices and Freeholders
for the raising of money to pay oflF the Demands of
sundry persons that are in arrears for the Publick,
and also for the Defraying the charge of Killing of
Wolves and Panthers, and also for other incidental
charges of said County, the question being put, what
sum should be raised, it was agreed by a majority of
them that the sum of £100 be raised for the uses
above mentioned, that is to say, the sum of £40
towards Defraying the charge of killing wolves and
panthers, and the sum of £60 for other Publick pur-
poses."
After some other unimportant business, the record
says "the justices and freeholders broke up their
meeting."
The expenditure for building the " Trenton gaol"
is itemized in an account presented at the meet-
ing of Oct. 1 and 2, 1739. It is dated Aug. 17,
1737, and aggregates £332. 11; 2. ; Benjamin Smith
builder. An itemized account of William Morris for
the court-house (£62. 15. 3J.) also appears. In the
general account is seen the following items :
Cash pd. for 72 grown wolves, at 20« £72 00
16 " panthers, at 15s 12 00
*' '• 19 young wolves, at 58 4 16
The aggregate indebtedness of the county at this
time, as shown by this book, was £706. 15. 5., many of
the bills, however, dating back to 1734, the first item
being " To bal. of ac't as per settlement, Feb. 26, 1734,
£77. 13. lOJ."
May 12, 1762, " and upon application for the rais-
ing money for the repairing and cleaning the arms
belonging to said county, the sd Justices and Freehold-
ers do order that the sum of £20 be raised on the sd
county for that service. Mansfield Hunt was ap-
pointed armourer for the arms of the Upper Regi-
ments of Hunterdon, and Timothy Maxwell to be
armourer of the Lower Regiments of Hunterdon
County."
May 13, 1772, the hoard requested Messrs. Grandin
and Martin "to collect the gunns belongii)g to the
Upper Regiment, and have them cleaned, and make
report at the next meeting of the number."
Nov. 2, 1773, an account was presented by Furman
& Hunt for repairing the stone bridge in Trenton, the
jail, stocks, and pillory.
The amount of money received by the collector in
1773 was £1808. 17. 10. Abraham Hunt was al-
lowed to make repairs on court-house and jail, and
to get a new pair of stocks, post, and pillory. At the
same time {13th May), James Martin reported as in
his possession fifty-four guns, ten cartouche-boxes,
six bayonets, and Mordecai McKenney reported
forty-five guns, fifty-five bayonets, eight cartouche-
boxes, " and that he knows of a few more not yet col-
lected together." Gershom Lee and Mordecai Mc-
Kenney were instructed to sell them at public ven-
due and produce the account at the next meeting.
The next year (1774) they reported that the sales had
realized about £139.
Dec. 8, 1778, Rensselaer Williams, Esq., was ordered
to insert an advertisement in the New Jersey Gazette re-
questing the chairman and clerks of county and town-
ship committees and the several captains of militia to
present their several accounts, vouchers, etc., to the
board of freeholders on the second Wednesday of May
next, agreeable to a law of this State " entitled an
act for recovering the arrearages of the ten thousand
pounds tax, and for other proposes therein men-
tioned."
Prior to 1791 most of the sessions of the board were
held at Trenton, either at the court-house or the
houses of Richard Furman (1757), Rachel Horten
(1759), Isaac Yard (1767, 1768, 1776), Richard Ten-
ant (1769, 1770, 1771, 1775), etc. They met in Am-
well in June, 1748, at Philip Ringo's ; in September,
f
196
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
1766, at John Eingo's ; in 1782 at William Ringo's ;
and in 1783 at John Snyder's. They met at Mer-
shon's tavern in 1780, in Readington, at Mathias
Sharp's in 1774, at John Daily's, August, 1779, at
Richard Stillwell's in 1788, and at Mahlon Taylor's,
Bethlehem, in 1781. Of the session at Tenant's,
Dec. 26, 1771, the record states parenthetically, " hay-
ing not met in May last occasioned by the smallpox."
They met in May, 1789 and 1790, at Robeson's and
Meldrum's taverns, respectively.
The following is an account of the first meeting of
the board held at Flemington :
" Flemington, January 3d, 1791.
The Board of Justices and Freeholders met at this place agreeable to "
a notice given by order of Joseph Reading, Joseph Beavers, and Thomas
Reading, Esqrs.
"Present, Justices : John Smith, Benjamin Smith, Oliver Barnet, Elias
WicofF, Jacob Anderson, Francis McShane, Jona.Vl^olverton, Charles Cox,
Ezeliiel Cole, Thomas Stout, John Lambert, Thomas Reading, Abraham
Vandyke, Bavid Frazer.
Present, Freeholders : Conrad Kotts, John Mott, Trenton ; Joseph "
Briarly, Ralph Philips, Maidenhead ; John P. Hunk, Henry Baker,
Hopewell; William Chamberlain, Joseph Lambert, Amwell; Joseph
King, John Louder, Kingwood ; Thomas Lowery, John Brink, Alexan-
dria ; John Crawford, Peter Case, Bethlehem ; Daniel Hunt, Wm. Haz-
lett, Lebanon ; Tunis Melick, Simeon Fleet, Tewksbury; John Taylor,
John Emmons, Readington.
" The Board then proceeded to business, and the question waa put
whether it was legal to go into business at this place, or illegal ; it was
carried by a majority to be legal.
*' The queation being put what sum should be raised for building
court-house, gaol, etc., it was carried for the sum of Twenty-five hundred
pounds. "
Col. John Taylor, Col. William Chamberlain, and
John Snyder were appointed a committee to " make
a draught of a plan of Court-House, Gaol, &c., to be
presented at the next meeting of this Board." Ad-
journed to meet the 17th of January, at the house of
George Alexander, in Flemington.
The last record in this old freeholders' book was of
a meeting, Aug. 14, 1797, held at the house of Thomas
Reading, "in order to view the repairs necessary to
be made to a bridge over the South Branch of the
Raritan near Mr. Reading's."
CHAPTER IV.
COTJKTS AND COUNTY BtTILDINGS.
First Courts First Judges, Magistrates, and Grand Jury Court-house
and Jail at Trenton First Record of the "Cort of General Quarter
Sessions" Extracts from "Minutes of the Hunterdon County Court"
Notable Early Trials Orphans' Courts Trials for Murder The
County Buildings.
The courts were held at Burlington and at Mount
Holly until 1714, when the Assembly enacted that
the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions
should be held alternately at Maidenhead (Lawrence-
ville) and Hopewell "until a court-house and gaol
for the county shall be built."* And in pursuance of
* Laws and Ordinances, vol. i. p. 100, State library, Trenton.
the act passed April 6, 1676, " that the county courts
should be held at one time in one town, and at an-
other time in another town,"! tte courts of Hunter-
don County were held, from June, 1714, to Septem-
ber, 1719, at Maidenhead in June and December,
and at Hopewell in March and September, of those
years.
The first session convened at Maidenhead on the
second Tuesday of June, 1714, but at what house is
not known. They were afterwards held "at the
houses of Theophilus Phillip.=i, William Osborne, Mr.
Hornor, and Daniel Bailey. In Hopewell they were
held at the houses of Andrew Heath and Robert Lan-
ning, the place afterwards owned by the heirs of Na-
thaniel Lanning."J At the first court held in the
county at Maidenhead the magistrates present were
John Bainbridge,? Jacob Bellerjeau, Philip Phillips,
William Green, John Holcombe, Samuel Green, and
Samuel Fitch.
In 1719 (September) the courts were first held at
Trenton, at the house of William Yard, now No. 24
East Front Street. || " It having been represented to
the Governor that the holding of the courts alter-
nately in Maidenhead and Hopewell was attended
with inconvenience, in March, 1719, he recommended
that the courts should be held and kept in Trenton
from the month of September next ensuing."1[
The first grand jury of Hunterdon County was com-
posed of William Hixson, Daniel Howell, Robert
Lanning, Henry Marshon, Richard Compton, George
Woolsey, Joseph Reeder, Jr., Thomas Standling,
Richard Scudder, Timothy Baker, John Burroughs,
John Titus, Samuel Everett, John Ely, and Richard
Lanning.
At this time (1719), says Raum, in his "History
of Trenton," " it does not appear that the court-house
was built, but probably was about a year after, or it
might have been in course of erection at that time."
It stood on the lot on which is now located the bank-
ing-house of the Trenton Banking Company, and is
said to have been given to the county by Col. (after-
wards Judge) William Trent. It was sold by the
board of chosen freeholders of Hunterdon County to
the Trenton Banking Company in 1814, just one hun-
dred years after Trent purchased it. It is described
by Raum as being a two-story building, of gray sand-
stone, with stuccoed front. The cells were in the
lower story. The upper story was used as a court-
room,** the entrance to which was by a number of
stone steps, erected on the outside of the building and
â– f Learning and Spicer, p. 116.
X Raum*s Trenton, p. 60.
g The ancestor of Com. Bainbridge. He died in 1732, aged seventy-
flve years, and was buried in the Presbyterian church-yard at Trenton,
where a tablet honors his memory.
II Baum's Trenton, p. 61.
If Laws and Ordinances, p. 223, State library, Trenton.
•* In this court-room the Baptist denomination held their first meetings
in Trenton, and there the Rev, Peter Wilson, of Hightstown, delivered
his ever-memorable discourses. ilciimi.
COUETS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS.
197
surmounted by an iron railing. The steps extended
over the pavement, commencing from the gutter, and
persons going into the court-room were compelled to
ascend from the street. Pedestrians going up and
down the street passed directly under these steps.
The steps were afterwards removed from the street
and placed crosswise upon the front of the building,
commencing from either corner, on the north and
south sides of it, and meeting at the top, in the centre
of the building. Subsequently these steps were taken
away and placed inside the building.
The jail was kept for many years by Jacob
Wrighter. The following was one of the early orders
of the court to constables : " to find themselves with
constables' staves, painted upon the upper end with
the King's coat-of-arms, and to have them by next
court, on penalty of being fined."
A log jail was built very early, but what year is not
known,* at the forks of the roads leading from Tren-
ton to Pennington, and from Pennington to the
Eight- Mi le Ferry, nearly opposite the residence of
the late Jesse Moore, Esq. There was no jail from
1714; until after March, 1720, as the high sherifi", John
Muirhead, complained to the court, at that time,
that there was no gaol for the county ; and that it
was buUt between 1720 and 1728 appears from the
fact that in the latter year John Dagworthy, his suc-
cessor, complained to the court that it was so out of
repair that escapes took place daily. " Ordered to be
repaired."! This is not saying much for the jail,
and, notwithstanding the inferences that might be
drawn therefrom, the record does not show many
criminal cases to have been presented by the grand
jury.
Among other old parchment commissions from the
English Crown, to be found in the county clerk's
office at Flemington, are the following :
" GEORGE by the grace of God of great Britain, France, and Ireland
King-defender of the Faith: To onr well beloved and faithful Daniel
Ooxey Thofiuu Leonard, and James Trent, Eeqnires, Enowye that we have
assigned cunstitnted and appointed and by these presents do assign, con-
stitute and appoint yon the said Daniel Coxe, Thomas Leonard and
Janies Trent to be Judges or any one oJ you to be Judge of our County
Court for holding of pleas for our County of Hunterdon in onr province
of Kew Jersey in America, vrith authority to use and exercise all powers
and jnrisdictionB belonging to the said court ; and you the said Daniel
Coxe, Thomas Leonard and James Trent assisted with Joseph Stout, Ja-
cob Doughty, Jasper Smith, John Budd, Isaac Herring,' Nathaniel Moore,
John Daggworthy, and Joshua Anderson, Justices of the Peace in our
said County or any two of them to hear try & determine all causes and
matters Civil, by Law cognizable in the said Court and to award execu-
tion thereon accordingly. LN TESTOIONT whereof we have caused "
the great seal of our said Province of New Jersey to be hereunto affixed.
Witness onr trusty and weU beloved Williaji Buenet, Esquire, our Cap-
tain General and Governor in chief of our provinces of New Jersey, New
York, and territories thereon depending in America, and Vice Admiral of
the same, &". at Fort George, in New Tork, this Twentielh day of Septem-
ber, in the Twelfth year of our Eeign, zt ; and in the year of our Lord One
Thousand seven hundred and Twenty five."
* Barber's Hist Coll. New Jersey (p. 284) says about the year 1721, but
this IS evidently an error : it must have been many years earlier. The
stone court-honse, with jail in basement, was erected about 1720, and it
•does not appear plausible that a log one should be built so soon after.
t Minutes of the Conrt, voL i.
This is countersigned "Smith,"t and has the great
seal of the province attached.
The commission of some of the earliest justices, in
nearly the same language, is from " George the Sec-
ond, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France,
and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, To our
trusty and well-beloved Theophilus Sevems and Ben-
jamin Biles, John Hackett, and Nicholas "Wycofl;
Esqr. Know ye that we have assigned you and each
of you with our other Justices joyntly and severally,
our justices to keep Our Peace in Our county of Hun-
terdon," dated " 18th May in the 24th year of our
Eeign."?
The following extracts from the earliest court
records now extant, must be of historic value and
general interest to the present generation, illustra-
tive, as they are, of the manner of administering the
afiairs of a century and a half a^o.
In what is called the first volume of " Minutes of
the Court of Hunterdon County," the first entry is of
the laying out of a road near Trenton. This bears
date of June 5, 1721. The items are all numbered,
the above beipg 488, implying that this record-book is
not the first docket, although the oldest on file in the
county clerk's office at Flemington.
The first of court proceedings commences as follows :
" June y» 6th, 1721, The Cort of Generall quarter ses-
sions cald And opened, present upon the Bench, Tim-
othy Baker, Jasper Smith, Jacob Bellerjeau, Thomas
Leonard, Charles Wolverton, Kalph Heart, John Por-
terfield. Constables were called from the townships "
of Trenton, Hopewell, Amwell, and Maidenhead.
All appeared except Abram Temple, from Hopewell,
who was " fined thirty shillings, proclamation money,
for neglect of his duty as constable." It was ordered
" that William Lawrason be appointed in the roome of
Abram Temple the remainder of the year for Hope-
well. The officers of the townships are also recited. 1| "
" The Grand Jury came into Court cald over And dis-
mist. The Court adjurned till to-morrow morning att
eight of the clock in the forenoon.'' The court con-
vened agreeable to adjournment and organized. The
only business before them was The presentment "
Against the Barke mill and Lento1[ continowd till
next court. Proclamation made And the quarter
sessions of the pleas Adjurned According to ordi-
nance. . . . (Signed by the judges.) . . . Grod save
the King !"
Of the same date appears a " Proclamation made.
The Court of Common Pleas opened, present upon
the bench Thomas Leonard, Jacob Bellerjeau, John
Porterfield, and William Green, Esquires." The first
case was that of "Abraham Beekley vs. Elizabeth
X Possibly James Smith, who was " appointed clerk of the Supreme
Court in 1715." Elmer^s Coiui. and Gov't of (he Prov. and State of N. J.,
p. 7.
i 1751.
Ij For their names see chapter on Organization and Civil History.
U Lean-to.
198
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
^S
Eenshaw, £6. 2. 0. old money." Mr. Bass appears as
attorney; discontinued. The next case was "John
Debegin vs. John Lawrence, Debit £6. 6. 8. Mr. Bass
for the plaintifl". Judgment granted and esecution
awarded." Ten other cases were presented, seven
for debit, one for trespass.
On the 5th of September following a court of Quar-
ter Sessions was opened in due form, the grand jury
called and sworn, and the charge given by Jeremiah
Bass, Esq. On the next day the court of Common
Pleas was in session, and, after organization, the jury
was called and sworn, as follows : William Merrill, Sr.,
Thomas Curtis, Roger Marks, Jr., Philip Adington,
James Stout, Jr., Bright Stout, Joseph Stout, John
Parks, Andrew Smith, David Stout, John Chambers,
John Burtis.
The case this jury was called to act upon was that
of Abram Temple -vs. Thomas Burroughs. Mr.
Grandin appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Bass for
the defendant.
On "j' sixth of March, 1722," there was "An In-
dictment brought into court Against John Louis Law-
bower for cursing the King. Said Louis Appears and
submits to the Court. Eather than contend with the
King y' said Louis pleads guilty, the judgment of this
Court is that the said Louis receive fifteen lashes on
the bare backe. And the oathe be tendered him, and
if he refuses taking the said oathe that he shall find
security for his good behavior. And stand committed
till he find the same."
The following item, from the " Minutes of the Hun-
terdon County Court" (vol. i. p. 19), is the first refer-
ence therein to servitude, and is an example of a
multitude of cases acted upon in all the ensuing years,
down to very recent times ; it is dated June 5, 1722 :
" Upon examination of John Kaymond, of Norwalk, in Connecticut
Collony, concerning the title of right he claimed concerning A negro
named French Manuell, of the money he the said Raymond had dis-
bursed for him, affter due examination of the said affair it is ordered by
the Court that French Manuell servs the said Raymond or hie aBsigns in
the county of Hunterdon during the term and time of seven years from
this date hereof. And that the said negro remain in custody till Inden-
ture be signed agreeable to the above said order And fees payed, and
that there be A counterpart of said Indenture given to said negro for his
security. "
Aug. 7, 1723, the court ordered "that William
Landor and Francis Eliot be wheept ten lashes each
on their bare backs, well layed on, at the publique
whipping-post for their contempt to this court, and
that they be remanded back to Gaole till their fees be
payd and that they have their punishment forthwith."
The 30th of January, 1723, was a memorable day
in the courts of Hunterdon County. On that day in-
dictments were brought against eleven persons; six of
whom were of one family. The punishment ordered
by the court was "lashes on the bare back, to be done
at the publique whipping-post ;" three were to receive
ten lashes each, two to receive eight lashes each, and
one, a woman, to receive "three stripes on ye bare
back."
Aug. 6, 1723, appears on the record the following :
DoMi Rex vs. R. Denset, J
AKD >
DoMi Rex va. D. Malonet. }
" (Confessed that he waB guilty of breaking ye stocks about ye ower of
one or two in the morning on ye fourth day of July laBt. "
Each was ordered to pay his part for repairing the
stocks, and ten shillings costs thereon, and to stand
committed till the fine was paid.
In 1725 (July 6th), Edmond Beeks asked the court
to recognize his claim to the services of a boy aged
about twelve years. The court ordered that the boy
remain in the possession of George Green, of Amwell,
until August 16th, and appointed Samuel Green, An-
drew Smith, and John Knowles to examine into the
case, with authority to bind the lad out until he was
twenty-one if they found Mr. Beeks had no legal
claim upon him. At the same time Martha Heath
was bound out by the court to William Snowdon, of
Trenton, until she was eighteen.
May 13, 1726, Arthur Howell was appointed by the
court " doctor of ye county." In March of the same
year indictments were brought against Thomas Shird,
one of ye attorneys of the court, for taking ex-
travagant fees of one Vroom ; Jacob and Isaac An-
derson, for stealing a book entitled the " New Testa-
ment," belonging to John Titus, and, at the meeting
of the grand jury next year, against Jacob Anderson,
for stealing a horse-bell ! In May, 1728, " Albertus
Opdyke came into court and swore upon the Holley
Evangelist of Almighty God that the Hog that was
in dispute between Ralph Hunt and himself was not
his." Ordered that Ralph Hunt pay Albertus Opdyke
fifteen shillings and ninepence.
At the October term, 1732, the court ordered the
managers of the publick money to forthwith cause
to be built " a good and sufficient pair of stocks and
whipping-post, to be placed by the prison."
The following is an account of the singular trials
of the Rev. William Tennent and others in 1744:
" About the year 1744 there was an unusual attention to religion in
this part of the country. The Rev. Wm. Tennent and the Rev. John
Rowland were considerably instrumental in calling the attention of the
people to spiritual concerns. Mr. Rowland's popularity and success was
such as to draw upon him the enmity of those who disregarded religious
truth, and among the number was the chief justice of the State, the sou
of Lewis Morris, Esq., then Governor. He was a member of the Council,
as well as the head of the judiciary. The appointment of young Morris
to this oflHce was highly reprobated by the people, who opposed the union
of the legislative and judiciary, and more especially as this union was in
the person of the son of the Governor.* '
At this time there was a man traveling about the country by the "
name of Tom Bell, of notoriously bad character. It happened one even-
ing that Mr. John Stockton, of Princeton, met with Bell at a tavern in
that place and addressed him a^ Mr. Rowland. Bell told him his mis-
take. Mr. Stockton informed him that his error had arisen from his re-
markable resemblance to Mr. Rowland. This hint was sufBcient for
Bell. The next day he went into a neighboring town of Hunterdon
County, where Mr. Rowland had preached once or twice, and introduced
himself as the Rev. Mr. Rowland who had before preached for them, and
he was invited to ofBciate for them the next Sabbath.
"Bell received the kindest attention of the family where he stayed
until the next Sabbath, when he rode with the family in their wagon to
church ; just before reaching which Bell discovered that he had left his
â– - Mulford's History, p. 345.
COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS.
19»
nolea behind, and proposed to the master of the family, who rode by the
wagon on a fine horse, to take his horse and ride back, that he might get
his notes and return in time for the service. To this the gentleman as-
sented, and Bell mounted the horse, rode hack to the house, rifled the
desk of his host, and made off with the horse; and wherever he stopped
he called himself the Rev. Mr. Rowland.
At this time the Bev. Messrs. Tennent and Rowland, with Mr. Joshua "
Auderson and Bei^amiii Stevens, were in Maryland or Pennsylvania on
business of a religious nature. Soon after their return to New Jersey,
Mr. Rowland was charged with the robbery. At the court the judge
with great severity charged the jury to find a bill. But it was not until
they had been sent out the fourth time, with threats from the judge, that
they agreed upon a bill for the alleged crime.
" On the trial Messrs. Tennent, Anderson, and Stevens appeared
as witnesses, and fully proved an alibi; ... bo Mr. Rowland was ac-
quitted, to the great disappointment and mortification of his prosecutors.
. . . Their vengeance, therefore, was directed against those pei-sons by
whose testimony Rowland had been cleared, and ikey were accordingly
accused of perjury, and, on ex^arte testimony, the grand jury found bills
of indictment against Messrs. Tennent, Anderson, and Stevens * for will-
ful and corrupt peijury.' , . . These indictments were removed to the
Supreme Court But Mr, Anderson, living in the county, and feeling
his entire innocence, and being unwilling to lie under the imputation of
peijury, demanded a trial at the first Court of Oyer and Terminer.
He was accordingly tried, pronounced guilty, and sentenced to stand "
on the court-house steps one hour with a paper on his breast, on which
was written in large letters 'This is for vrillful and corrupt peijury.'
And the sentence was executed.
" Messrs. Tennent and Stevens were bound over to appear at the next
court.
They attended, having employed Mr. John ^Joxe, an eminent lawyer, "
to conduct their defense. Mr. Tennent knew of no person living by
whom he could prove his innocence, . . . and, consideiiug it as probable
that he might suffer, he had prepared a sermon to preach from the pil-
loiy, if that should be his fate. On his arrival at Trenton he found Mr.
Smith, of New York, one of the ablest lawyers in America, and a relig-
ious man, who had volunteered in his defense ; also Mr. John Kinsey,
one of the first counselors of Philadelphia, who had come by request of
Gilbert Tennent (his brother) for the same purpose, Messrs. Tennent
and Stevens met these gentlemen at Mr. Coxe's the morning before the
trial was to come on. Mr, Coxe wished them to bring in their witnesses,
that they might examine them before going into court. Mr. Tennent
replied that he did not know of any witness but GJod and his own con-
science. Mr. Coxe replied, ' If you have no witnesses, sir, the trial must
be put off; othervrise, you will most certainly be defeated. Tour enemiep
are making great exertions to ruin you.' 'I am sensible of this,' said
Mr. Tennent ; ' yet it never shall be said that T have delayed the trial or
been afraid to meet the justice of my country. I know my innocence,
and that God whom I serve will not give me over into the hands of the
enemy. Therefore, gentlemen, go on with the trial.' Messrs. Smith and
Kinsey told him that his confidence and trust in Grod as a Christian min-
ister of the gospel were well founded, and before a heavenly tribunal
would be all-important to him, but assured him that they would not avail
in an earthly court, and urged his consent to put off the trial. But Mr.
Tennent utterly refused.
"Mr. Coxe told him that there was a flaw in the indictment of which
he might avail himself. After hearing an explanation from Mr. Coxere-
specting the nature of the error, Mr. Tennent declared that he would
rather suffer death than consent to such a course. Mr. Stevens, however,
seized the opportunity afforded, and was discharged. Mr. Coxe still urged
Mr. Tennent to have the tri^l put ofi; . . . but Mr. T. insisted that they
should proceed, and left them, they not knowing how to act, when the
bell summoned them to court.
Mr. Tennent had not walked fax before he was met by a man and wife, "
who asked if his name was notTennent. He told them it was, and asked
if they had any business with him.
" The man said they had come from the place in Pennsylvania or Mary-
land where, at a particular time, Messrs. Rowland, Tennent, Anderson,
and Stevens had lodged, and in the house where they were; that on the
next day they had heard Messrs. Tennent and Rowland preach ; that a
few nights before they (the man and wife) iad left home, on waking out
of a sound sleep, both had dreamed that Mr. Tennent was at Trenton in
the greatest distress, and that it was in their power, and theirs only, to re-
lieve him. This dream was twice repeated to them both, and so deep was
the impression made on their minds that they had come to Trenton and
wished to know of him what they were to do.
•* Mr. T. took them before liis counsel, who, after pxamining them and
finding the testimony of the man and his wife full and to the purpose,,
were perfectly astonished. Before the trial began, another person came
to Mr. T. and told him that he was so troubled in mind for the part he
had taken in the prosecution that he could find no rest till he hsid deter-
mined to come out and make a full confession. Mr. T. sent this man to
his counsel. Soon after, Mr. Stockton, Irom Princeton, appeared and
added his testimony.
On trial, the advocates of the defendant ao traced every movement of "
Mr. Tennent on the Saturday, Sabbath, and Monday the time of the
theft and robbery by Bell that the jury did not hesitate to acquit Mr.
Tennent.
" Thiis was Mr. Tennent, by the remarkable interposition of Divine
Providence, delivered out of the hands of his enemies.* "
The court records of the year 1776 present two very
dissimilar forms of expressing the time of holding its-
sessions, indicative of the impending struggle for in-
dependence. The May term opened " at the court-
house in Trenton, on the first Tuesday in May, in the
16tk year of the Reign of King George the Third /" the
August term, " in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and seventy-six/'
At the August term of 1778 inquisition was brought
by the State against thirty-three persons " for going
to the army of the King of Great Britain," and, on
default to appear, commissioners were ordered to ad-
vertise their property agreeably to law. This was
sold, and the proceeds reverted to the State.
In 1785 the courts first met at Flemington, although
the court-house was not erected until 1791, a delay
occasioned, most likely, by the "troublous times" fol-
lowing the Revolutionary war.
In 1784, Orphans' Courts were established in this
State, and provision was made by law for one surro-
gate being appointed in each county, whose power
was limited to the county. The original jurisdiction
of the ordinary remained as before, until, in 1820, it
was restricted to the granting of probates of wills,
letters of administration, letters of guardianship, and
to the hearing and final determining of disputes that
may arise thereon. In these matters it is still con-
current with that of the Surrogates' and Orphans'
Courts, and from all orders and decrees of the Orphans'
Courts an appeal may be taken to the prerogative
court. Prior to 1844 the surrogate was appointed by
the joint meeting of the Legislature ; the new con-
stitution provided for his election by a popular vote.f
In the first volume of records of the Orphans'^
Court of Hunterdon County, in the surrogate's office
at Flemington, the following is the first entry :
" May Term, 1785, Saturday, 14:th. At an Orphans' Court holden at
Trenton, in and for the county of Hunterdon. Present, Joseph Beading,.
Jared Sexton, Robert L. Hooper, Joseph Beavers, Esquires, Judges.
Proclamation made, and the court opened for all persons who will sue or *
complain. . . . The court adjourned agreeably to law. "
From the above it appears that no business was
transacted, the first evidence of which is of date
" A-trGUST Term (6th day), 1785.
Proclamation made, and the court opened. Present, Joseph Reading^ "
Jared Saxton, Joseph Beavers, Esq", judges. Sarah Hall presented a pe-
tition to the court praying that Conrad Kotts may be appointed guardiaa
* " Log CoUege," by A. Alexander, D.D., p. 189.
f Elmer's O-onst. and Gav. of New Jersey, pp. 12, 13.
200
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
to her son, Tbomas Hall ; and the said Conrad Kotts appearing in court
with Archibald Yard, his secnrity, and offering to accept said trust, or-
dered by the court that the prayer of the petition be granted, and that
the surrogate take bonds," etc.
The settlement of the estate of Francis Tomlinson,
deceased, was ordered by the court, and on citation for
settlement of the estate of Maurice Robeson, deceased
(John Eockhill "surviving executor" ), " Mr. Smith ap-
pearing for executor," it was " ordered that John Eock-
hill attend before the surrogate of the county at Pitts
Town on Wednesday the 23d of Nov'' next at ten
o'clock in the forenoon for the purpose of settlement."
Similar orders were made in the cases of " Andrew
Keephart, administrator of Jacobus Johnson, dec'd,
against Cornelius Johnson, surviving exec' of Cor-
nelius Johnson, dec'd," and " John Case & Others,
Legatees, &°, ag" Peter & Mathias Case, ex" of An-
thony Case, deceased." Court then "adjourned ac-
cording to law."
The first grand jury (which was May term of
court, 1838), after a portion of Mercer County was
taken from Hunterdon County, was summoned by
John Eunk, sheriff, and was composed of the follow-
ing: John Eockafellow, Henry S. Hunt, George
Opdycke, Isaac E. Srope, Henry Disborough, Eichard
Bennett, Adam M. Bellis, Morgan Scudder, James B.
Green, Joseph Huffman, John Eamsey, Amos Hart,
Benjamin S. Hill, John Vanderbeek, James Cooley,
Larason Stryker, William H. Johnson, Eichard S.
Demott, Joseph Boss, Nelson Thatcher, Tunis Smith.
The first colored person to serve as a juror in
Hunterdon County figured in a case before Esq.
Angel, June 18, 1873.*
Three persons only have been convicted of murder
in this county. The first, James "Van Atta, of Alex-
andria, a white man of about thirty years of age, shot
a neighbor with whom he was at enmity, and buried
him in the forest ; he was hung in July, 1794. The
second was a slave named Brom, who killed a fellow-
slave in his master's kitchen with a trammel ; he ex-
piated his crime on the gallows Nov. 11, 1803. These
executions took place in the upper part of Fleming-
ton, near the Eeading mansion. The last case of capi-
tal punishment was the hanging of James Guise,t the
colored boy, for the willful murder of his aged mistress,
in Hopewell, with an ox-yoke. He was hung Nov.
28, 1828, the gallows being erected in a field west of
the village of Flemington, near the road to Centre
Bridge. His trial was one of unusual interest, and
memorable in the annals of this county. James
' Guise, commonly known as "Little Jim," was a
colored boy about fourteen years of age, idle and
vicious. He murdered Mrs. Beaks, an old lady with
whom he lived in Hopewell. Eefused a gun for
which he had asked her, he struck her with a piece of
a neck-yoke, the prongs of which inflicted mortal
*" Our Home," 1873.
t Barber and Howe's " Hist. Coll. of New Jersey" erroneously giTes the
name as James Bunn. The records plainly say Guise.
wounds. Tie trial, which commenced the first Tues-
day in May, 1828, was largely attended. Sixteen
witnesses appeared for the State, and three for the
defense. Upon the bench during that term sat the
Hons. George R. Drake, associate justice of the Su-
preme Court, George Eea, David Stout, Luther Op-
dyke, and John Thompson. William Halstead, Esq.,
was counsel for the State, and Messrs. Saxton, Clark,
Scott, and Prall were assigned by the court to de-
fend the prisoner. The jury brought in a verdict of
" Guilty in manner and form as he stands indicted,
and so we say all. Joseph W. Scott, Esq., moved "
that judgment be respited, to get the advisory opinion
of the Supreme Court, which was granted till the
fourth Tuesday of October next. October 9th
James Guise was brought into court, the same judges
being on the bench,
"And at the said court at Flemington aforesaid the said James Guise
being set at the bar and being asked if he had anything to say why the
court should not pronounce sentence of death against him, he answered.
No ; whereupon, on motion for judgment for the State, the court order
that the said James Guise be taken from hence to the place from whence
he came, and that on Friday, the 28th day of November next, between
the hours of ten in the morning and two in the afternoon, he be taken
to the place of execution and be hanged by the neck until he be dead.J "
From that date to the present time no death-sen-
tence has been pronounced in Hunterdon County.
This trial, conviction, and sentence formed a source
of great excitement among the people of Hunterdon,
and, while a few plead for his deliverance on the score
of his youth, the great masses felt that justice ought
to take her course, that the young wretch should
suffer the penalty of the law. The Supreme Court,
to whom the question was submitted, saw fit not to
reverse the verdict.
In prison " Little Jim" manifested the same ma-
lignity of disposition that had characterized his for-
mer life, and which is often found in the full-blooded,
ignorant, and superstitious Guinea negro. It is said
he would glare upon those who passed the grating of
his cell " with looks that made stout hearts quail. He
had listened with curious interest to the proceedings
of his trial, and caught up many parts of the forms of
law used in the court-room. In his cell mice would
scamper across the floor, and he with cat-like dex-
terity would catch them. At one time he succeeded
in capturing thirteen and tying them fast with a
string. Twelve he constituted into a jury ; the thir-
teenth, a reckless little dark-colored mouse, was forced
to play the culprit. The trial being over, Jim^ would
say to the poor little mouse, ' Now, you wicked little
nigger, you know you killed that old woman ! How
say you, gentlemen of the jury, guilty or not guilty?'
' Guilty I' and the offender's body would soon dangle
from a string."
Thousands came to Flemington to witness this, the
last execution within the limits of Hunterdon County.
An immense crowd had gathered, in wagons, standing
X Court Record.
COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS.
201
or sitting wherever they could. As the culprit stood
upon the fatal drop, the cap drawn over his eyes, by a
cunning movement unknown to the sheriff he slipped
up the cap, and when the pin was removed he caught
his toes on the edge of the platform, his eyes wide
open, staring at the cro^wd. The people turned away
horrified, while the slieriff was compelled to return to
the scafibld and push the culprit's feet^from the plant.
This was the end of " Little Jim !" " '
COUNTY BUILBINGS.
The first court-house of Hunterdon County, after
Flemington became the county-seat, was erected in
the summer of 1791. It was on the site of the present
buildings, and was constructed of stone brought "from
Large's land in Kingwood." The history of this
edifice, as it appears in the records, is as fojlows :
At the first meeting, held at Flemingtqn, of the
board of justices and freeholders of Hunterdon
County, Jan. 3, 1791, " the question being put what
sum should be raised forbuilding court hous, gaol, etc.,
it was carried for the sum of twenty-five hundred
pounds." Col. John Taylor, Col. William Chamber-
lain, and John Snyder were appointed a committee to
make a draft of a plan for the same. The board met
at the house of George Alexander, January 27th.
The record states that
" Mr. George Alexander appeared before the Board and offered half an
acre of land free gratis for the use of building the Court-house, Gaol, and
Gaol-yard, on the southeast corner of bis IJwelling-Honse Lott, exclusive
of the Beads, which was accepted, and said buildings is to be erected
thereon accordingly. The several plans were then brought forward by
the committee appointed for that purpose, when a plan of sixty feet by
thirty-five feet, two stories high, the first story nine feet high, the second
story fourteen feet high, and to be finished complete agreeable to Plan,
was adopted, "
William Chamberlain, Thomas Stout, and Joseph
Atkinson were appointed managers.
" A motion was made and seconded to take a vote whetlier the man-
agers should employ workmen by the Day or by the Qrate ; it was car-
ried for the latter. The managers are to draw money from time to time
as occasion may require for the purpose of defraying the expenses of said
building, and to render account of the expenditure of the same to the
Justices and chosen Freeholdei's when thereunto required by said
Board. "
In this connecticffi the deed for the court-house lot
is given, as being of historic value. It is recorded in
Volume A of deeds of Hunterdon County, p. S&i : -
George Alexander ^ " '
to'
The Boaju) of Justices asd Fa^eholdeks oe the
County of Hintehdon.
" This indenture, made the fifteenth day of March, in tlie fifteenth year
of the Independence of America, Annoque Domini one thousand seven
hundred and ninety-one, Between George Alexander of Flemington, in
the township of Aniwell, in the county of Hunterdon and State of New
Jersey, innkeeper, of the one part, and tlie hoard of justices and chosen
freeholders of the county of Hunterdon of the other part. Whereas the
court-house and g<Lol belonging to the county of Hunterdon is now in
one corner of the county and much out of repair, by reason whereof a
great nnmber of the inhabitants of sd county petetioned the Legislature
of the State of New Jersey to make a law for the inhabitants of sd county
by a majority of votes of said county to fix a place where the court-house
and gaol of and for sd county should be built. Whereupon the Legisla-
ture of the said State of New Jersey, on the twenty-sixth day of May,
14
Anno Dominy, 1790, passed a law allowing the inhabitants of the county
of Hunterdon (entitled to vote at the general elections), at an election to
be noticed by the sherifF of the county of Hunterdon to the said inhabit-
ants that they should assemble at the house of John Meldrum, in tlie
township of Amwell, at the place called Ringo Tavern, and by a majority
of votes to fix the place where tlie court-house and gaol shall be built for
the said county, and tliat the election shonldbe opened and concluded in
the mode in which elections, for representatives fyr. said county are, as is
particularly set forth in the law. Whereupou ^Vi]liam Lowry, Esqr.,
high Bheriff of the county of Hunterdon, did give tlie notice required by
law as afbresaid tbaton the second Tuesday in^ctober then next ensuing
. . . tlieelection vpould be openedpu tl»^.!@ay ajidt4>^cB (afgr^gaid forth©
purposes aforesaid, at which time andpl^cg^the inha;bitajQtp;of said^^ounty
met and proceeded as directed by the law'.'anc^ on the' votes* ieing cast
up, it appeared that A m&j'orit^ was for Ihe court-house anifl gaol to be
built at Flemington (which is in thetownsbiprfif AmweU,in the county
of Hjinterdon), as by :tlie certificate of the paid §he4fF and, inspectors of
the said election which is in the followii^ words, viz.: We do hereby
certify to all whom if may concern that at an'elecfio'n beguii on the "
twelfth instant and ended this day agreeable to-an actof thefficgislature
of the State of New Jersey passed at Perth -iLmboy thetwen^^jUi day
of May last for the purpose of fixing on a place for "building a court-
house and gaol for the county of Hunt^rdorij theiowii'6f riemiugton^
extending half a mile on each of t^e public roads from ihh house of
George Alexander, innkeeper in said town ^ was fixed by ft majority of
viites for the above mentioned purpose. "Witness our hands and seals tlje
tweuty-firat day of October Anno Domini one thousand' seveh.tiuudred
and ninety. William Lowr^, High Sheriff [L.s.]'^Kathkiii^l temple,.
Insp. [i.s.] ; 'Andrew Reeder, lusp. [l.s^] ;.Thoinfi8 Bowlsby, tnsp. [l.s.];
Reuben McPherson, Im-p. [l.s.]; Heniy Rockafello.Wj In^. ^.s.]; John
Dawes, Insp. [l.s.]; Joseph Scudder, Insp. [^.e.]; Arthur Henrie, In^.
[l.s.]; Bzekiel Blue, Insp. [l.s.];' Chtirles Reading, i]isp.'[x:sj! After
which to wit, the 27th day of January, in the year of our liord 'one
thousand seven .hundred and ninety-one thq -chose a freeholdersfof each
and every township in the county of Hunterdon, together with the jus-
tices of the said county, having been "previously notified' to medt for the
purposes of choosing managers to build the said court-House atiS'gaol in
the way and manner as prescribed by the said laW, agd, a sufficient num-
ber being met and making a board on the day aforesaid, did choose, nom-
• inate, and appoint managers, . . . who, pursuant to a law ot the State'^of
New Jersey, made this 3d day of March, Anno Domini 178B,"a^re'e with
George Alexander, of Flemington, in the township of Amwell and counV
of Hunterdon aforesaid, innkeeper, for one-half acre of land, to be
bounded on and exclusive of roads, being a part of the lott of land where-
on the said Georjie Alexander lives, and on the southeast end thereof and
on the road leading to Treuton,.and also bntting on the road as now used,
leading round the said lott to Howejl's Ferry on Delaware River,-a,nd the
other two sides butting and bounded on other parts of the said George
Alexander's lott as aforesaid, which by the survey thereof runs thus,
viz. : Beginning at a stone .for aijomer in & line of four-rod fbadleadiug
to Trenton; thence sputii two degrees east two" chains to a stone corner
on said ruad^ and also a corner in the turn of a- four-rod road leading to
Howell's Fetry on Delaware River -.thence on the Uneof that road south
sixty-six and one-quarter degrees west two chains and^a half to a stone
for a corner^j thence north^ two degrees west two chains to a ^tone for a
corner; thence north, siittfilx and one-quartei: Segrees eaatjtwoichaios
and a half to tlie. place. of heginning; qpntainiug halfan acre of land.
Now this indentiire witnesseth that the said George Alexander, etc., etc.
. . . for divers good causes and valuable cdnsideratipn;' him thereunto
moving, and also for and In consideration of the sum of five shillings in
gold and edlver "money to him "in hand paid by thei eaidijoard of justices
and freeholders of the county of Hunterdon, etc., etc. %.' ; .^
" In witness whereof the said parties have interchangably set their
hands and seals hereunto. Dated the day and y^ abov^written.
GeORQE ALEXANnEE [l.B.]. "
' - â– - ^ '' -f^ -*
Sealed and delivered in presence of -. ^ â– .
"Joseph Johnson, '''-'? %-
Jasper Smith, .,>,':, - > ' -' -.^..i "
"Acknowledged before Joseph Reading. ^-
Recorded Nov. 22, 1793."" ^ j "
On the 27th' of August, 1792, at a'-fneetinj^-^of the
justices and freeholders held at the house 'of John
Meldrum, a letter was laid before the board by Sam-
uel R. Stuart, attorney for Susanna Smith, who
202
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
claimed a right of dower " in the lot of land whereon
the court-house and gaol-yard is erected in Fleming-
ton." A committee (John Gregg, Joseph Hankerson,
and Thomas Reading) was appointed to settle with her
" and take her quit-claim for said land and report at
the next meeting. On the 5th of August, 1793, the "
committee reported her claim settled for four pounds
five shillings four pence, and produced the neces-
sary legal paperSi At this meeting, also, the man-
agers for huilding the court-house and jail appeared
before the board and offered their account for settle-
ment. Andrew Keeler, Joseph Lambert, and Capt.
John Phillips, the committee to examine accounts,
presented the court-house bill, August SOth, as cor-
rect. The amount originally allowed to the construc-
tion of the public buildings was £2500. The itemized
bill of expense was £2427. 6. 5.
On the 8th of May, 1793, the board met at the
court-house, and the May term of court the same year
was also held there.
This structure (which embraced the jail) was burned
on Wednesday night, Feb. 13, 1828. Owing to the
want of an effective fire-engine, all attempts to save
the building were futile, and on the following morn-
ing all that remained of the venerable structure were
the naked walls and the smoking embers of its pon-
derous timbers. The fire was supposed to have been
the work of design.* The prisoners confined in the
jail were transferred to the jail of Somerset County.
Fortunately, the county records were saved, the clerk,
perceiving the imminent danger of their destruction,
having removed them to a place of safety.
HTrNTEEDON COUNTY COUKT-HOUSK
After the destruction of the court-house the courts
were held in the meeting-house of the Methodist
Episcopal congregation of Flemington, whose trus-
tees, with commendable promptness and liberality,
tendered its use for the purpose. An act of the Leg-
islature (passed Feb. 15, 1828) made it "lawful to
hold the Circuit Courts, Courts of Oyer and Ter-
miner and General Jail Delivery, Courts of Common
* Bimterdon GazeUe, Veh. 20, 1828.
Pleas, General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and
Orphans' Courts, to be held in and for said county of
Hunterdon, in the Methodist Episcopal church in
Flemington until the inhabitants of said county shall
erect a court-house for said county." (Proceedings
General Assembly, 1828.) The corner-stone of the
present court-house was laid on Wednesday, May 7,
1828, in the presence of a large concourse of people,
with appropriate ceremonies, by Hia Honor, Justice
Drake, of the Supreme Court, in which the Rev. J. F.
Clark and Mr. McClay, of New York, participated,
and after which Peter I. Clark delivered an appro-
priate address.f
It is a large stone structure, rough-cast, with Gre-
cian front and Ionic columns, and is two stories in
height, the court-room being in the upper and the
jail and sheriff's residence in the lower or basement
story. Adjoining the court-house, and north of it, is
located a neat two-story brick building which contains
the clerk's and surrogate's offices of the county, with
all the books, records, etc., of their respective depart-
ments.
CHAPTER V.
THE BENCH AUD BAR OE HtTETTEEDOlSr
OOXTNTY.
Hunterdon County noted for tbe Ability of her Judges and the Brilliancy
of her Bar Early Colonial Judges Judges and Justices Samuel
Johnston, Samuel Tucker, Daniel Coxe, Isaac Smith, Moore Furman,
Jasper Smith, John Mehelm, John Dagworthy, Andrew Smith, Stacy
G. Potts, John Carr, John S. Stirea, Joseph Beading, etc. Eminent
Jurists Early Lawyei-s Later Lawyers Biographical Notices of
George C. Maxwell, William Maxwell, Joseph Bonnell, Thomas Potts
Johnson, Samuel R- Stewart, Nathaniel Saxton, William H. Sloan,
Alexander Wurts, Garret D. Wall, Richard Howell, Samuel Lilly,
James N. Beading, Samuel Leake, George A. Allen, Richard S. Kuhl, etc.
Hunterdon County has been, even from colonial
times, noted no less for the number and ability of its
bench than for the brilliancy of its bar, the members
of both embracing an array of names which has given
added lustre to the jurisprudence of the State.
Among the names of the early colonial judges of
this county we find those of Thomas Leonard, James
Trent, Joseph Stout, Daniel Coxe, John Reading,
Benjamin Smith, John Dagworthy, Martin Ryerson,
Andrew Smith, Theophilus Phillips, Thomas Cadwal-
lader, and Andrew Reed, officiating on the bench
from abput 1724 to 1750 and later. J During the pe-
riod extending from 1750 to the Revolution the court
records present the names of John Garrison, Jasper
Smith, Cornelius Ringo, Philip Ringo, Samuel Stout,
Theophilus Severns, William Clayton, Benjamin
Byles, Isaac Smith, John Grandin, Micajah Howe,
and Lewis Chamberlain.
f In the corner-stone were inclosed a Bible, the laws of New Jersey,
a brass plate upon which was engraved the year of erection, the name*
of the architect, building committee, etc.
X See preceding chapter, on " Courts and County Buildings," for many
interesting facts connected with this early period.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
203
During the Revolutionary period the bench pre-
sents to our notice, among others, the honored names
of Samuel Johnston, Joseph Reading, Moore Furman,
John Mehelm, Robert Hooper, Nathaniel Hunt,
James Ewing, Joseph Beavers, and Jared Sexton.
Many of the above-mentioned judges were "judge
and justice," but in that vast army of justices who
held court in this county from 1721 to 1800,* other
than those before named, are to be found the names
of Timothy Baker, Jacob Belleijeau, Charles Wolver-
ton, Ralph Heart, John Porterfield, John Burroughs,
Jeremiah Bass, Hezekiah Bonham, John Knowles,
Adrian and Harmon Lane, Richard Scudder, Robert
Eaton, John Haywood, John Budd, Joshua Ander-
son, Francis Bowes, William Cornell, Abr. Ketchell,
Benjamin Rounsaval, Abraham Van Horn, Edward
Rockhill, Ralph and John Smith, Nicholas and Elias
WyckofF, Henry Woolsey, Daniel, Nathaniel, and
Edward Hunt, Andrew Muirhead, Henry Traphagen,
Richard and Luther Opdyke, Benjamin Van Cleve,
Nathan Stout, David Frazier, William Lowrey, John
Lambert, Hugh Runyan, Thomas Reading, Henry
Rockafeller, Nicholas Stillwell, Jacob Cline, John
Coryell, John T. Blackwell, etc. And during the
first quarter of the present century we come across
the new names of "justices" of Ananias Mulford,
Benjamin Dean, Robert McNeely, Philip and David
Johnston, George Rea, Peter Risler, Jacob Case,
David Brearley, Peter and Zachariah Flomerfelt,
Paul H. M. Prevost, Matthias Crater, Richard Gano,
Baltus Stiger, Morris Fritts, James Larason, Thomas
Capner, Asa C. Dunham, David and William Stout,
James Honeyman, John Thompson, etc. Those who
desire the dates for the above, or wish to trace the
line of judges and justices to the present time, are
referred to the " Civil List," in a subsequent chapter.
It wOl be impossible, within the limits of this work,
to give personal mention of but a few of the several
hundred judges and justices who have figured in the
courts of Hunterdon County.
Prominent, however, among the early colonial
judges was Samuel Johnston, who settled in the
county about 1740 and owned a large tract of land in
its northern part. His house is said to have been the
most stately mansion in all this portion of the State,
and in its broad halls he, as chief magistrate of this
section of West Jersey, held court on Monday of each
week. His house became the resort of culture and
talent. He was the father of Col. Philip Johnston,
who left his class in Princeton College to serve in the
French war in Canada, and who, during the Revolu-
tion, was killed while leading his (the First New
Jersey) regiment at the battle of Long Island. His
daughter Mary, reputed to have been one of the best-
read women in the province, became the wife of
Charles Stewart, of Hunterdon County.
Daniel Coxe, son of Dr. Daniel Coxe, the pro-
* For more full list see chapter on " CHtU List of Hunterdon County."
prietor, was born in 1664, probably at Burlington.
He became a lawyer, and in 1710 was appointed by
Governor Hunter a member of the Provincial Council,
and in 1734 was made an associate justice of the Su-
preme Court of New Jersey. He died April 25, 1739.
He was a public-spirited citizen, and a judge of no
ordinary ability. He did very much in laying the
foundation of law and morality for the State of New
Jersey. He proposed a scheme of confederation of
all the American colonies, and the same scheme was
adopted, with but slight modification, in 1776. The
design of his proposed scheme of union was to limit
the influence of the Spaniards and French in the
South. The work containing these propositions was.
published in London in 1722.
Samuel Tucker was, Sept. 4, 1776, elected an
associate justice of the Supreme Court, and in No-
vember following held a term of the court, ^the first
under the State constitution, the last at which the
colonial justices (Frederick Smyth, chief justice, and
David Ogden) were present having been held in May.
He was not a lawyer, but was prominent in civil mat-
ters, and held many important public stations. He
was a man of much influence at Trenton and through-
out Hunterdon County during his time. He was
sheriff of Hunterdon, a member of Assembly in 1769,
and held the position until the Revolution put an
end to the provincial government. He was an active
member and president of the different Provincial
Congresses, and signed the constitution of 1776 in
that capacity. He was also treasurer of the State,
and as such had a large amount of the paper cur-
rency, etc., in his custody, which, in an affidavit laid
by him before the Legislature in February, 1777, he
alleged were taken out of his possession in December
previous by a party of British horsemen who made
him prisoner. Governor Livingston disputing the
accuracy of his statement, he appeared before the
Legislature and resigned his commission. His weak-
ness in taking advantage of the offer of British pro-
tection during the panic which prevailed at Trenton
previous to its capture by the Hessians was attrib-
utable, perhaps, to the fact that his wife was an Eng-
lish lady. It is certain he thus forfeited his character
as a patriot, and died in 1789 still under the cloud.f
Isaac Smith, who resided at Trenton, held the
office of associate justice of the Supreme Court for
twenty-eight years, until 1805, being succeeded by
William Rossell. He was a physician, but appears
to have made of himself a pretty good lawyer. He
was an ardent Whig, and a colonel of militia during
the Revolution. From the time of his retirement
from the bench, in 1805, until his death, he was presi-
dent of the Trenton Banking Company. He died
Aug. 20, 1807, aged sixty-eight years.!
MooEE FuEMAN, grandfather of the late Capt.
â– f- Judge Elmer's Beminiscences, pp. 265, 266.
I Ibid., p. 2T1.
204
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
WiUiam E. Hunt, of Trenton, was a commissary of
the American army in 1776. He was the first mayor
of Trenton, in 1777 was judge, and in 1781 first held
court as a justice. His ofiice was in a one-story brick
building which formerly stood where the Chancery
Building in Trenton now stands.
Jasper Smith was one of the early colonial judges
of this county, officiating in 1754, et seq. He was the
descendant of one of the early settlers of H9pewell,
possibly was related to Benjamin or Andrew Smith,
as both were prominent on the bench of the county
about 1739-* It is very probable he was the son of
Jasper Smith, whose name appears in a deed of date
March 18, 1698-99,t and was a member of the council
of Trenton in 1748. J Judge Jasper Smith graduated
at Princeton College in 1758. In 1776 he was one of
the Committee of Safety from Amwell township. He
seems to have taken an active part in the Revolu-
tionary struggle. He may have resided near Law-
renceville, N. J., about the opening of this century,
as his name appears as a ruling elder in the Presby-
terian Church, Lawrenceville, on the first preserved
record of that church, in 1807. He died in 1814.
His son, Jasper, united with the same church in
1808, and left the parsonage property to that body.
The will is on record in the Hunterdon County clerk's
office. He was a practicing lawyer in Flemington,
and built the house now owned by John Jones, Esq.
He was prominently connected with the courts and
legal business of this vicinity during the early part
of this century. His relatives still reside in the
bounds of Lawrence township, Mercer Co., to which
place he subsequently removed from Flemington,
dying there.
John Mehelm, who was judge of Hunterdon
County in 1779, emigrated to this country from Ire-
land and took an active part in the Revolution. He
was located on the North Branch, at a place since
known as Hall's Mills. He was also surrogate for
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties during Governor
Livingston's administration, and was removed by
Governor Bloomfield in 1801. In all the old docu-
ments his name is coupled with that of John Hart,
another' member of the bench of Hunterdon County
(1774), an honored Revolutionary patriot, and a
signer of the Declaration of Independence. He went
by the name of " Honest John Hart."
John Dagworthy, who was one of the bench of
1739, was in 1728-29 the high sherifi' of the county
who complained of the jail being so out of repair that
escapes took place daily. §
Andrew Smith was no doubt the eldest son of
Andrew, the first of the name in Hopewell, Hunter-
don Co. (whose purchase in 1688, which he named
* Hunterdon County Court Records.
t Rev. George Hale, D.D., History First Presbyterian Church, Hope-
â– weU, p. 47.
X Raum's History Trenton, p. 72.
g Minutes of the Court, vol. ii.
Hopewell, was adopted as the name of the town) ;
he graced the bench in 1739, and for a number of
years. He had brothers, Jonathan and Timothy;
married Mrs. Mershon, and had Charles and Zebulon,
unmarried, and Andrew, who married Sarah, daughter
of Josiah Hart, Sr., and had Benjamin (deceased),
George W., and Nathaniel. ||
Stacy G. Potts, for seven years one of the jus-
tices of the Supreme Court, became in 1808 a resident
of Trenton, then in this county. He was of English
Quaker descent, and educated in the Friends' school.
He commenced the study of law with Mr. Stockton,
but finished with Garret D. Wall. In 1828-29 he was
a member of the Legislature ; from 183141 clerk of
the Court of Chancery ; in 1844 the honorary degree
of A.M. was conferred on him by Princeton College ;
in 1852 he became one of the justices of the Supreme
Court. He was at different times connected with
various boards and institutions of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he was a member, and was in 1836
ordained a ruling elder. He died in 1865. Perhaps
the most important case before Judge Potts was that
of Cornelius vs. Giberson (1 Dutch. 1), involving the
location of the line between East and West Jersey.
His ruling on that question remains undisturbed, al-
though the judgment was reversed on the question of
fact as to adverse possession.1[
John Care, who was a judge of the Common
Pleas Court in 1829, a justice of the peace, etc., was
born in 1763, and died in 1831 (December 9th). He
was highly esteemed for his public services and pri-
vate worth, as a faithful officer and exemplary Chris-
tian. He was for many years a deacon of the Baptist
Church of Flemington.
The Stout family of Amwell and Hopewell was
ably represented upon the bench, quite early ia the
history of the county, by Joseph Stout, in 1726 and
again in 1736 ; Samuel Stout, in 1754 ; Nathan Stout,
1795 and 1800 ; David Stout, 1804 to 1828 ; and Wil-
liam Stout, in 1842. Thomas Stout was a judge and
justice in 1787 and 1792.
John S. Stires was a judge and justice of Hun-
terdon County from 1823 until his death, in 1851.
Samuel L. Southard, who when living was often
denominated New Jersey's " favorite son," and who,
besides many other honors, was elevated to the bench
of the Supreme Court, although a native of Somerset
County, passed the first few years after his admission
to the bar in Hunterdon County, residing in Flem-
ington.** When appointed an associate justice, in
1815, he was perhaps the youngest man ever graced
with that honor in New Jersey, only twenty-eight.
See further sketch in the chapter on " Bench and Bar
of Somerset County,'' in this work.
Joseph Reading first appears as a judge of the
II Rev. George Hale, First Presbyterian Church of Hopewell, pp. 42, 43.
If Elmer's Reminiscencea.
** He built, and resided in until about 1817, the house now occupied by
Alexander Wurts, the fll-st north of the surrogate's office.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF HUNTEEDON COUNTY.
205
Common Pleas Court in 1777, and served for twenty-
five or more years. For a more extended notice see
history of the Reading family, elsewhere.
Samuel Lilly, of Lambertville, a judge of the
Court of Appeals, was born in Geneva, N. Y., Oct.
28, 1815. His grandfather, Samuel, the emigrant an-
cestor of the American branch of the family, was an
eminent barrister in England, but after coming to
America took orders as an Episcopal clergyman, and
became rector of St. John's Church, Elizabethtown,
N. J. His father, William, was a merchant and an
early settler at Lambertville. Samuel, his son, gradu-
ated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1837, and,
â– with a doctor's diploma, commenced practice at Lam-
bertville, where he soon acquired a reputation as a
skillful physician. But it is not with his medical rec-
ord we have here to deal ; that may be found treated
in another portion of this work, under the heading of
Medical Profession. From 1849-51 he was mayor
of Lambertville ; for eight years director of the board
of freeholders of Hunterdon County ; in 1852-53 a
member of Congress ; in 1861 was appointed by Presi-
dent Buchanan consul-general to British India.
"During his connection with the consulate, the civil
war, and our relations with England growing out of
the Mason and Slidell affair, rendered the adminis-
tration of his office one of great responsibility. Some
American merchant-vessels, loaded partly with salt-
petre, were detained at Calcutta during that ex-
citement. Dr. Lilly contended vigorously for the
rights of the American traders, who were then allowed
to depart. Previous to his leaving Calcutta for the
United States the American merchants there resi-
dent presented him a handsome service of plate, and
on his arrival at Lambertville he was welcomed
by an ovation at the hands of his fellow-townsmen.* "
In 1868-72 he was judge of the Court of Common
Pleas for the county of Hunterdon. He was one of
the commissioners to locate and build the new State
Lunatic Asylum. In 1873 he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Parker one of the judges of the Court of Errors
and Appeals. He died in 1879, April 3d. He left
but one child, John, who is now practicing law in
Lambertville.
Judge Lilly "was a man of good and temperate
habits, of refined and literary tastes," eminent as a
judge, and honored as a man.
David Van Fleet, of Flemington, was born in
Readington, Hunterdon Co., Aug. 13, 1819, a son of
William Van Fleet, of that place, and of Dutch de-
scent. He received a good common-school education,
followed school-teaching for a time, and clerked in a
store at Centreville, N. J. In 1848 he was elected to
the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1849. For a
few years following he was engaged in mercantile
pursuits at Centreville. In 1856 he was one of the
Democratic Presidential electors; in 1859 surrogate
of Hunterdon County ; in 1869 was appointed by
President Grant one of the inspectors of customs at
New York ; and in 1872 a judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas of Hunterdon County. He is a Master in
Chancery, and also trustee for several estates, as well
as a director of the Hunterdon County National
Bank. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He married, 1845, Susan A. Cole, daughter
of Davjd O. Cole, of Readington.
EMINENT JURISTS.
New Jersey has always been noted for the intel-
lectual ability of its jurists. The high character of
those of the past generation is well sustained by" the
present. As an evidence of this is the fact that dur-
ing the present year (1880) the honorary degree of
LL.D. has been conferred by Princeton and Lafay-
ette Colleges upon four distinguished members of the
bench and bar of this State, one-half of which honors
came to Hunterdon, the Hon. Bennet Van Syckel, of
the Supreme Court, and Vice-Chancellor A. V. Van
Fleet, being the honored recipients of this county.
Bennet Van Syckel, associate justice of the
Supreme Court of New Jersey, was born in Hunter-
don County (Bethlehem township), April 17, 1830.
Immediately after his graduation from Princeton, in
1846, he entered the law-office of Hon. Alexander
Wurts, Flemington, with whom he remained until
admitted to the bar, in 1851. He at once commenced
his legal practice in Flemington, and soon won a high
reputation at the bar. He possesses forensic abilities
of the first order. In 1869 he was appointed to the
bench of the Supreme Court of the State, and reap-
pointed in 1876. Incumbent of the position, he ex-
emplified " in the discharge of his judicial duties, as
formerly in his practice, that profound learning and
spotless integrity which have made the judiciary of
New Jersey known and honored throughout the land."
In 1853 he married Elizabeth, a daughter of W. H.
Sloan, of Flemington, by whom he had three sons
and two daughters.!
Abbam V. Van Fleet, vice-chancellor of the
State of New Jersey, was born in Hillsborough,
Somerset Co., N. J., Jan. 6, 1831. He was admitted
to practice as an attorney at the November term of
1852, and as a counselor in 1858. He opened his first
law-ofBce in Flemington, where he soon acquired a
large and lucrative business. He has devoted him-
self actively to his chosen profession. He received
the appointment in 1875 of vice-chancellor of the
State of New Jersey from Chancellor Runyan, and
was duly commissioned by Governor Bedle. His
term of office will expire in May, 1882. He is a bril-
liant lawyer, and in the administration of the vice-
chancellorship "he has confirmed his previous repu-
tation of being one of the finest Chancery lawyers in
{â–
* Biographical EncyclopBedia of New Jersey, p. 75.
f One of his sisters married (1843) John T. Leigh, a hanlter, of Clinton,
N. J. ; she died in 1860.
206
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
the State." Tlie opinions, as delivered by him, will
he found in the New Jersey Chancery Reports, com-
mencing with 11th C. E. Green.
EARLY LAWYERS.
The name of Jeremiah Bass appears in the Hunter-
don County court records as an attorney, June 6,
1721, and the last time it is seen in that connection is
March 10, 1725. He was appointed attorney-gen-
eral March 28, 1719. Others were admitted to prac-
tice from the dates given below :
Daniel Grandin, June 6, 1721, practiced until about
1739 ; William Biles, Dec. 5, 1721 ; Edward Rodol-
phus Price,* March 5, 1722; David McBride, Jan.
29, 1823 (his name last appears March 14, 1726) ; P.
Evans and James Alexander, Aug. 7, 1724 (the latter
appointed attorney-general June 6, 1723) ; Finnick
Lyell, March 10, 1825; J. Kinsey, July 26, 1725
(last appears August term, 1728) ; James Gould, Oct.
18, 1725 ; Robert Lawrence, March 14, 1726 ; Philip
Kearney, Oct. 16, 1726; Lawrence Smith, July 25,
1726 (appointed attorney-general in 1728) ; C. Mott,
July, 1727 ; Benjamin Price and Thomas Shird, Oct.
15, 1727 ; Henry Vernon, James Trent, and Par-
ker, August, 1728 ; Francis Costigan, E. Pierce, and
William Smith, May term, 1729 ; Jeremiah Forster,
August term, 1730 ; Brown and J. Hooper, May,
1731 ; Francis Bowes, August, 1731 ; Samuel Burtill
and Jamieson, August, 1731 ; M. Evers and
David Ogden, 1732; Joseph Warrell, May, 1733 (ap-
pointed attorney-general Aug. 28, 1733) ; John \a,u-
ghan "produced a lycence to the court wherein His
Excellency Wm. Cosby, Esq., appointed him to prac-
tice as an attorney-at-law in all the courts of record
within the province of New Jersey : Ordered by the
Court to be read and published," Aug. 6, 1735 ; R.
Mcholls, Aug. 7, 1735 ; [John] Dagworthy, October
term, 1735 ; John Coxe, May term, 1736 ; Jacob An-
derson, October term, 1736 ; John Clark, Lyne, White,
Burnham, Hartshorn, and B. Lagrange, 1745 ; Abra-
ham Cotman, 1747; Robert Ashfield, 1748; Wm.
Pidgeon, Scattergood, C. Skinner, 1750 (latter
appointed attorney-general July 10, 1754) ; R. Wil-
liams, 1753 ; Joseph Read ; Richard Stockton, May
term, 1755; John Smyth, Aaron Dowd, 1757; W.
Thompson, 1758; Elias Boudinot, 1761; G. Ross,
Jasper Smith, J. Anderson, Bard, Deare, 1763 ; J.
Debow, J. AUer, John Leferty, B. Leferty, David
Brearley, J. D. Sergeant, B. Reed, 1767 ; William De
Hart, 1768 ; Abram Ogden, William Paterson,t 1769 ;
J. Taylor, Chambers, Hassert, Dongan, Pettit, Linn,
and Ebenezer Cowell, 1771 ; J. B. Scott, 1775-; Bloom-
field, 1779 ; William Wilcox and William C. Hous-
ton,!, 1780.
The appendix to the " Rules of the Supreme Court,"
* Admitted to " practice in all the courts in thiB province" June 4, 1723.
t Appointed attorney-general Sept. 4, 1776 ; afterward became Gov-
ernor.
X Appointed clerk of the Supreme Court Sept. 28, 1781.
1868, gives the date of admission of W. C. Houston
as " April term, 1781," and records " Richard Stock-
ton, April term, 1784," evidently the "junior" of
the Richard Stockton admitted in 1756, as above
given, who was an associate justice in 1774, and was
appointed chief justice in 1776, but declined the
honor.
From this point onward special mention will be
made of the more prominent of the members of the
Hunterdon County bar.
LATER LAWYERS.
Geokge C. Maxwell, son of John Maxwell, at
the close of the last and beginning of the present
century was practicing law in the Hunterdon courts
and resident in Flemington. He was admitted as an
attorney in 1797, as a counselor in 1800, and as a ser-
geant-at-law in 1816. He was a member of the Pres-
byterian Church of Flemington, of which he was a
deacon in 1806 and 1809. He was considered in his
day as one of the ablest lawyers of the county. He
died in Flemington.
William MaxwelIj practiced law in Flemington
from 1808, the date of his admission to the bar, until
his death. He became a counselor in 1817. He was
not only a prominent lawyer, but an influential citi-
zen and an active member of the Presbyterian Church
of Flemington, holding the office of deacon in that
body from 1817-19. He died about 1828, and was
buried in the Presbyterian church-yard. Upon his
tombstone (which contains no record of his birth or
death) is the following mortuary legend :
" In memory of William Maxwell, Esq., Councillor-at-Law.
Acqualege, necessitas, Sortitur insignes et imos. "
He married a daughter of Henry Dusenberry, of
New Hampton.
Joseph Bonnell was born in 1793, and died in
1823. He was a son of Alexander and Catharine
Bonnell, whose ashes, as well as his own, repose in
the Presbyterian burial-ground, the three graves
being side by side. His father died in 1819, while
his mother lived to the advanced age of eighty-four,
dying in 1854. Joseph was admitted to the bar in
1817, became a counselor in 1820, and practiced law
in Flemington until his decease. His sister Mary be-
came the wife of Alexander Wurts, Esq.
Lucius Horatio Stockton known to his as-
sociates as Horace Stockton was a younger brother
of Richard, and in early life was thought to be quite
equal if not superior to him in talent. He graduated
at Princeton in 1787, was licensed in 1791, and died
in 1835. He resided in Trenton. He early mani-
fested eccentricity, which so increased in later years
as in a great measure to destroy his usefiilness. He
was a warm politician, under the elder Adams held
the office of United States attorney for this district,
and later was nominated as Secretary of War, but
was not confirmed.
THE BENCH AND BAR, OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
J07
Thomas Potts Johnson was the second son of
"William Johnson, an early settler of Hunterdon-
County, who came from Irelaud, and all of whose de-
scendants have been noted for their learning. His
mother was Ruth, a sister of Stacy Potts, of Trenton.
In his youth he was apprenticed to the carpenter
trade, hut was forced to relinquish it on account of
rupturing a blood-vessel. He also taught school in
this county in his early manhood. He married a
daughter of Robert Stockton, Esq., and studied law
with the Hon. Richard Stockton. In 1794 he was
admitted to the bar. Mr. Johnson was a bold, out-
spoken, and fearless advocate, and one of the most
learned and eloquent men that ever adorned the New
Jersey bar. He was alike distinguished for his won-
derful memory, his rare intellectual attainments, and
his piety. After a brilliant career at the bar he re-
tired on account of failing health, and spent the last
years of his life in the family of his son-in-law. Dr.
Richard Corson, of New Hope, Pa., at which place
he ended his days on earth. His portrait may be
seen in the court-room at Flemington.*
Samuel R. Stewart was a son of Gen. Charles
Stewart, who after the Revolution moved to Fleming-
ton, where he died June 24, 1800. He was a gradu-
ate of Princeton College in 1786 ; was admitted to
practice at the bar in 1790 ; became a counselor in
1794. He died in 1802.
Charles Stewart, son of the above, and grand-
son of Gen. Charles, was born in Flemington, in a
house his father occupied, near the present residence
of John C. Hopewell. He was a classmate at Prince-
ton of Alexander Wurts, Esq. ; graduated in 1815 ;
studied law, afterwards theology ; went as a mission-
ary to the Sandwich Islands, and in 1828 was ap-
pointed chaplain in the United States navy. He
died at Cooperstown,. N. Y., in 1870, aged seventy-
five years. One of his sons, a graduate of West
Point, served through the war of the Rebellion, and
later was in command of the United States Engineers'
Corps at San Francisco.
Peter D. Vroom, subsequently Governor (born
1791, died 1874), had a law-office in Flemington, and
practiced his profession there for several years prior
to 1820, when he removed to Somerville.
Andrew Miller, one of the early lawyers of
Flemington, was a native of Somerset County, born
in 1799, and admitted to the bar in 1822. After prac-
ticing a couple of years at Somerville he removed to
the county-seat of Hunterdon, taking the place of
* The following eiDecdote concerning Mr. Johnson is preserved : At
one of the neighboring courtB a dispute arose between Johnson and his
opponent respecting a point of law, during which the latter remarked,
in a tannting manner, that he was not to be taught law by a carpenter!"" "
•• May it please Your Honors," replied Mr. Johnson, " the gentleman has
been pleased to allnde to my hairing been a carpenter, I am proud of
it : so was tbe reputed father of our Lord and Sayiour Jesus Christ, and
I could yet, give me a block of wood, a mallet, and a chisel, hew out
something that would veiy much resemble Ihal gentleman's head. True,
I could not put in brains, but it would have more manner! /"
Joseph Bonnell, then recently deceased. For some
fifteen years Mr. Miller resided and practiced in
Flemington, but about the year 1839 he removed to
the city of Philadelphia. Residing at several differ-
ent places during the intervening years, he a few
years since returned to his native place, Somerville,
where he is now residing, at the age of eighty-one
years, retired from practice.
Nathaniel Saxton was a native of Hopewell
township, then in Hunterdon County. He removed
to Flemington, as a young man, about the beginning
of the present century. He appears to have been an
indefatigable student and worker, for he not only
served for years as a deputy in the county clerk's
office of Hunterdon, but at the same time studied and
practiced surveying, and as a student entered upon
the legal profession. Blackstone and Chitty seem,
however, to have been most to his taste. He was ad-
mitted to the bar as an attorney at the May term of
1804, and became a counselor in September, 1808.
In 1828 he was elevated to the rank of a sergeant-at-
law. He was for one term (1834) a member of the
State Senate. He ranked as one of the ablest lawyers
of his ,time, and in the Chancery line, as well as in
real-estate matters, was without a peer in the State.f
Although not brilliant as an advocate, he was noted
as a sound, reasoning counselor. He was far more
successful in the legal arena than he was in his own
private affairs ; continually buying and accumulating
property, he seldom sold. He was in his later years
much embarrassed thereby, and died (in 1847) com-
paratively poor, aged about eighty years. He was
buried in the Presbyterian churchyard, in Fleming-
ton. He is recollected by Charles Bartles (who
studied law with him) and others as a most eccentric
man. He never married, and none of his father's
family are known to be living at this time. He re-
sided on Main Street, where Dr. Parrish now lives.
William H. Sloan, a distinguished member of
the New Jersey bar, and for many years a resident of
the county-seat of Hunterdon, was born in Warren
Co., N, J., April 25, 1799. He was the oldest child
of the Rev. William B. Sloan (and Mary Perfine, his
wife), pastor for many years of the Presbyterian
Church, Greenwich, N. J. None of his children are
living ; a granddaughter, Mrs. Mary, wife of Henry
Field, resides in Philadelphia. William H. Sloan's
grandmother was Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, a sister of
the celebrated Judge Kirkpatrick, of whom a sketch
may be found elsewhere in this work. William H.
received his early education at the Somerville acad-
emy, and later was graduated from Princeton College.
He then commenced the study of the law, entering
+ Lucius Q. C. Elmer's " Reminiscences of the Bench and Bar of New-
Jersey " speaks of " Nathaniel Saxton, the Chancery reporter, generally
called Nattj'," as one of the leaders in the fun at the little social gather^
ings at the " Rising Sun Tavern,- in Trenton, where the American Hotel
now stands, where " songs were sung, old stories revived, and flashes of
wit sparked, each one deeming it a duty to contribute as well as he could
to the general amusement" (p. 183).
208
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
the oflSce of the late Peter I. Clark, of Flemington.
He was admitted to the bar at the February term,
1821, and became a counselor in 1824. He com-
menced the practice of his profession in Flemington,
and occupied for some time " the office of the late
William Maxwell, Esq."
He took an active part in politics, and was a warm
advocate and earnest supporter of the Democratic
party. He held many local positions of trust, also
served as surrogate of the county for five years (1835-
40), and represented his district in the General As-
sembly of the State in 1833-34. " His acquaintance
was extensive, and he was respected by all who knew
him for his gentlemanly bearing, frankness of man-
ner, and nobleness of character. As a lawyer he was
sound, discriminating, and judicious, courteous and
respectful to the court, obliging and kind to his
brethren of the bar, faithful and true to his clients,
honorable towards all."
He married, in August, 1835, Caroline Imlay,
daughter of Robert Imlay, a merchant of Philadel-
phia; she is still (1880) living. The children six in
number, three sons and three daughters are as fol-
lows : Robert I., William H., Charles W., Mary Eliz-
abeth (wife of Bennett Van Syckel, a judge of the
Supreme Court of New Jersey, and now residing at
Trenton), Annie B. (wife of Charles Brearley, of
Trenton), and Margaretta.
None of the brothers or sisters of W. H. Sloan are
living. Their names were John B., La Rue, Eliza-
beth, and Mary. The first named was a physician at
Easton, Pa. ; Elizabeth married H. Conover, son of
the late Dr. Conover, of Philadelphia.
Mr. Sloan died of typhus fever at his residence, in
Flemington, Jan. 21, 1850, aged fifty. His remains
repose in the Presbyterian cemetery, where a monu-
ment is erected to his memory. His memory, how-
ever, will not soon fade from the recollections of our
people, being enshrined in the hearts of very many.
At a meeting of the court and bar at the court-house
in Flemington, Feb. 12, 1850, of which Judge Ran-
dolph was chairman, after the announcement to the
court of his death, on motion of Mr. Hamilton, a
committee, consisting of A. Wurts, Judge Thompson,
and A. G. Richey, Esqs., was appointed to draft reso-
lutions expressive of the loss sustained by the court,
the bar, and the community in his death. At an ad-
journed meeting held February 14th at the same
place the committee reported resolutions which were
adopted bearing public testimony to the worth and
virtues of the deceased, and of respect to his memory.
Alexander Wuets, the youngest of eight sons of
John Wurts, an extensive iron-manufacturer of Mor-
ris Co., N. J., was born in Flanders, N. J., in the
year 1799. A member of the class of 1815 of Prince-
ton College, he began the study of law in Philadel-
phia, Pa. In the winter of 1819-20 he located in
Flemington, and was licensed as an attorney in May,
1820. In 1823 he was admitted as a counselor-at-
law. In 1824 he was elected a member of the Assem-
bly, which honorable station he again filled in the
years 1828-32, and during the last tljree years was
Speaker of the House. He served in the Legislative
Council in 1833. In 1838 he was the Democratic
candidate for Congress, but, with the entire ticket,
was defeated. He was in 1844 the member from
Hunterdon County of the convention to revise the
State constitution, of which body he was chosen vice-
president, and, before its close, its president. In the
fall of 1844 he was elected the first State senator
from Hunterdon County, and served in that body
for two years. Soon after (in 1848), he was appointed
by the Legislature one of the three commissioners to
investigate the charges preferred against the Camden
and Amboy Railroad and the Delaware and Raritan
Canal Companies. This laborious duty occupied
nearly a year, but resulted in fully exonerating the
companies and in allaying the excitement then ex-
isting in the imblic mind against them.
Governor Fort, in 1853, nominated Mr. Wurts as
chief justice of the Supreme Court of the State of
New Jersey, which nomination was promptly con-
firmed by the State Senate ; but he respectfully de-
clined the proffered honor. He was induced, how-
ever, in 1865, to become the candidate of the Demo-
cratic party for the State Senate, upon the assurance
that the party to which he was attached could thereby
be harmonized. He was elected and served for three
years. He has been for over twenty years one of the
managers of the State Lunatic Asylum, and since 1859
president of the board. Although now, in a great
measure, retired from public and professional life, he
is often consulted on important legal questions. His
unflinching integrity and thorough legal acquirements
give weight to his opinions. There is no man now
living in the State who has been in public life so long
as he, and yet retains the confidence of all parties
in so great a degree. He was often importuned to be-
come a candidate for Governor, but never would take
any steps himself to secure the nomination. He mar-
ried. May 26, 1831, Mary, daughter of Alexander and
Catharine Bonnell, of Flemington.*
Garret D. Wall, for many years a resident of
Hunterdon and a legal practitioner in its courts, was
born in Monmouth Co., N. J., in 1783. He was the
son of James Wall, an officer of the Continental
army, who at the battle of Monmouth captured an
English officer. On his father's death. Garret, then
nine years old, went to reside with his uncle. Dr.
John G. Wall, of Woodbridge. In 1798 he removed
to Trenton and became a student in the law-office of
Gen. Jonathan Rhea, then clerk of the Supreme
Court of the State. On attaining his majority (in
1804) he was licensed as an attorney ; in 1807 he was
advanced to the grade of counselor, and in 1820 to
* Since the compilation of this chapter Judge Wurte has deceased. He
died Teb. 16, 1881.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
209
that of aergeant-at-law. He was clerk of the Su-
preme Court for five years (1812-17) ; member for
Hunterdon County of the lower branch of the State
Legislature, in 1822 as a Federalist and in 1827 as a
Jackson Democrat ; in 1829 was elected by the Legis-
lature to the high position of Governor, which, how-
ever, he declined; was appointed in 1829 United
States district attorney for New Jersey, and for sev-
eral years ably discharged the duties of that office.
In 1834 he was elected to the United States Senate,
serving until the close of Van Buren's administration,
1840. He was pronounced in his opposition to the
United States Bank, and one of the most efiective
speeches he ever delivered was adverse to its continu-
ance. After 1828, Burlington was his place of abode ;
he returned to that place fi'om Washington in 1840,
and resumed his professional duties. In 1848 he was
made a member of the Court of Errors and Appeals,
and held the position until his death, in November,
1850
He was twice married, his first wife being a daugh-
ter of his preceptor, Gren. Jonathan Rhea ; his second
marriage occurred in 1828.
" He was a counselor of the highest ability and
learning, whUe, as a pleader, he entered into the case
as if he were the client, not the attorney ; and some
of his arguments before the jury or court were of the
highest eloquence. "" His distinguishing character- "
istics as an advocate were his quick sensibility, an in-
tuitive insight into character and motives, and that
ready tact which enabled him readily to recover from
his own mistakes and promptly to take advantage of
those of his adversary."
He was greatly interested in the cause of education,
and was a trustee of Burlington College. He was
eminently hospitable and remarkably proud of his
native State, particularly of its Revolutionary record.
He inherited quite a martial taste, and was early con-
nected with a volunteer company. During the war of
1812, as captain of the "Phoenix Infantry Company,"
he was detailed, with other troops, to aid in the pro-
tection of the city of New York.
Richard Howei.l, the lawyer, soldier, and Gov-
ernor, resided in Trenton from 1788 until his death,
at the early age of forty-nine. May 5, 1803. His mili-
tary career and honors were brilliant, but will be
found noticed elsewhere. He was admitted to prac-
tice as an attorney in 1779 ; appointed clerk of the
Supreme Court Sept. 4, 1788 ; was Governor from 1792
until 1801, and then resumed his legal practice at
Trenton. He was a member of the bar in the courts
of Hunterdon County for over fifteen years. None of
his opinions as a chancellor have been published.
He was a man of free-and-easy address, very popular,
although somewhat affected by his ariny habits.*
James N. Reading was born at the homestead of
his maternal grandfather. Dr. John F. Grandin, at
* Jadge Elmer's Reminiscences.
Hamden, where his son, John Grandin, now resides.
He was named after his grandmother Grandin's
father. Dr. James Newell, whose wife was a Law-
rence and sister of the father of Commodore Law-
rence. James N. Reading is the son and oldest child
of Joseph, who was the youngest child and only son
of John (3), he being the oldest son of John (2), who
was the oldest son of Governor John Reading. He
commenced his academic course at Flemington, under
Charles Bartles, Esq., who then had charge of the
academy. He was prepared for college at the Prince-
ton Academy, then entered Nassau Hall in 1827, and
was graduated in 1829, taking the fifth honor in a
class of twenty-six ; studied law with Samuel L.
Southard in Trenton, and was admitted to the bar in
1832 ; became a counselor-at-law in 1836. He mar-
ried (Feb. 10, 1835) Sarah C. A. Southard, a niece of
the Governor. From 1832 to 1850 he practiced law
in Flemington, fifteen of which years he was prose-
cuting attorney for Hunterdon County. During his
residence in Hunterdon County he took considerable
interest and quite an active part in its military affairs.
His first appointment was to the office of brigade in-
spector ; resigning that after two years' service, he was
appointed colonel of the Third Regiment of the Hun-
terdon brigade, which, with the office of State's attor-
ney, he held until he moved to the West.
In 1850 he removed to Jefferson Co., Mo., and for
two years was president of a lead-mining company.
He then returned to New Jersey, settled up his pri-
vate business, and in the fall of 1853 moved to Morris,
Grundy Co., 111., which has since been his place of
residence, with exception of the years 1859-61, when
he resided in Chicago and practiced law in copart-
nership with Mr. (afterward Judge) Wallace. He
was elected a member of the State Legislature of Hli-
nois in the fall of 1856, and filled the position until
the fall of 1858, when he officiated as clerk of the Cir-
cuit Court, filling a vacancy. In June, 1861, his
partner having joined the Union army as a major of
the cavalry branch of the service, Mr. Reading closed
his law-office in Chicago and returned to Morris.
During the war he was deputy United States marshal
for Grundy County, and also United States commis-
sioner, at the same time continuing his legal busi-
ness. In 1865 he was elected county judge, which
position he held for three successive terms, twelve
years, and then declined a re-election. He is an in-
defatigable worker, having, in addition to his legal
practice and official duties, been largely engaged in
the real-estate business ever since his removal to Illi-
nois. He is ah able lawyer and jurist.
Thomas L. Southard studied law in the office of
James N. Reading, his brother-in-law ; was licensed
to practice in November, 1838, and two years later
removed to Lambertville, N. J., where he practiced
his profession. He made a promising commencement,
betokening an active and brilliant career, but died
suddenly in March, 1843.
210
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Of Samuel Leake, Judge James N". Beading says,
" At an early day there was a lawyer Leake at Flem-
ington, of whom, the records there or at Trenton must
make mention, and of whom I have heard some quaint
things. I judge he must have heen a man of consid-
erable legal attainments.'' By the court records it is
seen that Samuel Leake was licensed as an attorney
in 1776, a counselor in 1780, as a sergeant in 1792,
and was a legal contemporary with Thomas Potts
Johnson, John Frelinghuysen, Mahlon Dickerson,
Lucius W. Stockton, George C. Maxwell, and others.
Judge Elmer, in his Reminiscences,"" relates that "
upon the occasion when Governor Bloomfield presided
for the first time in the Court of Chancery, he made
a short address saying he was a Republican and did
not desire to be addressed by the title of "Excel-
lency." Mr. Samuel Leake, an old and rather ec-
centric lawyer, immediately rose and made him a
formal address, with much earnestness and solemnity,
saying, " May it please Your Excellency, Your Ex-
cellency's predecessors were always addressed by the
title 'Your Excellency,' and, if Your Excellency
please, the proper title of the Governor of the State
was, and is, 'Your Excellency.' I humbly pray,
therefore, on my own behalf, and in behalf of the bar
generally, that we may be permitted, by Your Ex-
cellency's leave, to address Your Excellency, when
sitting in the high Court of Chancery, by the ancient
title of ' Your Excellency.' " It would seem the
Federal lawyers did not give the Governor credit for
much sincerity in the wish he expressed about the
title ; however, he never made objection after Leake's
speech.
• Judge Charles Ewing studied law with Samuel
Leake, who is "more remembered for his peculiarities
as unusually precise and methodical in all his busi-
ness, but he had, besides, a high reputation for accu-
rate legal knowledge, and was undoubtedly a man of
the most sterling Integrity. Any attempt to depre-
ciate him in the hearing of Mr. Ewing was sure to
meet a stern rebuke. To the end of his life he always
spoke of him in the highest terms of affection and re-
spect ; he was too good a judge, and had too many
opportunities of knowing well the entire character of
Mr. Leake, to leave it doubtful that he was a lawyer
of uncommon excellence." Richard Stockton spoke
of him as a learned lawyer.*
Mr. Leake was born in Cumberland Co., N. J.,
Nov. 2, 1747. In his youth he attended the two cele-
brated schools of Fagg's Manor and Pequea. He
taught school for a few years in Delaware, then en-
tered Princeton College, taking his Bachelor's degree
in 1774. He began the study of the law, first with
Richard Howell, afterwards Governor, then with
Charles Pettit, of Burlington. He was licensed in
1776. In 1785 he removed to Trenton, where he rose
rapidly, soon standing at the head of the bar of Hun-
* Judge Elmer's Eeminiscences of New Jersey, 133, 327, 403.
terdon County. " He paid unusual attention to the
students of his office, regularly devoting one hour
every day to their examination." He was proverbi-
ally systematic and precise. He died March 8, 1820,
in his seventy-third year. The Supreme Court being
in session at the time, the bar not only resolved to
attend the funeral, but recommended to their brethren
throughout the State to wear the customary badge of
mourning and respect. His epitaph is as follows :
" Sacred to the memory of Samuel Leake, Esq., sergeant-at-Iaw, Died
March 8, 1820, aged 72. Educated to the bar, he attained the highest
degree of eminence; distinguished for candor, integrity, zeal for hia
clients, and profound knowledge of jurisprudence, he fulfilled the duties
of his station with singular usefulness, ' without fear and without re-
proach,' Deeply versed in human literature, and devoutly studious
of the words of sacred truth, he lived the life of a Christian and died the
death of the righteous. "
John Manners, born in Hunterdon County, April
8, 1786, was both lawyer and physician. After prac-
ticing medicine for some years he determined upon
entering the legal profession, and accordingly read
law with James N. Porter, of Easton, Pa. He was
admitted as an attorney and as counselor in Febru-
ary, 1820. Although qualified to practice at the bar of
both the State and the United States courts, he does
not seem to have been very largely employed in either,
and it is probable that he studied law mainly with
the view of making it a stepping-stone to political
preferment. He was for three years a member of the
State Senate for Hunterdon County, and for one year
president of that body. Had he lived, he would no
doubt have arisen to greater eminence. He died June
24, 1853.t
William F. Clemson came from Philadelphia to
Flemington a young man. He was licensed as an at-
torney at the September term (1835), as a counselor in
1838, and located at the county-seat for two or three
years, then went to Belvidere, N. J., where he re-
mained until after the execution of Parks and Carter,
whom he was engaged in defending, when he removed
with a portion of Parks' family to Ohio.
John C. Elmendoef, a native of Somerset County,
admitted to the bar in 1837, came as a young man to
Flemington to find a field for legal sway, but after a
few months' residence removed from the place. He
became a counselor-at-law in 1841. He has been a
register in bankruptcy since 1867. For fifteen years
he was public prosecutor for Middlesex, and for
twenty-two years (1854^76) treasurer of Rutgers Col-
lege. He married Maria L. Frelinghuysen. He is
now practicing at New Brunswick, N. J.
John H. Wakefield, licensed as an attorney in
September, 1843, and as counselor in 1857, practiced
for several years very acceptably at the Hunterdon
bar, but removed to Boston, where he had a brother
of distinction, and took quite a distinguished stand
himself, but only lived a few years after taking up his
residence there.
t See also sketch of Dr, Manuers, with "Medical Profession," in thia
work.
JOHN N. VOORHEES.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
211
Col. Peter I. Clakk, one of the most prominent
and Mghly - esteemed members of the bar of this
county, was born in the city of New Brunswick in
1790. He was the second son of the Rev. Joseph
Clark, D.D. He graduated at the College of New
Jersey in 1809. He afterwards taught a female sem-
inary in his native city. He studied law there, and
removed to Flemington about 1815. He held very
many positions of trust in the community in which
he lived, and his integrity as well as his talents were
fully tested in his incumbency of responsible stations.
Able, faithful, and scrupulously honest is the uni-
versal verdict. He took considerable interest in mar-
tial affairs, and as early as 1828 was major of the
Fourth Regiment, Hunterdon brigade of militia;
subsequently he was raised to the grade of a Colonel.
He was a member of the State Convention of 1828,
which instructed its nominees for electors to cast their
votes for Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun. He
took a prominent part in politics, was a warm friend
of the Bible cause, and one of the first members of the
County Bible Society. He was its president from 1846
to 1849. He was a devoted Christian, becoming a
melnber of the Presbyterian Church in 1842, and an
elder about thirteen years later. "His noble, com-
manding presence, frank and genial countenance,
rich, musical voice, courteous dignity, and suavity of
manner" come readily to the remembrance of all who
had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He died in 1863.
George A. Allen, of Flemington, was born at
Westport, Conn., descended from a family of English
origin, who were among the early settlers of Con-
necticut. After receiving a good preparatory educa-
tion, George commenced teaching school, being thus
employed at Milfbrd, Conn., and later at Flemington,
N. J. At the latter place he entered the office of
Judge James N. Reading (now of Morris, 111.), and so
thoroughly prosecuted his studies as to be admitted to
the bar in May, 1844. In January, 1848, he was li-
censed as a counselor-at-law. In 1850 he married
Mary, daughter of Charles Bonnell, of Flemington.
In 1856 he, with others, founded the Hunterdon Re-
publican, was long one of its editors and proprietors.
In 1861, upon the first call for troops, he enlisted as a
private in the Third New Jersey Volunteer Infantry
Regiment, being subsequently promoted to a cap-
taincy. On the expiration of his term of service he
returned to Flemington and resumed his legal prac-
tice. "As a Chancery lawyer he enjoyed a reputation
second to none in the State. He prepared his cases
with the utmost care, . . . and in arguing a case ar-
ranged the facts and circumstances in the most forcible
and logical manner, never allowing judge or jury to
lose sight of the main points. . . . His undoubted
probity and his unswerving devotion to the interests
of his clients placed him at the head of the profession
in this section ofthe State."* His eldest son, William
* Biographical EncyclopEedia of NeT? Jersey, pp. 64, 65*
D. Allen, was admitted to practice at the bar in 1875,.
and his second son, Charles W., after graduating at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of the City of
New York, and taking a course at the Medical Uni-
versity in Vienna, Austria, received the appointment
of assistant port physician at Boston, which position
he now holds. Alexander B. is engaged in the drug
business in Flemington, and Edward B., the youngest,,
is now at school.
John N. Voorhees was born at Bound Valley,
Hunterdon Co., March 4, 1835. He is a son of the
late Judge Peter E. Voorhees. He was prepared for
college at the grammar-school of Rutger's, New Bruns-
wick, and entered that college in 1850, graduating
in 1854. He immediately entered the law-office of
Hon. Alexander Wurts, at Flemington, and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1857.
After admission, Mr. Voorhees at once commenced
the practice of his profession at White House, Hun-
terdon Co., where he remained till 1871, when he
removed to Flemington and became a law-partner of
Hon. John T. Bird, in the firm of Bird & Voorhees.
The following year Chester Van Syckel was admitted
as a partner, and the firm became Bird, Voorhees &
Van Syckel, and so continued till the senior partner
retired, in 1873. The firm of Voorhees & Van Syckel
practiced about one year, when they dissolved, and
Mr. Voorhees associated with him his former student,
George H. Large, who still remains in this relation.
These firms have controlled a large and profitable
practice, and among their clients have been several
important railroad corporations. Mr. Voorhees has
been connected with a number of criminal cases, no-
ticeable among which are the Patenburg rioters and
Brenan murder cases, the successful management of
which has given him a high reputation as an advocate.
He was appointed by Governor Randolph prose-
cutor of the pleas for Hunterdon County, a position
he resigned after holding the appointment one year.
He is in politics a Democrat, and has rendered his
party good service as a speaker at mass-meetings and
other gatherings. He ip, however, no politician, nor
has he ever sought or held any office of a political
character, his large and increasing legal business
leaving him little time to devote to other matters.
Mr. Voorhees has been twice married : first, Dec.
8, 1857, to Ellen, daughter of John K. Large, of
White House, N. J. She died Aug. 23, 1863. He
married for his second wife Hannah M., sister of the
above, Sept. 26, 1865. He has a son and a daughter
by the first marriage.
Richard S. Ktthl, of Flemington, was born near
that place Aug. 24, 1839, and is the son of Leonard P.
Kuhl, a prominent citizen and farmer of the county.
He graduated at Lawrenceville in 1860, and the fol-
lowing year entered the law-office of B. Van Syckel,
now one of the New Jersey Supreme Court judges.
He remained under his preceptorship four years,
when he was admitted to the bar as an attorney-at-
212
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
. law, February, 1864. He at once commenced the
practice of his profession in Flemington ; was admit-
ted to practice as a counselor in February, 1867.
" His progress in his profession was rapid, and he
soon took ranli as one of the leading lawyers of the
county. He is a fine and effective spealjer. He was
one of the counsel for the defense in the case of the
Patenburg rioters, a case wliich attracted much at-
tention a few years since. For a long time he was
secretary of the Hunterdon County Agricultural So-
ciety. He has always been prominent in every move-
ment of his town, social, moral, or financial.* "
John T. Bied is a native of Bethlehem township,
this county, born Aug. 16, 1829. He attended the
public schools of his neighborhood and a classical
academy at Hackettstown, N. J. He studied for the
bar with the Hon. A. G. Richey, of Asbury, and was
admitted during the November term of 1855. He
practiced for three years at Bloomsburj', N. J. In
1862 he was licensed as a counselor, and the following
year appointed by Governor Parker prosecutor of the
pleas of Hunterdon County, which office he held five
years. After seven years' residence at Clinton he
removed to Flemington, in 1865. In 1868 he was
elected, and in 1872 re-elected, to Congress by the
Democratic party. In Congress he took an active
part. His speeches were printed, and gave evidence
of a thorough understanding of the subjects under con-
sideration. His speech on the civil service, in 1872,
was considered by the opposition as the ablest that
had been delivered in Congress upon that question.
At the close of his second term he resumed the prac-
tice of law at Flemington. He is an earnest and
working Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian
Church, is interested in Sabbath-school work, and was
for one term president of the County Bible Society.
As a lawyer he is engaged upon most of the leading
cases coming before the Hunterdon County courts.
He was married in 1854 to Annie, daughter of Thomas
Hilton, of Bloomsbury, Hunterdon Co. In the Demo-
cratic conventions of 1877 and 1880 he was a promi-
nent candidate for the nomination for Governor. He
was engaged as one of the counsel in the case of the
Patenburg rioters, and also assisted in the prosecu-
tion of Brennan, charged with the murder of his wife,
at High Bridge, both being cases of note not only in
this county, but exciting much interest throughout
the State.
Jacob Weart was born June 8, 1829, in Hopewell
township, then in Hunterdon County. The birth-
place of Mr. Weart was adjacent to the line between
Hunterdon and Somerset, and his father afterwards
extended his farm by the purchase of lands in Som-
erset which were annexed thereto. He resided with
his father until the spring of 1848, when he went to
Clinton, Hunterdon Co., to study law with Dr. John
Manners, who was both a lawyer and a physician.
* Biographical Encyclopajdia of New Jersey, p. 149.
In 1849 he opened an office at New Germantown and
commenced practicing in the justice's court, still con-
tinuing his legal studies. In the latter part of 1850
he entered the office of the late Ezra Darby, of Eliza-
beth ; he also studied with John J. Chetwood, com-
pleting his legal reading with Chief Justice Mercer
Beasley, of Trenton, in 1852, when he removed to Jer-
sey City, where he has since resided.
Mr. Weart was licensed as an attorney and solicitor
June term, 1852, and as a counselor-at-law June
term, 1855. From March, 1867, until April, 1871, he
was internal revenue collector for the Fifth District
of New Jersey; during his incumbency he collected
and paid into the Treasury nearly ten million dollars.
He conceived the idea of erecting a monument to the
memory of John Hart, one of the signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence from New Jersey, and drew
the act appropriating the money by the State, the
first appropriation ever made by tbe State of New
Jersey to commemorate the memory of any of her
dead. On the dedication of the toonument, at Hope-
well, July 4, 1865, Mr. Weart made the opening ad-
dress, and Governor Joel Parker delivered the oration
and eulogy.f
Both as a lawyer and an advocate, as a writer and
an orator, Mr. Weart reflects credit not only upon
the county of his nativity, Hunterdon, but upon the
home of his adoption, Hudson County.
Edmund Peeey was born at Basking Ridge, Som-
erset Co., Oct. 4, 1825. He was sixth among the sons
of Samuel Perry, three of whom were members of the
bar of New Jersey and one a physician. Edmund at
an early age taught school for a time at Clarksville,
in this county ; he afterwards studied law at Asbury
with Hon. A. G. Richey, now of Trenton, and further
prosecuted his legal studies at New Brunswick. He
was admitted to the bar in October, 1848, and began
practice at New Hampton, from whence he removed
to Flemington. For a time he was editor and pub-
lisher of the Hunterdon Democrat, a journal estab-
lished at the last-named place. In 1859 he was
elected to the State Senate, and in 1861 chosen by
that body as its president, which honorable station he
filled with dignity and in a manner that gained him
much praise. As president of the Senate he officially
received President Lincoln when he passed through
Trenton, en route to Washington, previous to his first
inauguration. Mr. Perry was chairman of the judi-
ciary committee for two years. He was appointed
judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1866, and
served five years. He was a prominent member of
the Democratic party, and his acquaintance was ex-
tensive throughout the State ; during many years he
was the intimate and esteemed friend of the Stock-
tons, Chancellor Williamson, and others of the old
leaders of the party.
f Mr. Weart's address at Hopewell at the " Centennial Celebration,"
July 4, 1876, was published in various newspapers and in "Flowers'
Family Magazine," vol. i. p. 261.
'''»''--a_^,r„,„j/ 5«rto"«-
cnt
THE BENCH AND BAR OP HUNTERDON COUNTY.
213
Mr. Perry had ever a warm and true heart for his
friends, manifesting an untiring devotion to their in-
terest and an earnest zeal for their preferment or
honor. He gave much attention to politicSj was a
zealous partisan, and was considered one of the
shrewdest politicians of this section. He died, after
a short illness, Nov. 2, 1878,* and left a widow and
three children, ^two sons (hoth members of the bar)
and a daughter. Samuel E. Perry is now practicing
law in Lambertville, and Belmont Perry is prosecutor
of the pleas at Woodbury, N. J. For many years
Mr. Perry was more or less prominently connected
with public affairs, and enjoyed the commanding in-
fluence of a leader. July 15, 1848, he married Eliza-
beth A., daughter of John T. White and Charlotte L.
Woodbridge, of Hartford, Conn.
Edward Payson Conkling was born in Boonton,
Morris Co., N. J., Aug. 10, 1847. His grandfather on
his father's side, Thomas Wheeler Conkling, was for
many years principal of one of the public schools in
the city of New York, and was subsequently a mer-
chant and farmer on Long Island, where he died at
an advanced age. His father. Rev. Cornelius S.
Conkling, was born in the city of New York, and
came to New Jersey as a clergyman, settling at Boon-
ton, Morris Co., where he preached several years ; he
afterwards settled in West Milford, Passaic Co., and
after preaching there a few years removed to Mount
Pleasant, Hunterdon Co., for which he was elected
county superintendent of public schools in 1872, and
held the office seven years, when he removed to Stock-
ton, N. J., where he now resides. He married Cla-
rissa C. Mowbray, and had three children, of whom
Edward Payson Conkling is the only survivor.
The subject of this notice received the rudiments
of his education at the common schools of Mount
Pleasant, and at a private school taught in that vil-
lage by his father. He was prepared for college at
the academy in Carversville, Bucks Co., Pa., and en-
tered the sophomore class at Lafayette College, Eas-
ton, Pa., where he graduated in 1869. Subsequent to
graduation he taught one winter in the Susquehanna
Collegiate Institute, at Towanda, Pa., and then com-
menced the study of law with the late George A.
Allen, of Flemington. He was admitted to the bar
in 1872, and for two years practiced in partnership at
Flemington with Hon. John T. Bird. He then
opened an office for himself in Flemington, where he
has continued in practice ever since.
Mr. Conkling is a Democrat and one of the rising
lawyers of his county, having attained a good prac-
tice in all the courts of the State. He has taken some
active part in politics, but with a view of securing
the election of others rather than office for himself.
His talents and energies have been chiefly devoted to
the interests of his profession.
* His remainB were conveyed to Newark, N. J., by a special triiin gen-
erously proTided by the Central Railroad Cumpaoy, and there interred in
the old family-plat in the Eiver View Cemetery.
Mr. Conkling married Miss N. Jennie Kee, daugh-
ter of John Kee, of Flemington, in 1872, and has
three children, all sons.
Augustus E. Sanderson, of Lebanon, was born
in Littletoii, Mass., Feb. 15, 1832. Educated at the
Appleton Seminary, Mount Vernon, N. H., in 1854
he removed to Lebanon, N. J., and commenced the
study of law with M. D. Trefren. He was licensed as
an attorney in 1858, and made a counselor in 1863.
Immediately after his admission to the bar he com-
menced the practice of law at Lebanon. For several
years he was township superintendent of schools ; in
1870 he was elected a member of the Assembly, and
again in 1871. During both sessions he served on
the judiciary committee. He also introduced the first
free school bill, which, as supplemented by the Kun-
yon bill, is at present the existing school law of the
State. He has the respect of his fellow-townsmen as
well as of the members of the legal fraternity. He
was married, in 1856, to Mary A. Groeiidyke, of
Lebanon.
Edward R. Bullock, of Flemington, was born in
Falls township, Bucks Co., Pa., Oct. 17, 1818; hia
parents were descended from English Quakers. At
the age of sixteen Edward was apprenticed to a
marble-cutter in Trenton, N. J., with whom he stayed
five years, and afterwards worked at the same busi-
ness untn 1842, when he went to Lafayette College,
Easton, Pa., but remained only one year, again re-
suming his trade. In 1847 he came to Flemington,
and set up the marble-cutting business on his own
account. At the age of thirty-five (1853) he read law
with A. V. Van Fleet, now vice-chancellor ; he was
admitted to the bar in June, 1857, and licensed as a
counselor June, 1866. In 1868 he was appointed
prosecutor of pleas for Hunterdon County, and held
the office until 1871. In 1870 he was made United
States commissioner. " His advancement in the pro-
fession, like his preparation for it, has been gradual,
but thorough and sure. The qualities, indeed, that
shaped his earlier career, so checkered and eventful
as to have been almost romantic, could hardly fail to
inspire the admiration and trust of his fellow-citizens,
and in the long run to assure his solid triumph." He
was married in 1844 to Janet Pollock, of Easton, Pa.
His eldest son, James I., a captain in the Fifteenth
New Jersey Volvmteers, was lost with the steamer
General Lyon, and his only surviving son, John
A., is a member of the Hunterdon bar.
Peter Vredenburgh* was a native of Hunter-
don County, being born at Beadington in 1805. He
was the son of Dr. Peter Vredenburgh, of Somerville ;
graduated at Rutgers in 1826 ; studied law ; was li-
censed as an attorney in 1829, and afterwards prac-
ticed and resided in Monmouth County. He was a
distinguished lawyer, and had high official honors
f His BOD, Maj. Peter Vredenburgh, Jr., was killed at the battle of
Winchebter, Va.
^2U
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
â– conferred upon him, one of whicli was the position
of associate justice of the Supreme Court, which he
held for fourteen years. He died in 1873.
Nathaniel W. Vooehees, although a native of
Somerset (born at Mine Brook, June 29, 1829), has
spent the latter half of his life in Hunterdon. After
his graduation from Rutgers, in 1847, he read law
with the Hon. Eichard S. Field, of Princeton. Ad-
mitted to the bar in 1852, four years later he removed
to Clinton, Hunterdon Co., where he served for sev-
eral years as cashier of a banking company, and later
accepted the cashiership of the First National Bank
of Clinton, which position he still retains. In 1873,
A vacancy occurring on the bench of the Common
Pleas Court, he was appointed judge, and filled the
position so acceptably that he was tendered the ap-
pointment for the succeeding and full term ; this, how-
ever, he declined, 'as he has refused other proffered
official honors. But Mr. Voorhees was named in 1875
as a candidate for secretary of the State Senate, and
by that body was elected. He was re-elected the suc-
•ceeding year. His wife is Naomi, daughter of Samuel
Leigh, of Clinton ; they were married in 1854.
John C. Raffeety, son of William Eafferty, D.D.,
president of St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., a
native of Ireland, was born at Woodbury, N. J., Dec.
29, 1816. He was graduated from Yale College in
1835, and studied law with A. D. Logan, in New
York City ; attended the Cambridge law-school in
1837-38, and was admitted to practice in New York
in 1838. In 1841 he married a daughter of O. W.
Ogden, and settled in New Germantown, Hunterdon
Co., where he engaged in agriculture and milling. In
1853 he was admitted to practice as an attorney in
New Jersey. In 1855 he was State senator for Hun-
terdon County, in 1859 secretary of the Senate, and in
1860 re-elected as the same. In 1862 he moved to
Flemington and resumed the practice of the law, be-
ing licensed as a counselor in 1863. The same year
he was appointed by the Governor State military
agent at Washington for New Jersey, which position
he filled with great credit until March, 1866, when he
returned to Flemington. For the years 1867-69 he
was county superintendent of public schools. In 1872
he was again elected secretary of the State Senate.
He is now (1880) practicing his profession as public
prosecutor (appointed in 1877) and residing at Flem-
ington.
Alexander H. Holcombe was admitted to the bar
as an attorney in June, 1853, as a counselor in 1858.
He resides at Lambertville, where he is engaged in
practice.
Martin Wyckoff was born in Hunterdon County,
near White House, in 1834. He studied law with
Hon. Alex. Wurts, of Flemington, where he resided
until admitted to the bar, in 1860. He served with
distinction throughout the war of the Rebellion, first
in the Third, later in the Thirty-first, Regiment, and
afterwards resumed his profession at Asbury, N. J.
He married, in 1862, a daughter of Hugh Capner, of
Flemington ; she died in 1876.
OCTAVIUS P. Chambeelin, born in Delaware town-
ship, Hunterdon Co., in 1882, was graduated at the
University of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1859, and
studied law with George A. Allen of Flemington ; was
admitted to the bar in 1864, and forthwith began a
practice which has steadily grown to the present
time. He was appointed prosecutor of the pleas for
Hunterdon County, an office which he held until
1877. He is a forcible and persuasive speaker, a
patient, indefatigable, and faithful attorney.
William W. Miller, the gifted young lawyer,
although he never practiced his profession in Hunter-
don County, was a native of it. He was graduated at
Princeton before he was sixteen, then read law with
Theodore Frelinghuysen ; was admitted to the bar in
1818, at the age of twenty-one years. He resided,
after his admission, at Morristown, and later at New-
ark. His career, which opened most brilliantly, was
prematurely closed by his death, at Paris, France,
July 24, 1825, at the early age of twenty-eight years.
He was buried at "P6re la Chaise." His speech in
behalf of the Greeks, in Trinity church, Newark, in
1824, won for him applause which rang through the
whole country, and is still spoken of as a masterpiece
of eloquence.
Chester Van Syckel, son of the late Aaron Van
Syckel, was born in Union township, this county, June
6, 1838. His preparatory education was received at
the school of Rev. John Vanderveer, Easton, Pa., and
in 1859 he entered Lafayette College. He was grad-
uated A.M. from Princeton College in 1859. He at
once began his legal studies in the office of his
brother, Bennet, and at the November term, 1862, of
the Supreme Court was admitted to practice as an
attorney, and as a counselor in February, 1867. For
two years he was associated in business with his
brother, and afterwards was a member of the suc-
cessive law-firma of Bird, Voorhees & Van Syckel
aud Voorhees & Van Syckel until 1872, since when
he has practiced alone. He has for years been a special
Master in Chancery and a Commissioner of the Su-
preme Court. His' standing at the bar is high.
Charles A. Skillman, of Lambertville, was born
Dec. 16, 1827, in Hopewell, Mercer Co., N. J. His
great-grandfather was an early settler in the Millstone
Valley, now Somerset County. Charles was a gradu-
ate of Princeton in 1847 ; studied law with William
Halstead, of Trenton ; was admitted to the bar in
November, 1851, and the next year removed to Lam-
bertville, which place has since been his residence.
In 1858 he was appointed prosecutor of the pleas for
Hunterdon County, a position he held for four years.
" He enjoys a high reputation not only as a lawyer
and an officer, but as a man and a citizen. "
John F. Dumont, born near New Germantown,
Hunterdon Co., Nov. 11, 1824, was of Huguenot ex-
traction, his ancestors leaving France shortly after
THE BENCH AND BAE OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
215
the massacre of St. Bartholomew and settling in Som-
erset County about 1710. His grandfather William,
and his maternal grandfather, John Finley, both
figured prominently in the Revolutionary army. In
1845, John F. entered the law-ofBce of S. B. Eansom,
of Somerville, with whom he remained until admitted
to the bar, in January, 1849. He practiced at New
Germantown until 1852, when, having been licensed
as counselor and appointed prosecutor of the pleas
for Hunterdon County, he removed to Flemington.
In 1856 he moved to Phillipsburg, Warren Co., where
he still resides and practices his profession. He mar-
ried, in 1853, Annie E., daughter of Rev. David Kline.
Theodore J. Hoitman, of Clinton, was born in
Clinton township, of this county. He was a graduate
of Rutgers and a student of S. B. Ransom, of Somer-
ville (now of Jersey City). He was admitted to prac-
tice in 1854, and was located at Asbury, N. J., until
1860, when he enlisted as a private in the Eighth
New Jersey Regiment ; after the close of the war he
resumed the practice of law at Clinton, his native
place, where he has. since remained. "Mr. Hoflfman
has been engaged in a number of notable suits in the
New Jersey courts, that, perhaps, which gained him
greatest credit being the celebrated case of John F.
ytiger vs. The Central Railroad of New Jersey," in
#NAME?
(1855) Amanda, daughter of the late Aaron Van
â– Syckel.
Chaeles Baetles was for many years connected
#NAME?
1822 he entered the law-office of Nathaniel Sax-
ton, at Flemington, and in 1824 was admitted to the
bar. He opened an office in Flemington, and there
practiced law for twenty years. During that time,
and particularly in later years, he was interested in
real-estate operations, railroad matters, etc. (For a
further notice of this gentleman see history of the vil-
lage of Flemington, in this work.)
Stephen B. Ransom, born at Salem, Conn., Oct.
12, 1814, in the years of his early manhood engaged
in school-teaching, officiating at New Germantown
and elsewhere. He studied law under Phineas B.
Kennedy, oif Belvidere, and William Thompson, of
Somerville, and was admitted to the bar in September,
. 1844. For three years he practiced law at New Ger-
mantown. He afterwards removed to Somerville, and
#NAME?
He was twice married, his first wife being Maria C,
daughter of Jacob Apgar, a merchant of Hunterdon
County, who went to California and died there in
1849. Mr. Ransom was the candidate for Governor
on the Prohibition ticket in 1880.
John A. Bullock was born at Easton, Pa., March
6, 1847, and removed to Flemington with his parents
in April of the same year ; he commenced to learn
the trade of printer, and pursued it for nearly four
years ; afterwards read law with his father, Edward
R. Bullock ; was admitted to the bar in 1869, and has
since practiced his profession; in 1872 married Eliza
A., daughter of David Van Fleet, of Flemington. He
is a promising and rising young lawyer.
John L. Connet was born in Bedminster town-
ship, Somerset Co., Oct. 10, 1848; entered Rutgers
College in September, 1867, but withdrew, after a two
years' course, to commence the occupation of teach-
ing, and subsequently received the degree of A.B. ;
in July, 1869, he began studying law with R. S. Kuhl,
of Flemington ; he was admitted to the bar in 1873,
and has earned a reputation for sound judgment and
legal knowledge ; married, in 1879, Rosalie, daughter
of Hervey C. Finch, of Flemington. He is a very
earnest and painstaking lawyer, and faithful in an
eminent degree to the interests of his clients.
Lambeet H. Seegeant, son of Gershom C. Ser-
geant, was born near Flemington, N. J., in 1841. The
family is of German lineage. Until his eighteenth
year Lambert assisted his father upon the farm and
attended the neighboring schools, finishing with a two
years' course at the Flemington High School. He
spent four years in legal study under the preceptpr-
ship of Bennett Van Syckel, and then entered the
Law Department of the University of Albany, from
which he returned a Bachelor of Laws in May, 1868.
He then returned to the office of Judge Van Syckel,
and remained with him until the November term of
the Supreme Court, when he was admitted to the bar.
The next month he located in Lambert-ville and com-
menced the practice of law. In 1873 he was appointed
city solicitor, and again in 1876. In 1874 and 1875 he
was elected mayor, and, for the third time, in 1876.
May 6, 1874, he married Sadie, daughter of William
Scarborough, of New Hope, Pa.
Among other noted lawyers and jurists who, al-
though never practicing their profession in this county,
were natives of it, or here received their legal train-
ing, may be mentioned Judge James Buchanan,
Augustus G. Richey, Henry D. Maxwell, Woodbury
D. Holt, of Trenton, etc.
Judge James Buchanan, a distinguished member of
the Trenton bar, is not only a native of Hunterdon
County, but here received his early education, here
began the study of the law, and here passed all his
years nearly to the time of his admission to the bar,
in 1864. And, although Mercer County has the
benefit of his talents and his record, it is again to
Hunterdon he looks when choosing a helpmate for
life. He attended the public schools and Clinton /
Academy, read law with Hon. J. T. Bird, of Flem-
ington, and in 1873 married Mary I. Bullock, of the
same place.
Hon. Augustus G. Richey, another member of
the Trenton bar, was prepared for his profession in
Hunterdon County, in the office of Col. James N,
Reading, Flemington, and in 1844' selected his wife
from among Hunterdon's fair daughters, Annie G.,
eldest daughter of Hon. Isaac G. Farley.
216
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
MEMBERS OF THE HUNTBRBON COUNTY BAR.
The following is a list of the bar of this county,
showing the names of all attorneys admitted since the
year 1820, with dates of their admission to practice.
An examination of the Supreme Court records will
show that all the lawyers admitted prior to 1820, for
Hunterdon, are deceased, and that the Hon. Alex-
ander Wurts, of Flemington, was, at the time of his
death, the oldest living member of the bar of this
county. This list, with the exception of those marked
as deceased, removed, and out of practice, comprises
the present bar of Hunterdon County :
1820. Alexander Wurts.*
1821. William H. Sloau.*
1824. Charles Bartles.f
1829. Peter Vredenburgh, Jr.J
1832. James N. Reading.!
1836. William F. Olemson.t
1837. John C. Elmendorf.f
1843. John H. Wakefield.*
1844. George A. Allen,* Stephen B. RanBom.l
1848. Edmund Perry.*
1849. John F. DumontJ
1850. Sylvester G. Hill.
1861. Bennet Van SyckelJ Charles A. Skillman.
1862. Abram V. Van Fleet, Nathaniel W. Voorhees.}
1863. John C. Rafferty, Alexander H. Holcombe.
1854. Theodore J. Hoffman.
1865. John T. Bird.
1857. J. Newton Voorhees, Edward B. Bullock.
1858. Augustus E. Sanderson.
1859. Martin Wyokoff.J:
1862. Chester Van Syckel.
1863. John Belmont Perry .J
1864. Octavius P. Ohamberlin, Theodore Abbott, Richard S. Kuhl.
1868. Lambert H. Sergeant, Martin L. Trimmer. |
1869. John A. Bullock, James L. Van Syckel.J
1870. John H. Nunu.
1871. Edward P. Conkling.
1872. H. Burdett Herr, John Lilly.
1873. John L. Connett, George W. Dunham.
1874. Edward B. Reeder.
1876. William D. Allen, Henry A. Fluck, George H. Large.
1876. Asa Jones, H. G. Chamberlin.
1877. Albert B. Kline, James A. Kline, Wilmer F. Herr, Samuel E.
Perry, Wm. Bellis, Jr.
1878. J. W. Creveling.
1879. Paul A. Queen, George F. Hanson, Henry C. Suydam, Willard C.
Parker, John C. Pyatt,! Oliver I. Blackwell, C. H. Skillman.
1880. A. 0. Hulsizer, Walter F.Hayhurst, William E. Purcell, Benjamin
W. Ellicott, Lawrence S. Mott.
CHAPTER VI.
THE MEDICAL PBOFESSIOIT OF HTJlSTTEKDOIir
COUBTTY.
Medicine and Doctors in the Early Days The District Medical Society
of Hunterdon County Biographical Sketches of the Physicians of the
County, both dead and living History of Homoeopathy in Hunterdon,
etc.
Dr. John Blane, in his "Medical History of
Hunterdon County," referring to the practice of the
early days, says,-
* Deceased.
t Not now practicing.
J Removed.
" Every neighborhood appears to have had some one who could bleed
and extract teeth ; some (generally German) could cup. OccasiouHlly a
' handy man' could straighten a crooked bone if it was broken, get great
credit for doing so, and was called a doctor. Female accoucheurs were
plentiful, particularly among the German and English part of the popu-
lation.
In nearly all cases the remedies were the growth of the soil, but very "
little ' apothecary medicine* being used, and that of the most simple kind.
Lingering cases among the wealthy received attention from a great dis-
tance, Burlington, Bucks County, and Philadelphia. Easton was little
known, Somerville had not come into existence. lu looking over' the
county map and gathering all the information tangible on the subject, I
find the following-named places have been locations and centres for the
profession {they are arranged according to the date of the first physician
locating) : Pittstown, 1748 ; South Branch and Three Bridges, 1750; Beth-
lehem and upper part of Kingwood,g 1760; New Germantown, 1766
Flemington, 1765; Quakertown, 1760; Ringos, 1771; Hamden, 1783
Readington, 1784; Milford, 1700; Oakdale, or Barber Station,^ 1790
Prallsville.g 1791; Reaville,1791 ; New Hampton, 1800 ; Bloomsbury, 1800
White House, 1800 ; Lambertville, 1802;.Milltown,g 1807; CUnton, 1810
Boar's Head,g 1812 ; Clarksville, 1812 ; Spring Mills.J 1816 ; Frenchtown,
1820; Everittstown, 1821; Mount Pleasant,? 1827; Barbertown,g 1828
Lebanonville, 1831; I'en^ville, 1831; Clover Hill, 1836; Kocktown,J
1838; Sergeantsville, 1840; Little York, 1840; Bosemont, 1841; Stanton,
1841; Woodsville, 1846; California, 1861 ; Centreville, 1851 ; Fairmount,
formei ly Fox Hlll.g 1863 ; Annandale, 1866 ; Wert6Ville,g 1866 ; Meclian-
icsville, 1860; Baptisttown, 1860; Mountainville, 1861; Stockton, 1866;
Junction, 1866; Cokesburg. 1868; High Bridge, 1809; and New Mar-
ket§ at what date I cannot ascertain."
"THE DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY FOR THE
COUNTY OE HUNTERDON "
was organized June 12, 1821, at Flemington, by per-
mit and authority of the State Medical Society. The
members at organization were Drs. Nicholas Belle-
ville, || John McKelway,|| James T. Clark, || Joseph
Phillips, II William Johnson, || Henry B. Poole, || Wil-
liam P. Clark, II John Bowne,|| William Geary, || Henry
S. Harris, John A. Hendry, || Heniy H. Schenck,||
Edmund Porter, || John Sloan, || John Lilly, || 0. W>
Ogden,|| William Barnet,|| Isaac Ogden,|| and Henry
Holcombe. II
The following is a list of those who have since
joined the society, with the date of their admission:
1823.-
1824.-
1826.-
1826.-
1827.-
1828,-
1836.-
1846.-
1847.-
1848.-
1849.-
1860.-
1861.-
1852.-
1863.-
1854.-
1866.-
1866.-
1857.-
1859.-
-May 6, (John B. Price ; October 28, John F. Schenck.
-May 4, Ulsrael L, Coriell, ||W. A. A. Hunt.
-May 3, ||G. W. Case.
-May 2, ]|David P. Hunt.
-May 1, IJJohn Houeyman.
-April 29, pierrill W. Williams.lf
-May 3, John Blane, ||Jacob E. Hedges, ||WilIiam Duryea, ILewis
R. Needham, ||Henry Field, ||Joseph A. Landis; Joseph Welling.lf
|]John Manners, [Cicero Hunt, George P. Rex.
-July 14, IIHenry Southard, Benjamin Davidson.^f
-May 3, ||Josiah Quimby, ||Samuel Lilly, ||John H. Phillips,.
Thomas E. Hunt ; October 26, || William R. Hand.
-October 24, Henry Race.
-May 1, Albert S. Clark ;f November 16, HJames Pyatt.
-October 22, Justice Lessey.T[
-May 6, ||Jacob R. Ludlow, ||Abm. T. B. Van Doren; October 28,
William S. Creveling.
-May 4, [|Williard P. Combs, [Henry Smith.
-May 3, HCharles Bartolette, fA. J. McKelway, || James Riley.
-May 9, [A. H. Koon; October 26, Isaac S. Creamer, Simeon T.
Dana. I
-May 8, [John Leavett, ||J. Alfred Gray, Henry Wagoner.f
-May 3, D. W. C. Hough.f
-October 20, Matthias Abel.
-May 10, John Grandin, N. B. Boileau.
§ Have ceased to be locations for physicians.
II Deceased. ^ Removed from county.
THE MEDICAL PKOFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
217
I860. May 8, George H. Xjarison, *Henry B. Nightingale, *Alexander
Barclay.
1861. October 29, John Linaberry.
1862. May 13, Moses D. Knight, •Thomas M. Bartolette, Beriah A.
Watson it October 28, 'William Eice.f
1864. May 10, C. W. Larison; October 25, *James H. Studdiford.
1865. May 9, Irenus B. Glen ;t October 24, fLevi Tarrow, George R.
Sullivan.
1866. October 23, George T. Bibble, Asher Biley, *John K. Todd.
1867. May 14, B. B. Matthews ;t October 22, Theodore H. Studdiford,
Obadiah H. Sproul, *Charles R. Cowdric.
1868. May 12, George B. Tonng.t
1869. April 16, John Q. Bird jt October 19, Jeremiah 0. Hoff, Charles
Thompson,! *Bichard Ludlow, Nathan Caae.-f
1870. April 19, Austin W. Annitage;t October 18, A. S. Pittinger.
1871. October 17, *Charle8 M. Lee, William Knight.
1873. April 1.5, William H. Schenck, Albert Shannon.
1875. April 27, G. W. Bartow.
1876. October 17, G. M. Best, A. M. K. Beading.
1879. April 24, E. K. Deemy, John L. Cooper ; October 21, A. 0. Smith,
William B. Little.
1880. October 19, J. H. Ewing.
The first officers were Nicholas Belleville, Presi-
dent'; William Johnson, Vice-President ; Hervey B.
Poole, Secretary ; John Bowne, Treasurer. The first
board of censors was composed of Drs. John McKel-
way, John Lilly, William P. Clark, and Henry B.
Poole, who received their first application in the per-
son of John B. Price, Oct. 22, 1822 (a student of Dr.
Johnson's), for examination, which was satisfactory,
and a certificate granted accordingly ; he afterwards
became a member of the society.
From 1828 to 1835 the society was inoperative, but
was resuscitated in the last-named year. After one or
two meetings it " went to sleep," and remained in a
somnolent state until 1846, when a new charter was
granted. May 12th, by the State society to Drs. John
F. Schenck, John Lilly, John Blane, Henry South-
ard, and Benjamin Davidson, all of whom (except
Dr. Davidson, and he by John Bowne) met at Flem-
ington, July 14, 1846, and again organized by electing
John Bowne president, John Lilly vice-president,
John F. Schenck treasurer, and Henry Southard sec-
retary. Since that time the society has gone on in a
progressive manner.
The successive presidents have been :
1821, Nicholas Belleville ; 1822, John Bowne ; 1823, Isaac Ogden ; 1824,
William Johnson; 1825, John Lilly; 1826, John McKelway; 1827,
Israel Coriell ; 1828, John Honeyman ; 1836, WilUam Johnson ; 1846,
John Bowne; 1847, John Lilly; 1848, John Blane; 1849, William
Johnson; 1860, W. A. A. Hnnt; 1851, Albert S. Clark ; 1862, Samuel
Lilly ; 1853, Thomas E. Hunt ; 1864, Justus Lessey ; 1855, John Blane ;
1856, A. S. Clark ; 1857, William Johnson; 1869, John F. Schenck;
1860, John Leavett; 1861, William S. Creveling; 1862, H. B. Night-
ingale ; 1863, Matthias Abel ; 1864, Isaac S. Cramer ; 1866, J. A. Gray ;
1866, N. B. Boileau ; 1867, J. H. Studdiford ; 1868, 1. R. Glen ; 1869,
Samuel Lilly ; 1870, C. W. Larisou ; 1871, Matthias Abel ; 1872, Wil-
liam S. Creveling; 1873, M. D. Knight ; 1874, A. S. Pittinger ; 1876,
T. H. Studdiford ; 1876, George E. Sullivan ; 1877, N. B. Boileau ; 1878,
George H. Larison , 1879, William H. Schenck ; 1880, Albert Shannon.
The secretaries of the society have been :
1821-26, Henry B. Poole; 1826-36, John P. Schenck; 1836, L. R. Need-
ham; 1846, Henry Southard; 1847-51, Samuel Lilly; 1861, J. E.
Ludlow; 1852-65, Willard F. Combs; 1865-69, Alfred Gray; 1859-63,
L S. Cramer; 1863, H. B. Nightingale; 1864-71, G. H. Larison; 1871
-80, 0. H. Sproul.
t Removed from county.
The treasurers of the society have been :
1821, John Bowne; 1822-23, W. P. Clark; 1824-28, Henry Holcombe;
1836-45, John Lilly; 1846-49, John F. Schenck; 1850-54, George P.
Rex; 1866-68, John P. Schenck ; 1859-80, John Blane.
The board of censors have been :
1821, John Bowne, John Lilly, H. B. Poole, H. S. Harris; 1822, John
McKelway, John Lilly, William P. Clark, H. B. Poole ; 1823, John
McKelway, John Lilly, H. B. Poole, William Johnson ; 1824, John
Bowne, J. McKelway, H. B. Poole, John Lilly ; 1826, John Bowne,
H. B. Poole, John A. Hendry, H. Holcombe ; 1826, John McKelway,
H. B. Poole, William Johnson, John Bowne, John Lilly ; 1827-28,
J. Bowne, J. Lilly, William Johnson, J. F. Schenck, Israel L. Coriell ;
1847, J. Lilly, William Johnson, John Blane, Henry Southard; 1848,
J. Lilly, William Johnson, J. F. Schenck, G. P. Eex ; 1849, J. Lilly,
J. Blane, J. F. Schenck, G. P. Eex ; 1860, J. Lilly, J. Blane, A. S.
Clark, G. P. Rex ; 1851-52, William Johnson, J. Blane, S. Lilly, G.
P. Rex ; 1863, J. Blane, A. S. Clarke, S. Lilly, 6. P. Eex, William
Johnson ; 1854, William Johnson, Charles Bartolette, W. S. Crevel-
ing, John Blane ; 1855, A. S. Clark, I. S. Cramer, W. S. Creveling,
John Blane ; 1866, J. A. Gray, William Johnson, A. H. Koon, John
Blane ; 1867, J. A. Gray, William Johnson, S. Lilly, John Blane ; 1858,
J. A. Gray, William Johnson, J. F. Schenck, John Blane; 1859, J. A.
Gray, William Johnson, I. S. Cramer, W. S. Creveling ; 1860, J. Blane,
.John Leavett, I. S. Cramer, J. F. Schenck ; 1861, J. Blane, William
Johnson, W. S. CreveUng, J. F. Schenck ; 1862, H. B. Nightingale, N.
B. Boileau, J. Blane, M. Abel ; 1863, G. H. Larison, I. S. Cramer, W.
S. Creveling, John S. Linaberry ; 1864-66,t N. B. Boileau, M. Abel,
William Johnson, J. Blane.
Among the papers which have been read before this
organization, receiving the approbation of the society,
several of which were published, we name that by
Dr. Clark, 1821, entitled "A Cursory Analysis of the
Theory of Health, Predisposition, and Disease ;" Dr.
Johnson, 1822, "An Inquiry into the Nature and Cure
of Erysipelas;" Dr. John Sloan, 1822, "Intermittent
Fever ;" Dr. J. Bowne, 1823, " Observations on Cy-
nanche Trachealis;" Dr. J. Lilly, 1826, "Desultory
Eemarks on Vaccination ;" Dr. J. Blane, 1850, on
Allowing Graduates to Practice without License;
Dr. G. P. Eex, 1851, "Enteric Fever;" Dr. S. Lilly,
1851, "Epidemic Cholera;" Dr. Creveling, 1853,
Phthisis Pulmonalis ; Dr. McKelway, 1854, " Psoas
Abscess ;" Dr. Johnson, 1856, " Erysipelas" (contir.-
ued since 1822) ; Dr. G. H. Larison, 1864, " Small-
pox;'' Dr. Glen, "Surgery" (ordered printed); Dr.
Blane, 1865, "History of Medical Men and Medi-
cine in Upper Towns of Hunterdon County ;" Dr. T.
H. Studdiford, 1869, " Prolapsus Uteri ;" Dr. O. H.
Sproul, 1869, "Scarlet Fever;" Dr. N. Case, 1870,
Cholera Infantum ; Dr. M. Abel, 1871, " Report on
Practice of Medicine ;" Dr. Boileau, 1871, " Report
on Obstetrics" (ordered printed) ; the paper by Dr.
Armitage, 1871, on " Phthisis ;" and many others.
Of the members of the society the following served
as surgeons during the late civil war : Dr. B. A. Wat-
son, in Fourth Infantry, Nov. 25, 1864, to July 9,
1865 (as assistant surgeon from March 26, 1863) ; Dr.
G. R. Sullivan, in Thirty-ninth Infantry, as assistant
surgeon from July 11, 1862, and as surgeon from Sept.
28, 1864, to June 17, 1865; Dr. A. Barclay, Jr., in
Thirtieth Infantry, as assistant surgeon, from Sept. 15,
1862, to March 5, 1863 ; and Dr. J. R. Todd, in Sec-
X The society has had no censors since 1865.
16
218
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ond Cavalry as assistant surgeon, from April 15, 1864,
to Nov. 1, 1865. Dr. T. H. Studdifcrd was in the
medieal department in Baltimore, Md., during the war.
Honorary Members. T\ye, roll contains the following
names: Isaac Ogden,* elected May 11, 1826; J. R.
Ludlow,* elected Oct. 28, 1851 ; William Johnson,*
elected May 8, 1866 ; John F. Schenck, John Blane,
elected May 12, 1868; John McKelway,* Henry S.
Harris, elected April 18, 1871.
The meetings have always, with two exceptions,
been held at Flemington, generally alternating be-
tween the county-house and the Union Hotel. In
1862 the society met at Perryville, at the oflBce of Dr.
John Blane, and in 1864 at the office of Dr. G. H.
Larison, in Lambertville.
Up to 1872 ninety-four members had been admitted
into the society. Of this number twenty -six had been
lost by death, four had been expelled, twenty-four
had removed from the county or been honorably dis-
charged, two by cutting of the county, and seven
dropped for delinquency ; leaving, at that date, thirty-
one members in good standing. The loss in member-
ship since that time has somewhat exceeded the gain
by admission of new members ; so that at the present
time (1880) the membership numbers twenty-four, as
follows : A. Shannon, Stanton, President ; George N.
Best, Stockton, First Vice-President ; A. C. Smith,
Bloomsbury, Second Vice-President ; O. H. Sproul,
Stockton, Secretary ; John Blane, Perryville, Treas-
urer ; C. W. Larison, Ringos, Reporter ; W. R. Little,
Bloomsbury ; M. Abel, Quakertown ; N. B. Boileau,
Perryville ; Isaac S. Cramer, Sergeantsville ; W. H.
Schenck, Flemington ; W. S. Creveling, Bethlehem ;
T. H. Studdiford, G. H. Larison, Lambertville ; John
S. Linabury, Mountainville ; M. D. Knight, Little
York ; George R. Sullivan, Flemington ; George T.
Ribble, Milford; J. 0. Hoff", Bloomsbury; A. S. Pit-
tinger, Glen Gardiner ; William Knight, Clinton ; G.
W. Bartow, Three Bridges ; M. K. Reading, Baptist-
town ; John H. Ewing, Flemington.
Of the members of this society, three have become
fellows of the State Medical Society by virtue of hold-
ing the officeof president of the latter organization, •
viz., Samuel Lilly* in 1858, John Blane in 1861, and
G. H. Larison in 1874.
The following are the names of the first physicians
who settled at the several points named, with the
dates of their commencement of practice : John Rook-
hill, at Pittstown, in 1748; George A. Vescelius,
South Branch and Three Bridges, 1749; Rev. John
Hanna, Bethlehem, 1760 ; Oliver Barnet, New German-
town, 1765 ; George Creed, Flemington, 1765 ; Aaron
Forman, Quakertown, 1766 ; Gershom Craven, Ringos,
1771 ; John F. Grandin, Hamden, 1783 ; Jacob Jen-
nings, Readington, 1784; William McGill, Milford,
1790; Clark, Oakdale, 1790, or earlier; John
Bowne, Prallsville, 1791 ; William Prall, Reaville,
1791 I Holmes, New Hampton, about 1800;
Isaac Ogden, White House, 1800 ; Richard Kroesen,
•Lambertville, 1802 ; Benjamin V. C. Hunt, Clinton,
1810; James Pyatt, Boar's Head, 1812.; Jonathan
Axford, Clarksville, 1812 ; John McGloughen, Spring
Mills, 1815; Edmund Porter, Frenchtown, 1820;
Henry Holcombe, Everittstown, 1821 ; Henry S. Har-
ris, Mount Pleasant, 1827 ; William R. Hand, Bar-
bertown, 1828; Henry Field, Lebanonville, 1831;
John Blane, Perryville, 1831 ; George P. Rex, Clo-
ver Hill, 1834; Dunn, Rocktown, 1838; Rich-
ard Mershon, Sergeantsville, 1840 ; Thomas T. Mann,
Little York, 1840 ; John Barcroft, Rosemont, 1841 ;
Henry A. Kirkpatrick, Stanton, 1841; Frederick
Gaston, Woodsville, 1846 ; Jacob K. Stryker, Califor-
nia, 1849; Joseph Stevenson, Centreville, 1851;
George T. Heston, Fairmount, 1853; Robert Fen-
wick, Annandale, 1855 ; Louis Blackwell, Wertsville,
1855 ; Hoffman, Mechanicsville, 1860 ; John
Leavitt, Baptisttown, 1860 ; John S. Linaberry,
Mountainville, 1861 ; O. H. Sproul, Stockton, 1866 ;
Robert Fenwick, Junction, 1866 ; William C. Al-
paugh, Cokesburg, 1868; William Hackett, High
Bridge, 1869.
Personal sketches of many of the more prominent
medical men of Hunterdon County are here given.
John Rockhill. Dr. Blane, in his " Medical
History of Hunterdon County," says of Dr. Rockhill
that he was the first regular physician in the county
of whom there is any reliable record. He was a son
of Edward Rockhill, of Burlington Co., N. J. ; born
March 22, 1726 ; studied medicine with Dr. Thomas
Cadwallader, of Philadelphia. At the commencement
of his medical life, in 1748, he migrated to Pittstown,
Hunterdon Co., and there was physician to the So-
ciety of Friends. He died there April 7, 1798, and
was buried in the Friends' burying-ground at Quaker-
town. He married (1) a Miss Robeson, whose brother
married the doctor's sister, the grandmother of ex-
Secretary of the Navy Robeson. In addition to
Blane's record, from which the above is derived, we
add that he married (2) Elizabeth Potts, widow of
Thomas Potts, who was (1772) sheriff' of Sussex
County and a member of the Provincial Assembly of
1776. The doctor had no issue by his second mar-
riage. Her children by a former marriage intermar-
ried with his by a former wife, and for several gener-
ations the Potts and Rockhill families have been
closely intermarried. Mrs. Rockhill, who survived
her husband some years, was a daughter of â–
Lukens, of Pennsylvania, and sister to the well-known
John Lukens, surveyor-general of that State prior to
the Revolution. Dr. Rockhill was in some manner
related to the old Jersey family of Lambert (Thomas
Lambert, who came in the " Shield," 1678). In some
family papers he speaks of " Cousin Achsah" (Lam-
bert). He was therefore probably related to his pre-
ceptor. Dr. Cadwallader, who married into the family
of Lambert. He entered into some speculations in
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTEEDON COUNTY.
219
land with the latter, Dr. Eockhill doing the suryey-
ing; the papers are dated 1754-55, and show that
Cadwallader was at that date in Trenton. From the
New Jersey Biographical Encyclopsedia we extract
the following reminiscences :
" The range of country over which his functions were exercised was
enonnoua, being limited only by the Blue Mountains on the north and
the Delaware on the west, and extending on the south and east fairly
into the territory covered by the physicians of Burlington, Baritan, and
New Brunswick. Owing to the troublous state of the times, his practice
was largely surgical, one of his notable cases being a most dangerous
gunshot wound that be treated with remarkable skill and success.
During a foray on the part of the Indians living to the north of the
mountains the house of a settler named Wedges was attacked, plundered,
and burned ; and, while the family were escaping to the woods, one of
the children, a girl of twelve, was shot directly through the lungs. She
fell, as was supposed, dead; but when her people returned the next
morning she was found in the brush, very much exhausted, but yet alive.
Dr. BocKhill was sent for, the distance to Pittstown was nearly forty
miles, and the roads little more than blazed tracks through the woods,
and by his exertions saved her life. She entirely recovered, and subse-
quently married a son of Edward Marshall the Edward Marshall who
took' the famous 'longwalk' along the Delaware and reared a fatoily of
twelve children. "
Frederick A. Potts lives on a part of the old Rock-
hill property.
George Akdkew Viesselius. This old-time
physician, familiarly known as the " Red-Cheeked
Doctor,"* was born and educated in Holland or Ger-
many, and emigrated to America not later than 1749.
He lived on the " Old York Road," half a mile from
Three Bridges, in Amwell township. He was an en-
ergetic and successfal practitioner, and in his prac-
tice traversed a large district of country. He died
in 1767. His remains were interred on his own land
with no monument to mark the spot.
His wife was Miss Psyche Gardiner, of Three
Bridges. They had five children, Hendrick, An-
drus, Theodoras, Margaret, Ida. The farm remained
in the family until Henry and Catharine, his wife,
sold it. May 1, 1797, to Gabriel Carkhoff, who took
the old stone building down and built the house now
occupied by his son-in-law, Barrillia Robbins.
When Dr. Viesselius died medical advice was so
scarce that his widow was frequently called on, and
she, with the assistance of a bound boy (Jacob Tidd),
often prepared washes, salves, plasters, etc. Jacob
afterwards set up business for himself.f
John Manners, who was a physician as well as a
lawyer,! was born in Hunterdon County in 1786.
He was the son of John and Rachel Manners. After
a full course in the College of New Jersey he entered
the Medical Department of the University of Penn-
sylvania, from which he received his degree of M.D.
in 1812. Soon after, he was licensed to practice in
New Jersey. He located at Flemington, but subse-
* So called on account of one of his cheeks being very red, probably a
congenital aflfection. BUtne,
t The reader is referred to Dr. Blane's " Medical History of Hunterdon
County" (p. 80) for an amusing anecdote involving Drs. Viesselius and
Bamet.
XSee sketch with "Bench and Bar of Hunterdon CJouoty," in this
work.
quently removed to a handsome country-seat near
Clinton, this county, to which he gave the name of
Belvoir. Having married (in 1810) a daughter of
Dr. Thomas Cooper, of South Carolina, he was
brought into intimate relations with many eminent
Southerners, which developed in him an admiration
for Southern character and customs, and led him to
make Belvoir, as near as he could, the model of a
Southern homestead. He became a member of the
County Medical Society in 1836. His latter years
were devoted more to law than to physic. He died
June 24, 1853, and by his will he prescribed his place
of burial^ and his epitaph, which is as follows :
" Erected to the memory of Hon. John Manners, Esq., A.M., M.D., and
Counsellor-at-Law of the Supreme Court, United States of America. The
Friend and Medical Pupil of Benjamin Rush, M.D., LL.D., Philadelphia.
The Friend, the Pupil, and the Son-in-Law of Thomas Cooper, M.D.,
LL.D., etc., of South Carolina ; and the Friend and Correspondent of
Thomas Jefferaon, LL.D,, of Virginia, formerly President of the United
States.! "
John Bowne studied medicine under the instruc-
tion of Dr. Moses Scott, of New Brunswick, and Prof.
William Shipman, of Philadelphia. He was licensed
in 1791, and commenced at once to practice in Pralls-
ville. Four years later (1795) he removed to Bingos,
where he followed his profession for over sixty years,
and at the same time successfully managed his farm.
" He was born Sept. 2, 1767, upon a farm which was
in June 28, 1778, the battle-field of Monmouth, the "
scenes of which battle were indelibly stamped upon
his memory, and during which his father and family
sought refuge in the woods and two days later re-
turned to a desolated home.
He was, says Dr. Stephen Wickes,1[ "intelli-
gently conservative in the adoption of new modes of
practice. He was a man of cheer, fond of anecdote,
quick in reply, and possessed of a temperament which
rendered labor light. Business and duty were not
hardships to him. He was a member of the Presby-
terian Church of Mount Airy, and for more than fifty
years one of its raling elders. In the eventful times
in which he lived he was warmly attached to the in-
stitutions and liberties of his country, and was ready
on all suitable occasions to give expression to his
opinions, and to sustain these with argument spiced
with the wit and humor for which he was noted. He
never descended to the vulgar, nor in any way brought
reproach upon the Christian name which he so uni-
formly illustrated, and to which so early in life he
connected himself"
He became quite wealthy. He died Nov.- 4, 1857,
on the farm at Barber's Station on which he had
lived for nearly sixty-two years,** and now the resi-
dence of his only son, Hon. Joseph G. Bowne. He
was a prominent member of the State Medical So-
ciety, which conferred upon him the honorary degree
g Trenton, N. J.
I Biographical Encyclopsadia of New Jersey ,':pp. '463, 464.
iy History of New Jersey Medicine, Wickes, p. 163-64.
** Medical and Bttrgiml Reporter, November, 1859.
220
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
of M.D. He was also one of the founders, an active
member, and for years an officer, of the Hunterdon
County Medical Society. He was elected a member
in 1818 of the Cliosophic Society of Nassau Hall,
Princeton.* His remains were interred in the Barber
burial-ground, on the road from Headquarters to
Lambertville, where a beautiful engraved obelisk of
Italian marble marks his grave, on the shaft of which
is:
On the right-hand side :
" John Bowne, M.D.,
Bom
September 2d, 1767.
Licensed
August 3d, 1791.
Died
NoTember 4th, 1857.
Fifty yeai-s a
Kuliog Elder iu the
2d Presbyterian Church, Amwell. "
On the left-hand side:
" Ann Coole,
wife of
John Bowne, M.D.,
Born
March 6th, 1770.
Died
Febraary 18th, 1866. "
" Dr. Bowne was a most remarkable man. Although
of small stature, he was blessed with a very robust
constitution, was a man of the most indomitable en-
ergy. His practice in his palmiest days extended
over an area of more than twenty miles long by six
miles wide, at a time when public roads were few and
far between, his labors being performed principally
on horseback. He might at all times and seasons of
the year, in fair weather or foul, be seen emerging
from his gate at the earliest dawn on his daily visits
to his patients. As a physician he was bold, and at
the same time a sound and judicious practitioner.
He possessed the regard and esteem of all his profes-
sional brethren in a most unbounded degree.! "
Oliver Baenet, born in 1743, was a brother of
Dr. William Barnet, of Elizabethtown, who was not
only distinguished as a physician, but was a promi-
nent Whig and patriot during the Revolution. The
home of Oliver was in New Germantown, Hunterdon
Co. He was wealthy, endowed with civil offices, and,
like his brother, an earnest Eevolutionary patriot and
successful physician. He was surgeon of the Fourth
Eegiment, his commission dating' Feb. 14, 1776. J He
was one of the associate justices at the trial in West-
field of the murderer of Eev. James Caldwell, of
Elizabethtown.
Dr. Barnet's name is still remembered in the place
of his residence in connection with many anecdotes
illustrative of his peculiar character. One is related
by the Eev. Dr. Messier, of SomervUle. Dr. Barnet
« Biographical Bncyclopa-dia of New Jersey, p. 475.
+ Dr. Blane's Med. Hist. Hunterdon County, p. 26.
X Stryker's Register.
had a colored man, Cuffy, who drove his coach and
was a favorite. After building a vault for himself on
a sightly knoll, he told Cuffy that when he died he
might be put in it with himself and Mrs. Barnet; but
Cuffy stammered, ' N-n-no, doctor, I guess not."
Why not, Cuffy? Well, doctor," said Cuffy,
" there will be a resurrection; and if the devil comes
for you, he might make a mistake and take me. No,
I don't want to be put there. The old doctor laughed "
and changed the subject. Dr. Barnet died in 1809,
aged sixty-six. His remains rest in the vault alluded
to, erected on his estate.^
Isaac Ogden, born near Elizabethtown, N. J., in
1764 was graduated at Princeton in 1784. Upon enter-
ing his profession he settled at Six-Mile Eun, near his
native town. He there married a daughter of Elder
Peter Stoothoff". It was said that he rocked the cradle
of his wife when an infant, while as a student he
boarded in her father's family. || The only child by
this marriage became in early life the wife of Eev.
Isaac N. Wyckoff, D.D., then of Somerset County,
now of Albany, N. Y. She died in 1827.
Dr. Ogden left his first place of residence, and after
being a short time at White House removed to New
Germantown. He there succeeded to the practice of
Dr. Oliver Barnet, his brother-in-law, about 1809, and
during the next few years practiced extensively and
successfully. He had considerable celebrity as an ob-
stetrician. He was an earnest student of astronomy,
and for several years he published an almanac, in
which were weather "prognostications" in rhyme,
which at the time had an extensive circulation, and
of which, preserved as curiosities, copies are still to
be found in out-of-the-way country-houses and in the
hands of book-collectors.1[ He became a member of
the State society in 1788, and was one of the founders
of the District Medical Society of Hunterdon County
in 1821. He was president of the latter in 1823 and
in 1826, when he removed from the county (to New
Brunswick, N. J.), was elected the first honorary
member. During the later years of his life he aban-
doned the practice of medicine almost entirely, and
acted as postmaster. He died suddenly of apoplexy,
and was buried in the graveyard of the First Reformed
Church of New Brunswick. His memorial stone has
the following inscription :
" Sacred to the memory of Dr. Isaac Ogden, who departed this life on
the 6th of May, 1829, in the 68tb year of llis age. A kind husband, an
affectionate father, an humble Christian.** "
Abraham Bertron, or Beetrand, was a practi-
tioner living on the south branch of the Raritan
Elver, not far from Readington. Tradition locates
him there about the year 1784. He lived in a small
house on the hill, near Levi Mettler's present resi-
dence. In 1786 he kept the tavern at North Branch,
§ Wickes' Hist. Med. in New Jersey to 1800, pp. 136, 137.
II Ibid., p. 351.
H N. J. Biog. Bncy., p. 436.
** MSS. Notes of Hev. Dr. Messier, et cMis.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
221
Jacob Egbert, born near Flemington, Dec. 25,
1771, was brought up there with his father, and en-
tered the Methodist ministry at about the age of
twenty-one or twenty-two, continuing as an itinerant
preacher for several years. He removed to Port Eliz-
abeth, Cumberland Co., N. J., married, commenced
the study of medicine, and was licensed in 1805. He
died at Pemberton, N. J., in the autumn of 1831.
Lewis R. Needham read medicine with Dr. Jep-
thah B. Munn, and later with Dr. John Blane ; at-
tended medical lectures, and in 1835 received his
doctor's degree. After being examined and licensed
he entered into partnership with Dr. Blane, which
association continued until his death. He was a phy-
sician of marked ability, and consequently highly
successful. He was possessed of genial manners and
a kindly disposition. His wife was Susan F. Sayre,
of Morris Co., N. J. He was born at East Haddam,
Conn., in 1806, and died at Perryville, N. J., Nov.
12, 1841.
Henky H. ScheNck, Jr., oldest son of Dr. Henry
and Ellen (Hardenberg) Schenck, of Millstone, Som-
erset Co., N. J., was born in New York State in 1782
(February). He subsequently removed, with his
father, to Neshanic, N. J. He married Jane Herder ;
began the study of medicine, but soon after became a
soldier in the war of 1812. After the war he practiced
medicine vigorously and successfully, both at Quaker-
town and at Eeadington, settling at the latter place
about 1810, and being in practice there until his death,
Dec. 20, 1823. His remains rest in the churchyard at
Eeadington. He left a widow and several children,
but none of them in the profession. His name is the
twelfth on the roll of members of the medical society
of this county. In Eeadington he resided first in the
old parsonage building, about two miles from the
church, on the road leading from Eeadington to
White House, later in the old brick Ten Eyck house,
on the Old York Eoad, east of the church, and closed
his life in a house a few hundred yards farther east,
subsequently occupied by Mr. Titus.*
John Honeyman was born near New German-
town, Hunterdon Co., Feb. 22, 1798. He was the
eldest son of James Honeyman and Mary Miller, and
a grandson of John Honeyman, who figured in the
French and Indian war under Wolfe, and during the
Eevolution as " the spy of Washington." While in
his " teens" the subject of this notice taught the New
Germantown Academy, and afterwards attended Mid-
dlebury College, Vermont. He studied medicine with
Dr. William Johnson, of White House, attended lec-
tures in 1822-23 at the University of Pennsylvania,
and commenced practice in his native village in 1824.
After a professional career of fifty years, he died Jan.
2, 1874. He held numerous offices in the medical so-
ciety and the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a
ruling elder for twenty years. He had a large prac-
* Dr. Blane.
tice, was esteemed far and wide, and by economy
accumulated a competence. His character was so
extremely exemplary that it is said of him that he
never prevaricated, never told an untruth, never ut-
tered a harsh word, never made an enemy. His death
created avoid in the medical profession which will long
be felt, for he had the love and respect of the frater-
nity. At about thirty years of age he married Miss
Elizabeth S. Nevius, daughter of Judge Peter S. Ne-
vius, of Pleasant Plains, Somerset Co. They had one
daughter, who married Judge H. D. Maxwell, of
Easton, Pa., and three sons, viz., John C, who be-
came a physician ; Peter N., a merchant ; and A. V.
D., an attorney, editor, and publisher in Somerville.
The children are all living, John and Peter in New
Germantown, their native place. For further details
of his life the reader is referred to the " Family Me-
morial," published in 1874.
John Forman Geandin was born May 28, 1792 ;
studied medicine under Dr. Newell, of Allentown, N.
J. ; practiced his profession all his life at Hamden,
where he died in 1811. His grandson, John Forman
Grandin, M.D., studied medicine under Hon. John
Manners, M.D., at Clinton ; received his degree at the
University of Pennsylvania in 1852, and has since
practiced his profession in Clinton Township, N. J.
For further sketch of Dr. Grandin see biographical
department of Clinton township.
George P. Eex, born in the city of Philadelphia,
Sept. 2, 1818, was educated in the classical schools of
that city ; studied medicine in the office of Dr. George
McClellan, and was graduated at Jefferson Medical
College in 1834; settled at Clover Hill, N. J., that
year, and practiced medicine ; was married in 1836 to
Gertrude V., daughter of Jacob Williamson, Esq.,
and in 1837 moved to Eeaville, his present residence.
In 1856 he removed to Perry, Pike Co., 111., and soon
after was appointed a member of the State Board of
Education, and assisted in building the State Normal
University, at Bloomington, 111., as a member of the
building committee. In 1861 he entered the military
service as surgeon of the Thirty-third (Normal) Illi-
nois Infantry Eegiment, and served through the war
as division surgeon and medical director ; was mus-
tered out in December, 1865. He was largely engaged
in cotton-planting near Selma, Ala., in 1866-67, and
was made post-surgeon of the United States army at
Selma, Ala., in September, 1867. In 1868 he was
elected high sheriff of Dallas Co., Ala., and in 1869
was appointed by President Grant United States as-
sessor of internal revenue for the Second District of
that State, embracing twenty-six counties. He re-
mained in this position until 1871, when, his health
failing him, he returned to Eeaville, N. J., where he
has since resided and practiced his profession, being
one of the three oldest physicians in Hunterdon
County. He became a member of the County District
Medical Society, May 3, 1836, was its treasurer in 1850,
and one of the board of censors from 1848 to 1853.
222
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
John Feelinghtjysen Schenck, a native of Ne-
shanic, Somerset Co. (born June 6, 1799), is of Dutch
descent, his ancestors having come from Holland and
settled in the Millstone valley. His father, Dr.
Henry H. Sohenck, was an assistant surgeon in the
Eevolutionary army. His maternal grandfather was
Eev. Jacob R. Hardenberg, first president of Queen's
(now Rutgers) College. He commenced reading
medicine' with his brother. Dr. Jacob R. Schenck,
and continued his studies with Dr. Henry Vander-
veer; attended the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, New York, and was licensed to practice in
1820. He established himself first at North Branch,
but soon removed to Readington ; his stay there was
also brief, as he settled in Flemington in 1822, where
he has since resided. There, for more than half a
century, he engaged in the practice of his profession.
In 1870 he retired from regular practice, and since
then his professional labors have been confined to an
occasional consultation with his son. Dr. W. H.
Schenck. When he first established himself in Flem-
ington there was but one other physician in the
place, and for a long time only the two. Possessing
high natural qualifications, a thorough professional
training, a zealous enthusiasm, and an unflagging
energy, he speedily built up a very large practice, ex-
tending over a wide reach of country surrounding
Flemington. Since 1820 he has been connected with
both the Somerset and the Hunterdon County Medi-
cal Societies ; has been president, and is now an
honorary member, of the latter association. In 1820
he married a sister of Dr. Van Deursen, of New
Brunswick, N. J. ; she died in 1848, and in 1850
he married Miss Annie M. Churchill, of Portland,
Conn., who died in 1865. His son. Dr. William H.
Schenck, is one of the leading physicians of the
county. Another son, J. Rutsen Schenck, was long
connected with journalism in Hunterdon and Somer-
set Counties, and died April 1, 1879.
Samuel S. Claek, now of Belvidere, N. J., is a
native of Hunterdon County (having been born in
Flemington, Nov. 8, 1845), although he never prac-
ticed medicine here. After i-eceiving his degree of
M.D., in 1848, he located at Belvidere, where he has
since resided.
Joseph F. Shepaed was born March 30, 1819, in
Raritan (then Amwell) township, Hunterdon Co.;
son of the late Joseph Shepard, farmer. He studied
medicine with the venerable Dr. Schenck, of Flem-
ington, with whom he remained iive years, also at-
tending the University of New York, from which he
was graduated in 1853. He practiced a short time in
Hightstown, after which he removed to Phillipsburg,
Warren Co., where he settled permanently.
Heney Holcombb, a native of Hunterdon County,
was born Aug. 5, 1797. From the College of New
Jersey he was graduated in 1818 ; with Dr. George
Holcombe, his cousin, he read medicine, and subse-
quently (1821) received his degree of M.D. from the
University of Pennsylvania. He first settled in the
practice of his profession at Rowland's Mills, in Read-
ington township, but in 1822 removed to Everitts-
town, Alexandria township, where for the ensuing
thirty-seven years he was engaged as a physician and
s'lrgeon. His practice increased rapidly, and soon
extended over almost the entire county and across
the river into Pennsylvania. One of the founders
(1821) of the County Medical Society, he was for sev-
eral years its treasurer, and in 1825 a member of the
board of censors ; also an honorary member of the
Philadelphia Medical Society. He was interested in
agricultural matters, and owned a large farm, which he
managed successfully. He died April 7, 1859. His
wife was Catherine, daughter of Samuel Case, and his
only child subsequently married Baltus Pickel, Esq.,
of Trenton.
Heney B. Poole, born at Enfield, England, April
24, 1791, came to America in 1801 ; studied with Dr.
Augustus R. Taylor, of Middlesex, N. J. ; was li-
censed in 1818, and at once began the practice of
medicine at Flemington. He was one of the founders
•of the County Medical Society, and its first secretary ;
afterwards (1826) its vice-president, and a member of
the board of censors. He was also a member and
officer of the State Medical Society. In 1827-28 he
practiced in New York, then moved to South River,
Middlesex Co., N. J., where he practiced until 1855,
when he was disabled by paralysis. He died Dec. 2,
1861, in his seventy-first year.
James H. Studdifoed was born in Lambertville,
N. J., September 12, 1832. He was the son of Rev.
Dr. P. 0. Studdiford, of the same place.* He was
graduated from the College of New Jersey with high
honors in 1852. He at once entered the oflice of Dr.
Josiah Simpson, his uncle, and began the study of
medicine. To this instruction he added three courses
of medical lectures, 1852-54, and in the spring of the
latter year received the degree of M.D. In 1856 he
was licensed to practice, and located as a physician at
Quakertown, this county, as successor to Dr. A. J.
Clark ; in 1857 he settled in Lambertville, where he
died in 1870, March 23d. He was a prominent
member of the County Medical Society, and an elder
in the Presbyterian Church.
John Wall was born in Bucks Co., Pa., in 1787 ;
received his professional education under Dr. John
Wilson, of Solebury, Pa., Dr. Wall's native town.
" About 1807 he succeeded Dr. McKissack at Pitts-
town, Hunterdon Co. ; acquired a considerable prac-
tice, and became in that locality extremely popular.
. . . His charges for professional services were very
small, and he rarely took the trouble to collect even
these. If the recovered patient left a jug of apple-
brandy at the doctor's door, it was considered in the
light of full payment of a long bill ; and while, in
* See sketch of this veDerable clergyman with history of Lambei-t-
ville, in this work.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
223
the end, his too free use of his liquid fees tended to
throw his practice into other and steadier hands, it
is none the less true that his professional ability was
quite exceptional. He was very fond of out-door
sports, hunting, fishing, and riding, and in such
passed much of his time. A marked characteristic of
the man was his use of the words ' that is,' and ' that
is to say,' on most all occasions. He never married.
He died Sept. 12, 1826,* aged thirty-nine years, "
seven months, and twenty-two days.
William P. Clark, son of Eev. Joseph Clark,
and brother of Col. Peter I. Clark, of Flemington,
was bom in New Brunswick, N. J. ; was graduated
in 1819, subsequently studied medicine, was licensed,
and practiced in Wilkesbarre, Pa. He afterwards re-
moved to Clinton, this county, and in 1821 was one
of the founders of the County Medical Society. His
essay, " A Cursory Analysis of the Theory of Health,
Predisposition, and Disease," read at the first semi-
annual meeting of the society, Oct. 23, 1821, was the
only paper read at that meeting, and the first read
before that society. In 1836-37 he was third vice-
president of the New Jersey State Medical Society.
He removed to Belvidere, Warren Co., N. J., in 1825,
and was there engaged in active practice until his
death, Sept. 4, 1857. He never married.
William Johnson, son of Thos. P. and Mary
(Stockton) Johnson, was born at Princeton, N. J.,
Feb. 18, 1789. He read medicine with Dr. John Van
Cleve of that place, and received his degree of M.D.
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1811. The
same year he was licensed, and commenced practice
at White House. For more than fifty years he was
one of the leading practitioners of the county, and
among his office students were a number of subse-
quently eminent physicians. He died Jan. 13, 1867,
at White House, where he was buried. He was one
of the founders of the County Medical Society, and a
member (and vice-president in 1823) of the State
Medical Society. He had two sons, who became
physicians, ^Thomas and John V. C. He was for
more than fifty years a member, and most of the time
ruling elder, in the Reformed Church (Rockaway)
at White House.
Edmund Pobtee, late of Frenchtown, N. J., was
born in Connecticut (1791) ; received his medical
education in New England, and shortly after being
licensed settled in Easton, Pa., from whence he pere-
grinated to Union Co., Pa., to the West Indies, and
finally back to the United States, locating at French-
town, this county, where he remained until his death,
July 12, 1826. He was one of the founders of the
Hunterdon County Medical Society, and one of its
first delegates to the State Medical Society. He was
twice a candidate for the State Assembly, and the last
time was elected. He was a successful and popular
physician, methodical to an extreme, but possessed of
* Biog. Ency, of New Jersey, pp. 460, 461.
a cheerful, sanguine temperament. He was for the
times a voluminous writer upon medical, political,
and miscellaneous topics, contributing largely to the
periodical press of the day. He cherished a desire to
write for posterity, and to this end deposited in the
cellar-wall of a house built for his use in Frenchtown,
in 1823, a curious document which a party of investi-
gating antiquarians unearthed some twenty-five years ,
later, and from which are extracted the following
paragraphs :
" To futurity I address myself, iu the year of our Lord 1823. Perhaps
this memento may be of serviee or curiosity to future generations, it
found among the rubbish of this mansion, erected by order of Edmund
Porter, M.D., physician and surgeon ; member of and principal founder
of the Medical Society of Hunterdon County, N. J. ; licentiate of the
Connecticut Medical Society, also of the Medical Society of St. Bar-
tholomew's (West Indies), and Union Medical Society of Penusylvania,
and author of a number of medical essays, political pieces, to he found
in the New York Medical Repository and AnKrican Medical Recorder, the
New England Journal of Medicine, and in the newspapers, viz.. The Tren-
ton Trite American, The Spirit of Pennsylvania, the Eastern Sentinel, etc.,
etc. ...
'' Edmund Porter was born in Haddani, Conn., June 18, 1791 ; emi-
grated to Pennsylvania in 1815 ; married Mary More, Sept. 28, 1816 ; have
three children [names and dates of birth] ; commenced the practice of
medicine in this town June 10, 1820. Intermitting fever makes its ap-
pearance after an absence of twenty years ; has been common along the
banks of the Delaware Eiver, and dysenteria interiorly ; charcoal pulv.
proved a useful adjunct in the latter complaint. , . .
Finder of this document, know that I wrote it to amuse ; if it should "
afford you an}', remember the end of all things, and prepare yourself to
die, as all of us have done whose names you see enrolled on this me-
morial, . . . We look to future generations to preserve unimpaired the
liberty and independence which thus far we have assisted to perpetuate
at the risk of our lives and fortunes. This voice from the tombs admon-
ishes you to do the same as we have done for you I ! 1 Farewell."
Of his children, it is believed, none now survive,
nor has he any living descendants! His portrait is in
the possession of the Hunterdon County Medical
Society.!
Nicholas Jacques Emanuel db Belleville,
the first president of the Hunterdon County Medical
Society, of which he was one of the founders, was
born in Metz, France, in 1752 ; was educated in that
country, and practiced in the hospitals of Paris. He
came to America in 1777, with Count Pulaski,! at-
tending him in the capacity of surgeon until the fall
of 1778, when he settled at Trenton, Hiinterdon Co.,
and there resided until his death, Dec. 17, 1831, in
the seventy-ninth year of his age. On several occa-
sions he was called to attend the exiled King of Spain,
at Bordentown. Dr. Nicholas Belville (as he was
generally called) acquired a large practice, and be-
came one of the medical pillars of the State, being
constantly sought in consultation, and the favor of
studying under his supervision being eagerly solicited
by young men desirous of adopting medicine as a
profession. His manner was quick and peremptory,
but his deportment in the sick-room was kind and
soothing. He was buried in the Presbyterian church-
yard, Trenton, of which church he was a pew-holder
and an occasional: attendant. Gen. Philemon Dick-
t Ibid., pp. 486, 487.
X Notes of Philemon Dickinson.
224
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
inson, with whom he was on intimate terms, held him
in high consideration, and to him, more than to any
other, he confided the details of his private life and
social relations. One of his pupils, Dr. F. A. Ewing,
prepared for the press, at the time of his decease, his
obituary notice, and furnished the inscription for his
tomb. He married Ann Brittain, and had two daugh-
ters, one of whom became the wife of Dr. James
Clark,* and the other, of Lieut. Hunter of the United
States navy.
John Blane, son of Thomas Blane and Elizabeth
(Toombs) Blane, was born in North Brunswick, Mid-
dlesex Co., N. J., July 7, 1802. After receiving as
good an education as the neighborhood and private
r
teachers afforded, he taught school in Hillsborough,
Somerset Co., a year, and then went to a select school
at that time taught by Abraham G. Voorhees, a grad-
uate of the College of New Jersey, boarding in the
family of the principal ; stayed a year, and then taught
a short time again, and then, in the spring of 1822,
he entered the office of Dr. William McKissack, of
Millstone, Somerset Co., N. J., under whose instruc-
tions he remained five years, with the exception of
attending medical lectures in the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons the winter of 1825-26, and the
lectures of the Rutgers Medical College, 1826-27.
The Chancellor of the State of New York having
* History of New Jersey Medicine.
decided that the diploma of Eutgers College did not
confer the right to practice in that State, he passed an
examination before the board of censors of Somerset
Co., N. J., and received his diploma from the Medical
Society of New Jersey, April 26, 1827 {the society
afterwards Jan. 22, 1856 conferred the degree of
M.D.), and commenced practice, in connection with
the apothecary business, at 526 Pearl Street, New
York City. At the end of the year he gave up this
and went to Clarksville, Hunterdon Co., N. J., in
partnership with Dr. W. A. A. Hunt, and then, in
April, 1831, removed into Bethlehem (now Union)
township, where he has resided ever since. He is a
member of the District Medical Society of Hunterdon,
served as its president in 1848 and 1855, and is
(1881) its treasurer and historian ; of the Medical So-
ciety of New Jersey (he_was for sixteen years one of
its censors, and its president in 1861). Was delegated
to the American Medical Association in 1855, and has
been since 1867, and is now, one of its necrological
committee.
In May, 1840, he married Miss Cornelia Hunt,
daughter of Isaac Smith, of Hunterdon County. By
her he has had two daughters, Nancy, the eldest,
married Dr. N. B. Boileau, of Hunterdon, and Mary
married Dr. Nathan Case, of Warren County.
His traveling over an extensive field of practice
was performed for thirty years on horseback, and, he
believes, with advantage to his general health.
Hehey S. Haeeis, one of the founders of the
Hunterdon County Medical Society, and an honorary
member, read, studied, and practiced medicine under
the supervision of Dr. Henry Vanderveer, of Bed-
minster, for four years ; afterwards in the office of Dr.
Charles Smith, of New Brunswick. After receiving
his certificate from the medical society of Middlesex
County he commenced practicing medicine in Hun-
terdon County in 1819, and continued until 1831 at
Milford and Mount Pleasant, frequently riding several
miles into Pennsylvania. He subsequently removed
to Allamuchy, Warren Co., N. J., where he practiced
thirty-five years, and then removed to Belvidere,
N. J., where he now resides. Hon. Henry S. Harris,
member of Congress, is a grandson of Dr. Harris.
Gebshom Craven was born in 1744, graduated at
Princeton in 1765, and attended medical lectures at
the University of Pennsylvania ; was surgeon of the
Second Eegiment Hunterdon troops during the Eevo-
lution. He was the first regular-bred physician to
locate at Eingos, which he did in 1771. He was
popular, persistent, and successful. He reared an
interesting family, to whose interests he was greatly
devoted. He continued his practice up to the year
1812, when he was disabled by paralysis. He died
in 1819, leaving a widow and several children to in-
herit little or no earthly estate, but the heritage of a
good name. His remains were buried in the Episco-
pal churchyard, near Eingos, where a stone bears this
inscription :
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
225
"In
Memory of
Br. G. Craven, Kebecca
his wife, and three of their children.
Doet. Gersbom Craven
Died Mny 3d, A.D. 1819,
In the 75th year of his age.
Eebeoca died March 3d, A.D. 1836,
In the 80th year of her age.
John died June Ist, A.D. 1790,
Aged 15 years.
Elizabeth died Aug. 16, A.D. 1805,
In the 27th year of her age.
Titus died Sept. 5th, A.D. 1794,
aged 6 years.
On the right hand may they stand, saying
* Here, Lord, are we and those thou hast given us.' * "
Geokge Creed, a native of Jamaica, L. I., was
born Oct. 1, 1735. Upon commencing practice, in
1765, he settled in Flemington, from whence he re-
moved to Trenton, where he spent the remainder of
his life. He died suddenly, of apoplexy, about 1775.t
He was undoubtedly the pioneer practitioner of Flem-
ington. His wife died in Trenton in 1835, in her
ninety-fourth year, and his daughter (Mrs. Eyall)
died in 1859, aged ninety-one.
Aabon Foeman was a prominent physician and
surgeoa of this county. Although an Episcopalian,
he married, in 1769, Ann, the daughter of John
Emley, a Quaker. He was a man of strong convic-
tions and firm of purpose. He joined the State Medi-
cal Society in 1767.
Dr. Forman was of Welsh parentage, and born
Feb. 4, 1745 ; he moved from Freehold, N. J., to a farm
near Quakertown, and practiced in that vicinity from
1766 to 1794, when he removed to Pittstown. He left
five sons and one daughter, all since deceased. The
latest survivor was the venerable John E., of Alexan-
dria, who died Aug. 10, 1867, aged ninety-five years.
Dr. Forman's wife, Ann, died Dec. 13, 1794, aged
fifty-two years. She and her husband were buried in
the Friends' burying-ground at Quakertown. He
erected over her grave the first grave-stone with an
inscription in that burial-ground. He died Jan. 11,
1805, and was buried by the side of his wife.
Dr. Forman was proud of his profession and careful
of his medical reputation. He early introduced in-
oculation for the smallpox, and treated many hun-
dred patients of that kind successfully. He was a
venerable-looking man, but possessed of fine social
qualities and a loving heart, combined with great
firmness of will and decision of character.
William McGill resided between Frenchtown
and Milford, on the farm now or recently owned by
Mr. Hawk. The house in which he lived is still
standing. He commenced practicing medicine in
the closing years of the last century. He married a
daughter of Thomas Lowrey, one of the pioneers of
• Blane's Med. Hist., pp. 86, 87.
f Hall's Preshyterian Church, Trenton.
Flemington, later the founder of Frenchtown, and
afterward of Milford. He had a large family of chil-
dren, none of whom are believed to be living. One
of them, Joseph, read medicine with his father. His
wife survived him, and for many years boarded a
physician. Dr. Mershon, who kept up the practice.
Dr. McGill is represented as a very popular and good
practitioner, a large, portly man, dignified in deport-
ment, and unsuspicious of any one. He died much
regretted. His remains were buried in the grounds
of the Kingwood Presbyterian Church, with the
Lowrey family. His headstone reads :
"In
Memoi-y of
DocT. William McGill,
who departed this life
June 23rd, 1816,
In the 47th year of his age.
I pass the gloomy vale of death.
From fear and danger free ;
For there His aiding rod and staff
Defend and comfort me.
Let friends no more my suffering mourn.
Nor view my relics with concern.
Oh, cease to drop the pitying tear :
I've passed beyond the reach of fear. "
William Peall was a native of Amwell, this
county, and son of Abraham Prall; born in 1771,
read medicine with Dr. Moses Scott, of New Bruns-
wick, and entered the profession in 1793, near Rea-
ville, where he continued until his death. He was a
popular physician, and had a large practice. His first
wife, Mercy Reeder, died Sept. 18, 1798 ; his second wife
was Miss Mary, daughter of Lewis Chamberlin.J Dr.
Prall's remains were interred in the graveyard formerly
attached to the Presbyterian church (since torn down
and removed), between Larison's Corner and Reaville,
where a stone contains this record :
"In
Memory of
DoCT. William Prall,
who died Feb. 9, 1825,
In the 54th year of his
age. "
Both his wives were buried in the same cemetery.?
Zaccue Peall, son of Isaac, and cousin of Abra-
ham, the father of Dr. William Prall, of Amwell, read
with his uncle, Abraham P. Hagaman, of Somerset
County. He was a graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania in 1816. He practiced in Amwell for
a while, and then removed to near Willow Grove, Pa.,
where he died without leaving any family. He is
said to have adopted and practiced homoeopathy during
the latter part of his life.||
John A. Hendey, one of the founders of the Hun-
terdon County Medical Society, in 1821, was the
eldest son of Capt. Samuel Hendry and Elizabeth
Anderson, and was born at Burlington, N. J., in
1786.11 He commenced practice at Ringos in 1808,
t See sketch of the Prall family in liistoiy of East AmweU township.
8 Blane's Medical History of Hunterdon County, pp. 94, 96.
1 Dr. Blane. H Communicated by Dr. Hendry's daughter.
226
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
and continued there until 1827, when he sold out to
Dr. M. W. Williams and removed to New York City ;
he became a member of the " Medical Society of the
City and County of New York" in 1831. He was a
member of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Jer-
sey after the death of his father, who was an ofacer in
the Revolutionary war and stood by Washington's
side when Andr6 was executed. While at Ringos,
Dr. Hendry lived in the house later occupied by Dr.
Cicero Hunt. He died June 23, 1884, by the breaking
of a blood-vessel, and was buried at Stuyvesant
church. He married Abby Chambers, of Trenton,
April 18, 1810, and had nine children. Drs. M.
Chambers and H. Holcombe were his pupils at Rin-
gos, and Drs. Pyatt and Geary were his associates. He
was commissioned by Governor Ogden as surgeon of
the militia of Hunterdon County.
H. A. Teerence was born in Cork, Ireland, Aug.
28, 1848. He is descended from a brother of Brian
Boru, one of the most celebrated of the native Irish
kings. Exiled from Ireland on account of the revolu-
tionary movement of 1864-65, he came to America,
finished his medical studies, and in 1873 went back to
Ireland. After graduating at the Royal College of
Surgeons, Dublin, he returned, in 1875, to America,
and settled at New Hampton Junction, this county.
He is accredited with being a successful practitioner.
Qliver Wayne Ogden, about the year 1811, was
engaged in a very extensive practice in New German-
town and its vicinity. He studied medicine under
the superintendence of his uncle, the late Dr. Isaac
Ogden. He attended lectures in Philadelphia, and
was a licentiate of his native State. He was a more
energetic practitioner than his uncle. His address
was prepossessing, his manners easy, and he had an
exuberance of animal spirits. He did not continue
many years in practice : having received the appoint-
ment of United States marshal for the district of New
Jersey, he let the practice go and devoted himself to
the duties of the new office. He married a niece of
Dr. O. Barnet, a Miss Wisner. He attained quite a
fortune, but lost it in unfortunate speculations. He
died about 1840, of pulmonary consumption, aged
about sixty-two years. He was one of the original
members of the District Medical Society of this
county in 1821. Hon. J. C. Rafferty, Flemington,
is his son-iu-law.
William Baknet, a nephew of Dr. Oliver Barnet,
read medicine with his uncle. Dr. O. W. Ogden, at-
tended lectures in Philadelphia, and commenced
practicing in New Germantown a little before the war
of 1812, in which he enlisted as an officer. He died
early in life. He was talented, courteous, and very
highly esteemed, and was one of the first members of
the District Medical Society of Hunterdon County,
was present at its semi-annual session, Oct. 23, 1821,
and it is presumed he died shortly after.*
Israel L. Coriell was living in Mill town. King-
wood township, and practicing there, in 1824, or
earlier. He was an active member of the county
society during its early years. Dr. Coriell was killed,
not far from the year 1828, by being thrown from his
sulky in the neighborhood of Locktown. He was a
native of Somerset County, and his remains were
taken there for interment. He never married.
Merrill W. Williams, a native of Dorchester,
Conn., practiced in Ringos from 1827 until 1829, when
he removed to Somerville, and later to New York
City. He read medicine with Dr. Lawrence Van-
derveer. He married Miss Eliza B. Duryea, of Mill-
stone. She died in 1847 ; he about the yearl877.
Jacob E. Hedges was born in Somerset County,
son of William J. Hedges, a merchant of that place.
Dr. Hedges became a member of the County Medical
Society in 1836, at which time he was practicing at
Milford. During the first of his practice Dr. John
McGloughen was living, who recommended him
highly, so that Dr. Hedges soon acquired a good prac-
tice, which was cut short by his early death. He
married a daughter of Daniel Disborough, of Mil-
ford. They had no children. He was buried in the
Presbyterian churchyard in Mount Pleasant, Alex-
andria, where a monument bears the following le-
gend:
*' Sacred
To the memorj' of
Dr. Jacob E. Hedges,
who died
July 22d, 1841,
aged 29 years, and 3 months.
Noble, generous, free-heai'ted, he
Was early called away from friends
Who deeply mourn his untimely death.
Art is long, and time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though strong and brave.
Still like muffled drums are beating
Funeral marches to the grave."
William Duryea, son of Col. H. B. Duryea, of
Blawenburg, Somerset Co., was a graduate of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania in 1833 ; was admitted as a
member of the District Medical Society of Hunter-
don County, May 3, 1836, at which time he was prac-
ticing at Flemington. Soon afterwards he removed
to the West, where it is said he died.f
Henry Southard, a native of Somerset County,
was a practitioner at Flemington and Reaville, in
this county, and a member of its district medical so-
ciety until Oct. 26, 1847, when he returned to his
native county and became connected with its medical
society. (See a further sketch, under head of " Med-
ical Profession of Somerset County," elsewhere in
this volume.)
JosiAH QuiNBY, the son of Josiah Quimby, of
Hanover township, Morris Co., N. J., was born Feb.
2, 1783. He read with Dr. John S. Darcy, attended
lectures in New York in 1815 and 1816, and shortly
)
• Dr. Blane's Medical History, pp. 39, 40.
t Dr. Blane.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
227
after located at Readington, this county, where lie
continued to practice until lie died. He married, in
March, 1818, Margaret, daughter of William Dalley,
of Readington township, whom he left a widow with
five children, William D., Phoebe, Ann, Josiah, and
Margaret He lived on the road leading from Read-
ington to Centreville, about equidistant between
them ; he afterwards lived on a farm on the road lead-
ing to Pleasant Run, known as the Aray farm, where
he died. He was a man of easy and kind disposition,
very moderate in his charges, and very diffident in his
collecting ; of which fact, no doubt, some took advan-
tage, to his and his family's injury. In the new ceme-
tery attached to the Readington church, on a large
headstone, is the following :
"In
Memory of
JOBIAH QUINBT, M.D.,
who died
February 14th, 1854,
Aged 61 years, and 12 days.
Let friends forbear to mourn and weep.
Whilst sweetly in the dust I sleep;
The toilsome world I left behind,
A glorious crown I hope to find. "
Albert S. Clakke, who practiced at Quakertown
from 1848 to 1856, became a member of the County
Medical Society in 1849, firom which he was honor-
ably discharged in 1856, at which time he removed to
Bushnell, 111., where he was recently living and prac-
ticing his profession.
James Pyatt was a native of Middlesex County,
read medicine with Dr. Freeman, of Woodbridge, at-
tended lectures in New York, and located at the
Boar's Head in Delaware (then Amwell) township,
where he resided until his death, continuing to prac-
tice until near the time of his decease. He married
Sarah King, daughter of Jeremiah King, a wealthy
landholder in that neighborhood ; she and three chil-
dren survived him, John (since deceased, leaving no
children), J. King Pyatt, living near Croton, and
Rachel (since deceased), who became the wife of Dan-
iel Rittenhouse, of the same place. Dr. Pyatt was
active and energetic, and had a large practice. He
also kept the Boar's Head Hotel for several years. He
was buried in the cemetery attached to the Old School
church at Baptisttown, and over his grave appears
the following legend :
* Da, James Ptatt,
Died
October 26th, 1864,
Aged 80 years and 29 days.
Death is the path that must be trod.
If ute would pass from Earth to Gfod ;
Clap our glad wings and fly away,
To join the blessed in endless day."
Abraham T. B. Van Doben, born June 15, 1823,
practiced in Readington from 1843 to 1848, and at
Ringos, 1850-52 ; subsequently went South, but soon
returned to Branchville (now South Branch), where
he died, June 30th of that year. (See sketch in "Med-
ical Profession of Somerset County," in this work.)
Willaed F. Combs was a native of Delhi, N. Y.,
born in 1828. He came to New Jersey and read medi-
cine with his cousin, Dr. H. S. Combs (son of Seth
Combs, of Delhi), who was then practicing medicine
in German Valley, Morris Co., N. J. He attended
lectures in New York, was licensed in 1851, and the
following year was admitted a member of the district
society of Hunterdon County, and was at once elected
its secretary, vice Dr. J. R. Ludlow, resigned and re-
moved from the county. Dr. Combs practiced at Stan-
ton and at Flemington, where he died of pericarditis,
Aug. 16, 1854. He was a member of the Baptist
Church. His wife was Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Asa Jones, of Flemington. He left two children,
Frank and Caroline, living in Flemington. " A gen-
tleman of prepossessing manners, comely in person,
and very sociable, he enjoyed a popularity seldom
possessed by one so young in the profession."*
Chaeles Baetolette, a native of Flemington,
was a son of Rev. Charles Bartolette, Baptist minis-
ter of that place. He read medicine with Dr. Mer-
shon, of Flemington, and was graduated from Jeffer-
son Medical College in 1846, when he commenced
practice in Milford, this county, succeeding Dr. Wil-
liam Taylor. He there continued until his death.
" He was a good practitioner of both medicine and
surgery. He was about five feet eight inches in
height, well proportioned, brown hair, expressive
blue eyes, frank, open countenance, good conversa-
tional powers, pleasing in address, and in every way
calculated to win and retain the confidence and af-
fection of his patients, as well as of all others who
knew him. March 8, 1851, he married Anna, daugh- "
ter of George and Ellen Carpenter, of Milford ; she
and four children (Ellen, Peter, Louisa, Charles) are
still living. He was buried in the Union Cemetery,
Milford, and over his grave the marble records :
" Born
April 8th, 1826,
Died
March 10th, 1866.
The warm heart that throbbed for others' sorrows, and the
open hand of charity, are now still in death; and
await the awards of the great Physician. "
He also was a member of the District Medical So-
ciety.
A. J. McKelway, who was practicing at Ringos
from 1852 to 1854, and was a member of the Hun-
terdon County Medical Society, removed from the
county in 1854; was surgeon of the Eighth New
Jersey Volunteers from Sept. 14, 1861, to April 7,
1864 â– is now practicing medicine in Gloucester Co.,
N. J., of whose county medical society he is a mem-
ber.!
Simeon S. Dana, a graduate of Jefferson Medical
* Dr. Blane's Medical History.
t Ibid., p. 63; Trans. State Medical Society, 1880, p. 9.
228
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
College, received his diploma from the State Medical
Society in 1852, while residing at Finesville, Warren
Co., N. J. In the fall of 1854 he removed to Earitan
township, locating at Clover Hill as the successor of
Dr. Eex. In the same year he joined the County
Medical Society. He died in 1861, in the prime of
manhood, while on a visit to the place of his nativity
in Massachusetts. His wife was a Miss Julia Hall,
of Somerset County, who, after her husband's death,
removed with her children to Massachusetts.
Thomas M. Baetolette, youngest son of Rev.
Charles Bartolette, and brother of Dr. Charles, with
whom he studied medicine, was born in Flemington,
Nov. 4, 1827. In 1855 he was graduated from JeflFerson
Medical College, when he commenced practice at
Mount Pleasant, succeeding Dr. Jacob Winters. In
1864 he moved to Asbury, N. J., where he died Sept.
29, 1866. He was buried near his brother, in the
cemetery at Milford.* He was a member of the
medical society of this county. He married, in 1855,
Amy K., daughter of Henry W. and Sarah Johnson,
of Milford, and left one child, Evangeline, who
has since become the wife of a Mr. Johnson, of Mil-
ford. Mrs. Dr. Bartolette subsequently married a
Mr. Hallahan, and is living near Eiegelsville.
Chables B. Ferguson was Dr. Wall's successor
at Pittstown, locating there in 1826, and continuing
his practice with average success for five years, when
he removed to Doylestown, Pa., where he subsequently
died.
RlCHAKD Gagen, who practiced in Pittstown from
1835-37, was a native of Ireland. He was well read
in his profession, and very successful in practice. He
would not stoop to some of the customs of the times.
From Pittstown he removed to Philadelphia, thence
to New Orleans, where he died about 1840. He was
a very precise man, and remarkably neat, but very
diffident and unassuming.
George T. Blake was a native of Maine, a grad-
uate in medicine in the city of New York ; located in
New Germantown, this county, in 1853; practiced
there four years or more, and removed to Elizabeth.
He subsequently made a specialty of treating cancers.
He died in 1861.
Ciceko Hunt, born in Mercer Co., N. J., studied
medicine with Dr. James T. Clarke, of Trenton, and
located in 1828 at Eingos, where he labored as a
physician unremittingly for thirty-five years, until
1863, when he relinquished the business to his partner,
C. W. Larison, M.D. He died Dec. 1, 1876.
Jacob W. Williamson, son of Abraham Wil-
liamson, born May 12, 1821, residing near Eingos,
practiced a short time at his native place. He went to
California, but after a short stay came back and located
at Somerville. In 1852 he returned to Eingos, where
he died August 9th. He was buried in the cemetery
between Pleasant Corner and Eeaville.
* "He was the last of the surviviDg brothers of the fsiraily. All the
sisters, four io number, still survive." K-ant. StaU Society, 1867.
Jacob Jennings, the first physician located in
Eeadington, practiced there in 1784, and probably
earlier. He owned and resided on the farm where
Jacob G. Scomp now lives. He had an extensive
practice. He was a member of the North Branch
(now Eeadington) Eeformed Church, and in 1789 be-
came a minister of that, and later of the Presbyterian,
denomination. He was the grandfather of Governor
Henry A. Wise, of Virginia.
Ebenezer Sherwood, born in Woodbury, Conn.,
in 1782, studied medicine with Drs. Charles Smith
and Moses Scott, of New Brunswick. After being
licensed to practice he located in Eeadington (1807),
where he continued seven years. He married Miss
Elizabeth Sloan, by whom he had one child, Eliza-
beth, deceased. His first wife dying in 1814, he mar-
ried Mrs. Elizabeth Lane, widow of John Lane, and
removed into German Valley, locating at what is now
known as Middle Valley, where he practiced until
1844, then removing to Peapack, where he spent the
remaining nine years of his life, dying Feb. 25, 1854.
He was a Presbyterian, a man of ordinary size, rather
slender, of general good health, although in his later
years rheumatism compelled him to use crutches.
While practicing in the valley he had a private insti-
tution for the treatment and relief of the insane.
This was before the day of asylums. He left a widow,
four sons, and three daughters. The eldest, Eev.
Jona. H., was in charge of the Presbyterian Church
at Milford, where he died ; Marshall, the youngest, is
a practicing lawyer in Iowa; the other two are
farmers.
John Van Horn, a native of Eeadington, this
county, was a pupil of Dr. Jacob Jennings, and com-~
menced practice about 1787, living in the house with
his brother on the Old York Eoad, about one and one-
half miles from the Eeadington church. He practiced
for twenty years, and was found dead in the road,
after a dark, stormy night, some distance from home,
near David Scomp's, with indications of epilepsy.
The head-stone in the Eeadington churchyard con-
tains the following :
"In
Memory of
DocT. John Van Horn,
who departed this life
A. D. 1807,
In the 41st year of his age.
A message for me was suddenly sent.
My age but forty-one ;
My friends, make haste for to repent,
For your time may quickly come. "
Wesley Cramer, son of William Cramer, of
Round Valley, Hunterdon Co., after acquiring his
profession, located in Eeadington in 1854. He
boarded with L. B. Stout. He subsequently prac-
ticed in Lebanon ville, and afterwards to Aurora, 111.
William P. Woodruff, who practiced in Mil-
ford from 1830 to 1837, moved thence to German Val-
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTBEDON COUNTY.
22"9
ley, where he stayed but a short time; removed to
Ohio, and died there in 1851.
William Mobelan came from Sussex Co., N. J.,
to New Hampton in 1810, and practiced there ten or
more years. Dr. Blane says, " He is spoken of both
by patients and members of the profession as a popu-
lar and successful physician. He was generous and
confiding, loved to enjoy life in his peculiar way,
and was not content unless he had a friend to partake
with him. He had been twice married, had a son,
"William, whom he educated for the profession, and a
daughter, who married John Hunt, near Asbury. "
Samuel W. Fell, born at Wilkesbarre, Pa., in
1788, located at New Hampton before the war of
1812. He married Miss Lydia, daughter of Maj.
Henry Dusenberry, and commanded a company, the
Washington Greens, in the war of 1812, and after
its close resumed his practice at New Hampton, but
subsequently removed to Belvidere, where h? died,
July 11, 1824, aged thirty-six years. His wife died
March 18, 1839, aged forty-eight years. His only son,
J. W., studied medicine under Dr. McClenahan, and
after his graduation went to England.
John Van Cleve Johnson, son of William John-
son, M.D., deceased, of WhiteHouse, studied medicine
with his father, whom he for some time aided in his
extensive practice. He then removed to Somerville
and assisted Dr. H. Vanderveer, and in July, 1858,
returned to White House, practicing with his father
until the latter's death, in 1867. He still pursues his
profession there, occupying his father's late residence.*
Dr. Thomas Johnson, another son of William, is now
practicing at Eeadington.
Thomas Elder, a rather eccentric Scotchman, who
purchased at a sheriff's sale most of the village of
Bloomsbury after the manufacture of iron was dis-
continued, practiced medicine rather for the accom-
modation of his neighbors than from choice, but was
popular and successful therein. He was a high-
minded, honorable man, but very proud. He finally
sold out and removed to Philadelphia with his
family.
Hugh Hughes, son of Dr. John S. Hughes, who
was his preceptor, practiced at Washington, N. J.,
from 1816 to 1822, when he changed locations with
Dr. John Sloan, then at Bloomsbury. Dr. Hughes
practiced at the latter place from 1822 until his death,
in 1856, April 22d. He was born March 17, 1794.
He never married. He was buried in the Greenwich
churchyard. His obituary may be found in vol. ix.
of the Medical and Surgical Reporter.
Richard Kroesen, born in Eeadington township
in 1766, a pupil of Dr. Jacob Jennings, practiced
in Eeadington, New Germantown, Eingos, and Lam-
bertville, where he died, March 19, 1807, aged forty-
one years. His remains, at first interred in the Pres-
byterian cemetery at Lambertville, were afterwards
* Dr. Blane's Medical History of Hanterdon County, p. 98.
removed to Mount Hope Cemetery. His wife was
Miss Abigail, daughter of Abraham Ten Eyok.
William Coryell came with Dr. John Lilly as a
stable-boy. When he grew up he studied medicine
with his employer, and was graduated in the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania in 1826. He then went into
partnership with his preceptor and benefactor, and
continued until his death, three years later.
William Alexander Anderson Hunt, one of
the oldest practitioners in the county, was the son of
Eev. Holloway W. Hunt, for many years pastor of
the Presbyterian churches of Alexandria and Bethle-
hem. Dr. Hunt read with Dr. William McKissack, at-
tended medical lectures in New York, and was licensed
to practice in 1816 ; he joined the Somerset District
Medical Society in 1817, and that of this county in
1823. The University of the City of New York con-
ferred on him, in 1847, the honorary degree of M.D.
He practiced in Eeadington 1817-19, and at Clarks-
ville until near the time of his decease, Sept. 9, 1878.
David FoRST.f a native of Solebury, Bucks Co.,
Pa., born in 1786, read with Dr. John Wilson, of that
place, and in 1807 settled to practice in the lower part
of Kingwood, where he continued as a successful phy-
sician until his decease, Aug. 6, 1821. His wife died
in Philadelphia in 1862, aged seventy-three years.
Both were buried in " Barber's Burying-ground."
Benjamin Van Cleve Hunt, son of Daniel Hunt,
of Clinton, after acquiring his profession, located near
that place. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Dr. John F. Grandin, of Hamden. About 1819 he
emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died. He
sustained a good reputation as a practitioner, and
well maintained the dignity of the profession.
CoNYNGHAM Crawford, a native of Ireland, was
graduated from Eutgers and Jefferson Colleges, and
settled at Hunt's Mills (Clinton) in 1828. He built
the house lately occupied by Dr. Henry Field, de-
ceased, to whom he sold. He removed to Philadel-
phia in 1832 ; subsequently went to Louisiana, where
he died.
John McGloughlen was born in Ireland. He
came to Alexandria township about 1787, taught
school, boarding with Dr. George Campbell. He
married Miss Jane Stull, and commenced farming at
Helltown (now Spring Mills). He was frequently
called to visit the sick and prescribe for them, and
after Dr. Campbell was afflicted with paralysis (1812),
and particularly after Dr. McGill's death, in 1815,
these calls for medical aid were greatly increased.
" He was, through the wants of the times, the com-
mon consent of the people, owing to their confidence
in his skill and ability, made emphatically the Cin-
cinnatus of our profession; and the next year (1816)
the Legislature passed a law licensing all who were
in regular practice at the time. This completed his
ability to collect, but did not add to his practice, as
f Generally pronounced Fuss.
230
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
he alreadj' had all he was able to do, riding day and
night. He practiced over grounds on which there
are no less than fourteen practicing physicians now
located, at a time when roads were poor and no
bridges to cross the Delaware. He practiced largely
in Pennsylvania, and was for over fifteen years sur-
geon to the Second Regiment of the Hunterdon bri-
gade of militia. He was a stout-built, full-habited
man, with keen blue eyes and browu hair. He was
quick at repartee, kindly in his manners, and very
hospitable. He died Sept. 17, 1835, and was buried
in the Stull (now known as Salter's) burying-ground,
between Milford and Frenchtovvn.* "
Jacob K. Steyker, a native of German Valley,
Morris Co., read medicine with Dr. Combs; was
graduated at the University of New York, 1849; lo-
cated at California, this county, where he practiced
until his death, Sept. 8, 18(32, at the age of forty-one
years and eleven months. He was buried in the
cemetery attached to the Lo^ver Yallej' Presbyterian
church. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Leonard
Flomerfelt. His one surviving child is since deceased.
He was a very careful and observant practitioner, and
a much more useful man in the profession than some
who have made more noise and stir in the world. He
was a member of the Lutheran Church.
CoENELius W. Larison was graduated M.D., Jan.
20, 1863. He immediately thereafter settled at Rin-
gos, Hunterdon Co., where he has since been engaged
in the practice of medicine and in educational matters,
in which he has always taken a lively interest.!
Rev. Geoege H. Laeison, of Lambertville, studied
medicine with Dr. Samuel Lilly, of Lambertville ;
attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania,
in 1858 receiving the degree of M.D. He com-
menced practicing in Bucks Co., Pa., but the fol-
lowing year removed to Lambertville, where he has
since resided, and where he has an extensive and
lucrative practice. He is a member of the County
Medical Society, and was for seven years its secretary ;
is also a member of the State Medical Society, and
for years wa,s one of its vice-presidents or its jjresiding
officer.^
Andrew B. Larison was born at Sandy Ridge,
Hunterdon Co., Dec. 31, 1841. He was the third son
of Benjamin Larison, and a brother of Dr. C. W.
Larison, of Ringos. He entered Geneva Medical
College in 1861, graduating therefrom in 1864, and
immediately entered the United States army as an
assistant surgeon. After the war he attended the
Lewisburg (Pa.) University, and was ordained a min-
ister of the Baptist Church in 1870 ; henceforward he
was engaged as principal of the Ringos seminary,
and as pastor of the church at the same place until
his death, Sept. 25, 1872.
Geoege R. Sullivan, of Flemington, son of
* Dr. Blane, Med. Hist, 1673.
t See further sketch in history of East Amwell tuwiishiii.
X See further sketch in history of Lanihertville.
James T. Sullivan, of Pennsylvania, was born in
Maryland in 1836. He was graduated from Newton
University, receiving his degree of M.D. in 1859 from
the Maryland Medical College. He removed to Hun-
terdon County in 1860, locating in Flemington, and
laboring successfully as a physician until July, 1862,
when he entered the service of his country as assistant
surgeon of the Fifteenth Volunteer Infantry Regi-
ment. After two years' service with this command
he was (1864) appointed surgeon of the Thirty-ninth
Regiment, and served until peace was declared. " Few
surgeons rendered more continuous service in the
army than Dr. Sullivan, and certainly none more
valuable. From the battle-fields of Virginia he re-
turned to Flemington, wdiere he resumed his jirofes-
sional duties, continued uninterruptedly until the
present time, with the exception of a few months'
visit to Europe in 1S80. His practice is extensive,
and he is in frequent request as a consulting physi-
cian. He has rare ability as a surgeon, and has per-
formed many of the most important oj^erations which
have claimed the attention of the profession in the
State." He married, in 1877, Miss Adah, daughter
of the late George F. Crater, of Flemington.
John H. Ewing, who is now, and has been since
1879, associated in practice with Dr. Sullivan, is a
native of Flemington, where he was born in the year
1853. He was graduated at Jefiersou Medical College
in 1877, and subsequently practiced his profession at
St. Mary's Hospital, Philadelphia.
De Witt C. Hough was for six years engaged as
a physician at Frenchtown. He removed to Rah way,
N. .1., in 1856 ; was surgeon of the Seventh New
Jersey Infantry Regiment during the war ; since its
close has enjoyed various civil honors and a large and
iuflnential practice in the city to which he removed
from this county. He was a member of the District
Medical Society of Hunterdon County during his
residence here, joining in 1855 and being honorably
discharged in 1856.
William H. SfHENCK, born at Flemington, Sept.
21, 1826, attended the public schools of his native
place and the gramimar-school of Rutgers College ;
commenced the study of medicine under the instruc-
tion of his father. Dr. John F. Schenck, and was
graduated from the University of New York in 1848.
He then entered into practice at Flemington, in com-
pany with his father. In 1850-51 he was engaged in
medical practice at Ringos, and after a year spent in
the drug business in New York he embarked in 1853
for Australia, where he resided for fourteen years,
engaged in mining and in the practice of his pro-
fession. While there, in the year 1862, he married
iMargaret JIcLean, a native of Scotland. In 1867
he returned to America and resumed his residence
and his practice in Flemington, where he still con-
tinues.
John Lilly was a prominent physician and resi-
dent practitioner of medicine in Lambertville since
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
231
1809* He was the son of Samuel Lilly, barrister, and
â– was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1783. He was
apprenticed to Dr. Samuel Stringer, of Albany,
N. Y., and after serving four years was licensed in
1807. In 1808 he commenced practice at Keading-
ton, Hunterdon Co., succeeding Dr. John Van Horn,
but the following year removed to Lambertville,
same county, becoming the successor of Dr. Kroesen,
then recently deceased. He was in 1821 one of the
founders of the District Medical Society of Hunter-
don County ; was its president in 1825 and 1847, vice-
president in 1823 and 1846, treasurer from 1836 to
1846, a censor from 1821 to 1825, inclusive, and in
1847-48, and was repeatedly a delegate to the State
Medical Society, of which he was an active member.
"His mind and character were those of a refined
gentleman, scrupulously neat in his personal habits,
pure and chaste in all his acts and words ; he was
very attentive to his patients ; his judgment sound
and clear, and his practice in emergent or dangerous
cases prompt and energetic. . . . He was always a
stickler for the most rigid professional ethics. He
never permitted himself to be betrayed into the vio-
lation of the strictest code, and was not slow to con-
demn such violation on the part of others.! He was "
a member, even early in life, of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church, and for years a vestryman or senior
warden of St. Andrew's at Lambertville. In 1840-41
he was a member of the Legislative Council of New
Jersey. He died June, 1848.t His wife was Miss
Julia Moodie, of Lansingburg, N. Y., whom he
married in 1808.
Samuel Lilly graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania with the degree of M.D. in 1837, and
immediately entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession at Lambertville. He soon acquired an exten-
sive business and high reputation as a physician. He
was a leading member of the County Medical So-
ciety,? of the State Medical Society (of which he was
president in 1853), and an official of the American
Medical Association. He died April 3, 1880. He
was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery. " As a practi-
tioner he preferred surgery, and was a good and safe
operator." He wrote many medical essays, etc., was
a man of temperate habits, about five feet nine inches
high and weighing two hundred pounds, frank and
affable, and of refined and literary tastes. He was
twice married, in 1839 to Mary A. Titus, of Mercer
County, who died; in 1860 to Mary Ellen Torbert
(widow), daughter of Lewis Coryell; she died in
1867.11
Geokge W. Campbell, late of Frenchtown, and
son of James Campbell, was born at Newtown-Stewart,
* New Jersey Biographical EncyclopEedia, p. 75.
t Dr. John Blaae.
I On one of the vralls in the interior of St. Andrew's church is a tablet
to his memory, the inscription on which ends with these words: "In puce
dormet.^^
§ Admitted May 3, 1847.
I See sketch in connection with "Bench and Bar."
County Tyrone, Ireland, Aug. 15, 1758. Educated
at Dublin University, he received special medical in-
struction from Dr. Farling. He received his degree
of M.D. while the American Revolution was in prog-
ress, and, sympathizing with the patriot cause, he
emigrated to this country and joined the Continental
army. He served as surgeon until peace was de-
clared, when he settled at Frenchtown.^ In 1787 he
became a member of the State Medical Society. His
exceptionally thorough education and his extensive
surgical experience during the war combined to throw
into his hands a very large practice. Here he mar-
ried Rachel, youngest daughter of Jeremiah Thatcher,
by whom he had two children.** He was actively
engaged in his profession until prostrated by paralysis
in 1812, his death following a second stroke in Au-
gust, 1818. He was buried in the Kingwood Presby-
terian churchyard.
William Welch, a native of Hunterdon, born in
Bethlehem, Sept. 12, 1837, son of William Welch, of
Valley Station, who was a farmer in that township.
After his graduation, in 1859, he settled in Philadel-
phia, Pa., which has been his residence and the
theatre of his professional labors until the present
time. He holds high rank in the profession, both as
a practitioner and as a writer.
John Leavitt, of Baptisttown, was born in New
Hampshire in 1819. He read with Dr. R. M. Mc-
Lenahan, of New Hampton, Hunterdon Co. After
receiving his diploma he commenced practicing at
Asbury, Warren Co., but after some subsequent
changes located at Baptisttown, this county, in 1854.
He was there engaged in active practice until his
death, Oct. 20, 1875. He was a member of the Dis-
trict Medical Society, and in 1860 its president. He
was very conservative in practice.
Howard Sehvis was born near Ringos, Hunter-
don Co., Oct. 6, 1829. His father. Garret, was post-
master at Clinton, also sheriff and a member of the
Legislature; his mother, Susan Stout, was a grand-
daughter of John Hart, a signer of the " Declaration."
Howard was a student of Dr. Charles C. Philips, of
Deerfield, N. J. ; entered the Medical Department of
the University of Pennsylvania in 1856, and in 1858
received his degree. He at once commenced the
practice of medicine at Fairmount, this county, but
in 1863 removed to New Hampton, and succeeded to
Dr. R. M. McLenahan's practice, the latter giving up
professional labor on account of failing health.
About three years ago he removed to Hampton Junc-
tion. He has made the record of an eminently suc-
cessful physician and surgeon. In 1867 he married
f He was commissioned " surgeon, hospital Flying Camp, Continental
army, April 11, 1776." Slrjiter'e Regisla- New Jersey in the Revolution.
** His wife survived him, living with her daughter until her decease,
Feb. 14, 18:)7. His daughter, Ann (who married John Fine, Esq., of War-
ren County, since deceased), subsequently lived with her son in New
York City. Hia son, James, died in lS\5.Blane's Medical History of Eun-
O'.rdnn Connty.
232
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Belinda, daughter of Philip Johnston, of Washington,
N. J.
Henry A. Kiekpateick, son of the late Rev.
Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D., of Amwell, was born in
1816. Having read medicine in the office of Dr.
Cicero Hunt, of Ringos, he entered Jefferson Medical
College, where he was graduated M.D. in 1841, and
the same year established himself at Stanton, Hun-
terdon Co., where he continued until his decease.
He acquired a large practice and the reputation of a
skillful physician. He married (1) Mary Servis, of
Ringos, and (2) a daughter of Jacques Quick, of
Readington. He died Sept. 29, 1851. He was buried
in the cemetery of the United First Presbyterian
Church of Amwell, and the marble over his grave
bears this inscription :
"lu
Memory of
DocTR. H. A. Kirkpatrick,
who died
Sept, 29th, 1S61,
III the 35th year of his age.
Oft between Deiith and his patient he stood,
And relieved by the healing art.
Yet thoupli science and knowledge his mind had enlarged.
He fell by the conqueror's dart.
But Death though the body he brings to the tomb
In spite of the genius of man,
The soul that's in Jesus is free from all harm.
Let bis power do all that it can. "
His wife, Mary, died April 7, 1846, aged thirty
years, and her grave and that of her husband are side
by side.
Sylvester Van Syckel, of Clinton, was born
in Union township, Hunterdon Co., Feb. 21, 1826.
He is a son of the late Aaron Van Syckel, and a
brother of Judge Bennet Van Syckel, late of Flera-
ington, now of Trenton. The family is of Dutch
extraction. Graduating from Princeton in 1846, he
became the pupil of the celebrated Dr. Valentine
Mott, and attended lectures at the University of New
York ; became an M.D. in 1849, and was successively
assistant physician, house physician, and house sur-
geon of Bellevue Hospital. He was appointed by
Governor Clark one of the quarantine hospital phy-
sicians in 1850, during the ship-fever epidemic. He
removed to Clinton (1850), commenced there the
practice of his profession, and soon had an extensive
ride. For many years he has held a leading place
among the physicians of that section. March 24
1853, he joined his fortunes with those of Mary E.,
daughter of John Carhart, of Clinton. Of his six
children, three are now (1880) living, John C, Wil-
liam C, and V. Lamar.
Nathaniel B. Boileau, son-in-law of Dr. John
Blane, graduated an M.D. in 1858, and has since
practiced in this county, for the past thirteen years at
Perryville. See further sketch in the history of Union
township.
John R. Todd was graduated from the New York
College of Physicians and Surgeons, March 10, 1864.
April 15, 1864, he was commissioned an acting as-
sistant surgeon in the United States volunteers, and
attached to the Second New Jersey Cavalry Regiment.
Nov. 1, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and in
January, 1866, having been licensed, he commenced
practice at Lebanonville, Hunterdon Co. He was a
member of the District Medical Society, and in ex-
cellent standing as a physician and citizen. He
married a daughter of W. Johnson, Esq. He died
(Lebanonville) in 1876. In October, 1880, his widow
married Dr. John Grandin, of this county.
William Wetherell, of Lambertville, son of a
Methodist Episcopal minister, was born in Wrights-
town, Bucks Co., Pa., Jan. 1, 1819. His literary edu-
cation was received at the Newtown Academy, and
his medical instruction from Dr. C. W. Smith, of
Wrightstowu, supplemented by two courses of lectures
at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1846. He soon
after removed to Lambertville, N. J., and commenced
practice. During the years that have supervened he
has won the confidence and esteem of the community
in which he resides. " Jealous for the honor of his
profession, and concerned for the safety of the public,
he has always given earnest attention to the subject of
regulating the practice of medicine, and was mainly
instrumental in getting through the Legislature the
present law regulating practice in the State."
Robert Mills McLenahan, who practiced as a
physician at New Hampton, Hunterdon Co., from
the time of receiving his doctor's degree (1836) until
within a short time of his death, which occurred
April 28, 1864, was born Oct. 19, 1817, at Pennington,
N. J. ; studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Welling,
and was graduated from the New York Medical Col-
lege. His genial manners, combined with high pro-
fessional abilities, won him a reputation seldom
enjoyed by u. country physician. So heavy became
his labors, and with constantly failing health, that he
called in the professional aid of Dr. Howard Servis,
who became his successor. His first wife was Chris-
tiana, daughter of the late Aaron Van Syckel, of
Union township ; she died March 8, 1856. His second
wife, a Jliss Johnston, survives him. His remains
repose in the Baptist churchyard in ITnion township.
John Alfred Gray was born on the homestead-
farm of his father, Joseph Gray, in the vicinity of
Princeton, July 6, 1812. His mother's maiden name
was Annie Furman ; his parents were both natives of
New Jersey. Before entering college he was the
pupil of Rev. Dr. Baird, of Princeton. He was grad-
uated at Nassau Hall in 1S;!2, and studied his profes-
sion with Samuel ETowell, M.D., of Princeton ; at-
tended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, from
which he was graduated in 1836. He then removed
to Toledo, Ohio, and for a time was assistant editor
of the Tn/nio Blade; from thence he removed to
Rocky Hill, Somerset Co., where he practiced from
1844 to 1854, when he removed to Flemington, where
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
233
he continued until his death. July 3, 1837, he mar-
ried Miss Ahhy Douglas, of Trenton, N. J., who died
at Eocky Hill, Feb. 22, 1846. On May 24, 1848, he
married Miss Jane Allen Hart, daughter of the late
Neal Hart, Esq., of Eocky Hill* who survived him.
Dr. Gray was an efficient practitioner, but failing
health in his later years impaired his usefulness in
the profession. He was conservative in practice, and
yet not behind the times. He was a member in good
standing of the District Medical Society of Hunter-
don County, attending to his duties with alacrity,
and was its president in 1865. In 1864 he became
a member of the American Medical Association. He
died at his residence in Flemington, Sept. 29, 1872.*
Henry Eace, son of Jacob Eace and Sophia Hoff
his wife, was born Feb. 23, 1814, in Kingwood, now
Franklin, township. He studied medicine with Drs.
H. H. Abernethy and Henry Southard, and graduated
in the Medical Department of the University of Penn-
sylvania, March 31, 1843. He commenced the prac-
tice of his profession immediately after, at Pittstown,
Hunterdon Co., which situation he has occupied ever
since, except from February, 1849, to April, 1851,
spent in California. He was married May 6, 1857, to
Ada Louisa Woodruff, of Milford, N. J.f
Geokge Newton Best, son of Cornelius Best and
Elsie Alpaugh his wife, was born at Eound Valley,
Clinton township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., Oct. 16,
1846. He prepared for college at Pennington Insti-
tute, Pennington, N. J., and entered Lafayette Col-
lege, class of 1873 ; passed through freshman, sopho-
more, and half of junior year. On leaving college he
took charge of Eiegelsville high school ; also taught
at Wilmington, Del. He studied medicine under the
preceptorship of Dr. A. S. Jordan, of Eiegelsville,
N. J. ; attended three courses of medical lectures and
graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, 1875.
He commenced the practice of his profession, the
same year, at Eosemont, Hunterdon Co., where he
still remains. He was married in 1877 to Hannah,
daughter of Eichard Wilson, of Eaven Eock, N. J.
Thomas Edgar Hunt, son of William A. A. Hunt,
M.D., and his wife Eliza S. Auten, and grandson of
Eev. Hollovvay W. Hunt, who for more than forty
years was the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of
Bethlehem, was born at Clarksville, Hunterdon Co.,
N. J., about 1827. After receiving his preliminary
education he studied medicine with his father, and
attended the medical lectures of the University of
New York, graduating in 1847. On the 3d of May
of the same year he received from the medical society
of New Jersey his diploma to practice in this State,
and at the same time became a member of the Dis-
trict Medical Society of the county of Hunterdon.
Of this society he was vice-president in 1852, and
president in 1853. About this time he received the
* Dr. John Blane, in Trans. Stiite Society, 1872, pp. 112, 113.
t See also slietch of the Kace family in the history of Franklin town-
ship, in this work.
16
honorary degree of A.M. from the College of New
Jersey, at Princeton. In 1848 was delegate to the
American Medical Association, and was for some time
permanent member of the same. He married Miss
Cynthia Martin, daughter of Judge Martin, of Orange
Co., N. Y. ; they have had a large family of children,
six of whom are living, two daughters and four sons.
William C. Alpaugh, a native of Tewksbury
township, this county, born Sept. 14, 1841, was of
German extraction, his ancestors being among the
earliest settlers of the State. He lived upon his fath-
er's farm until his .sixteenth year, and for two years
thereafter was engaged in school-teaching. He spent
the two years following at the Hackettstown Presby-
terian Seminary, and then read medicine with Dr.
Barclay, of Lebanon, N. J. In 1865 he entered the
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and in 1867 was
admitted to practice in the Charity Hospital, con-
nected therewith. The next year he was graduated
second in a class of more than one hundred students.
He at once began a regular practice, but in the spring
of 1869 was induced to settle at High Bridge, Hun-
terdon Co. He was associated on the start with Dr.
Fields, of Clinton, but after 1872 practiced alone.
He has a deservedly high reputation as a physician
and surgeon, an extensive practice, and a wide ride.
Alexander Barclay, whose father was also a
physician,! was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, Jan. 9,
1832. He read medicine under his father, attended
lectures, was graduated M.D., and licensed by the
board of State censors. He then (1860) began prac-
tice at New Germantown. During the war of the
Eebellion he served as assistant surgeon of the
Thirtieth Eegiment New Jersey Volunteers, resign-
ing therefrom March 5, 1863, and returning to New
Germantown. He resumed his practice, which he
continued until his death, caused by his horse taking
fright and running away, he being thrown from his
carriage ; his skull was fractured and effusion resulted,
causing his death at the end of three days, June 18,
1865. His professional standing was excellent. He
was a member of the County Medical Society. He
was quite a musician, and, in fact, had a diversity of
talents. His wife was a Miss Waldron, of New Ger-
mantown ; left two children, a son and a daughter.
John P. B. Sloan, born near Bloomsbury, N. J.,
May 26, 1799, after being licensed as a physician, es-
tablished himself in Bloomsbury, Hunterdon Co. He
subsequently removed to Washington, N. J., and died
at Ea-ston, Pa., Feb. 10, 1849. He was one of the
founders, in 1821, of the Hunterdon County Medical
Society, in whose archives is still preserved a well-
written dissertation by him on "Intermittent Fever,''
read before that body at its semi-annual meeting in
October, 1822, which shows that he was disposed to
analytical investigation of disease, a taste by no
means common among country practitioners of his
J Dr. Alexander Barclay, of Newhurg, N. T.
234
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
time. He was the son of Eev. William B. Sloan, for
many years pastor of the Presbyterian Church of
Greenwich, Warren Co., N. J.
John S. Linabeery, born in Morris Co., N. J.,
son of John Linaberry, received his primary educa-
tion in the schools of Hunterdon County, was a stu-
dent at Ann Arbor University, Michigan, and gradu-
ated in medicine at the University of the City of New
York in 1861, soon after which he settled at Moun-
tainville, in Tewtsbury township, this county, w'here
he has since successfully practiced his profession. In
1862 he was married to Ellen Eobinson, of this county.
Henet B. Nightingale was the son of the Rev.
Nightingale, a Baptist minister of Doylestown,
Pa. He was well educated, was a graduate at Phila-
delphia, a member of the District Medical Society of
this county, a scientific and judicious practitioner,
and was a member of the Baptist Church. He prac-
ticed his profession at Eosemont (commencing about
the year 1859) and at Flemington, ending his days of
usefulness at the former place, Sept. 10, 1873, aged
about fifty years. He left a widow and a large family
to mourn his loss.
James Eeiley, born at Durham, Bucks Co., Pa.,
in the year 1829, was graduated from Union College
in 1849; studied medicine with Dr. Condict, of Blairs-
town ; attended lectures at the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, New York City, and soon after com-
menced practice at Lambertville, in this county. In
1862 he was appointed surgeon of the Twenty-fifth
Eegiment of New Jersey Volunteers, and soon be-
came brigade surgeon ; was mustered out of service in
June, 1863. He helped to raise the Thirty-third
Eegiment New Jersey Volunteers, and was appointed
its surgeon. He served with distinction until the
close of the war, in 1865. He died March 23, 1872,
at Succasunna, N. J., where he had enjoyed an ex-
tensive practice for years.
John Watson Young, son of Nelson V. Young,
Esq., was born at Mount Airy, in West Amwell town-
ship, this county, Jan. 1, 1840. He studied with Dr.
William Wetherell, of Lambertville, who was his at-
tending physician during his last illness. He matric-
ulated at Jefferson Medical College, and was gradu-
ated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1862. The
same year he located at Montague, Sussex Co., N. J.
there practiced his profession, and there died, Feb.
14, 1864. He was buried at Mount Airy. His son
bears his name, John Watson Young.
AsBUEY Parish, M.D., was born May 17, 1846, at
Franklin, Delaware Co., N. Y. He was graduated at
the Jefi"erson Medical College of Philadelphia in
March, 1874 ; served as substitute resident physician
at the Pennsylvania Hospital for some time; was
then appointed to the resident staff of jphysicians of
the St. Mary's Hospital, and served one year. In the
summer of 1876 he commenced practice in Fleming-
ton, where he is still located. He married Theresa
H. Down in February, 1877.
The practicing physicians in the county at the
present time are the following : Matthias Abel, T.
M. A'Hearn, William C. Alpaugh, John Blane, N.
B. Boileau, George N. Best, G. W. Bartow, Isaac S.
Cramer, William S. -Creveling, Emanuel K. Deemy,
John H. Ewing, John F. Grandin, William Hackett,
T. Edgar Hunt, Edgar Hunt, Jeremiah O. Huff, John
V. 0. Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Moses D. Knight,
William Knight, Cornelius W. Larison, George H.
Larison, John S. Linaberry, William E. Little, J. D.
McCauley, Asbury Parish, A. S. Pitinger, Henry
Eace, A. M. K. Eeading, George P. Eex, Lewis C.
Eice, George T. Eibble, Asher T. Eiley, John V.
Eobbins, John F. Schenck, William H. Schenck,
Howard Servis, 0. H. Sproul, Albert Shannon, A. C.
Smith, Theodore H. Studdiford, George R. Sullivan,
Sylvester Van Syckel, Horace G. Wetherell, William
Wetherell, Peter C. Young.
HOMCEOPATHY IN HUNTERDON.
The first person in this county to practice medicine
upon the principle of similia similibus curantur ("like
cures like") was Claeence W. Mitlfoed, a retired
Baptist clergyman of Flemington. He was not, we
believe, a college graduate, although well read in the
science of medicine. He became pojjular as a phy-
sician, and had an immense practice. This, taken in
connection with his enfeebled state of health, caused
him, in 1860, to associate with himself Dr. Joseph Tay-
lor, but he continued in active practice nearly to the
time of his death, which occurred in July, 1864. He
was pastor of the Baptist Church in Flemington from
1844 to 1849. His son. Dr. Joseph Mulford, was a
graduate of Hahnemann College, Philadelphia. He
removed to New Brunswick, N. J., was a surgeon in
the army during the Eebellion, and is now serving in
the same capacity in the United States army.
William E. Hand, a native of Somerset County,
commenced the " regular" practice of medicine in
Hunterdon County at Clarksville in partnership with
Dr. W. A. A. Hunt in 1826. He married a daughter
of J. Annin, of Somerset, and in 1827 removed to
Barbertown, this county. While at this place he be-
came a convert to the principles of Hahnemann, for
in 1856 his name was dropped from the roll of mem-
bers of the District Medical Society of Hunterdon
County " for practicing homoeopathy." He remained
in practice at Barbertown until 1870, when he re-
moved to Virginia, and died there in 1871, aged about
seventy-five years.
J. Irons, formerly of Philadelphia, settled in Lam-
bertville about the year 1859. After a residence and
practice there of two or three years he removed from
the place, and is since deceased.
Joseph Taylor, also of Philadelphia, came to
Flemington in 1860, as stated above, to assist Dr.
Mulford. He was a grandson of the celebrated Rich-
ard Gardner, M.D., of Philadelphia. Dr. Taylor
served for two years as a surgeon in the Union army,
THE PRESS OF HUNTEEDON COUNTY.
235
1862-63, after which he practiced his profession in
Flemington until 1866, and at Frankford, Pa., until
his death, in 1871. He was a graduate of Hahne-
mann College.
J. J. CuEEiE, a native of Swedesboro', N. J., and
a graduate of Hahnemann College, came to Flem-
ington in 1866, where he practiced until 1871, then
removed to Hightstown, in this State. He subse-
quently went to Columbus, Burlington Co., N. J.,
where he is now engaged in active practice.
T. B. J. BuRD was born in 1846, ki Hunterdon
County ; graduated from the Hahnemann College in
1871, and at once commenced practice at Washington,
Warren Co., N. J., but soon removed to Flemington,
engaging at once in a practice of homoeopathy, which
he still continues. He is a member of the Homoeop-
athic Society of New Jersey.
Isaac Coopee, formerly a resident at MuUica Hill,
Gloucester Co., N. J., established himself as a prac-
ticing homoeopathic physician at Frenchtown in the
year 1871. Four years later he removed to Trenton,
where he is still in practice.
John M. Lowe came to Milford, Alexandria town-
ship, of this county, in 1873, where he is still en-
gaged in his profession. He was graduated by the
University of New York in 1858, and has been prac-
ticing homcBopathy for the past fifteen years.
Rurtrs Eeed, from Yonkers, N. Y., settled at Lam-
bertville in 1877, and is now (1880) practicing there.
He was graduated from Hahnemann College.
David Kittingee was also a graduate of the
Philadelphia College (Hahnemann), and settled in
Flemington in 1861 or 1862. When Dr. Taylor went
into the army. Dr. Kittinger took his practice, but
upon the former's return the latter removed to Wil-
mington, Del., where he now resides and practices.
By the above it will be seen that there are at the
present time only three regular homoeopathic physi-
cians in Hunterdon County, viz.. Dr. Lowe, at Mil-
ford ; Dr. Eeed, at Lambertville, and Dr. Burd, at
Flemington.
There is no homoeopathic medical society in this
county.
CHAPTER VIL
THE PKESS OF HUNTEEDOIT COUNTY.
First Newspaper in the State The First Paper in the County The Hun-
terdon Gazette, the Pioneer Paper in what is now Hunterdon The
Hunterdon Eepublican Clinton Newspapers The Lambertville Press
The Press of Frenchtown Other Papers.
The State of New Jersey did not have a newspaper
until the year 1777,* although a magazine of some
note "The American Magazine" had been pub-
* It was styled the New Jersey Gazette, and commenced Dec. 5, 1777.
Imprint: " Burlington, printed hy Isaac Collins." A folio sheet, about
eight by twelve inches, price twenty-six shillings per annum. It was re-
moved to Trenton in 1778, and discontinued in 1786.
lished at Woodbridge, Middlesex Co., some years
before. About six months after the New Jersey Oa-
zette suspended, the Federal Post or the Trenton Weekly
Mercury was established (May 5, 1787), which has
since passed through many hands and changes of title,
as the Advertiser and as the Federalist, and is now
the State Gazette. The True American appeared in
1801, and disappeared in 1828, although the name
was again revived in 1845. In 1821, Stacy G. Potts
and Joseph Justice commenced the Emporium, a relig-
ious and literary paper ; in 1827 it became a Jackson
organ. It was discontinued in 1838, the year Mercer
County was formed. The National Union was pub-
lished in 1833,- by E. B. Adams. These papers were
the only newspapers published in Trenton, so long as
that place remained in Hunterdon County.
THE HUNTERDON GAZETTE.
The first paper which was issued in what is now
Hunterdon County was the Hunterdon Oazette. This
paper was printed and published at Flemington, by
Charles George, editor and proprietor ; it appeared as
a non-partisan sheet on the 25th day of March, 1825,
and was placed at the rate of two dollars yearly.
Mr. George continued to publish the Gazette until
the 2d of May, 1832, when the paper was discontinued,
although Mr. George continued to keep a job-office
until July 18, 1838, when John S. Brown bought the'
material and revived the Oazette. He continued the
publication until the 1st of March, 1843. Mr. Brown
changed the paper to a Whig organ, and advocated
the election of William H. Harrison to the Presidency.
At the last-named date the paper was sold to John
H. Swallow, who was aided in conducting the paper
by Henry C. Buffington, who had it under his control
for some years, Mr. Swallow subsequently retiring.
In 1856 (possibly earlier) the paper was edited by
Willard Nichols. After his retirement (date not
known) Alexander Suydam became the proprietor,
and sold it in 1863 to J. Eutsen Schenck,} who sold
it to Charles Tomlinson in July, 1866. Mr. Tomlin-
son changed the name of the paper to the Democrat,
and published it until July 10, 1867. At that time
he purchased the
HUNTERDON COUNTY DEMOCRAT,
and united the two interests, and continued to pub-
lish under the latter title until his death. Thus it
will be seen that the Hunterdon County Democrat, as
at present organized, is the successor of the first paper
published in the county.
This, the second paper established, was commenced
as a political necessity on the 5th of September, 1838.
The Gazette, up to near that time, was non-partisan,
and readily gave either party a hearing. This, how-
ever could not last, and, the Gazette soon after becom-
ing the organ of the Whigs, their political opponents
+ Son of Dr. John F. Schenck, of Flemington, who served his appren-
ticeship in the Hunterdon Democrat ofBoe, under Mr. Seymour.
236
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
were left without a journal devoted to their interests.
The Democrats, feeling the need of a mouthpiece,
took measures to start a paper : on the 5th of Septem-
her, 1838, the Hunterdon Democrat, appeared under
the proprietorship of G. C. Seymour, and printed for
the proprietor by Josephus Shann. It was a sheet
twenty-one by thirty inches in size, and the subscrip-
tion was two dollars per annum. Mr. Shann left the
Democrat April 1, 1839, when Mr. Seymour assumed
the whole management.
In September, 1849, Hon. Edmund Perry* became
the editor and proprietor, and held it until 18.54. On
Jan. 1, 1853, Adam Bellis became the publisher under
some agreement with Mr. Perry. About Jan. 1, 1854,
Mr. Bellis became owner in part, and continued to
manage it as editor and publisher until July, 1866, at
which time it passed into the hands of Dr. Nightin-
gale,! who, as its editor and publisher, managed it till
July, 1867, when Charles Tomlinson became the
owner, and merged the two interests of the Democrat
(formerly Oazette) with the Hunterdon County Demo-
crat, and continued to publish it until his death, Aug.
5, 1875. Under the management of Adam Bellis (now
of the Warren Journal) the Democrat became a paying
institution, and under the management of Charles
Tomlinson its prosperity was increased.
After the death of Mr. Tomlinson the property and
good will were purchased by Robert J. Killgore, who
succeeded to the chair editorial on the 1st of October,
1875, and who continues to give his attention to the
paper.
The Democrat, in all the forty-two j-ears of its exist-
ence, has been conservative in its course, and has ex-
ercised an influence for union and harmony in the
party that established it. It has taken no part in the
making of candidates for local or county ofiices, but
when made it has exerted an honest and persevering
influence to elect the same. Of all the editors of the
Democrat but two survive, Adam Bellis and the pres-
ent editor. Mr. Swallow, who once owned the Oazette
for a short time, is still alive.
In March, 1868, Mr. L. R. Rnnkle succeeded J.
Rutsen Schenck as local editor of the Democrat, a
position he has filled acceptably ever since. It is but
justice to Mr. Runkle to record the fact that much of
the interest which has attached to the paper during
the past twelve years is due to his persevering indus-
try and tact. Of those who have learned the art of
printing in this office, it may be truly said that John
Y. Foster j has made his mark the highest. Of the
present force on the paper, Messrs. L. R. Runkle,
W. S. Runkle, Forrest A. Rice, and John H. Choyce
learned the "Art jireservative of all Arts" in this
office.
* See sketch in "Bench and Bar of Hunterdon County," elsewhere in
this worlt.
f A personal sketcli of Dr. Niglitingale will he found in the " History
of the Medical Profession," ante.
X Author of the work ''New Jersey in tlie Eehellion," etc.
THE HUNTERDON REPUBLICAN,
also published at Flemington, was established in 1856.
The Presidential campaign of that year found the
young Republican party without a newspaper to rep-
resent its principles in Hunterdon County. A stock
company was formed, and soon sufficient shares were
subscribed and paid for to warrant the establishing
of a Republican paper. On the 15th of October, 1856,
the first number was issued, Thomas E. Bartow being
its editor. He continued at its head until the fall of
1862, when he was succeeded by the late G. A. Allen,
Esq.,^ and William G. Callis, who was then employed
in the office. Mr. Allen retired from his editorial
connection with the paper in 1872, leaving it to the
sole control of Mr. Callis, by whom it is now (1880)
conducted.
Since its establishment the paper has been twice
enlarged, and is now one of the largest and hand-
somest of our State papers.
CLINTON NEWSPAPERS.
The first representative of the press in Clinton was
the Clinton Times, established in February, 1859, as a
local paper, neutral in politics, by William Abell. In
April, 1860, it passed into the hands of A. J. Shampa-
nore, who converted it into a political organ repre-
senting the Republican party. In January, 1861,
he enlarged it and changed its name to the New Jer-
sey Leader. Soon afterwards Shampanore & Little
became its publishers ; then Mr. Little was announced
as publisher, and Mr. Shampanore|| as editor. On the
1st of January, 1864, William Abell1[ resumed the
proprietorship, and published the paper as a Demo-
cratic journal. He continued its issue until the sum-
mer of 1865, when it was discontinued. The full files
of both the Times and Leader are now in the hands of
Enoch Abell, Esq., of Union township.
On the 11th of April, 1S68, J. Rutsen Schenck, who
had been previously the publisher of the Hunterdon
County Oazette, began, in Clinton, The Constitutional
Democrat, with a new establishment. Dec. 15, 1868,
John Carpenter, Jr., purchased it, changed the naine
to
THE CLINTON DEMOCEAT,
and has continued its publication as a Democratic
paper to the present time. It claims to have the
largest regular circulation of any newspaper in Hun-
terdon County, and is certainly one of the most influ-
ential and prosperous. William H. Carpenter is the
local editor ; John Carpenter, Jr., editor and proprie-
tor.
2 Personal sketcli in " Bench and Bar" chapter, mile.
II A, J. Shampanore subsequently published the Belvidere Intellir/encar
(now the Apollo), and, associated with his son, is the present proprietor
of The Bound Brook Chronicle.
1 Published the HacMlslonii Guuelte from 1861 to 1804. When he
discontinued the Leada; in 1865, it was not for w.int of patronage, for
its circulation hart been increased to fifteen bundled subscribers, but
because he " thought he was tired of the pi inting business." He is now
(i^epfeniber, ISSO) residing in Providence, H. I. Vide person.al letter.
THE PRESS OP HUNTERDON COUNTY.
237
THE LAMBERTVILLE PRESS.
The first paper published in Lambertville was The
Telegraph. It was started in May, 1845, by Jolin E.
Swallow. He sold subsequently to Messrs. George C.
Large and William B. Hughes ; the latter disposed of
his interest to Edwin G. Clark, and the paper was pub-
lished under the firm-title of Large & Clark, and
later by Mr. Clark alone. While the latter gentle-
man had sole charge of the paper he changed the
name to The Delaware Valley Diarist. In 1853,
Franklin P. Sellars purchased the establishment of
Mr. Clark, and upon taking possession he changed
the name of the paper to The People's Beacon. He
had charge until 1858, when the ofiice again changed
owners, and the paper its name ; he sold, in that year,
to Clark Pierson, who continued the paper under the
title of The Beacon, which name it still bears. In
November, 1869, Hazen & Roberts purchased the es-
tablishment. April 1, 1875, Phineas K. Hazen bought
his partner's interest, and has conducted the sheet to
the present time, both as editor and proprietor.
During the ownership of Clark Pierson, The Beacon
was enlarged from a seven- to an eight-column paper.
It has always been neutral in politics. Its publica-
tion-office is located on the corner of Bridge and
Union Streets, in connection with which is a good job-
printing office.
The Lambertville Record was founded in September,
1872, by Clark Pierson, as its editor, publisher, and
proprietor, and, without any changes, as such still re-
mains. It was started as a Republican paper, and
so continues. It is a well-managed, ably-conducted
local paper. Its office is situated at the corner of
Union and Coryell Streets. Mr. Pierson is also post-
master.
FRENCHTOWN PAPERS.
The first paper in Frenchtown was the Press, which
was established April 2, 1868, by Charles S. Joiner.
It was a weekly paper, independent in politics, and a
twenty-four-column quarto in size. In the great fire
of June 29, 1878, the office was destroyed. The last
number of The Frenchtown Press was a half-sheet,
containing an account of the fire, and issued from one
of the Trenton printing-offices, July 3, 1878.
The Hunterdon Independent first appeared May 6,
1871. Its publishers were S. D. & R. Slack, and An-
drew Slack was its proprietor. Boss Slack retired
from the firm in the spring of 1874, and S. D. Slack
continued the publication of the paper until his death,
Jan. 21, 1879. The Independent was then purchased
by J. R. Hardon & Co., who had charge until Decem-
ber, 1879, when Mr. Hardon became sole editor, pub-
lisher, and proprietor. He still continues its publi-
cation, the office being located at the corner of Bridge
and Harrison Streets. It is a thirty-two-column paper,
and is published weekly.
The Frenchtown Star was founded by W. H. Sipes,
in May, 1879. It was designed to be a monthly peri-
odical, and its initial number was eight pages of six by
nine inches in size, but it was enlarged with its second
number to twelve pages, and so continued for ten
months. March 31, 1880, the form was changed to a
twenty-four-column, and it was made a weekly at the
same time. Mr. Sipes still continues its publication,
his office being located at the head of Bridge Street.
OTHER PAPERS.
The Family Casket was first issued at White House,
on Wednesday, the 8th of April, 1868, by A. J. Sham-
panore. It was twenty by twenty-six inches in size,
and was published weekly, at one dollar per annum.
On the 1st of October of that year it was enlarged to
a seven-column sheet, it having attained a circulation
of six hundred. It was edited and published by Mr.
Shampanore until Sept. 12, 1877, when he sold it to
E. S. Stout ; but, the latter gentleman not being able
to continue it, the establishment reverted to its orig-
inal owner, who, on the 1st of December, 1877, re-
moved the office to Bound Brook, where the paper
reappeared Jan. 30, 1878, but the following April its
name was changed to the Bound Brook Chronicle.
The Casket was independent in all things, but took a
decided stand in favor of temperance, being in 1871-
72 the organ of the Good Templars. It was first
published over B. V. Pickel's store ; in April, 1870,
it was removed to the building now occupied as the
post-office ; in June, 1872, it occupied the structure
now known as James Mallison's hardware-store, the
owner having built it on purpose for a printing-office.
Its success was remarkable, the paper having reached
a circulation of twelve hundred and thirty-two on its
third anniversary.
The Leader, a weekly newspaper devoted to local
news and interests, was established at Milford by John
C. Rittenhouse, March 17, 1880. This is the first
publication of any kind in Milford. It was started a
five-column paper in size, all printed at home, but
was soon enlarged to seven columns to the .page, with
patent outsides, that is, the first and fourth pages
of the paper are furnished the publisher ready printed
from some other establishment. In connection with
the Leader is a job-printing office, under the same
management, and located in Conine's building.
The first number of The Mutual Insurance Advocate
was issued April 1, 1873. It was originally proposed
to make it an occasional publication, but during most
of the seven years it has been published it has ap-
peared as a quarterly. It was devoted to the interests
of mutual insurance in general, but was published by
the Beadington Farmers' and Citizens' Mutual Life
Insurance Company of New Jersey. Its editor was
Aaron J. Thompson, the assistant ' secretary of the
company from its organization to the present time.
The last number, recently issued, contained the .fol-
lowing announcement : " This number of the Advo-
cate makes twenty-three issues. Hereafter, other
methods of advertising will be resorted to."
238
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
In 1872 were puLlislied at Glen Gardner the Moun-
tain Echo and the Glen Gardner Sentinel, printed at
Washington, Warren Co., N. J., hy the Touchstone
and Star offices respectively. They were issued but
a year or two, and then discontinued. The Philocrat
is now published as a weekly newspaper. It was
established in 1879 by Dr. Thomas C. Hunt, edited
by Eev. William Henderson, of California, until the
summer of 1880, when Dr. Henderson assumed the
editorial control. Is a four-page, five-column paper,
devoted to the advocacy of the temperance cause.
CHAPTEE VIII.
AUTHORS OF HUNTEEDOH" COTJIirTX.*
Prefatory RemarkB Sketches of Forty-seven Authors of the County,
arranged Alphabetically, with List of their Publications.
Purposely, a wide scope has been permitted in
this chapter on authors. The design is to record what
has been done by natives of this county, or those who
have resided in it, in the way of influencing others
through the press. Hence Legal Decisions, Lectures,
Addresses, Tracts, Serials, and extended articles in
Newspapers and Magazines have been included. The
list has not been restricted to those who have written
books.
The rule of selection was to take those who were
born in the county and have published whether while
living in the county or elsewhere. Of those not
natives of the county, the selection comprises those
who have resided in the county, and some or all of
whose productions appeared while residents. Editors
have not been included, because their publications re-
ceive mention in the chapter on the press. Probably
some names are omitted that should appear. Of the
forty-seven authors mentioned, twenty-one were na-
tives of the county.
Bailey, Rev. William. Born Feb. 14, 1819, in
Bethlehem, Albany Co., N. Y. ; graduated at Rutgers
College, July, 1842 ; graduated from theological semi-
inary of Reformed Church, New Brunswick, July,
1845; entered the ministry of Reformed Church at
Guilderland, Albany Co., N. Y., 1845 ; remained
there to 1847 ; pastor at Schodaok, N. Y., 1847-56 ;
at Constantine, Mich., 1868 ; Albany Third Church,
1868 ; White House, N. J., 1868 to present. Mr. Bailey
has been an active and successful pastor, fully enlisted
in all Christian work.
Publications. He contributed a valuable historical
article on "The White House" to a magazine pub-
lished by A. V. D. Honeyman, Esq., of Somerville, in
1873. He has also written for The Christian Intelli-
gencer and The Sower.
BiED, Hon. John T. (See a biographical sketch
* Prepared by George S. Mott, D.D.
in the chapter on the " Bench and Bar," elsewhere
given.) P' Z* t-
Publications. While in Congress he made a number
of able speeches which were published, in 1869,
The Method proposed to Reconstruct Georgia;
1870, "Against Repudiation," "The Farmer and
Tariff," "In Opposition to the Third Attempt at Re-
construction of Georgia," "On the Regulation of
Commerce by Congress ;" 1871, " On the Enforcement
of the Fourteenth Amendment," " On National Edu-
cation ;" 1872, " Civil Service," " Revenue Reform,"
The Tariff; 1873, " Credit Mobilier."
Blane, John, M.D. Born in the township of
North New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., July 7, 1802.
(For further particulars see " History of the Medical
Profession of Hunterdon County," in this work.)
Publications. T)r. Blane has devoted considerable
attention to historical subjects. He has written a
valuable history of the medical society of this county,
which embodies about all that is known of the history
of the physicians of the county from 1748 to 1872.
In 1837 he made a minority report against the mo-
nopoly powers of the Camden and Amboy Railroad
Company. He was chairman of a committee of in-
quiry, being senator that year from this county.
Buchanan, James, Esq. Born at Eingos, June
17, 1839; removed to Clinton, 1849; began study of
law with Hon. J. T. Bird, 1860; 1863-64, law school
of Albany University; began practice of law at
Trenton, 1864; in 1875, honorary degree of A.M.
conferred by Lewisburg University; in 1865 was ap-
pointed reading clerk New Jersey Assembly ; member
board education, Trenton, 1868-69 ; presiding judge
Mercer County, 1874^79.
Publications. He is the author of several pamph-
lets, " Protection to American Ship-Building," an
address before the National Board of Trade, Wash-
ington, D. C, 1879; "Growth and Importance of the
Baptist Denomination," an address before the New
Jersey Baptist State Convention, October, 1879 ;
" History of the Central Baptist Church, Trenton,
N. J.; ""Our State Finances."" He has contributed "
at different times about one hundred articles for the
daily and weekly press, both secular and religious,
among the most prominent of which are " Legal
Status of Women in New Jersey," 1869 ; " Capital
Punishment," 1878. Judge Buchanan's articles give
evidence of an active and well-informed mind. His
style is clear and direct.
Buchanan, Rev. Joseph Chandler. Born at
Ringos, May 17, 1841 ; resided at Clinton for several
years ; graduated from Madison University, New York,
1866; received A.M. 1869; ordained and installed
over Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, N. J., Oct. 1, 1869
-78 ; present pastor Baptist Church, Pemberton, N. J.
Publications. He has published three sermons, •
Thoroughly Furnished, "Home Life," and "The
Great Calamity," also four annual reports of East
New Jersey Baptist Association, 1872-76, inclusive.
AUTHOKS OP HUNTERDON COUNTY.
239
He has contributed nearly fifty articles to Examiner
and Chronicle, Religioiis Herald, National Baptist. In
1871 lie published a "Historical Sketch of Baptist
Church of Scotch Plains, N. J." He has been prom-
inent as a member of various boards of benevolent,
religious, and educational work of his denomination.
Clyde, Ret. John C Born Oct. 22, 1841, at White
Deer Valley, near Williamsport, Pa. ; entered Lafay-
ette College, Easton, in 1860 ; remained one year, and
then spent a year at Belle Centre, Logan Co., Ohio,
from which he had come to college. In August,
1862, he joined the Seventy-second Regiment Illi-
nois Volunteers. He remained in the army until
July, 1863, serving most of the time as deputy pro-
vost-marshal on the Mississippi River at Columbus,
Ky. He was honorably discharged, returned to La-
fayette College in September, 1863, and graduated in
1866. He then entered the theological seminary at
Princeton, and graduated 1869. Licensed by Second
Presbytery of Philadelphia, April, 1868, he supplied
the church at Tioga, Pa., four months of vacation ;
1869-70, stated supply at Chesterville, Iowa ; August,
1870, to June, 1872, supply of Presbyterian Church,
Shenandoah, Pa. ; June, 1872, to July, 1879, pastor
Presbyterian Churches at Frayer and Charlestown,
Chester Co., Pa. ; July, 1879, pastor of Presbyterian
Church, Bloomsbury ; degree of A.M. in course from
Lafayette College.
Publications. The authorship of Mr. Clyde has so
far been of the historical order. In 1876 he published
" History of the Allen Township Presbyterian Church,
and the Community which has sustained it, in what
was formerly known as the 'Irish Settlement,' North-
ampton Co., Pa. This is a 12mo of one hundred "
and ninety-eight pages. In 1879, " Genealogies, Ne-
crology, and Reminiscences of the 'Irish Settlement;'
or, a Record of those Scotch- Irish Presbyterian Fam-
ilies who were the First Settlers in the ' Forks of Dela-
ware,' now Northampton Co., Pa." This is a 12mo
of four hundred and twenty pages. In 1880, "Ros-
brugh, a Tale of the Revolution ; or, Life, Labors, and
Death of Rev. John Rosbrugh, Pastor of Greenwich,
Oxford, and Mansfield Woodhouse (Washington)
Presbyterian Churches, N. J., from 1764 to 1769 ; and
of Allen Township Church, Pa., from 1769 to 1777 ;
Chaplain in the Continental Army ; Clerical Martyr
of the Revolution ; Killed by Hessians in the Battle
of Assanpink, at Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 2, 1777.
Founded upon a paper read before the New Jersey
Historical Society at its meeting in Trenton, Jan. 15,
1880 ; to which is appended genealogical data of all
the Rosbrughs of the connection in America.'' While
in the army he contributed a series of letters to Belle-
fontaine (Ohio) Republican; in 1871, a series of arti-
cles on "College Secret Societies," va. Nassau Literary
Magazine, Princeton; in 1872, a series on "Rotary
Eldership," in Presbyterian, Philadelphia. He has
also written short articles on various topics for differ-
ent journals. Mr. Clyde gathers with great care and
industry all accessible details which bear upon his
theme, and these he weaves together with skill, pre-
senting an attractive narrative.
Comfort, Rev. Laweence L. Born Nov. 5, 1822,
in Orange Co., N. Y. ; graduated at Union College
1848, and at theological seminary New Brunswick
1851. Licensed in 1851, he was pastor of Reformed
Church, White House, 1852-54; New Hurley, 1854-
71. Settled at Berea 1872, and at Montgomery, N. Y.
1873. He died July 21, 1879.
Publications. While pastor at White House he
published a sermon on "Temperance," Dec. 18, 1853,
pp. 15.
Demaeest, Rev. Coenelius T. Graduated from
Columbia College 1804, and licensed 1807; was set-
tled at White House 1808-13; while there was elected
a trustee of Rutgers College; pastor at English Neigh-
borhood from 1813-39; King Street, New York, 1851
-62. Died 1863.
Publications. He was engaged in church contro-
versy, and published "A Lamentation over Rev.
Solomon Froeligh, with copious historical Notes."
(For further see Corwin's "Manual," p. 233.)
Honeyman, John, M.D. Born at New German-
town, Feb. 22, 1798 ; graduated Medical Department
University of Pennsylvania 1824; practiced at New
Germantown, and died Jan. 2, 1874. SiAeJ2a-Q. jpi-b i
Publications. ^His publications were : 1. " On Tem-
perance," in Temperate Reporter, 1837; 2. "History
of Revival under Dr. Pohlman," in Lutheran Observer,
1840. In a memoir of him, published 1874, are let-
ters, addresses, and six poems from his pen.
HoNEYMAN, Petee Nevius. Born June 12, 1840,
at New Germantown, where he still resides ; gradu-
ated at Allentown Seminary 1856, and became a mer-
chant. Like most of the family of this name, he plies
a facile pen. He is a son of the preceding.
Publications. He has contributed articles to sev-
eral newspapers, besides a series in Hackettstown
Gazette, 1862 ; " Plots and Counterplots," a serial ia
thirty-six chapters, in Belvidere Intelligencer, 1864-
65 ; " Byron Hunter,'' serial in twenty chapters, in
same, 1865 ; " The Mysterious Spectre," in twenty
chapters, in same, 1865 ; also about a dozen poems.
HONEYMAN, Col. Robert Raymond. Born at
New Germantown, Oct. 1, 1836 ; died June 14, 1873.
He was colonel of Thirty-first New Jersey Regiment.
(See Army Record of this History.)
Publications. His publications were, in " Our
Home," 1873 : 1. " New Germantown : Its Local
History ;". 2. " An Arkansas Tour ;" 3. His " War
Journal" (posthumous). He also contributed various
articles to the Hunterdon Republican about 1858.
Honeyman, Rev. William Edgae. Born July
26, 1839, at New Germantown, brother of above ;
graduated at Princeton College, 1861, and at Prince-
ton Theological Seminary, 1864 ; preached at Rock-
away, N. J., Shenandoah, Pa., and Ashland, Pa., to
November, 1870, when, health failing, he returned to
240
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
New Germaiitowii. In May, 1871, went to Wabasha,
Minn., thence to Colorado and California, returning to
New Jersey in 1879.
Publications. Two articles of his appear in " Our
Home," 1873: 1. "Ascent of Long Peak, Col. ;" 2.
Minnesota Climate for Invalids. In newspapers a
number of sermons in part or in full. He has written
considerably for different journals.
Hunt, Ciceeo, M.D. Born in Ewing township,
Mercer Co., N. J., 1801; died Dec. 1, 1876. (See
sketch in Medical chapter, Hunterdon County, in
this work.)
Publications. He took a deep interest in politics,
and wrote two articles on political questions, pub-
lished in Hunterdon Gazette, December, 1858, and
July, 1860. His chief excellence as a writer was in
his poetical compositions. He composed an ode on
" The Celebration and Completion of the Erie and
Hudson Canal, Oct. 20, 1825. This was written "
while he was assistant physician at the State's prison,
N. Y. This ode was selected by the committee out
of 148 competing odes. It was sung in New York City,
at the celebration, and was published in the journals
of that city. He also prepared a poem, which was
dedicated to the young gentlemen of the Lyceum at
Eingos, 1847. It expatiates on the works of Nature.
It presents the causes ^vhich led our forefathers to
this land, and the difficulties they encountered ;
closing with the injustice done the savages, their
fate, and their end. A long poem of his, entitled
America, was published in the Hunterdon Gazette,
January, 1856. The theme is the organization of the
American party. These poems indicate a poetic
talent which, if cultivated, would have secured a
good reputation to Dr. Hunt.
Janeway, John Livingstone, D.D. Born in
Philadelphia, Pa., in 1815 ; son of Jacob J. Jane-
way, D.D., a very prominent divine in the Presby-
terian Church of the last generation. John graduated
at Eutgers College, 1835 ; theological seminary, New
Brunswick, 1840. Pastor at Montville, N. J., 1843-50 ;
at Flemington, of Presbyterian Church, 1850-69.
Degree of D.D. was conferred by Lafayette College,
1866. He served as chaplain of Third New Jersey
Eegiment and of the Thirty-first.
Publications. Two sermons by him have been pub-
lished : 1. " On the Death of President Lincoln ;" 2.
" Memorial Sermon on the Death of P. 0. Studdiford,
D.D. "
KiEKPATEiCK, Eev. Jacob, D.D. Born Somerset
Co., N. J., Aug. 8, 1785 ; graduated Princeton Col-
lege, 1804; studied law under George C. Maxwell,
Esq., Flemington, but at the end of three years began
tlie preparation for the gospel ministry with John
Woodhull, D.D., of Freehold, N. J. ; licensed to
preach Aug. 8, 1809 ; stated supply of Eingos and
Mount Airy Churches, 1810-15 ; pastor 1815 to death.
May 2, 1866. (For sketch of his life see " Kirk-
patrick Memorial," published in Philadelphia, 1867.)
Publication. His only publication is "Half-Cen-
tury Sermon."
Laege, Geoege H. Born Dec. 1, 1850, at White
House Station; graduated Eutgers* College, 1872;
admitted to bar of New Jersey, 1875, having studied
under J. N. Voorhees, Esq., Flemington.
Publications. "The Imagination, its Nature, Uses,
and Abuses," in " Our Home ;" editor of Targum, a
college paper; essays on "Literary Eevivals" and
on " Character of George Washington," for which
college prizes were obtained.
Laeison, Eev. Geoege Holcombe, M.D. Born
Jan. 4, 1831, in Delaware township. (See Medical
chapter in this work, for a biographical notice.)
Publications. " Annual Address before the â– Medical
Society of New Jersey, May 25, 1875." This gives
evidence of an acquaintance with the classics and
with the history of medicine most creditable to the
author ; also an essay, " Diseases Prevalent in the
Valley of the Delaware."
Lloyd, Eev. Aaeon. Born Erie Co., Pa., July
27, 1817 ; graduated at Eutgers College, 1842 ; at New
Brunswick Theological Seminary, 1845; settled at
Gorham, 1846-47 ; over Presbyterian Church, Phelps,
1848-50; Livingston, N. Y., 1851-53; missionary at
Hudson, N. J., 1853-55 ; pastor at White House,
1855-56 ; Pekin, 1857-60.
Publications. "Scripture Ofl[ice of the Deacon,"
1850 ; " Sermon before the City Missionary Society,"
1853
Macbeth, Peof. James Walkee. Born at Dal-
rymple, Ayrshire, Scotland, 1814. He was graduated
at the University of Glasgow, receiving the prize for
the Greek poem; from this college he received the
degree of A.M. He studied divinity at the same uni-
versity, and entered the ministry of the Presbyterian
Church. About 1852 he came to this country and de-
voted himself to teaching. From 1855 to 1861 he was
pi'incipal of a classical school at Hudson, N. Y., then
at Hempstead, L. I., and in several other places. He
took charge of the high school, Flemington, 1873, and
remained until 1875, when he was elected professor
of history, belles-lettres, and political economy in the
University of West Virginia. Professor Macbeth died
July 6, 1879, in the ripeness of his intellect.
Publications. While at Flemington he published
his work on "Might and Mirth of Literature," which
at once attracted the attention of scholars ; it quickly
passed to the third edition. The book is a marvel of
toil, learning, and discrimination in selecting the
finest gems of the world's literature. It is the most
able and scholarly work ever published by any author
in this county. It is the fruit of years of reading
and thought. The book is a 12mo. Prof. Mac-
beth's exuberant imagination, high culture, and great
attainments were also exhibited in two works in
manuscript completed just before his death, one a
theological poem, the other a Scotch novel entitled
Bonnie Dalrymple. In addition to these, he pub-
AUTHORS OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
241
lished several essays on educational and religious top-
ics, among which is "Theology for the Million," a
liamphlet, also a series of articles on " English Phi-
lology."
Maxwell, Heney Dusenbuey. Born in Flem-
ington, Dec. 5, 1812 ; studied law with Nathaniel Sax-
ton, Esq. ; licensed as attorney, 1834 ; opened an office
in Easton, Pa. ; in 1850 went as consul to Trieste,
Austria ; presiding judge of Northampton Co., Pa.,
1856-62 ; died Oct. 3, 1874. (For further see chapter
on " Bench and Bar.")
Publications. 1. A series of letters from Greece,
1850, in Easton Wliig ; 2. " Charge to Grand Jury,"
1856; 3. Various political speeches during war of the
Rebellion.
Melick, Miss Annie E. Born at Germantown,
Hunterdon Co., N. J.
Publications. She wrote nine poems of decided
merit, also two prose articles in " Our Home," under
nom de plume of "M. A.," "The Commonplace,"
About Nutting.
McNaie, Rev. John. Born in Pennsylvania,
1805 ; graduated at Jefferson College, 1828 ; studied
theology about two years in Princeton Seminary, and
was ordained as an evangelist by the Presbytery of
Erie, Nov. 7, 1833. His several fields of labor were
Warren, Pa., Philadelphia, Yinceunes, Iowa, Milford,
N. J., Stroudsburg, Pa. He was settled at Clinton,
1851-64. While at Clinton he was chaplain of a
nine months' regiment. He received the degree of
D.D. from Lafayette College. He died January 27,
1867
Publication. The only one, so far as known, is a
book of poems. ^^'^W^ ^r.^^^S rv^^^^sV^f
MoTT, Rev. Geokge S., D.D. Born Nov. 25,
1829, in the city of New York ; pastor at Flemington,
1869 to present; degree of D.D. conferred by Prince-
ton College, 1874. (See his biography in Chapter
X., History of Hunterdon County, on subsequent
pages.)
Publications. Bo6k%: "The Prodigal Son," 1863,
Presbyterian Board of Publication ; " The Resurrec-
tion of the Dead," 1866, A. D. F. Randolph; "The
Perfect Law," 1868, American Tract Society. Ar-
ticles : In Presbyterian Magazine, 1857, " David and
Goliath." In Princeton Review, 1863, " Paul's Thorn
in the Flesh;" 1871, "Retribution;" 1872, "Anni-
nihilatiou;" 1873, "The Sunday-school, its Past and
Present." In " Our Home," 1873, " Capital Punish-
ment." Religious Tracts: "Holding on to Christ,"
of which two hundred and fifty thousand copies have
been printed, published by American Tract Society ;
and the following by Presbyterian Board of Publica-
tion : " Gaming and Gambling ;" " There is no Pass-
ing;" "Eating and Drinking Unworthily," referring
to the Lord's Supper; "Nurse them at Home."
Miscellaneous : In 1864, " A Discourse at the Funeral
of Capt. George V. Griggs," by request of Co. K
(" Harris Light"), Second New York Cavalry ; in 1865,
Seven Weeks of Prayer, Newton, N. J.; 1873,
Opening Address at the Fourteenth Annual Meeting
of Somerset County Sunday-school Association ; in
1875, " Sermon before the Hunterdon County Bible
Society ;" in 1876, " History of Presbyterian Church,
Flemington, N. J.;" in 1878, "The First Century of
Hunterdon County," both in pamphlet; in 1876, ar-
ticles on the Sunday-school lesson for the first quarter
of the year, published in Somerset Gazette. In addi-
tion to these, many articles in different newspapers,
both secular and religious.
MoTT, Laweenc;e S. Born March 9, 1856, in Rah-
way, N. J. ; son of above ; graduated at Princeton
College, 1877 ; studied law in the offices of John T.
Bird, Esq., Flemington, and John Emery, Esq., New-
ark ; took one year's course in Columbia Law School,
and was admitted to the bar of New Jersey, June,
1880
Publications. In 1871 he started the "Young
American Monthly,'' a boys' amateur journal, which
attained a circulation of five hundred copies in 1873,
when it was discontinued on account of his entrance
into college. During that period he wrote most of
the articles for his paper, and contributed about fifty
stories and sketches to other boys' papers. At Prince-
ton he contributed several articles for the college
magazines. While studying law several articles were
published in Flowers' Magazine, of Somerville, and
and many sketches and articles on various topics in
the Hunterdon Republican, Somerset Gazette, Herald,
Sun, and Times of New York, the Times, Record, and
Evening News of Philadelphia. Early in 1879 he be-
came the regular correspondent of New York Times
for the central counties of New Jersey, and so re-
mained until his connection with the regular staff of
the Philadelphia Times, September, 1880.
Noll, Arthur Buetis. Born in New York City,
Oct. 16, 1814. He has been a school-teacher since
1837, in New Germantown, this county, from 1846
-53, again from 1868-76. He had charge of a depart-
ment of the Family Casket, and wrote all relating to
education and schools, from 1868-79.
Opdyke, George. Born in Kingwood township,
Hunterdon Co., in 1805. He began life on a farm, and
there remained until his sixteenth year, when hebegan
teaching a district school. Believing that the West
afforded the best chance for a young man, he opened
a clothing-store in Cleveland, Ohio. A better open-
ing soon presented itself in New Orleans, and he was
in the clothing trade there for several years. In 1832
he transferred his business to New York City. About
1850 he began the importation of dry-goods, and con-
tinued in that business until 1 867. In the early part
of 1867 he withdrew from the dry-goods business, and
in the following year established the banking-house
of George Opdyke & Co. In 1858 he was elected to
the Legislature of New York, in 1861 mayor of New
York City, and was in office at the time of the draft
riots of July, 1863, the suppression of which was
242
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
largely due to his prompt and decisive action. He
died June 12, 1880.
Publications. In 1852 a wort on political economy.
Finance was a study of peculiar interest to him.
This excellent treatise has not received the attention
it truly deserves, partly from the fact that the house
which published it (Putnam) retired from active busi-
ness soon after the issue of the first edition. He was
a frequent contributor to the press from 1860-76 on
political and financial questions. His reports to the
New York Chamber of Commerce were regularly pub-
lished. His messages as mayor of New York, 1862;-
63, were published by Hurd & Houghton in 1866.
Ogden, Isaac, M.D. Graduated from Princeton
College in 1784, and established himself as a physi-
cian at Six-Mile Run. Subsequently he removed to
White House, and a few years later (1809) to New
Germantown, and in 1826 he went to New Bruns-
wick.
Publications. For several years he published an
almanac, in which he presented prognostications of
the weather, generally in rhyme. At the time it had
a very extensive circulation.
Olmstead, James Munson, D.D. Born in Still-
water, N. Y., Feb. 17, 1794; graduated from Union
College, 1819, and from theological seminary, Prince-
ton, 1822; pastor of Presbyterian Churches, Landis-
burg and Centre, Pa., 1825-32; Middle Tuscarora,
1834^-37 ; Flemington, 1837-49. In 1854 he removed
to Philadelphia, where he died Oct. 16, 1870.
Publications. " Thoughts and Counsels for the Im-
penitent," 1846, a popular work which reached third
edition ; " Our First Mother," written ip the form of
letters from a pious and intelligent mother to her
daughters and nieces ; " Noah and His. Times," 1854,
which was received with very great commendation ;
The Voice of God, a sermon preached at Fleming-
ton on occasion of national fast, Friday, May 14,
1841. His works give evidence of study and ability.
His style was direct, and often pungent.
Porter, Edmund, M.D. Born Haddam, Conn.,
June 18, 1791. After various sojourns in different
places, he established himself in Frenchtown, 1820,
where he practiced until his death, July 12, 1826.
Publications. He contributed largely to the medical
journals and newspaper press on political, medical,
and miscellaneous topics. They are found in the New
York Medical Repository, American Medical Recorder,
New England Journal of Medicine, also in the Trenton
True American, The Spirit of Pennsylvania, The East-
ern Sentinel. (For an interesting sketch of his eccen-
tricities see " Biographical Encyclopaedia of New
Jersey.")
Eacb, Henry, M.D. Born in Franklin township,
this county, Feb. 23, 1814. (See biographical sketch
in the chapter upon the " Medical Profession of Hun-
terdon County.")
Publications. During the summer of 1851 he pub-
lished -a series of articles : " Stray Leaves from the
Note-Book of a Eeturned Californian;" 1854r-55 he
wrote many of the leading editorials for The Re-
former, a temperance paper then published at Tren-
ton. After the rejDeal of the Missouri Compromise
he wrote a series of political articles for the Lambert-
ville Beacon, under the nom de plume of " No Dough-
face." He also wrote elaborate articles in the inter-
est of the " Free Soil" movement for the Hunterdon
Gazette and the Belvidere Apollo. He was the prime
mover in the establishment of the Hunterdon Repub-
lican, for which he wrote many of the editorials that
appeared for the first two years. He has been a fre-
quent contributor since, as also to other papers.
KusHTON", Key. William Otis. Born New York
City, Dec. 6, 1852 ; graduated from the College of the
City of New York, 1872, and from Union Theological
Seminary, 1875 ; settled over Presbyterian Church at
Fairmount, N. J., 1875-77 ; West Union, Iowa, 1877
to present time.
Publications. In 1876 he published " History of
Presbyterian Church, Fairmount;" besides this two
other sermons in newspapers : 1. " Eeign of the Lord :
A Thanksgiving Sermon, Nov. 29, 1877;" 2. "The
Breach of Uzzah," Aug. 29, 1880. He has also writ-
ten for the local press.
Scott, Rev. James. Born Scotland, 1809 ; grad-
uated at Universities of Glasgow and Belfast; settled
over Presbyterian Churches of German Valley and
Fox Hill, 1834r43 ; Newark First Reformed Church,
1843 to death, in 1868.
Publications. " Life of Rev. Robert Pollock," 12mo,
pp. 364, New York, 1848. An epic poem. On this
he had long been engaged. It had but recently been
finished when he died. He left directions for its
publication.
Shurts, Rev. Jacob Vandeveer. Born Flem-
ington, N. J., Oct. 15, 1849 ; graduated at Wyoming
Seminary, 1874, and Bangor Theological Seminary,
1877 ; settled over Presbyterian Church, Chaumont,
N. Y., 1877.
Publications. In 1875 he prepared " Daily
Thoughts," being selections fi:om sermons and wri-
tings of Rev. T. De Witt Talmage, D.D., published
by Dodd & Mead, an admirably-conceived and well-
edited book. He has contributed to Watertown
Times, Dispatch, Family Casket, Church at Work.
Strobel, Rev. Philip Arthur. Born Sept. 16,
1812, Charleston, S. C. ; graduated at Lutheran
Theological Seminary of South Carolina ; pastor of
Spruce Run Lutheran Church, June, 1860, to Decem-
ber, 1864.
Publications. " History of the Saltzburgur," a col-
ony of German Lutheran Protestants who settled at
Ebenezer, Ga., 1754. Published in 1854, by T. N.
Kurtz, of Baltimore, Md., 350 pp. Pamphlets : " On
the Adaptation of Lands in Southwest Georgia to the
Raising of Cereals," Savannah, 1849 ; series of ar-
ticles to prove the genuineness of the Blue Laws of
Connecticut, 1849. Sermons: "Value of the Soul,"
AUTHOKS OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
243
Columbus, S. C, 1842; "Thanksgiving Sermon," in
Lockport, N. Y., 1859 ; " Thanksgiving Sermon,"
Danville, N. Y., 1877. Three articles for Dr. Sprague's
Lutheran Ministers in the United States, 1858,
besides various reports and articles in Lutheran Ob-
server, Kaleigh Christian Advocate, Charleston Obser-
ver. In press now, " Jubilee Memorial Volume of
Hartwick, Lutheran Synod of New York," Lutheran
Publication House of Philadelphia.
Studdifoed, Rev. Peteb. Born in New York
City, 1763 ; graduated at Columbia College, 1786 ;
studied theology with Dr. John Livingstone ; pastor
at Keadington and Bedminster, 1787-1800 ; Reading-
ton, 1800-26 ; appointed professor of Hebrew, 1812.
Died Nov. 30, 1826.*
Publications. " Funeral Sermon of Jacob R. Har-
denbergh, D.D.," 1790; "Justification, with some of
its Precious Fruits," sermon in New Jersey Preacher,
1813
Stttddifoed, Peter Ogilvie, D.D. Born Jan.
11, 1799, at Readington, N. J.; died June 5, 1866.t
Publications. Although a ripe scholar and able
preacher, his publications were simply a Fourth-of-
July oration before his old friends at Readington, N. J.,
1845, and his sermon at the death of his lifelong
friend. Dr. Kirkpatrick, which was published after his
death.
Studdiford, Peter Augustus, D.D. Born in
Lambertville, Hunterdon Co. ; son of the above. He
graduated from Princeton, 1849, and from the theo-
logical seminary, 1855. Degree of D.D. was con-
ferred by Princeton College, 1874.t
Ptt6&aiioras." Thanksgiving Sermon," at Belle-
ville, N. J., 1862; "Historical Discourse at Semi-
centennial Anniversary of Hunterdon County Bible
Society," Aug. 21, 1866 ; " Historical Discourse at the
Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the Presbyterian
Church, Lambertville," Sept. 22, 1872; sermon
preached at the dedication of Thompson Memorial
Church, October, 1874.
Stewart, Charles Samuel, D.D. Born Flem-
ington, 1795; graduated at Princeton College, 1815.
Among his classmates were Dr. Charles Hodge,
Bishop Mcllvaine, and Alexander Wurts, Esq.
Graduated from Princeton Seminary, 1818, then
studied law at Litchfield, Conn.; went as missionary
to the Sandwich Islands, 1823; health of his wife
failing, he returned, 1826 ; entered the navy as chap-
lain, 1828. At the time of his death, Dec. 15, 1870,
he was the senior chaplain of the navy. His last
cruise ended in 1862. The next year he received the
degree of D.D. from New York University.
Publications. 1. " Residence at the Sandwich
Islands," one volume, 1828. This passed through
six American editions, and was republished in Lon-
don, Edinburgh, and Dublin, being recognized as a
* A further biography may be Been ia Chapter X., on following pages
of this work,
f See sketch with history of Lambertville.
standard authority on the early history of that mission,
2. "A Visit to the South Seas," two volumes, 1831.
This was reprinted in London, edited by Rev. William
Ellis, missionary to Polynesia, and afterwards to Mad-
agascar. 3. " Sketches of Society in Great Britain
and Ireland," two volumes, 1834. 4. " Brazil and La
Plata," 1856. He left many manuscripts, and, had
his life and health been spared, they would have baen
published. He was for many years a correspondent
of the New York Observer.
SwAiM, Thomas, D.D. Born March 30, 1817, at
Pemberton, N. J. ; graduated at Madison University
and Theological Seminary, 1846 ; settled at Washing-
ton, 1846-50 ; Baptist Church, Flemington, 1851-67 ;
Philadelphia, 1857-80; degree of D.D. conferred 1864
by Lewisburg University, Pa.
Publications. Sermon commemorative of Rev.
Clarence W. Mulford, preached at Flemington, July
10, 1864; "A Discourse on Abraham Lincoln," 1865;
and other discourses in pamphlet form. Besides these,
he has contributed several hundred articles to various
newspapers of the Baptist denomination, New York
Examiner ; Watchman, Boston ; National Baptist,
Philadelphia ; Religious Herald, Richmond.
Thompson, John Bodine, D.D. Born Oct. 4, 1830,
near Pleasant Run, Readington township, Hunterdon
Co., N. J. ; graduated at Rutgers College, 1851 ; taught
from 1851-67; graduated.from theological seminary.
New Brunswick,~1858 ; settled at Metuchen Reformed
Church, 1859-66; Tarrytown, 1866-69; Saugerties,
1869-71; Free Church, Italy, 1871-73; Peekskill,
1873-74; Catskill, 1874 to present; D.D. by Rutgers
College, 1870.
Publications. " Church Manual," 1867; "Hymns
of the Church," 1869 ; " Hymns of Prayer and Praise,"
1870; "Christian Praise," 1870; "Christian Praise for
Baptist Churches," 1870 ; " Christian Praise" enlarged,
1880. Sermons : " Signs of Promise," during the war ;
Development: A Thanksgiving Sermon, 1868; "In
Memoriam Goodwin Ensign," 1876 ; " The Centennial
Exposition," 1876 ; " The Immovable Attachment of
the Reformed Church of America to its own Faith and
Order," 1876 ; "The Christology of St. John," 1877 ;
The Doubter (a Tract), 1878. He has edited
Teachers' Column in Somerset FZiijr, 1852; "Good
News," a religious monthly, 1868 ; " Christian at
Work in Italy," 1872. He has published many arti-
cles in different papers; the most important are
Letters of Travel, in New York Times, signed " H.
H.," 1851; "Heart Fancies," in the Carpet-Bag,
Boston, 1851-52; "The Abrahamic Covenant," "The
Life of Trust," "Our Country," in Berg's Evangelical
Quarterly, 1860-61 ; " My Religion," in the Bound
Table, 1868; "My Life," etc., in Good News, 1868;
Letters of Basilius, 1871 ; " The Dominie's Letters,"
in Christian Intelligencer, 1878-79 ; " Liturgical Arti-
cles," 1871; articles on "The History of the Churches
of the Reformation," 1875; "Catechisms," 1879,
Fatherhood of God, 1880, in The Sower ; lessons on
244
HUNTERDON OOUNTY', NEW JKltSEY.
the Gospels, in Sunday-School Times, 1870. Besides
this, Dr. Thompson h;is written for a kirge number of
papers, both secular and religious.
Van Dyke, Rev. Joseph Smith. ^Born Nov. 2,
1832, at Bound Brook, N. J. ; graduated from Prince-
ton College, 18r>7, and theological seminary, 18G1 ;
tutor in college during seminary course ; settled over
Presbyterian Church, Bloomsliury, 1861-00 ; Cran-
berry, 1809 to tlip present.
Publications. " Pojiery the Foe of the Church and
â– of the Kepublio," published by Zicgler & Mc(.Iurdy,
Philadelphia. This is a valuable work, evincing re-
search and setting foi'th in clear and pungent sentences
the view of popery as stated in the title. It is highly
recommended and has reached the very large sale
of ten thousand copies, an unusual number for
a work of that character. Sermons : " Elements
and Evidences of National Decay;" "The Scriptural
Mode of evidencing Piety;" "Hard Times" (six
sermons); " Justice and Judgment;" "God's Great-
ness;" "A Word to the Weary;" a tract on "Legal
Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic: Address to the Peo-
ple of New Jersey," an appeal on temperance; "Criti-
cism of Stone's 'Livitation Pleeded : Jieiisons for
Return to Catholic Unity,'" in "Our Monthly," 1872.
In addition, he has written numerous articles for
Presbyterian Baniirr, Presbyter inn. Standard, Presby-
terian Journal, The Presbyterian, New York Observer,
New Jersey Oood Templar. Mr. Van Dyke lias two
books nearly ready for the press, one on sacred
biography ; the other on the origin, antiquity, and
primitive condition of man.
Van Fleet, Abraham V., LL.D. Born Jan. 6,
1831, in Hillsborough township, Somerset Co.; ad-
mitted to the bar in November, 18S2; ))egan practice
in Flemington, December, 18G2 ; appointed vice-
chancellor, May, 1875 ; degree of LL.D. conferred
by Lafayette College, 1880. (For further sketch, see
chapter on "Bench and Bar.")
Publications. His written opinions will be found in
reports of Chancery, commencing with 11 C. E.
Green. Such legal opinions are entitled to be called
literary work as much as are any products of the pen.
They require more research and mental application
than a great deal of the current literature.
Van Liew, Rev. John, D.D. Born near Ne-
shanic, N. J., Sept. 30, 1798 ; graduated from Rutgers
College, 1816 ; from theological seminary. New Bruns-
wick, 1820; settled Meadville, Pa., 1820-23; Mend-
ham, N. J., 1824-2.'), both Presbyterian ; over Read-
ington Reformed Church, 1826 to his death, Oct. 18,
1869 ; degree of D.D. conferred by Rutgers College,
1867. (For further see Corwin's " Manual of Re-
formed Church.")
Publications. " Testimonial to Rev. Peter 0. Stud-
diford, D.D.," 1866; "Discourse at Dedication of
Reformed Church, Readington," 1865.
Van Syckel, Bennet, LL.D. Born in Union
township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., April 17, 1830. (See
chajjtcr on the Bench and Bar of this county, ante-
cedent.)
Publinitiniis. llis opinions in the Supreme Court
and in the Court of Errors will be found in New
.Jersey Law Re.i)Orts, c()mmcncing with fourth of
Vroom, and in the Chancery Reports, commencing
with sixth of ('. E. Green. Among the earlier opin-
ions arc those in the Vanderveer will case, reported in
sixtli C. E. Green, T)!!!, and in the celebrated case of
Black versus Tlie Delaware and Raritnn Canal Com-
pany, reported in ninth C. E. Green, 455.
Vassar, Rev. Thoma.s Edwin. Bom Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1834 ; previous to entering the
ministry practiced dentistry; studied Ihcology under
Rufus I'abi'ock, D.D., and was licensed as a Bajitist
minister, 1856; ])astor of Bajitist Church of Amcuia,
1857-65; Lynn, Mass., lH(i5-72; Flemington, N. J.,
1872-80, when he became pastor of South Baptist
Church, Newark. For onv year, 1862-63, lie served
as chaplain of the One Hundred and Fiftietli Ivegi-
ment New Yurk Volunteers. (For further see " Bio-
graphii"il Encyclopiedia of Now Jersey.")
Publications. "Uncle John Vassar," American
Tract Society, 1879. This is a biograjihy of the de-
voted coljiorleur and missionary John Vassar, whose
name is in all the churches. The life and labors are
portrayed in a graphic style ^Yell calculated to arouse
the ardor and consecration of the reader. Twelve
thousand cojiies have been circulated in this county.
The book has been rejirintcd in London. Sermons:
The Hidden Life, " Ebenezer Jubilee Memories,"
It is the Lord, "The Pillar and (irouiul of the
Truth," " Parting Words," " Three-Fourths of a Cen-
tury Reviewed," "The Soldier's Dui's and Duties,"
The Threefold Cord, "The Beloved Physician,"
Woman's Wrongs, and the Way to Right them.
Addresses: " Farewell Counsels to Fellow-Soldiers,''
A Symmetrical Character, " The Nati<m's Dead,"
What Decoration Day Means, "The Moral Ele-
ment in Education," "The Beauty of Israel," "Tlie
Adult Department of Sunday-School Work," "Our
Unilcveloped Itesources," " AVar Days, and the Chris-
tian Patriot's Duly," " Woman's Work in the War."
VooRHEKs, Natifanihl W., Esq. Bom Mine
Brook, Somers( t Co., N. J., June 29, 1829; graduated
from Rutgers (iollege, 1847; admitted to the bar,
1852; in 1856 became casliier of First National Bank
of Clinton, whieh position he still retains. (For
further see "Bench and Bar ol' Hunterdon County,"
this work.)
Piditicatiinis. Articles for newspaper and periodical
press, chiefly on current subjects of interest, and re-
lating to financial, political, and historical subjects;
in 1873, a pamphlet, "Thoughts of HajJiiiness from a
Bible Stand-jioint of View ;" an address before Hun-
terdon County Bible Society, and puljlishedby request.
Welch, Ashbel, A.M. Born Madison Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 4, 1809 ; studic<l under Prof. Henry at Albany
Academy in 1827 ; has been civil engineer, caiuil
SOCIETIES.
245
and railroad superintendent, and president of rail-
road companies. (For personal sketch, see history of
Lambertville, in this work.)
Publicatioiu. These are numerous and valuable,
the principal of which are " Eeport to General Rail-
road Convention on Safety Signals for Eailroads," Oc-
tober, 1866 ; " Comparative Economy of Steel and Iron
Eails," Journal of Franklin Institute, 1870. In Ti-ans-
actions of American Society of Civil Engineers, the fol-
lowing : " On Form, Weight, and Material of Rails,"
1874 and 1875 (this was noticed favorably in Proceed-
ings of Institution of Civil Engineers of Great Britain,
1876); " Interoceanic Canal Projects," 1880; "Ship
Canal-Locks," 1880. An address before Pardee Sci-
entific Department, Lafayette College, 1871 ; address
before International Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion, at Toronto, Canada, July, 1876 ; address before
Young Men's Christian Association of New Jersey,
Morristown, 1879, on " The Association Work among
Railroad Men" (printed as atract by the International
Committee, and distributed over the country) ; an
historical address before Hiinterdon County Bible
Society on the five hundredth anniversary of the
WyclifFe translation of the Bible. Also three articles
in The Princeton Reviev:, " Anointment of Jesus
by Mary of Bethany," July, 1874, and January, 1875 ;
Perpetuity of the Sabbath, January, 1876; " God's
Seventh Day's Rest," October, 1S77.
Williams, Ret. Albert. Born April 29, 1809,
at West Orange, N. J. ; graduated from Princeton
College, 1829, and from the theological seminary
there in 1832; served four years as chaplain of the
American Seamen's Friend Society, and in 1838
became pastor of Presbyterian Church, Clinton, Hun-
terdon Co., where he remained for ten years, when, in
1849, as one of the second company of pioneers, he
sailed for California, where he still resides. (For a
full sketch of Mr. Williams see " Biographical En-
cyclopsedia of New Jersey.")
Publication. " A Pioneer Pastorate and Times,"
San Francisco, 1879.
Weight, Rev. William Jaxe.s, Ph.D. Born in
1831, at Weybridge, Vt. ; graduated from Union Col-
lege, 1857, and Princeton Theological Seminary, 1802 ;
settled over Presbyterian Church, Ringos, 1805-68.
Publications. Sermon on Jacob Ivirkpatrick, D.D.,
1866. Dr. Wright is now engaged in the publication
of a series of " Mathematical Tracts," on an average
seventy-four pages each. These relate to the higher
mathematics, such as " Determinants," " Trilinear
Co-ordinates," " Invariants," " Theory of Surfaces.''
These receive high commendation from Thomas Hill,
ex-president of Harvard, and Prof. Duffield, of
Princeton. He is the first American member of the
London Mathematical Society.
Weight, Mes. Juli.\. McNaie. Born (!)swego,
N. Y., 1840 ; wife of Dr. Wright.
Publications. Few authoresses have written so
many and such excellent works as has 3Irs. AVright.
Her first book, " Freddie the Runaway," was pub-
lished in 1859, when she was only nineteen years old ;
the next year two more. In 1861, " Blind Annie
Lorimer" was published by the Presbyterian Board.
In each of the two following years three 18mo volumes
came from her pen. While she lived in Ringos
several books were published, among them " Golden
Heart and Golden Life" and " Almost a Nun," which
had a large sale. Up to 1870 she had written from
two to four books each year ; since that date, the fol-
lowing: "History of the Early Church in Britain;''
Lights and Shadows of Bible Story ; "Patriot and
Tory;" "Secrets of Convent and Confessional;''
Complete Home. Most of her books belong to the
Sunday-school literature, and the better class of that.
CHAPTER IX.
SOCIETIES.
Sketch of the Hunterdon County Bible Society Hunterdon County
Agricultural Society County Grange, Patrons of Hnsbandry The
Temperance Alliance Teachers' Institutes County Sunday-School
Association.
THE HUNTERDON COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
This society was organized in 1816. Pursuant to
public notice, a large number of the inhabitants of
the county assembled on Thursday, October 16th, at
the stone meeting-house in Amwell, otherwise known
as the United First Presbyterian church, which has
long since been torn down. Among those present at
this initial meeting were most of the ministers and
many of the prominent laymen of the county at that
day, not one of whom survives at the present time.
The Rev. Mr. Huntington, of New Brunswick, N. J.,
preached the sermon fi-om Nehemiah iv. 6. The meet-
ing was duly organized, with Gen. John Beatty, of
Trenton, as temporary chairman, and Joseph Bishop,
of Ringos, as secretary. The constitution was then
considered and adopted, after which the following
persons were elected for the ensuing year, the first
officers of the society : Hon. Samuel L. Southard,
President ; Gen. John Beatty, First Vice-President ;
Rev. Jacob Ivirkpatrick, Second Vice-President ; Rev.
J. F. Clark, Third Vice-President ; Rev. John Boggs,
1 Fourth Vice-President ; Peter I. Clark, Correspond-
' ing Secretary ; Joseph Bishop, Recording Secretary ;
I John Q. Blackwell, Treasurer ; Peter Gordon, Jacob
Anderson, Peter Thompson, Charles Rice, Dr. John
I Bowne, Thomas Gordon, Benjamin Hayden, Richard
JI. Green, Jacob Johnson, James Dunham, Abraham
' Stout, Isaac Dunn, John Carr, Jeptha Arrison, John
I Scudder, James Stevenson, John Prall, Jr., Jeremiah
Kershow, John Carpenter, Samuel W. Fell, Henry
I Gulick, Levi Knowles, Richard Stockton, Jr., Dennis
Wyckoff, and Joshua Bunn, Managere.
' At a meeting of the board of managers it was re-
246
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
solved that five hundred copies of the constitution
and the proceedings of the meeting be printed in
pamphlet form for circulation through the county. It
is an evidence of the thoroughness of the organiza-
tion and of the general interest awatened that at a
subsequent meeting of the board committee-men were
appointed for the different townships, and also " dis-
tributing managers," to supply the destitute with
copies of the Scriptures. It seems, however, " like a
day of small things" when we read the resolution that
a committee be appointed to purchase a number of
Bibles, not exceeding one hundred, as soon as the
treasurer is enabled to furnish the money.
At the second annual meeting, held at Flemington,
July 29, 1817, the sermon was preached by Eev. Sam-
uel Howe, of Trenton, and the plan of holding quar-
terly meetings was resolved upon. A collection was
taken up, amounting to fifteen dollars and eighty-
three cents.
The third annual meeting was held at Flemington,
July 28, 1818, when an important change was made
in the connection of the society. Up to this time it
had been auxiliary to the New Jersey Bible Society,
but it was at this session resolved to sever the relation
and transfer its allegiance to the American Bible So-
ciety. This latter relation has since been sustained.
The Rev. John Boggs, pastor of the Baptist Church
in Hopewell, preached the annual sermon.
It is a mark of progress that at the next annual
meeting, held at Lebanon, Aug. 31, 1819, it was re-
solved to purchase two hundred Bibles, and, as soon
as the funds would admit, twenty-five more, double
the number they were able to purchase three years
before.
The first record of any remittances to the American
Bible Society was in 1821, when the treasurer was di-
rected to pay to the parent society fifty dollars. From
the report of the latter society we find that for the
three years ending in 1821 the total amount sent them
by the Hunterdon County Bible Society was one hun-
dred and sixty dollars and fifteen cents.
At a special meeting held in Trenton in 1823 it was
recommended to form auxiliary societies in the sev-
eral townships; but this recommendation was not
carried into effect.
In 1825 was made the first systematic effort to sup-
ply the destitute of the county with Bibles. Mr.
Barrett, who was appointed to carry out this work,
reported at the next meeting of the board of man-
agers that he had found one hundred and sixty fam-
ilies without the Word of God. He had evidently
canvassed but a portion of the county, as in 1826
measures were taken to employ one or more agents to
ascertain the wants of the destitute. The agent, Wil-
liam Corwin, reported to the managers, June 3, 1827,
that he had explored the townships of Lebanon,
Readington, and Tewksbury, and found sixty-four
families destitute.
From 1827 to 1839 (except for the year 1832) the
minutes are missing. In 1832 a communication was
received from Chief Justice Ewing, requesting a com-
mittee to be appointed by the society to meet and
confer with the New Jersey Bible Society in reference
to supplying the Sandwich Islands with the Sacred
Word.
In 1841 measures were again taken to seek out those
who were without Bibles. In 1845 the various evan-
gelical ministers in the county preached on the sub-
ject of the Bible cause. In 1847 a colporteur of the
American Bible Society was employed to make a re-
survey of the county, that none might be left in want
of God's Holy Word. During the ensuing two years
increased care was given to the collections, and the
Bible cause was much advanced by a more systematic
work in its behalf. John C. Agin, as colporteur, was
again in the field in 1849.
The thirty-sixth annual session (at Flemington, in
August, 1851) was one of unusual interest. Two of
the prominent members of the bar took active part in
the proceedings. A donation of two hundred dollars
was made to the parent society, and five hundred dol-
lars pledged for the ensuing year, which pledge was
redeemed, and that amount paid to the American
Bible Society in 1852. In 1853 they increased it to
eight hundred dollars, and this year appears to have
been the first in which delegates were appointed to
other societies ; this fraternal greeting was extended
to the societies of Somerset, Mercer, and Warren.
In 1854 and 1855 one thousand dollars were pledged
and paid to the parent society.
In 1856 a colporteur was employed, the collections
were eleven hundred dollars and ten cents, and one
thousand dollars was donated to the American Bible
Society. In 1857 this society, for the fifth time, sup-
plied the county with the Scriptures.
In August, 1860, on motion of Rev. Mr. Janeway,
it was
" Eesolved, That, iu view of the increasing demand that God in His
providence is making upon His people for the foreign field, the Hunter-
don County Bible Society endeavor, the ensuing year, to raise the sum
of fifteen hundred dollars, and, if this sum ho raised, that five hundred
dollars be devoted to the Turkish mission. "
At the annual meeting of 1862 it was resolved to
send a Testament to every soldier who goes to the
Federal army from Hunterdon County.
In the minutes of 1863 are resolutions of respect to
the memory of Col. Peter I. Clark and Samuel E. Stry-
ker, Esq., the former of whom had been president,
and the latter holding that oflice at the time of his
death ; and in 1864 tributes of respect were paid to
the memory of Rev. Joseph Rogers and Col. A. W.
Dunham, two of the managers.
The report of John C. Agin, colporteur for Hun-
terdon County Bible Society for the year 1864 to 1865,
was as follows :
Number of families visited gggo
Number of families not at home "!!!*.*.!!! 292
"Whole number of families 5955
SOCIETIES.
247
Families destitute 419
Families refused 218
Families supplied by gift 164
Families supplied partly by sale 25
Families supplied by sale 12
Siuple persons supplied with Bible 7
Catholic families visited 277
Catholic families supplied 54
Bibles given 164
Testaments given 123
The semi-centennial jubilee of this society was held
in August, 1866, in a beautiful grove near the church
in which, fifty years before, it was organized. Some
two thousand persons were present. Nothing marred
the joy of the occasion save that two loved and hon-
ored men, earnest workers in the cause, who had
looked forward to this meeting, had been called away
by death. After the preliminary exercises, in which
Kev. John Van Liew, of Eeadington, Eev. John Bur-
rows, of Mount Airy, Rev. Mr. Upham, of Eeaville,
Eev. Mr. Graw, of Lambertville, Eev. Dr. W. H.
Green, of Princeton, and others, participated, Hon.
Alexander Wurts took the chair as president of the
society. After the transaction of the usual business
the society took a recess and repaired to the tables
near by, where a bountiful repast had been provided.
Dinner over, the society resumed its session, and
listened to the Memorial Address"" delivered by the "
Eev. P. A. Studdiford, of Lambertville, selected by
the executive committee in place of the late Eev. Dr.
P. 0. Studdiford.* Among the delegates present from
sister-societies were Hon. John Hill, Morris; Eev.
James Le Fevre, Col. J. D. Hope, Somerset ; and Rev.
Dr. Sheldon, from the American Bible Society. Ees-
olutions were adopted expressive of the feelings of
the society in the removal by death of Jacob Kirk-
patrick, D.D., and Peter O. Studdiford, D.D. This
was followed by several tributary addresses, which,
together with the usual miscellaneous business, filled
out the balance of the session.
The financial reports show that the average of
moneys received for the first ten years was but a trifle
over fifty-seven dollars per annum. This steadily in-
creased, until the decade from 1856-66 presents an
aggregate of eleven thousand six hundred and thirty-
eight dollars and ninety-four cents, or an average of
one thousand one hundred and sixty -three dollars and
ninety cents per year.
The annual sessions since 1866 have been held as
follows ;
1867, at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian church ; 1868,
Stanton Eeformed church, sermon by Eev. Mr. Swaim ;
1869, at Presbyterian church, Lambertville, sermon
by Eev. David Tully (at this session a minute was
adopted on the death of Adam Stiger, the last survivor
of the founders of the society) ; 1870, at Presbyterian
church, Milford, sermon by Eev. J. G. Van Slyke (re-
ceipts, $2068.38) ; 1871, at Bethlehem Presbyterian
church, Sidney, sermon by Eev. N. L. Upham (re-
* This address, to which we are indebted for much of the information
pertaining to the society's early history, was published in pamphlet form
in 1867.
ceipts, 12050.03, and motion adopted to recanvass the
county) ; 1872, at Reformed church, Lebanon, sermon
by Eev. M. Herr (receipts, $1997.78 ; John C. Agin,
canvassing agent, reported : Families visited, 3678 ;
families destitute of Bibles, 240 ; families refused to
receive Bibles, 154 ; Eoman Catholic families visited,
162 ; Eoman Catholic families supplied, 8 ; Bibles
donated, 35 ; New Testaments donated, 23 ; New Tes-
taments sold, 177 ; Bibles sold, 147 ; value of books
donated, $35.36 ; amount received for Bibles and Tes-
taments sold, 221.08) ; 1873 ; at Kirkpatrick Memorial
Presbyterian church, Eingos, sermon by Eev. Wil-
liam Bailey (receipts, $1703.13) ; 1874, at Reformed
church, Eeadington, address by the president, in place
of the customary sermon (receipts, $1515.97) ; 1875,
at Methodist Episcopal church, Mechanicsville, ser-
mon by Eev. G. S. Mott, D.D. (receipts, $1496.06) ;
1876, at the Fair Grounds, Flemington, president's
address in place of sermon (receipts, $1372.44 ; it was
estimated that two thousand persons were present, and
that there were four hundred vehicles in the inclo-
sure) ; 1877, at Agricultural Society's grounds, Flem-
ington, address by William P. Emory, the president
(receipts, $1050.53) ; 1878, at Presbyterian church,
Bloomsbury, sermon by Eev. P. A. Studdiford (re-
ceipts, $1005.15) ; 1879, at Methodist Episcopal church,
Clinton, sermon by Rev. Mr. Anderson (receipts,
$972.02) ; the last session (that of 1880) was held at
the Presbyterian church, Lambertville, Sermon by
Rev. J. H. Smock, and receipts, $727.89. This being
the semi-millennial of the English Bible, Ashbel
Welch, Esq., delivered an appropriate address on the
subject. The officers elected were: President, Rev.
C. H. Traver ; Vice-Presidents, Cornelius Arnett, Rev.
William Rose, Rev. Alexander Miller, Rev. Thomas
E. Gordon, Moses Robbins, Wilson Thomas ; Record-
ing Secretary, Rev. C. S. Converse; Corresponding
Secretary, Rev. G. S. Mott ; Treasurer, J. H. Higgins.
The presidents of the society have been :
1816-17, 1822, Hon. Samuel L. Southard ;t 1818-26, Gen. John Beatty;t
1826-32, Chief Justice Charles Ewingf (no record for 1832-39);
1839-46, Dr. John Bowne,t of Amwell ; 1846-49, Col. Peter I. Clark,t
of Flemington; 1849-63, Samuel D. Stryker, Esq.;! 1863-68, Hon.
Alexander Wurts jf 1868, N. W. Voorhees, Esq. ; 1869, Hugh E. War-
ford, Esq. ; 1870, Hon. John T. Bird ; 1871, E. E. Bullock, Esq. ; 1872,
N. W. Voorhees, Esq. ; 1873, John N. Voorhees, Esq. ; 1874, Judge
David Van Fleet; 1876, Vice-Chancellor A. V. Van Fleet; 1876, Dr.
George P. Eex ; 1877, William P. Emory, Esq. ; 1878, Benjamin E.
Young; 1879, Dr. John W. Blane ; 1880, Eev. C. H. Traver.
The list of vice-presidents is too large to be here
given in full, embracing, as it does, the greater part
of the active membership of the society ; but among
them have figured Rev. J. Van Liew, D.D., Rev. C.
0. Winans, Peter D. Rockafellow, Esq., Rev. George
S. Mott, D.D., J. A. Anderson, Esq., C. F. Moore,
Eev. William Bailey, Eev. J. H. Smock, Eev. J. B.
Kugler, Eev. J. D. Hewitt, Rev. John Ewing, Rev.
J. P. W. Blattenberger, Rev. J. B. Campbell, Rev. P.
A. Studdiford, William V. Case, Rev. C. S. Converse,
f Deceased.
248
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
Rev. Alexander Miller, Eev. T. E. Gordon, Moses
Bobbins, C. Arnett, Wilson Thomas, etc.
Since 1867 the other officers have been :
COEEESPONBING SECEETART.
1868, Rev. John Burrows; 1869-71, Rev. H. Doolittle; 1872-80, Eev. G. S.
Mott, D.D.
EECOEDING SECRETAET.
1S68, Eev. J, L. Janeway ; 1869-72, ,T. Burrows ; 1S73-79, J. D. Hewitt ;
1880, C. S. Converee.
TREASURER.
1808-72, Wm. P. Emory ; 1S73, E. Vosseller; 1874-80, Joseph H. Higgins.
The county is at the present time being recanvassed
on the voluntary plan, without expense to the society.
THE HUNTERDON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SO-
CIETY.
This society was organized Feb. 11, 1856, under
and by virtue of an act of the Legislature of New
Jersey entitled " An Act to incorporate The Hunter-
don County Agricultural Society," approved Jan. 31,
1856. The original incorporators mentioned in the
act were Hugh Capner, Charles Bartles, Jacob S.
Williamson, Alexander V. Bonnell, Judiah Higgins,
Sr., and Andrew Van Syckel. The amount of capital
stock originally subscribed Avas six thousand dollars,
to be divided into two hundred and forty shares, of
twenty-five dollars each. This was afterwards in-
creased to ten thousand dollars, and divided into '
four hundred shares, of twenty-five dollars each.
The officers of the society are elected annually by
the stockholders, and consist of a president, tAvo vice-
presidents, treasurer, secretary and corresponding
secretary, and fourteen directors. At the first meet-
ing of the stockholders, held on the 16th of February,
1856, the following officers were chosen to serve for
the ensuing year, viz. : President, Hugh Capner;
Vice-Presidents, Jacob S. Williamson, John C. Raf-
ferty; Secretary, George W. Eisler; Corresponding
Secretary, John J. Clark; Treasurer, Bennet ^'an
Syckel; Directors, Jacob F. Prall, John W. Bellis,
John E. Young, Andrew Van Syckel, Jacob Johnson,
Thomas Exton, Michael Shurts, Joseph '^''ai) Syckel,
Elias Conover, Jonathan Higgins, John C. Hope-
well, D. B. Kirkpatrick, Eunkle Eea, Miller Kline.
The society purchased a fine level tract of land
containing about forty acres, and erected spacious
buildings for the accommodation of people and the
protection of articles on exhibition, and sheds and
stables for the shelter of cattle, horses, sheep, swine,
etc. The laying out of the grounds, the erection of
the fence, and the construction of all the buildings
were under the management and general superin-
tendence of John J. Clark. The location was chosen
with a \\c\v to comfort, convenience, and accommo-
dation. The buildings have been enlarged and added
to, until the society now have one of the finest county
fair grounds in the State.
The first exhibition of the society was held in the
fall of 1856, and in each year since a fair has been
held, with the exception of the fall of 1862. It was
then postponed on account of the fact that regiments
of soldiers were in camp on the grounds immediately
adjoining the fair grounds. The exhibits have al-
ways been large and excellent in quality, but during
the last four or five years, especially of stock and
machinery, have greatly exceeded those of- former
j'ears, and have been constantly increasing.
The object of the organization was, and is, to en-
courage rivalry among farmers, manufacturers, and
stock-raisers, and to promote to the fullest extent
possible all the agricultural interests of the county.
It is essentially a county organization, although as to
some matters, especially trotting, competition has
been thrown open to the outside world.
In 1874 the society joined the National Trotting
Association, and was a member for one year. Then
they dropped their membership until the year 1880,
when it was renewed, and it is unlikely that they will
again sever the connection.
The following have been the officers of the society,
in addition to those already named, during the suc-
cessive years since the organization of the society :
1857. President, Hugh Capner; Vice-Presidents, Jacob H. Huffman,
F. S. Holcombe ; Secretary, John N. Voorhees ; CorresponJiiig
Secretary, John J. Clark ; Treasurer, Bennet Van Syckel.
1858. President, Hugh Capner; Vice-Presidents, Robert Killgore, Al-
bertus K. Wagner; Secretary, John N. Voorheea; Correspond-
ing Secretary, William Hill ; Treasurer, Thomas C. Haward.
1859. President, Hngh Capner; Vice-Presidents, A.K.Wagner, R. .1.
Killgore ; Secretary, Martin Wyckofl ; Corresponding Secretary,
Alexander Soydam ; Treasurer, Thomas C. Haward.
1800. President, John C. Hopewell ; Vice-Presidents, A. K. Wagner, E.
J- Killgore; Secretary, Martin "Wyckoff ; Corresponding Secre-
tary, John J, Clark ; Tresurer, T. C. Haward.
1801-62. President, John C. Hopewell; Vice-Presidents, George F. Cra-
ter, A. K. Wagner; Secret<ary, Martin Wyckoff; Correspoiulirig
Secretary, J, J. Clark; Treasurer, T. C. Haward.
1863-65. President, John C. Hopewell; Vice-Presidents, A. K. Wnguer,
George F. Crater ; Secretary, Reading Moore ; Corresponding
Secretary, F. S. Holcombe ; Tre.asurer, T. C. Haward.
1860-08 Pi esident, J, C. Hopewell; Vice-Presidents, A. K. Wagner,
George F. Crater; Secretary, John L. Jones; Corresponding
Secretary, R. S. Kuli] ; Treasurer, T. C. Haward.
1800-71. President, John C. Hopewell ; Vice-Presidents, A. K. Wagner,
George F. Crater; Secretiiry, John L. Jones; Corresponding
Secretary, E. S. Kuhl; Tre.asuror, D.avid V.an Fleet.
1872-74. President, John C. Hopewell; Vice-Presidents, George F. Cr.i-
ter, Caleb F. Fislier ; Secretarj', John L. Jones; Corresponding
Secretary, E. S. Knlil; Treasurer, David A'an Fleet.
1875-76. President, John C. Hopewell; Vice-Presidents, C. F. Fisher,
George F. Ci ator; Secretary, J. L. Jones; Corresponding Secie-
tary, Henry A. Fluck; Treasurer, David Van Fleet.
1S77. President, J. C. Hopewell ; Vice-Presidents, C. F. Fisher, Andrew
Van Syckel; Secretary, J. L. Jones; Corresponding Secretary,
H. A. Flock ; Treasurer, R. S. Kuhl.
1878. President, John C. Hopewell ; Vice-Presidents, C. F. Fisher, An-
drew Van Syckel ; Secretary, J. L. Connet ; Corresponding Sec-
retary, W. H. Johnson ; Treasurer, E. S. Kuhl.
1879. President, John J.Clark; Vice-Presidents, C. F. Fisher, Andrew
Van Syckel ; Secretary, J. L. Connet; Corresponding Secretary,
W. H. Johnson; Treasurer, E. S. Kuhl.
The following arc the officers and directors for the
year 1880: President, John J. Clark; Vice-Presi-
dents, C. F. Fisher, John L. Jones ; Secretary, John L.
Connet; Corresponding Secretary, Willard C. Parker;
Treasurer, E. S. Kuhl; Directors, F. S. Holcombe,
SOCIETIES.
249
Martin Wyckoff, Joseph Haines, Jonathan Higgins,
John H. Eockafellar, Jacob F. Quick, Hiram Moore,
Michael Shurts, James R. Kline, Louis A. Exton,
Simpson S. Stout, James M. Duckworth, David Van
Fleet, Jacob R. Fisher.
The annual fair is held in the last week of Sep-
tember of each year.
THE COUNTY GRANGE, PATRONS OP HUSBANDRY.
Pomona Grange, No. 3, of Hunterdon County, was
organized in Flemington, June 12, 1875, by Mortimer
"Whitehead, with the following as its first officers :
Master, Caleb F. Fisher, of Grange No. 12 ; Overseer,
D. R. Hill, No. 74 ; Lecturer, T. V. M. Cox, No. 56 ;
Steward, Charles Robinson, No. 76 ; Assistant Stew-
ard, Levi Snyder, No. 88 ; Chaplain, Paul K. Hoff-
man, No. 80 ; Sec, E. M. Heath, No. 88 ; Treas., C.
Watson, No. 80 ; Gate-Keeper, Ely Dalrymple, No.
75 ; Ceres, Mrs. T. V. M. Cox, No. 56 ; Pomona, Mrs.
Susan Prall, No. 80 ; Flora, Mrs. Mary E. Schenck,
No. 12 ; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. H. E. Hol-
combe, No. 12.
On the 8th of February, 1876, the following officers
were elected and installed : Master, T. V. M. Cox ;
Overseer, D. R. Hill ; Lecturer, E. M. Heath ; Stew-
ard, David Bodine; Assistant Steward, D. V. L.
Schenck ; Chaplain, Rev. N. S. Allen ; Sec, Joseph
Sergeant ; Gate-Keeper, E. E. Holcombe. The other
officers remained as in the previous year.
Since that date the principal offices have been
filled as follows :
MASTER.
1877-78, William Taylor, No. 103 ; 1879, H. F. Bodine, No. 88 ; 1880, J. X.
Cox, No. 66.
OVEBSEEB.
1877, N. S. ConOTer, No. 97; 1878, Isaac Hoffman, No. 101 ; 1879, J. T.
Cox, No. 56 ; 1880, J. V, L. Schenck, No. 12.
LECTUEER.
1877, E. M. Heath, No. 88; 1878-80, Charles Watson, No. 80.
SECBETABY.
1877, r. S. Holcombe, No. 12 ; 1878-79, D. V. L. Schenck, No. 12 ; 1880, F.
S. Holcombe.
TEEASTJBEE.
1877, Charles Watson, No. 80 ; 1878-79, D. R. Hill, No. 74; 1880, H. F.
Bodine, No. 88.
STEWAED.
1877, J. T. Cox, No. 60 ; 1878, L. B. Carhart, No. 97 ; 1879, 1. H. Hoffman,
No. 101 ; 1880, W. H. Opie, No. 66.
The officers for the present year (1880), besides
those above mentioned, are: Chaplain, Rev. J. Ro-
denbaugh, No. 88 ; Assistant Steward, I. H. Hoff-
man, No. 101; Gate-Keeper, E. E. Holcombe, No. 12;
Ceres, Mrs. H. 0. Holcombe, No. 12 ; Pomona, Mrs.
M. A. Hagaman, No. 101 ; Flora, Mrs. E. Bodine, No.
88 ; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. M. E. Schenck, No.
12.
This society, which embraces at the present time
-seven subordinate granges, is well sustained by the
members of the order in the county.
17
THE TEMPERANCE ALLIANCE.
The Hunterdon County Temperance Alliance was
instituted March IS, 1879, and is auxiliary to the New
Jersey State Temperance Alliance. The first officers
were : President, E. R. Bullock ; Vice-Presidents, Rev.
J. G. Williamson, M. B. Lanning, Martin Herr, C. H.
Traver, and William Bailey; Corresponding Secre-
tary, Rev. J. P. W. Blattenberger ; Recording Secre-
tary, Rev. A. M. Harris ; Treasurer, C. C. Dunham.
Article II. of the Constitution recites that the ob-
jects of the Alliance shall be to provide for a thor- "
ough canvass of the county, by sermons and lectures,
in behalf of temperance ; to organize and strengthen
temperance societies ; to combine religious bodies
and all friends of temperance in efforts to suppress
the evils of intemperance ; and to secure by law the
prohibition of the traffic in alcoholic drinks."
Meetings are held annually and semi-annually, on
the last Tuesday in May and November. The first
semi-annual meeting was held at Frenchtown, Nov.
24, 1879. The annual meeting was held at Fleming-
ton, May 25, 1880. The officers of the preceding year
were re-elected, except that the Rev. William Bailey
was chosen corresponding secretary in place of Rev.
J. P. W. Blattenberger. The semi-annual meeting
of this year (1880) was held at Clinton, November
30th.
Besides the officers named above, there is a board
of managers, composed of one person in each town-
ship, whose duty (among other things) it is to form
an alliance in each township, to be auxiliary to
the County Alliance. Some of the townships have
effected the organization of such auxiliary societies.
There is also an executive committee of nine, the
president, corresponding secretary, and treasurer
being ex-officio members, the other six being selected
by the board of managers from their number.
A healthy state of public sentiment exists in Hun-
terdon County upon this subject, and this society, with
kindred organizations, will most likely receive a cor-
dial support.
HUNTERDON COUNTY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
AND INSTITUTES.*
The teachers of the county have firequently met for
the purpose of mutual improvement and interchange
of ideas. The first regularly organized association
was held about 1860 or 1861. George Fleming, now
principal of the Clinton Institute, says he was present
at a meeting held at Centreville, although that was
not the first. R. S. Hoppock, now a merchant of
Mount Pleasant, was president. This association was
short-lived, as its meetings ceased after a year or two.
Another organization was effected about 1870.
There was more enthusiasm displayed at this time,
and most of the prominent teachers of the county
enrolled themselves as members. Among them were
J. C. Butler, R. S. Hoppock, W. D. L. Robbins, John
* Contributed by Prof. George Fleming, of Clinton.
250
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
C. Holder, A. B. Hall, A. G. Creveling, Charles E.
Green, L. K. Shouse, P. E. Tharp, A. H. Skinner,
David Butler, S. E. Opdyke, P. G. Wyckoff, T. O.
Allen, C. M. Sitgroves, E. J. Bell, S. E. Opdyke, W.
B. Sarson, and I. N. Leigh. Several ladies were also
members of the society. The association meetings
were held three or four times a year until about 1875,
when the "hard times" that followed the financial
crash of 1873 caused the suspension of active opera-
tions for a time. During the present year (1880) the
meetings of the association have been resumed, and
several have been held at Flemington Academy.
There are at present about twenty or twenty-five
names on the roll of members. E. F. Pierce, princi-
pal of Flemington Academy, is president, C. E.
Nightingale is secretary, and George Fleming, of
Clinton, is acting treasurer.
The Teachers' Association is under the direction
and control of the teachers. An institute is held an-
nually, under the direction of the State superin-
tendent, towards the support of which the sum of one
hundred dollars is annually appropriated by the Leg-
islature. The object sought to be attained is the in-
struction of the teachers by competent persons from
outside of the county. The first institute under the
present school-law was held at Flemington in 1870
or 1871.
COUNTY SUNDAY-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
June 38, 1860, a convention of the friends of Sun-
day-schools was held in Flemington, by whom a county
convention was formed and ofiicers appointed, includ-
ing a secretary for each township in the county, and
on the 19th of September following the association
held a convention, when reports from sixty-three
schools were presented. Eev. P. A. Strobel was ap-
pointed corresponding secretary.
The second annual convention was held in the vil-
lage of Clinton, Oct. 8, 1862. Eev. Thomas Swaim,
D.D., was appointed president forthe ensuing year, and
Eev. P. A. Strobel corresponding secretary. Feb. 25
and 26, 1862, voluntary conventions were held in
Clinton and Flemington, for the purpose of adopting
such measures as might be deemed best calculated to
enlist the interest of Christians generally in the Sab-
bath-school work, and measures were taken to estab-
lish an association in each township in the county.
The third annual convention was held in the vil-
lage of Frenchtown, Sept. 16, 1863, Eev. Thomas
Swaim, D.D., presiding. This was the first conven-
tion the proceedings of which were published. The
corresponding secretaries reported to the county asso-
ciation the death of some of their most active and
useful members : Eev. Joseph Eodgers, of French-
town ; Col. A. W. Dunham, of Clinton ; Hon. Peter
I. Clark, of Flemington ; and John O. Eeed, Esq.
The fourth annual convention was held in the Ee-
formed church at Eeadington, Sept. 21, 1864, Eev. J.
L. Janeway president.
The corresponding secretary reported eighty-five (a
gain of eleven) schools, sis thousand four hundred
and thirty-one scholars, eighty-nine conversions, and
twenty-three thousand eight hundred and seventy-five
volumes in libraries.
The following ofiicers were chosen for the ensuing
year : President, Rev. J. Kirkpatrick, D.D. ; Vice-
Presidents, Hon. H. Hagerman, Hon. J. Pickel, and
M. S. Stiger, Esq. ; Eecording Secretary and Treas-
urer, J. S. Higgins.
At the fifth annual convention, held in Lambert-
ville in September, 1865, one hundred and twent3'-five
conversions were reported among the Sunday-school
children. Rev. 0. S. Conkling corresponding secre-
tary.
Subsequent conventions were held as follows : Sixth,
1866, Presbyterian church, Flemington ; seventh,
1867, Methodist Episcopal church, Clinton ; eighth,
1868, Kingwood Baptist church, Baptisttown ; ninth,
1869, at New Germantown ; tenth, 1870, Presbyterian
church, Eingos ; eleventh, 1871, Baptist church, Cro-
ton ; twelfth, 1872, Eeformed church. High Bridge ;
thirteenth, 1873, Presbyterian church, Bloomsbury;
fourteenth, 1874, Methodist Episcopal church, Me-
chanicsville ; fifteenth, 1875, Presbyterian church,
Stockton ; sixteenth, 1876, Baptist church, Fleming-
ton ; seventeenth, 1877, Baptist church, Wertsville ;
eighteenth, 1878, Eeformed church, Stanton ; nine-
teenth, 1879, Methodist Episcopal church, Quaker-
town; twentieth, 1880, Presbyterian church, Flem-
ington.
Since 1865 the presidents have been Eev. H.
Doolittle, 1866; Eev. J. P. Dailey, 1867; Eev. A.
Armstrong, 1868 ; Eev. J. Burroughs, 1869 ; Eev.
William Bailey, 1870 ; Rev. H. Doolittle, 1871 ; Rev.
S. Sproul, 1872; Rev. Jacob Fehrman, 1873 ; Rev. C.
S. Conkling, 1874-75; Rev. Wm. Swan, 1876; Rev.
E. A. Chalker, 1877 ; Eev. T. E. Vassar, 1878 ; Eev.
J. G. Williamson, 1879 ; Rev. C. H. Traver, 1880.
The corresponding secretaries for the same time
were Rev. C. S. Conkling, 1866-72 ; Hugh E. War-
ford, 1873-77 ; E. Vosseller, 1878-80.
John W. Lequear has been recording secretary
since 1872. (To him we are under obligations for the
facts from which this sketch is compiled.)
The following ofiicers were chosen at its last session
for the ensuing year, 1881 : President, Eev. G. F.
Love ; Vice-Presidents, Revs. J. D. Randolph, J. M.
Helsley, and C. E. Walton ; Corresponding Secretary
and Treasurer, E. Vosseller ; Eecording Secretary, J.
W. Lequear.
Since 1866, when the association was called to
mourn the death of two pioneer pastors and Sunday-
school coadjutors. Revs. Kirkpatrick and Studdiford,
many of their efiicient workers and zealous advocates
have rested from their labors.
At the twentieth annual convention, held Nov. 4,
1880, the corresponding secretary reported about 100
Sunday-schools in the county, with reports from 71.
SOME OF THE PROMINENT MEN OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
251
CHAPTER X.
SOME OF THE PKOMINEIifT MEN OE
TERDOIT COUBTTT.
HUW-
Gen. Daniel Morgan Gen. Philemon Dickinson Gen. William Maxwell
Col. Charles Stewart Col. Philip Johnson Col. Joab Honghton
Col. Mark Thompson Col. Isaac Smith John Mehelm John Hart
John Stevens Robert Livingston Stevens Edwin A. Stevens Rev.
Peter Stnddiford Rev. Casper Wack Rev. John Vanderveer Rev,
George S. Mott, D.D. Henry D. Maxwell Ell Bosenbury Peter
Cramer Charles W. Godown James M. Ramsey.
It is attempted in this connection to present only
sketches of some of the patriots and soldiers of the
Revolutionary period, together with a few of the
legislators, divines, etc., of the present time who have
not been specially treated elsewhere.
Gen. Daniel Morgan, who in the Revolutionary
struggle proved one of our bravest and most efficient
generals, was a native of Hunterdon County, although
his nativity has been accorded to other localities.
Rogers, in his " Heroes and Statesmen of America,"
says he was born in Durham township, Bucks Co.,
Pa.* This is a mistake growing out of the fact that
the family for a short time lived there, being in some
way connected with the iron-works, but afterwards
removed to Lebanon township, this county. Dr.
John Blane says, "My informants stated he was
born here, a fact they had from their mother and
aunts, who lived less than a mile irom the Morgan
family residence, which was on land afterwards owned
by Maj. Dusenberry, of New Hampton. Some of
them even pointed out the spot where some moulder-
ing logs and the stones of the back of the fireplace
were to be seen" marking the site of the dwelling.
They further stated that when Daniel was old enough
to drive a team he went to Pittstown, where he drove
a pair of oxen for the business proprietors of the
place, and that about 1750 he went from there to Vir-
ginia. His connection with the war of independence
is too well known to need mention here. His corps
of riflemen was the terror of the enemy and the pride
of the Continental army. He also served in Brad-
dock's expedition of 1755. Among all of Hunterdon's
sons, none have done her more honor or left a more
illustrious name than has Gen. Daniel Morgan.
The patriotic citizens of South Carolina on the 17th
of January, 1881, celebrated the one hundredth anni-
versary of the battle of Cowpens with appropriate
ceremonies, and the executives and the people of the
Old Thirteen States have been invited to unite with
them in the erection of a massive memorial column
of granite, with suitable inscriptions, to commemorate
the event. It is expected that when the monument
is completed Congress will provide the means for a
bronze statue of Gen. Morgan, to complete the monu-
mental design. The financial officer of the New Jer-
sey Historical Society has issued an address appealing
* In " Appleton's Encyclopedia" (1861) it is stated he was born in New
Jersey in 1736.
to the people of New Jersey for contributions to aid
in this patriotic object.
Gen. Philemon Dickinson, a gallant officer of
the Revolution, was a Whig of the truest dye, and
entered the army at the commencement of the con-
test. Possessed of an ample fortune, he hazarded it
for the good of his country, preferring poverty with
liberty to wealth with slavery. He was at the head
of the New Jersey militia at the battle of Monmouth,
where he displayed the greatest bravery. After the
establishment of the Federal government he was
elected to Congress from this State, and in all the
civil and military stations in which he figured he
served honestly and well. The last twelve years of
his life were passed in retirement at his residence,
near Trenton, where he died Feb. 4, 1809, aged sixty-
eight.t
Gen. William Maxvs^ell as a soldier and patriot
had few superiors, and was honored and loved for his
integrity and kindness of heart. No man's record
shines out more brilliantly in the history of the strug-
gle upon the soil of New Jersey than does his, and
it is strange that historians, beyond the mere mention
of the position he took on the field, have left his name
in comparative obscurity. He was born near the north
boundary line of Hunterdon County, and joined the
army at the beginning of the war.J In 1776 he was
appointed colonel, and raised a battalion of infantry
in Hunterdon and adjoining counties. He was with
Gen. Schuyler on Lake Champlain, and in October
following was appointed a brigadier in the Continen-
tal service. He was conspicuous at Trenton, and after
that battle was engaged in harassing the enemy dur-
ing the winter and spring of 1777, being stationed
near the British lines at Elizabethtown. In the
autumn he participated in the battles of Brandywine
and Germantown, and the next winter (1777-78)
shared the sufferings at Valley Forge. He was active
in the pursuit of Clinton across New Jersey the fol-
lowing summer, and sustained an important part in
the battle of Monmouth. He subsequently annoyed
the enemy in their retreat towards Sandy Hook, and
in June, 1780, was engaged in the action at Spring-
field. In August he resigned his commission and
quitted the service. He was highly esteemed by
Washington, who, on transmitting his resignation to
Congress, said, after speaking of his merits as an offi-
cer " I believe him to be an honest man, a warm
friend to his country, and firmly attached to its inter-
ests."! He was a frequent guest after the war at the
mansion of Col. Stewart, at Landsdown, where he died,
quite suddenly, while on a visit, in 1796. He was
buried in the Greenwich Presbyterian churchyard, in
f " LossiDg's Fieia-Book of the Revolution," vol. ii., p. 220.
t He also served with the colonial forces in 1756, and on the field of
Monongahela lirst met Gen. Morgan. There three men met who twenty
years later were to win laurels as the heroes of Quebec, Daniel Morgan,
Philip Johnston, and William Maxwell.
g " LoBsing's Field-Book of the Revolution," ii., p. 368.
252
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
Warren County. John Maxwell, of Flemington, was
his brother, and the eminent lawyers, George 0. and
William, of the same place, were his nephews. Gen.
Maxwell resided near Clinton, but after the Eevolu-
tion removed to Greenwich, Warren Co.
Col. Chaeles Stewart was born at Gortlea,
County Donegal, Ireland, in 1729. His grandfather,
Charles, was a Scotchman and an oificer in the army
of William of Orange. For his services at Boyne he
received the estate in Ireland called Gortlea. The
grandson emigrated to America in 1750. He became
a favorite' at the house of Judge Johnston, whose
daughter, Mary, he married. Many of his friends
were loyalists, and vainly tried to retain him on the
king's side, but he was firm ; the puritan ideas and
love of liberty inherited from his ancestors, and which
impelled him to leave the mother-country, made him
a staunch patriot. Union farm, rented from Allen &
Turner, of Philadelphia, was the residence of Col.
Stewart and family during the war, after which he
returned to his own mansion, at Landsdown, later re-
moving to Flemington.
Col. Stewart died June 24, 1800, and was buried in
the cemetery of the old stone church at Bethlehem,
where a tablet is erected to his memory, containing
an epitaph composed by his lifelong friend. Chief
Justice Smith, of Trenton. He was a leading spirit
in Hunterdon County during the Revolution, and
rendered important services from the commencement
to the close of the struggle. He was colonel of the
First Regiment of minute-men, then colonel of the
regiment of the line. In 1776 he became one of
Washington's staff as commissary-general, and so re-
mained to the end of the war. He was a member of
the Congress of 1784^85, and also surveyor-general of
the province of Pennsylvania. His daughter, Martha,
was the wife of Capt. Robert Wilson, of the Conti-
nental army, who was wounded at Germantown, and
who died in Hackettstown in 1779. A grandson,
Charles (son of Samuel), was a classmate in Prince-
ton of Judge Alexander Wurts, was a missionary to
the Sandwich Islands, a chaplain in the navy, and
died at Cooperstown, N. Y., in 1870.* A grand-
daughter, Mrs. Hoyt, widow of the late Capt. Hoyt,
lives at Landsdown.
Col. Stewart was of medium height, spare in flesh,
with keen blue eyes, expressing intelligence, kind-
ness, and firmness. His portrait, executed by Peale,
is still preserved. His homestead estate remains in
the possession of his descendants.
Col. Philip Johnston, a brother-in-law of Col.
Charles Stewart, was the eldest of seven children, and
was born in 1741. His father. Judge Samuel John-
ston, was a colonial magistrate thirty years before the
Revolution. The family were from Scotland, and be-
longed to an ancient barony in Anandale. They
were a warlike clan and a great terror to the border
* A Bon of his waa giaduated at West Point with Gen. McClellan, and
served faithfully and efficiently during the late war of the Rebellion.
thieves. Philip left his class in Princeton College to
serve in the French war in Canada, from which he
returned with military honor and reputation. This
fact drew many to his standard when he called for
volunteers in 1776. He was appointed by the Pro-
vincial Congress of New Jersey to the command of
the First Regiment. At the head of this regiment he
went into the battle of Long Island. He was one of
the bravest in that hotly-contested fight. Force's
Revolutionary Archives gives the following extract
from a Philadelphia journal of the day : " We hear
that in the late action on Long Island, Col. Philip
Johnston, of New Jersey, behaved with remarkable
intrepidity and fortitude. By the well-directed fire
of his battalion the enemy were several times repulsed
and lanes were made through them, until he received
a ball in his breast, which put an end to as brave an
ofiicer as ever commanded. Gen. Sullivan, who was
close to him when he fell, says that no man could be-
have with more firmness during the whole action."
Just as he was leaving home for the seat of war he
went into the room where his little children were in
bed, and, kissing them, he kneeled down and com-
mended his family to God in iDrayer. One of those
three daughters, Mary, became the wife of Joseph
Scudder, and was the mother of Dr. John Scudder,
the world-renowned missionary to India.f
Col. Joab Houghton, a native of Hopewell, then
in Hunterdon County, was born in the northeast part
of the township, near the present boundary line of
Hunterdon. He was an active partisan ofiicer of the
Revolution, served all through the war, and did good
service in repelling and harassing the marauding-par-
ties of British while their army overran this section
of country. On one occasion, at Pennington, he cap-
tured a Hessian sergeant and twelve men. After the
war he served as a member of the Legislature from
Hunterdon County. He was a member of the Bap-
tist Church, and died about 1795, at an advanced age.
Col. Mark Thompson, one of the most prominent
men of his day, lived about two miles from Clarks-
ville, at the site of the Change-water forge, of which
valuable property he was an early owner. He was a
colonel in the militia in the first levy of troops for the
defense of the State during the Revolution. His son,
Robert C, inherited the property. Of the six sons of
the latter all were long since deceased except Theo-
dore, who removed to Princeton, where he was living
at last accounts.!
Col. Isaac Smith, born 1740, graduated at Prince-
ton, 1755, was a tutor in 1757, a member of the State
Medical Society in 1767. Upon the breaking out of
the war he was commissioned colonel of the First
Regiment, Hunterdon. From 1777 to 1795 he was a
f These facts are taken from an article in the Clirislian InleUigeiicer by
Key. William Hall, Jan. 25, 1BY7. The correctness of them is asserted
by Mrs. Hoyt, granddaughter of Col. Stewart. Dr. Moll's Hist. Bmiter-
don Co.
t " Our Home," 1873.
SOME OF THE PROMINENT MEN OP HUNTERDON COUNTY.
253
justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He
was subsequently elected to Congress. He was a suc-
cessful physician, although public duties withdrew
him much from his practice. He died Aug. 29, 1807,
aged sixty-eight, and was buried in Trenton. A
sketch of his life and character may be found in the
Portfolio, vol. i., February, 1809.*
John Mehelm was another member of the Pro-
vincial Congress of 1775 who represented this county
and afterwards took an active part in the Revolution.
He emigrated to this country from Ireland. In early
life he was a schoolmaster in Berks Co., Pa. He was
a handsome writer and a fine scholar. He purchased
one hundred acres of land and a mill on the North
Branch, near Pluckamin, since known as Hall's Mills.
Here during the Revolutionary war he manufactured
flour, which was used by the army while lying at
Pluckamin and encamped at Morristown. He was
colonel of the Fourth Regiment, Hunterdon, served
on thestaff of Maj.-Gen. Dickinson; was also quarter-
master-general, and continued a pure and able patriot.
He was often associated with John Hart, and was also
the friend and companion of "Washington. Col. Me-
helm was a member of the Provincial Congress which
met at Burlington, June 10, 1776. He was appointed
surrogate for the counties of Hunterdon and Somer-
set, which office he held until 1801, when he was re-
moved.f
John Hart, one of the most prominent men of
Revolutionary times, and one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, was born in the town-
ship of Hopewell, N. J. He was a deputy in the Pro-
vincial Congress of 1775 from Hunterdon County, a
member of the Committee of Safety in 1776, and a
member of the Continental Congress. When the
British troops took possession of this portion of the
State, Mr. Hart's farm and stock were pillaged and
destroyed by the Hessians, and his children escaped
from insult only by removing from the vicinity. Mrs.
Hart, at the time too sick for removal, died amid the
soldiers, her end no doubt hastened by the exciting
scenes then transpiring. Mr. Hart himself was driven
from the bedside of his dying wife and hunted through
the hills and woods of his native county. It is little
wonder, then, that he was a patriot, and that he earn-
estly espoused the cause of the colonists. He died
in 1780, leaving a bright example of patriotism and
devotion to his country.
John Stevens was an early settler in the Round
Valley. He was the grandfather of Edward [Edwin],
John, and Robert Livingston Stevens, who became
the pioneers in the railroad and steamboat enterprises
of the State. Robert, when only twenty years old,
took the "Phojnix" a steamboat built by his father,
and one of the first ever constructed from New York
to Philadelphia by sea, which is indisputably the first
* "Wickes' Hietory of New Jersey MediciDe.
f Mott'a History of Hunterdon County, pp. 35,36.
instance of ocean steam-navigation. This was in 1808.
Tradition says that Livingston, the associate of Robert
Fulton, was a frequent visitor at Round Valley.t
Col. John Stevens (born 1749, died 1838) as early
as 1789 presented a memorial to the Legislature of the
State of New York stating that he had perfected his
plans in regard to steam-navigation. In 1804 he
launched a small vessel worked by steam with screws,
and in 1807 he built the steamboat " Pha3nix." Ful-
ton, meanwhile, had constructed the " Clermont" and
obtained the exclusive right of navigating the Hud-
son ; Stevens, therefore, sent his vessel to the Dela-
ware. He subsequently invented a revolving steam-
battery, and was the pioneer in the matter of the use
of steam for railways, suggesting the construction of
one from Albany to Fort Erie. The Camden and
Amboy Railroad was planned by him. But when he
applied to the State for a franchise to build it, it was
denied on the plea of being so visionary a scheme
that they did not wish to encourage him in his at-
tempts to bankrupt himself and impoverish his fam-
ily. He had six sons and five daughters ; the names
of the former were John Cox, Robert Livingston,
James Alexander, Richard, Francis Bowes, and
Edwin Augustus.
Richard Stevens graduated from Columbia Col-
lege and became a surgeon in the navy (born 1788,
died 1856).
Robert L. Stevens was the assistant of his father
in perfecting his inventions, and was himself an emi-
nent inventor. In 1813 he devised and made for the
government elongated percussion-shells for smooth-
bore guns, and in 1822 used anthracite coal in a fur-
nace, and soon after in his steamers ; in 1836 intro-
duced the T-rail on the Camden and Amboy Railroad,
of which he was president, and in 1842 was com-
missioned to build for the United States government
an iron-plated floating battery, which remained un-
completed at his death. §
Edwin Augustus Stevens was born in 1795, and
died at Paris in 1868. In conjunction with his
brothers he established passenger- and tow-boats on
the Hudson and other rivers. At the breaking out
of the late civil war he urged the government to put
in service the ironclad battery of which his brother
had long before commenced the construction, offering
to complete it and to receive pay for it only in case it
should prove successflil. This offer being declined,
he expended considerable sums upon it, and at his
death bequeathed it to the State of New Jersey, to-
gether with one million dollars for its completion ;
this amount, however, proved insuflicient, and the
battery remains unfinished.
Rev. Peter Studdiford was the son of Capt.
John Studdiford, from Pen Ryn, Cornwall, England.
His mother was Catharine Burgher. Capt. Studdi-
X " First Century of Hunterdon County," p. 13.
3 Joluison's New Universal Cyclopa?dia, vol. iv, p. I
2U
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ford died of yellow fever in the "West Indies, leaving
his wife and orphan son in New York City, where
Peter was born. The celebrated De Witt Clinton was
his room-mate at Columbia College, where they
formed a -warm friendship. He finished his education
under the Eev. Dr. Livingston, and settled, in 1796,
at South Branch Mills, having been previously licensed
by the Synod of New York (1787). The service of
ordination was performed by J. R. Hardenbergb, John
M. Van Harlingen, Jr., and John Duryea. Mr. Stud-
diford preached at Bedminster and Eeadington until
the year 1800, and from that time until his death was
pastor of the Eeadington Church alone. He died in
his own house at South Branch Mills. His remains
lie at Eeadington, beside those of Simeon Van Arsdale,
and the following inscription is engraven upon his
tomb :
" Beneath this tablet lie the remains of the Rev. Peter Studdiford, who,
after a long and laborious ministry, died on November 21at, A.D. 1S26, in
the sixty-fourth year of his age. He was born in the city of New York,
A.D. 17G3. Having completed his collegiate and theological studies in
the place of his birth, he was installed pastor of the Dutch Reformed
Church of North Branch. Here he continued to labor with unabated
zeal and diligence until visited by the sickness which issued in his death.
Possessing enlarged views of divine tnith and a rich store of various
knowledge, he was ready, instructive, and forcible in his preaching. He
loved his Master's work, and shrank not from labor in its performance.
As a pastor he was affectionate and faithful ; as a citizen, truly patriotic ;
as a neighbor, benevolent, candid, and obliging; and as a Christian,
humble, devout, and liberal. "
He married in early life, and his wife sleeps beside
him. Her tombstone is inscribed :
" Sacred to the memory of Phoebe, wife of the Rev. Peter Studdiford,
and only daughter of James and Lavinia Vanderveer, of the township
of Bedminster, and county of Somerset. She departed this life March
17, 1808, aged 33 years, 9 months, and 11 days. "
Later in life he married Maria Van Horn, who
long survived him, and died in Somerville, at the
house of her daughter, Mrs. Ruckle.
Mr. Studdiford was one worthy to wear the mantle
of the Frelinghuysens and other pioneers of the Ee-
formed Dutch Church in America. He traversed the
wilderness of upper Hunterdon to preach in the rude
meeting-houses at Lebanon, White House, and Stan-
ton, which afterwards were colonized from his church
and became flourishing congregations; he often jour-
neyed as far as the Delaware, and held meetings in
private houses where no churches were near. His
labors in this direction were immense, and he per-
formed them, not that they were a part of his charge,
but because the great love he bore his Master's service
would not let him rest while famishing little congre-
gations needed his services. Therefore he was gen-
erally beloved, and his death was mourned by those
of all denominations, within the whole limits of Hun-
terdon and Somerset Counties, as that of a near and
dear friend.
His sou, Eev. Peter 0. Studdiford, became a com-
municant of the Eeadington Church, and after being
licensed preached his first sermon at Lambertville,
where he gave his life's labors, and where he died.
(See sketch of his life in connection with the history
of Lambertville.)
Eev. John" Vanderveer was born in Hunterdon
County, May 5, 1800 ; was graduated from the College
of New Jersey in 1817, from the New Brunswick
Seminary in 1822, and was licensed by the Eeformed
Church in the last-named year. He was one of
Nature's noblemen. He was noted as an educator,
the " Vanderveer School," at Easton, being famous
for more than a quarter of a century. Among the
hundreds who received their education at the " Min-
erva Seminary" there were not a few who became
distinguished in the different walks of life. He was
honest, pure, warm-hearted, and benevolent.
Eev. George Scuddee Mott, D.D., resident of
Flemington and pastor of the Presbyterian Church,
was born in the city of New York, Nov. 25, 1829.
His father was Lawrence S. Mott, also a native of
New York City. One of his ancestors had to flee
from the city on its occupation by the British ; an-
other was killed at the Indian battle of Minisink.
Our subject prepared for college at a private school
in his native city, and was graduated from the Uni-
versity of New York in 1850, taking the fourth honor.
He entered Princeton Theological Seminary in the
fall of 1850, graduating therefrom in 1853. He im-
mediately accepted a call to the Second Presbyterian
Church of Eahway, N. J., and remained five years.
For the nine years following he was pastor of the Pres-
byterian Church of Newton, N. J. He removed to
Flemington in 1869, to assume the pastorate of the
Presbyterian Church of that place, which position he
is still (1880) filling with great acceptance.
In 1873 he was elected professor of sacred rhetoric
in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, but declined
the proffered position. In 1874, Princeton College
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
He is an able writer, the author of several valuable
works,* and a frequent contributor to the periodical
press and denominational publications of the East.
He takes a lively interest in all moral and reformatory
measures, and is actively participant in the Bible
cause and Sunday-school work in Hunterdon County.
He is at the present time the corresponding secretary
of the Hunterdon County Bible Society.
Henry D. Maxwell was born in Flemington,
Dec. 5, 1812, and was the son of William Maxwell,
Esq., whose biography is given in the chapter on the
Bench and Bar. At fifteen years of age he was
prepared for college, but the death of his father left
to his care and that of his brothers a widowed mother,
and he was compelled to abandon the project. Ob-
taining a situation as usher in the boarding-school ot
Eev. Dr. Steel, at Abington, Pa., he for eighteen
months aided in preparing young men for that college
life which he was compelled to forego. When seven-
teen, Hon. Samuel L. Southard, then Secretary of
* See chapter on " Books and Authors," preceding.
CIVIL LIST OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
255
the Navy, sent him a warrant as midshipman in the
navy, hut, again out of consideration for his mother's
wishes, he declined it. Eeturning now to Fleming-
ton, he studied law with Nathaniel Saxton, Esq., but
afterwards entered the office of Thomas A. Hartwell,
Esq., of Somerville, and completed his term with his
cousin, John P. B. Maxwell, of Belvidere. He was
admitted to practice in September, 1834, and opened
an office at Phillipsburg. In 1835 he removed to
Easton, and practiced law there until his death.
In 1850, President Taylor appointed him United
States consul to Trieste, Austria, but he resigned the
jjost in one year. In July, 1856, he became, by ap-
pointment, president judge of the Third Judicial Dis-
trict, and again in 1862. In the war he was paymaster-
general of Pennsylvania, and the local offices held by
him were almost innumerable. His death occurred
Oct. 3, 1874.
Eli Bosenbdey, of Clinton, State senator from
Hunterdon County, was born in Delaware township,
this county, Sept. 9, 1822. He was in early life a car-
penter and builder, but in 1864 became engaged as a
manufacturer and wholesale dealer in lumber. He
was elected and served as mayor of the town of Clin-
ton during the years 1873-74. Democratic in politics.
In 1879 he was elected to the State Senate, his term
expiring in 1882.
Petek Ceamee, State senator from Warren Co.,
N. J. (elected in 1878, the first Eepublican senator
from Warren County), is a native of Hunterdon
County, being born near Germantown, Feb. 10, 1824.
For the past thirty years, however, he has been a
resident of Warren County.
Chaeles W. Godown, member of the State Leg-
islature from the First District of this county (em-
bracing Delaware, Kingwood, Earitan, Eeadington,
East and West Amwell townships, and city of Lam-
bertville), was born in Delaware township, Hunter-
don Co., in 1824. He is a carriage-manufacturer, has
filled several minor offices in his township, and in
1878 received the Democratic nomination for the As-
sembly and was elected.
James M. Eamsey was born in Lebanon, Clinton
township, Hunterdon Co., and is about fifty-nine
years of age. He is a farmer by occupation, and is
also engaged as a stock -dealer. He has been for
nearly twenty years a director of the Clinton Bank,
has for two terms served as a member of the board of
chosen freeholders of Hunterdon County, and in 1878
was elected a member of the Assembly from the Sec-
ond District of this county by the Democratic party,
of which he is an earnest supporter, being (1879-80)
the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Com-
mittee. His residence is at Lebanon, N. J.*
Sketches of Frederic A. Potts, James N. Pidcock,
and others will be found elsewhere in this work.
Numerous biographies of Hunterdon County notables
will also be found in the chapters devoted to the
Bench and Bar, the Medical Profession, Authors, etc.
CHAPTEE XL
CIVIL LIST OF HUUTEKDON COUITTT.
A List of the National, State, and Count}' Officers of Hunterdon County.
The following is a list of persons who have held
office, by election or appointment, in the county of
Hunterdon, and also of those who, being natives or
residents of the county, have held office under the
State and national governments.
GOVERNORS.
1757-58, John Beading ; 1790-92, William Pateraon ; 1802-3, John Lam-
bert; 1829, Garret D. Wall.f
STATE TREASURER.
1836, Jacob Kline.
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.
1776, John Mehelm; 1824, Garret D. Wall.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
1776, William Paterson.
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL.
1802-3, John Lambert.
VICE-PRESIDENT OP THE COUNCIL.
1798-1800, John Lambert.
PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE.
1852, John Manners; 1861, Edmund Perry.
SECRETARIES OF THE SENATE.
1857-58, A. B. Chamberlain; 1859-60,1870, John C. Eatferty; 1875-76,
1879, N. W. Voorhees.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.
1830, Alexander Wui-ta.
CLERK OF THE HOUSE.
1846, Adam C. Davis.
ENGROSSING CLERK OF THE HOUSE.
1863-64, Joseph B. Gorniah.
CHIEF JUSTICES.
1723, William Trent ; 1853, Alexander Wurts (declined).
VICE-CHANCELLOR.
1875-82, Abraham V. Van Fleet.
CLERKS OF THE SUPREME COURT.
1812, Garret D. Wall ; 1827, Zaohariah Eussell.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS FROM HUNTERDON
COUNTY.
1805, Moore Furman ; 1809, Benjamin Egbert ;t 1813, Dr. Wm. McGee ;§
1817, Eobert McNeely ;|| 1821, Aaron Van Syckel ;1f 1821, Samuel L.
* Legislative Manual, 1880, p. 110.
â– f- Declined.
J Bled at Pattenburg, Hunterdon County, March 28, 1848, aged oighty-
§ Also member of Assembly ; died June 23, 1815, aged forty-seven.
II Also member of Assembly and mayor of Trenton.
If Member of Assembly and sheriff; died Nov. 28, 1838, aged seventy-
four.
256
HUNTERDON COrNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Southard ;» 1824, Isiac G. Fiu-lee ;t 1M5. Jacob Kline ; ISS, Gabriel
Hoff ;{ 1S3T, Joshua S.Bunn; IWl, John Kviuk ; lSi9, John Kuiik;3
ISo", DaTid Van Fleet ; ] 1S77, John C. Dunham.
FISH-WARDENS.
ISSO, Bichard B. Beading, Andrew J. Scarborough.
UNITED ST.iTES SENATORS.
1809-15, John Lambert; 1SS5-41, Garret D. Wall.
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES.
lSOo-9, John Lambert (deceased) ; 1S36-39, Willi.xm Halstead (died
March 4, 1S7S, aged eighty-four); 1S42-43. I&iac G.Farlee (died Jan.
12, 1S55, aged seventy-six) ; 1844, John Kuuk i^deceaseiil ; 1852, I>r.
Samuel Lilly (died April 3, ISSO, aged sixty-five ; 1808-74. John T.
Bird.
INSPECTORS OF CUSTOMS. NEW YORK.
lSoT-62, John P. Rittenhouse ; 18S9, Pavid Yan Fleet.
FOREIGN CONSULS.
1830, Cbas. D. Cox, at Tripoli (died December, 1830) ; 1861. Santuel Lilly,
consul-general to CtUcutta, British India.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.
Kichard Stockton, Garret D. Wall.
CONVENTION OF 17S7.
John Stevens, Hon. D.ivid Biearlev, Joshua Corshon.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
1805-9, John Lambert; 1811-13, George C. Maxwell; 1S33-37, 1839^1,
Philemon Dickinson ; 1844-45, Isaac G. Failee ; 1846-47, John Bunk ;
1864-55, Samuel Lilly.
DELEGATES TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
1776-77, John Hart; 1783-84, John Stevens.
MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
1776-80, John Stevens (vice-president) ; 1781-83, Joseph Beading; 1784,
Philemon Dickinson (vice-president) ; 17S5-S8, Robert Lettis Hooper
(vice-president) ; 1789-90, Benjannn Yan Cleve ; 1791-1805, John
Lambert; 1800-7, John Wilson; 1808-14, John Hans; lSlS-16,
George Anderson; 1817-21, Elnatlian Stevenson; 1822-23, John
Cavanagh; 1824-2G, Klnathan Stevenson; 1827-29, George Max-
well; 1830, Thomas Capner; 1831-32, Peter I. Clark; 183:'.,
Alexander Wurts ; 1834, Natlianiel Saxtou ; 1835, "William Wilson;
1836, Henry S. Hunt ; 1837-38, Joseph Moore ; 1839, James Snyder;
1840-41, John Lilly, M.D. ; 1842-43, William Wilson.
STATE SENATORS. If
1845-46, Alexander W\irts; 1847-49, Isaac G. Farlee; 1850-52, John
Manners, M.D. : 1853-65, Alexander Y. Bonnell ; 1856-68, Col. John
C. Bafferty; 1859-61, Edmund Perry; 1862-64, John Blane, M.D.;
1866-67, Alexander Wurts; 1808-70, Joseph G. Bowue; 1871-73, |
David H. Banghart ; 1874-76, Frederic A. Potts ; 1877-79, James K.
Pidcock; 1880-82, Eli Boseubury. \
MEMBERS OP ASSEMBLY.
The following is a list of the members of the colo-
nial Assembly since the surrender of the government
* Attorney-general, United States senator. Governor, etc. ; died June
26, 1S42, aged fifty-five.
t County clerk, judge, member of Assembly and Senate ; died Jan. 12,
1865
I Sheriff and member of Assembly ; died Jan. 29, 1830, aged fifty-six.
g Sheriff and member of Congress ; died Sept. 22, 1872, aged eighty-
two.
B Judge, surrogate, and member of Assembly.
If Prior to the adoption of the constitution of 1844 this officer was
known as " member of the Council," the title being changed in the year
above named to " member of the Senate." Since tliat date the Legisla-
ture has embraced two houses, called the "Senate" (composed of one
senator from each county, elected for a term of three years), and the
General Assembly, composed of members annually elected, and appor-
tioned among the counties, " as nearly as may be, according to the num-
ber of their inhabitants,"
bv the proprietors in 1702. Until ITiT the names are
those of the members of " West New Jersey," Hun-
terdon not yet erected.
1703 (1st .\BsemWyi, Poter Tretwoll, Thomas Ganluer, Thomas Lamlwrt,
William Biddle, William SteN i uson. lieslore Lippincott, John Eoyoe.
John Hugg, Jr., Joseph Cooper, William Hall, John Jlasou, John
Smith; 1704 ^2u .\sseuiM.\ '. Kestoiv Lippiucott, John llugg, Jr.,
John Koyco, John Smith, William Hall, John 51ason, Thomas Bryan,
RobertWheeler, Peter Tretwoll (Spe:ikorl,Thomi\s Lambert, Thomas
Gardner. Joshua Wright ; 17U7 ^Sd Assembly), Peter CaKhou, Wil-
liam Hall, of Salem, Kicluud Johnson, John Thompson, Thomas
Bryan, Samuel Jennings, Thomas Ganlnor, John Eoyoe, Poter
Pawle; 1708-9 ^4th .\sseniMy), Thomas Ganluer, Thomas Rapier,
Hugh Sharp, Nathaniel Crips. Johu Royce, John Kaign, Kichard
Johnson, Nathaniel IlreaJing, Hugh Middleton, John Lewis,
Eldridge; 1727-:50 (9th and 10th Assomblies«l. John PorterfleUI,
Joseph Sto\it ; 1738 (11th Assembly), Beiyaniiu Smith, Johu EmWy ;
1740 (12th Assemhlyl, Benjamin Smith, Joseph Peace; 174;' tl3th
Assomblyl, William Mott, A ndren Smith ; 1744-45 ^14th and 15th As-
semblies). William Mott. Daniel Doughty ; 174ti-51 06th to 18th As-
semblies), William 5Iott. John KulMy ; 17.M (19th Assembly), .Rweph
Yard, Peter Middali ; 1761 i20th A.*,-embly), George Beading, John
Hart; 1769 (21st .\ssenibly\ John Hart, Samuel Tucker; 1772-75
(22d Assembly), Samuel Tucker, John Mehelra.
STATE LEGISLATURE.
1770-77 (1st and 2d .\6semblies), .John H.art, John Moliolm, Chailos
Coxe ; 1778 (3d .Assembly), John Hart, Nehemiah Dunham, David
Cluuilbors ; 1779 ^4th .\sson\My), Benjannn Yan Clevo, Jared So\ton»
"William Gano; 1780 l5th AssoniMy), Bon.ialniu Yan Cleve, Jared
Sexton, John Lanibeit ; 1781 (6th Assembly), John Moholm, speaker,
Benjaurin Yan Clove, John Lambert; 1782 t7th As^touil'ly), John
Liunbert, Samuel Tucker, Noheniiah Dunham; 178:'.-84 l^Sth and
Dth .\ssomblies), John Lambert, Samuel Tucker, Beiyamiu Yan
Clove; 1785 (10th As.sombly\ P'onjamin Yan Cleve, John LiUnbort,
Joab Houghton; 178(V-87 (11th and 12th Assemblies^ Boigamin
Van Cleve. Joab Houghton, John .Anderson : 1788 (13th -\ssomL'ly\
Benjamin \'an Cleve, John Lambert, Bobert Taylor; 17S9-90 Il4th "
and 15th Assemblies). .Tohn .Xndereon, Joshua Carshon, Charles Ax-
ford; 1791 (I6th .VssoniMyl, Thouurs Lowrey, Benjamin Van Cleve,
.\arou D. Woodrufl": 1792 (17 1 h -Assembly), Thomas Ltiwrey, Benjauiiu
Yan Cleve, Johu Taylor; 1793 (18th Assemblyl, Simon WyckofT, Ben-
jamin Van Cleve, Samuel Stout; 1794(19th .\ssembly), Simon "Wyok-
off, Johu .Vndersou, David Fmzer; 1795 (20th Assembly), Simon
Wyckoff, Benjamin Yan Clove. Diuid Frazor; 1790 (21st Assembly),
Simon Wyckofl", P.enjamin Yan Clevo, Stephen Burrows ; 1797 (22d
Assembly), Simon Wyckofl", Benjamin Van f^leve, Stephen Burivws,
Samuel Stewart ; 1708 (2:vd A^^eulbly), Benj.amin Yan Clove, Simon
S^\ oUofl". Joseph Bea\ oi-s, Joseph Hankinsou ; 1799 ("24th -Vssembly),
Joseph Hankinsou, Stephen Burrows, Johu Haas, Johu Lequear;
ISOO (25th ,^.^sonlM\\ Stoplioii Burrows, .lohn Haas, Simon Wyckofl,
Benjamin Yan Clove,
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY FROM HUNTERDON
COUNTY (l.'^iOO TO ISlIT).
lSOO-5, Stephen Burrows, John Haas. Simon Wyokotl, Beiyamiu Yan
Cleve; lSOC-7, Nathan Stout, John Haas, Joshua Wright, Joseph
Haid;iusou ; 180S-9, Moses Stout, Aaron \an Syokel, Joshua Wright,
Joseph Haukiusou; 1810, Moses Stout, Aavon Yan Sxokol, James J.
"VN'ilson, Ehiathan Stevenson ; 1811, Closes Stout, .Varon Yan Syokel.
James J. Wilson, .Tohn Prall, Jr.; 1812. William Potts, Aaron Van
Syckol, James J, Wilson, .Benjamin Wiight; 1813. William Potts,
-Aaron Van Syokel, David Manners, Beiyamiu Wiight; 1814, John
Opdycke, Aaron Yan Syokel, Edward Yaid, Samuel Baibor; 181,-..
John Opdycke, Samuel L, Southard, Aaron D, Woodrufl, Sauniol "
Barber; 1817, Abraham Stout, William Nixon, John Farlee, Saninol
Barber; 181S, Abraham Stout, William Nixou, John Farlee, Elnathan
Stevenson; 1819, Abraham Stout, Isaac G. Farlee, George Maxwell,
Israel Taylor; 1820, Eoliert JUNeoley, Thomas Trail, ,Tr,, George
Maxwell, Israel Taylor; 1821, Thomas Capnor, Isaac G, Farlee, Geo,
Maxwell, Israel Taylor; 1S22, Levi Knowles, Garret D, "Wall, George
Maxwell, James J. Wilson; 1S24, Enoch Clifford, Asa C, Dunham.
Aloxnmlor Wni l.s, David Johnson ; 182,^., Enoch ClilTonl, Asa C. Dun-
** Hunteidon County first appears in the 9th .\ss
ssomblv, 1727
CIVIL LIST OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
257
liam, Thomas Capner, David Johnson; 1820, Enoch Clifford, Asa C.
Dunham, Thomas Capner, John Barton.
MEMBERS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY (1827 TO 1880).
1827, Enoch Clifford, A. C. Dunham, Thomas Capner, John Barton ; 1828,
Enoch Cliiford, Garret D. Wall, I. G. Earlee, Thomas Capner; 1829,
Enoch Clifford, Alexander Wurts, I. G. Earlee, Stacy G. Potts; 1830,
Enoch Clifford, Gabriel Hoff,* Alexander Wurts, I. G. Parlee, Stacy
G. Potts ; 1831, Edward S. Mcllvaine, Alexander Wurts, Enoch Clif-
ford, William Marshall, John Barton ; 1832, Edward S. Mcllvaine,
Alexander Wurts, Enoch Clifford, Wm. Marshall, Cornelius Ludlow ;
1833, Edward S. Mcllvaine, John K. Kline, Sutphen Garrison, Wil-
liam H. Sloan, Andrew Weart; 1834, William McKee, John K. Kline,
Sutphen Garrison, William H. Sloan, William Marshall ; 1835, John
Hall, John Blane, Wilson Bray, Joseph Brown, William Marshall;
1836, John Hall, John Blane, Wilson Bray, Joseph Brown, Andrew
Larason ; 1837, John Hall, James A. Phillips, David Neighbour,
Jonatlian Pickel, John H. Hutfman; 1838, James Snyder, Philip
Hiler, David Neighbour ; 1839-40, Garret Servis, Joseph Exton, Philip
Hiler; 1841-42, John B. Mattison, Isaac R. Srope, Leonard N. Momer-
felt, Jonathan Dawes ; 1843-44,f Jonathan Picke!, John Swackham-
mer, John H. Case, Joseph Johnson; 1845, Jonathan Pickel, John
Swackbammer, John H. Case, Amos Moore; 1846, Henry Stevenson,
Isaac R. Srope, Joseph Fritts, Erederick Apgar; 1847, John Lambert,
.Toseph Fritts, Frederick Apgar, Isaac R. Srope ; 1848, Andrew Bang-
hart, David Yanfieet, Jonathan Pickel, John Lambert; 1849, John
Lambert, Andrew Banghart, David Yanfieet, Jonathan Pickel ; 1850
-51, Luther Opdycke, John R. Toung, John Marlow, William Tirs-
man; 1852, John R. Young, Andrew Vanayckel, Peter H. Allen,
Hiram Bennett; 1853, Samuel H. Britton, Peter H. Allen, Andrew
Yansyckel, John Lambert ; 1864, Samuel H. Britton, Peter B. Voor-
hees, Lewis Toung, John Lambert; 1855, Lewis Young, Peter E.
Yoorhees, Edward Hunt, Jacob S. C. Pittenger; 1856-67, John P.
Rlttenhouse, William Sergeant, John M. Yoorhees, Joseph W. Wil-
liver; 1858-59, John H. Horn, %\'illiam Snyder, Cornelius B, Sheets,
Frederick Apgar ; 1860, David D. Schomp, Ambrose Barcroft, Charles
Denson, Thomas Banghart; 18G1, David D. Schomp, Ambrose Bar-
croft, Charles Denson, Jacob H. Huffman ; 1862, Simeon R. Huselton,
Joseph W. Wood, Jacob H. Huffman; 1863, Simeon R. Huselton,
Joseph W. Wood, David H. Banghart ; 1864, Joseph W. Wood, David
B. Boss, David H. Banghart; 1865, James J. Willever, David B. Boss,
William J. Gliff; 1866, William J. GlifT, James J. Y^illever, Richard
H. Wilson ; 1867, Richard H. Wilson, Baltes Pickel, William J. Gliff;
1868, Baltes Pickel, John Williamson, Theodore Probasco; 1869,
Theodore Probasco, John Williamson, John P. Lair ; 1870, Theodore
Probasco, John Kugler, John P. Lair; 1871, John Kugler, Peter
Yoorhees, Augustus E. Sanderson; 1872, Peter Yoorhees, Augustus
E. Sanderson; 1873-74, William L. lloppock, John Carpenter, Jr. ;
1875-76, William W. Swayze, James Bird ; 1877-78, Henry Britton,
John Hackett; 1879-80, Charles W. Godown, James N. Ramsey.
JUDGES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
The following list of Common Pleas judges from
1725 to 1880 is compiled from the court records of
Hunterdon County, the parchment-rolls of oaths of
office, etc. The year given is the date of appoint-
ment :
1725, Thomas Leonard, .Tames Trent, Joseph Stout; 1726, Daniel Coxe;
1728, John Porterfleld; 1733, John Budd; 1734, Daniel Coxe.t John
Reading, Joseph Stout; 1736, William Morris; 1739, Benjamin
Smith, William Morris, John Dagworthy, Martin Ryerson, Isaac
Herring, Andrew Smith, Theophilns PhilliiJS, Thomas Cadwallader;
1749, Andrew Reed ; 1751, John Garrison, Martin Ryerson ; 1764,
Jasper Smith, Cornelius Ringo, Philip Ringo, Samuel Stout, Theophi-
lus Sevems ; 1761, William Clayton ; 1762, Benjamin Biles ; 1708,
Isaac Smith, John Grandin ; 1770, Micajah Howe, Lewis Chamber-
lin; 1774, John Hart; 1777, Samuel Johnson, Joseph Reeling,
Moore Furman; 1779, John Mehelm ; 1781, Joseph Reading; 1782,
Jared Saxton, Robert L. Hooper ; 1783, Joseph Beavers ; 1785, James
* Elected in fall of 1829 and died Jan. 21, 1830.
t Until 1844 the members of the Legislature were elected in October,
and the Legislature met in the latter part of the same month.
X Died 1730.
Ewing, Nathaniel Hunt; 1786, John Mehelm, Moore Furman;
1787,g Robert Hooper ; 1788, Joseph Beavers, David Frazer, Daniel
Hunt ; 1789, William Hazlett ; 1790, Oliver Barnet, Nathaniel Hunt,
Jas. Ewiug ; 1791, John Mehelm ; 1792, Robert L. Hooper ; 1794,
David Frazer, Daniel Hunt, Joseph Beaver; 1705, William Hazlett,
Nathan Stout; 1796, James Ewing, David Frazer, John Welling,
Joseph Reading ; 1797, William Hazlett, Oliver Barnes ; 1799, Dan-
iel Hunt, Thomas Reading, Ezekiel Cole ; 1800, Nathan Stout, Ben-
jamin Smith, Nathaniel Hunt, Dennis Wyckoff, John Coryell ; 1801,
John Lambert, John Wilson, David Frazer, JohnWilling, Richard Op-
dyke ; 1803, John Covenhoven, Benjamin Egbert, Caleb Shreve, John
Smith ; 1804, John T. Blackwell, David Stout; 1805, Oliver Barnet,
Paul H. M. PrevoBt ; 1806, Abraham Ten Eyck, Paul Egbert, James
Ewing, Daniel Cook, Elnathan Stevenson, Luther Opdyke, Richard
Opdyke ; 1807, Peter Bisler, John Wilson ; 1808, George Rea, J. T.
Blackwell, Peter Flomerfelt, Caleb Shreve, Benjamin Egbert ; 1809,
BaltuB Stiger, Peter Fisher ; 1810, Paul H. M. Prevost; 1811, Robert
McNeely, Daniel Cook, Jacob Kline, Paul Egbert, Abram Ten Eyck,
Peter Risler, Elnathan Stevenson, John Wilson, Luther Opdyke,
Richard Opdyke ; 1812, Levi Knowles, Thomas Gordon, James Ste-
venson, John Coryell, Dennis Wyckoff, Ralph Hunt, James Ewing ;
1813, Jonathan Stevens, Jacob Williamson, John Carpenter, Caleb
Shreve; 1814, Peter Flomerfelt, Jacob Case, David Stout, Baltus
Stiger, Peter Fisher ; 1815, Foster Walters, Philip Johnston; 1816,
Daniel Cook, Robert McNeely, Jacob Kline, Luther Opdyke, John
Wilson, Elnathan Stevenson ; 1817, James Ewing, Dennis Wyckoff,
Ralph Hunt; 1818, Thomas Capner, Caleb Shreve; 1819, Peter
Fisher, Baltus Stiger, David Stout; 1820, Foster Walters, John
Thompson ; 1821, Daniel Cook, Luther Opdyke, Elnathan Stevenson ;
1822, John Wilson, James Ewing, John Barton, Dennis Wyckoff,
Ralph Hunt, Elijah Wilson, Thomas Capner, IsaM G. Farlce, Zach-
ariah Flomerfelt; 1823, Edmund Burroughs, George Rea, David
Johnston ; 1824, Jacob J. Young, Baltus Stiger, David Stout ; 1826,
Foster Walters, John Thompson; Robt. McNeely; 1826, Daniel
Cook, Luther Opdyke, George Rea, Elnathan Stevenson; 1S27,
Elijah Wilson, Dennis Wyckoff, Edmund Burroughs, Ralph Hunt ;
1 828, John Barton, David Stout, Richard Coxe, Jacob J. Young ; 1 829,
John Haas, Benj. Egbert, John Carr, John Barton, .Nathaniel Fur-
man ; 1830, Richd. Coxe, Robt. McNeely, Foster Wallers, Baltus Stiger ;
1831, Joseph Johnston, William Howell, Jacob Y. Young, Joseph W.
Dusenbury, Robert K. Reading, Archibald Kennedy, Elijah Wilson,
Cornelius Ludlow ; 1832, Luther Opdyke, John Barton ; 1833, Evan
Evans, Samuel Hill; 1835, Jos. Brown; 1830, James S. Manners;
1837, John S. Stires, Wm. Probasco; 1838, Wm. Howell, Peter Ten
Eyck; 1839, Peter H. Huffman; 1840, Andrew Banghart, Israel Wil-
son, Lucius M. Prevost, John Thompson, Andrew Hoagland, John
Bailey, David Clarke, Peter B. Lowe, Nathaniel C. Mattison, Isaiah
P. Large ; 1841, Edward Wellstcad, David Ilnlsizer, Peter C. Rea ;
1842, Elijah Wilson, Adams C. Davis, Elisha Blue, Joseph Huffman,
David P. Srope, William Stout, John Coryell, Peter H. Huffman,
Samuel Skinner, William R. Prall, Samuel Hill, William A. Huff,
Peter Sigler, Samuel Coolcy, Peter R.Fisher; 1843, Hart Johnson;
1845, Joseph Thompson, of Readington ; 1840, John Barber, of Dela-
ware (died Jan. 4, 1867, at. 79); 1847, Samuel Hill, of Raritan (died
April 7, 1868, ajt. 66) ; 1848, Robert Foster, of Union; 1849, Joseph
Brown, of Raritan (died March 20, 1805, mt. 76); 1850, Joseph
Thompson, of Readington ; 1851, William Egbert, of Union ; 1852,
Isaac G. Farlee, of Raritan (died Jan. 12, 1868, ajt. 67) ; 1853, Mahlon
Smith, of Delaware; 1854, Isaac R. Srope, of Kingwood (died April
14, 1802, ait. 60) ; 1855, none appointed ; 1860, Peter E. Yoorhees, of
Readington; 1867, none appointed; 1868, Mahlon Smith, of Dela-
ware (died May 27, 1868, aet. 73) ; 1859, Isaiah P. Large, of Reading-
ton (died Oct. 1, 1866, ast. 70) ; 1860, none appointed; 1861, Peter I.
Clark (to fill vacancy ; died May 26, 1863, aged 73) ; 1862, Jacob H.
Huffman, of Clinton (died Nov. 21, 1863) ; 1863, John N. Yoorhees,
of Kingwood ; 1803, Jonathan Pickel, of Alexandria (to fill vacancy) ;
1864, Edmund Perry, of Raritan, Jonathan Pickel, of Alexandria
(died Feb. 7, 1869, aged 71) ; 1805-60, none appointed ; 1867, Robert
Foster, of Clinton; 1868, Dr Samuel Lilly, of Lambortville (died
April 3,1880, aged 65) ; 1809, Peter E. Yooriiees, of Readington (died
Oct. 16, 1872, aged 62); 1870-71, none appointed; 1872, David Yan
Fleet, of Raritan, John C. Eafferty (to fill vacancy); 1873, Nathaniel
W. Yoorhees, of Clinton (to fill vacancy), and Sylvester H. Smith, of
Bethlehem ; 1876-70, none appointed ; 1877, Alexander Wurts, of
g From 1787 the judges of the Orphans' Court are identical with the
judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
258
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Karitan ; 1878, John S. Jones, of Baritan ; 1879, James P. Huffman,
of Clinton ; 1880, none appointed.
JUDGES OF THE ORPHANS' COURT.
Joseph. Reading, Joseph Beavers, Moore Furman., May 12, 1785 ; Nathan-
iel Hunt, James Ewing, Oct. 25, 1786 ; Joseph Reading, Nov. 1, 1786.
From this date the judges of the Orphans' Court
are identical with the judges of the Court of Common
Pleas, with which list they may be found.
JUSTICES.
The following table of justices of Hunterdon
County, from June 5, 1721, to 1881, is compiled from
the court records, the rolls of oaths of ofB.ce, parch-
ment warrants, etc. :
1721 (June 5), Timothy Baker, Jasper Smith, Jacob Bellerjeau, Thomas
Leonard, Charles Wolverton, Ralph Heax't, William Green, John
Porterfield.
1722, Alexander Harper, Charles Clark, William Trent, John Burroughs,
Jasper Smith, Samuel Green, Abraham Kitchell,
172:i, Jeremiah Bass, Robert Eaton, Theophilus Phillips, Daniel Vander-
beck, Hezekiah Boiiham, Philip Ringo, John Knowles, Adrian Lane,
Richard Scudder, Daniel Coxe, Nath. French, James Trent, Andrew
Smith, Robert Eaton.
172-i, Daniel Coxe, Philip Ringo, Nath, French, Stephen Leonard, John
Hay ward.
1725, Joseph Stout, John Budd, John Dagworthy, Joshua Anderson,
Daniel Howell, Isaac Herring, Paul Vanderbeck.
1728, Francis Bowes, William Cornell.
17:3U, Jacob Doughty, Joseph Higbee.
ll'.yi, John Linley.
17;i;i. Benjamin Smith, John Hynd Sliaw, Martin Ryerson, Jacob Kay-
kendall,
lloi, Joseph Reed, James Gould, Alexander Lockart, Samuel Green,
Daniel Sebring, Charles Clark, Abraham Kitchell, Abraham Van
Horn.
17:38, John Stephens.
1739, James Van Aukland, William Allen, Philip Ringo.
1745, Nathaniel Ware, Samuel Stout, Benjamin Rouuseval, Nathaniel
Fresh, Samuel Johnson.
1746, Edward Rockhill, Thomas Ketchem, Jasper Smith, Ralph Smith,
Nicholas WyckofF, Theophilus Phillips, Cornelius Ringo.
1747, Ralph Hart.
1749, Miirtin Ryei-son, David Martin, William Clayton, Charles Clarke,
Hugh Martin, John Arrison.
1751, Benjamin Byles.
1755, John Hart, John Phillips, James Smith,
1756, Abner Phillips, Charles Huff.
1757, John Opdyke.
1750, John Hackett.
1760, Richard Porter.
1762, John Grandin, John Anderson, Jonathan Sergeant, Courtland
Slvinner, B. Temple, Azariah Hunt, Joseph Reading, John Stout.
1763, Henry Woolsey, Samuel Johnson, Charles Clark.
1764, Micajah Howe, Andrew Bray, James Cole.
1767, Samuel Tucker, John Rockhill.
1768, Abram Temple, Louis Chamberlain, John Opdj'ke, Benj. Clark.
1771, Harman Lane, Joseph Beavers.
1772, William Allen.
1773, Noah Hart, Daniel Hunt.
1774, John Jewell, Nathaniel Hunt.
1776, Samuel Stout, Edward Hunt.
1777, Richard Stevens, Benjamin Van Cleve, Nathan Stout, Jared Sexton,
Oliver Barnfett, Jeremiah Woolsey, Andrew Muirhead.
1778, William Hazlett, Benjamin Yard, Rensselaer Williams,
1779, John Hazlitt.
1780, Daniel Hunt, Francis McThaw, Charles Coxe, Henry Traphagen,
Peter Brunnar.
1781, Ezekiel Cole, Harman Lane, Abner Pratt, Benjamin Williams,
Richard Opdyke, Daniel Hunt, David Frazer, Joseph Reading,
Nathaniel Hunt, M. Furman, Benjamin Van Cleve, Josliua Corshon,
Joseph Beavers, Richard Stevens, Charles Coxe, Oliver Barnet.
1782, Jared Sexton, Robert L. Hooper, William Abbott, Nathan Stout,
Albert Opdyke, Andrew Muirhead, Jeremiah Woolsey, Pomfret Wil-
liams,
1783, Joseph Chamberlin, Benjamin Van Cleve, Thomas Reading, John
Hunt, Benjamin Clark, Richard Opdyke.
1784, Benjamin Yard, Francis McShane, Henry Traphagen.
1785, Benjamin Smith, Peter Gordon.
1786, James Ewing, John Smith, John Mehelm, Elias WyckofF, Nathan-
iel Hunt, Joseph Reading, John Lambert, Benjam.in Van Gleve,
Daniel Hunt, Moore Furman.
1787, Joseph Beavers, John Welling, Thomas Stout, Charles Case, David
Frazer, Jacob Anderson, Oliver Bassett [Barnet], William Abbptt,
Nathaniel Hunt, William Hazlett, Robert Hooper.
1788, Thomas Reading, Joseph Chamberlin, Jonathan Wolverton.
1789, A. D. Woodruff, Thomas Bowlsby.
1790, Ezekiel Cook, Nathaniel Hunt, Benjamin Smith, Abraham Van
Dyke, James Ewing, John Haas.
1791, Henry Traphagen, John Suyder, Joseph Reading, William Lowrey,
N. Dunham, Elias Wyckoff, John Lambert, Benjamin Van Cleve,
SamuelStout, John Smith, John Welling, John B. Hunt, D. M, Hunt.
1792, William Abbott, Simon Wyckoff, Joseph Beavers, William Hazlett,
Nathan Stout, Thomas Stout, Oliver Barnett, Robert L. Hooper.
1793, David Frazer, Jacob Anderson, Charles Coxe, Thomas Reading,
William P. Moore.
1794, David Bishop, Richard Opdyke, Hugh Runyan.
1795, Ezekiel Cole, Thomas Bowlsby.
1796, Benjamin Smith, James Ewing, Dennis Wyckoff, Abram Van Dyke,
Samuel Large, Henry Rockafeller, Nicholas Stillwell, Samuel Stout,
John Welling, Joseph Reading.
1797, Nehemiah Dunham, John C. Rockhill, John Lambert, James
Gregg, William Hazlett, Simon Wyckoff, Charles Coxe, Israel Carle,
Oliver Barnes,
1798, Nathan Stout, John Coryell, Joseph Beavers.
1799, John T. Blackwell, John Haas, Thomas Bowlsby, Ezekiel Cole,
David Bishop, Andrew Reeder, Richard Opdyke.
1800, Hugh Runyan, James Ewing, Benjamin Smith, Nathaniel Hunt,
John Gulick, David Rockafeller.
1801, Dennis Wyckoff, Samuel Large, Joseph Scudder, John Lambert,
Jacob Housel, Henry Rockafeller, Jacob Kline, John Wilson, Luther
Opdyke, Daniel Hunt, Benjamin Egbert, John Welling.
1802, Nicholas Stillwell,
1803, Anannias Mulford, Caleb Shreve, Benjamin Dean, William Potts,
Benjamin Wright, Abraham Ten Eyck, Baltus Stigers.
1804, Daniel Egbert, Martin Hulsizer, Daniel Cook, Abner Reeder, Jacob
Case, Richard Van Dyke.
1805, Levi Knowles, Hugh Runyan, Paul H. M. Prevost.
1806, David Rockafeller, James Ewing, Robert McNeely, Peter Flomer-
felt, William Potts, Matthias Crater, William Hann, Jacob Kline.
1807, Benjamin Egbert, Philip Johnson, George Rea.
1808, David Brearley, Anannias Mulford, Elnathan Stevenson, Caleb
Shreve, Peter Risler, Silas Walters, Peter Fisher, Henry Allen, Baltus
Stigers.
1809, Abraham Van Sickle, Philip Alpaugh, William Nixon, John Barton,
Levi Knowles, J. Pursel, Paul Egbert, Richard Opdyke, Daniel Cook,
John Thompson, Abner Reeder, Jacob Case.
1810, John Little, Paul H. M. Prevost, David Rockafeller, David Stout.
1811, Robert McNeely, Nathaniel Hart, Pliilip Johnson, Matthias Crater,
Peter Flomeifelt, William Hann, Luther Opdyke, John Wilson, Jacob
Kline.
1812, Thomas Gordon, Cornelius Williamson, Dennis Wyckoff, David
Myers, John Carpenter, Ralph Hunt, John Coryell, George Rea,
James Dunham, Daniel Agnew, James Ewing, William Demond.
1813, Jonathan Stevens, David Everitt, William Burroughs, Richard
Gano, Morris Fritts, Francis Robertson, John Apgar, Peter Fisher,
Henry Allen, Elnathan Stevens, Peter Risler, Baltus Stiger, George
Rea, Ananias Mulford, Caleb Shreve, Pliilip Alpaugh, Silas Walters.
1814, Peter Flomerfelt, John Rockhill, Richard Opdyke, Foster Walters,
Richard Slack, Cornelius J. Wyckoff, John Thompson, David Stout,
John Barton, Daniel Cook.
1815, Levi Knowles, S. Johnston, Philip Johnston, Jacob J, Young, Zach-
ariah Flomerfelt, John Thompson, David Rockafeller, James Larason.
1816, John Cavanagh, Elijah Wilson, William Wortman, John Carr,
Robert McNeely, Israel Taylor, William Hann, Hart Johnson,
Matthias Crater, Elijah Warford, Luther Opdyke, Philip Johnson,
John Wilson.
1817, George Rea, Ralph Hunt.
1818, Thomas Capner, Jacob Housel, James Ewing, John Coryell, Jonathan
Britain, Philip Alpaugh, Henry Allen, Caleb Shreve, Elnathan Ste-
CIVIL LIST OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
259
vena, Peter "Fisher, Silas Walters, Peter Wortman, George Bea, Baltus
Stiger, William Marshall.
1819, Richard Opdyke, George Maxwell, John Haas, Cornelius J. WyckofT,
Enoch Clifford, John Tliompson, John Barton, Daniel Cook, Ezra
Shomp, Edmund Burroughs, Foster Waltere, John Kockhill.
1820, Joseph Boss, Jacob J. Young, Joseph Johnston, Zachariah Flomer-
felt, Matthias Crater, James Larason, Elijah Wilson.
1S21. John Carr, William Hann, Robert McNeely, Israel Taylor, Luther
Opdyke, David Johnston, Samuel Evans, John Anderson, David
Eockafeller, Henry Miller, Stephen Garrison, Asa Buuyan, John
McKinstry.
1822, John Wilson, Ralph Hunt, Asa C. Dunham, George Rea, Philip
Marshall, David Stout, William Stout, Thomas Capner, Isaac G.
Farlee, Enoch Johnson, Uriah Sutton, William Voorhis, Philip
Alpaugh.
1823, John S. Stires, James Honej-man, Jonathan Brittain, John Coryell,
William Marehall, Bates Hortman, Edmund Burroughs, Thomas
Little, Enoch Clifford, Elnathan Stevenson, Henry Allen.
1824, Baltns Steger, Richard Opdyke, David Trimmer, John Haas, John
0. Rockhill, James Caugle, John C. Salter, John Thompson, John
Barton.
1825, Jacob Housel, Archibald Kennedy, Ezra Shomp, Joseph Boss, Na-
thaniel Brittain, Samuel Cooley, Joseph Johnston, Jacob J. Young,
Foster Walters, Elijah Wilson, John Carr, James Larason.
1S26, James Snyder, Robert McNeely, David Eockafeller, Samuel Evans,
John Mclnsti-y, John Anderson, Luther Opdyke, Henry Miller, David
Johnston, Sutphin Garrison.
1827, John S. Stires, Enoch Johnson, George Bea, Nathan Furman, Wil-
liam Voorhis, David Stout, Asa C. Dunham, Philip Marshall, Uriah
Sutton, Philip Alpaugh, John Coryell, Dennis Wyckoff, Ralph Hunt.
1S2S, Robeson Rockhill, William Probasoo, Daniel Piereon, RicliardCoxe,
Andrew Banghart, Samuel Hill, Elnathan Moore, Charles Bonnell,
William Cliandler, William McKee.
1829, John Haas, Henry S. Hunt, Philip Gordon, Benjamin W. Dennis,
Garret A. Coveuhoven, George W. Smith, Adam Steger, William H.
Yawger, Benjamin Egbert,
1830, Joseph Johnston, Ezra Sohomp, John C. Salter, Archibald Kennedy,
Sam'l Cooley, Joshua Bunn, Joab Sexton, Henry "Van Cleve, Nicholas
Wyckoff, Philip Bead, Morris Fritts, Jacob J. Young, Evan Evans.
1831, James Snyder, David Hulsizer, Jonathan M. Higgins, Robert K.
Reading, Abraham T. Williamson, Joseph W. Dusenbury, William
Howell.
1832, Elijah Wilson, Enoch Johnson, William Toorhees, John Coryell,
John S. Stires, Daniel Cook, William Stout, Uriah Sutton, David
Rockafellow.
1833, David Stout, Daniel Stires, William McKee, "William Probasco, El-
nathan Moore, Daniel Pierson, Albeitus King, David P. Hrope, John
Thompson, Moses A. Taylor, David Pai'k, George Henry, Andrew
Banghart, Samuel Hill, William Cliandler, Richard Cox, William B.
Piall, Peter Huffman, Peter Haver, Joseph Beavers, John Coryell,
Green Sergeant, Philip Marshall, Philip F. Hawk, Peter Alpaugh,
Boberson Bockhill, John Barber, Isaac B. Srope, Henry H. Fisher.
1835, James Larason.
183G, George Praster, Peter H. Dilts, James Snyder, Bobert K. Beading,
David Hulsizer, William Nixon. William Grant, Amos Hart.
1837, Peter H. Huffman, John Barber, Elijah Wilson, John Coryell, Jo-
seph Anderson, William Stout, Uriah Sutton, George W. Scott, George
A. "Vanselius, Enoch Johnson, James Stevenson, Samuel Skinner,
Adams C. Davis, Henry Suydam, Eichard Sked.
1838, Lewis M. Prevost, Albertus King, John Thompson, Andi'ew Bang-
hart, Peter Haver, Joseph Beavers, David P. Srope, David Stout,
David Park, Samuel Hill, William B. Prall, Levi M. Metier, John
Swackhammer, Isaac E. Srope, John Barber, Peter C. Bea, Leonard
N. Bolman, William Eoberson, Halloway W. Hunt, Sr., Ichabod S.
Leigh,
1840, Ezekiel Blue, Charles W. Bonnell, William G. Alpaugh, Enoch
Abel, William A. Huff, Conrad P. Apgar, A. Sutphin.
1841, Peter Gulick, Samuel M. Higgins, Philip Lippincott.
1842, Elisha Blue, Adams C. Davis, Elisha AVilson, George A. Vescelius,
David S. Srope, Peter Haver, Joseph Chapman, John Coryell, John
Barber, Heni-y Suydam, Lewis M. Prevost, Albertus King, John
Thompson, Levi M. Mettler, David Parks, Lambert Boeman,
1843, Philip P, Hawk, Lewis M. Prevost, Isaiah P. Large, George W.
Scott, Jacob H. Huffman, Joseph Anderson, Lambert Boeman, Wil-
liam Eoberson, William Prohasco, Thomas E. Large, Joseph Beavers.
Uriah Hoagland, John S. Williamson, Robert M. Honeyman, -John
0. Biggs, David P. Srope.
1844,* David Hulsizer, Joseph Brown, John S. Stires, Lewis Young, An-
drew Banghart, Dr. John Lilly, Frederick Apgar, Lewis H. Marteuis,
Sutphin Garrison, Aaron Eckle, Albertus K. Wagner, Hiram Ben-
nett, George Neighbour, Peter Apgar, Amos Wilson, Enoch Clifford,
Philip Biley, Daniel Stires, William W. Aller, Daniel Pierson, Hemy
S. Trimmer, Nicholas 0. Dunham, Bergen Brokaw, Henry M. Kline,
William Egbert, James S. Manners, John H. Prevost, William M.
Dalrymple, Jolin Swackhamer, George Henry, John R. Young,
Mahlon Smith, John Smith, William A. Loder, David Van Fleet,
Elijah Drake.
1846, John Walters, Peter F. Baylor, Frederick Apgar, John C. Rafferty,
Jacob H. Huffman, Robert Finley, John S. Stires, David Van Fleet,
Bergen Brokaw, Isaiah P. Large, Samuel F. Brittain, Hiram Ben-
nett, Daniel Carrell, James Snyder, Mahlon Smith, Asher Lambert.
1849, Aaron H. Stover, Henry S. Trimoner, Daniel Pierson, Enoch W.
Drake, Caleb F. Fisher.
1850, Leonard P. Kuhl, Augustus Hunt, George C. Seymour, Samuel
Hill, John Rinehart, William Egbert, Morris F. Martenis, John S.
Davis, William Iliff, Frederick Apgar, Jacob H. Huffman, Austin
Clark. David Van Fleet, Isaiah P. Large, Bergen Brokaw, John S.
Stires, Samuel H. Britton, Hiram Bennett, James Snyder, Albertus
K. Wagner, Andrew Woolverton, Alexander German, Israel Wilson,
Jacob S. Manners, Peter H. Dilts, Lemuel H. Pai-sons, Boberson
Bockhill, Joseph W. Willever.
1851, Sylvester H. Smith, William R. Prall, David Neighbour, Mahlon
Smith.
1852, Rynear Rowland.
1853, Jacob S. C. Pittinger, Edward R. Bullock, Peter F. Opdyke, Uriah
Larue.
1854, Joseph Hann, Uriah Larue, William Iliff, William A, Huff, Aaron
H. Stover, Samuel H. Britton, John N. Voorhees, Job n Trimmer,
Henry S. Trimmer, Nelson V. Young, John S. Drake.f
1865, Samuel M. Higgins, William Hill, Miller Kline, Leonard P. Kulil,
John Hance, Sylvester H. Smith, Frederick Apgar, William Iliff,
Garret Servis, Jacob H. Huffman, Peter D. Rockefellow, Isaiah P.
Large, David Van Fleet, Bergen Brokaw, Joseph Hann, Abraham
Slack, Derrick A. Sutphin, Andrew Woolverton, Mahlon Smith,
David B. Boss, Jacob S. Williamson, Israel Wilson, Lemuel H. Par-
sons, Peter II. Dilts, Robeson Rockhill, William Egbert.
1856, James H. Bell, Rauce Hann Gray, James M. Duckworth.
1857, Eleazur Smith, John Macklin, Uriah Larue.
1858, Caleb F. Quick.
1859, Samuel H. Britton, Aaron H. Stover, Eiias W. Sweazey, James M.
Duckworth, Thomas P. Tinsman, John S. Trimmer, Henry S. Trim-
mer, John S- Drake, Nelson V. Toung.
1860, Robert J. Kilgore, Miller Kline, Newton Gary, Caleb F. Quick,
John Hance, Joh n C. Lake, Morris F. Martenis, Nathan Lance, Jacob
H. Huffman, John Macklin, Peter A. Beavers, John J. Hulsizer,
Samuel D. Barcroft, Uriah Larue, James McVey, Andrew Woolvo
ton, Mahlon Smith, David B. Boss, Jacob S. Durham, Israel Wilson,
John W. Bergen, Lenniel H. Parsons, William Egbert.
1861, William J. Hardy, Asa S. Snyder, John Vescelius, Dennis W,
Stevens, Austin Claik, George H. Rowland, John Swackhamer, Isaac
E. Srope. John N. Voorhees, Hiram B. Eittenhonse, Israel Wilson,
Joseph Servis.
1862, James M. Case, John McK. Dippolt.
18G3, Vincent B. Mathews, William H. Keifer, Joseph C. Wright.
1864, Joseph C. Wright, John S. Trimmer, Henry S. Trimmer.
1865, Jacob S. Prall, Robert J. Killgore, Lewis H. Staats, Watson B.
Everitt, John Hance, John C. Lake, Nathan Lance, Morris F. Mar-
tenis, Frederick Apgar, Joseph H. Melick, Austin Clark, John Hig-
gins, John A. Cole, George W. Vroom, Euliff S. Swackhamer, David
Pittenger, Samuel D. Barcroft, David Jackson, Mahlon Snrith, An-
drew J. Rouusavall, Jacob Bodine, Charles W. Angel, Ruliff S.
Hulsart, Enoch Abel, William Egbert, Thomas W. Gibbons.
1866, Peter H. Dilts, Henry Mains, John C. Durham, James P. Chamber-
lin, John M. Voorhees, Ranee H. Gray, Eleazer Smith.
* Previous to 1844 a large number of justices were annually appointed
by the Legislature, and after that year they were elected by the town-
gl^ips^ two to each township unless there were over four thousand inhab-
itants, when four was the number.
I April 11, 1854, two justices of the peace were elected, *'to supply the
vacancy occasioned by the removal of Augustus Hunt, and non-accept-
ance of the said office by George C. Seymore, Esqrs.," for unexpired
term of their offices. Earitan Township Becords.
260
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1867, Aaron Mathews, Dr. Jeremiah 0. Hoff, â– William M. Sine, Samuel
Carhart, John V. Brokaw, John Slater.
1868, Jacob G. Schomp. Yincent K. Mathews.
1869, John S. Drake, Nelson T. Young, Joseph O.Wright, Edward M.
Heath, Joseph Williamson, Henry S. Trimmer, John S. Trimmer,
William Iliff, Fredeiiclc P. Huffman, James M. Duckworth, William
Bonnell, Aaron H. Stover, Richard Bloom.
1S70, David Jackson, Edward M. Heath, Andrew J. Rounsavall, Joseph
Williamson, Charles W. Angel, John S. Coryell, Peter B. Crater,
Oliver H. Huffman, Nathan Lance, Samuel Eiuehart, Leonard G.
Neighbour, AVilliam B. Sutton, Lewis H. Staats, Watson B. Everitt,
William S. Quick, Zebulon Stout, Sylvester H, Smith, John Hance,
John Higgins, Morris S. Hoagland, Jolin V. Brokaw, John Lewis,
Peter H.Anderson, Enoch Abe], Thomas W. Gibbous.
1871, John C. Lake, Bobert S. Smith, John Macklin, James K. Brewster,
Dr. Jeremiah Hayhnrst, David Pitteuger, William S. Briwn, Leon-
ard G. Neighbour, John J. Anderson, Joseph ITritts, Ira C. Harvey,
Peter D. Myers, William Wert, Freeman Wood, Eleazer Smith, J. P.
Bailey.
1872, Samuel Rockafellow, Joseph Servis, Robert W. Hunt, David Dun-
ham, M. Gulick, William H. Keifer.
1873, John Purcell, William H. Keifer.
1874, Nelson V. Young, William Dean, William B. Woodruff, Henry S.
Trimmer, Williani Bonnell, Richard Bloom, James M. Duckworth,
Aaron H. Stover, James Petty, John S. Drake, Caleb F. Fisher, Wil-
liam T. Srope.
1875, Oliver H. Huffman, Samuel Einebart, George Banghart, William
B. Sutton, Lemuel B. Myers, Clinton B. Blackwell, George Hanson,
John V. Brokaw, John Lewis, John B. Davis, John Higgins, Mathias
McOrea, Enoch Abel, A.S. Storms, William R. Boarder, David Jack-
son, Andrew J. Rounsavall, Joseph Williamson, John W. Henderson,
William Iliff, John Hance, David Chamberlin, Charles W. Angel.
1870, Derrick A. Sutphin, John C. Lake, George Opdycke, William
Large, Henry P. Cullen, John P. S. Miller, Nathan Schuyler, Fred-
erick P. Huffman, Enoch Abel, John Carpenter, Jr., James P. Gary,
Nathan Lance. James Petty, Ira C. Harvey, William F. Dilts, Ira
Higgins, Dennis AV. Stevens, Eleazer Smith, Thomas B. Apgar.
1S77, Peter A. Beavers, John H. Horn, Joseph C. Wright, Levi Holcombe,
Samuel B. G. Willet, David Dunham, Anthony M. Trimmer, William
Lyman.
1878, Alexander Silvers, Joseph Williamson, Hugh Reynolds.
1879, William I. Srope, Rusling Hoppock, Aaron H. Stover, Richard
Bloom, William Bonnell, Henry S. Trimmer, James Huff, Dr. Jere-
miah Hayhnrst, William Dean, Alexander Silvers.
1880, William H. Keifer, George Hanson, William S. Riley, Henry H.
Anderson, Silas S. Wright, William D. S. Robbins, John II. William-
son, Aaron T. Trimmer, John W. Henderson, AA'illiam Craig, Ben-
jamin E. Tine, Oliver H. Huffman, Peter Walters, Sanuicl Rineliart,
John Hance, Robert S. Smith, John V. Brokaw, John V. F. Wyckoff,
Leonard B. Huffman, John T. F. Dilts, Caleb F. Fisher, John S.
Drake.
PROSECUTOR OF THE PLEAS.
1818-20, Fred. Frelinghuysen ; IS21-22, Peter D. Vroom; 1823-28, ^^â– i^-
liam Halstead, Jr.; 1829-32, Peter I. Clark {died May 2G, 1863, aged
seventy- three) ; 18.33-37, William Halstead (died March 4, 1878, aged
eighty-four) ; 1838-53, James N. Reading; 1863-56, John F. Dumont ;
1857, Marston D. Trefren â– , 1858-62, Charles A. Skillman; 1863-07,
John T. Bird ; 1863-70, Edward E. Bullock ; 1S71, John N. Voorhees
(to All vacancy) ; 1872, Octavins P. Chamberlin ; 1877-80, John C.
Rafferty.
COUNTY CLERKS.
The following list is compiled from the court rec-
ords and from the parchment rolls and record-books,
containing the oaths of office, in the county clerk's
oiBce of Hunterdon County.
1721, Alexander Lockart;* 1722, William Yard; 1723, Alexander Lock-
art; 1726-29, Maurice Trent; 1730-31, Jeremiah Forster; 1732,
Richard Ashiield ; 1733-34, Joseph Y"ard; 1735-40, Joseph WarreU;
1746-66, Theophilus Severns; 1767-62, Moore Furnian ; 1703-75,
Anthony White ;t 1776-80, Ebenezer Cowell; 1781-94, Samuel W.
* Also one of the first burgesses of Trenton borough under the royal
charter. Baum's Hist. Trenton, p. 72.
#NAME?
Stockton; 1796-1804, Lucius Wittman Stockton; 1806-9, Ralph
Hunt; 1810-29, J. T. Blackwell ;J: 1830-39, Isaac G. Farlee; 1840-44,
Peter I. Clark; 1845-49, Joseph Besson ;g 1850-54, William Emery ;
1855-59, Charles Tomlinson; 1800-64, John B. AlpaugU; 1865-69,
Andrew B. Rittenbouse; 1870-74, Moses K. Everitt; 1875-78, George
W. Abel;l 1879-84, John M. Hyde.
SURROGATES OF THE COUiSTTT OF HUNTERDON
FROM MARCH 6, 1S04, AS FOUND OF RECORD.If
James J. Wilson, found in ofBce March 6, 1804; resigned June 30, 1807.
George C. Maxwell, appointed June 30, 1807; term expired June 28,
1611
John T. Blackwell, June 28, 1811, to March 16, 1818.
Joseph Bonnell, March 16, 1818, to Oct. 19, 1823.
John F. Blackwell, Oct. 19, 1823, to Dec. 2, 1823.
George Maxwell, Dec. 2, 1823, to July 26, 1834.
Alexander Wnrts, Jnly 20, 1S34, to Slarch 4, 1835.
William H. Sloan, March 4, 1835, to March 4, 1840.
Adam 0. Davis, March 4, 1840, to March 4, 1845.
George C. Seymour, March 4, 1845, to March 4, 1850.
Jesse C. Reed, March 4, 1850, to Oct. 24, 1854.
John C. Reed, Oct. 24, 1854, to Nov. 17, 1S54.
Charles Thatcher, Nov. 17, 1864, to Nov. 17, 1869.
David Van Fleet, Nov. 17, 1869, to Nov. 17, 1804.
Joseph C. Smith, Nov. 17, 1864, to Nov. 17, 1869.
Robert J. Killgore, Nov. 17, 1860, to Nov. 17, 1874.
Peter S. Dalley, Nov. 17, 1874, to Nov. 17, 1879.
William H. Johnson, elected November, 1879, for live years.
HIGH SHERIFFS.
1723-26, John Muirhead; 1727-32, John Dagworthy; 1733-36, Bennett
Bard; 1738-39, David Martin; 1702, John Aller; 1782, Joseph Co-
shon; 1784-85, John Anderson ; 1780-88, Joshua Coshon ; 1789-91,
William Lowrie ; 1792-94, John Anderson; 1795-90, Jacob Ander-
son ; 1797-98, Elias Phillips ; 1790-1800, George Holcombe; 1801-3,
John Phillips; 1804-0, Aaron Van Sickle; 1807-9, Nathan Price;
1810-12, John Opdyke; 1S13-14, William Nixon; 1817-18, James J.
Manners; 1819-21, John Cavauagh ; 1S22-24, Edward Wellstead;
1825-27, Gabriel Hoff; 1828-30, Peter Forman; 1831-32, Wilson
Bray; 1833-35, Asa Jones; 1836-38, John Runk; 1839^1, John Bo-
dine; 1842^3, Alexander V. Bonnell; 1844-40, A. B. Chamberlin;
1847-49, Garret Servis ; 1850-52, J.xmes Snyder; 1853-66, Enoch Abel ;
1866-68, George B. Holcombe; 1850-61, Robert Thatcher; 1862-64,
John L.Jones; 1865-07, Joseph P. Lake; 1866-70, Richard Bellis;
1871-73, John P. Kittenhouse; 1874-77, Wesley Bellis ;** 1878-81 ,
Heber 0. Beldon.
CORONERS.
1781, Thomas Thompson, David Jones.
1782, John Carpenter, Timothy Titus.
1783, Thomas Curtis, Peter Howell.
1784, John Snyder, William Philips, Thomas Curtis, John Snyder.
1785, J. W. Singer, Benjamin Smith, Charles Wycoff.
1786, J. W. Singer, Elisha Bird.
1787, J. W. Singer, Thomas Curtis.
1788, J. Polhemus, Jacob Lnpp, William Tindak.
1789, John Meldnmi, J, Polhemus.
1790, George Holcorab, Jacob Lupp, John Meldi-um.
1791, David Wrighten, George Alexander, Jacob Lupp.
1794, James Gregg, Jonathan Baldwin.
1795, Nathan Price, Jonathan Baldwin, Jonathan Higgins.
1790, Jonathan Higgins, Nathan Price.
1800, Jonathan Higgins, Nathan Price, Edmund Roberts, James Ewing,
Henry Allen.
1802, Nathan Price, Samuel Arment.
1804, Peter Fisher. Samuel Arnwine.
1805, H. M. Prevost, Peter Fisher, Daniel Cook.
X Died Aug. 4, 1831.
g He died in the spring of 1849, and, M.arch 24, 1849, A. B. Chamberlin
was appointed, and served until eleclion, in November of same year.
II Died before expiration of his term, January, 1878, and J. M. Hyde
appointed to fill vacancy.
•; Compiled by Peter S. Dalley, late surrogate.
â– *â– * Wesley Bellis served four yeai-s ; when he had held the office one
year the Slate constitution was amemled, making the term three years.
CIVIL LIST OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
261
1806, Jacob Diltz, Michael Shirts, Foster Walters.
1S07, John Lambert, Jacob Runkle, Foster Walters
1808, Ira Stout, Jacob Runkle, Louis Labow.
1S09-10, William Nixon, Louis Labow, Charles Ent.
1511, William Martin, Charles Ent, William Nixon.
1512, Samuel Rittenhouse, William Martin, Thomas Jewell.
1813, John Lake, Enoch Clifford, (Jharles Ent, -Andrew Waart.
1S"20, Caleb Runk, Moses Quick, Charles Carhart.
1822, Jonas Lake, John Harcourt, Elnatban Morse, Samuel Evans.
1S23, Gabriel Hoff.
1824, Moses Quick, Asher Reading, James Taylor.
1S26, James Taylor, Moses Quick, George Rittenhouse, Asher Reading.
1828, Benjamin W. Dennis, Elnathan Moore, Daniel Vliet.
1829, Sutphin Garrison. Elnathan Moore, Benjamin W. Dennis.
1830-31, Lemuel Howell, Sutphin Garrison, Peter R. Fisher.
1836-37, Henry S. Stryker, Samuel B. Sattergood, Peter A. Kline.
1838, Nathan Risler, Peter A. Kline, Henry S. Stryker.
1S40, Oliver W. Farley, Joseph Thompson, Thomris Tomson.
1841, Emley Holcombe, Oliver W, Farley. Joseph Thompson.
1842-43, Emley Holcombe, Ezra Brewster, William R. Moore.
1844, Michael Shurts, William R. Moore, Joseph J. Scarborough.
1845-47, Henry Heldebrandt, John H. Smith, Henry S. Stryker.
1848-50, William R. Moore, Philetus Cook, Thomas Ent.
1851, Joseph R. West, John G. Pidcock, James Callis.
1S52, Herbert Hummer, David Chamberlin, Joseph R. West.
1853, Jonathan Rake, Herbert Hummer, David Chamberlin.
1854-55, Ephraim 0. Parker, John Lewis, Lemuel B. Myres.
1855, John Lewis, Lemuel B. Myres, Ephraim 0. Parker.
1856, John Lewis, Ephraim 0. Parker, Elijah B. Metier.
1857, James M. Case, Thomas Chen^, Eli Camp.
1858, Samuel Johnson, James M. Case, George A. Apgar.
1859-61, George W. Beatty, James M. Case, Samuel Johnson.
1S62, Jacob Kline, Samuel Johnson, John B. Creed.
1SG3, Horace P. Housel, Samuel Johnson, Geoi'ge H. Rowland.
1864-65, Horace P. Housel, William Kimble, George H. Rowland.
1866, Charles W. Angel, William Kimble, Diivid Chamberlin.
1867, Charles W. Angel, Herbert Hummer, Nelson Read.
1868, Charles W. Angel, George Hnusou, George H. Rowland.
1869, Mortimer P. Fomiau, Joseph C. Wright, George Hanson.
1870, Lewis Young, George Hanson, Mortimer P. Forman.
1871-73, Nelson V. Young, George Hanson, Lewis Young.
1874, Dr. George H. Larason, Henry S. Tiimmer, William J. Tliff.*
1878, John H. Horn, Clinton B. Blackwell, William H. Carpenter.
COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS.
1S6S, John C. Rafferty ; 1871, Rev. Cornelius S. Conkling; 1879, Buliff S.
Swackhamer.
COMMISSIONERS TO TAKE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
AND PROOF OF DEEDS.
1816, John Cavanagh, Cornelius J. Wyckoff, George Maxwell.
1817, James Larason, Jacob Housel.
1820, Cornelius Lake, Cornelius J. Wyckoff, John Brittain, Edmund Bur-
roughs, Robeson Rockhill.
1821, Jacob J. Young, Anthony M. Farley, John Lake, James Larason.
1822, Jacob Housel, M. J. Stockton, Thomas D. Jenkins.
1S23, Joseph Bobs.
1824, Richard Opdyke, Philip Alpaugh, Enoch Johnson.
1825, John R. Tucker, Cornelius Lake, John B. Stires, Wilson Housel,
Joseph Wood, William Nixon, J. Welling, Robeson Rockhill, Cor-
nelius J. Wyckoff, Andrew Bartles.
1826, Samuel Evans, James Larason.
1827, Thomas D. Jenkins, John Lake, Joseph Boss.
1828, Emley Holcombe.
1830, Cornelius Lake, J. G. Hoagland, Wilson Housel, William Nixon,
John B. Tucker, John W. Bray.
1831, Andrew Bartles, James Larason, John Lake.
1837, Joseph Huffman, Tewksbury ; William Rinehart, Bethlehem ; Peter
Thompson, Alexandria.
1838, David S. Mannere, Amwell; Jacob P. Fisher, Delaware.
1840, Joseph Chapman, John H. Large, Wilson Housel, Tunis Smith.
1841, Samuel Fritts, William Bonnell, William Vliet, Amos Hoagland,
George P. Rex, Jacob S. Mowry, David P. Huffman, David Neighbour.
1842, Philip C. Huffman, Peter Thompson.
* Elected for three years in 1875.
1843, James J Fisher, Delaware ; Jacob Cole, Readington ; Peter C. Rea,
Raritan; Jacob P. Fisher, David Neighbour, Lebanon.
1844, Morris S. Stiger, Clinton ; Jeremiah Smith, Delaware ; Joseph Bes-
son, George Trimmer, Raritan; Isaac R. Srope, Kingwood; James
M.Johnson, Lebanon; Joseph Thompson, Alexandria ; Moses Far-
row, Bethlehem; John Opdycke, Kingwood; Joseph Johnson, Leb-
anon; Gideon Phillips, Emley Holcombe, Amwell.
1845, George W. A. C. Lundy, Moses E. Hoyt, Franklin; Peter F. Op-
dycke, Kingwood; John S. Williamson, Amwell; Aaron Eckle,
Alexandria; David Neighbour, Lebanon; Abraham Conover, Dela-
ware.
1846, John Y. Thatcher, Kingwood ; Isaac Johnson, Peter Thompson,
Alexandria ; David P. Srope, Lebanon ; Robert Foster, Edward C.
Rockhill, Bethlehem; Jacob S. Manners, East Amwell; David B.
Huffman, Clinton ; William Yliet, Tewksbury ; Mosea B. Hoyt,
Franklin; Jacob Reed, West Amwell; Nelson Thatcher, Beading-
ton.
1847, Moses E. Hoyt, Franklin; Aaron Thompson, Readington; David
Neighbour, Lebanon; David B. Huffman, Clinton; Jacob F. Apgar,
Robert M. Honeyman, Tewksbury.
1848, Nelson V. Young, West Amwell.
1849, Samuel Cooley, Alexandria ; Dr. George P. Rex, Ralph Rudebock,
Raritan ; Edwin N. Ball, Joseph Anderson, Bethlehem.
1850, John S. Williamson, John L. Case, East Amwell ; George Muirhead,
West Amwell; Andrew B. Rittenhouse, Delaware ; Peter F. Opdyke,
Kingwood ; George W. A. C. Lundy, George W. Waterhouse, Frank-
lin; Lewis M. Prevost, William A. Huff, Alexandria; Peter Melick,
Bethlehem ; Peter H. Huffman, Clinton ; Wesley J. Lindabury,
Tewksbury ; Isaiah P. Large, John Vanderbeck, Readington ;
Adams C.Davis, Raritan; Lemuel H. Pareons, Lewis S. Paxaon,
Alexander Grant, Lambertville.
1851, John H. Williamson, West Amwell; Charles Holcombe, Ralph
Schenck, East Amwell; Miller Kline, Raritan; John W. Bellis,
East Amwell ; David Chamberlin, Bethlehem ; Samuel D. Barcroft,
Amplius B. Chambeilin, King\vood ; James M. Johnson, Lebanon.
1852, Joseph Bartles, Frederick Apgar, Tewksbury ; David D. Schomp,
Sr., Readington ; David Neighbour, Lebanon ; Michael Shurts,
Clinton; Jeremiah Smith, Delaware; Ingham Coryell, Lambert-
ville ; Henry S. Trimmer, Franklin,
1853, Samuel Grovendycke, Clinton; David Chamberlin, Bethlehem;
David B. Boss, Delaware ; Lewis Young, Lebanon ; Joseph P. Lake,
Bethlehem; Roberson Rockhill, William Bounell, Union; Charles
Tomlinson, Bethlehem.
1854, Peter H. Dilts, Lambertville ; Jolin P, Rittenhouse, Berzilla Bob-
bins, Baritau ; Peter C. Bloom, Alexandria.
1855, William A. Huff, Nathaniel Eicke, Alexandria; Peter F. Opdycke,
Kingwood ; George W. A. C. Lundy, Andrew Emmons, Peter Melick,
Franklin; Robert Foster, Union ; Peter Vanpelt, Clinton; Isaiah P.
Large, Aaron Thompson, Readington; Samuel W. Salter, Tewks-
bury ; Lemuel H. Pareous, Lewis S. Paxeon, Lambertville ; John H.
Williamson, William W. Metier, East Amwell; Reading Moore,
Delaware.
1856, Ralph Schenck, Daniel Skinner, John S. Drake, West Amwell ;
Jeremiah Trout, Delaware; Joseph B. Pierson, Luther Opdycke,
Franklin; Amplius B. Chamberlin, Samuel D. Barcroft, Kingwood ;
Augustus Blackwell, Miller Kline, Raritan ; JohnL. Case, John W.
Bellis, East Amwell.
1857, Cornelius H. Rose, AVest Amwell; Michael Shurts, Clinton; Jehu
Huffman, Delaware ; Henry S. Trimmer, Franklin; David Neigh-
bour, Lebanon; David D. Schomp, Readington; Joseph Bartles,
Frederick Apgar, Tewksbury; William T. Srope, Kingwood: Peter
H.Rowland, Abraham W. Giant, Lebanon ; John Hance, Bethle-
hem.
1858, David Chamberlin, Joseph P.Lake, Bethlehem; Samuel Groven-
dycke, Clinton ; David B. Boss, Delaware; Theodore Probasco, Frank-
lin ; Joseph R. Wert, Lambertville ; Peter Apgar, Tewksbury ; Wil-
liam Bonnell, William P. Rockhill, Union.
1859, William Hill, Raritan; Edward Hunt, Andrew G. M. Prevost,
Joseph W. Thompson, Alexandria; Sylvester H. Smith, Bethlehem;
Peter F, Baylor, Thomas Banghart, Lebanon ; Lewis J. Titus, Wil-
liam V. Cooley, Lambertville; Samuel Carhart, Clinton.
1860, Peter H. Dilts, Mortimer P. Forman, Lambertville ; Garret Q. Hix-
son, East Amwell ; John M. Yoorheea, Kingwood ; William Naught-
right, Lewis Y'^oung, Lebanon; Jacob H. Huffman, Clinton; Enoch
Abel, Union; George W. Yroom, Aaron Thompson, Readington;
Jonathan Potter, Tewksbury.
1862 John S. Drake, Ralph Schenck, Alexander Matthews, West Am-
262
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
â– well ; John L. Case, Andrew Wj'ckoff, East Arawell ; Jeremiah Trout,
Jehu Huflman, Delaware; Augustus Blackwell, Itobert J. Killgore,
Baritan; Amplius B. (Jliamberlin, Samuel D. Barcroft, Kiugwood;
Joseph B. Pierson, John B. Tomer, Franklin ; Alvah A. Olark,
Tewksbury; David D. Schomp, Jr., Keadington; Michael Shurts,
Samuel Carhart, Clinton.
1863, David B. Boss, Delaware ; John S. Drake, West Amwell ; Hiram B.
Rittenhouse, Kiug^vood; Joseph E.. Wert, Lambertville ; John B.
Tomer, Theodore Probasco, Reuben Pierson, Franklin; William J.
Iliff, Tewksbury; Joseph P. Lake, John Hance, Bethlehem ; Nathan
Lance, Lebanon; William Bonnell, Peter R, Williamson, Union;
George M. Freck, CUnton.
1864, Aaron Matthews, Aaron H. Stover, Charles Alpaugh, Alexandria;
David Chamberlin, John Hance, Joseph P. Lake, Bethlehem; George
H. Rowland, Clinton; Robert Sharp, Delaware; Reuben Pierson,
John B. Tomer, Franklin ; Hiram B. Rittenhouse, Wesley Bellis,
Kingwood; Joseph R. Wert, Lambertville; Peter H. Rowland, Na-
than Lance, Lebanon ; Chester Vausyckel, Raritan ; William J. Iliff,
Tewksbury; John S. Drake, Richard H. Wilson, Caleb F. Fisher,
West Amwell.
1866, Nelson Abbott, West Amwell; David Williamson, East Amwell;
Peter F. Opdycke, Kingwood; Ferdinand S. Holcombe, Delaware;
Aaron Thompson, Readington ; William Dean, Lambertville; Wil-
liam P. Rockliill, Nathan S. Wyckoff, Union; Charles W. Altemus,
William H. Huifman, John A, Young, Town of Clinton; George W.
A. C. Lundy, Franklin; Albert Proctor, Tewksbury.
1867, Sylvester H. Soiith, Bethlehem; Theodore H. Risler, Samuel Car-
hart, Clinton; Clemeut H. Bonnell, Union; Peter Vaupelt, Theodore
J. Huffman, Nathaniel W. Voorhees, Town of Clinton; Amos Mer-
selius, John W. Lequear, Kingwood; Ralph Rudebock, Raritan;
Cornelius H. Rose, West Amwell ; Jacob S. Dunham, Simpson S.
Sked, East Amwell; Conrad P. C. Apgar, Dr. Charles H. Dayton,
Tewksbury.
1868, James Labaw, East Amwell ; Caleb F. Fisher, Andrew Holcombe,
West Amwell; William R. Bearder, Delaware; Charles W. Angel,
Lambertville; Uriah Larue, Reuben Pierson, Franklin; Peter G.
Schomp, John V. Brokaw, Readington ; William J. Iliff, Tewksbury ;
Miller Kline, Andrew B. Rittenhouse, Dr. Miller K. Reading, Rari-
tan; Michael Shurts, Clinton; John Hance, Bethlehem; Nathan
Lance, Lebanon ; William T. Srope, David C. Roberson, William H.
Eckle, Frenchtown.
1870, Enoch Abel, Union; Peter H. Dilts, Lambertville; Jonathan Pot-
ter, Tewksbury; Jeremiah Trout, Delaware.
1871, Thomas Lequear, Peter F. Opdycke, King^vood; Egbert T. Bush,
Franklin; John K. Large, Readington ; Nelson Abbott, West Am-
well ; John B. Fisher, East Amwell; Courtland S. Reynolds, Lam-
bertville; Ira C. Harvey, Clinton; William P. Rockhill, Union;
Thomas Banghart, Peter A. Beavers, High Bridge.
1872, Nelson Abbott, West Amwell; Jacob S. Dunham, East Amwell;
Robert Foster, Theodore J. Huffman, Town of Clinton ; Sylvester H.
Smith, Bethlehem; Dr. Jeremiah Hayhurst, Lambertville; John W.
Lequear, Kingwood; Joseph W. Tomswn, Alexandria; Jacob Roun-
savell, Clement H. Bonnell, Union ; Julius Johnson, Franklin.
1873, John G. Muirhead, Edward B. Holcombe, West Amwell ; Caleb F.
Quick, Newton Gary, David Dunham, Raritan; Aaron Thompson,
John A. Craig, Readington ; William McConnell, Bethlehem ; David
H. Huffman, Clinton ; Conrad P. C. Apgar, Tewksbury ; Clark Pier-
son, Lambertville; Everitt Hartpence, Delaware; John Slater,
Thomas Palmer, Andrew Roberson, Frenchtown; Jnhn Pierson, Wm,
J. Case, Franklin; Natlian Lance, Lebanon; Levi Hixsou, East Am-
well ; William Lance, High Bridge.
1874, Isaac B. Manning, Jesse Sinclair, Alexandria; Gideon Moore, Geo.
W. A. C. Lundy, Delaware; Moses Bobbins, Erastus C. Bloom,
Bethlehem ; Anthony M. Trimmer, Town of Clinton ; Malachi Neigh-
bour, High Bridge; Jacob R. Fisher, Tewksbury ; Ira C. Harvey,
Clinton ; Edward B. Hulcombe, West Amwell ; Charles A. Skillrnan,
Lambeitville; John Geary, Clinton; William V. Cooley, Lamberts
Tilla; John B. Woodruff, Bethlehem.
1876, Clark Pierson, William B. Neice, Charles F. Moore, Edward H.
Holcombe, William L. Hoppock, Lambertville; John K. Large,
Readington ; George G. Alpaugh, Jonathan Potter, Tewksbury ; Wm.
P. Rockhill, Mathias McCrea, Union ; Israel S. Curtis, Dr. Henry Race,
Alexandria ; DavidHaver, Ira C. Harvey, Clinton ; Richard B. Read-
ing, Delaware ; John B. Fisher, East Amwell; Albert P. Williams,
Frenchtown; Peter A. Beavers, Thomas Banghart, Benjamin Cole,
High Bridge ; Augustus Godley, Holland ; Thomas Lequear, Ezekiel
E. Bonhani, Kingwood ; Joseph Bonnell, William V. Prall, Lebanon •
Isaac W. Clevenger, William Dean, Lambertville ; Stephen K. Large,
Readington.
1877, Wilson M. Rittenhouse, Delawai'e ; Ira Higgins, Levi Holcombe,
East Amwell; Bartolette Hann, John C. Amwine, Kingwood ; Hugh
Reynolds, Theodore F. Skillrnan, John Purcell, Simeon R. Huselton,
Vincent R. Matthews, Lambertville; John P. Brothers, Readington ;
George H. Matthews, West Amwell; Oliver H. Huffman, Clinton;
Jolin Trimmer, Jr., Franklin ; James Hauu, Frenchtown ; James M.
Duckworth, George W. Hager, Joseph Myers, Holland ; John S. Ten
Eyck, High Bridge ; Bennett V. Leigh, James R. Kline, Town of
Clinton; Joseph A'an Syckol, Union; William Bonnell, Richard
Bloom, Alexandria ; Samuel Rinehart, Lebanon.
1S78, George M. Freck, James S. Clark, Clinton; George B. Holcombe,
East Amwell ; Reuben Pierson, Charles M. Trimmer, Franklin ;
David C. Hough, Joseph C. Wright, John M. VuorheeB, Frenchtown ;
George W. llonness. High Bridge; William C. Alpaugh, Peter Hart,
Holland ; John H. Horn, Derrick A. Sutphen, Dr. George H. Lara-
son, Lambertville; George W. Smith, David Dunham, Hawley C.
Olmstead, Raritan ; John N. Sharp, Readington ; Samuel Clark,
Tewksbury; Charles E. Barker, Union; John S. Drake, Andrew
Holcombe, West Amwell.
1879, Isaac B. Manning, Alexandria ; Moses Bobbins, Sylvester H. Smith,
Israel J. Eyears, Bethleiiem; William Johnson, Clinton; Gideon
Moore, George W. A. C. Lundy, Delaware ; Julius Johnson, Frank-
lin; John B. Jones, William B, Neice, William V. Cooley, Dr. Jere-
miah Hayhurst, Lambertville; Tlionias Banghart, Lebanon; John
Quick, Asa Suydam, Raritan ; Jacob R. Fisher. John W. Hendereon,
Peter T. Alpaugh, Tewksbury ; Anthony M. Trimmer, Town of Clin-
ton ; Charles W. Carliart, Union ; Edward B. Holcombe, John Keed,
Elisha Sunt, West Amwell; Jesse Sinclair, James C. Bobbins, Hol-
land.
1880, George H. Carr, AVest Amwell ; Israel S. Curtis, Alexandria ; Thos.
Palmer, Frenchtown ; Jonas Rapp, Holland.
COLLECTORS OF THE COUNTY OP HUNTERDON
FROM 1739 TO 1797.
1722-23, Capt. Ralph Hunt ; 1734-44, Jos^pli Peace; 1745-47, John Read-
ing ; 1748-49, Andrew Reed ; 1750-Gl, John Garrison ; 1754-55, Wil-
son Hunt; 1756, Andrew Smith, Jr.; 1757-59, Cornelius Wyckoff;
1759-65, Daniel Reading ;^= 176G-71, Jacob Matteson ; 1772-74, Jona-
than Higgins; 1775-78, Joachim Griggs; 1779-82, William Abbott;
17S3-84, Joshua Corshon; 1785-94, Tunis Quick; 1795-97, Daniel
Kuhl.
The above list of collectors is from the ancient
record book of the " Board of Justices and Free-
holders of Hunterdon County/' covering the years
1739 to 1797. For the names of the collectors and
the clerks of the Board of Chosen Freeholders from
1800 to 1880, given on page 265, we are indebted to
William T. Srope, Esq., of Frenchtown,
CLERKS OF THE BOARD OF JUSTICES AND FREE-
HOLDERS FROM 1739 TO 1797.t
1730-63, Joseph Yard ; 1763-74, Ahraham Hunt; 1774 , Stacy Potts ; 1775,
AhrahamHunt; 1776-77, Benjamin Yard; 1778, Jared Sextuu; 1779,
Benjamin Yard; 1780, Benjamin Stevens; 1781-82, John Temple;
1783-84, Joshua Corshon ; 1785, John Wyckoff ; 1786, Daniel Agnew ;
1787, Elias Philips; 1788, Jonathan Stevens; 1789, John Philips;
1790, Ralph Philips; 1791, Benjamin Yan Cleve; 1792-97, Julin
Lambert.
FREEHOLDERS.
BETHLEHEM.
1800-1, Clement Bonnell (died Jan. 24,1856, aged ninety) ; 1800-2, Emley
Drake; 1802-26, Aaron Vansyckel (died Nov. 28, 1838, aged seventy-
four) ; 1803-24, Baltus Stiger (died July 2S, 1830, aged sixty-eiglit);
1825-26, John Lake (died April 16, 1854, aged seventy-eight) ; 1827-
* To fill vacancy occasioned by death of Mr. Wyckuff.
t Obtained from the only volume extant of their proceedings from the
organization of the county, in 1714, to 1800.
CIVIL LIST OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
263
35, George Gano (died April 11, 1849, aged eighty) ; 1828-36, John
Yansyckel ; 1827, Enock Clifford (died Sept. 15, 1861, aged eighty-
two) ; 183S-;i7, Br. John Blane ; 1837, John Einehart, Sr. (died Aug.
26, 1852, aged eighty-four) ; 1838-39, Joseph Exton (died Feb. 8, 1874,
aged eighty-one); 1838, Azai-iah \V. Dunham (died Aug. 28, 1863,
aged sixty-one) ; 1839, James Bird (died Dec. 13, 1876, aged eighty) ;
1840, Dr. John Blane ; 1840-42, Alexander V. Bonncll (died Aug. 13,
1872, aged sixty-three); 1841-43, James Bird (died Dec. 13, 1876,
aged eighty); 1843-16, John Srope (died April 28, 1869); 1844^6,
Sutphin Garrison (died March 16, 1878, aged eighty-six) ; 1846-47,
Dr. John Blane; 1847-48, James Bird (died Deo. 13, 1876, aged
eighty); 1848, William R. Toung; 1849-50, Dr. John Blane; 1849-
51, William Tinsman ; 1851-63, John McClary ; 1864, Joseph P. Lake ;
1865-56, Andrew Miller (died April 27, 1868, aged sixty) ; 1857-68,
Joseph P. Lalie ; 1869-60, William Tinsman ; 1861-62, Moses Barrow ;
1863-65, Joseph W. Willever; 1866-68, William H. Drake; 1809-71,
David Qiamberlin; 1872-74, Mathias H. Case; 1876-77, William
Bowlby ; 1878, George Bruner.
EEADINGTON.
1800-2, Joseph Hankinson; 1800, Peter Scliamp; 1801-16, Dennis
Wyckoff; 1803-7, Ezekiel Cole; 1808, Tunis Quick; 1809-11, David
Schamp (died April 5, 1839, aged eighty-flve) ; 1812-17, John J. Pit-
tenger; 1816, Cornelius Ten Byck (died Jan. 20, 1867); 1817-19,
Dennis Wyckoff; 1818, John Thompson ; 1819, Abraham A.Yan Fleet;
1820, Joseph Hankinson ; 1821-22, Abraham A. Van Fleet ; 1822, John
Farlee ; 1823-26, John Thompson ; 1827-28, John T. Van Fleet ; 1827,
Cornelius G. Lane ; 1828-29, Peter P. Schamp ; 1829, John Baker ;
1830, George W. Scott; 1830-31, John T. Van Fleet; 18.31, Peter P.
Schamp; 1832-.33, John Thompson, Cornelius Ten Eyck (died Jan.
20, 1867) ; 1834, Peter P. Schamp, John S. Hoagland; 1836-36, John
Hall (died July 3, 1872, aged eighty-four), David D. Schamp (died
February, 1864) ; 1837-38, Eobert E. Steele, John M. Wyckoff (died
Dec. 12, 1869, aged seventy) ; 1839-40, Peter A. Kline, John S. Hoag-
land ; 1841, David 0. Cole ; 1841-42, John Swackhammer (died May
30, 1864, aged seventy-three) ; 1842, Oliver H. Ewing (died Sept. 18,
1871, aged seventy-nine); 1843-44, David 0. Cole, Peter E. Voor-
hees (died Oct. 16, 1872, aged sixty-two) ; 1845^6, Oliver H. Ewing
(died Sept. 18, 1871, aged seventy-nine), George Hall (died Feb. 10,
1871, aged seventy-three) ; 1847-48, Eynear Rowland, John K. Large
(died Sept. 5, 1879, aged sixty-nine) ; 1849-60, Peter S. Dalley, Adrian
H. Pickel (died May 25, 1878, aged seventy) ; 1851-52, Abraham A.
Brokaw (died July, 1876, aged eighty-six); 1853-64, George A.
Schamp; 1856-56, George Hall (died Feb. 10, 1871, aged seventy-
three); 1857-58, Jacob G. Schamp ; 1859-61, George W. Vroom; 1862,
Jacob Johnson ; 1863-64, Eichard Bellis ; 1866-66, Peter Voorhees ;
1867-68, David D. Schamp, Jr. ; 1869-70, Peter E. Voorhees (died Oct.
1 6, 1872, aged sixty-two) ; 1871, Peter Kline ; 1872, John P. Brothers ;
1873, Peter Kline ; 1874-76, Daniel Brown ; 1876-77, John N. Sharp ;
1878-79, Peter Voorhees ; 1880, Josiab Cole.
KINGWOOD.
1800-1, Joseph King, Richard Opdycke; 1802, Samuel Eunk ; 1802-3,
Hugh Eunyan; 1803^, Eichard Opdycke; 1804, John Wilson;
1806-7, Hugh Eunyan (died July 11, 1823, aged eighty-flve) ; Thomas
Lequear; 1808, John Wilson; 1808-9, DaTiiel Bray; 1810-22, John
Britton (died Dec. 27, 1822, aged sixty-one) ; 1810-10, John Little;
1817-20, Jacob Sebold (died Feb. 2, 1853, aged ninety-two) ; 1821-22,
William Voorhees; 182.3-26, Johnson Eunyan (died Jan. 29, 1852,
aged seventy) ; 1823, Wilson Bray ; 1824, Jonathan Britton ; 1825-
30, John Bnnk; 1826-27, Peter Sigler (died Nov. 9, 1863, aged
seventy-seven); 1828-29, Wilson Bray (died Nov. 22, 1860, aged
lifty-seven) ; 1830-33, Edward Welsted (died April 27, 1844, aged
sixty) ; 1831, Eichard Barcroft (died Nov. 18, 1833, aged thirty-five) ;
1832-33, John Eunk (died Sept. 22, 1872. aged eighty-two) ; 1834,
William Nixon (died Feb. 11 , 1839, aged sixty-three) ; 1834-38, Joseph
Opdycke (died Dec. 24, 1846, aged fifty-flve) ; 1835, Eichard Cox
(died November, 1841) ; 1836, John Majors (died Nov. 12, 1839, aged
forty-six) ; 1837-42, Jacob E. Fox (died Jan. 19, 1849, aged fifty-four) ;
1839-40, William Snyder (died Jan. 29, 1863, aged seventy-two) ; 1841,
Jonae Bosenbury (died January, 1866) ; 1842, David Hulsizer (died
March 28, 1862, aged eighty-one) ; 1843, Edward Mason (died Oct. 30,
1865, aged sixty nine) ; 1843-44, Opdycke Arnwine ; 1844, John Allen
(died Aug. 17, 1868. aged sixty-six) ; 1845^7. Moses Boberson; 1846-
46, Nathaniel Britton (died Feb. 14, 1866, aged fifty-eight) ; 1847-49,
John Sine (died Aug. 12, 1877, aged seventy) ; 1848, Amplius B.
Chamberlin (died May 9, 1879, aged seventy-two); 1849, John L.
Larason (died Oct. 3, 1866, aged seventy) ; 1860, Mahlon Emmons ;
1850, Francis Myres (died Dec. 6, 1862, aged fifty-seven); 1861-52,
Samuel H. Britton (died Sept. 7, 1860," aged sixty-one) ; 1853, William
H. Slater ; 1854r-56, Isaac E. Srope (died April 14, 1802, aged sixty) ;
1867, Joseph Lair ; 1 868-60, Wesley Bellis ; 1801-63, George T. Srope ;
1864-66, John Kugler; 1867-69, Oliver Clark ; 1870-72, William Eit-
tenhouse ; 1873-76, William B. Hockenbury ; 1876-77, Paul C. Larue ;
1878, Peter Polhemus.
EAEITAN.
1838, Joseph Case, Jacob Voorhees (died Feb. 11, 1870, aged eighty-two) ;
1839-41, John B. Mattison (died Februarj', 1862) ; 1839-42, Jonas
Moore (died Oct. 11, 1880, aged eighty-one) ; 1842-43, John Marlow
(died Oct. 9, 1868, aged seventy) ; 1843-44, Mahlon Fisher (died Dec.
29, 1874, aged sixty-five); 1844-40, Jacob Eockafellow; 1845^6,
Thomas Cheri-y (died Jan. 16, 1878) ; 1847-49, Alexander V. Bonnell
(died Aug. 13,1872, aged sixty-three) ; 1847, William E. Eisler ; 1848,
William H. Johnson (died March 31,1872, aged seventy-four) ; 1849-
60, Wm. M. Bellis; 1860, Joseph H. Eeading (died Oct. 21, 1867, aged
forty-four) ; 1851-63, John H. Capner ; 1854, Kobert Thatcher ; 1866-
66, Richard Emmons; 1867-58, Robert Thatcher ; 1859-60, William R.
Risler ; 1861, Gershom 0. Sergeant ; 1862, William R. Eisler ; 1863-64,
Gerehom C. Sergeant; 1865-66, Eobert Thatcher; 1867-68, Oliver
Kugler ; 1869-70, John B. Eockafellow ; 1871, Henry Britton ; 1872-
74, Jacob Case; 1876-76, Isaac Smith (died Feb. 22, 1877); 1877,
Wilson J. Leigh : 1878-79, William E. Eisler; 1880, Wilson J.Leigh.
WEST AMWELL.
1846, Charles Holcombe; 1846-49, Joseph Phillips (died Jan. 10,1874,
aged eighty) ; 1847-48, Thomas B. Ctirr (died Aug. 28, 1860) ; 1849-
51, Alexander P. Holcombe; 1850-64, Joseph Matthews (died Oct.
14, 1877, aged eighty-one); 1855, Charles Wilson; 1856-69, Isaac
Matthews ; 1860-62, Cornelius H. Eose ; 1863-65, Joseph Q. Farley ;
1866-68, Charles Wilson; 1869-71, George H. Matthews; 1872-74,
Peter S. Pidcock ; 187.5-77, Bloomfleld Blackwell ; 1878, James 0.
Packenthall.
TOWN OF CLINTON.
1865-72, George Gulick (died March 7, 1880, aged flfty-six); 1873-75,
Bloomfleld Leigh ; 1876-79, Watson Corsen ; 1880, John S. Madison.
HIGH BRIDGE.
1871-73, Peter A. Beavers; 1874-75, Amos A. Apgar; 1876-77, John T.
Lance; 1878, John T. Dorland.
AMWELL.
1800, Arthur Gray ; 1800-11, Joseph Lambert ; 1801, Joseph Ott ; 1802-11,
Moses Stout; 1812, Samuel L. Southard (died June 26,1842, aged
fifty -five) ; 1812-15, Peter Fisher ; 1813-16, James S. Manners (died
1851) ; 1816-21, Samuel Barber ; 1817-25, Abraham E. Sutphin; 1822-
24, Derrick Hoagland (died Dec. 17, 1835, aged eighty-five) ; 1825,
Jacob Hoagland ; 1820, Charles Bonnell (died March 24, 1830, aged
thirty-four) ; 1826-28, Joseph Holcombe ; 1827-31, Caleb Moore (died
Jan. 14, 1835, aged thirty); 1829-30, James S. Sutphin; 1831-33,
Abraham Gulick (died April 27, 1866, aged sixty-eiglit) ; 1832, John
Hoppock (died July 12, 1866, aged eighty-two) ; 1833-34, John H. Ott
(died Dec. 29, 1846, aged fifty-three) ; 1834^36, Eichard Sked (died Jan.
26, 1841) ;' 18.35-36, John Hoppock (died July 12, 1866, aged eighty-
two) ; 1S37, James J. Fisher ; 1837-39, John R. Toung (died 1860) ;
1838-40, Israel Wilson (died Aug. 1, 1866, aged seventy-one) ; 1840-43,
Israel Higgins (died May 20, 1866, aged seventy-one) ; 1841, Peter T.
Lowe ; 1842-44, John E. Young (died 1860) ; 1844-45, Charles Hol-
combe'; 1845, David S. Ott (died Dec. 11, 1851, aged sixty-ona).
LAMBEETVILLE.
1849-60, Thomas B. Carr (died Aug. 28, 1860, aged fifty) ; 1849-51, John
Lambert ; 1852, Dr. Samuel Lilly (died April 3, 1880, aged sixty-flve) ;.
1863-66, John Lambert; 1857-60, Dr. Samuel Lilly; 1861, Ingham
Coryell'; 1862, John Runk (died Sept. 22, 1872, aged eighty-two);
1863-65,'Dr. Samuel Lilly ; 1866-68, John H. Wilson ; 1869, Augustus
C. Barber : 1870, Vincent R. Matthews ; 1871,* Augustus C. Barber ;
1872-74, James Bird ; 1872, Stacy B. Bray, Dr. Samuel Lilly ; 1873-
76 Neh'emiah Green ; 1873, John Huriey ; 1874-76, Levi Reynolds ;
1875-77, Joseph H. Boozer; 1876-78, Preston B. Goodfellow; 1877-
79, Jam'es Callan ; 1878-80, Jonas J. Woi-man ; 1879, Joseph Smith;
1880, John Foran, Charles Frank Hart.
*Dividediiito three wards, and one freeholder from each ward after
1871
264
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
LEBANON.
1800-2, William Hazlett, Balph Hunt ; 1803, David Frazer, Henry Du-
senbuiy; ISO'l-lS, Ralph Hunt; 1805, Silas Waters; 1807, John
Gulick; 1808-11, Frederick Eiitts; 1812-18, Morris Fritts (died June
30, 1S36, aged sixty-six) ; 1814-15, Herbert Hummer; 181 6-17, A\'illiam
Johnson ; 1818, Henry Aller(died March 21, 1855, aged ninety-two) ;
1819-20, Kalpb Hunt, Andrew Banghart (died Aug. 23, 185G, aged
seventy-six) ; 1821-29, Morris Fritts (died June 30, 1836, aged sixty-
six) ; 1821-22, Henry Aller (died March 21, 1855, aged ninety-two);
1827, John W. Bray; 1828-31, John Eockafellow (died March 27,
1848, aged fifty-nine) ; 1830, William Alpaugh, Sr. ; 1831-33, Andrew
Banghart ; 1832-33, John H. Huffman (died Jan. 19, 1869) ; 1834,
Joseph Beavers ; 1834-35, John C. Weart ; 1835, Peter F. Baylor (died
Aug. 22, 1875) ; 1836-37, Joseph Beaver, Jesse Runklo ; 1838-39, John
P. Tawger (died Feb. 26, 1S58, aged fifty-six); 1838-40, John Eock-
afellow; 1840^1, William B. Prall (died Jan. 19, 1878, aged
eighty); 1841, Joseph Beavers; 1842, David P. Srope (died March
29, 1876, aged eighty-eight) ; 1842^3, Jacob Johnson ; 184.3^4, Joseph
Beavers; 1844-45, Peter F. Baylor (died Aug. 22, 1876); 1845-46,
Abraham Lunger; 1846^7, Jacob Johnson ; 1847-48, Henry Slater
(died 1871) ; 1848, David Johnson ; 1849-50, Morris Fritts, William
C. Beavei-s ; 1851, D,avid Johnson ; 1862-53, Elias Fritts (died Sept.
6, 1863, aged foiiy-six) ; 1854-56, John S. Smith ; 1856-57, Thomas
Banghart; 1859, William C. Beavers; 1860-01, John Hill (died Aug.
30,1870): 1862-63, John Eveland ; 1864-65, John A. Smith; 1866,
Ambrose Fritts (died Sept. 10, 1880, aged fifty-nine) ; 1867-68, David
H. Banghart ; 1869-70, William A. Melick ; 1871-73, Joseph Bon-
nell ; 1874-76, Jacob Hipp ; 1877-79, Peter Martenis ; 1880, Jacob
Hill.
TEWKSBUBT.
1800, Abraham Vandyke; 1800-14, John Haas (died April, 1846); 1801-
16, Jacob Kline; 1815-16, Oliver W. Ogden (died November, 1839) ;
1817-19, John Haas ; 1817, Henry Miller ; 1818-19, John McKinstry ;
1820-23, Jonathan Potter; 1820, Henry Miller; 1821-23, John Mc-
Kinstry; 1824-29, Jolm Haas; 1S24-26, Mathiaa Lane; 1827-29,
John McKinstry; 1830-31, Mathias Lane, John Crater; 1832,
Joshua Farley ; 1832-35, Joseph Hoffman (died Oct. 1, 1860, aged
seventy-six); 1833, John McKinstry; 1834r-:i5, Peter R. Fisher;
1836-39, Frederick Apgar (died September, 1877) ; 1836-38, Nickolas
Wykotf; 1839-40, George Henry; 1840^3, Philip Hiler (died May
11, 1871, aged eighty-two) ; 1841-13, Nickolaa Emelick (died Jan. 23,
1872, aged eighty-four) ; 1845,* Nickolaa Apgar, Philip Hann ;
1846-47, Oliver W. Farley, John B. Brown (died May 28, 1863,
aged sixty-four) ; 1848-49, William P. Alpaugh, James N. Bamsey ;
1850, Andrew Vansyckel ; 1850-52, John C. Bafferty ; 1853, Henry
J. Stevens; 1854, John C. Bafferty; 1855-56, James N. Bamsey;
1857-58, William Kick; 1859, Bichard Hoffman; 1860-62, Serring
Potter; 1863-04, Samuel Olark; 1865, Serring Potter (died July
23, 1880, aged eighty); 1806-67, David F. Apgar; 1868-69, Wil-
liam P. Alpaugh ; 1870-71, William Eick ; 1872-73, Joseph C. Far-
ley; 1874^75, John Rinehart, Jr. ; 1876-77, George G. Alpaugh (died
Dec. 6, 1877); 1877, John Einehart, Jr. (to fill vacancy); 1878, Jacob
A. Speoht; 1879, Joseph 0. Farley.
ALEXANDEIA.
1800, David Everitt; 1800-2, William Godley; 1801, Luther Opdycke;
1802, Dr. William McGill {died June 23, 1815, aged forty-seven);
1803-9, Luther Opdycke; 1803-8, John Case (died June 4, 1856,
aged eighty-five) ; 1809, Jacob Vanderbelt (died March 26, 1835, aged
sixty) ; 1810-12, Jacob Housel ; 1810-11, Jeremiah Hotf ; 1812, Henry
Eckle (died Aug. 24, 1830, aged forty-eight); 1813-14, Dr. William
McGill; 1813, Benjamin Wright (died Feb. 9, 1826, aged seventy-
nine); 1814-22, Paul Henry Mallet Prevost (died Jan. 6, 1839, aged
seventy-nine); 1815-19, David Everitt; 1 820-22, Josiah Prall ; 1823,
George Maxwell (died Aug. 12, 1834, aged sixty); 1823-30, Henry
Eckle; 1824-31, James Larason (died July 25, 1848, aged eighty-
three) ; 1831-33, Cornelius Ludlow (died Nov. 24, 1836, aged forty-
two); 1832, Hall Opdycke; 1833, Nathaniel Wright (died March 1,
1868, aged eighty-two); 1834-35, James Larason ; 1834-36, Jolm Bon-
nell (died June 25, 1861, aged eighty-three); 1836-37, John Eckle
(died Dec. 4, 1837) ; 1837-38, Peter Tinsman ; 1838-39, Edward Hunt
(died Nov. 1, 1874) ; 1839-10, John Bonnell ; 1840, Solomon Welder
(died September, 1875); 1841-42, Henry Kels (died Feb. 19, 1870,
aged eighty-three); 1841^3, Peter Alpaugh (died Dec. 7, 1868, aged
* Set off in 1844 to Somerset County.
seventy-six); 1643-45, Jonas Thatcher; 1844, Charles Vorhis ; 1845-
47, David Coughlin (died Deo. 28, 1869, aged sixty-four); 1846-48,
James Dalrymple (died Dec. 15, 1865, aged eighty) ; 1848, Mathias
Bunn, Garret Lair; 1849-50, George G. Lunger; 1850, George Hill
(died June 7, 1863, aged seventy-six); 1851-52, John Apgar; 1853,
James M. Duckworth; 1864, David Coughlin; 1855-57, William
Bunn; 1858, David Coughlin; 1859-61, William C. Alpaugh; 1862-
64, Joseph J. Scarborough (died Nov. 7, 1876, aged seventy-six);
1865-67, Samuel V. Eckle; 1868-70, Enoch H. Opdycke; 1871-73,
Isaac M. Swope ; 1874-76, Philip Apgar ; 1877-79, Samuel B. Piokel ;
3880, Charies E. Stull.
DELAWAEE.
1838-39, James J. Fisher (died Oct. 3, 1870, aged eighty-six); 1838-43,
James Snyder (died June 14, 1874, aged eighty-six) ; 1840-42, Abra-
ham Conover ; 1843-44, Amplius B. Chamberlin (died May 9, 1879,
aged seventj'-two) ; 1844-40, John S. Wilson (died May. 1851) ; 1845-4C,
Jeremiah Smith ; 1847, Acker Moore, Jacob Godown; 1848, Jeremiah
Smith; 1848-49, Eohert Dilts; 1849, John Dilts ; 1850, Peter Eocka-
fellow, Acker Moore ; 1851-53, Andrew B. Eittenhouse (died Sept. 22,
1872) ; 1854, Charles B. Everitt ; 1865-57, Joseph B. Case (died July 23,
1870, aged flfty-nine); 1858-60, David Jackson (died Feb. 17, 1878);
1861-62, Amos Thatcher (died June 21, 1862, aged forty-one) ; 1862-
63, Andrew B. Eittenhouse; 1864-66, Daniel B. Sharp; 1867-69,
George N. Holcombe; 1870-75, Joseph Smith ; 1876-78, Jonathan M.
Dilts; 1879, William Aller.
UNION.
1853-55, Cornelius B. Sheets ; 1856-57, Gardner Housel ; 1858-59, Peter
E. Williamson (died Nov. 8, 1878, aged seventy); 1860-61, Abraham
H. Housel; 1862-67, John P. Lair (died Nov. 24, 1871, aged fifty-
eight); 1868-69, George G. Lunger; 1870-71, Asher S. Housel (died
July 28,1880, aged seventy. four); 1S72-74, George G. Lunger; 187.J-
77, Sylvester Taylor; 1878-80, William P. Sinclair (died Oct. 20, 1880).
CLINTON.
1841-42, Peter H. Huffman (died March 6, 1867, aged seventy-three) ;
1841-43, John Eockafellow (died March 27, 1848, aged fifty-nine) ;
1843-44, Joseph Fritts (died March 2, 1877, aged seventy-seven);
1S44-45, Jacob M. Kline ; 1845-46, Peter H. Aller (died April 3,
1876); 1846^7, John Bockafellow; 1S47-48, Jacob H. Huffman (died
Mov. 21, 1863, aged fifty-six) ; 184,'i-49, Peter P. Huffman (died April
24, 1860, aged fifty) ; 1849-50, Peter H. Aller; 1850-51, Samuel Grov-
endycke (died June 19, 1864, aged fifty-eight) ; 1852-53, John B.
Kline (died May, 1850) ; 1854-55, Pearson Atchley; 1856-57, William
Cr eager; 1858-59, John H. Bockafellow; 1800-61, Peter F. Huffman;
1862-63, Peter A. Beavers ; 1864, George Gulick (died March 7, ISSO,
aged fifty-six) ; 1866-66, John C. Cramer ; 1807-68, Isaac Aller ; 1869,
Phineas K. Apg.ar; 1870, John Vandoren; 1871-72, John N. Storr;
1873-74, James N. Bamsey ; 1876-70, Michael Shurts ; 1877-78, David
K. Huffman ; 1879, Anderson J. Probasco.
FEANKLIN.
1845^6, Theodore Holcombe; 1846, Daniel Little; 1846Hi7, Philip Shafer,
(died April 28, 1861, aged fifty-nine); 1847-48, Daniel Little; 1848-
49, Joseph G. Case (died August, 1855) ; 1849-50, William R. Yoiing ;
1850-51, Christopher Case (died Aug. 12, 1877, aged eighty-one) ; 1862
-63, Philip Shafer ; 1854^55, William Snyder (died Jan. 29, 1863, aged
seventy-two) ; 1856-57, John J. Anderson ; 1858-69, Ishi Butler ; 1860-
61, Thomas G. G. W. Larue (died Jnne 7, 1866, aged forty) ; 1862, Wil-
liam Large ; 1863-64, Daniel Little ; 1865-66, Theodore Probasco ;
1867-68, Jacob S. Pierson ; 1869-70, Cornelius G. Aller ; 1871-72,
Lemuel B. Myres ; 1873-74, John Trimmer, Jr. ; 1875-76, William J.
Case; 1877-78, Beuben Pierson; 1870, James W. Hummer.
EAST AMWELL.
1846, Jacob S. AVilliamson (died Aug. 8, 1860, aged forty-flve); 1846-48,
Abraham T. Williamson ; 1847^9, Jacob S. Manners ; 1849-51, Noah
HixBon ; 1860-63, Levi Hixson (died Nov. 6, 1878) ; 1854-67, Simpson
S. Sked (died July 27, 1868) ; 1858-60, Samuel W. Dilts (died Fob. 22,
1874, aged sixty-five) ; I8G1-62, Ealph Sutphen; 1863-65, Noah Hix-
son ; 1866-68, John C. Duriiam ; 1809-71, John B. Dalrymple ; 1872-
74, Edwin H.Durham; 1875-76, William Sutphen; 1877-79, David
Nevius; 1880, Peter W. Shepperd (died May 0, 1880), Silas Nona-
maker.
FKENCHTOWN.
1867-68, Bryan Hough ; 1868, Eeuben K. Neice, Keubeu E. Wright j 1869,
Moses K. Everitt; 1870, Samuel Bockafellow; 1871-72, Gabriel H.
3
s
©
©
m
m
J
J
6=
Ibl)
ii
a
(S)
©
@
@
1^
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
2^^
Slater; 1873-74, Edward B. KaohUne; 1875-76, Adam S. Horing;
1877-78, Henry Loux; 1879, John L. Slack.
HOLLAND.
1874-76, George W. Vansyckel; 1877, Watson Smith; 1879,* Jesse Sin-
clair.
DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREE-
HOLDERS.
1800-2, Joseph Haukinson ; 1803, Hugh Bunyan ; 1804, Richard Opdyke;
1805, Hugh Eunyan ; 1806-9, Aaron Vansyckle ; 1810-11, Ealph Hunt;
1812, Samuel L. Southard ; 1813-27, James Stevenson ; 1828-38, David
Stout ; 1839, Joseph Exton ; 1840-41, John B. Mattison ; 1842, Alex-
ander T. Bonnell ; 1843, James Snyder ; 1844, Amplius B. Chamber-
lin; 1845, Jacoh M. Kline ; 1846, John Eockafellow ; 1847-49, Alex-
ander V. Bonnell ; 1850, Dr. John Blane ; 1851-62, John C. Kafferty ;
1853, Andrew B. Kittenhouse ; 1854, John Lambert; 1855, Simpson
S. Sked; 1856, John Lamhert; 1857-60, Dr. Samuel Lilly; 1861,
George W. Vroom ; 1862, John Bunk ; 1863-65, Dr. Samuel Lilly ;
1866, Eobert Thatcher; 1867-72, George Gnllck; 1873-74, James
Bird; 1875-76, George W. Vansyckel; 1877, Joseph H. Boozer; 1878-
79, Samuel B. Pickel ; 1880, George Bruner.
CLERKS OP THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREE-
HOLDERS.
1800-2, John Lamliert (died Feb. 4, 1823, aged seventy-seven) ; 1803,
Dennis Wyokoff; 1804r-7, Nathan Price (died Oct. 16, 1842, aged sev-
enty-two) ; 1808, William Maxwell ; 1808-9, Nathaniel Saxton (died
August, 1850) ; 1810-19, Thomas Gordon (died Sept. 26, J818, aged
forty) ; 1820-32, Thomas Capner (died Sept. 7, 1832, aged sixty-three) ;
1833, Andrew Miller ; 1834, James N. Reading ; 1836-37, Dr. Thomas
L.Woodruff; 1838, Joseph Besson (died March 18, 1849, aged forty-
nine) ; 1839, Asa Jones (died Jan. 27, 1874, aged eighty-threo) ; l«io
-43, Hart Wilson ; 1844, John Eockafellow (died April, 1848) ; 1845-
46, Alexander V. Bonnell (died Aug. 13, 1872, aged sixty-threi-) ;
1847-49, Andrew Van Syckel; 1860-62, Charles BobertS; 1863,
Charles Tomlinson (died Aug. 6, 1876, aged flfty-six) ; 1B64, Andrew
B. Bounsavall ; 1855, John 0. Beed (died Aug. 18, 1863, aged thirty-
three); 1856-67, Andrew B. Bounsavall; 1868-61, Biohard H.Wil-
son; 1862-64, William T. Srope; 1866-07, Edward M. Heath; 1808-
70, Charles Alpaugh ; 1871-73, Henry M. Vliet; 1874^76, John W.
Dilts; 1877-79, John 0. Beeves; 1880, William D. Bloom.
COUNTY COLLECTORS.
1800-1, Paul Kuhl (died Nov. 26, 1B25, aged eighty-flve); 1802-7, John
Lequear (died Nov. 16, 1828, aged eighty-four) ; 1808-19, Alexander
Bonnell (died Aug. 4, 1819, aged forty-one) ; 1820-39, Asher Atkin-
son (died Jan. 29, 1857, aged eighty-seven) ; 1840-44, Joseph Besson
(died March 18, 1849, aged forty-nine) ; 1846-47, Mahlon Fisher (died
Dec. 29, 1874, aged sixty-five ; 1848-50, Asa Jones (died Jan. 27, 1874,
aged eighty-three) ; 1851-53, George G. Lunger ; 1864, Adam Bellis ;
1855, John K. Large (died Sept. 6, 1879, aged sixty-nine) ; 1866-67,
Adam Bellis ; 1858-61, Peter S. Dalley; 1862-66, William Tiusman;
1866-69, John H. Bockafellow; 1870-72, Samuel Binehart; 1873-75,
Fisher Pidcock ; 1876-78, Joseph Smith ; 1879, William W. Swayze.
CITY OF LAMBEBTVILLE.
Lambeetvillb, tlie largest town in Hunterdon
County, distant about 16 miles from Trenton and 12
ftom Flemington, is pleasantly situated on the east
bank of the Delaware Eiver, on a narrow plain
bounded on the east by a succession of hills which
sweep around in an elliptical curve from the river at
a little distance north' of the town to a point imme-
diately south of it. The town, however, is gradually
growing beyond this narrow plain, so as to include
what is now known as Cottage Hill.
Goat Hill, which quite shuts in the town to the
south, is part of the trap-ridge, which extends as far
east as the Sourland Mountain. About a mile north
of the place there is another ridge of the same species
of rock, which is lost to view a few miles east of the
Delaware Eiver. In a line with Goat Hill, which,
with the hills on the opposite side of the river, forms
the " Narrows," are the rapids known for more than
a century as Wells' Falls. The rush of the water, the
massive rocks, and the wild, precipitous sides of the
adjacent hills present a scene strikingly picturesque.
The hills immediately to the east and southeast of
the town are quite hold and abrupt, but those to the
northeast and north rise up with a gentle acclivity.
From these hills there are extensive and beautiful
views of the surrounding country.
From the most elevated points near the town may
* Set back to Alexandria March 4, 1878 ; set off again March 6, 1879.
#NAME?
18
be seen the range of the Orange Mountain, nearly 30
miles away, Pickel's Mountain, near the White House
station, in the upper part of this county, and distant
about 25 miles, and, at about the same distance to the
northwest, the Haycock Mountain, in Pennsylvania.
Few places have more picturesque surroundings than
has Lambertville, and the wonder is that it has not
attracted more of the attention of the lovers of fine
scenery.
The first people in this, region of country of whom
we have any knowledge were the red men who styled
themselves the Lenni Lenape (which means "the
original people"). They were familiarly known
among the whites as the Delawares. This name was
naturally given them because the river Delaware was
in the central part of their possessions.
In 1705, when John Holcombe, of Abington, Pa.,
made his first purchase here, this region was all a wil-
derness. There was no clearing and no road, only
an Indian path extending from the Neshaminy,
in Pennsylvania, to the Indian encampments along
the Raritan, in New Jersey. This path was almost
identical with the present York Eoad. It passed up
near the bed of the brook at the head of York Street,
and so led on nearly, if not quite, in the line of the
present road until, within a short distance of Mount
Airy, it turned a little more to the right, striking what
is now the York Eoad just beyond the Alexauke'n.
The whole lowland where Lambertville is situated.
266
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
from the nature of the soil, was quite likely heavily
timbered with oak, walnut, beech, and maple. The
surrounding forests were full of game. Along these
hills the wolf and the bear roamed, while the panther
and the wild-cat with feline instinct stealthily
crouched for their prey, and the deer browsing on the
foliage of the thick underbrush presented an inviting
mark to the unerring arrow of the Indian. Foxes,
red and gray, the otter and the beaver, were also to
be found. Even as late as 1748 there were panthers
in this region, as we learn from Smith's " History of
New Jersey." In Col. W. W. Davis' "History of
Bucks Co., Pa.," it is stated that the last wolf killed
in that county was caught in Plumstead about the
year 1800.
As there was plenty of game in the forests, so there
was plenty of fish in the river and in its tributaries.
Sturgeon, it is likely, were quite as numerous as shad
are now, and shad came in immense shoals. Even as
late as the early part of this century an old resident
of Lambertville informs us that there were caught in
one haul, just below Frenchtown, two thousand seven
hundred shad. There was an abundance of striped
bass (or rock-fish) and perch, and of all the species of
fish now to be found, with the exception of black
bass, which have lately been put into the river.
Such was the condition of the country at the time
of its first settlement by the whites.
In consequence of a treaty made with the Indian
chiefs Eimhammoe and Coponnocken, the council of
proprietors, at a meeting held in Burlington, June
27, 1703, declared a third dividend of land, which em-
braced the country in this vicinity.
Among the first who took up lands in this vicinity
under the grant of the council of proprietors were
Benjamin Field, Robert Dimsdale, William Biddle,
John Reading (father of the colonial Governor of that
name), Gilbert Wheeler, Richard Bull, and John
Clark.
Benjamin Field had conveyed to him 5000 acres of
land in two tracts, namely, one, of 2000 acres, north
of the Society's line drawn eastwardly, that is, the
line which is now the boundary between Hunterdon
and Mercer Counties, and which was the northern
boundary of what was known as the Society's 30,000
acres ; the other, of 3000 acres, lying in the vicinity of
the Alias Hocking (Alexauken) Brook, and having
one of its corners near an Indian town called Wisha-
lamenty. The site of this Indian town is thought,
from a careful comparison of the old surveys, to have
been somewhere between the Rock Methodist Epis-
copal church and the York Road. These two tracts
purchased by Benjamin Field were parts of the orig-
inal purchase made of the Indians by Adlord Boude.
Field's grant was made to him May 19, 1701.
Robert Dimsdale bought extensive tracts of land to
the east of this place, the western boundary of which
was about a mile from the Delaware River.
John Calow's tract embraced the farm now owned
by John V. C. Barber, which fronts on the river and
lies immediately north of Lambertville and partly
within its limits, and on both sides of the Alex-
auken.
The farm which is now the property of John C.
Holcombe, and which adjoins the Calow tract on the
north, was conveyed to William Biddle, of Burling-
ton County, in 1705, by the council of proprietors.
John Reading took up lands near what is now
known as Prallsville. He sat at the meeting of the
council of proprietors held in Burlington in 1703, at
which meeting measures were adopted for the disposal
of the land above the Falls of the Delaware. From
the very interesting historical sketch of the Presby-
terian Church at Flemington, written by the pastor,
the Rev. George S. Mott, D.D., we learn that "John
Reading, with his wife Elizabeth, came from England
to this country previous to the year 1685, and settled
in the town of Gloucester, in West Jersey." He
bought a warrant for the location of 4000 acres. A
part of this grant he took up for himself For the
remainder he sold warrants to individuals, who either
had their lands duly surveyed and conveyed to them-
selves, or in turn sold their warrants to others. In
1704, John Reading sold a warrant to James Paget
for 200 acres. In virtue of this, Paget took posses-
sion of a tract which, fronting on the Delaware, was
bounded, as nearly as can be ascertained, on the north
by the " Bull line," so called from a celebrated sur-
veyor of that day, and on the south by a line which,
extending due east to a point a mile from the river,
passes through the site of the Presbyterian church,
and thence diagonally through Church Street.
John Reading sold a warrant to Richard Bull for
large tracts of land. In virtue of this warrant Bull
surveyed and took possession of 100 acres immediately
north of the Paget tract, just mentioned. This tract,
thus bounded on the south by the aforementioned
Bull line, was bounded on the north by a line a
little above Perry Street and nearly parallel to it.
The "Bull line," several times mentioned in old
deeds, begins at the river at a point near the mill for-
merly Wert's saw-mill, now a part of the estate of the
late William Cowin, and passes just south of the
Methodist Episcopal church, thence a little north of
the old brewery, thence over the hill to a boundary-
stone in the York Road, and thence along the east side
of Holcombe's grove to the distance of a mile from
the river.
John Clark's land, as appears from old deeds, was
southeast of this town.
Gilbert Wheeler's tract, of 250 acres which fronted
on the river, was immediately between the lands of
John Calow on the north and those of Richard Bull
on the south.
The tract of land south of that supposed to be
Paget's seems to have been from the first settlement
of this part of the country, or at least from a very
early date, in the possession of John Coates, inasmuch
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
26Y
as he owned the ferry property, and hence the ferry
was called by his name. South of the ferry tract were
probably the lands owned by Neill Grant, which in
that case extended over Cottage Hill and Goat Hill.
As to this, however, as well as to the exact location
of the Paget's tract, there is much that is conjectural.
Some of the original surveys do not fit together ; in
some instances they seem contradictory. Mr. Martin
Coryell, to whom the writer of this historical sketch
is indebted for very valuable assistance, has. carefully
examined these surveys, but, while finding no diffi-
culty in locating some of them, has not been able, in
regard to others, to arrive at any positive conclusion.
In the deed given to John Holcombe, Bull's tract is
mentioned as bounded on the south " by lands for-
merly belonging to Hugh Howell, now owned by
Robert Eaton.''
But no trace of any subsequent conveyance of
Eaton's land can be found. This tract, however, was
subsequently in possession of John Emanuel Coryell,
and the deed made out to him for the land which for-
merly belonged to Paget, and for which Paget had
purchased a warrant from John Reading, when com-
pared with other deeds of property conveyed to Cor-
yell, seem to justify the supposition that Paget's tract
was identical with that which had been Eaton's.
Here there is a contradiction, but the writer knows
not how to remove it. No doubt there were, more
frequently then than now, defective titles, and the
lands forfeited were probably remanded to the council
of proprietors, who resold them as to original pur-
chasers.
About the tracts north of the " Bull line" there is
no room for doubt, as their boundaries are made per-
fectly plain in the original deeds.
Taking, then, these several tracts in their order,
those the location of which is certainly known, and
those as to the bounds of which there can be only
plausible conjecture, beginning with William Bid-
die's land on the north (now the farm of John C.
Holcombe), the next in order is John Calow's, then
Gilbert Wheeler's, then Richard Bull's, then James
Paget's, then John Coates', and last Neill Grant's,
while east of these several tracts is that of Robert
Dimsdale, farther east and northeast Benjamin Field's,
and southeast John Clark's.
Gilbert Wheeler and Richard Bull sold the above-
mentioned tracts to Richard Wilson, of Bucks Co.,
Pa. On the 16th of November, 1705, Wilson sold
them to John Holcombe, of Abington, Pa. On May
29, 1733, Holcombe bought of John Wey, of Long
Island, the land known as the Calow tract, and subse-
quently the farm to the north of this of William
Biddle. When John Holcombe moved here from
Abington we are not informed, but probably it was
not long after his purchase.
The tradition respecting the Holcombes is that they
came originally from Devonshire, England. There are
three branches of the family in this country, one
branch in Connecticut, one in New Jersey and Penn-
sylvania, and one in Virginia.*
Another conjecture as to the Holcombes who first
settled in this vicinity is that, being members of the
Society of Friends, they may have come directly from
England in company with other members of that so-
ciety. Jacob Holcombe, brother of the John Hol-
combe who settled here, we learn from Col. W. W.
Davis' " History of Bucks County," was one of the
first settlers of Buckingham township, which was then
included in what is now known as Solebury. About
the year 1700 he made an original purchase of .500
acres near the Great Spring, where he resided, so far
as can be ascertained, until his death. He survived
his brother John, and was an executor of his estate,
his brother's wife, Elizabeth, being an executrix.
Frequent mention is made of the Holcombes in the
records of the Buckingham's Friends' Meeting. So far
back as 1728 the name of Jacob Holcombe appears on a
marriage certificate. In the records of 1735 we find the
names of John, Thomas, and Samuel Holcombe. The
certificate of the marriage of Samuel Wilson, of Am-
well, and Rebecca Canby, of Buckingham, in 1730, has
initslistof signers the name of John Holcombe. Other
certificates bear as witnesses the names of Mary, Re-
becca, and Susanna Holcombe. The only descendant
of Jacob Holcombe of whom we have any knowledge
is John Dilts, of Lambertville.
From John Holcombe, the brother of Jacob, are
descended all the Holcombes in this part of New
Jersey, and in the immediate vicinity in Pennsylvania.
He married Elizabeth Woolrich, of Abington, Pa.,
in February, 1707. She was an active and influential
member of the Society of Friends. John Holcombe
left five children, viz., Samuel, Grace (married Philip
Colvin), Mary (married Samuel Furman), Julia Ann
(married Daniel Howell), and Richard.
Samuel, the elder son, after his marriage, removed
to the farm which was owned, not many years ago, by
his grandson, and now belongs to the Hudint estate.
In Samuel's last will and testament his wife's Chris-
tian name is given as Eleanor. He had seven sons
and two daughters, namely, John, Jacob, Samuel,
George, Elijah, Richard, Thomas, Phebe, and Eliza-
beth.
Maj. Emley Holcombe, whose name will be further
mentioned in this historical sketch, was a grandson
of Samuel, and son of Richard. He early commenced â–
* One of the Connecticut branch William Fredeiiolc Holcombe, M.r.,
a resident of tlie city of New York, who has given much attention to" the
liistory of his family says that there was a Thomas Holcombe, the
owner of a house in Dorchester, Mass., where he resided as early as
1633 â– that in 1635 he sold it to one Thomas Jones and removed to Wind-
sor Conn., where he died in 1657. He further says that there was a
John Holcombe residing in Springfield, Mass., in 1673, but subsequently
to that date no trace of him can be found. He may have removed to
Pennsylvania and have been the father of John and Jacob Holcombe,
â– who settled, the one liere, the other near what is known as the Great
Spring. This, however, is entirely conjectural.
As to the Virginia Holcombes, the doctor informs us that he can find
no date of births antecedent to 1686.
2fi8.
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
mercantile business in Lambertville, and resided here
until his death.
A granddaughter of Samuel Holcomhe, Mrs. Grace
Britton, died in Lambertville, in the spring of 1880,
in the one hundred and second year of her age.
The will of Samuel Holcomhe was admitted to pro-
bate Sept. 21, 1769. His wife, Eleanor, Samuel, his
third son, and his only brother, Eichard, were the ex-
ecutors of the will.
Richard, just mentioned, the younger son of John
Holcomhe, the first known settler here, married twice.
Hi s first wife was Mary Harvey, by whom he had
one child, a daughter. His second wife was the
Widow Emley, whose maiden name was Atkinson.
By her he had two children, a son and a daughter.
Among the early settlers whose descendants are
still living in this locality, the next family in order
of time is that of the Coryells.
After the Eevocation of the Edict of Nantes the
family of Coryells left their home in that part of
France which borders on Switzerland and Germany,
and sought reftige in this country. The tradition is
that they landed at Perth Amboy, N. J. ; in what
year is not known. They settled near the present
sites of IS'ew Market and Dunellen, on the borders of
Somerset and Middlesex Counties, where many of the
descendants of one of the brothers are now residing.
One tradition is that there were two brothers,
David and John Emanuel ; another, there were three.
That the latter tradition is probably correct appears
upon investigating the old register of the First Ee-
formed Church of Somerville. That David and John
Emanuel were brothers accords with the general tra-
dition of the family. That there was another brother,
Abraham, is at least probable, from the fact that the
old church register referred to presents the name of
Abraham Coryell, who had a son Abraham baptized
Jan. 29, 1738, the same year in which David's son
Abraham was born, and not far from the time when
John Emanuel's son Abraham was born. Abraham
Coryell, therefore, was of the same generation as Da-
vid and John Emanuel. He may have been their
cousin, but was probably their brother. Abraham's
wife's name, as given in the church register, then
kept in the Low Dutch language, was Catryntie (or
Catharine).
The following items the writer gathered from the
baptismal records of the First Eeformed Church of
Somerville, through the kindness of the venerated
pastor, the Eev. Dr. Abram Messier :
" June 2, 172S, Annetie (Anne) daughter of Ba-v-id and Elsie Koriel.
May 16, 1731, daughter of David Koriel Januetje (Jane). "
"August 20, 1738, David Coryell, child Moses.
Jan. 7, 1739, Ahraham, son of David and Elsie Coryell. "
"Jan. 29, 1738, Abraham, eon of Abraham and Catrynte (Catherine).
June 1, 1740, NeUje (Nellie), daughter of Emanuel and Sarah Co'r- "
yelL'
"Jan. 6, 1743, child (name not given) of Abraham and Catryntie
(Catharine) Koryell ; Auntie Van Cott godmother.
May 19, 1746, David Koryel, wife Elsie, child Jannetje (Jane)."" "
It is evident from this copy of the register that
there was no uniformity in the spelling of the name.
In two documents recorded at the office of the Secre-
tary of State at Trenton, John Emanuel's signature is
given, in which he writes his name " Coryal." His
descendants write the name " Coryell," but those of
David write it "Coriell."
David Coryell repeatedly bought small tracts of
land in the neighborhood of New Market, until he
became quite an extensive landholder. Most of the
present site of Dunellen and considerable of the land
to the mountain, on the north, was in his possession.
Some of his purchases date back to 1725.
The children of David were Anne, Jane (probably
died early), David, Moses, Abraham, Jane, and Eli-
sha. David, the son of David, died Sept. 23, 1803, in
the sixty-eighth year of his age. Abraham, son of
David, died Sept. 22, 1828, aged ninety years.
The branch of the family now living in the vicinity
of Plainfield all seem to be the descendants of David.
Whether there are any living descendants of the first-
mentioned Abraham, whom ^e have assumed to be
the brother of David and John Emanuel, we have
not ascertained.
There is no evidence that John Emanuel ever
owned any land in the vicinity of New Market and
Dunellen. In 1732 he removed to this place and
bought of John Purcell a tract of 200 acres which
Purcell had purchased of John Coates, to whom the
tract was deeded by his father, Samuel Coates. This
was doubtless the ferry lot, as Coryell obtained a
patent for the ferry on Jan. 7, 1733, in which patent
it is mentioned as being formerly known as Coates'
Ferry. The northern boundary of this tract was a
line running from the river nearly due east through
what is, now Church Street. In 1743 he purchased of
Thomas Paget the tract north of Church Street
which James Paget, father of Thomas, had located,
as we have seen, in virtue of a warrant bought of
John Eeading.
In an old paper, still extant, drawn up in 1760, by
arbitrators selected to make an equitable division of
the estate (in accordance with his last will and testa-
ment), this tract is called the " Bungtown lot." This
nickname, then, is of quite ancient origin. AÂ¥hy it
should not have been given to the ferry lot, which
is styled " Lot Number One," it is difficult to explain,
for, as the tavern was near the ferry, one would think
that there would have been the scene of some of the
pugilistic encounters so frequent in those days. Per-
haps, obtaining stimulants, they repaired to the open
fields above for the free exercise of their muscular
dexterity and vigor. Among the names of the signers
of this paper of arbitration is that of Dr. Jonathan
Ingham, the father of the Hon. Samuel D. Ingham,
who was so long in public life and who was the first
Secretary of the Treasury in Gen. Jackson's first ad-
ministration.
Emanuel Coryell in 1737 purchased of the heirs of
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
269
Neill Grant a large tract of land which, as nearly as
we can ascertain, extended over Cottage Hill and
Goat Hill. He built the stone tavern which occupied
the site of Mr. Gri£ath Williams' house, at the south-
west corner of Ferry and Union Streets, and which
was torn down only about twenty-five years since.
This tavern was a noted place in the time of the Kev-
olution. Many a soldier slaked his thirst at the old
well which still affords its cooling refreshment to the
neighborhood; but there is reason to suspect that
many a one whetted his appetite at the old tavern
with a more stimulating fluid. Hiding from our
view, however, the carousals and brawls which must
often have been witnessed there, we will think only
of its Revolutionary associations, of the toil-worn
soldiers who stopped there or filed by in that tramp
whose sound was heard round the world ; of the gen-
erals and statesmen who were devoting their lives to
the cause of freedom ; of Washington, Green, Hamil-
ton, Knox, Stirling, the youthful Monroe, then a
lieutenant, and Paterson, also a lieutenant. We
shall have more to say farther on as to the Revolu-
tionary events associated with Coryell's Ferry.
The name of Emanuel Coryell appears with that
of Benjamin Canby as one of the witnesses to the will
of John Holcombe, proved in 1743. The Christian
name of Emanuel Coryell's wife was Sarah, and there
appears in old documents good ground for the suppo-
sition that she was the daughter of John Lambert, of
South Wingfield, county of Derby, England. They
had at least seven children, named as follows : John,
Cornelius, George, Abraham, Nellie, William, and
Sarah. Of these, Nellie and William died in child-
hood.
The widow of Emanuel Coryell married George
Ely, of Solebury, Pa., and their names are mentioned
in the articles of arbitration already referred to.
Sarah, the surviving daughter of Emanuel, was not
of age when the arbitration was made. Her brother
Cornelius acted as her guardian. She was subse-
quently married to Philip Atkinson for her first hus-
band, and to John Ely for her second.
John, eldest son of Emanuel Coryell,* married and
settled in Pennsylvania, near the ferry. After the
death of the widow of Benjamin Canby, in 1760, the
ferry property, on the Pennsylvania side, was sold
(formerly Wells' Ferry), and it was bought by John
Coryell.
In the records of Bucks County there is recorded a
mortgage dated July 21, 1764, John Coryell, of Sole-
bury, Pa., and Elizabeth his wife being of the one
part, and John Hughes, Esq., of the city of Philadel-
phia, of the other part. The tract of land mortgaged
was one hundred and six acres in extent, in Solebury
township, and bounded by the river Delaware. The
amount of the mortgage was five hundred pounds.
* For these items we are indebted to Mr. Reuben Ely, who has been
painstaking in his investigations.
John Coryell was granted a license to keep a public
house of entertainment in Solebury, Pa., in June,
1774. Cornelius, the second son of Emanuel, was
born in 1732 ; he lived until 1831. His remains were
interred in the Presbyterian churchyard, which was
the family burying-ground. He was granted by the
articles of arbitration a large tract of land, including
a great part of the original Coates tract and a part
of the Neill Grant tract, extending over the northern
slope of Goat Hill and the heights above Cottage
Hill. His place of residence was on Goat Hill.
Some of the older inhabitants of the town have a
distinct recollection of him. He married Sallie Shaw,
and had the following-named children, viz., George,
Mary, Jacob, Tunis, John, Eleanor, Cornelius, and
Joseph.
George Coryell, the third son of John Emanuel,
came into possession, by the articles of arbitration,
of the tract lying north of Church Street and east of
Main, below Church, to a little below Swan's Creek.
He built a residence on the site of the house now
owned by Samuel Hoppock, on Main Street, near the
northwest corner of Main and York Streets. This
house was burnt down in the early part of this cen-
tury. Just before the battle of Monmouth, when the
Federal troops were here, it was the headquarters of
Maj.-Gen. Nathaniel Greene.
George Coryell was a captain in the Revolutionary
army. The following incident is told of him as
having happened shortly before the battle of Trenton.
The writer of this sketch is indebted for it to Mr.
Martin Coryell, the great-grandson of Cornelius, who
was the brother of George. When the American
army had taken its position on the opposite bank of
the river, Capt. Coryell, desiring more thoroughly to
complete his family arrangements preparatory to a
prolonged absence with the army, took a bateau
and recrossed the river. Whilst at his house he was
surprised and captured by advanced scouts of the
British army. He was then pinioned and placed in
the bow of his boat, and, with a soldier to row and
an ofiicer in the stern, the batteries of the American
army placed above the ferry were carefully reconnoi-
tred. As Capt. Coryell was recognized by his com-
rades as a prisoner in the hands of the British, they
withheld their fire ; and so the reconnoissance was
made in safety, and the captain escaped unhurt. He
died in 1814.
His youngest son. Judge John Coryell, was all his
life a resident of this place, and died Oct. 31, 1861,
in the ninetieth year of his age. He was for many
years a justice of the peace, and for several years one
of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Hun-
terdon County.
Abraham, the fourth son of John Emanuel, was
left, by the articles of arbitration, the ferry, with its
franchises and seventy-five and three-fourths acres,
a part of the Coates tract, previously mentioned.
During the last years of his life he lived in Kingwood
270
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
township. His remains are deposited by the side of
those of his brother Cornelius in the old family
burying-ground, now the Presbyterian churchyard.
This burying-ground was on the line between the
Coates tract and what is supposed to have been
Paget's. He left five children, viz., Sarah, George,
John, Joseph, and Emanuel. A grandson of Abra-
ham by his eldest son, George, Mr. Tunison Coryell,
is still living in hale and hearty old age at Williams-
port, Pa., respected and beloved by all who know him.
The ferry called Coryell's Ferry wa's, down to the
year 1770, more generally known as Wells' Ferry. It
was so named from John Wells, to whom it was leased
in 1719, by the colonial government of Pennsylvania,
in virtue of a patent of royal authority. This grant
was renewed in 1730. Whether Emanuel Coryell
and Wells were rival ferrymen, or whether they had
a joint interest in the ferry, there are no data at hand
to determine. Wells bought in 1734, on the Penn-
.sylvauia side, near the ferry, a tract of 100 acres,
li'rom him the rapids just below Lambertville get the
name of " Wells' Falls."
We proceed now to give some account of the Lam-
bert family, whose history has been so much identified
with that of the place. Savage's " Genealogical Dic-
tionary" mentions that one John Lambert came to
America in 1632. Another John Lambert and his
brother Gershom are supposed to have been sons of
that John. These being family names, it is quite
probable that one of them was the father of John
Lambert, who lived in Connecticut from 1715 to
173.5. He married, in 1713, Abigail Bumstead, sister
of Jeremiah Bumstead, of Boston, and had four sons.
These four sons, with their father, came to New
Jersey at some time between 1735 and 1746, precisely
when, we cannot determine. Thomas, the eldest son,
settled in New Germantown, in Hunterdon County,
and left children ; Jeremiah, the second, died child-
less; John, the third, and Gershom, the youngest,
settled about two miles north of Coryell's Ferry.
Tliey bought adjoining tracts of land. John had the
following children, namely, Gershom, Jeremiah,
Sallie, Elizabeth, Nancy, Abigail, and John.
Gershom, the eldest son of John, owned the farms
now in the possession severally of Theodore Plensel,
Peter Todd, Prall Wilson, and John Lambert, Jr.
He saw Gen. Washington several times while he was
at Coryell's Ferry, and just before the battle of Mon-
mouth he went to the general's headquarters, at Rich-
ard Holcombe's house, to make the necessary arrange-
ments for providing a substitute. He sent two repre-
sentatives to the army during the war. He used
to relate that he had seen Gens. Washington and
Greene in close conversation under the large wal-
nut-tree which until lately was standing by the road-
side near the Holcombe mansion. He aided the
American forces in crossing the river, and when the
army lay at Morristown he had barrels made by one
Charles Cozzens, a cooper, and carted them over there.
Gershom, the youngest son of John Lambert, who
came from Connnecticut, and uncle of the Gershom
we have just been speaking of, had five children,
namely, John, Joseph, Gershom, Sarah, and Jerusha.
John, the eldest son, was born in May, 1746. He
took the homestead, the farm now owned by his grand-
son, Thomas Seabrook. From all accounts he was a
man of much intelligence and of decided ability, in-
tegrity, and energy. He was held in high esteem by
the community in which he lived and the State to
which he belonged, as is shown by the frequency of
his election to offices of great responsibility and trust.
He represented his fellow-citizens in the Legislature
of the State, both in the General Assembly and in the
Council. He was for some time vice-president, and
afterwards president, of the Council, and acting Gov-
ernor of the State. He subsequently became member
of the House of Eepresentatives in Congress, and,
serving in that capacity for several years, he was
elected United States senator, his term expiring in
1815. He failed of a re-election because of his oppo-
sition to the war of 1812. He thus showed his inde-
pendence of party dictation and his adherence to his
convictions of truth. He died in February, 1823, and
his remains were interred in Barber's burying-ground,
about four miles from Lambertville. He was married
twice. His first wife was Susannah Barber, by whom
he had seven children, three of whom died in child-
hood. He married for his second wife a widow from
Monmouth County Mrs. Hannah Dennis whose
maiden name was Little. By her he had three chil-
dren, all daughters.
Joseph Lambert, a brother of the Hon. John Lam-
bert, lived in this place for many years. His resi-
dence occupied the site of that of Mrs. Weeden's, on
Bi-idge Street. He had a store adjoining his dwell-
ing, and was extensively engaged in business in com-
petition with the Parrys in New Hope. His build-
ings were consumed by fire (if we have been correctly
informed as to the time) in 1823. He married twice.
His first wife was a Wilson, by whom he had four
children, two sons and two daughters. His second
wife was Mary, widow of Jonas Tyson, and daughter
of Jacob Holcombe, the grandson of the first Hol-
combe who settled here. By her he had six children,
five sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Capt.
John Lambert, built the hotel on Bridge Street corner
of Union, and was the first postmaster in this place.
He was an active and useful citizen.
We come now to the recital of some of the inci-
dents of the Eevolutionary war associated with this
locality. The holding of Coryell's Ferry secure from
the grasp of the enemy was an important matter in
that great struggle.
After the taking of Fort Washington by the British,
and the fall of Fort Lee, Washington was compelled
to leave New York to the enemy. He retreated
across New Jersey and took up his headquarters at
the Falls of the Delaware, on the Pennsylvania side,
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
271
opposite Trenton ; he stationed his troops along the
river as high up as Coryell's Ferry, and had redoubts
thrown up to guard the several ferries. The troops
which were stationed opposite here were under com-
mand of Lord Stirling. They threw up a strong re-
doubt on the top of the hill back of the school-house
in New Hope. A space which they leveled off can
still be seen, making a slight indentation in the out-
line of the hill as it is viewed from the New Jersey
side of the river. Another redoubt was thrown up
not far from where the two streets come together,
opposite the Presbyterian chapel in New Hope.
Gen. Washington visited this point while the troops
were stationed on the opposite side of the river, and
it is said that he went with Cornelius Coryell, one of
the sons of John Emanuel, to the hill now known as
Cottage Hill to see whether the enemy could com-
mand the American redoubts from that point. He
ordered a stockade intrenchment to be made on the
hill in New Hope and batteries to be placed on the
bank of the river above the ferry. As it was very im-
portant that the army should have control of all the
hoats on the Delaware, he sent Capt. Daniel Bray
{who afterwards became a general in the New Jersey
militia), Capt. Jacob Gerhart, and Capt. Thomas Jones
to collect all the craft on the upper waters of the Del-
aware and Lehigh and bring them to Coryell's Ferry.
This they did, and hid them behind Malta Island,
just below what are known as the Union Mills, at
Wells' Falls. At that time there were no mills there,
no wing-dam, and the main channel of the river was
between that island and the Pennsylvania shore.
The island was densely wooded, so that if the enemy
looked down from the Jersey heights the boats could
not be seen. These boats were thus gotten in readi-
ness for the army's crossing at McConkey's Ferry on
the memorable Christmas night of 1776. Some of
the boats, it is said, drifted down the stream, becom-
ing unmanageable because of the floating ice.
Just at this point in our narrative the following
letters and extracts from epistles written by Washing-
ton to the Continental Congress from his headquarters
at the Falls of the Delaware are of special interest :
" Headquarteus, Falls of Delaware, Dec. 11, 1776.
Sir, After I had writtea you yesterday, I received cei-tain infoi-ma- "
tion that the enemy, after repairing Crosswiclc's bridge, had advanced a
party of about .WO to Bordentown. By their taking this route it con-,
firms me in my opinion that they have an intention to land between this
and Philadelphia, as well as above, if they can procure boats for that
purpose.
" I last night directed CJom. Seymour to station all his galleys between
Bordentown and Philadelphia, to give the earliest intelligence of any
appearance of the enemy on the Jersey shore.
I yesterday rode up the river about 11 milea to Lord Stirling's post, "
â– where I found a prisoner of the Forty-second Regiment who had been
brought in. He informed me that Lord Cornwallis was at Pennington
with two battalions of grenadiers and three of light infantry, all British,
the Hessian Grenadiers, the Forty-second Highland Regiment, and two
other battalions, the names of which he did not remember. He knew
nothing of the reasons of their being assembled there, nor what were
their future intentions.
" But I last night received information from my Lord Stirling, which
had been brought in by his scouts, which in some measure accounted for
their being there. They had made a forced march from Trenton on
Sunday night to Coryell's Ferry, in hopes of surprising a sufficient num-
ber of boats to transport them ; but, finding themselves disappointed, had
marched back to Pennington, where they remained yesterday. From
their several attempts to seize boats, it does not look as if they had
brought any with them, as I was at one time informed. I last night
sent a pei-son over to Trenton to learn whether there was any appearance
of building any, but he could not perceive an}' preparation for a work
of that kind ; so that I am in hopes, if proper care is taken to keep all
the craft out of their way, they will find the crossing of the Delaware a
matter of considerable difficulty. "
lExtracl.']
" Trenton Falls, Dec. 12, 1776.
The intelligence we obtain respecting the movements and situation "
of the enemy is far from being so certain and satisfactory as I could
wish, though every possible means in my power, and that I can devise,
are adapted for that purpose. The latest I have received was from Lord
Stirling last night. He says that two grenadiers of the Inniskillen regi-
ment, who were taken and brought in by some countrymen, informed
him that Gens. Howe, Cornwallis, Vaughan, etc., with about 6000 of the
flying army, were at Pennington waiting for pontoons to come up, with
which they mean to pass the river near the BUie Mounts,* or at Coryell's
Ferry, they believe the latter ; that the two battalions of guards were
at Brunswick, and the Hessian grenadiers, chasseurs, and a regiment or
two of British troops are at Trenton."
" HEAnQUARTERS, Trenton Falls, Doc. l^i, 1776.
Sir, The apparent design of the enemy being to avoid this ferry and "
land their troops above and below us induced me to remove fi'om this
place the greater part of the troops and throw them into a diffei'eut posi-
tion on the river, whereby I hope not only to be more able to impede
their passage, but also to avoid the danger of being inclosed in this angle
of the river, and, notwithstanding the extended appearances of the enemy
on the other side, made at least in part to divert our attention from any
particular point, as well as to harass us by fatigue, I cannot divest mj'-
self of the opinion that their principal design is to ford the river some-
where above Trenton ; to which design I have had particular respect in
the new arrangement, wherein I am so happy as to have the concurrence
of the general officers at this place. Four brigades of the army, under
Gens. Stirling, Macy, Stephen, and Be Fernoy, extend from Tardley's up
to Coryell's Ferry, posted in such a mfinner as to guard every suspicious
part of the river and to afford assistance to each other in case of attack.
Gen. Ewing, with the Flying Camp of Pennsylvania and a few Jersey
troops under Gen. Dickinson, are posted from Tardley's Feri"y down to
the ferry opposite Bordentown. Col. Cadwallader, with the Pennsylvania
militia, occupies the ground above and below the mouth of the Ne-
shaminy Elver as far down as Dunk's Ferry, at which place Col. Nixon
is posted with the Third Battalion of Pennsylvania. A proper quantity
of artillery is appointed to each brigade, and I have ordered small re-
doubts to be thrown up opposite every place where there ia a probability
of fording.
" I shall remove farther up the river to he near the main body of my
small army, with which every possible opposition shall be given to any
further approach of the enemy towards Philadelphia. "
On Dec. 26, 1776, was fought the memorable battle
of Trenton, which was the turning-point in the
American Eevolution. On Christmas Day, as the
soldiers were around their camp-fires preparing their
dinners, orders came to march. According to tradi-
tion, so urgent were the orders that they left without
their dinners and directly took up the line of march
for McKonkey's Ferry (now Taylorsville). On arriv-
ing there they were stationed back of the ferry until
night, when they made the memorable crossing of the
river amidst floating ice and in the face of a violent
storm of hail and snow.
In connection with Coryell's Ferry in the following
year there is an interesting letter of Maj.-Gen. Bene-
* " Blue Monuts," in this letter, is a mistake for " Beaumont's." Joh n
Beaumont owned a large tract of land opposite Moore's Station, and
near Brownsburgh, Pa. He was frequently called Blnomount.
272
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
diet Arnold addressed to Gen. Washington. Arnold,
whose name is now loaded with infamy, Avas then in
high repute in the American army. This letter is
published in the *' Correspondence of the Eevolu-
tion/' vol. i. p. 384. It is as follows :
"Coryell's Ferry, 16 June, 1777, 8 o'clock p.m.
*'My dear General, I wrote Your Excellency yesterday that the
boats, Bcows, &c., were sent up the river 11 miles to a place called Tohe-
gan,* except such as were necessary here, which would be eecured from
the enemy in case of their approach ; since which I had no direct and
but very imperfect intelligence from Tour Excellency. I am at a loss if
any part of your army has removed from Middlebr6ok, and more bo of
Your Excellency's intentions. The enemy, I am informed, are at Somer-
set Heights, intrenching. Gen. Sullivan is at Flemington with 1600
Continental troops, the Jersey militia, and 1000 men I have sent him
from this place half Continental, the others militia. I expect Col. Bull
here to-morrow with 500 State troops, part of two battalions engaged for
the war. Gen. Mifflin wrote me yesterday that the city militia will move
this morning; lam informed there are about 2000 of them. They bring
10 pieces of cannon and one royal howitzer, 200 tents, lOUO felling-axes,
1000 spades and shovels. One quarter part of the militia of this State
are ordered out immediately, except two of the western counties. The
whole, including the city militia, I am informed, will make 10,U00 men.
Three thousand of the Southern Continental troops are ou their march,
and will be in Philadelphia in the course of a week ; six heavy pieces of
cannon, four galleys, and ten armed boats are arrived at Bristol and
Trenton Ferries. The enemy must be despei-ate indeed if they attempt
to push for Philadelphia.
As the militia can he hut illy spared at this busy season, I wish ia "
know aa early as possible Your Excellency's orders respecting them,
if you wish to have them in the Jerseys or on thisf side the Belaware.
If the latter, for the defence of the passes on the river one-half will
effectually answer the purpose. I have examined and inclosed Tour
Excellency a sketch of the passes between this and Trenton Ferry.
'* Four or five thousand men, with a few pieces of cannon, will effectu-
ally guard the whole, and as far down as Philadelphia with the assis-
tance of the galleys and armed boats, against 20,000 men. Above Cory-
ell's Ferry I am conviaced the enemy will never attempt to pass. I hope
the troops will be ordered for a different purpose, tliat of securing the
enemy where they are in the Jerseys. If they are detained here, I shall
employ them in fortifying the hanks of the river against the passes.
" I have sent off this evening, vUi Flemington, four wagons, and musket
cartridges 66.000, under an escort of 75 men.
I have only to add, with great respect I am "
"Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
Benedict Arnold."" "
Washington was here again July 30 and 31, 1777,
as appears from his letters of those dates, which are
given on page 67 of this work.
Just at this point a letter from Alexander Hamilton
to Robert Morris, written at Coryell's Ferry while the
army was lying here, is of special interest. Hamilton
was then chief of Gen. Washington's staff. In this
letter he gives his views as to the design of the enemy.
It is as follows :
"Headquartebs, Coryell's Ferry, July 29, 1777.
Dear Sir, I have the pleasure of your favor of tlie 25th. I cannot "
he induced to think the enemy so numerous as you apprehend, and
would place no dependence on what is said either by deserters or pris-
oners, further than as it respects their own company, nor even that with,
regard to prisoners in general, who commonly have their cue, as the
phrase is, and know very well how to manufacture stories calculated to
serve the purposes of the side they belong to. If we may judge at all
* This is now spelled Tohiclcon, which is the name of the brook that
empties into the Belaware at Point Pleasant. Up this stream, and under
its steep, wild, and (then) thickly-wooded hanks, was the favorite haunt
of the noted Tory outlaws, the Doanes.
f From this it is evident that Arnold had his headquarters for the time
on the Pennsylvania side of Coryell's Ferry.
from the state of the British and foreign regiments in Howe's army or
the proportion of recruits they have had this year, we cannot but believe
the representations j^ou mention greatly exaggerated. 'Though the
Northern army have not suffered much by action, they have probably
suffered more by sickness than the Southern: for many accounts agre&
that they have been very sickly, and particularly that there was a great
mortality among them while lying at the Isle of Noix. From the esti-
mate of the first prisoner, they must have been greatly reduced by
some means or other; for it appears that before his company had been
augmented by the 24 foreigners it was oniy 26 strong, and it is very
improbable it should have had so large an augmentation, for I am mor-
ally certain the regiments under Howe have not had 50 men each as
recruits, and I see no reason to suppose Burgoyne's could have had much
better luck. Eight companies, at 26 men each, amount to 208. Suppose
each regiment to have received 100 recruits, which, by every rule of
comparison, must be more than the truth; this brings a regiment to
about 300 men. Ten regiments at 300 each amount to 3000, tlie num-
ber of British troops in Canada. Again, if I am not mistaken, 4000 was
the allotment of foreign troops for the Northern department As the
sickness spoken of fell chiefly upon them, they in all probability lost
more in that way than they had gained in recruits. But, even if this
were not the case, they cannot exceed the original number : 4000 added
to 3000 make 7000. Besides these, there are the grenadiers and hffht
infantry. Of these there cannot be above 18 companies each, which,
allowing them to contain every one 50 men, amount to 1800; and this
brings them to about S800 men in their whole force of British and for-
eign troops. Of these, at least one-sixth must be unfit for duty, by every
calculation, which reduces the number of men fit for the field to about
7500. Part of these must be left in Canada, if it were for no other pur-
pose than to guard their magazines and for other duty of that tind.
Nor could they with safety commit the charge of those things to the
Canadians, many of whom are notoriously disaffected, and would be very
likely to destroy instead of preserve them. From this view, which I
verily believe is too favorable to them, they cannot bring more tlian
between GOOD and 7000 British troops to act out of Canada. Out of these
GOOO or 7000, a considerable part must be left to garrison Ticonderoga
and secure their rear in case of accidents, for they could not, without
madness, attempt to advance and leave the posts behind them in a de-
fenceless state; and they may be obliged to increase their attention to
this matter by keeping a body of men somewhere about the Grants,
which has been recommended. Wlien tliis last deduction is made, Bur-
goyne cannot advance with more than between 6000 and 6000 men, to
suppose him to act with his whole collective force, except Canadians and
Indians, who are not, by any accounts, numerous.
"Let us now take a view of our own force. When Glover's brigade
gets up, and the recruits for the regiments there, now on their march,
arrive, Gen. Schuyler will have about 5000 Continental troops. Surely
the Eastern States cannot sleep so soundly wheu the danger is so immi-
nent, but that they will reinforce him with 8000 or 10,000 militia. If this
happens, and he cannot stop Gen. Burgoyne's progress, it must proceed
from other causes than the want of men. With about the same army
last year, Gen. Washington kept Howe, with 16,000 or 17,00p men, at
hay.
*' Perhaps it may be said there will not be time to collect this force, as
the enemy are advancing with very great rapidity. I am much mistaken
if there will not be abundant time. The nature of the ground, the diffi-
culty of transporting the immense quantity of baggage, provisions, etc.,
necessary to accompany an army of 5000 men penetrating an enemy's
counti-y, the want of wagons for the purpose, the impediments thrown in
the way by cutting up the roads, all these obstacles will retard their
jnarch much more than is at first sight imagined, and will give full time
to prepare them a good reception.
On the whole, I am clearly of the opinion that unless Howe co-oper- "
ates with Burgoyne against your State it lias very little to fear; and I
even doubt, if he goes to the southward, whether Burgoyne will attejupt
to penetrate far. At present there is every appearance of a Southern ex-
pedition. "Seventy sail of the enemy's have been seen passing by Little
Egg Harbor, making short tacks to the capes of Philadelphia. Three
divisions of the army are arrived here and at Howell's Ferry, four miles
up. One is coming by way of Princeton, etc. ; another coming after us
by way of Morristown. I wish this last to halt there. Two brigades
more have been ordered to cross the North River and wait further orders.
"We shall not, however, pass the Delaware till we hear of the arrival of
the enemy in the capes of Philadelphia. Nor will these two brigades be
ordered on till the same event takes place. We shall act the most cau-
tious part possible in our circumstancps.
I communicated your letter to the general. He agrees with me in "
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
273
point of the enemy's numbers. With respect to animating the Eaatern
States, he has -written the most urgent letter to their several Assemblies,
â– which I am in hopes will answer the end you propose from sending per-
sons to each of them.
" It were to be wished your forts and ships were well supplied with
cannon ; but it is wholly out of the general's line to strip the ships to
the eastward of their cannon for that purpose. If your convention were
to make application to the Congress or Board of War, it might succeed ;
but I should have vei-y little hope of it.
I am, with great esteem, dear sir, "
" Tour most obedient,
Alexander Hamilton."" "
In the second volume of the official letters of
Washington to Congress there is one dated " Camp
near Pennibacker's Mill, Oct. 17, 1777," in which is
this passage :
" We shall here wait for the reinforcements coming on, and shall then
act according to circumstances. Gen. Yaruum, with the detachment
from Peefcskill, amounting to about 1200, including officers, would be
last night at Cksryell's Ferry. "
The following winter the army was quartered at
Valley Forge, where the sufferings of the soldiers were
so severe as to make forever memorable their sacrifices
in the cause of liberty. The enemy was in possession
of Philadelphia. Gen. Howe, having been recalled to
England, was succeeded in command by Sir Henry
Clinton. He was instructed to evacuate Philadelphia
and to march on to New York. "Washington surmised
Clinton's plans, and after holding a council of war
determined to bring the enemy to battle before reach-
ing New York. He accordingly took up the line of
march for Coryell's Ferry, choosing that route in
order to secure the highlands of New Jersey. The
army, since the appointment of Baron Steuben as in-
spector-general, was somewhat improved in condition,
but still it must have presented a rather worn and
ragged appearance as it filed along.
In the volumes of Revolutionary correspondence
there is the following letter :
"TO BRIG.-GEN. WAYNE: INSTBUCTIONS.
Sir, Ton are to proceed with the First and Second Pennsylvania "
Kegiments and the brigade late Conway's, by the direct route, to Coryell's
Ferry, leaving a proper interval between your division and Gen. Lee's,
so as to prevent their interfering with each other. The instructions
given to Gen. Lee are lo hall on the first strong ground, after passing the
Delaware at Oie said Jerry, until further orders, unless he should receive
authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road
to South Amboy or still lower ; in this case he is to coutinue his march
to the North River.
'• Given at Head Quarters this 18th day of June, 1778."
On the second day following this, Washington wrote
a letter to Gen. Gates which is as follows :
" JOUE o'clock, 20th June, 1778.
To Maj.-Gen. Gates : "
" Sir, I think it necessary to inform you by the return of express who
brought your packet for Congress that I am now, with the main body of
the army, within ten miles of CoryeH's Ferry. Gen, Lee is advanced with
si.K brigades, and will cross to-night or to-morrow morning. By the last
intelligence the enemy were near Mount Holly and moving very slowly ;
but, as there are so many roads open to them, their route could not be
ascertained. I shall enter the Jerseys to-morrow and give you the ear-
liest notice of their movements and whatever may affect you. As the
supplies of forage and provision in your quarter will be objects of the
utmost importance, they will therefore claim your attention.
I am, sir,"" etc. "
In Washington's correspondence is another letter
bearing the same date (June 20, 1778), from which is
taken the following extract :
, "Sir, I have the honor to inform you that I am now advanced with
the main body of the army within ten miles of Coryel's Ferry, and shall
halt to refresh the troops, and for the night, as the weather is very rainy.
Gen. Lee is with the six brigades mentioned in my former letter."
On the following day he wrote another letter re-
specting some Indians in Virginia. It is dated " June
21, ten miles from Coryell's." At the same time and
place he wrote also a letter to Maj.-Gen. Arnold.
On the 22d of June the army crossed the river, and
on that day he wrote the following letter, dated :
" Headquarters near Coryel's, June 22, 1778.
Sir, I have the honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey, and "
that the troops are passing the river at Coryel's and are mostly over.
The latest intelligence I have had respecting the enemy was yesterday,
from Gen. Dickinson. He says that they were in the morning at Moores-
town and Mount Holly, but that he had not been able to learn what
route they would pursue from thence ; nor was it easy to determine, as
from their situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by
way of Bruuswic. We have been a good deal impeded in our march by
rainy weather. As soon as we have cleaned the arms and can get mat-
ters in train we propose moving towards Princeton, in order to avail
ourselves of any favorable occasions that may present themselves of at-
tacking or annoying the enemy.
I have the honor to be, etc.
Washington suspected, as he mentions in a subse-
quent letter, that the enemy were aiming to draw him
down into the low country, that by a skillful flank
movement they might secure the heights.
While here Gen. Washington made the house of
Richard Holcombe (the younger son of the first
John who lived here) his headquarters, and Gen.
Greene had his headquarters at George Coryell's, in
the house before mentioned, which occupied the site
of the frame dwelling now owned by Samuel Hoppock,
at the northwest corner of York and Main Streets.
The following extract from " General Greene's
Memoirs" is of interest at this point :
" Clinton moved slowly, with the intention, as Washington and some
of his officers thought, of drawing the Americans into the lower counti-y
in order, by a rapid movement, to gain their right and take possession of
the strong grounds above tliem. The Americans moved slowly, too, for
the weather was oppressive and the roads heavy with frequent rains and
deep sand. On the 21st they crossed the Delaware, of happy omen, at
Coi7eirs Ferry, Greene marking out tlie route and order of march and
places of encampment, a duty that kept him more than half of the time
in the saddle.
Food it was difficult to obtain, and, in spite of all his exertions, "
Wayne's detachment suffered greatly for want of it. At Hopewell, on
the 24th, another council was called, and Lee, supported by a majority,
still opposed an attack. After a long discussion it was decided' that a
detachmetit of ISOO men be immediately sent to act as occasion may
serve on the enemy's loft flank and rear, in conjunction with other Con-
tinental troops and militia, who are already hurrying about them, and
that the main body preserve a relative position, so as to be able to act as
circumstances may require.' "
From the Revolutionary correspondence associated
with this locality it is quite evident that Coryell's
Ferry was an important strategic point in the Revo-
lution, and that most of the prominent generals of the
Continental army were here at different times.
This neighborhood furnished a full proportion of
Revolutionary soldiers. Their names have not been
274
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
obtained. Some of the older inhabitants, liowever,
remember tlie two brothers Ent, who had seen service
in tlie war of indei^endence, and who used to attend
the celebrations on the Fourth of July, and were
always honored with a conspicuous position on the
speakers' platform, thus giving point to the orator's
allusions to the Revolution and stimulus to his elo-
quence.
The incidents of the war of 1812 associated with
this place are quite insignificant compared with those
of the Eevolution, and yet they are worthy of men-
tion.
Two companies were recruited here, one commanded
by Capt. John Scott, the other by Capt. Lambert
Hoppock, a grandson of the Hon. John Lambert.
Capt. Scott and his officers hired rooms on Coryell
Street, at the residence of Mrs. Krewson. There were
some also at a tavern opposite to Mrs. Krewson's, on
the site of Mr. Henry Mattthew's dwelling. The
men were quartered at an old frame house which
stood back from the street, in the centre of the lot at
the southwest corner of Bridge and Main Streets.
This building was torn down about twenty-eight
years ago. Capt. Scott was at first an ensign in Capt.
Hoppock's company, but afterwards recruited another
company, of which he was made captain.
The following muster-roll of Capt. Hoppock's com-
pany is a matter of interest :
Muster roU of a company of Infmilrij under tlie command of Capt. J. X.
Hoppocli, Fifteenth Regiment of the army of the TJnited States, covimamkd
by Col Zeb. M. PUce, from the Zlst day of Anyusl, when last muttered, to llie
31st day of October, 1S12.
OFFICERS.
John L. Hoppock, Oa,ptain ; William K. Barnet, First Lieutenant;
Samuel McDougal, Second Lieutenant; John Scott, Second Lieu-
tenant; Charles Roberts, Ensign; John Knapp, First Sergeaut-
Henry Shields, Second Sergeant; Charles Wilson, Third Sergeant;
Thomas Dennis, First Coi-poral ; Jacob Busk, Second Corporal;
William Cozens, Third Corporal ; Isaiic Hoffman, Fourth Corporal ;
William J. Brooks, Fifth Corporal ; Itobert Burke, Sixth Corporal ;
Joseph Rake, musician.
PRIV.\TES.
William Heabon, William Groff, Nathaniel Thatcher, Andrew Aston,
George C. Biggs, Peter Bell, William Bunn, Stephen Beard, James
Barr, Isaac Buck, Charles Bl.^keIey, Artliur Courtney, Daniel Crihbs,
John Craig, Timothy Carroll, William Coburn, William Cross, James
Coyle, Stephen Deccus, James Dickens, George Derrick, Benjamin
Derrickson, James Douglierty, Humphrey Fagan, William Forker,
Dennis Ferrj-, Michael Gallaher, Edward Grant, John Gregg, Ed-
ward Gallaher, George Hull, Patrick Harkins, Henry Howard, John
Hillerman, James Hendricks, Imla Haines, William Jenkins, Thomas
Kennedy, Isaac Kennedy, John Kough, Anthony Livingston, Asa
Lucas, Reuben McPherson, .John llatthews, Thomas McGowen,
George Moore, Peter McDevit, George McLaughlin, Daniel McDevit,
Thomas McMillen, Joseph Murphey, James Nichols, Daniel O'Her-
ren, Michael O'Oain, John Pye, John Russell, Abuer Rouse, Isajic
Reed, John Reever, James Roe, Eli Bobison, Jacob Ross, Alexander
Shaw, Jacob Smalley, Andrew Scott, Daniel Sweney, Henry W.
Swain, Solomon Southwick, John Dher, David Vaught, John Wil-
son, Christopher Wilson, Oakum (Holcombe?) Wilson, Joseph Wil-
son, .lacob Wilson, James Wilson, James White, Abram Derweer,
Henry Shepherd, Obed Lincoln, Daniel Bramble.
Second Lieut. Samuel McDougal was promoted to
a first lieutenancy and transferred to Capt. Vandal-
son's company, and Ensign Scott was promoted in
place of McDougal. Hence the names of both appear
as second lieutenants in the muster-roll of Capt. Hop-
pock's company, as McDougal was then in transitu.
Capt. Hoppock was killed at the battle of Plattsburg,
N. Y.
The place which had so long been known as Coryell's
Feny became more widely known as Lambertville,
owing to the post-office being so named in honor of
the Hon. John Lambert, who, while United States
senator, secured, in 1814, the appointment of post-
master for his nei^liew and namesake, Capt. John
Lambert. This was the first post-office here. Some
of the Coryell family, particularly Judge John Coryell,
strove to have it named " Georgetown," for the judge's
father, George Coryell.
There were not a dozen houses, all told, in the vil-
lage at that time. The upper part of what was then
the village-plat ^that is, the land lying between
Church Street on the south and the Bull line on the
north was mostly in the possession of the judge, and
that he still clung to the name is shown b}' the fact
that the Presbyterian church, the corner-stone of
which was laid in 1817, was styled the Union Presby-
terian Church of Georgetown and Lambertville, and
was built on the line dividing the Coryell from the
Lambert property. The name of Georgetown grew
more and more into disuse, until in a few years it was
entirely dropped.
Lambertville, at the time of the establishment of
the post-office, although it was a mere hamlet, had
gotten to be quite a trading-point, especially for lum-
ber, which was sold in large quantities on both sides
of the river.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On the 18th of August, 1817, the corner-stone of
the " Union Presbyterian church of Georgetown and
Lambertville" was laid. The building was not fin-
ished, however, until several years afterwards.
A meeting in reference to the erection of a church
had been held on August 7th of the previous year at
the public-house of John Lambert, Jr. At this meet-
ing John Coryell, Esq., acted as chairman, and John
Lilly, M.D., as secretary. The chairman presented a
draft of a subscription-paper in the following words :
" Whereas, a desire has been manifested by a nnmber of the inhabit-
ants of this vicinity that a house should be erected in some convenient
situation to hear the preaching of the gospel, and it is believed that the
present is a favorable time to commence the undertaking ; Therefore, We
whose names are hereunto annexed do agree, in behalf of ourselves^ onr
executors and administr.ators, to pay or cause to be paid to such persons
as may bo appointed hereafter to receive the same by the said subscribers
the sums severally annexed to our names for the purpose of erecting a
house for the worehip of Almighty God, on Union Street, near the grave-
yard lying between Georgetown and Lambertville, to be styled the TJuion
Presbyterian Church of Georgetown and Lambertville. "
This paper was unanimously adopted by the meet-
ing, and the following persons were appointed to
solicit subscriptions, viz., John Coryell and Samuel
D. Ingham, Esqs., John Lambert, Jr., Maj. Emley
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
275
Holcombe, John Lilly, M.D., and Wilson Lambert.
Upwards of $500 were immediately subscribed. Hon.
Samuel D. Ingham and Samuel McNair, Esq., were
present as commissioners from the Presbyterian
Church of Solebury, Pa., empowered to propose a
union with the projected church under one pastoral
charge, but no action was taken.
On the 24th of the same month they again assem-
bled, according to adjournment, and the secretary was
directed to give notice to the subscribers of a meeting
to be held at the house of John Lambert, Jr., on the
31st instant, at 4 p.m., to concert measures for the
building of the proposed church edifice. The sub-
scribers met, pursuant to notice, when it was an-
nounced that $1500 had been raised. It was resolved
to commence the building as soon as practicable, and
John Coryell, Esq., John Lambert, Jr., Cornelius
Van Horn, and Wilson Lambert were appointed
managers.
At the first meeting of the managers John Coryell,
Esq., was appointed president, and John Lilly, M.D.,
secretary and treasurer. It was then decided that the
church should be built of brick, 44 by 50 feet, with a
gable end, surmounted by a tower and cupola, facing
Union Street. The negotiations for a union with the
Solebury Church proved unsuccessful.
In the mean while two instalments of the subscrip-
tions had been called in, and a building committee
had been appointed, consisting of Emley Holcombe,
John Coryell, and Amos Wilson.* Subscriptions
were obtained from a wide extent of country, and a
number of people in the immediate neighborhood
gave freely several days' labor.
About this time land for tlie erection of a church
edifice was purchased of John Coryell, Esq., and Capt.
John Lambert, Jr., for the nominal sum of one dollar
each, said land bounding the graveyard on the east.
The church was thus to be built partly in Georgetown
and partly in Lambertville, Georgetown being the
northern portion of the village and Lambertville the
southern. Hence the title of the church.
At the laying of the corner-stone a large congrega-
tion assembled. The Rev. Thomas Dunn, pastor of
the Solebury Church, preached the sermon, from
Isaiah xi. 9. Thirty-two families, it was found, had
expressed a willingness to unite in the support of the
church.
The bricks for the edifice were made by Joseph
Raisner (familiarly known as "Boss Raisner"), just
south of Swan's Creek and east of Main Street, the
carpenter- work, was done by Cornelius Van Horn, and
the large walnut pillars which in part supported the
tower were turned in the orchard then standing oppo-
site to the church.
A board of trustees was organized in May, 1820,
consisting of Emley Holcombe, John Coryell, Wilson
" John LatnbGrt, Jr., and Philip Marshall were successively elected, but
for satisfactory reasons declined to serve.
Lambert, Jonathan Pidcock, and Joseph Scarborough.
On June 7th of that year they were sworn into office
by Ezra Shamp, justice of the peace. Emley Hol-
combe was chosen president of the board.
After the building was inclosed there was occa-
sional preaching.'
In October, 1820, the attention of the Presbytery
of New Brunswick was called to the enterprise by Mr.
Amos Wilson, who had been appointed to represent
the interests of the congregation. No church organ-
ization had as yet been effected. In the following
spring and summer Mr. Charles Hodge (who after-
wards became widely known as the profound theolo-
gian. Dr. Charles Hodge, of Princeton) supplied the
pulpit. His labors were blessed in encouraging the
people to go on in the work which they had under-
taken, and thus led the way to the organization of the
church. It was probably through his influence that
the pulpit was supplied, in 1821, by Peter 0. Studdi-
ford, a young man who had barely reached adult
years and who, from all accounts, looked at that time
like a mere stripling. Dr. Hodge and he had been
schoolmates at Somerville, N. J. They were also in
the Princeton Theological Seminary together, Dr.
Hodge, however, graduating a year before his ac-
quaintance and friend of early boyhood.
Mr. Studdifordf had no idea of settling here, but
the people were pleased with him and he saw that
this was missionarj' ground, so he consented to take
charge of the new enterprise, and removed -here in
December, 1821. He at once commenced discharging
all the duties of a pastor, although the church was
not regularly organized until Sept. 24, 1822, and he
was not formally installed as pastor until June, 1825.
The following-named persons were duly enrolled as
members of the church at the date of its organization :
Maj. Emley Holcombe, Jonathan Pidcock and his
wife, Mary, from the Presbyterian Church of Sole-
bury, Pa. ; Allen Breed and his wife,J from the First
Congregational Church of Stamford, Conn.; John
Hutchinson, from the Presbyterian Church of Allen-
town, N. J. ; Catharine Larison, from the Presbyter-
ian Church of Kingwood ; William Prall and his
wife, Charlotte, from the Second Presbyterian Church
of Amwell, N. J.
Maj. Emley Holcombe and Jonathan Pidcock were
duly constituted ruling elders. Maj. Holcombe had,
however, been previously ordained an elder in the
Solebury Church.
The Solebury Church was united with the church
at Lambertville in one joint pastoral charge, and Mr.
Studdiford was installed the pastor of both on the
same day. This joint charge continued until the
spring of 1848, when the pastoral relation with Sole-
bury was dissolved, and he became pastpr exclusively
f A biographical sketch of Dr. Studdiford is given elsewhere in this
work.
I Mr. and Mrs. Breed were the parents of the Rev. Dr. William P.
Breed, of Philadelphia.
276
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
of the church at Lambertville, remaining such until
his death.
In May, 1853, the congregation determined to re-
build on the site of the original structure. The new
edifice was dedicated in January, 1855.
In the summer of 1868 the present building was en-
larged. A chapel owned by this church was erected
in New Hope in the summer of 1872, an enterprise
which has been attended with great success.
An excellent double-pipe organ, by Johnson of
Westfield, Mass., was purchased in May, 1877, and
placed in the church, near the pulpit.
This church, at the time of its organization, was
under the care of the Presbytery of New Brunswick
and so continued until 1840, when it was set over to
the Presbytery of Raritan, which had just been formed
by the Synod of New Jersey. In June, 1870, at a
special meeting of the Synod at Elizabeth, when the
Presbyteries were reconstructed, the Presbytery of
Raritan was dissolved, and the church at Lambert-
ville was again attached to the Presbytery of New
Brunswick.
This church, which was organized in September,
1822, with seven members and two ruling elders,
reported 460 communicants in the spring of 1880.
The ruling elders in this church, from its organiza-
tion to the present time, have been the following :
Emley Holcombe and Jonathan Pidcock, installed
Sept. 22, 1822 ; William Wilson and James Seabrook,
Aug. 2, 1829; Ashbel Welch and John Smith, April
14, 1844 ; John H. Anderson and James D. Stryker,
Sept. 11, 1853 ; James Hervey Studdiford, M.D., John
A. Anderson, and Peter S. Pidcock, June, 1868; Au-
gustus C. Barber, Charles A. Skillman, Hugh B. Ely,
and John V. C. Barber, May 4, 1879.
There were no deacons in the church until 1868,
when T. Quick Phillips, Augustus C. Barber, and
Hugh B. Ely were installed in that oflace. On May
4, 1879, the following-named persons were set apart
to the office of deacon : Holmes D. Ely, Frank R.
Fritz, John H. Horn, William H. Titus, and James
Petrie.
The following-named persons constitute the present
board of trustees : Thomas B. Fidler, Charles O. Hol-
combe, Edward H. Holcombe, Frank R. Fritz, and
Thomas H. Gray. Thomas B. Fidler is president of
the board, and Edwin H. Holcombe the treasurer.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
On the 10th of February, 1825, the Baptist Church
was organized at the house of Philip Marshall, Esq.,
with the following constituent members: William
Garrison, Philip Marshall and his wife Sarah, James
B. Bowen and his wife Lucy A.
Previous to this organization there had been
preaching at the hoases of Esquire Marshall and Maj.
Garrison, by Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, Rev. John
Booth, and Rev. James McLaughlin. Mr. Kennard
was at that time pastor of the church at Harborton.
He subsequently became pastor of a church in North-
ern Liberties, Philadelphia, where his labors were
blessed to the ingathering of a great number to the
membership; so that his church became one of the
largest in the city. He was a man greatly respected
and beloved for his kindness of heart, his piety, his
zeal, and his entire devotion to his work.
On Feb. 12, 1825, the first church-meeting was held,
when it was resolved to build a house of worship, and
a committee was appointed to secure subscriptions for
that purpose.
At the next meeting, held on the 21st of that month,
the Rev. John Booth was received into the member-
ship by certificate. At the same meeting the church
proceeded to the election of its officers, and made
provision for the regular preaching of the gospel.
William Garrison and Philip Marshall were elected
deacons. Arrangements were made for the regular
observance of the Lord's Supper, and a committee
was appointed to procure supplies for the pulpit.
March 2, 1825, Elder John Booth, Philip Marshall,
and William Garrison were elected trustees. On the
fifth of the same month a meeting of contributors
towards building a house of worship was held to de-
cide upon a site. After considering the different
locations proposed, the decision was in favor of the
place where the present edifice stands. At this meet-
ing a building committee was appointed. On the 8th
of May of the same year the congregation invited
Elder James McLaughlin and Elder John Booth to
supply their pulpit for six months, both of whom
acceiDted.
The corner-stone of the first church edifice was
laid with appropriate services on June 13, 1825, and
the house was dedicated to the service of God in
October following. Thus the church was organized,
arrangements were made for preaching and the ad-
ministration of the sacraments, and a house of wor-
ship was erected and dedicated, all during the year
1825, a proof certainly of earnest zeal and unflagging
energy of purpose.
At a meeting on August 4th of the same year it
was resolved to unite with the New Jersey Baptist
Association.
Feb. 26, 1826, Elder John C. Goble was called to
be pastor of this church, in union with the church at
Harborton. He, however, declined the call. On
April 17th of the same year Elder John Booth was
dismissed by letter to the Baptist Church of Perth
Amboy, of which church he took the pastoral charge.
The first regular pastor of the Baptist Church in
Lambertville was the Rev. Samuel Trott, who came
here from Morristown. He took charge of the church
at Harborton in connection with this church, and en-
tered upon his duties Oct. 19, 1826, from which time
he supplied the two churches until April, 1831, a
period of four years and a half, when he resigned
and removed to Welch Tract, Del.
June 3, 1827, Jame= B. Bowen, by request of the
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLB.
277
church, stated his views with reference to the preach-
ing of the gospel, together with his reasons for con-
cluding that he was called to the work. It was there-
upon resolved that opportunity be given him on the
next Wednesday evening to exercise his gifts. At a
subsequent meeting it was
Eesoluedj That meetings be held every other Tuesday for the purpose "
of giving him an opportunity to speak before them."
Again (Oct. 4, 1827), it is recorded that,
" From a consideration of the weakness of our little church, it is agreed
to give Brother Bowen the liberty of exercising his gifts witliln the
bounds of the neighboring churches for four months, that we may have
the opinion of our brethren of other churches concerning his call to the
ministry. "
Jan. 10, 1828, the church gave Mr. Bowen a general
license to preach. On the 22d of October of the next
year he was ordained to the work of the ministry.
Elders Trott, Boggs, Bateman, and Matthews officiat-
ing. In April, 1830, he was dismissed by letter for
the purpose of becoming pastor of a church in Mont-
gomery Co., Pa.
The church at Lambertville, with six other churches,
agreed to withdraw from the New Jersey Association
on Oct. 2, 1828, for the purpose of forming the Central
New Jersey Association, which Association was duly
organized in the same montli, at Hightstown.
On July 9, 1831, license to preach the gospel was
given to Benjamin Braker, late of England.
September 10th of the same year David B. Stout,
who had been baptized into the fellowship of the
church on April 19, 1829, was granted permission to
preach the gospel for a season in the bounds of the
neighboring churches, and on Oct. 13, 1831, a full
license was given him. On March 31st following he
was chosen a supply for one year, and on the 10th of
the next May he was ordained, Elders John Boggs,
Joseph Matthews, James B. Bowen, and Charles
Bartolette officiating.
From November, 1831, until April, 1832, when Mr.
Stout took charge, the pulpit was supplied by Elder
Joseph Wright, who had previously been pastor of
the First Baptist Church of Butternuts, Otsego Co.,
N. Y. The previous pastor of the Ijambertville
Church held decidedly the views of those known as
Old-School Baptists, and the church was so leav-
ened with his teaching that Mr. Wright's advocacy of
Sunday-schools, foreign missions, and ministerial edu-
cation were distasteful to many, and in consequence
he withdrew. June 5, 1833, Mr. Stout, who had sup-
plied the pulpit since April 1st of the previous year,
vyas called as pastor for one year, and on Jan. 4, 1834,
a call was made to him to become pastor without
limit of time. He served the church for over five
years, for six months in connection with the Baptist
Church of New Britain, Pa., after that for three years
in connection with the Baptist Church of Harborton.
The remainder of his pastorate was exclusively con-
fined to the Lambertville Church. He resigned April
16, 1837, to become pastor of the Baptist Church at
Middletown, N. J., where he continued in the active
duties of the ministry until his death, in 1876.
When Mr. Stout became the pastor of the church
here the membership numbered only 19 ; when he
resigned his charge it had increased to 85. • The
largest number received in any one year during his
ministry was 36 ; the whole number baptized was 45.
In 1835 the church edifice was enlarged. The work
was commenced in July and finished in October.
On Oct. 1, 1836, J. S. Eisenbrey was licensed to
preach the gospel. Oct. 25, 1837, a call was presented
to Elder E. Saxtou, which he declined. On Decem-
ber 2d of the same year a call was extended to Mr.
Daniel Kelsey, of Cohansey, N. J., which he accepted,
entering upon his duties early in the following year.
He was ordained Feb. 19, 1838, Elders D. B. Stout
and Joseph Wright officiating. He served the church
about six months, when he resigned.
Elder John Segur was called to be pastor Nov. 10,
1838, and about the middle of the next month entered
upon his duties. At the commencement of his pas-
torate a powerful religious interest was awakened
under the preaching of Elder Ketchum, an evangel-
ist, and, as the result of it, 44 persons were received
into the membership. Mr. Segur closed his pasto-
rate April 1, 1840, having served for a period of one
year and four months.
In May, 1840, the Rev. George Young, of Burling-
ton, accepted a call, and remained until March, 1841,
when he resigned to take charge of the Baptist
Church in Paterson, N. J. In December of the same
year the Rev. J. B. Walter supplied the pulpit for
three months. His engagement was subsequently ex-
tended, and he remained one year and four months.
March 4, 1843, letters of dismission were granted
to 20 members for the purpose of constituting the
Solebury Baptist Church, and on the 3d of April Mr.
Walter and two other members were dismissed to the
same church, of which Mr. Walter became pastor.
The Rev. George Young was again called to the
pastorate and, accepting the call, continued in charge
for nine months and a half, giving half of his time to
the church at Sandy Eidge.
William B. Shrope was invited in October, 1844, to
supply the church until spring. In the following June
he was ordained ; in January, 1846, he became pastor.
A remarkable religious interest, under the preaching
of Elder Ferguson, an evangelist, greatly stirred the
church, adding to its numbers and its strength, about
40 being received into its membership.
The Rev. John Davis, of Hamburg, N. J., was
called. May 6, 1849, to the pastorate, Mr. Shrope hav-
ing resigned his charge the previous December.
Mr. Davis remained until Aug. 11, 1850, when he
resigned to become agent of the American and
Foreign Bible Society.
Oct. 26, 1851, Rev. A. Armstrong took pastoral
charge of the church, which at this time was in a low
state, but soon began to revive. In 1853 a neat and
2*78
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
substantial parsonage was built, and enlarged about
three years later. The church edifice was also en-
larged and remodeled. The work was commenced in
August, 1863, and the building was rededicated March
30, 1854.
Mr. Armstrong resigned his charge Nov. 30, 1860,
having served nine years and baptized 110 persons.
The Rev. Henry A. Cordo, of New Brunswick,
succeeded him. May 1, 1861, and continued in charge
until October 1, 1864, when he accepted a call to the
First Baptist Church of Meriden, Conn.
In 1864 the church withdrew from the Central New
Jersey Association to aid in forming the Trenton
Association, but in 1870 returned to her old home in
the Central Association.
Rev. Franklin Johnson, formerly of Bay City,
Mich., became pa,stor Dec. 1, 1864, and served the
church until June, 1866, when he removed to Passaic,
N. J., to take Charge of the Baptist church there. It
is to him the credit is due of inciting and encourag-
ing the people to undertake the erection of the pres-
ent edifice. He was succeeded by Rev. Charles E.
Young (son of a former pastor), who continued in
charge |rom September, 1 866, until January 10, 1869,
when, owing to failing health, he resigned his pastor-
ate. During his brief ministry here there was a large
ingathering to the membership of the church. It
was also while he was pastor that the corner-stone of
the present house of worship was laid, Sept. 9, 1868.
The building is of the Romanesque order, after de-
signs of David Gendell, Esq., of Philadelphia, and
the material is freestone, the front being of cut
stone, including the tower, which is 85 feet high.
The dimensions of the building are : width, 53J feet,
length, 101 feet, exclusive of the tower. The lecture-
room is under the main audience-room, but raised
above the level of the street, and will comfortably
seat 400 persons. In the rear are rooms for church-
parlor, infant-school, and library.
In 1869 the corporate name of the church was
changed, by act of Legislature, from " Lambertville
Baptist Church" to "The First Baptist Church of
Lambertville." The lecture-room was dedicated
March 17, 1870.
Rev. A. D. Willifer was called to the pastoral
charge Sept. 27, 1869, and came on November 7th.
He continued pastor until February, 1874.
Rev. Charles H. Thomas, the next pastor, com-
menced his labors Nov. 16, 1874, but in December,
1879, removed to Philadelphia, having accepted a
call in that city. He was succeeded by the present
pastor, the Rev. W. M. Mick.
The whole number received into the membership of
the church from the date of its organization to Jan.
1, 1881, is as follows : By baptism, 695 ; by certifi-
cate, 220 ; experience, 31 ; restoration, 23. Dismissed
by letter, 299 ; excluded, 171 ; deceased, 93. Present
membership, 396.
The names of those who have served as deacons
are as follows: William Garrison, Lemuel Howell,
William Drake, Isaac Fergus, James Ashmore, John
R. Swallow, Thomas S. Murray, Charles McDonald,
George H. Larison, William O. Talcott, John H.
Roberts, Philip Marshall, Levi Stout, Theodore
Housel, Levi Clawson, Alexander Grant, Martin L.
Reeve, Lewis S. Paxson, George Pierson, Henry
Stout, Thomas C. Horn, William G. Moore, John
Van Horn.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.*
It is impossible to fix the date when Methodist
' itinerants first preached the gospel in this place. The
tradition is that tlie itinerant who preached in New
Hope frequently served here, long before any society
was formed.
In the early part of the present century a Quarterly
Meeting was held in Hunterdon County, not far from
Lambertville. In the spring of 1837 the Rev. Mr.
Heavender and the Rev. James M. Tuttle were ap-
pointed to labor in the Flemington Circuit. They
made a bi-weekly appointment for preaching at the
house of Mrs. Gerhart, on Coryell Street, the house
now occupied by William Lyman, Esq., opposite Ly-
ceum Hall (the old Methodist church).
Soon after this appointment was made a class was
formed, which consisted of the following persons :
Mrs. Gerhart, Mrs. Bateman, Newton Bateman, John
Silvers, and James Taylor. There were a few others,
whose names have not been obtained. The ministers
who commenced this work here in 1837 were returned
to the circuit the following year.
Permission was granted to preach in the room where
a day-school was kept by Robert M. Foust. This was
in the frame building, now turned into a dwelling, next
to the residence of Mr. Charles Barber, on the west
side of Union Street, between York and Coryell
Streets. The attendance on the preaching increased,
and soon the necessity for erecting a house of worship
became apparent.
John Silvers was appointed the first class-leader in
the infant church ; but, as he lived at Mount Airy,
the duty of leading generally devolved on Newton
Bateman, his assistant.
In 1839 the society in Lambertville was attached to
that of Pennington. The circuit was known in Con-
ference as the Pennington and Rock Ridge mission.
Isaac Winner and Thomas Henry were the ministers.
Mr. Henry took an active part in erecting the church
building, which was completed in 1839, and is now
known as Lyceum Hall. The trustees were Jesse
Matthews, of Amwell ; Wilson Bray, of Kingwood ;
John Silvers, of Mount Airy ; Alexander Coryell, of
Lambertville; and Thomas Henry, the minister in
charge. The building committee consisted of Alex-
ander Coryell and Thomas Henry. The church was
« For the ijarticulnrs of the hiatory of the Metliodist Episcopal Church
of Lambertville we are indebted to a series of articles ou that subject pub-
liBlied in tlie Lambeitville Beneon.
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
279
dedicated in 1840 by the Eev. Charles Pitman and
D. W. Bartine.
In the spring of 1840 the Eev. J. Lewis was ap-
pointed to labor in the Pennington charge. The Con-
ference gave him a nominal supervision of the church
at Lambertville, with the understanding that a young
man by the name of Noah Edwards should be sent
to minister to the people. Mr. Edwards was quite
successful in his efforts to promote the welfare of the
church.
About this time Jeremiah Hoff, who had recently
come into the neighborhood, became identified with
the church. This estimable and somewhat eccentric
man had long been a Methodist, and had done very
earnest and efficient work for his denomination in
other parts of the State. He was universally known
as "Father Hoff," and his quaint and pointed say-
ings were often repeated by his acquaintances and
friends.
In 1841 the Lambertville charge was detached from
that of Pennington, and the Rev. William Rogers was
appointed pastor. He was a devout and earnest man,
but, on account of feeble health, could perform but
little work.
In 1842 the church was placed on the Flemington
Circuit, and the Revs. J. W. McDougal and T. T.
Campfield were appointed the preachers. There was
great religious interest in all parts of the circuit, and
the Lambertville Church shared largely in the results.
In 1843 the Revs. Edward and Joseph F. Canfield
were appointed to labor on the Flemington Circuit,
which still included Lambertville. During this year
a church was built in West Amwell, which is now
known as the " Rock church."
On the old records of that society are the following
familiar names : Jesse Matthews, a local preacher and
steward; Nelson Abbott, an exhorter ; John Udy,
Joseph Abbott, and John Q. Taylor, leaders ; Walter
Harhourt and Manville Dayton, members, and many
others whom space will not permit us to mention.
In the list is the name of Levi Larue, who is now a
member of the New Jersey Conference. The Rock
Church remained in connection with the Lambert-
ville Church until 1858, when it was detached, and,
with the church at New Market, formed into an inde-
pendent charge.
Lambertville was made a separate charge in 1844,
and the Rev. Mr. Putnam was appointed pastor. His
ministry here was quite successful. He was suc-
ceeded, in 1845, by the Rev. A. E. Ballard, who was
a single man, and consequently required but a small
support. But, small as his salary was, the church was
so weak in numbers and resources that it was very
difficult to raise it. Under his ministry there was a
large accession to the church, and a greater stimulus
was given to Christian activity among its members
than ever before.
The Eev. Thomas T. Campfield was again sent to
this- charge in 1846, and his labors were not without
good results. He continued here but one year, as
most of his predecessors had, and was followed, in
1847, by the Rev. E. H. Stokes, who remained two
years, " greatly beloved by all the people and emi-
nently successful as a minister of the gospel."
" In 1849 the Rev. E. Hance was appointed pastor.
Through his exertions, aided by the presiding elder,
the Rev. John K. Shaw, the church debt was greatly
reduced. For many years the feeble society staggered
under a heavy debt, which at one time brought the
church near the verge of ruin. For the reduction
of this debt the society is greatly indebted to Mr.
Hance. "
He was succeeded, in 1851, by the Rev. A. M.
Palmer. Through Mr. Palmer's efforts the parsonage
was built. " His pastorate was also blessed with an
extensive revival of religion in the Rock Church.
"In 1858 the Rev. Enoch Green was appointed
pastor. Some valuable members were added to the
church under his ministry. In this year the Rev.
Benjamin L. Thomas, a local preacher and a member
of the Lambertville Church, joined the Conference.
His health, however, failed, and he located the same
year.
In 1855 the Rev. S. E. Post became pastor."" "
During his ministry the church edifice was remod-
eled and many were added to the membership.
In 1857 the Rev. Joseph Ashbrook was appointed
pastor. Some valuable members were added to the
church under his ministry. The Rev. John Fort suc-
ceeded him, in 1859, and under his charge the church
continued to flourish.
In 1861 the Rev. John Stephenson was appointed
to labor here. He had been in the Wesleyan ministry
in England, and about 1865 returned to that country,
where he is now laboring as a clergyman in the Es-
tablished Church. "His preaching was appreciated
by the church here, and blessed of God in the salva-
tion of souls. During this year (1861) many of the
church-members entered the service of their country ;
some fell on the field of battle, others suffered in rebel
prisons, and some returned to their homes after three
or four years of faithful service."
In 1863 the Rev. Thomas Hanlon, D.D., assumed
pastoral charge, and in the following winter, during
the special services, a general and widespread interest
was awakened in the church, resulting in a large ad-
dition to the membership.
The next pastor was the Rev. J. B. Graw, D.D.,
who came here in the spring of 1865. In June of
that year the congregation resolved to build a new
house of worship. On August 1st the work was com-
menced, and in the summer of 1866 the church was
dedicated. The dedication sermon was preached by
the Rev. Bishop Simpson.
The new edifice is well proportioned and tastefully
and substantially built. It is 55 feet in width by 80
in length, exclusive of tower. Much credit is due to
the Rev. Drs. Hanlon and Graw for the erection of
280
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
this building, to the one for his agency in securing
an eligible site, and to the other for urging the jjeople
on to the inception and completion of the work
which they had had in view.
Dr. Graw was succeeded in the pastoral charge by
the Eev. Henry M. Brown, who remained two years.
The next was the Rev. William Walton, who was
here three years. The Rev. John S. Heisler suc-
ceeded Mr. Walton in the spring of 1873, but had
charge of the church only one year. During that
year, however, there were many members added. The
Rev. Charles R. Hartranft was the next in succession,
and the first to occupy the tasteful parsonage which
had been built during the previous year. The Rev.
Richard A. Chalker was sent here by Conference the
next year (1875), and was returned for the two fol-
lowing years. The present pastor, the Rev. Henry
G. Williams, came in March, 1878, and was returned
by Conference for the two following years. His
pastoral term will expire in March, 1881.
The present officers of the church are :
Trustees, William Johnson, John J. German, Alexandei' Silvers, Wil-
liam F. Herr, Rufus Reed, M. D., George K. Mellick, Wesley Case.
Stewards, John B. Conine, Austin Green, Johnson J. Lair, Thomas E.
Louden, William H. Wilmot, Charles W. Bunn, Johu H. Kennedy,
George M. Shamalia. Sunday-school Superinlendeni, Rufus Reed, M.D.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The corner-stone of the Roman Catholic church
was laid in the summer of 1842. After the ceremony
was finished the large congregation present was ad-
dressed by the Very Rev. Dr. Moriarty, at that time
pastor of the church of St. Augustine, Philadelphia.
The service of the church had been at intervals ad-
ministered here at the houses of members of that
denomination before there was any church edifice
built.
Among the first to officiate here was the Rev. Daniel
McGorian. He was pastor at that time, if we mistake
not, of St. John's Church, Trenton.
The Rev. John Charles Gilligan afterwards offici-
ated here, and it was under his ministry that the
church was built. He was succeeded by the Rev.
John P. Makin, who subsequently went to Trenton,
where he labored for so many years, much beloved by
his people and respected by the community generally.
If we are correctly informed, the next incumbent
of the priesthood was the Rev. Mr. Hannegan, dur-
ing whose ministry the parsonage was built. Next to
him came a French priest, the Rev. Mr. Jego, who
officiated here from early in 1854 until 1861.
He was succeeded by the Rev. James Carney, who
was an incumbent of the pastoral office for two years,
when he sickened and died, deeply lamented by the
people of his parish. His immediate successor, the
Rev. James Callen, remained only one year. For
the next three years namely, from 1864 to 1867 the
pastoral functions were discharged by the Rev. James
O'Keefe. He was followed by the Rev. Hugh Mur-
phy, who remained until 1873, when the Rev. P. F.
Connolly took charge. The latter, after serving this
church three years, removed to Bordentown. His
successor was the Rev. M. J. Connolly, who came
early in the spring of 1876, but died in January,
1878.* Soon afterwards the present incumbent of the
pastoral office, the Rev. Henry Ter-Woert, was sent
here by the bishop. Since he has had charge the
church has made purchase of a valuable lot on Bridge
Street, on which it is intended to erect a new house of
worship when the financial condition of the church
will justify it.
ST. ANDREW'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
We are unable to give as full and minute an ac-
count as is desirable. Most of the facts here pre-
sented have been taken from a brief historical paper
prepared by the Rev. Dr. Putnam, of Jersey City, and
read at the reopening of the church edifice for divine
worship, Aug. 4, 1867.
"The documents at present existing, consisting of
copies of letters written more than a century ago and
parochial records of equal antiquity, together with
legislative enactments and conventional journals,
show that as early as 1725 St. Andrew's Church,
Amwell, was in existence and was a flourishing
parish. It was then located at Ringos. "
The parish was organized under a charter granted
by the British Crown, by a missionary of the vener-
able society " for the Propagation of the Gospel in
Foreign Parts." The name of the missionary does
not appear in any of the papers now accessible. "The
fact transpires, however, that a most unhappy differ-
ence arising between the pastor and his flock re-
sulted not only in his leaving there, but in nearly
breaking up and dispersing his congregation."
In 1768, some eighteen years subsequent to this dis-
astrous trouble, the Rev. William Frazer, a man of
evidently superior character, was appointed by the
venerable society a missionary to St. Andrew's Church,
Amwell, with the charge, also, of congregations at
Kingwood (now Alexandria) and Musconetcong.
There is a letter of Mr. Frazer's in existence to the
Rev. Dr. Benton, of London, describing his mission-
ary field at the time when he entered upon his task
in it. " At Amwell," he writes, " there is the shell
of a stone church, with three families only of the old
congregation remaining who have not forsaken it. At
Kingwood there are thirty families, but no church
edifice, public worship having to be celebrated in
barns and private houses, and wherever else accom-
modation can be had."
Dividing his time equally between these three con-
gregations, Mr. Frazer labored with great assiduity
and devotion until the breaking out of the Revolu-
tionary struggle, the records extant showing that his
baptisms of infants and adults numbered more than
200
* His funeral wjis attended by alarge congregation. The servicee were
conducted by the Bight Rev. Bishop Corrigan, of Newark, assisted by a
large number of the clergy of his diocese.
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
281
As lie was a loyalist, and as, of course, holding ap-
pointment and pay from the English society, he could
not consistently omit the prayers for the king and
Parliament, piiblic sentiment demanded the closing
of his church and the cessation of his ministry. This
continued while the war lasted; and, though there
are traces of his pen in his letters to the Eev. Dr.
Benton, indicating that he was exposed to severe suf-
ferings and trials, yet his conduct must have been
very prudent and his character very high, as no sooner
were the hostilities over than, with general acceptance,
he opened his church again and resumed his ministry,
as appears from the following certificate, bearing the
original signatures of the wardens and vestrymen at
that time in of&ce :
" We, the subscribers, wardens and vestrymen of St. Andrew's Church,
in the township of Amwell, county of Hunterdon, and Western Division
of the State of New Jersey, do certify and declare. That the Rev'd Wil-
liam Frazer did open his church in said Amwell on Christmas Day last,
and has ever since regularly performed divine service in the same ; and,
as far as is consistent with our knowledge, his conduct and behavior has
been prudent and exemplary, and in evei-y respect becoming a minister
of the Gospel.
Witness our hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of "
onr Lord 1785.
" Evans Godown, Robert Sharp, Wardens.
Joseph Robeson, John Anderson, Jonas Chatburn, Sam'l Opdycke, "
John Meldrum, Robert Stevenson, John Stevenson, John Tottei'son, David
Heath, John Welch, Veslnjmen"
Of Mr. Frazer it remains to say that he continued
in the active discharge of his ministry and in teach-
ing a classical school in Trenton (which seems to have
been undertaken when the war suspended his public
services) until 1795, when, after a Sunday spent in
Amwell, he returned to his home, and died suddenly
the day following, at the age of fifty-two.
The death of Mr. Frazer left his large and impor-
tant field in Hunterdon County without any other
care than the infrequent and irregular visits of the
clergymen in charge of St. Michael's, in Trenton, and
those from the lower part of the State, and in course
of time from the bishop, for nearly fifty years.
The church seemed well-nigh extinct. " In 1845,
however, the Eev. Mr. Adams, having charge of the
churches at Flemington, Alexandria, and Clinton,
came to Lambertville, it being within the limits of
the ancient parish of Amwell. Here Col. John Sharp
and Judge John Coryell, as surviving members of old
St. Andrew's, co-operated with him in organizing the
corporation, under the general act of the Legislature
of New Jersey, under the title of St. Andrew's Church,
Amwell, at Lambertville,' Col. Sharp and Dr. John
Lilly being the wardens, and Judge Coryell being
senior vestryman, thus continuing the old parish into
the new. Under these auspices the present church
edifice was erected, and, though there was a brief
period of prosperity, it soon passed away. Great
domestic sorrow desolating the home of Mr. Adams,
his departure became a matter of necessity, again
subjecting the remnant who adhered to the church to
the same infrequent and irregular ministrations that
19
had been its fortune for half a century, until, in the
providence of God, in the spring of 1850, the Eev.
David Brown assumed the pastoral charge, which he
continued to hold until August, 1867."
During that summer the church building was reno-
vated and greatly improved. "It was reopened for
divine worship on Sunday, Aug. 4, 1867, with appro-
priate services." The Eev. Dr. Putnam, of Jersey
City, who was deputed by Bishop Odenheimer, he not
being able to be present, read a history of the parish ;
the Eev. Dr. Walker, of Burlington, preached the
sermon ; and an address was delivered by the Eev.
David Brown. In the evening, owing to the sudden
death of the wife of the Hon. Samuel Lilly, M.D.,
only the service was read, in which the Eev. Mr.
Forges, of Flemington, assisted.
By means of the repairs and alterations then made
the church presents a very neat appearance. The
chancel was handsomely frescoed, the seats rearranged,
the walls replastered, and one of Frink's patent re-
flectors put in, which illuminates the church in the
most perfect manner, throwing a mellow light in
every part of the room. The outward appearance of
the building was also somewhat changed, the cone on
the tower having been removed and a neat scroll-work
substituted ; a vestry-room was also built at the rear
of the edifice.
St. Andrew's Church has passed through many
trials and discouragements, but just now the outlook
is more hopeful than it has been for several years.
From September, 1866, till Aug. 4, 1867, Eev. F. B.
Chetwood acted as assistant to the rector. From
August, 1867 (after Mr. Brown's resignation), to May,
1868, Eev. W. G. Walker, D.D., of Burlington, sup-
plied the pulpit. From May 24, 1868, till May 1,
1869, the Eev. William McGlathery was rector ; Sept.
12, 1869, till March, 1870, Eev. Charles Eitter; Nov.
27, 1870, till April 10, 1871, Eev. Samuel H. Meade ;
Oct. 16, 1871, till Oct. 1, 1872, Eev. John Ireland;
Nov. 3, 1872, until the spring of 1873, Eev. J. Van
Linge, D.D. During the remainder of 1873 the
church was in charge of the bishop of the diocese,
services being rendered by several clergymen. From
January, 1874, Frederic P. Davenport officiated as
lay-reader until his ordination to the deaconate. May
31st of the same year. From that time he continued
in charge till September, 1875.
The Eev. William Wardlaw officiated from October,
1875, till August, 1876 ; from October, 1876, till Aug-
ust, 1877, the Eev. William Baum; from October,
1877, till Jan. 20, 1879, the Eev. Thomas B. Newby.
He was elected rector Dec. 4, 1877. Sept. 21, 1879,
the Eev. Elvin K. Smith, as missionary in Hunter-
don County by appointment of Bishop Scarborough,
became pastor of St. Andrew's Church, one of the
missions in the county.
Some account of the life of the Eev. David Brown,
who was for seventeen years a rector of St. Andrew's
Church well deserves a place in these annals. He
282
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
was born in Hopkinstown, K. I., Oct. 3, 1786. In
the spring of 1799 he removed to Stephentown, N. Y.,
and from there to Cobleskill, Schoharie Co., N. Y.,
in 1800. He taught school for a number of years,
and married at the age of nineteen. In 1807 he
studied law. In 1816, feeling called to enter the
ministry, he went to the city of New York to study
divinity with the Eev. Theodore Lyell, CD. In the
mean while he kept the church academy for one year.
He was ordained in 1816 by Bishop Hobart. His
first ministerial labors were at Hyde Park, N. Y. ;
afterwards he ministered in sacred things at Fredonia
and Lockport, in the same State. While at Fredonia
he had the pleasure, as well as the honor, of receiving
the "nation's guest," Gen. Lafayette, on his visit to
that village in June, 182.5. In 1833 he removed to
St. Augustine, Fla., and from thence to Florence,
Ala. He then removed to Cold Spring, N. Y. In
July, 1850, he was instituted rector of St. Andrew's
Church, Lambertville, by Bishop Doane. He resigned
his charge in August, 1867, but continued to reside in
Lambertville until his death, in December, 1875. He
was married three times. His last wife died only a
few weeks before the termination of his own useful
and honorable life.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Until 1843 there were no public schools in the
place. During that year a two-story brick school-
house was erected on the east side of Franklin Street,
between York and Coryell Streets, which has since
been turned into a, dwelling.
Previous to 1843 there had been good private schools,
and at several times classical schools were commenced,
which flourished for a while and then declined. The
proximity to Trenton and the facility of communica-
tion with that city have induced many to send their
children to its excellent schools ; so that it has seemed
impossible to keep up a select school of a high grade
for any length of time in Lambertville.
The first principal of the public school here was
William H. Lord. He was assisted and succeeded by
a Mr. Sexton. After him, David Cole, Arthur W.
Lundy, and Enoch Drake successively had charge.
These all taught in the school-house in Franklin
Street.
The first trustees were Samuel Haselton, Jacob B.
Smith, George A. Kohl, James Britton, Burroughs
Hunt. Samuel Haselton was president of the board,
and George A. Kohl treasurer.
In 1853 the spacious school-house on Coryell's Hill
was built, and the services of an experienced teacher,
James M. Robinson, were secured. He continued as
principal for several years, when he resigned his po-
sition, and was succeeded by Thomas J. Willever.
William Lyman was the next principal. Upon his
resignation James M. Robinson was again placed in
charge, and continued to be principal until his death,
in 1871.
L. K. Strouse was appointed in his place, and after
serving for three years was succeeded by Thomas
Ruth, who was an incumbent of the office only one
year, at the expiration of which the present principal,
Charles W. Bunn, was chosen in his stead. Owing to
the lack of room in the school-house on Coryell's Hill,
and to the necessity of having a graded system of
schools, a building for a primary school was erected
in the Third Ward in 1875, and another building for
the same purpose in the First Ward in 1878.
The present valuation of school property is $16,000,
and the school expenses aggregate about $10,000 per
annum. Fifteen teachers are at present employed.
The school district is known as "Lambertville, No.
108."
REMINISCENCES PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS
MANUFACTORIES.
Within a few years after the establishment of the
post-office here under the name of Lambertsville, the
village came to be known altogether by that title.
In course of time the name was changed by usage
from Lambertsville to Lambertville.
The town-plat was gradually enlarged as street
after street was laid out. The Old York Road origi-
nally extended from the ferry below the site of the
Delaware bridge through what is now Ferry Street,
past the old stone tavern before mentioned to the cor-
ner of Main and Ferry Streets, thence up the river
road, or Main Street, to the corner of York, and
thence up the bed of the creek nearly in the line of
the present York Road.
When the corner-stone of the Presbyterian church
was lai4 there was an orchard immediately to the
east of it, the gate to which was a little to the east of
Gordon's Alley. Not long after this. Church Street
was laid out to Union Street, which was opened at or
before this time from Bridge to Coryell Street. Bridge
Street was laid out on the completion of the New-
Hope Delaware bridge, and the Bridge Street Hotel
was built about the same time by Capt. John Lam-
bert.
Coryell Street, which was not legally laid out until
Dec. 1, 1818, must have been opened as early as 1803,
as the houses of Dr. Richard Kroesen and of Joshua
Anderson were built in that year.
The Georgetown and Franklin turnpike, extending
from Georgetown (or Lambertville) to New Bruns-
wick, was incorporated Feb. 25, 1816. The invest-
ment, however, was not at all remunerative : hence
the charter was given up, and the turnpike became a
public road, Sept. 14, 1841.
York Street must have been opened not long before
1826, as there were no houses built on it west of Main
Street until that date.
Union Street was a mere alley above Coryell Street
and half way to York until 1842, when it was made of
uniform width to Delevan Street.
Delevan Street was opened about 1832. At that
1
D
e
DiiU
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
283
time there was a thrifty orchard where that street is,
between the river road, or Main Street, and Gordon's
Alley.
Formerly the river road, above Delevan, had its
course a little east of its present location, there being
a turn in it eastward just above the old brewery, and
another westward, this side of the old Holcombe man-
sion. Where the road now runs just above the brew-
ery there was a small burying-ground for colored
people.
Below Swan's Creek, before 1849, there were no
streets laid out. Until the autumn of 1857, Delevan
Street was the farthest street north. At some time
during that autumn the lowlands belonging to John
Holcombe, lately deceased, the son of Richard and
grandson of the first Holcombe who settled here,
were sold, and several streets were soon thereafter laid
out and several dwellings erected. All the houses and
places of business which we now see above Delevan
Street have been built since the autumn of 1857.
In 1871, Mr. Eichard McDowell purchased the
tract east of Mount Hope Cemetery, opened several
streets and divided the tract into building-lots. This
has grown to be a very pleasant part of the town,
known as Cottage Hill, from every part of which a
fine view can be had of the surrounding country.
Before and during the period of the Eevolution
there was no road along the river below Coryell's
Ferry. There was a by-road leading to the foot of
Goat Hill and up to the farm-house near the summit.
Years afterwards a road was opened, down the river
across Swan's Creek near its mouth and immediately
along the river-bank, to a point at the distance of two
miles, whence its course became identical with that
of the present road. When the canal was excavated
the road was made an extension of Main Street from
the foot of Goat Hill, where it crossed the canal and
extended along its bank nearly in the course in which
the road had run before, but elevated more above the
level of the river, to the point before mentioned two
miles distant, whence, recrossing the canal, it became
identical with the road as it now is from that point
onward. The road as first designated was not, how-
ever, legally laid out from Bridge Street to the Prime
Hope Mills (then existing), near Wells' Falls, until
Dec. 19, 1827. When the Belvidere Delaware Kail-
road was built it compelled the vacating of the public
road on the bank of the canal, between the canal and
the river, and the making of it along the base of Goat
Hill.
Just at this point some mention of the public im-
provements which have done so much for Lambert-
ville may naturally be made.
The feeder of the Delaware and Raritan Canal was
commenced in 1831 and completed in the summer of
1834. The excursion in celebration of the canal was
made to Lambertville June 25th of the latter year,
and on the next day was the excursion to New Bruns-
wick.
The Belvidere Delaware Railroad was finished as
far as Lambertville in February, 1851. It was com-
pleted to Manunka Chunk in 1857. The building of
this railroad gave an impetus to business here, stimu-
lated manufacturing, and gave value to the water-
power in affording facility of communication to the
great cities. The machine-shops of the railroad were
located here, and until the lease of the property of
the United Railroads of New Jersey to the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad locomotives as well as passenger- and
freight-cars were constructed at these shops. Al-
though this branch of industry has been removed,
yet the needful repairs to cars and locomotives still
give employment to a large number of men.
There had been some manufacturing in the village
before the building of the railroad. The flouring-mill
now under the management of Holcombe & Niece
was built in 1835. A few years later the flouring- and
saw-mills now owned by Frederic F. Lear were built
by William Hall. About the same time a saw-mill
was erected by Burroughs Hunt. There had been a
small mill near Wells' Falls, on the New Jersey side
of the river, about the time of the Revolution, but
this was demolished to make way for mills which
were considered quite extensive in that day. The
latter, known as the Prime Hope Mills, were built
by Benjamin and David Parry, not far from the year
1790. The Messrs. Parry conducted an extensive
business at these mills and at their mills in New Hope.
They were among the first to send kiln-dried corn-
meal to the West Indies. When the Belvidere Dela-
ware Railroad was built the Prime Hope Mills had to
be demolished, and not a vestige of them remains
except a small part of the foundation walls.
Up to the time of building the railroad the village
was still much resorted to for lumber. After that
time, however, there was quite a marked change in
this respect. The lumber trade was much diminished.
To more than compensate for this, manufactures of
various kinds were much increased.
THE LAMBERTVILLE IKON-WOEKS,
which were first established here by Laver & Cowin
in the spring of 1849, are now in the possession of
Ashbel Welch, Jr. The principal business consists
in the making of patent axles, of the patent Eclipse
safety-boilers, and of steam-engines. The making of
axles, which is a new branch of business in this estab-
lishment, is steadily increasing.
INBIA-IIUBBEE MANUFACTURE.
The manufacture of India-rubber goods was com-
menced in 1860, but, not proving successful, the busi-
ness ceased for a time. The property having passed
into other hands, the business was begun again on
Jan. 18, 1865, but was carried on in a moderate way,
only 12 or 15 persons being at first employed. On
March 13, 1868, the main factory-building was de-
stroyed by fire. It was then decided to rebuild on a
larger scale and to add new and improved manufac-
284
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
turing facilities. Hitherto the manufacture had been
confined principally to the lighter class of work, but
on the completion of the repairs and improvements,
in October, 1868, the manufacture of a heavier class
of goods, such as belting, packing, etc., was begun.
Additions and, improvements have since been made
from time to time, requiring the emploj'ment of more
persons, until now there are 125 employed, and the
variet)' of work made is surpassed by only two or
three factories in the country. The boot department,
which was commenced in December, 1876, has greatly
enlarged the business of the company.
PAPER-MILLS.
The " Mountain Spring Mill," the first paper-mill in
Lambertville, was built by James C. Weeden. It
was commenced Dec. 4, 1859, and finished in the
summer of 1860. The business was very successfully
carried on by the firm of James C. Weeden & Co.
until the death of Mr. Weeden, in March, 1866. The
name of the firm, however, was continued, and the
business was conducted by the widow of Mr. Weeden
and her nephew, William H. Gandy, with the same
degree of success for several years. Aug. 16, 1878,
the firm was dissolved and the business, until July
31, 1879, was conducted in behalf of Mrs. Weeden by
Edward R. Solliday. Since that time it has been
managed for her by Cornelius Lake.
The " Perseverance Paper-Mill" was built by Wil-
liam McCready in the spring of 1868. The business
was conducted by him until July 1, 1870, when
an organization was formed with the title of the
Lambertville Paper Manufacturing Company,
under whose management the business has been con-
tinued ever since. The first ofiicers were William
Cowin, President; Joseph Smith, Secretary and
Treasurer ; William McCready, Superintendent. Mr.
Cowin subsequently resigned his office, and Griffith
L. Williams was elected in his stead. Since that
time there has been no change in the ofiicers of the
company.
The mill was much enlarged in the summer of 1879,
and again in the autumn of 1880. It has facilities
for steam- as well as for water-power. Its capacity
for production is 8000 pounds a day, and it gives
employment to 40 operatives. The products of its
manufacture are manilla and flour-sack paper, for
which the principal markets are New York and Phila-
delphia.
The " Centennial Paper-Mill" began operations
under the management of William H. Gandy & Co.,
July 4, 1876, but on November 1st of that year the
present firm McDowell & Son came into possession
of the mill. The firm is engaged in the almost exclu-
sive manufacture of manilla paper. About 30 opera-
tives are employed. The mill is capable of producing
more than 7000 pounds of paper daily.
In fact, all the paper-mills of Lambertville are
prospering under their several eflicient managers,
and we hope are destined, with the other vigorously-
conducted manufacturing establishments, to add to
the wealth and jarosperity of the town.
THE COTTON-MILL.
A meeting was held on Feb. 2, 1866, for the pur-
pose of considering the feasibility of organizing a
company for the manufacture of cotton thread, and it
was decided to form such an organization. Accord-
ingly, a charter for the " Amwell Mills Company"
was obtained on April 6, 1866. The first ofiicers were
William Cowin, President; Joseph J. Frazer, Secre-
tary ; Joshua Hilton, Superintendent.
Mr. Hilton resigned his ofiice March 9, 1868, when
Joseph J. Frazer was elected in his jilace, continuing
until December, 1873, when he resigned on his re-
moval to Massachusetts. Josejah Smith succeeded
Mr. Frazer in January, 1874.
Owing to the financial depression throughout the
country and the over-production of cotton goods, the
company met with but little success, but was reorgan-
ized Nov. 1, 1877, under the corporate title of " The
Amwell Spinning Company," and has since been
more prosperous ; it lately declared a dividend of six
per cent., clear of tax, on its net earnings during the
past year.
The officers of the new company are as follows :
Ashbel Welch, President; Joseph Smith, Treasurer
and Manager; Ashbel Welch, Jr., Secretary.
The cotton yarn whicli the company manufacture
is reputed to be of excellent quality.
THE SPROAT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
was organized Nov. 1, 1880. It manufactures twine
and rope from jute, flax, and hemp. The capacity of
the mill is 2000 pounds per day, and it gives employ-
ment to 42 persons. The officers of the company are
Ashbel Welch, President; Joseph Smith, Secretary
and Treasurer ; John Sproat, Superintendent.
In 1843, John Sproat (now deceased), the father of
the present superintendent, came to Lambertville and
leased of Jonathan Fisk a building which stood below
where the railroad-station now is and converted it
into a twine-factory, and with his brother Henry com-
menced business as the firm of J. & H. Sproat. In
1847 the factory was destroyed by fire. It was, how-
ever, rebuilt, and business was resumed.
In 1855 the firm sold out their interests to James
French, and the brothers Sproat removed to Lansing-
burg, N. Y., but in three years moved back again
and took possession of their former mill. In 1862,
John Sproat, Sr., removed into the substantial brick
building now owned by the Sproat Manufacturing
Company.
Upon the death of Mr. Sproat and the settling up
of his estate the mill lay idle for a considerable time,
but seems now to have commenced with most favor-
able auspices under the new management.
CITY OF LAMBEETVILLE.
285
TtJE LAMBERTVILLE SPOKE-MANUFACTUKING COMPANY
carries on an extensive business and sends its pro-
ducts to the most distant regions of the globe. Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, and California, as well as Great
Britain and some parts of the European continent,
furnish a market for its wares. The business has
within the last two years been greatly enlarged by
facilities for making wheels, a sufficient number being
manufactured every day to supply a hundred wagons.
The manufacture of spokes was commenced here
by Mr. William Thatcher, who built the mill, in
1868. He continued in the business for a short time
only. For several years Mr. John Finney has been
the leading member of the company, owning seven-
eighths of the stock.
In 1871, William G. Moore commenced the manu-
facturing of spokes, but his mill is now running only
a part of the time.
THE STEAM SAW-MILL
owned and managed by Cornelius Arnett was erected
in 1863. Large quantities of hard-wood, and occa-
sionally of pine, are sawed at this mill.
Mr. Arnett sends ship-timber to the ship-yards on
Staten Island and in New York City. He has also
sent ship-timber to Australia. He is now largely en-
gaged in preparing telegraphic supplies, such as pins
and brackets. These he has sent largely to the
Southern States, and once filled a large order for mili-
tary service on the vast plains beyond the borders of
civiliz ation.
BANKING AND INSURANCE.
THE LAMBEKTVILLE NATIONAL BANK
was originally chartered as a State bank under the
general banking law of New Jersey. Its charter was
obtained June 20, 1857. Its first board of directors
was chosen May 5, 1858, and consisted of the follow-
ing persons : Samuel D. Stryker, James D. Stryker,
Thomas B. Carr, Nelson V. Large, Jacob Skillman,
Charles A. Skillman, Ingham Coryell, John G. Read-
ing, Liscomb R. Titus, Charles Moore, and John C.
Hopewell. Samuel D. Stryker was chosen president
of the board, Charles A. Skillman secretary, and
Martin L. Reeve cashier. The first discount com-
mittee appointed were Samuel D. Stryker, Ingham
Coryell, and Charles A. Skillman.
Samuel D. Stryker continued to be president until
his death, in January, 1863, when his brother, James
D. Stryker, was chosen to succeed him, and has been
annually re-elected to the present time.
Martin L. Reeve served the bank faithfully as
cashier until hk death, June 11, 1871. William
Crook, who had served for a time as teller, was elec-
ted to fill the vacancy thus created, and continued to
act until January, 1874, when he resigned the office,
and the teller, Isaiah P. Smith, was elected in his
stead. Hampton C. Shafer was chosen in the place
of Mr. Smith, and continued to act as teller and as-
sistant cashier until his removal to Scranton, in
January, 1881. Frank Phillips was chosen to fill his
place.
The original capital of the bank was $50,000 ;
present capital, $100,000. It was chartered as a
national bank July 20, 1865.
Samuel D. Stryker, the first president, was one of
the most successful and sagacious business men Lam-
bertville has ever had. He came to this place in the
spring of 1826, and remained here until his death.
He was for many years treasurer, and then for a long
while president, of the Hunterdon County Bible
Society. He was seventy-two years of age at the time
of his death. He left a large estate and bequeathed
a sum of money for a public library, to become
available when a like sum, principal and accruing
interest, should be raised by the town of Lambertville
or by any association of its citizens. Such an assoiia-
tion, after a long delay, is about to be formed, to be
known as the "Stryker Library Association." The
money needed to meet the conditions has almost all
been raised.
AMWBLL NATIONAL BANK.
"The Lambertville Building and Loan Savings-
Bank was incorporated Feb. 11, 1875, and dissolved "
July 26, 1876. Its first officers were the following :
Samuel Lilly, M.D., President; William V. Cooley,
Cashier; Richard McDowell, William L. Hoppock,
John A. Anderson, Nelson V. Young, Henry C.
Hooker, George A. Allen, Ashbel Welch, John Gro-
man, William V. Cooley, Directors.
On the dissolution of this bank the Amwell Na-
tional was formed, with a capital of $60,000, which
continued to be the capital until Jan. 14, 1879, when
it was increased to $70,000. On July 28, 1876, the first
board of directors was elected, viz., Samuel Lilly,
M.D., William V. Cooley, Ashbel Welch, Richard Mc-
Dowell, Henry C. Hooker, William L. Hoppock, John
A. Anderson, Hugh B. Ely, William V. Case, Hiram
Scarborough, J. Patterson Smith. Samuel Lilly,
M.D., was chosen president, Ashbel Welch vice-
president, William V. Cooley cashier, and F. W.
Van Hart teller.
THE HUNTERDON COUNTY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COM-
PANY
was organized March 13, 1845, and the first meeting
was held at that date. John Coryell, Esq., was elected
president and Jacob Servis Gary secretary.
The officers of the company at the present time are
as follows : Dr. Jeremiah Hayhurst, President ; Joseph
Smith, Secretary; Charles A. Skillman, Treasurer;
Augustus C. Barber, General Agent.
GAS-LIGHT COMPANY.
The Lambertville Gas Company was chartered
April 21, 1856. The first officers chosen were the
following : John Runk, President ; Charles A. Skill-
man, Secretary; Samuel Lilly, M.D., Treasurer;
Samuel Lilly, M.D., Liscomb R. Titus, Ingham
286
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Coryell, Samuel H. Titus, Thomas B. Carr, Alexander j
H. Holcombe, Directors.
The gas-works were built under contract with Lis-
comb R. Titus. These have been much enlarged and
improved. For several years they were not remuner-
ative, but under the efficient management of Richard
McDowell they have become profitable. For the five
years beginning with 1870 and ending with 1874 the
gas stock yielded a dividend of ten per cent, per
annum, clear of tax, but since 1874 the dividend has
been seven i^er cent. The present capital is $30,000,
divided into 1500 shares at 120 a share. The present
officers are James D. Stryker, President ; William V.
Cooley, Treasurer ; Charles A. Skillman, Secretary ;
Richard McDowell, Superintendent; William V.
Cooley, William G. Moore, Richard McDowell, Henry
C. Hooker, Augustus C. Barber, Charles A. Skillman,
Directors.
LAMBERTVILLE WATER-POWER COMPANY.
The Lambertville Water-Power Company was or-
ganized Oct. 28, 1857, and purchased of the estate of
Dr. John Wilson, deceased, valuable lands and water-
rights along the feeder of the Delaware and Raritan
Canal, in the lower part of the town. Some of the
most valuable mills have since been constructed on
that water-power. Liscomb R. Titus, Imlah Moore,
Charles Moore, Ingham Coryell, and Augustus G.
Richey were elected the first board of directors. Lis-
comb R. Titus was chosen president, Imlah Moore
vice-president, and Charles Moore secretary and treas-
urer.
The following persons were chosen oflicers of the
company in February, 1880: James D. Stryker, Presi-
dent ; A. H. Holcombe, Secretary and Treasurer ;
James D. Stryker, A. 0. Gandy, Joseph Sproat, Henry
Matthews, Richard McDowell, Directors.
LAMBERTVILLE WATER COMPANY.
The Lambertville Water Comjoany was organized
July 21, 1877. The water-right of a pond on Swan's
Creek and two and eight-tenths acres were bought of
A. Smith Wilson. The reservoir contains, when full,
1,800,000 gallons of water. The daily ilow of the
creek into the reservoir has been carefully estimated
at 400,000 gallons daily for nine months of the year,
and 70,000 gallons daily for three months.
The water-shed from which the water is collected
is the " trap-dike" known as "Goat Hill," and has
an area of 1000 acres, and, from a low estimate of the
amount of rain-fall during the year that could be
made available by impounding all the water, it would
reach the enormous quantity of 326,700,000 gallons.
THE LAMBERTVILLE VIGILANT SOCIETY «
was organized Feb. 24, 1887. Jacob B. Smith, Esq.,
was made chairman, and William B. Ely secretary.
* We are indebted for the facta here given to Dr. J. Hayhurst, wlio,
as president, gave an historical address to the society at their annual
meeting in February, 1877.
Amos Ely, Ezekiel Blue, and William M. Case were
appointed a committee to draft a constitution.
Jacob B. Smith was elected the fiirst president of
the association, and continued to be re-elected every
year until his death, when Dr. Samuel Lilly was
elected president in his stead, and served in that
capacity until the annual meeting in 1857, when
Johnson Barber was chosen. Mr. Barber was suc-
ceeded, in 1860, by John H. Anderson, who held the
office for two years. James D. Stryker was the next
president. He was elected at the annual meeting in
1862, and held the office for six years, when the present
incumbent, Dr. J. Hayhurst, was chosen.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
We are not able to give the date at which the first
fire company was formed in Lambertville, but of the
first fire-engine many of the citizens have a distinct
recollection. It was a very small machine, rotary iu
its action and turned by a crank upon each side. It
was nicknamed the "cofiee-mill." This gave jjlace to
a heavy, lumbering machine named the " Globe,"
bought at second-hand from a Philadelphia com-
pany.
The fire company was then known as the " Union
Fire Company." It was suffered to decline in interest,
and became virtually defunct. This state of things
continued for some time, when the "Aquetong Fire
Company'' was formed, in 1863, and a new engine
purchased from the manufacturers at Cohoes, N. Y.
The new "Union Fire Company" was formed July
18, 1864. In September, 1869, a steamer was purchased,
and has proved to be a very effective engine.
The Fleet- Wing Hook-and-Ladder Company was
organized in 18G4 and incorporated in 1867. In 1868
its truck-house was built, and is creditable to the
company and ornamental to the town.
During the past year the Aquetong Company was
dissolved.
The Hibernia Fire Company was formed Jan.
13, 1870. The members purchased a hand-engine,
which has been of great service when occasion re-
quired.
The fire department of Lambertville, in its equip-
ments and management, will compare favorably with
that of any town of its size.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
MASONIC.
The first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons iu
this vicinity was established in New Hope, in the
house now occupied by William H. Murray. When
the brick hotel in New Hope was built, by William
Maris, a room iu it was fitted up for the use of the
lodge, and was occupied by them for a considerable
period. The Hon. William Wilson, Capt. John Lam-
bert, and Thomas Thomson, all of Lambertville and
vicinity, were members.
In June, 1847, Ancel St. John, William Wilson,
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
28T
Thomas Sterrett, John Runk, Thomas Thomson, Ed-
ward Badger, and McKenzie Hall petitioned the Most
Worthy Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable
Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State
of New Jersey for a dispensation to open a Masonic
lodge in Lambertville, N. J. The dispensation was
granted June 13, 1847, and "Amwell Lodge, No. 13,"
was instituted June 16, 1847, by the following grand
officers : John Merchant, M. W. Grand Master ; John
J. Crockett, R. W. Senior Grand Warden'; William
H. Earl, E. W. Junior Grand Warden ; Edward
Stewart, W. Senior Grand Deacon ; John Vanderbilt,
Tiler. The first officers of the lodge were Ancel
St. John,W. Master ; William Wilson, Senior Warden ;
Thomas Sterrett, Junior Warden ; McKenzie Hall,
Treas. ; Thomas Thomson, Sec. A charter was granted
to the lodge Jan. 12, 1848. Since its institution 233
have joined the lodge. The present number of mem-
bers is 96.
From "Amwell Lodge" went forth "Darcy Lodge,
No. 37," located at Flemington, N. J., and instituted
in 1853; "Orion Lodge, No. 56," located at French-
town, N. J., and instituted during 1860; "Orpheus
Lodge, No. 137," located at Stockton, and instituted
in 1873; and a portion of "Cyrus Lodge, No. 138,"
located at Pennington, N. J., and instituted Feb. 7,
1877
The " Wilson Chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons" in
Lambertville was instituted May 11, 1864. The first
members were William Wilson, John F. Schenck,
Frederic M. Slaughter, Jacob S. S. Pittenger, Charles
Schulhaus, Jacob Young, Gabriel H. Slater, Isaac S.
Cramer, William B. Brown, and John T. Sergeant.
Since the chapter was instituted 103 new members
have joined it. The present membership is 67.
The " St. Elmo Commandery of Knights Templar"
was instituted Oct. 4, 1878. The first officers were
Joseph H. Boozer, E. C. ; J. S. Eoberts, Gen. ; J.
Simpson Large, C. G. ; W. H. Everett, S. W. ; E. B.
Eeading, J. W. ; C. Schulhaus, Treas. ; W. H. Titus,
Recorder; John Lilly, J. S. Cramer, O. H. Sproull,
Trustees.
In the year 1877 the Masons built their present
hall. This spacious and tasteful edifice is an orna-
ment to the town.
ODD-rELLOWS.
About the year 1840 there existed in Lambertville
a secret society called the " Forlorn Hope." The
principal officers were Hiram Blake and Louis Pax-
son ; the members, Amasa Ely, William B. Ely,
Thomas L. Southard, Jonathan Fisk, Thomas B.
Carr, besides others whose names we have not ob-
tained. From this association originated the society
of the order of Odd-Fellows, and on Jan. 19, 1843,
Lenni Lenape Lodge, No. 15, I. 0. O. F., of New
Jersey, was instituted. The first officers were Daniel
Skinner, Thomas B. Carr, Martin Coryell, Joseph B.
Gray, and Samuel Lilly. Meetings have been held
regularly every Tuesday evening for 38 years. Six
lodges have had their origin in this lodge. In May,
1879, the lodge commenced rebuilding their hall, and
now have a stately and commodious edifice, an orna-
ment to the town and a specimen of thorough as well
as tasteful workmanship.
UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS.
The first council of United American Mechanics
instituted in Lambertville was the "Star Council.''
The date of its institution is not known, as the books
and charters of the council were given to the State
Council after its dissolution.
The next formed in Lambertville was " Union
Council," which was organized Jan. 4, 1848, and con-
tinued in operation under a dispensation from the
State Council till May 31st of the same year, when it
ceased to exist.
On Aug. 23, 1858, the persons who had previously
composed the membership of Union Council organ-
ized themselves into a tribe of Eed Men known as
"Tuscarora Tribe, No. 11, Improved Order of Eed
Men, which continued in operation until some time "
during the year 1863, when, in consequence of the
war reducing their membership, they returned their
charter to the Great Council of the State of New
Jersey, and the tribe was disbanded. After a lapse
of a little over five years the council was reinstituted,
Dec. 28, 1868, since which time it has continued in
operation, and is now flourishing.
"Vigilant Council of United American Me-
chanics, now in operation, was organized Dec. 30, "
1870
OTHEK SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS.
Eed Jacket Tribe of Improved Order of Eed Men
was instituted Nov. 17, 1873.
Lone Star Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias,
was organized Dec. 22, 1868, with nine charter mem-
bers, viz., Theodore Abbott, James Gordon, Ashbel
W. Angel, Charles H. W. Van Sciver, Thomas Fla-
herty, Augustus C. Barber, J. Gaddis, Amos Johnson,
and Charles W. Crook.
The " Major C. A. Angel Post, No. 20, Grand Army
of the Eepublic," has the following-named officers,
who were installed Nov. 20, 1878 : Post Commander,
C. H. W. Van Sciver; Senior Vice-Commander,
Ashbel W. Angel ; Junior Vice-Commander, George
W. P. Fisher ; Officer of the Day, Charles A. Slack ;
Quartermaster, Frank E. Pierson ; Chaplain, Harry
S. Kroesen ; Surgeon, John J. Green ; Adjutant, Ben-
jamin H. Joiner ; Officer of the Guard, H. A. Conover ;
Quartermaster-Sergeant, Asa L. Miller; Sergeant-
Major, William H. Moon ; Inside Guard, Henry L.
Van Horn; Outside Guard, Joseph Taylor; Ord-
nance-Sergeant, G. L. Akers.
The Emerald Beneficial Association was organ-
ized June 8, 1878. Thomas J. Murphy was chosen
president, John Hurley secretary, and Martin Drudy
treasurer.
288
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The present officers are John F. McEntee, Presi-
dent ; John E. Kilroy, Secretary ; John Purtell,
Treasurer.
PATRIOTISM DURING THE CIVIL WAR.
The contribution of Lambertville for the support
of the national government in the late war of the Re-
bellion in men and supplies, as shown by the rosters
of the companies sent forth and by the amounts
raised by the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society, deserves
honorable mention.
For a list of the three months' men, Co. E, Capt.
Angel, and Co. I, Capt. Huselton, of the Third
Regiment, as well as of other soldiers enlisted for
the three years' service, see Chapter X., d. seq., in
the " General History of Hunterdon and Somerset
Counties," at the beginning of this work.
In this historical sketch of Lambertville it is due
to the patriotism of its citizens, especially to that of
the ladies, that some account should be given of what
was accomplished in supplying the wants of our sick
and wounded soldiers in the late war of the Rebel-
lion. In this respect Lambertville bears favorable
comparison with any place of its size in the land.
LADIES' SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.*
" On Sunday, Oct. 6, 1861, a call was read in the different churches of
the place for a meeting ' to consider the subject of supplying clothing
and reading-matter to the troops now in the field for the defense of the
government.' "
This meeting was held on Monday evening, October
7th, in the Presbyterian church. The clergymen and
a large number of the people of the different churches
were present. Samuel D. Stryker, Esq., presided.
After brief appeals by the clergymen and others, an
eloquent address was made by the Rev. J. L. Jane-
way, of Flemington, who spoke by special invitation.
" A letter from Bovernor Olden was read by the Hon. John Bunk, fol-
lowed by some remarks from Mr. Bunk urging the citizens to raise funds
to procure rubber blankets for the soldiers, and a committee was ap-
pointed for the purpose.
By a vote of the hidies, it was determined to hold a meeting on Thurs- "
day, the 10th, to form an aid society. This meeting was accordingly held,
and largely attended. The ladies were favored with the presence and
advice of Mrs. Samuel D. Ingham, who had been engaged in working for
the soldiers for some time in the city of Trenton.
" A society was then formed, and some of the ofBcers were chosen. At
subsequent meetings the organization was perfected and a constitution
adopted. It was determined to hold weekly meetings for work during
the war.
The following were the otBcers of the association, chosen at its or- "
ganization, viz. : President, Mrs. J. A. Anderson; Vice-President, Mrs.
Jane N. Van Horn ; Secretary, Miss Mary M. Welch ; Treasurer, Mrs.
D. P. Paxson, with a board of eight managers, composed of the follow-
ing persons, viz. : Mrs. A. A. Kneass, Mrs. John Eunk, Mrs. M. L.
Beeve, Mrs. Alexander Ooryell, Mrs. Sidney BlacUwell, Mrs. William
WetheriU, Mrs. Ingham Coryell, and Mrs. William Jauney.
" During the second year Mrs. Paxson resigned the position of treas-
urer, and Mrs. A. A. Kneass was chosen to fill the office. The vice-pres-
ident, Mrs. Jane Van Horn, died in June, 1864. At a subsequent election
Mrs. William WetheriU was chosen in Mrs. Van Horn's place, the presi-
dent, secretary, and treasurer were re-elected, and Mrs. J. A. Anderson
was elected corresponding secretary. "
* Taken almost verbatim from the Third Annual Report, Oct. 10, 18G4,
of the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society.
Our brief space will not allow us to enter into par-
ticulars, but in justice to the society, which accom-
plished so much good and reflected so much credit on
our town, it may be permitted us to mention that at
the close of the third year of the war $3658.76 had
been raised, and 297 boxes and barrels of stores for
the sick and wounded had been sent to the front.
The report of the society for the last year of the war
the writer has not had access to.
Through the instrumentality of the ladies, also,
funds were secured for the erection of
THE SOLDIEES' MONUMENT.
On one face of this monument are engraved the
names of the officers from Lambertville who were
killed or died from wounds or disease in the service
of their country, viz. :
Lieut. C. Augustus Angel, Lieut. William Eagan, Lieut. George C. Jus-
tice, Capt. Charles L. Kneass, Adjt, Josiah S. Studdiford, Lieut.-Com-
mander H. M. Blue, Lieut. C. W. Arnett.
On the other side of the monument the names of
non-commissioned officers and privates :
Adam Mann, John Mann, Charles Mann, Alexander H. Naylor, John
O'Daniell, Jr., Anderson Pidcock, Patrick Pursel, George W. Phillipa,
Patrick Began, Michael Reagiu, Hiram Rooks, Augustus Bisler,
Joseph B. Snook, Richard Sibbett, Jr., George W. Taylor, Hugh S.
Taylor, Palmer Thorn, Israel Trauger, William H. Tracy, Elias Van
Camp, William B. Phillips, William B. Cook.
FROM DELAWABE TOWNSHIP.
William H. Keth, George F. Williams, Eviu J. Green, Eichard G. Everitt,
Edward Naylor.
On another side of the monument the following
names of non-commissioned officers and privates :
Samuel Ashbrook, Albert Black, Abram Black, Charles Brandt, George P.
Brewer, James Bell, Isaac Cathrall, William Chidester, John Craig,
Patrick Dever, John Ely, William Fisher, Lorenzo D. Gibson, James
Gibson, Jacob W. Gaiis, John Gutchol, Wilson Horn, Elias Kramer,
John Mahan, Gottlieb Mueller.
MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY.
A meeting of the citizens of Lambertville for the
purpose of considering the question of forming a
cemetery association was held July 25, 1847. An or-
ganization was effected, and on Feb. 17, 1848, an act
of incorporation was obtained, under the title of " The
Mount Hope Cemetery Association of Lambertville."
The corporators were Ancel St. John, Louis S.
Paxson, John H. Wakefield, Jacob S. Gary, John H.
Anderson, and Amasa Ely.
At a meeting held May 29, 1849, of which John H.
Wakefield was chairman and Thomas Chattle secre-
tary, the following were elected a board of managers :
John H. Anderson, Thomas Chattle, John H. Wake-
field, Samuel Lilly, M.D., and Ashbel Welch. Samuel
Lilly, M.D., was made president, Thomas Chattle
secretary, and John H. Wakefield treasurer.
The first interment in the cemetery was in Decem-
ber, 1849.
THE HOLCOMBE RIVERVIEW CEMETERY.
This was incorporated in September, 1878. The first
meeting for the purpose of effecting an organization
c
ty
u
CITY" OF LAMBERTVILLE.
289
was held Aug. 28, 1878. The following persons were
chosen managers, viz., William Dean, Stacy B. Bray,
Jacob S. S. Dean, John C. Holcombe, John V. C.
Barber, George W. Day, and Jonas Mertz.
The first interment made was in September, 1878.
The number of lots sold to January, 1881, was three
hundred and twenty-five.
INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE.
The village of Lambertville was incorporated as a
borough March 1, 1849. The first mayor was Sam-
uel Lilly, M.D.
Supplements were made to the charter Feb. 19,
1851, Feb. 26, 1855, March 29, 1858, and March 15,
1859
"An act to revise and amend the charter of the
Town of Lambertville was passed by the Legislature, "
and approved by the Governor April 13, 1868. In
the following year, March 31st, a supplement to the
revised charter was approved, and on March 26, 1872,
the borough of Lambertville became a city, a legisla-
tive enactment to that eflFect having been approved
by the Governor on that day. Joseph H. Boozer was
mayor when the city charter was obtained, Richard
McDowell being the first elected under that charter.
The city was divided into three wards by this new act
of incorporation.
The population of Lambertville, according to the
census of 1880, was 4183.
The ratio of the growth of Lambertville during the
decade ending with 1880 was much less than that of
the two decades immediately preceding. This was
owing partly to the effect of the lease of the Belvi-
dere Delaware Railroad to the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, which occasioned the removal of all the
work in the construction of locomotives and passenger-
and freight-cars, and partly to the financial depres-
sion. There are, however, brighter prospects now;
and should the Delaware be utilized for manufactur-
ing purposes, as it certainly will be in time, there is
no reason why the valley of the Delaware should not
be as thriving in manufacturing enterprises as the
valley of the Connecticut. When that desideratum
shall be attained, considering its already- assured po-
sition, Lambertville must share largely in the general
prosperity.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ASHBEL WELCH.
Ashbel Welch was born in Madison Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 4, 1809. His father was originally a farmer,
living near Windham, Conn., on land occupied by his
ancestors of the same name since about 1680. He is
the seventh in descent from each of the following
original settlers of New England : Governor William
Bradford, of Plymouth, and Alice Carpenter, his
second wife ; Thomas Richards, of Weymouth, and
Welthean his wife ; Rev. Peter Hobart, first minister
of Hingham, Mass. ; William Manning, of Cambridge ;
and Isaac Stearns, of Watertown.
When Mr. Welch was about six or seven years of
age, the family removed from Madison County to the
neighborhood of Utica, where, some years later, he at-
tended the school of Abraham Kasson. One of his
schoolmates there was Horatio Seymour, and one of
the younger scholars was Ward Hunt. He afterwards
studied mathematics and natural philosophy at the
Albany Academy, under Professor Henry, late of the
Smithsonian Institution. In his eighteenth year he
left school (though he never discontinued his studies)
and commenced his professional career, that of a
civil engineer, under his brother, Sylvester Welch,
on the Lehigh Canal. Among his associates in that
hard-working corps were W. Milnor Roberts, Solo-
mon W. Roberts, and Edward Miller, all of whom
afterwards became eminent civil engineers. In 1830
he entered the service of the Delaware and Raritan
Canal Company, under Canvass White, one of the
ablest and most original of American engineers.
Since then he has been a citizen of New Jersey, and
since 1832 a resident of Lambertville.
In 1836, Mr. Welch took charge of the works of the
Delaware and Raritan Canal Company, and retained
that charge for many years, in the mean time con-
structing several other works, among which was the
Belvidere Delaware Railroad, commenced in 1850
and finished in 1854. On the 20th of December, 1852,
the stockholders of the canal company suddenly de-
termined to double the capacity of their locks and
canal. Mr. Welch organized his staflF, drew his plans
and specifications, procured his materials, employed
and officered a force of four thousand men, and fin-
ished the work in three months, and all within his
estimate. One of the items of work was twenty
thousand cubic yards of cement masonry, laid in the
dead of winter and kept from freezing by housing and
artificial heat.
From 1862 to 1867, as vice-president of the Camden
and Amboy Railroad Company, he was the executive
officer of the " Joint Companies," whose works ex-
tended across New Jersey. At the beginning of
1867, he, with Hon. Hamilton Fish and others, eff'ected
the consolidation of the New Jersey Railroad Com-
pany with the "Joint Companies," thus bringing the
whole system of railroads and canals between New
York and Philadelphia into one interest and under
one management. He was appointed general presi-
dent of the Associated Companies, Hon. Hamilton
Fish being vice-president, and Hon. Joseph P. Brad-
ley secretary. This position he held until Dec. 1,
1871, when the Pennsylvania Railroad Company took
possess.ion of the works under their lease. His policy
was to improve the works connecting the two great
cities of the Union in such a manner as to remove all
ground of complaint and all fear of competition.
2,90
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Those associated companies are now merged into
" The United New Jersey Eailroad and Canal Com-
pany. He is still president of the Belvidere Dela- "
â– svare and some smaller railroad companies, all oper-
rated hy lessees.
One special object Mr. Welch had in view in try-
ing to effect the consolidation of the "Joint Com-
panies" and the New Jersey Eailroad and Transpor-
tation Company was to reach, over the New Jersey
Railroad, a good terminus for the whole system on the
harbor of New York. Having secured the assent of
his associates in this direction, he purchased seventy
.acres at Harrison's Cove, on the west bank of the
Hudson, opposite the business heart of the city of
New York, and elaborated a plan by which the
greatest amount possible of water-front should be ob-
tained on it by means of short ship-canals running
partly through it. The object was to bring railroads,
ships, store-houses, ferries, and carts all together, so
as to reduce the cost of moving and handling to the
least possible amount. A recapitulation of his views
is contained in his printed report to the board of
directors of June 18, 1868. To get control of this
terminus was one of the principal objects of the Penn-
.sylvania Eailroad Company in leasing the works of
the United Companies.
Mr. Welch conducted tlie negotiation for the lease
with the Pennsylvania Eailroad Company, and suc-
ceeded in securing provisions, believed to be new in
such leases, making the stock of the United Com-
panies very much more valuable than it otherwise
would have been. One item was that each stock-
holder should receive his ten per cent., notwithstand-
ing any new agreement the directors might make or
that the majority of the stockholders might agree to.
Believing from the first that the act under which
the lease was effected was insufficient (which was
afterwards so decided by the court of last resort), Mr.
Welch drew up, and the Legislature passed, an act
validating the lease as it was.
Mr. Welch is not merely an administrator, but es-
pecially an originator. In 1863 he originated and
put in operation a system of safety signals on the line
between New Brunswick and Philadelphia, extended
in 1867 from New Brunswick to Jersey City, and in
1872 over the Pennsylvania Eailroad from Philadel-
pihia to Pittsburgh, which has entirely prevented the
most dangerous class of accidents, previously so fre-
quent and so fatal. It is sometimes confounded with
the English " block system," from which, however,
it differs essentially, and from which Mr. Welch re-
ceived no hint, not knowing of its existence at the
time he invented his system, which he called "the
American safety system." The system was described
in a report made by him to the National Eailroad
Convention held in New York in 1866. In 1866 he
adopted a plan of a steel rail more economical and
forming better connections than those previously in
use, the principles of which are stated at length in
his " Eeport on Rails" made to the American Society
of Civil Engineers at its annual convention in 1874.
These principles have since been extensively recog-
nized and adopted.
Mr. Welch's efforts have not been confined exclu-
sively to his profession. From 1840 to 1845 he was
associated with Capt. Eobert F. Stockton in the oper-
ations which resulted in building the war-steamer
Princeton, the first propeller-ship ever constructed
in America, and in the introduction of cannon of
extraordinary size, since followed by Eodman and
others.
In 1843 the College of New Jersey, at Princeton,
conferred upon him the honorary degree of A.M.
He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church
since 1832, and an elder since 1844, and has several
times been a member of the General Asseinbly of that
church. He was an occasional contributor to the
Princeton Review while it was an organ of the Pres-
byterian Church in America, his chief articles being
The Anointment of Jesus by Mary of Bethany,
The Perpetuity of the Sabbath, and "God's Sev-
enth Day of Eest." In the article on "The Perpe-
tuity of the Sabbath" he takes the position probably
never suggested before that many Hebrew local
laws were declaratory of the moral law, just as many
English statute laws are declaratory of the common
law. For more than a quarter of a century he was
sujierintendent of the Sabbath-school, and he now
conducts the Congregational Bible-class in the Rev.
Dr. Studdiford's church. For many years he has
been a most diligent student of the sacred Scriptures.
Thoroughly orthodox in his belief, he is also inde-
pendent and original in his Bible investigations,
taking nothing at second hand, but seeking to find
for himself the meaning of the inspired text. Few
laymen have given as much attention as he to the
study of the Bible, and not many of the clergy are
better versed in the principles of its interpretation.
In politics Mr. Welch is not tied to either party
organization, but has decided opinions, one of which
has long been in favor of civil service reform, which
he considers essential to the salvation of the republic.
He was married in 1834 to Mary H. Seabrook, who
died in 1874, leaving five children, the eldest of whom
is the widow of Mr. William Cowin, of Lambertville,
and the youngest daughter was the wife of Rev. E.
Eandall Hoes, of Mount Holly, and now of New Eo-
chelle, N. Y. She died April 7, 1879. His eldest
son, Ashbel Welch, Jr., operates the Lambertville
Iron-Works.
Mr. Welch is loved and honored by a large circle
of friends, among whom, as well as in the world at
large, his influence has ever been potent for good.
Cautious and conservative, yet kind and conciliatory,
he eminently " follows after the things which make
for peace." Earnest and independent in his search
for truth, wise in counsel, public-spirited as a citizen,
liberal as a benefactor, firm and conscientious in the
;*A *>
/ -4
F. 'ti\ ;; TUIlJ'j'D'3P";"Ifl©. IDKJDi.
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
291
maiatenance of right, true and faithful in all the re-
lations of life, he combines in himself qualities which
make him one of the most valuable members of
society.
DR. P. 0. STUDDIFORD.
Peter Ogilvie Studdiford, D.D., was born in Bridge-
water township, Somerset Co., N. J., near the present
village of Brauchville, on the South Branch of the
Raritan, on the 11th of January, 1799. His father,
the Eev. Peter Studdiford, was for forty years the
venerated and beloved pastor of the Keformed Prot-
estant Dutch Church of Eeadington, N. J. His
mother, whose maiden name was Phoebe Vanderveer,
was a daughter of James Vanderveer, an extensive
landholder of Bedminster, Somerset Co.
Dr. Studdiford early manifested an unquenchable
thirst for learning. When only nine years old he
was placed under the care of the celebrated teacher
the Rev. Robert Finley, D.D., at the Classical Acad-
emy in Basking Ridge. There he studied with great
assiduity and laid the foundation of his fine classical
attainments. 'He subsequently went to the academy
at Somerville, then under the care of Cullen Morris,
Esq.
" Having completed his preparation, he entered
Queen's (now Rutgers) College, at New Brunswick,
and in the summer of 1816 graduated at that institu-
tion with the highest honors of his class.
After leaving college he was occupied for about "
three years in teaching first in Bedminster, and
afterwards in Somerville with great acceptance, al-
though many of his pupils in both places were older
than hiinself.
" On the 8th of July, 1819, he entered the theolog-
ical seminary of the Presbyterian Church at Prince-
ton, where he remained prosecuting his studies for the
ministry until the 29th of September, 1821. On the
27th day of April in the same year, at a meeting of
the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in Trenton, he was
licensed to preach the gospel, together with nine of
his fellow-students. "
He preached during the spring vacation in the em-
ploy of the General Assembly's Board of Missions at
Bristol and Tullytown, in Pennsylvania.
On Wednesday, the 28th of November, 1821, in the
Presbyterian church at Trenton, he was ordained as
an evangelist by the Presbytery of New Brunswick,
at the same time with the Rev. Charles Hodge, D.D.,
and the Rev. William J. Armstrong, D.D., and on
the following Sabbath, the 2d day of December, 1821,
he commenced his labors at Lambertville, having
agreed to preach at that place and at the church in
Solebury, Pa., alternately for a year.
In the month of September, 1822, on the applica-
tion of seven persons, the " Church of Georgetown
and Lambertville" was organized.
Dr. Studdiford continued to supply this church
and that of Solebury until the month of June,
1825, when he was formally installed pastor of these
churches. Early in 1848 his pastoral relation with
the Solebury Church was dissolved, and from that
time until his death he remained pastor exclusively
of the church in Lambertville.
He married Eleanor W. Simpson, daughter of Judge
John N. Simpson, of New Brunswick, N. J.
Eight children were the fruit of this marriage, â–
seven sons and one daughter. The daughter and
two sons died in early childhood.
His sixth son, Josiah Simpson Studdiford, after
graduating with honor from the College of New
Jersey and almost finishing his preparation for the
profession of law, entered the service of his country
when the war of the Rebellion broke out, as adjutant
of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment, and was killed
in a gallant bayonet-charge at Crampton Pass, South
Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862.
In the year 1821 the College of New Jersey con-
ferred on the subject of this biographical sketch the
honorary degree of Master of Arts, and in 1844 the
honorary degree of Doctor in Divinity.
In the year 1826, on the death of his father, he was
called to the pastorate of the Reformed Dutch Church
of Readington, to which his father had so long min-
istered. But this call, as well as very eligible calls to
several other churches during his ministry, he was
constrained by a sense of duty to decline.
On the 5th of June, 1866, he departed this life while
on a visit to his brother-in-law in the city of Balti-
more.
Dr. Studdiford was an able theologian, a finished
classical scholar, a ripe Hebraist, a master of varied
learning, a most instructive preacher. One of the
most modest and unselfish of men, he labored with
untiring zeal in the work of the ministry, looking for
no other reward than the approbation of his Divine
Master.
At his funeral Dr. Charles Hodge, who had been
a schoolmate of his at Somerville, bore this decided
testimony : " What he was as a boy he was as a man.
The impression he made on his schoolfellows was
the impression he has left on this community after his
forty-five years of pastoral service among them. In-
tellectual superiority, distinguished scholarship, and
goodness in the most comprehensive sense of that
word were his characteristics in school, and have been
his characteristics through life. He was a good stu-
dent, a good and obedient pupil, good in his moral
character, good to all around him. Although I knew
him longer, perhaps, than any one in this large audi-
ence, you knew him better, for he lived among you
and lived for you. It is, however, a satisfaction to
his old friends to bear their testimony to his varied
excellence. We all esteemed him as an eminently
wise, judicious, learned, and able theologian. In the
course of fifty-five years I never heard him speak evil
of any man, and I never heard any man speak evil of
292
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
him. In tlie discharge of liis pastoral duties he was,
as you well know, instructive, faithful, and laborious.
In the judicatories and boards of our church he was
uniformly kind and courteous, and his opinions were
always received with the greatest deference. Very
few men have lived a more honorable and useful life,
and very few have been more lamented in death."
In the autobiography of the Rev. Dr: Hodge, pub-
lished in his "Memoirs," is the following passage:
" The only one of my schoolmates at Somerville with
whom I was associated in after-life was the Rev. Peter
O. Studdiford. During his whole ministerial life he
was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Lambert-
ville, N. J. That church rose under his care from a
mere handful to being one of the largest in the Synod.
Dr. Studdiford was distinguished for learning, wis-
dom, and goodness in the most comprehensive sense
of that word. "
MARTIN CORYELL.
Martin Coryell was born July 20, 1815, at New
Hope, Bucks Co., Pa. His father, Lewis S. Coryell,
was the great-grandson of Immanuel Coryell, who was
an early settler in the section ^^â– hich has become
famous as the place of Washington's crossing of the
Delaware in the time of the Revolution. Coryell's
Ferry, embracing both sides of the river, was settled
by branches of the Coryell family, many of whose
descendants are still living, and among whom the
subject of this sketch is prominent.
Lewis C. Coryell, father of Martin, was born in
Round Valley, Hunterdon Co., and spent most of his
life on the west side of the Delaware River, in Bucks
Co., Pa., opposite Lambertville, where he died, Jan.
28, 1865, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. He
was an active business man, taking a prominent part
in the improvements of his day, and promoting by his
energy and means their accomplishment. He was
intrusted with many important offices : was commis-
sioner for the improvement of the Delaware River
above tide-water, superintendent of the mechanical
work on the Delaware Divisfon Canal, and director
in several railroad, coal, and other companies.
Martin Coryell was educated in the schools of his
native town and at the select school of Dr. Peter 0.
Studdiford, at Lambertville. For two years he was a
pupil (in his fourteenth and fifteenth years) of the
then eminent mathematician and astronomer, John
Gummere, in Burlington; but failing health com-
pelled him to relinquish his studies and to learn
the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a year
with results beneficial to his health, but his ener-
gies were directed into other channels. While at
work upon the " State dam" in the Delaware River at
Wells' Falls, Canvass White, an engineer of emi-
nence selected to construct the Delaware and Raritan
Canal, came upon the work to examine and consult
with those in charge of the dam upon the feasibility
of extending that work across the river and making
it a feeder for the Delaware and Raritan Canal. In
making a close examination of the river, Mr. Coryell
was selected to manage the boat in the somewhat
dangerous rapids. Mr. White was so well pleased
with this service that he requested Col. Simpson Tor-
bert to employ him to establish and determine high-
and low-water marks along the river; and, later, he
was given a position as rod-man on the Delaware and
Raritan Canal.
While at home on a visit in the winter of 1839-40,
a freshet occurred which seriously damaged the Dela-
ware Division Canal. He was called upon to exam-
ine into the extent of the damage and to estimate the
cost and time necessary to restore navigation. This
service was satisfactorily performed, and Mr. Coryell
was retained in the State employ as a principal as-
sistant on the Delaware Division Canal until the year
1842, when he took charge of the Morris Canal as
engineer, under John Cryder, representing the Eng-
lish bondholders. This proved a troublesome and,
pecuniarily, a disastrous affair, and, with the mone-
tary derangements which followed and the cessation
of work on public improvements, Mr. Coryell turned
his energies into other channels. He soon after, at
the suggestion of Judge Fox, turned his attention to
the law, especially land and water cases, and his name
was enrolled as a law-student in the office of B. H.
Brewster, of Philadelphia, a fellow-student of Sena-
tor Don Cameron ; but, on account of injury to his
eyes, the result of night-reading, he sought other
employment.
In 1844 he was employed by the canal commission-
ers of Pennsylvania on the Columbia Railroad. His
duties were to inaugurate and popularize the use of
steam as a motive-power on the West Chester Rail-
road (then operated as a horse-power railroad), which
he successfully achieved in spite of much local oppo-
sition. He was then made superintendent of the
Schuylkill level of the Columbia road, extending
from Philadelphia to the Plane, an important and
difficult position in those days of combined railroad
and canal transportation.
During the next few years he officiated as engineer
in various parts of the country : he surveyed the un-
derground workings of the Hazleton Coal Company's
mines ; was engineer and manager of the Lake Supe-
rior Copper Company, and was one of the early pioneers
in that mining region. In 1847 he returned to New
Jersey, and was employed to construct a coal-wharf
at Bergen Point, and soon after entered the employ of
the Raritan Canal Company, under Ashbel Welch,
Esq., under whose superintendence Mr. Coryell lo-
cated the greater part of the Belvidere Railroad, and
prepared and put down the superstructure from Tren-
ton to Lambertville. In 1853 he was engineer-in-
chief of the Brunswick Canal, and during the next
six or seven years he was engaged in like capacity
upon the railroads and canals of Pennsylvania and
C^yZ-'^^^c-^i^^L^
â– ""â– a :,y s.^,KJi^/ SiirC7>J",
'MoM?GMIEAB"iro
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
293
New Jersey, particularly developing the coal region
of Hazleton and what is now the Lehigh Valley
Railroad.
In 1862 he removed to the Wyoming Valley, set-
tling at Wilkesbarre, where he pursued his profession
of civil and mining engineer. He was, in 1864, upon
the organization of the Warrior Eun Mining Com-
pany, made director, secretary, treasurer, and mana-
ger. The colliery was placed on a business basis
and then leased, when Mr. Coryell's connection as
manager ceased.
His professional duties have taken him to all parts
of the land, and rendered him familiar with the vari-
ous coal-fields and mining regions of Pennsylvania,
Michigan, Virginia, Kentucky, etc. He spent one
season at Cape Breton, examining the coal property
of Robert Belloni at Cow Bay.
Mr. Coryell removed to Lambertville, N. J., in
1876, designing to make it the place of his permanent
residence. He is a director in the Amwell National
Bank of Lambertville. To him is largely due the
successful establishment of the city water-works, of
which he still owns a controlling interest.
In June, 1842, he married Myra A. Coryell, who
was born at Lambertville in 1820.
WILLIAM McCREADY.
William and Sarah McCready, grandparents of
William McCready, the one a native of Scotland,
and the other of Ireland, came to this country im-
mediately after their marriage and settled in the city
of New York, where they reared a family, consisting
of three sons and three daughters. One of the sons,
Thomas, married Catharine McKinley, of New York,
and had three children, William, John, and Thomas.
William, the subject of our sketch, was the eldest of
the family, and was bom in the city of New York,
July 19, 1817. His lot in life was destined to be a
checkered one, and to furnish a striking example of
perseverance and energy under peculiar difficulties.
When about thirteen years of age he was thrown
upon his own resources, and from that time until he
was twenty-one he was engaged in Philadelphia and in
Montgomery Co., Pa., in learning the trade of a hat-
ter, serving an apprenticeship of eight years. At the
close of this period, in 1838, he established himself as
a hatter at New Hope, and in 1839 bought out an op-
position establishment in Lambertville, N. J., and con-
ducted both shops. The business proved successful, and
he soon added thereto a milling interest, and subse-
quently went into the hardware trade, including the
handling of coal and iron, continuing in these pur-
suits till 1861, when he sold out at the beginning of
the Rebellion.
Mr. McCready, however, was not long out of busi-
ness at this time. He built a flax-mill and a hay-
packing establishment, and followed these by the
erection of a paper-mill and then commenced his
career as a manufacturer of paper. In all these un-
dertakings he encountered a series of disasters truly
discouraging to a less resolute and determined nature.
Some secret enemy seemed to be bent on the destruc-
tion of his business, and employed the " fire fiend"
to execute his work of revenge. His hatting estab-
lishment was first burned down ; then, when he had
gotten his hay-presses and his flax-mill in successful
operation, these were also destroyed by fire ; he then
built and equipped his first paper-mill, which was like-
wise burned. He was thus obliged to contend against
an unseen and unknown enemy. When his hatting and
hay business were burned he had no insurance ; in the
flax and paper business the insurance was small. But
his energy and determination never faltered, though
each fire seemed like a crushing blow to his hopes
and prospects of success.
He built a new paper-mill on a much larger scale
in 1867, to which he gave the .very appropriate name
of " Perseverance Mill." This mill is now well
known to the paper trade throughout the country. It
stands on the bank of the Delaware and Raritan
Canal at Lambertville, and has been for more than a
decade gradually growing up to the proportions which
Mr. McCready designs it finally to attain, as he has
been able to appropriate means for additions and im-
provements. Although nominally belonging to the
Lambertville Paper-Manufacturing Company, it is as
much under the control and management of Mr.
McCready as if it were absolutely his property, the
company having been formed to relieve him from
financial embarrassment, and to enable him to pay off
his creditors and redeem the property under his own
able and skillful management.
In justice to Mr. McCready, a brief history of this
arrangement should be given. In consequence of
various disasters, involving a loss of business and
heavy expense in building, etc., he became embar-
rassed in 1869, and offered to turn over to his creditors
every dollar of his property as security, so far as it
would go. They having the utmost confidence in
his integrity as a business man, refused to see him
sacrificed, and formed a company under the name
of the Lambertville Paper-Manufacturing Company,
allowing him to go on, at the same time paying in-
terest to the company, till his debts should be paid
up. He entered into this arrangement with the
company, first for five years ; but at the expiration of
that time, although he had made the business profit-
able, the property was not redeemed. Feeling con-
scious of his ability to carry the matter through
successfully, Mr. McCready offered the company good
inducements to extend the time five years longer;
and while he has put the business upon such a foot-
ing as to be able to redeem it at any moment, he has
thought it advisable, with the consent of the com-
pany, who deem themselves fully secured, to expend
a portion of the profits of the business in the enlarge
294
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ment of the mill and the increase of facilities for
manufacturing. This he has been constantly doing,
and is at the present time erecting a large stone and
brick addition to the main building. The capacity of
the mill at the present time is from three to four tons
of manilla and flour-sack paper per day, with a ready
market in New York and Philadelphia.
This meagre outline exhibits somewhat the energy,
integrity, and business capacity of Mr. McCready.
It shows, at least, the drift of his life and some of the
obstacles he has overcome by that earnest, practical,
and persistent genius peculiar to the Scotch-Irish.
He is energetic, persevering, honest, and truthful,
exact in all matters, and an excellent business man.
In politics he has generally acted with the Demo-
cratic party, and has taken a deep interest in local
affairs. He was elected mayor of the city of Lam-
bertville in 18.53, and was afterwards re-elected with-
out opposition for four consecutive terms.
He has been twice married, and has raised a large
family of children, eight of whom are living. He
first married Elizabeth Thompson, Dec. 3, 1840 ; his
second wife, whom he married Sept. 8, 1863, was
Olivia, daughter of Pierson A. Beading. His two
oldest sons are in extensive and successful business as
paper merchants in Philadelphia.
ALEXANDER HENRY HOLCOMBE.
Alexander Henry Holcombe is of English descent
by his paternal ancestors, and on the maternal side
of Holland extraction. His first American ancestor,
John Holcombe, came from England to Philadelphia
soon after the arrival of William Penn, and, after
spending a short time at Abington, Pa., came and
located a large tract of land, a portion of which is
now covered by the upper part of the city of Lam-
bertville. Mr. Holcombe was a Quaker or Friend.
He married, in 1707, Miss Elizabeth Woolrich, who
was also a member of the Society of Friends. They
had sons Samuel and Eichard and several daugh-
ters. Samuel was the great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch. Of his nine children, Richard, the grand-
father of our subject, was the sixth in the order of
birth ; he married Hannah Emley in 1776, by whom
he had six children, three sons and three daughters.
Emley Holcombe, the eldest son of Richard and
Hannah (Emley) Holcombe, was born in Amwell
township, near Lambertville, Sept. 21, 1777. He was
brought up to the mercantile business, beginning his
career as clerk in a store at Mount Airy, whence, after
he had attained his majority, he came to Lambert-
ville, where he was clerk for several years, until he
married and purchased his home. He pursued the
mercantile business till near the close of his life, and
was also commissioner of deeds for a number of years.
He was brigade inspector, with the rank of major, in
1812 ; took an active part in the formation of the First
Presbyterian Church of Lambertville, was president
of the building committee and of the board of trus-
tees, and was senior elder at the organization, Sept.
24, 1822, having previously been an elder in the
Solebury Church, Bucks Co., Pa.
Major Emley Holcombe married. May 12, 1808,
Mary, eldest daughter of John and Mary (Veghte)
Skillman ; the latter was the widow of Garret Stryker,
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mary
Skillman was born Dec. 20, 1779. The children of
Emley and Mary (Skillman) Holcombe were William,
Ellen Ann, John Emley, Theodore, Charles Ogden,
Isaac Skillman, Mary, and the subject of this sketch,
Maj. Emley Holcombe died July 11, 1846, at the age
of nearly sixty-nine years.
A. H. Holcombe, the youngest of the family, was
born in Lambertville, June 1, 1821. He was brought
up to the mercantile business, part of the timeas junior
partner in the firm of E. Holcombe & Son, and after-
wards that of Titus & Holcombe, until he commenced
studying law with John H. Wakefield, Esq., a promi-
nent member of the Hunterdon County bar, who re-
moved to Boston. Mr. Holcombe finished his legal
studies with Col. Peter I. Clark, of Flemington, and
was admitted to the bar in June, 1853. His education,,
besides that received at the common schools, has been
of a practical business character, self-acquired, and, in
the main, the result of his great love of books and his-
fondness for reading and study. After being admitted
to the bar, he commenced practice immediately at
Lambertville, where he has continued in the profes-
sion ever since. He was duly admitted to the degree
of counselor after the first three years of practice,,
and in the progress of his profession has endeavored
to keep abreast of the times.
Previous to the war of 1861, he was commissioned
by Governor Newell judge-advocate of the Hunterdon
brigade, and held that position after the war broke
out, when, as a member of the brigade board, he as-
sisted in enrolling the militia of the county. During
the war he was commissioned by Adjt.-Gen. Stockton
to raise a company of volunteers. Under an act of
the Legislature passed in 1876 he was appointed by
Governor Bedle one of his aides, ranking as colonel.
Mr. Holcombe has been since early life a member
of the First Presbyterian Church of Lambertville,
and has been active in all its interests, especially in
the choir and Sunday-school.
He was married April 11, 1867, to Malvina Kay,,
daughter of the late William G. Mentz, Esq., of Phil-
adelphia. They have had six children, of whom five
are living ; their first-born died in infancy.
The fine residence of Mr. Holcombe a cut of which
appears on another page was built by him in 1870,
and first occupied by his family in the fall of 1871.
In politics he has never taken a very active part,
though he has been identified with the Democratic
party. He was clerk of the Common Council at the
breaking out of the war, and has held other civil
offices.
/^^^^-t.^c^L^^^-^^^V^
Rev. George H. Larison, M.D., is of Danish descent. His
ancestor John Larison, in the war ijetween the king and nobles
of 1665, had his property confiscated, and, leaving the country,
went to the seashore disj^uised as a peasant, whence he escaped
to Scotland, and soon after came to America. landing on Long
Island, where he purch:ised a large tract of land upon which
he settled. He had six sons ; two were killed by the Indians,
and four survived, whose names were Roger, James, William,
and John. Roger went to Pennsylvania, and nothing was
afterwards heard of him ; James settled on Stony Brook, Hope-
well township, now in Mercer Co., N, J., where he bought an
estate of two hundred and fifty acres of land, now owned by
Ralph Ege, and reared a family of six sons ; he died there in
1792, and was buried on his farm. His six sons were John,
Andrew, Roger, William, Elijah, and David; and his daughters,
Acbsa, Rachel, and Catharine. William, who owned an original
tract of laijd in Mercer County, died there about the close of the
last century. John lived in the same neighborhood in Mercer
County, where he died at an advanced age, leaving seven sons.
Andrew, the second son of James Larison, was the great-
grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He married a Severn?,
and had sons, George, Andrew, James, and Benjamin, An-
drew being the grandfather of Dr. G. H. Larison. He was
born May 17, 1776, and married Mary, daughter of John Wil-
son, born Oct. 15, 1778; they had sons John, Andrew, and
Benjamin and daughters, Sarah and Lavina. Andrew Lari-
son, Sr., died July 26, 1861 j his wife, Mary, died Sept. 24, 1S56.
Benjamin, the father of Dr. Larison, married Hannah Ann Hol-
combe, daughter of Capt. George Holcombe, and had nine chil-
dren, of whom the doctor is the eldest. His brothers were Cor-
nelius W., M.D., of Ringos; the late Rev. Andrew B. Larison,
M.D., of Ringos; and John D. Larison, present proprietor of
the original homestead.
George Holcombe Larison was born in Delaware township,
Hunterdon Co., Jan. 4, 1831, and was brought up on his father's
farm, attending in boyhood the common schools of his district.
He subsequently engaged for a time in teaching. In 1853 he
entered the University of Lewisburg, Pa., from which he sub-
sequently received the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
Having resolved to adopt the profession of medicine, he com-
menced his studies with Hon. Samuel Lilly, M.D., as preceptor,
and attended lectures at the Medical Department of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated, in 1858, with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately entered
upon the practice of his profession at Dolington, Bucks Co., Pa.,
and the following year removed to Lambertville, N. J., where
he has since resided, and has attained an extensive and profitable
practice.
He is a member of the District Medical Society of Hunterdon
County, and was for seven years its secretary. He is also a
member of the State Medical Society, and was elected its third
vice-president in 1872; and presided over the one hundred and
ninth annual meeting, held at Atlantic City, May 25, 1875, when
he delivered the annual address. Previous to his being elected
president of this body he had held the positions of first, second,
and third vice-president. While holding the latter office he
wrote an essay on "Diseases Prevalent in the Valley of the
Delaware," which was well received, and published with the
transactions of the society. During the prevalence of the small-
po.x in Lambertville, in 1863-64, he attended ninety-nine cases
and only lost four. He subsequently prepared a paper on
Small-pox and its Treatment, for the medical society in
1864, which was well received by the profession, and filed
among the important papers of the society. His practice is a
general one, but he makes a specialty of obstetrics, and has so
far attended over one thousand cases successfully j he has also
achieved great success in surgical cases.
Dr. Larison has on three or four occasions been a delegate to
the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and at one of its sessions in
Carlisle delivered an address before that body. He was one of
the first vice-presidents of the American Academy of Medicine,
founded in 1876, and was elected to the same office in 1878 and
1879
He was for seven years a member of the city council of Lam-
bertville, and has held all the grades in the New Jersey State
militia from second lieutenant to brigadier-general, excepting
that of lieutenant-colonel. He is surgeon on the staff of Col.
Angel's well-known regiment the Seventh Regiment New
Jersey National Guard.
In educational matters Dr. Larison has taken a prominent
part. He was elected town superintendent of schools in 1862,
and has filled that position both under the town and city or-
ganization to the present time, being continuously re-elected
on the Democratic ticket, although parties have had a variety
of changes during these years ; the schools have been prosper-
ous under his management. He has also at times devoted his
leisure hours to the preparation of pupils for college and for
the medical profession.
During his attendance at the University of Lewisburg he
became a member of the Baptist Church, and he is now a regu-
larly ordained minister of that denomination. Until quite re-
cently he was pastor of a church, chiefly of his own gathering,
at Solcbury, on the opposite side of the Delaware, in Bucks Co.,
Pa., to whom he ministered every Sunday morning and evening
for seven years. Under his ministry this church received ad-
ditions numbering about one hundred members. Dr. Larison
has been connected with the Reading Association of Baptist
Churches. At the organization of that body, at Reading, Pa.,
he preached the opening sermon, and was chosen moderator of
the meeting.
He married, in 1859, Sarah Q., daughter of Caleb F. Fisher,
of Ringos, N. J,
/?2^^^^2.:^^^l<l,-..^^
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
295
RICHARD McDowell.
Richard McDowell was born near Dublin, Ireland,
Jan. 8, 1824. He is a son of Robert and Mary (Toft)
McDowell, the former died in Ireland when the sub-
ject of this sketch was about five years old ; the latter
came with him to this country in 1832, and died in
Lambertville, N. J., April 14, 1879. Richard was
brought up at Crescentville, near Philadelphia, till
seventeen years of age, at which time he went to
Bridesburg, Pa., to learn the trade of a machinist.
He spent an apprenticeship there of four years, and
one year as a journeyman, and was married there,
June 24, 1845, to Elizabeth B., daughter of John and
Mary Jones, of Bridesburg, Pa., formerly of Wales.
He next spent two years as a machinist in Hazelton,
Pa., when he removed to Trenton, N. J., and re-
mained about four years in the employ of Van Cleve
& McKain, in the machine business. On Jan. 1,
1856, he moved to Lambertville and took a place in
the shops of the Belvidere Delaware Railroad Com-
pany, under N. S. Congdon, master-mechanic. At the
death of Mr. Congdon, Sept. 25, 1862, Mr. McDowell
was appointed master-mechanic in his place. This
appointment was made at the instigation of Ashbel
"Welch, then president of the Belvidere Delaware Rail-
road Company, and has been held by Mr. McDowell
ever since.
Besides the regular business of his occupation, he
has been active and very successful in outside en-
terprises,- as, for instance, in the purchase of a con-
trolling interest in the Lambertville Gas Works, in
1868, and in the Cottage Hill addition to Lambertville,
in 1871, out of which he has realized handsome
returns. In 1873 he built a fine residence on Cottage
Hill, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, which is
considered one of the finest in Hunterdon County.
In 1867 he built and fitted up the Centennial Paper-
Mill at Lambertville, in charge of which he placed
his son, who has carried on the business successfully
ever since. He assisted in organizing the Amwell
National Bank of Lambertville, of which he is at
present one of the directors.
He has five children living, three sons and two
daughters. John W., the eldest son, is a member of
the firm of McDowell & Son, paper manufacturers
of Lambertville; the other two sons are attending
school, and the daughters reside at home.
Mr. McDowell has been till within a few years a
Whig and a Republican in politics ; but in the cam-
paign for Mr. Tilden, in 1876, he became a Democrat,
and has since acted with that party. He has been
elected a number of times to the City Council, and
was chosen the first mayor of Lambertville upon the
adoption of the city charter, in 1872.
20, 1820. The house in which he first saw the light
stood on a spot now occupied by the bed of the Penn-
sylvania Canal. The town of his birth, like the
house, has disappeared, so that, unlike most people,.
Mr. Arnett would find it difficult to point out its
exact location. His father, Jacob, died while Cor-
nelius was yet an infant. The only other child a
brother died in his youth. Jacob Arnett's widow
survived her husband about twenty years, dying ins
1842, in Bucks County, not far from Smithtown.
ji^C-^^^C?^
CORNELIUS ARNETT.
Cornelius Arnett, one of Lambertville's best-known
citizens, was born in Smithtown, Bucks Co., Pa., July
Young Cornelius began life, therefore, under aus-
pices that promised to develop his vigorous energies.
His mother was poor, and he was early taught to-
exercise the spirit of self-reliance. At the age of
seven he was a strong, rugged lad, and, as a beginning
of a career marked since that period by industrious
perseverance and self-help, he was put out"" to one "
Mr. Delp, a Bucks County farmer, for whom he
labored diligently during the space of five years.
After that he worked two years for a farmer named
Daniel Bevighouse, and then for four years drove a
tow-horse on the Pennsylvania Canal. At the age of
eighteen that is to say, in 1838 he made his home-
in Lambertville, for the purpose of learning the trade
of shoemaking with his uncle, Thomas Ent, with
whom he remained one year.
In 1839 he engaged in the shoemaking business at--
Lambertville on his own account. Sept. 2, 1840, he
married Rebecca, daughter of Joseph Reasoner, of
Hunterdon County, and in a little while gave up his.
296
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
shoemaking business to take control of the brick-
making enterprise previously conducted at Lambert-
Yille by his wife's father. Shortly after, however, he
resumed shoe-manufacturing, and carried that on, as
well as the brick business, until 1864, when he aban-
doned the shoe trade permanently. Still his time was
fully occupied, as, in 1855, he added to his interests
that of building contractor, and was largely engaged
in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc. In
18(33 he erected the capacious saw-mill which he still
carries on in connection with his building and brick-
manufacturing industries. In these various enter-
prises he employs upwards of sixty people, and
contributes largely to the manufacturing prosperity
â– of Lambertville.
Mr. Arnett has thus, since his seventh j'ear, been
the architect of his own fortune, and that his history
is the record of a busy life is apparent at a glance.
He has been too busy to give any time to jaolitics,
even had his inclinations pointed that way. During
three terms he has acted as a valued member of the
Lambertville Common Council, but for public office
he has no taste. He is quite content to be an humble
citizen, faithful in the performance of his manifold
business duties. To use his own language, " he was
born and cradled a Democrat," but the issues of the
war set him firmly upon the rock of Republicanism,
and there he has ever since unfalteringly stood. For
upwards of thirty years he has been a leading mem-
ber of I. 0. O. F. ; for more than forty years a staunch
and unflinching advocate and worker for the cause of
temperance, and nearly that length of time a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His children have
numbered nine, Charles W., who was born July 26,
1841, entered the war of the Rebellion, was wounded
at the battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, and, being
conveyed home, died there Nov. 11, 1862 ; Anna E.
was born Sept. 6, 184.3, and died June 8, 1870 ; Vic-
toria was born March 9, 1846, and is now Mrs. J. J.
Lair, of Lambertville; Emeline, born Aug. 12, 1848,
is Mrs. P. K. Hazen, of Lambertville ; George W.,
born Feb. 19, 1851, lives in Lambertville; Franklin
P., born Oct. 7, 1853, died June 11, 1856 ; Mary H.,
born July i, 1856, is now Mrs. C. H. Wilmot, of Lam-
bertville ; Clara V. and Edward B. McClellan, born,
respectively, Oct. 11, 1858, and Oct. 18, 1862, are
living with their parents.
JAMES C. WE EDEN.
James C. AVeeden was born in Kent, England, on the
15th of September, 1815; he died at Lambertville,
N. J., March 25, 1866, aged fifty years six months
and ten days. While in England Mr. AVeeden had
followed various occupations : he was first a mason,
and then engaged in butchering, which he carried
on till he removed to Manchester and established
himself in the wholesale stationery and paper-stock
trade, which he conducted up to the time of his emi-
gration to America. He married, in Brighton, Eng-
land, Ann Bage, who was born in Surrey, about fifty
miles from London, and who still survives and resides
at Lambertville.
In 1851, Mr. Weeden came with his wife to this
country, landing in Philadelphia. He came from
there to New Hope, opposite Lambertville, where, in
May following, â– he took charge of the Ingham or
Great Spring Paper-Mill. He had full control of the
mill from that time forward, and made the enterprise
of manufacturing paper there very profitable. In
1860 he commenced building a much larger mill at
Lambertville, called the Mountain Spring Mill, the
first ground for which was broken on the 4th of
December.
The difficulties in carrying out such an enterprise
at the beginning of the war, when everything was in
a state of uncertainty, were very great. But Mr.
Weeden persevered in the face of all these discour-
agements, and his efforts were finally crowned with
success. The price of paper advanced during the war,
and he made money. He continued in successful
business till the time of his death, and left a com-
petence to his widow during her lifetime.
Mr. and Mrs. Weeden had no children of their
own, but brought up a nephew, William H. Gaudy,
now of Lambertville. In 1865, Mr. AVeeden gave
him an interest in the business, and he carried it on
as superintendent after his uncle's death till August,
1878, under the firm-name of J. C. AA^eeden & Co., as
it had before been. Since 1878 Mrs. AA''eeden has
had full control of the busiiiess, and has carried it on
herself. For the last twenty-five years they have
manufactured Mann's patent parchment copying-
paper and tissue manillas.
Jlr. AV^eeden was very much respected in Lambert-
ville, and his death was felt to be a great loss to the
community. During his residence here he had shown
himself ready to aid every good work. To the poor
and the suffering he was a liberal benefactor. To the
cause of Christian beneficence he contributed regu-
larly and largely. He took an active interest in
Christian missions and in the Bible cause. As a
citizen, he was public-spirited and patriotic; as a
neighbor, ever ready to oblige ; and as a Christian,
humble and affectionate. He had made a public
profes.sion of religion quite early in England, and was
received as a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Lambertville in 1855.
He was a Republican, and did much to aid the
friends of the Union during the Rebellion, working
on local committees, contributing funds, and acting
as treasurer of the Union League of Lambertville.
He was also active in promoting every measure for
the benefit of the city in which he lived ; among
other things, he was instrumental in organizing the
Aquitong Fire Company, of which he was vice-presi-
dent at the time of his decease. That company, at a
meeting held March 26, 1866, testified their apprecia-
^:^^€.^^
CITY OF LAMBERTVILLE.
297
tion of his character, and their deep sorrow occa-
sioned by his death, in a series of resolutions, which
we quote, as follows :
"Whereas God in his all-wise and mysterious
providence has called us to mourn the loss of our
most estimable and valued member, taken from us in
the midst of life, and at a period of ripened manhood,
thereby warning us that life in all its most cheering
prospects is uncertain, therefore
Resolved, That with hearts filled with deep sorrow "
we have heard the announcement of the death of
James C. Weeden, a useful member and an honored
vice-president of this company.
" Resolved, That iu the death of our beloved brother
we are called upon to mourn the loss of one whose
active usefiilness and kindness had greatly endeared
him to us and to the community, and whose memory
will long be cherished by those who knew him.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the "
family of the deceased in their sore bereavement,
humbly trusting that He who ' tempers the wind to
the shorn lamb' will fold His love and protection
around them and speak consolation to their stricken
hearts.
" Resolved, That, as a testimonial of respect for the
memory of the deceased, our engine-house and appa-
ratus be draped in mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That our company will, as a body, at- "
tend the funeral of the deceased, and that the other
fire-companies be invited to unite with us on that
occasion.
" Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be pre-
sented to the family of the deceased by the secretary,
and also be published in the Lambertville Beacon.
Jambs M. Eobinson, "
" William Dean,
Jos. Smith, "
Committee.
The Union League, at a meeting held March 28,
1866, passed a series of similar resolutions, in which
they testify to the excellence of Mr. Weeden's char-
acter, and express their sense of bereavement at his
death.
JOHN SPEOAT.
"SPKOAT,
iMPOnTER OP
Patent Linen Shoe Thread, Sewing Thread, Gelting Twine, Booltbind-
erB', Saddlers', and Druggists' Thread and Twine of every
description, Fine Linen Yarns, Sic,
No. 37 Strawberry Street,
Philadelphia. "
In 1843, Mr. Sproat came to Lambertville, N. J.,
and leased of Jonathan Fisk a building which stood
below where the depot now stands, converted it into
a factory, and, with his brother Henry, started the
manufacturing of the various articles enumerated
in his card, under the firm-name of J. & H. Sproat.
In 1844 this firm introduced the first foreign machin-
ery for manufacturing these goods. English laws
had previously prohibited machines from going out of
John Sproat was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland,
England, May 19, 1810. He died at Lambertville,
N. J., April 16, 1878, in the sixty-eighth year of his
age. His wife, Elizabeth Denwood, was a native of
the same town in England. They emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1840, in the spring of which year Mr. Sproat went
from Philadelphia to New Hope, Pa., for the purpose
of taking charge of the flax-mills situated there. Sat-
isfactory arrangements not being made, he returned
to Philadelphia, where he continued the business in
which he was at that time engaged, which the follow-
ing card will explain :
20
^\^
that country, although certain parts of machines had
been smuggled into this country with other goods.
About this time, however, a law was passed which per-
mitted their importation, and, as above stated, J. &
H. Sproat received the first lot of machinery from
England. In 1847, when they had completed their
factory and everything was in running order, the build-
ing, with its entire contents, was consumed by fire.
There being no insurance, it was a total loss. How-
ever by the encouragement of certain liberal citizens,
they were induced to rebuild. John Sproat, Sr., went
to England to order new machinery, which was sent
over and in one year the business was again resumed.
In 1 855 they sold out their interest to James French
and removed to Lansingburg, N. Y. After about three
298
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
years, however, they returned to Lambertville. Mr.
French, meantime, had removed his machinery to
Newark, and they re-entered the old factory and re-
commenced business. In those days flax was raised
in abundance in this section of country.
In 1862, John Sproat, St., moved into the substan-
tial brick building situated on the water-power in the
lower part of the city. This building was stocked
with the most approved machinery that could be
obtained from foreign countries. In 1869 he admit-
ted into the firm Joseph and John Sproat, Jr., two of
his sons, who were experienced workmen, and the
firm was changed to John Sproat & Sons. Their
business continued to increase. In 1871 a wing was
added to the main building. The mill is run by
water, for which purpose two Jonvill turbine-wheels,
fifty horse-power each, are used. When the mill is
running at full force, about one hundred hands are
employed.
Before the death of the founder of this large and
successful business, the trade of John Sproat & Sons
extended all over the United States, and when it is
stated that this trade was held and increased without
the aid of a single traveling salesman, some idea may
be formed of the reputation of the house and the
quality of the goods. The machinery for the mill was
mostly obtained in England, Ireland, and Scotland,
and, on business connected with its purchase and other
matters, Mr. Sproat crossed the ocean twenty-four
times. During his long business career he steadily
pushed on his work with unabating efforts, and the
many misfortunes encountered on the way only in-
creased his energy, so that he lived to witness the
great success of his life-work. The mills of James
French of Newark, the Valley Falls Twine-Manu-
facturing Company of New York, the firm of Finley
& Schlicter, and the Cable Flax-Mills of Troy, N. Y.,
are among the offsprings of the Sproat Mills of Lam-
bertville, N. J. Joseph and John Sproat, Jr., are
the successors of John Sproat & Sons.
Mr. Sproat was a public-spirited and liberal citizen,
taking an active interest in the improvement of Lam-
bertville. He built quite a number of houses in the
place, and aided many poor men to provide them-
selves with homes by selling them lands and giving
them a chance to pay for them on easy terms.
TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES OF HUNTERDON CO.
R A R I T A N;
INCLUDING FLEMINGTON, THE COUNTY-SEAT.
SITUAIION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, Etc.
This, one of the east townships of Huntwdon
County, is, owing to its rhombic shape, almost cen-
tral, its extreme northern and western points reach-
ing far into the towns adjoining it on the north and
west.
It is bounded on the north by the townships of
Clinton and Readington; on the east by Hillsbor-
ough, in Somerset, and East Amwell, in Hunterdon ;
on the south by East Amwell and Delaware ; and on
the west by Franklin township. It is about 5 miles
wide and 8 long, although the distance between its
northern and southern angles is fully 11 miles. Its
area is 36.78 square miles, or 23,539 acres. It is at
Earitan Ib an Indian name, the signiflcation of wliich is "forked
the present time (1880) divided into 376 farms and
contains a population of 4190, independent of Flem-
ington, or an aggregate of 5944, it being the most
populous township in the county.
The township of Raritan comprises only a little
more than one-fourth of the old Amwell township,
which (embracing the territory of th« present town-
ships of Raritan, Delaware, and East and West Am-
well) was purchased of the Indians in 1703.
Raritan was formed from Amwell in 1838, since
which date its boundaries have been unchanged.
(F;or a particular description of the lines which sep-
arate her from her sister townships, see Sec. 1 of the
act of the Sixty-second General Assembly of the State
of New Jersey. t)
t Quad vide, in history of this township, under head '
tion."
Civil Organiza-
RARITAN.
299
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The northern portion of this township is somewhat
hilly ; the southern, level or gently undulating.
The South Branch of the Earitan, a noble mill-
stream, flows in a southwest direction from the
north to the east side of the township, where it
crosses the Somerset line. The next stream in size
and importance is the Neshanic River, which, with
its branches, waters the central and southern portions
of the township, and flows mainly in a southeasterly
direction. The head-waters of the Wickesheo, or
several small brooks which empty into that stream
near the Delaware line, drain its western borders.
Half a dozen creeks between the Franklin township
line and the Bushkill flow in a nearly easterly direc-
tion and empty into the South Branch of the Earitan.
With all these water-courses, some of which afford
good water privileges, the township is well irrigated.
There are no very considerable elevations in the
township, those most noticeable being Mullen Hill
and Mount Carmel, the slopes of which are gentle
rather than abrupt, and mark on either hand beauti-
ful and fertile valleys, the pride of the husbandmen
of Earitan, which will, in the future as in the past,
yield their treasures for the enrichment of her sons
and daughters.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Adam Bellis and his young wife came as Dutch
emigrants about the year 1740, ^possibly earlier,
and settled near the confluence of the three head-
branches of the Neshanic, about two miles south of
Flemington. There he built a log hut, in the forest,
on land purchased of Mr. Stevenson, a tract of 210
acres,* which was the eastern portion of the 1400-
acre tract of John Stevenson, and a part of the 2100-
acre tract of William Stevenson. Indian wigwams
stood near the Bellis cabin, and for many years sub-
sequent to Adam's settlement there the friendly In-
dians remained in the neighborhood. They used
frequently to cut ash saplings on his land to make
their bows. It is related that on one such occasion,
feeling the importance of his ownership, he re-
monstrated with them for so doing, when Nashaway
mournfully replied, " All my land before white man
come !" In the pioneer hut William Bellis was born.
He was the grandfather of William Bellis, who now
lives on a part of the premises. Adam subsequently
built a new house, still known as the old Bellis home-
stead. Of the five sons of Adam Bellis two only re-
mained in Earitan township, namely, William, who
died on the homestead in 1826, and John, who lived
on a part of the place.
Adam (1) had a brother William, who early settled
where Gideon Quick now lives ; but he afterwards
* The parchnieDt deed from " Jo^ Stevenson" to " Adam Bellows,"
dated June 1, 1743, for 210 acres, is now in possession of Wm, M. Bellis.
It is evident Mr. Bellis was located several years on his land before lie
got a deed for it.
sold out and left the neighborhood. The Bellis fam-
ily has grown to be quite numerous, being well rep-
resented in different portions of the county ; many
of its members are prominent citizens, and have filled
various public offices.
A genealogical view of the Bellis family, from
Adam (1) Bellis, down through the line of his eldest
son, William, is as follows :
1. William (1), born Dec. 18, 1740; married Mary
Housel, daughter of Martin Housel, of Amwell ; died
Feb. 27, 1826.
2. Peter, born July 30, 1743 ; subsequently moved to
Kentucky, where he died.
3. Catharine, born in 1746; never married, and
died on the homestead.
4. John, born in 1750 ; married Nellie Williamson,
of Larison's Corner. Two of her sisters married John
Housel and Eichard Williamson. Mrs. John Bellis
died at Eingos. Her husband was a soldier in the
Eevolution, and died near Flemington, July 11,
1838
5. Adam (2), born in 1753, married Mary Eocka-
feller, sister of Jacob Eockafeller. Adam died near
Cherryville, in what is now Franklin township.
6. Andrew, born July 17, 1757, married Elizabeth
Servis, of Amwell. He subsequently moved to Hope-
well.
7. Charity, born April 15, 1760; never married,
but lived to an advanced age, and died on the old
home-farm.
The children of William (1) and Mary (Housel)
Bellis :
1. Adam (3), born Jan. 19, 1774; never married,
and died young.
2. Eleanor (Lena), born Sept. 29, 1775; married
Eev. John Jacob Wack, of German Valley, who
preached in the old Dutch church, but subsequently
removed to New York State.
3. William (2), born Dec. 15, 1776; married Mar-
garet Young, daughter of Peter Young. William
died on the old homestead. Of his descendants, John
Young Bellis is now living below Eeaville.
4. David, born Oct. 12, 1778; married Eleanor
Schenck, daughter of Eoelif (Eafe) Schenck. He
died in 1872. John William Bellis, a son of David,
now lives on the old Eoelif Schenck farm, and David
S., another son, lives near Copper Hill.
5. John (2), born May 26, 1781 ; married, first,
Margaret Cool; second, Sarah Lisk. The children
by the last marriage: 1. Margaret, married Christo-
pher Werts; 2. David (2), married a daughter of
Abram Werts, and, after her decease, Anna, a daughter
of William Chamberlin; 3. John (3), married, first,
a daughter of Paul Cool Dilts, and later a lady from
New York. John (2) lived near Clover Hill.
6. Mathias, born April 24, 1783 ; married Eliza-
beth Sutphin, daughter of " Eafe" Sutphin ; died
June 4, 1826. Elizabeth, his wife, died Oct. 20, 1847.
Of their children, two only are (1880) living, viz..
300
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
William M., located in this township, in the house
built by his father, on a portion of the old homestead
farm, which Mathias purchased of his father, Wil-
liam ; and Hannah, the wife (now widow) of Abram
Prall, now residing in East Amwell. Charity died
Aug. 5, 1832 ; Hiram, Aug. 14, 1836.
Other early settlers were the Rockafellers, whose
farm was where Gershom Sergeant now lives ; the
Williamsons, whose old homestead was near the old
Dutch church at Larison's ; and the Sutphins, who
emigrated from the Millstone valley of Somerset
County in an early day and located in Earitan (then
Amwell) where Andrew Blackwell now lives.
John Williamson, the emigrant ancestor of the
Williamson family, came to New Amsterdam (New
York) in 1661, on the ship "St. Jean Baptist," John
Tunison also coming on the same vessel.
The ancestor of the Sutphins (or Zutvens) was
Dirck Janse, from Zutven, or Sutven, in the Nether-
lands, who emigrated in 1651, and settled at Flatbush,
L. I., whence he removed about 1680 to New Utrecht,
where he probably died, his will being proved in
1707 and recorded in the surrogate's office in the city
of New York. His sons, Jacob, Jan, Dirck (2), and
Guisbert, settled in Monmouth and Somerset Counties
as early as 1716, some of the descendants removing a
little later into Hunterdon County. One of these
was Jacob Sutphin, who settled in Amwell (now
Earitan) township, about a mile north of Larison's
Corner. He purchased several lots of land, one of
which was located on the Neshanic, below Reaville,
a tract of about 200 acres, now in possession of Eobert
Cain. Mr. Sutphin at the time of his death owned
about 220 acres. Nov. 12, 1741, he married Maritje,
eldest daughter of Roelif Schenok. He died in 1804.
He had two sons Eoelif (1) and John and three or
four daughters.
Eoelif (1) Sutphin was born in 1744; died in 1811.
He married Johannah, daughter of James Stout, of
Amwell, and had children: 1. Jacob, born 1773, died
1794; never married. 2. James Stout, born 1778,
died 1868, aged ninety; married Charity Hortman.
3. John, born 1780, died 1794. 4. Abram R., born
1782, deceased; married Mary Lowe, daughter of
Eichard, of Somerset County. 5. Mary, born 1769
deceased ; married Jacob Sutphin. 6. Jemima, born
1771, deceased ; married Peter Young. 7. Johanna,
born 1775, deceased; married Arthur Schenck. 8.
Elizabeth, born 1784, deceased; married Mathias
Bellis.
The children of James S. and Charity (Hortman)
Sutphin: 1. Jacob, born 1797, died 1828; married
Sarah, daughter of Abram Prall; 2. Ealph, born
1802 (living in Amwell) ; married Eachel, daughter
of John H. Bellis; 3. John J., born 1811; died 1875;
married Mary, daughter of Elijah Wilson ; 4. James|
born 1819 (living in Minnesota) ; married Catharine^
daughter of John Bodine ; 5. Catharine, born 1798,
died 1868; married Peter, son of Abram Prall; 6.
Hannah, born 1804, died 1852; married Leonard K.,
son of John Bellis ; 7. Mary, born 1807 (living in
Amwell); married William, son of Lewis Chamber-
lin ; 8. Elizabeth, born 1813 (living in Delaware
township); married James, son of Elijah Wilson; 9.
Eachel Ann, born 1815 (living in Amwell) ; married
Charles, son of Capt. John Wilson.
The children of Ralph Sutphin and Rachel Bellis
are Sarah K., born in 1831, married L. S. Blackwell,
Sept. 17, 1868, and resides in East Amwell; Jacob S.,
born in 1840, and married Alida, daughter of Caleb
F. Fisher, Dec. 9, 1873; Annie R., born in 1848,
married Dr. Farley Fisher, son of Caleb F. Fisher,
Dec. 28, 1870, and resides in Middlebush, Somerset
Co., N. J.
The Atkinsons and Bonnells were early settlers.
Alexander Bonnell died in 1819, and was buried (as
was also his wife, Catharine, who died in 1854, and
his son Joseph, the lawyer, who died in 1823) in the
Presbyterian churchyard, Flemington. Asher At-
kinson was an uncle of Charles Bonnell, and of Mrs.
Alexander Wurts, still living in Flemington, at the
age of seventy-six years. Charles Bonnell, Esq., died
in Flemington, March 24, 1830.
John Maxwell, the brother of Gen. William Max-
well, was the son of an emigrant from the North of
Ireland, who as a dissenter a Scotch Presbyterian-
sought this country for the purpose of enjoying its
civil and religious liberty, and settled in what is now
Warren County, near the Hunterdon line. John
settled in Earitan township,* and married, at an early
day, Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, of Somerset County ; his
sons, John, George C, and William, were prominent
citizens here. The former was a merchant, and also
owned the mills now known as Rockafellow's. He
died prior to 1822. George C. and William were both
prominent lawyers ; the first named died before 1822,
the latter about 1828. (See further mention under
the head of "Bench and Bar of Hunterdon County.")
Another early settler in the same neighborhood was
John Jewell, who located a farm where William
Johnson now lives. He also purchased the property
now owned by David Bellis, to whom it was con-
veyed by John Jewell's son. Old deeds to land in
this vicinity contain references to the " Jewell farm,"
evidencing that the family were among the very
earliest to settle here.
* His epitaph is as follows : " In Memory of John Maxwell, Esq.,
Second son of John and Anne Maxwell. He was born in the county of
Tyrone, Ireland, Mot. 26th, A.D. 1739, And at an early age emigrated
with his Father To New Jersey. He was a Lieutenant in the First Com-
pany raised in Sussex County, for the defence of his adopted Country, In
the Revolutionary War ; And soon after, in the darkest hour of her for-
tunes, joined the Army of General Washington, as Captain of a Company
of Volunteers. He was engaged in the Battles of Trenton, Princeton,
Brandywine, Gennantown, Monmouth, and Springfield, And ever distin-
guished himself as a brave and able ofScer. Having served his Country
in various civil and military offices, And faithfully discharged his various
duties. As a Soldier, Citizen, and a Christian, He closed a long and useful
life, at his residence At Flemington, February 15th, A.D. 1828, In the
89th year of his age."
KAKITAN.
301
The old Housel property lay south of the Bellis
farm, where David Conover now lives, and east was a
Mr. Trimmer. Farther on was Cornelius Stout's
mill, built by him more than a hundred years ago.
He was an Englishman, and not related to the other
numerous family of Stouts. He sold the mill to
Henry Bake, from whom Col. Abraham R. Sutphin
purchased it, and who, in 1812, built the present mill,
near where George Kuhl now resides.
This portion of Earitan township appears to have
been an early Dutch settlement.
" For about sixty years the people spoke the Dutfih language ; it was
iised in preaching and in the family. The records were kept in Dutch,
counting was done in Dutch fashion, brides Tvere ' given away' in the
manner of the old country, and the marriage service read and spoken in
the mother-tongue. The people who tilled the soil by the side of the
Neshanic were honest, economical, generous,' and brave. They would
put a lump of sugar in their mouth and suck it while they drank their
tea, thus economizing their sweets, yet, at the appearance of the stran-
ger guest, their tables would fairly groan with the good cheer of hos-
pitality. If we had looked into the old Dutch church at Larison's a
hundred ye^rs ago, we would probably have found old Adam Bellis and
his children and their neighbors compnsing the greater part of the con-
gregation. We could have seen the men arrayed in homeapun suits,
coats reaching to their knees and breeches down to their boot-tops, big
enough for two men, and coats thickly set with little brass buttons. The
women would have appeared in enormous straw hats not unlike the ' sun-
downs' of the present day, and petticoats reaching half-way below the
knees. ... If we had seen these people at home on New Year's day, we
would have beheld the children and their families gathered around the
ancestral 'board, upon which smoking dishes were displayed, flanking
the indispensable goose well stuffed with onions. As the cider sparkled
and foamed, and the apple-jack began to work, the past was held up as
a miiTor : the sire would tell his adventures in crossing the ocean and
stories of his first intercourse with the Indians : while the sons would tell
of their exploits on many a bloody field, of the scenes of their old cam-
paigns in driving the British out of Jersey.* "
John Anderson, who purchased a tract of land in
Earitan in 1754, was no doubt the ancestor of most of
the name in this vicinity.
Martin Kyerson was an early resident, and lived on
the farm now owned by George Rea; subsequently
moved to Newton, Sussex County, N. J., where he
died. (See history of Presbyterian Church.) Martin
sold to Tunis Quick. His son Martin was a judge of
the Superior Court.
Jonathan Higgins, grandfather of Judiah Higgins,
of Flemington, was an early settler in the south part of
the township. He came from Kingston, but in what
year it is now impossible to ascertain, although some
time prior to the Revolution, and settled near and
north of Ringoa. His son Jonathan (2) was a vol-
unteer in the Continental service, officiating as wagon-
master ; he was born in 1756, and was three times
married. His first wife was a granddaughter of Gov-
ernor Reading ; his second, Miss Polhemus, a sister
to his third wife, Eleanor, all of Amwell (now Rari-
tan) township. The latter was the mother of Judiah,
of Flemington. Jonathan Higgins (1) had two other
sons (besides the Jonathan (2) named above),
namely, Judiah (1), who lived on the Centre Bridge
Road, about one and a half miles from Flemington,
and Nathaniel, who settled north of Ringos, near
* Traditions of our Ancestors.
the Delaware line, in what is now known as the Hig-
gins' School District, No. 85. The latter operated a
mill there for many years, and there ended his days
on earth. The mill was run until a few years ago,
but is now unused. Capt. Jonathan Higgins died
near Flemington, Oct. 11, 1829. Judiah Higgins (2)
was born on the Higgins' homestead, north of Rin-
gos, July 16, 1799. He is the son of Jonathan (2)
and Eleanor his (third) wife. Judiah married Charity,
daughter of William Fisher, of East Amwell ; she
was born Nov. 30, 1803. This venerable couple are
now (1880) living in Flemington, f at the advanced
ages of eighty-one and seventy-seven respectively.
THE HEADING FAMILY.
In 1712 and 1715, John Reading, Jr., surveyed
tracts for parties in Burlington, securing for himself
at the same time 600 acres on the South Branch. He
soon afterwards removed here and built the Reading
homestead, now occupied by Philip Brown. He be-
came one of the prominent men of the State ; was a
member of the colonial council from 1728, and vice-
president for ten or twelve years. Upon the death of
Governor Hamilton, in 1747, the government devolved
upon him until the arrival of Governor Belcher;
again, on the death of the latter official, in 1757, Mr.
Reading became the chief magistrate of the colony,
administering the office until the arrival of Governor
Bernard, in 1758. John Reading was born at Glou-
cester, N. J., June 6, 1686, and died Nov. 7, 1767, at the
ripe age of eighty-one. He and his sister Elsie, when
children, were taken to England by their mother,
Elizabeth Reading, to be educated, the father remain-
ing in this country. They were absent nine years.
Upon their return it was found that John had es-
chewed the principles of the Society of Friends and
embraced the doctrines of the Presbyterians, to which
he was ardently attached all his life, and so his de-
scendants have continued. His influence, services, and
money were freely bestowed to lay the foundation of
religious privileges, educational advantages, and na-
tional freedom. He succeeded to the greater part of
his father's estate.
By way of parenthesis, a few words about John, the
father of the Governor, and his wife, Elizabeth. He
came from England. They were Quakers, and left
their country on account of the persecution to which
their sect were subjected. He settled at Gloucester,
N. J., prior to 1685, as he was that year a member of
the Legislature, which met at Burlington. He was
also recorder of the town of Gloucester from 1695 to
1701, inclusive. About 1701 he purchased a large
tract of land near Lambertville, to which he soon after
removed with his family. He there resided until his
death, following the business of surveying. He was
one of the commissioners to define the boundary line
between New York and New Jersey in 1719.t He
f To which place they removed in 1866.
X Smith's New Jersey, p. 412.
302
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
and his wife were buried in the ground of the Buck-
ingham meeting-house, in Bucks Co., Pa., opposite
to his own residence. Their son John put up head-
stones at their graves, but they were subsequently-
broken down by the boys of the Quaker school near
by, and have entirely disappeared.
Governor John Reading married Mary Eyerson,*
sister of Col. P. Eyerson, then in the British service.
They lived and died on the homestead farm in Eead-
ington. He is said to have planted the walnut-trees
there. He owned three mill properties, beginning
with Mettler's and running down the stream ; also
about 1600 acres of laud, including the farms now
owned by Barton, Stothoff, Deats, James Ewing, Clark,
and Brown. His name heads the list of the first trus-
tees of the College of New Jersey, in 1748. He had
seven sons, of whom John, the eldest, died in 1776,
Daniel in 1768, George in 1792, Joseph in 1806, and
Thomas in 1814. Five of the seven sons (above named)
of the Governor settled near him, and became con-
spicuous in church and in civil and military affairs.
Thomas lived on the Brown farm. He was a prom-
inent man. He was one of the foremost in the effort
to establish the Presbyterian Church, and was one
of its first elders and trustees. He was captain of the
sixth company of the Third Battalion of the Jersey
brigade, mustered in 1774. He served until the bat-
talion was discharged. A grandson, John, entered
the company of his uncle as ensign ; in January, 1777,
he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and served until
1780. Another grandson, Samuel, was first lieutenant
in Capt. Stout's company of the " Jersey Line," First
Establishment, Dec. 18, 1775. He was taken prisoner
June 8, 1776. He became captain, and in 1781 major,
of the First Eegiment, and served to the close of the
war. Yet another, Charles, was lieutenant in the
Third Eegiment, Hunterdon, and afterwards captain.
The Governor's oldest daughter, Ann, married Eev.
Charles Beatty, one of the first graduates of the Log
College, and a prominent member of the Presbytery
of New Brunswick. They had eleven children, nine
of whom reached mature life. Their descendants are
numerous ; some of them were conspicuous in church
and State. "With few exceptions they have been
Presbyterians, many of them ruling elders. On the
female side eight have married Presbyterian minis-
ters, viz., Eevs. Enoch Green, J. W. Moore, P. F.
Fithian, Samuel Lawrence, Alexander Boyd, Eobert
Steel, D.D., Henry E. Wilson, D.D., B. Wilbur; Eev.
C. C. Beatty, D.D., of Steubenville, Ohio, a distin-
guished and honored Presbyterian minister, is a grand-
son. Miss Beatty, the well-known and now sainted
missionary at Debra, India, was a great-grand-
daughter. Gen. John Beatty, a son, was in the Eevo-
lution, and so was his brother. Col. Erkuries Beatty.
John was for many years one of the most prominent
citizens of Trenton.
* No doubt a daughter of Judge Martin Eyerson.
Elizabeth, another daughter of the Governor, mar-
ried John Haokett, of Hackettstown. Another daugh-
ter, Mary, was married to Eev. William Mills, of Ja-
maica, L. I.
The children of the Governor's oldest son, John,
were Charles, who lived on the Risler farm, now
owned by J. C. Hopewell; Alexander, who died at
Eowland's Mills ; Montgomery, who moved to Sussex
County ; and John, whose son Joseph owned and died
on the farm recently held by Mr. Bunn. Joseph was
the father of Judge James N. Eeading, long a promi-
nent lawyer in Flemington, now residing at Morris,
111. ;t also of John G. Eeading, long a merchant of
Flemington, now residing in Philadelphia, and of
Philip G. Eeading of Frenchtown.
Daniel, the third son of the Governor, had two
sons, Daniel and John Eeid, and several daughters.
One married Mr. Wood and was the mother of George
Wood, an eminent lawyer of New York; another
married a Montgomery, and was the mother of Gen.
Montgomery; another married Eev. Mr. Grant, the
first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Fleming-
ton. The son Daniel lived on James Ewing's farm,
and had one son, Daniel K., and two daughters. This
Daniel K. had but one child, and he is the Daniel
Kennedy that left the money to build the academy,
which is now the public school of Flemington.
John Eeid Eeading had several children, of whom
were Eobert K., the father of Franklin Eeading, of
Williamsport, and a daughter who married Isaac G.
Farlee.
The Governor and many of his descendants lie in
the old Amwell churchyard, others in the Presby-
terian burial-ground at Flemington.
Upon the subscription paper for the old Amwell
(Presbyterian) church parsonage, 1753, appears the
name of John Eeading the Governor for fifty
pounds. t
Joseph Eeading was the youngest son and only
child of John Eeading, known as " Valiant" John,
to distinguish him from others of the name, he
being the grandson of Governor John Eeading.
Joseph Eeading was a farmer, and, although favored
with but limited educational advantages, was pos-
sessed of good sound sense. He was a man of unim-
peachable integrity, and had the confidence of all
who knew him. He was generally esteemed. He
transacted a great deal of public business, did much
in the way of settling estates and in aiding his neigh-
bors and friends, and was always ready to espouse the
cause of the weak or oppose the encroachments of
the strong. He was married, Nov. 6, 1804, to Eleanor,
second daughter of Dr. John F. Grandin and Mary
Newell. Their oldest son, James Newell Reading,
named after his Grandmother Grandin's father, Dr.
James Newell, is the present possessor of an ancient
t See sketch with the "Bench and Bar of Hunterdon County."
t Uist. of the Presb. Church, Flemington, Rev. G. S. MotJ, D.D.
RARITAN.
303
silver tankard, an heirloom of the family. Upon it
the Reading coat-of-arms
are engraven, being three
boars' heads, with bars
and flame, on an embossed
shield. A seal bearing this
coat-of-arms is said to be
in the jjossession of Frank-
lin Reading, one of the de-
scendants of the Governor's
son, Daniel,* now residing
at Williamsport, Pa.
Austin Gray Eunyon was the first person buried in
the Presbyterian graveyard. Col. Hugh Eunyon,
great-grandfather of Hugh Capner, was an officer in
the Revolutionary army. He was a very bold and
fearless man, and full of energy and action amid
scenes of danger. He settled at Quakertown.
Francis Besson, with his wife, Lizzie, and ten chil-
dren, came from Grermany about 1750 with a colony,
a,mong whom was Abraham Shurts. Besson bought
land and lived about four miles west of Flemington,
near where Mr. Peartree now resides. Francis Bes-
son's great-granddaughter, Mrs. Margaret Kline, was
living in 1860 near Lebanon Station, Clinton town-
ship, this county, over eighty years of age. She re-
members hearing her grandmother tell about the
Indians, who lived near. They often came to the
house with wooden ladles and bowls to exchange for
butter, milk, etc. She often saw them bury their dead :
they washed the body, perfumed it, and painted the
face, then followed silently and in single file to the
grave, where it was placed in a sitting posture, and
after placing money, etc., beside it, the earth was
heaped up in the form of a pyramid.
The Capner family (originally " Capnerhurst")
were quite early settlers. Thomas Capner purchased
170 acres, the homestead portion of the old Mine farm,
from Mrs. White, the widow of Philip Kase, about
1810. (See a more extended account of the Capner
family in the history of Flemington.)
Jacob E. Voorhees, living near Three Bridges,
occupies the old Nicholas Ott place. Ott sold to
Abraham Wambaugh in 1809, and he to Jacob Voor-
hees, father of Jacob R., in 1815. In the orchard are
four fall pippin trees, still bearing fruit, that bore
over seventy years ago, one of which measures 11 feet
4 inches in circumference.
Some of the descendants of Derrick Hoagland, one
of the early settlers of old Amwell, reside in Raritan.
His great-grandson, Aaron C. Hoagland, lives about
one mile from Copper Hill ; his grandfather Amos
settled on the Neshanic, near Reaville, and there
Andrew, the father of Aaron C, was born. Andrew
married Mary Carmen, a native of this township, she
being born near Copper Hill. Her father, Elijah
* Daniel died April 9, 1834, aged BeveDty-one years ; Ms wife, Jane
Kennedy, died July 30, 1840, aged over seventy years.
Carmen, owned a farm and saw-mill on the Walnut
Brook ; the latter was erected about 1790, is still in
operation, and is owned by A. C. Hoagland.
John Manners was another early settler of Raritan.
One of his sons, James S., was sheriff about 1815 ;
another. Dr. John Manners, studied medicine and
practiced for a time in Flemington, then moved to
near Clinton, where he followed his profession. The
emigrant ancestor of the Manners family, John Man-
ners (from whom the above-named John was de-
scended), was born in England in 1679, and settled
in Amwell in 1718. He married a Stout, a daughter
of Richard. (For a more full account of the Manners
family see the history of East Amwell township, else-
where in this volume. A sketch of Dr. John Man-
ners may also be seen in the chapter on the " Medical
Profession of Hunterdon County.")
The Quicks were also early settlers, on the place
now occupied by N. Higgins, near Pleasant Corner.
Dr. Jacob Rutsen Schenck, who lived at Neshanic,
on the Brunswick road, in the early day traveled all
over the eastern part of Raritan township (or Am-
well, as it was then called) in the practice of his pro-
fession. His brother, John F., also a physician, was
located at Flemington, and his father, likewise a dis-
ciple of jEsculapius, lived over the line, in Hills-
borough, Somerset Co.
Philip Kase was one of the first settlers. He was
from Germany, and was probably the ancestor of
many of the Case family now living in the county.
By a deed of the date of March 9, 1738,t was conveyed
to him a portion of the William Penn tract, now
known as the Mine farm, by Thomas Penn, for him-
self, and as attorney for his brothers John and Rich-
ard. Philip had two sons, John and Philip, the last
named being called the "half-bushel-maker." He
used to tell about his mother getting lost in the
woods. She went to hunt her cow, and wandered
around for several hours. She finally saw a column
of smoke curling above the tree-tops. Going in that
direction, she came to a house, and after knocking at
the door discovered it to be her own dwelling. The
wolves would often howl about this house. On one
occasion a wolf came on to the door-step and attacked
the dog, when Mrs. Case valiantly charged him with
a stick and drove him off. The old original Case
house was built of stone cemented with mud ; not-
withstanding which fact, when Hugh Capner tore it
down several years ago he found the walls solid and
strong. Abbey Case, a descendant of Philip, lived
and died in Flemington, and her sister, the late Mrs.
Joseph Brown, lived with her son Philip on the old
Governor Reading farm, near Mettler's Mills, until
her death. A grandson, John Case, is still living, a
resident of Flemington.
An old settler in the north part of the township was
Jonas Moore, who came quite early in this century.
f Now, or recently, in the possession of Hitgh Capner, Esq.
304
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Forty- three years ago (1838) came also to the same
neighborhood, north of Flemington, George B. Stot-
hoff and George F. Crater. They were both from
Peapack, Somerset Co. The first named purchased
of Charles Bartles the property formerly owned by
Joseph Hampton. Mr. Crater subsequently removed
to Flemington, where for many years he kept public-
house, and died about a year since.
t
PHYSICIANS.
The first to practice the healing art in Earitan town-
ship was George Creed, in 1765, at Flemington. How
long he continued is not known, but he was followed
by John Gregg and William Prall, at Flemington
and Eeaville respectively. The latter commenced in
1793, and continued until his death, in 1825 ; the for-
mer, likewise, until his demise, in 1808. Others who
have practiced here in former years, but are since de-
ceased, are the following (the dates given are the
years they were engaged in practice) : William Geary,
1808-34; John Manners, 1818-19; Henry B. Poole,
1819-23 ; Henry Southard, 1846-47 ; and Willard F.
Combs, 1852-54. The latter died in 1854 ; a son and
daughter now reside here. Of the living practition-
ers John F. Schenck is the oldest, he having com-
menced in 1823, and his son, William H. Schenck, in
1848. G. P. Rex, of Eeaville, dates from 1854. At
the last-named place William* and Zaccur Prall*
were early physicians, 1793 and 1816 being the re-
spective dates of their medical advent. C. R. Prall,
Johnson, and I. R. Glen also practiced there,
but Dr. Rex is now (1880) the only one there resi-
dent. In Flemington, Richard Mershon practiced
in the years 1843-44, but removed from the county,
and Justice Lessey commenced in 1854, but in 1858
went to Philadelphia. Other and later physicians
engaged in Flemington are J. A. Gray, George R.
Sullivan, Henry B. Nightingale, Parrish, and
J. H. Ewing.
CANALS AND RAILROADS.
The inhabitants of this township were early inter-
ested in matters of canal and railroad communication.
They were from the first earnest supporters and advo-
cates of the Delaware and Raritan Canal, and were
also among the first agitators for railroad advantages.
Although other meetings had been previously held in
Flemington, the most notable gathering of the kind
was held in that village, Oct. 8, 1831, at the court-
house, at which it was
"Mesalved, That the middle and upper part of Hunterdon County,
which may be considered among the most populous and fertile districts
of the State, labors under peculiar disadvantages from its distance from
market and the want of communications to encourage the improTement
of its natural advantages ; that it would be greatly benefited by the con-
struction of a railroad from Somerville to the neighborhood of Fleming-
ton, and thence to Lambertville, or any point on the Delaware below
the head of the Delaware and Raritan Canal feeder, so as to intersect
that improvement and secure to this section of country a communication
to the markets of both Philadelphia and New York.
* Deceased.
Eeaolved, That from our knowledge of the country from the valley of "
the Karitan to Flemington, and thence through the Amwell valley to
the Delaware, we are satisfied that a railroad can be constructed on this
route at as small an expense as over any other route of the same extent
in this State.
*' Resolved, That the decided advantages of the route for the construc-
tion of a railroad over any other route through this county above or be-
low, the importance of public places through which it will pass as places
of business, the state of improvement and the fertility of soil of this re-
gion of country, the value and importance of the water-power on the
Karitan between Somerville and Flemington, the great extent of water-
power on the Delaware at and near liambertville, with the advantages
which may be derived from a spur extending from the main line of this
road at some suitable point between Somerville and Flemington, to Clin-
ton, are such as to warrant the construction of the railroad and spur a&
above contemplated, afford a satisfactory assurance that the produce of
the road will yield to the stockholders an adequate remuneration for the
capital invested.
'^ Uesoloed, That in our opinion it is proper that an application should
be made to the Legislature at the next session to authorize the construc-
tion of the railroad and spur as above proposed."
A strong committeef was then and there appointed
to circulate petitions for the above purpose, with a
further committee (John Mann, of Somerset, and
Isaac G. Farlee, John W. Bray and Philip Marshall,
of Hunterdon) to forward the same to the Legisla-
ture.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
The township of Raritan was organized in 1838 by
a special act of the Legislature,t along with the town-
ships of Amwell and Delaware, out of the territory of
old Amwell, which previously embraced fully one-
third of the area of the county.
We quote from the organic law, which not only
framed this township, but which has defined its
boundaries through the intervening years :§
" An Act to establish two new townships in the county of Hunterdon, to
he called the townships of Delaware and Raritan.
Sec. 1. Be it Enacted by the Council and General Assembly of IhU "
State, and it is hereby enacted by the avlhority of the same. That all that part
of the township of Amwell, in the county of Hunterdon, which lies
within the boundaries and descriptions following to wit: Beginning in
the Delawari- River, in the western boundary line of the county of Hun-
terdon, at the division line between the townships of lUngwood and
Amwell ; thence down the said river Delaware, along said boundary line,
to the mouth of Alexsockin Creek ; thence up the middle of the said
creek, the several courses thereof, to the middle of the Old York Road,
leading from Lambertville to the village of Ringos; thence north-
easterly up the middle of said road until it intersects the road leading
from Trenton to Quakertown, by the way of Ringos and Buchanan's
tavern, at the village of Ringos; thence northwardly, following the
middle of the said road leading from Trenton to Quakertown, until it
intersects the division line between the townships of Kingwood and Am-
well ; thence southwestwardly following the said division line to the place
of beginning shall be, and hereby is, set off from the said township of
Amwell, in the county of Hunterdon, into a separate township, to be
t The committee was John B. Mattison, William Taylor, Robert K.
Reading, Esq., Joseph Reading, William P. Young, Daniel Kinney, Jacob
M. Kline, Richard Coxe, Esq., Alexander V. Bonnell, James W. Hope,
Elnathan Moore, Stephen Albro, Thomas Alexander, Gen. Nathan Price,.
George Trimmer, Richard Williamson, Ellas Conover, Richard Lowe,
EUsha E. Holcombe, Johnson Barber, Rensselaer Johnson, Philip Mar-
shall, Esq., Jacob B. Smith, Samuel D. Stryker, and Lemuel HowcU, of
Hunterdon, and John Mann, Esq., John Wyckoff, Esq., Charles Code,
and Dr. Butser G. Schenck, of Somerset.
t Passed Feb. 2a, 1838.
g The only change in its boundaries since 1838 was an insignificant one,
in 1864, when a few acres in its extreme southern poHion, a part of the
village of Ringos, was set off to East Amwell by act of the Legislature.
EAKITAN.
305
called aud known by the name of the township of Delaware ; and that
all that part of the township of Amwell, in the county of Hunterdon,
â– which lies within tlie boundaries and descriptions following to wit:
Beginning at a corner in the division line between the townships of
Lebanon, Kingwood, and Amwell, on the South Branch of the Raritan
River; thence down the eaid South Branch of Raritan River until it in-
tei-sects the division line between the counties of Somerset and Hunter-
don, commonly called the' province line; thence southeastwardly along
said division line between the counties of Somerset and Hunterdon to
the middle of the road leading from Clover Hill to Manner's tavern, now
called Greenville ; thence southwardly along the middle of the Baid road
to said Manner's tavern, now called Greenville, where it intersects the
Old Tork Koad, leading to the village of Ringos; thence, still south-
westwardly, along the middle of the said Old York R^ad until it inter-
sects the road leading from Trenton to Quakeilown at the village of
BingoB ; thence northwardly along the middle of said last-mentioned
road, by way of Buchanan's tavern, until it intersects the division line
between the townships of Kingwood and Amwell; thence northeast-
wardly along the said division line between the townships of Kingwood
and Amwell to the placp of beginning last aforesaid shall be, and hereby
is, set off from the said township of Amwell, in the countj' of Hunterdon,
into a separate township, to be called and known by the name of the
township of Raritan."
THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING
of Raritan township pursuant to the above enactment
was held April 9, 1838. Its proceedings are thus
recorded in the clerk's book :
" At the first annual town-meeting of the inhabitants of the township
of Raritan, held at the house of Mahlon C. Hart, in Flemington, on Mon-
day, the 9th day of April, a.d. 1838, the following officers w^ere elected,
to- wit: Moderator, Joseph Case; Town Clerk, Joseph Besson ; Assessor,
Jesse C. Reed; Collector, Peter Ewing; Chosen Freeholders, Joseph Case
and Jacob Voorhees ; Surveyors of Highways, John W. Larason and Asa
Jones ; Commissioners of Appeals, Peter Ewing, Andrew Bearder, and
Jacob B-ockafellow ; Overseers of the Poor, Jesse C. Reed and Peter
Ewing; Poundkeeper, Mahlon C. Hart; Constable, Henry S. Stryker;
Judge of Election, John B. Mattison; Town Committee, John B. Matti-
Bon, William Kuhl, George Trimmer, John Kuhl, and Samuel HiU ;
School Committee, Andrew C. Davis, Aaron C. Hogeland, and George
Trimmer; and Overseers of Roads, 1, Andrew Ltiir ; 2, John Barton ; 3,
Joseph West; 4, Andrew Bearder; n, Peter Ewing; 6, Albert S. Coxe;
7, JohnHoff; 8, Peter J. Case; 9, Mahlon Pettit; 10, Oliver Little; 11,
William Higgins ; 12. Lambert Bosenbury ; 13, Enoch Hoffman.
Six hundred dollars to be raised for support of poor; ffillOO for open- "
ing aud repairing roads. Interest of surplus revenue to be added to
township school money. Dog-tax to pay for sheep killed by dogs.
" Election to be held both days at Flemington, at the house of Mahlon
C. Hart ; town-meeting to [be] held at the court-house in Flemington.
John Marlow appointed to meet a person appointed by the township "
of Amwell to divide the roads between said townships of Raritan and
Amwell. Isaac HoflFraan appointed to meet a person appointed by the
township of Delaware, to divide the roads between said townships of
Raritan and Delaware.
'* Carried that town-meeting be held next spring by ballot ; also that
nominations be made any time before poll opened.
*' liesolved, That in the opinion of this town-meeting public sentiment
and public convenience have both, for many years past, loudly called for
and demanded a division of the old township of Amwell, and that we do
cordially approve of the late act of the Legislature, by which the town-
ships of Raritan and Delaware are set oflF from the said township of Am-
well, and that this resolution be recorded by the clerk with the other
proceedings of this town-meeting.
*' The above resolution unanimously agreed to.
"Joseph Case,
Moderator, "
"Atteat: Job. Besson,
aierh'' "
EXTRACTS FROM THE TOWNSHIP RECORDS.
Jan. 5, 1839 " Question was put whether said township should, or
should not, purchase a farm to keep their paupers on. Carried to pur-
chase a farm.*
* By a special act of the Legislature (passed Nov. 9, 1838, as a supple-
ment to the act establishing the towns of Delaware and Raritan) Jacob
The following is the first collector's report of Ear-
itan township :
Dr. 1838.
To school fund, including int. on surplus revenue, ^73.93
" cash of B. Horn, late collector 44.76
amt. of duplicate 3,381.19 "
$3,899.88
Cr.
By paid school districts $473.93
for repairing roads, etc 800.43
" tax remitted and money paid Del 22.42
paid county collector 1,339.37 "
poor, including part of steward's wages... 454.82
Sheep bills 68.75
Incidental bills, including com. fees, etc 98.46
Assessor and collector fees 151.86
Bal. on tax warrant not col 87.48
Cash in hands of collector 402.26
Not. 20, 1850." Town committee met at house of John D. Hall. The
poor-house farm was set up at public vendue, and sold to James S.Rock-
afellow at forty-eight dollare and thirty-six cents per acre. The wood
lot, containing three acres more or less, belonging to the township, waa
sold at public sale to Thomas Spencer for ten dollars per acre."t
Oct. 23, 1854. " Committee met at the farm purchased of Samuel
Groff, to select a suitable place to erect a house for the accommodation of
the poor; after viewing the ground agreed to build a house 24 by 38
feet, 13 ft. posts, at west end of house on said farm, to have four rooms
and entry below and the same above. Also agreed to let out the build-
ing of the house by contract, . . the house to be finished up in good
workmanlike manner by the first day of April next."
THE CIVIL LIST
of the principal officers of Raritan township, from its
organization in 1838 to the present time (1880), is
hei'ewith given :
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1838, Joseph Case, Jacob Voorhees; 1839-41, Jonas Moore, John B. Mat-
tison; 1842, Jonas Moore, John Marlow ; 1843, Mahlon Fisher, John
Marlow ; 1844, Mahlon Fisher, Jacob Rockafellow ; 1845-46, Thomas
Cherry, Jacob Rockafellow ; 1847, A. V. Bonnell, William R. Risler ;
1848, A. V. Bonnell, William H. Johnson ; 1849, A. V. Bonnell, Wil-
liam M. Bellis; 1850, Joseph H. Reading, William M. Bellis; 1851-
53, John H. Capner; 1854, Robert Thatcher; 1855-57, Richard Em-
mans; 1858, Robert Thatcher; 1859-60, William R. Risler; 1861,
Gershom C. Sergeant; 1862, William R. Risler; 1863-64, Gershom
G. Sergeant; 1865-66, Robert Thatcher; 1867-68, Oliver Kugler;
1869-70, John B. Rockafellow ; 1871, Henry Britton; 1872-74, Jacob
Case; 1875-76, Isaac Smith; 1877, Wilson J. Leigh; 1878-79, Wil-
liam R. Risler; 1880, Wilson J. Leigh.
TOWN CLERKS.
1838-44, Joseph Besson ; 1845-46, A. V. Bonnell ; 1847, William R. Moore ;
1848, William Swallow; 1850-51, John G. Reading; 1852-^3, Peter
Nevius; 1854, Lewis C. Case ; 1855-57, Peter Nevius; 1858-61, J. J.
Clark; 1862, George W. Forker; 1863-65, Reading Moore; 1866-67,
J. K. Schenck ; 1808-69, George W. Dunham ; 1870-71, Jacob M.
Bellis; 1872, John C. Coon; 1873-76, George W. Dunham; 1877,
George W. Forker; 1878-80, H. G. Chamberiin.
ASSESSORS.
1838-40, Jesse C. Reed ; 1841, Mahlon Smith ; 1842-45, William Swallow ;
1846-49, Mahlon Smith; 1850, William Swallow; 1851, William R.
Risler ; 1852-63, William Swallow ; 1854, John P. Bittenhouse ; 1855-
57, David B. Kirkpatrick : 1858-69, David Dunham; 1870-71, Lewis
H. Staats ; 1872-79, Charles W. Hoff ; 1880, David Dunham.
B.Smith of Amwell, James J.Fisher of Delaware, and John Kuhl of
Raritan, were appointed commissioners to sell the poor-house farm,
"with all and singular the appurtenances, known as the ' poor-house
establishment' of the township of Amwell, and now held and used in com-
mon by the said townships of Amwell, Delaware, and Raritan, the pro- "
ceeds to be divided between the three towns. This was done, and subse-
quently Raritan purchased a poor farm for her sole use, as per record of
Jan. 5, 1839.
â– j- The same month the keeping of the poor of the tovraship was let to
James S. Rockafellow, as per articles of agreement entered into for one
year from April 1, 18B1.
306
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
COLLECTOES.
1S38, Peter Ewing; 1S47-48, Kicliard Hope ; 1S49-61, Atkinson J. Hol-
combe; 1852-64, DaTid Dunham; 1865-67, John V. McCann ; 1858,
William Chamberlin; 1S59-G1, William B. Swallow; 1862-64, Isaac
Smith; 1865-Yl, George Hanson; 1872-74, King Pyatt; 1875-80, De
Witt C. Kittenhouse.
OVERSEEES OF POOE,
1S3S, Jesse C. Reed, Peter Ewiug; 1839^0, Peter Ewing ; 1847, Sidiard
Hope ; 1848, William H. Johnson ; 1849-60, Andrew Boarder ; 1851-63,
Mahlon Smith; 1854, William Swallow; 1855-59, Mahloa Smith;
1860-69, James S. Rockafellow ; 1870, Hiram Eobbins ; 1871, William
Van Nest ; 1872-73, John F. S. Smith ; 1874-77, Jomes S. Rockafellow ;
1878, James S. Kockafellow, Lemuel B. Myers ; 1879, Charles E. Lake,
Lemuel B, Myers ; 1880, Charles E. Lake.
SCHOOL SUPEEINTENDENTS.
1847*^9, William H. Sloan ; 1860-51, George P. Eex; 1862, A. V. Bon-
nell ; 1863, William B. Shrope ; 1854, Miller Kline ; 1866-50, George
P. Eex;t 1857-58, Dr. J. A. Gray; 1869-60, John C. Coon; 1861,
Henry Stothoff; 1862-64, Ahijah J. Eittenhouse ; 1865-66, Octavius
P. Chamberlin.
CONSTABLES.
1838^1, Henry S. Stryker; 1842-46, Eichard Hope; 1847^9, Ephraim
Eobbins ;t 1860-52, William C. Bellis ; 1853-54, William B. Swallow ;
1856-68, John V. McCann ; 1859-62, Elijah Fleming; 1803-64, Reu-
ben Paxson ; 1866-71, George Hanson ; 1872-74, King Pyatt ; 1875-
80, De Wittt C. Eittenhouse.
TOWN COMMITTEES.
IS is, John B. Mattieon, William Kuhl, George Trimmer, John Kuhl,
Samuel Hill ; 1839, Jacob Voorhees, John Barton, Andrew Hoagland,
John Kuhl, William Taylor; 1840, Jacob Voorhees, John Barton,
Andrew Bearder, James Sutphin, William H. Sloan ; 1841, Jacob
Voorhees, John Barton, Andrew Bearder, John W. BcUis, William
H. Sloan ; 1842^3, Leonard P. Kuhl, John Barton, Andrew Bearder,
W. H. Johnson, William H. Sloan ; 1844, Leonard P. Kuhl, John G.
Ewing, George Trimmer, W. H. Johnson, William H. Sloan ; 1845,
Leonard P. Kuhl, John G. Ewing, Malilon Smith, W. H. Johnson,
William H. Sloan ; 1846, Leonard P. Kuhl, John Marlow, Andrew
Bearder, Henry Suydam, William H. Sloan; 1847-48, Leonard P.
Kuhl, John Marlow, Andrew Bearder, William Lair, William H.
Sloan; 1849, William H. Sloan, William Lair, George W. Risler,
Henry Suydam, L. P. Kuhl ; 1850, Charles Bartles, Eunkle Eea, Geo.
W. Eisier, Henry Suydam, D. B. Kirkpatrick; 1851, Charles Bartles,
Runkle Rea, George W. Eisier, L. P. Kuhl, Robert Thatcher ; 1852-
53, Charles Bartles, Asher Mattison, George W. Eisier, L. P. Kuhl,
Eobert Thatcher; 1854, Willium E. Moore, Asher Mattison, George
W. Risler, Peter J. Case, William H. Johnson; 1866-56, William R.
Moore, John Quick, W. R. Risler, L. P. Kuhl, A. J. Holcomb ; 1857,
Augustus Blackwell, John Quick, W. E. Eisier, George A. Ilea, A. J.
Holcomb; 1858, Augustus Blackwell, W. M. Bellis, L. L. Dayton,
George A. Rea, A. J. Holcombe ; 1859, Robert Thatcher, J. H. Capner,
L. L. Dayton, Geo. A. Rea, A. J. Holcomb ; 1860, William Swallow,
Sr., J. H. Capner, L. L. Dayton, G. W. Risler, A. J. Holcomb; 1861,
John C. Hopewell, William Swallow, Sr., John L. Jones, John Y.
Bellis, Augustus Blackwell; 1862, Eobert J. Killgore, William Swal-
low, Sr., -Tohn L. Jones, John Y. Bellis, Augustus Blackwell; 1863-
64, Robert J. Killgore, Samuel F. Case, Joseph H. Higgins, John Y.
Bellis, Augustus Blackwell ; 1865, Andrew B. Everitt, Samuel F.
Case, Joseph H. Higgins, Geo. A. Evans, Augustus Blackwell ; 1866-
67, Andrew B. Everitt, Samuel Waldron. Joseph H. Higgins, Gershom
Sergeant, Abel Webster; 1868-69, John L. Jones, Gershom Sergeant,
Abel Webster, Samuel Waldron, Abraham Hoppock; 1870, John L.
Jones, William Hill, Abel Webster, Samuel Waldron, Abraham Hop-
pock ; 1871, John L. Jones, Miles Cunningham, Abel Webster, Jacob
E. Voorhees, Abraham Hoppock ; 1872-73, John L. Jones, Miles Cun-
ningham, William R. Risler, Caleb F. Quick, Mahlon J. Smith ; 1874,
John B. Rockafellow, Miles Cunningham, William R. Risler, E. L.
Everitt, Mahlon J. Smith; 1876, John B. Eockafellow, H. H. Ander-
son, William E. Risler, E. L. Everitt, Jeremiah Everitt; 1876, John
* Until this date a "school committee" was elected.
t In consequence of his removal from the State, Dr. J. A. Gray was ap-
pointed to fill vacancy, July 26, 1866.
X William C. Bellis was elected May 14, 1849, to fill vacancy caused by
death of E. Eobbins.
B. Rockafellow, H. H. Anderson, J. H. Capner, Peter T. Anderson,
Jeremiah Everitt; 1877, William E. Eisier, H. H. Anderson, George
W. Smith, Peter T. Anderson, William B. Swallow ; 1878, Hawley C.
Olmstead, John J. Clark, George W. Smith, Peter T. Anderson, J. W.
Yard; 1879, Josiah Britton, Augustus Dilts, John J. Clark; 1880,
Josiah Britton, A. B. Everitt, Hawley C. Olmstead.
The town-meetings have usually heen held at the
court-house, and the elections variously at the inns
in Flemington.J
The amount voted for road purposes in 1880 was
$5,000.00
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Flemington is the most considerable village in
the township, but its history is so fiilly given here-
after as to need no further mention in this connection.
To that account the reader is referred.
Keaville, on the east side of the township, is
quite a settlement, and contains a school, church
(Presbyterian), hotel, store, and several shops, besides
a score or more of dwellings. It was named after an
early and prominent resident, Eunkle Bea (it had
previouslyjseen known as Greenville), who was really
its founder and first postmaster. The post-office was
established in the year 1850. It has daily mail
communication with Flemington.
Reaville Lodge, No. 100, I. O. of G. T., was
organized in March, 1870, with 43 members. It
flourished for a few years, and then suspended. Its
hall is now used as a dwelling.
Copper Hill is a hamlet and post-office located
midway between Flemington and Ringos. It derives
its name from the old copper-mine in its vicinity,
which at one time was considered a bonanza, but
(like those near Flemington) has not been worked
for years. The post-office was established about 1860,
and J. H. Kuhl was the first incumbent. Mathias
Dilts is the present postmaster. The business of the
place is represented by W. H. Johnson, engaged in
grain-buying, and by C. E. Kyno, blacksmith. The
store has not been kept for some time, the building
being used at present for storage purposes. The
brush-factory once in operation here was removed to
Flemington. There is a school-house and a mill in
the vicinity.
Clover Hill, in the east portion of the township,
is in great part within Hillsborough township, Somer-
set Co. It contains, however, a hotel, store, church
(Reformed Dutch), blacksmith-shop, and post-office.
Pleasant Coener {alias "Larison's," after its
quondam hotel-keeper) is a small hamlet, about one
mile from Ringos, on the York Road. Its hotel is now
closed, but thirty years ago, when Burke was " mine
host," it was much fi-equented by the sporting gentry,
and was noted for its amusements and good cheer.
Racing and cock-fighting were of frequent occurrence.
Most of this settlement, except the hotel, is in East
Amwell township.
§ " Election to be held first day at the inn of Asa Jones, in Flemington,
second day at the inn of John M. Piice, Flemington." Town Recordi,
1840
EARITAN.
307
Flemington Junction is one and a half miles
from Flemington, at the South Branch. It is a station
of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and has a passenger
and freight depot. Mr. Van Zandt is the present
station-agent. It is a point of shipment for a very
considerable amount of freight, and promises to be-
come in time quite a settlement.
Klinesville was once a post-office and a place of
considerable business and promise. It derived its
name from Miller Kline, who there carried on the
dry-goods and grocery trade. It is now without either
store or post-office. Three or four farm residences
now constitute the place.
CuoTOK is four miles west of Flemington, and
partly in Delaware township. It has a hotel, store,
saw-mill, school, and post-office. The Croton Pres-
byterian church is located in Delaware.
RiNGOS Station, on the line of the Flemington
branch of the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, is located
at the extreme south point of Raritan township, the
station-house being, in fact, over the line, in the
township of Delaware. Besides the railroad depot,
it embraces the store of A. H. Landis, a shop, and a
few dwelling-houses.
By.the above it will be seen that the post-offices of
this township are (1880) those of Flemington, Rea-
ville, Copper Hill, and Clover Hill.
THE COPPER-MINES.
The opening of the copper-mines in 1836 or,
rather, the reopening, as they were undoubtedly
worked at a very early period in the history of this
county was an important event for Flemington, and
unquestionably brought many settlers thither. " They
were once considered valuable, but have not been
worked for several years, owing to the want of capital
and skill, requisite in deep mining, being properly
applied."* And yet there is documentary evidence
to show that about $400,000 were expended on this
property, independent of the "early days," when it
may have been worked for its copper.f
In 1837 the Flemington Mining Company was
organized. Camman and Dr. Peter I. Stryker were
the purchasers of the Mine farm, and formed the
company. They ran a few years and failed, the prop-
erty reverting to Hugh Capner, its original owner.
Later another company purchased of Capner, and
likewise failed, and also a third, who spent a large
amount of money, the property being finally pur-
chased by Allen Hay, of New York City, who still
holds the title to the mining property, but not to the
surface, which was sold to other parties.
In 1847, Charles Bartles bought the Rev. Charles
Bartolette property, less than half a mile from the
Mine farm, " with the mines and minerals thereon to
be found." He at once sold to parties who formed
an association called " The Central Mining Company
* History of Our Ancestors, 1870.
t Keport of M. W. Dickeson, M.D., 1869, p. 4.
of Flemington," in order the more effectually to pros-
ecute mining operations. John G. Reading and Wil-
liam H. Sloan, Esqs., of Flemington, with Jonathan
Ogden and Edward Remington, of Philadelphia, were
trustees, etc. J
In 1857, by act of the Legislature, was incorporated
the "Hunterdon Copper Company," Asa Jones, Ben-
net Van Syckel, George A. Allen, and Charles Bartles
being the corporators, and John L. Jones, Hugh
Capner, J. G. Reading, Asa Jones, B. Van Syckel,
G. A. Allen, and Charles Bartles the first board of
directors. Its capital stock was 10,000 shares of $50
each.
The mineral right of this company covered 400 acres
in fee, the surface right 17 acres in fee, with the priv-
ilege of appropriating any of the 400-acre surface
that might be necessary for reaching or working
the copper ore in said tract. This covered property
now in Delaware township, west of Copper Hill.
The geological formation in which the lode of copper
is here found comprises the argillaceous and slaty red
sandstone and numerous strata of silicious rock, in
places changed by action of intense heat into a dark,
compact trap-rock.
Another early mine was reopened by the " Neshanic
Mining Company," incorporated Feb. 29, 1836. In
1840 the Legislature gave it power to construct a rail-
road from its mining-lands in Raritan township to a
point on the South Branch and Delaware Rivers,
respectively, provided said road shall be used only
for mining purposes.? We do not learn that the
road was ever built, and the mine was worked but a
short time, when operations ceased. Charles Watson
now owns the property.
All these mines were in a short time abandoned,
and since 1860 there have been no efforts niade to
work them.
SCHOOLS.
The following reminiscences of the early schools
and school-buildings of this township are gathered
from the Centennial report (1876) of Rev. C. S. Conk-
ling, county school superintendent at that time.
In the Klinesville District (No. 80) three school-
buildings have existed, the first two of which stood
near the site of the present edifice, a good frame
structure, erected in 1861. Annie Dilworth was
the teacher in 1861, and John Barton, Asa Suy-
dam, and John Kuhl trustees.
The first school-house in the Oak Grove District
(81), according to the recollection of the oldest inhab-
itants, was a log building, 16 feet square and 6 feet
high, which stood in 1803, and may have been stand-
ing several years earlier. Among the oldest living
inhabitants of the district in 1876, Elizabeth Hen-
derson, then over seventy-nine years of age, attended
school in the old log building in 1803.
J Articles of Association, Central Mining Company, 1847.
§ Acts of Assembly, 1840, p. 40.
308
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The logs out of which the school-cabin was built had
the bark remaining on the outside of the building,
and the structure was plastered on the inside with
clay. It had two windows, of four lights each.
Asher Stout was a teacher in this house. The next
building was erected in 1806. It was a frame, 16 feet
square, 7 feet high, and had three windows.
In 1818 another frame house was erected, 18 by 20
feet, and 8 feet high. The district at that time took
the name of Walnut Grove. The present house was
built in 1853, dedicated by the township superin-
tendent in December, and occupied the following
year. The trustees at that time were Joseph T.
Boss, Amos V. Hunt, and George B. Stothoff. The
first teacher was Elmer W. Merritt. This house is
21 by 30 feet, with 11 feet ceiling. The trustees in
1876 were A. J. Holcombe, Andrew Bartles, and
Cornelius J. Garribrant, with Frances McCrea as
teacher.
The only school-house which District 82 (known
as Voorhees') has had is the present modest structure,
20 by 22 feet, erected in 1833, and standing in a beau-
tiful grove at Voorhees' Corner. This school is said
to have enjoyed the services of over fifty teachers.
The first was Silas H. Benedict, who has long since
rested from his labors. The teacher in 1876 was Stacy
R. Everett. The first trustees were A. L. Case, John
Mattison, Jacob I. Young. In 1876 the board con-
sisted of Asher Higgins, Jacob Case, L. C. Case.
The Eeaville School District (No. 83) had a log
house 25 by 25 feet, built in 1835, which stood a mile
and a half east of the village. The trustees in 1835
were John Hagaman, George P. Rex, and Job Sil-
vers ; in 1876 the board was composed of Robert R.
Smith, Thomas Valk, and George B. Holcombe;
teacher, Dennis Runyan. The present school-house
is a frame building.
"Pleasant Ridge District,'' No. 84, has had three
houses, the first erected in 1826. It was a frame, 18
by 20 feet in size. When this was replaced by the
second is not known, but it was a modest affair, and
stood near the site of the present building ; the latter
â– was erected about 1874 or 1875, and is an ornament
to the neighborhood. The trustees in 1826 were Peter
Prall, Andrew Blackwell, and Peter P. Quick. In
1876 fifty years later the board embraced John C.
Polhemus, John B. Low, and A. J. Prall, and the
teacher was Eva Baldwin.
District No. 86,* known as Neshanic,"" built its "
first house in 1810, near or on the site of the present
structure, on land deeded for that purpose. The house
now in use the third was erected in 1856 ; it is 20
by 30 feet. Paul Kuhl was one of the first trustees.
In 1876 the board was composed of Wilson I. Leigh,
M. C. Dilts, Mahlon I. Smith, and the teacher at that
time was Minnie Balderston.
I * The Bohool-houso of " Higgins District," No. 85, is in Delaware town-
ship, although the district is about equally in Delaware and Raritau.
The Flemington District (87) had a school-house in
1760, a frame building, which stood in the rear
(east) of the Baptist meeting-house. The second was
of brick, erected about 1810, and was used until 1862,
when the Reading Academj' was built. The second
school-house is still standing, about one hundred
yards west of the Baptist church, facing Church
Street, and the contrast between the old and the
new houses is very great. The oldest deed of school
property to be found is of date Jan. 1, 1812. The
first trustees of this district are said to have been
Peter Ha)^vard, Thomas Capner, James Clark, Jona-
than Hill, John Maxwell, and the first teacher Wil-
liam Leigh. The trustees in 1876 were J. W. Brit-
ton, J. H. Higgins, Elias Vosseller. (For an account
of the Reading Academy see history of Flemington
village, on subsequent pages.)
District No. 88, "Wagoner's," had a school-house, it
is said, over one hundred years ago. It was located on
the road from Flemington to Sergeantsville, about
two miles from the former place, on what is now the
property of Elijah Hoagland. It was a one-story stone
house. There, seventy-five years ago (in 1806), a
teacher named Ammerman taught reading, writing,
spelling, and arithmetic, using "Dilworth's Spelling-
Book" and the "American Tutor's Arithmetic," with
the New Testament as a reading-book. In 1822 an-
other house was built, in which John Risler was the
first teacher. This building was succeeded by another
erected in 1851. At that time it was known as the
Valley school district, and its trustees were Wil-
liam Brittain, Elijah Fleming, and John Sergeant.
The present house was erected in 1872. The structure
stands within sight of the old building, with which it
is in striking contrast; it is in size 24 by 36 feet, is
well fitted and furnished, and is an ornament to the
county.
In " Harmony" District, No. 89, John G. Trimmer,
Jacob Bearder, and Henry Trimmer the first trus-
teeswere the prime movers in the erection of the
school-house, which was put up in 1810, accomplished
wholly by donation. The building was 18 by 20 feet,
and the land on which it stood was leased to the dis-
trict by John G. Trimmer for the term of ninety-nine
years. The first and the last teachers, respectively,
in this building were Adam Williamson and Delia
Cowdric. The last trustees in this house were George
Trimmer, Peter Hartpence, Sr., Asher Crance, Jacob
Bearder, Jr., and John Shepherd. The old house was
torn down, and a new one erected in the rear of the
former location, in 1851, on land leased to the district
by Holcombe Dilts for ninety-nine years. It is of
stone, octagonal in shape, about 25 by 25 feet. Delia
Cowdric was the first teacher. The trustees then were
Peter Hartpence, Sr., John Shepherd, and Jacob
Bearder, Jr. This building is still in use. During
the seventy years' existence of the Harmony school
there have been about sixty teachers employed. In
1876, Maggie Warno was the incumbent.
RARITAN.
309
The Summit District (90) is not very ancient, hav-
ing been formed so late as 1853. The first house
was erected in 1850, and stood near the site of the one
now in use, which was erected in 1872. The first
school-house was 20 by 22 feet ; the present one, a
frame, is 26 by 30. Its location is two miles from
Flemington. Clara Bonham taught in 1876, at which
date Moses Lake, Jeremiah Everitt, and Samuel F.
Case were trustees.
The following tabulated statement of the condition
of the schools of this township for the school year
ending Aug. 31, 1879, is from the superintendent's
last published report :
_ ^
j, i
Hi
e 5-^
Q
1
si
s
o
Name of Dis-
it
11
9
Ot3 «
if
5 i
O >^
1
s
II
"o
trict or School.
â– w.O
^ia
as
HI
>5
ri
1 ° "
sia
Sl2
11
m
1^
Si
a
a
< 1
i;
,„.
<•"
â– <
125
125
s
80
KlinesTille
$319.68
?1,000
62
10
15
60
1
81|0ak Grove
320.29
600
68
10
25
4t
1
82
Voorhees'
314.14
4O0
47
10.5
16
4(
1
RS
Keaville
526.75
316.07
600
1,000
84
51
9
11.6
43
14
60
60
"T
1
84
Plensant Kidge
86
Neshanic
414.45
70C
46
10.6
21
6C
1
87
Flemington ....
3,066.34
14,000
454
10.
168
326
1
6
8S
Wagoner's
317.22
1,00C
47
10.
30
60
1
8£
Harmony
315.38
30C
52
11.2
15
40
1
M(
322.75
1,000
74
10.
24
40
1
Total
$6,232.07
1
$20,6001 085
10.3
371
785
4
11
Of the total amount received, $3929.20 was from
State appropriation, $302.87 apportionment from sur-
plus revenue, $1500 district school-tax voted for pay-
ment of teachers' salaries, and $600 district school-
tax voted for building purposes. Besides the attend-
ance of pupils given in the above table, it was
estimated that 56 children were in attendance upon
private schools, and that 130 attended no school dur-
ing the year.
CHURCHES.
The churches of this township are two of the Pres-
byterian denomination, located at Eeaville and Flem-
ington, and one each of the Baptist, Methodist Epis-
copal, Protestant Episcopal, and Roman Catholic
denominations, located in the village of Flemington.
THE PEESBYTEEIAN CHUECH, TLEMINGTON.
For the history of this religious body we are in-
debted mainly to the Historical Discourse"" delivered "
in the Presbyterian church of Flemington, July' 16,
1876, by Rev. George S. Mott, D.D., pastor of the
church.
There were many Presbyterian families located in
Flemington and its vicinity, and it was but natural that
they should early make an efibrt to establish a church
in their neighborhood. The great distance to the old
church in Amwell, the bad condition of the roads in
the winter season, the impassable streams during the
spring, and the fact that no refreshment could there be
obtained,* were the inciting causes which led, in April,
1791, to the circulation of a paper in Flemington ask-
ing subscriptions to a fund to be paid to the First
Amwell corporation towards the support of Rev. Mr.
Grant (to whom the First and Second Amwell churches
were about to give a call), provided he would preach
at Flemington one-fourth of his time. These pioneers
were offered the use of the Baptist meeting-house
when it was not occupied by that congregation, and
they also counted upon the holding of services, if
need be, in the court-room of the court-house which
was to be built the following summer. Over $100
(£21) were subscribed, to be paid in " hard money."t
For some unexplained cause this project was aban-
doned. The next efibrt the project of Jasper Smith,
that the old meeting-house should be torn down,
and a new one erected at Flemington also failed ;
but, nothing daunted, the friends of the new church
now took the preliminary steps towards its organiza-
tion. A paper was circulated, reciting why it was
desirable to form a Presbyterian Church in Fleming-
ton, the signers agreeing to unite in the formation of
such an organization. It was to be under the care of
the Presbytery of New Brunswick. The paper bore
the date of June 23, 1791, and contained the names of
John Griggs, Martin Johnson, John Reading, Joseph
Reading, F. V. Hicks, Jacob Painter, Nicholas Em-
mons, Peter Case, John Case, Samuel GroflT, Rebecca
Heavison, Samuel Griggs, Charles Reading, Jacob
Johnson, Gilbert Van Camp, James Alexander, Joa-
kim Griggs, Isaac Hill, Jasper Smith, Henry Bailie,
George Alexander, Daniel Reading, Richard Hill,
Joseph Capner, John Derrick, Philip Yawger, Ely
Peirson, John R. Reading, John Henry, Cornelius
Polhemus, Thomas Reading, Hendrick Johnson,
Arthur Gray, Joseph Gray, James Clark, Susannah
Smith, Peter Order, Samuel Hill, Peter Latourette,
Jacob Hufi'man, John Gray, Henry Baker, Philip
Case, Rem. Voorhees, John Phillips, John Hart-
pence, Thomas Carhart, Paul Cool, John Schank,
Peter Yawger, Jacob Polhemus, Amos Hartley,
Richard Phillips, William Schank, Jr., Elizabeth
Blackwell, William Case.
Jasper Smith appeared before the next Presby-
tery in behalf of the petitioners, who asked to be
enrolled " as a new-formed church, to have regular
supplies ordered to them until they could build a
church, and are able to support a regular and stated
preacher of the gospel among them." The petition
* The custom then generally prevailed of having two services on the
Sabbath, with only a short intermission, during which some of the mem-
bers of the congregation adjourned to a taveru or some store and partook
of cake and beer, prepared for the Sunday customers. " It was deemed
a serious privation that no such opportunity was afforded at Fii-st Am-
well, for the church was in the open country."
f At this date paper money was not equal to hard money, as it was
called in hard-money engagements. " One-half is now (1790) the cur-
rent exchange."
310
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
also stated that a temporary place of meeting had
been procured, and that, of the fifty-five heads of
families signing, thirteen only were connected with
the old church as subscribers towards the salary.
This application was strenuously opposed by the two
Amwells through their representative, John Prall, Jr.,
because such a measure would so weaken them that
they could not support a pastor. The Presbytery,
instead of coming to a decision, resolved to " meet at
the First Presbyterian Church of Amwell, on the first
Tuesday in November, ... to examine into and
settle, if possible, the differences," etc. The Presby-
tery convened as appointed. Great interest appears
to have been taken in this case, evidenced by the large
attendance and prominent members present, among
whom were Drs. Witherspoon and Stanhope Smith,
of Princeton College, Armstrong, of Trenton, and
Joseph Clark, of Allentown, afterwards of New
Brunswick. After mature deliberation, Presbytery
resolved unanimously that " matters do not appear
ripe for forming the petitioners into a new congrega-
tion,'' and advised " all parties to unite in prosecuting
the call for Mr. Grant," who was to "preach one-
quarter part of his time at Amwell First Church, one
other fourth part of his time at Flemington, and the
remaining half of his time at Amwell Second Church,
and that the salary be apportioned to the time at each
place." This decision was acquiesced in, and the
Rev. Thomas Grant was not only called, but duly
ordained and installed in December, 1791.
Jan. 9, 1792, a meeting was held of the newly-
formed congregation in the Baptist meeting-house,
"where more than thirty families* (of Presbyterians)
statedly assembled for worship. Their purpose, ac- "
cording to a notice previously given (of which the
original is on file), was to elect trustees, and thereby
secure incorporation. " Jasper Smith, counselor-at-
law, Thomas Beading, Esq., Capts. Arthur Gray and
Charles Reading, Messrs. Cornelius Polhemus, Samuel
Hill, and Joseph Capner" were elected and incorpo-
rated as " The Trustees of the Flemington English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell, in the County of
Hunterdon and State of New Jersey." The trustees
chose Jasper Smith as their president.
In the spring of 1793 ground was broken for a build-
ing. A lot had been purchased of Joseph Robeson,
containing 1 acre 37 perches, for £40 silver. The
deed was not given until July 17, 1794. The edifice
was 45 by 55 feet, built of stone. The walls were
pointed and the corners laid with hewn stone, brought
"from Large's land, in Kingwood, where the like
stones were got for the court-house. For the day "
in which it was built it was a most creditable struc-
ture, showing the liberality and good taste of the
people. It stood within the present graveyard fence.
The front was just where the south fence of the Mettler
* Thirty families were required by law of 1786 in order to obtain incor-
poration.
plot runs and faced to the south, where were two doors
of entrance. On each of the sides were two rows of
three windows each. The windows on the upper row
were arched. The north end had two arched win-
dows. The outside was handsomely finished and
painted, but the inside walls were not plastered.
Rough benches, made of saw-mill slabs put on legs,
furnished seats for the worshipers. Two aisles ex-
tended through the building. In the winter days a
little heat was produced fi-om two pits, set in the floor
of these aisles, about two-thirds up towards the pul-
pit. Each pit was about 5 feet long and 1 foot deep,
and bricked. These were filled with glowing char^
coal. About 1816 two stoves for burning wood were
put in, but these did not warm the church suiHciently.
When anthracite coal was introduced, two coal-stoves,
made of sheet iron by Mahlon Smith, were used for
years, in addition to the wood-stoves. This partly-
finished building cost £650 cash, besides material and
labor which were given to the value of £300 more.
May 11, 1794, Mr. Grant preached for the first time
in the new house. The dedication sermon was by
Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Trenton. The church then
chose as overseers "to keep order in the church in
the time of worship, and to conduct divine worship
and read a sermon when the pastor is absent," Jacob
Mattison, Joakim Griggs, Thomas Reading, and Jas-
per Smith. The two last-named gentlemen were
ordained the first elders, July 16, 1797. At this date
collections were taken to support missionaries on the
frontier, which was then Middle New York and
Western Pennsylvania.
But the congregation labored under serious disad-
vantages. The pastor preached but once in three
Sundays. He lived near Reaville; consequently,
the people saw him seldom, and this church was
little more than a preaching-post. Religion declined,
especially in this church, at that time, owing in part
to Mr. Grant's health, which was so delicate that he
was frequently unable to discharge the duties of his
ministry here. The church was also in arrears in
money matters, a trouble which likewise existed in
the congregations of Amwell. In April, 1809, Mr.
Grant requested that the pastoral relation between
him and the several congregations should be dis-
solved, urging his want of health to perform the
duties required. This was granted. He died in
March, 1811. The church was served by supplies
for one year.
Meanwhile, this congregation proposed to the Ger-
man congregation at Larison's, which had also be-
come vacant, to join with them in the call and sup-
port of one and the same pastor. This proposal
would probably have been accepted had not the First
Amwell, on becoming acquainted with the overture,
offered to unite with them on the same terms. This
last seemed to them the most desirable and natural
union, as it was. Thus the old house (First Amwell),
the new house (Second Amwell), and the German
EARITAN.
311
congregations united for the support of one pastor,
together possessing funds the interest of which
amounted to $600, while the Flemington portion
was left by itself, without funds, and even in
debt.
Notwithstanding all this, a few individuals under-
took the apparently hopeless task of raising by sub-
scription support for a pastor for the whole of his
time, and the people responded with a most unex-
pected liberality. This enabled the congregation,
in the spring of 1810, to call Jacob Field, a licentiate
of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, on a salary of
$600 per annum for two years, and then to increase at
the rate of $20 a year until it amounted to $600.
Under the circumstances, , this was a large salary.
It equaled that paid by congregations far more able,
and proves what a church can do when aroused and
quickened by provocation. Mr. Field supplied the
congregation for six months before accepting the
call, and was ordained and installed Nov. 28, 1810.
About this time another subscription was started
to obtain money for the completion of the church
building. Seven hundred dollars were procured, and
during the summer of 1810 the interior of the house
was finished. The walls were plastered and the ceil-
ing rounded and covered with narrow boards painted
sky-blue. Candlesticks fastened to the pillars fur-
nished light when there was evening service, which
was seldom. Wooden candelabra were made for the
pulpit in 1816. Oil-lamps were not introduced until
about 1825. The old slab benches were put in the
gallery, and fiffcy-four pews took their places on the
ground floor. It was agreed to leave the pews free
until the next spring. April 3, 1811, a meeting of the
congregation was held, of which George C. Maxwell
was made president, Alexander Bonnell vice-presi-
dent, and Thomas Gordon secretary. " It was unan-
imously resolved that the pews should be rented for
the purpose of supporting the pastor, and other pur-
poses." And so it has continued until this day. At
this meeting a resolution was passed that " any per-
son or persons who choose may have a door to their
pew, but at their own expense." The rents amounted
to $635.75. The highest was $23, and the lowest $5.
If we compare the value of money then, and the in-
comes of the people, with the same now, we shall find
that pew-rents were higher in 1811 than in 1876.
The following-named members of the congregation
hired the pews : Jonathan Hill, Cornelius William-
son, John E. Reading, W. Maxwell, J. Beading, Jr.,
T. Gordon, J. Maxwell (these four were probably un-
married men, as they occupied one pew), Christopher
Cool, Sr., William Case, Dr. William Geary, John G.
Trimmer, James Disbrow, Charles Beading, Jr., H.
Grofi; Peter Grofi" (these four also took one pew),
Peter Dilts, Leonard Kuhl, Peter Kuhl, Jr. (these
three one pew), Neal Hart, Peter Haward, Joakim
Hill, Mathew Thompson, Henry Baker, Preston
Bruen, Elnathan Moore, Ferdinand Johnson, Der-
rick Waldron, Andrew Van Fleet, William Bloom,
Peter Nevius, James Clark, Jr., John Schenck, Sr.,
John Schenck, Jr., Cornelius Wyckoff, John Beading,
Sr., Thomas Beading, Eev. Jacob T. Field, Alexan-
der Bonnell, Mercy Gray, Mrs. Sarah Hill, Mrs.
Hannah Gray (these three one pew), Daniel Bead-
ing, Charles Beading, Isaac Hill, George C. Maxwell,
William Young, Jacob Young, Christopher Bowe,
Joseph Case, Thomas Capner, Matthew Lare, Joseph
Stillman, Mrs. Elijah Carman, George Beading,
Christopher Cool, Martha Wilson, Edward Wyckoff,
Elizabeth Griggs, William Young, David Bellis,
Samuel McNair, John Maxwell, John Lee, Abraham
Huffman, Isaac Van Dorn, Joseph P. Chamberlin,
Col. David Bishop, Arthur Schenck. Only four pews
were unlet, and of four more the half of each was
taken. The pastoral relation between this church
and Mr. Field continued only three years. It ter-
minated by his own request, April 27, 1813.
Jacob Ten Eyck Field was born in Lamington,
N. J., Oct. 31, 1787. Early in life he connected him-
self with the church of that place. He entered the
College of New Jersey in 1806, and pursued theolog-
ical studies under Bev. Dr. WoodhuU, of Monmouth,
then labored for a few years as missionary in and
around Stroudsburg, Pa., before coming to Fleming-
ton. After leaving this church he accepted a call to
Pompton, N. J. He died at Belvidere, N. J., May
17, 1866, in his eightieth year. He was an intimate
friend of Drs. Kirkpatrick and Studdiford. He
stood up with Dr. Kirkpatrick when he was mar-
ried, and in turn was married by the doctor, and they
went to their reward almost hand in hand.
In the summer of 1815 (June 14th), John Flavel
Clark was ordained and installed. In 1818 a Sab-
bath-school was organized and held in the academy
for three years, when it was removed into the gallery
of the church. In winter it was brought down around
the stoves. This remained a union school until about
1824, when each congregation formed its own school.
The first superintendent of this union school was
Daniel Griggs, who held the position for three years,
and until he removed from the village. Mahlon
Smith then became its superintendent,* and during
the three years it was under his charge there was a
revival, which strengthened the school and the
church. Augustus Frisbie became superintendent at
a later date, resigning in 1842, when Augustus G.
Eichey, now of Trenton, was elected to that office.
He retired in 1844, on leaving Flemington, and Wil-
liam P. Emery took his place in 1845. He continued
superintendent (with the exception of two years,
when Col. Clark occupied that post) until his resig-
nation, in 1870. Hon. J. T. Bird was then elected
and served for two years. On his resignation E. Vos-
seller was called to the head of the school, which
position he yet retains.
* He also had charge of the school at Walnut Grove, which he organ-
ized in 1819.
312
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
This church continued to enjoy Mr. Clark's exclu-
sive services until 1820, and from that time until
1836 united with the First Amwell in his support,
each paying one-half of his salary, and he preaching
for both on alternate Sabbaths. For sixteen years
existed this harmonious co-operation. In 1836 both
churches deemed it expedient to resume their sepa-
rate pastoral relations; and Mr. Clark, receiving a
call from each, decided to accept that of Amwell.
During the pastorate of Mr. Clark the interior of
the church and its surroundings were much improved.
In 1827 a new pulpit was put in ; it was a small hex-
agon, large enough for only one person, and stood on
a high pillar with a sounding-board over it. The
time-honored slab benches in the gallery were super-
seded by rows of seats. The graveyard was enlarged
in 1833, and the next year the whole plot was in-
closed.
In 1837 (April 19th), Eev. J. M. Olmstead was in-
stalled. There were then 109 members on the roll.
He entered vigorously upon his duties, and the
growth of the church confirmed the wisdom of hav-
ing the entire services of a pastor. Under his min-
istry the church was blessed with several seasons of
religious interest. At one communion in 1842, 34
united on confession. In October, 1839, the Presby-
tery of Earitan was formed, and this church was
transferred to it from the Presbytery of Newton, with
which it had been connected since the' formation of
that Presbytery, in 1818. The first meeting of the
new Presbytery was held in Flemington, and also the
last, in May, 1869, in which year that Presbytery was
dissolved and divided among the adjoining Presby-
teries. In the summer of 1844 a lecture-room was
erected, 27} by 37J feet, on a lot which was given by
William H. Sloan, Esq. Mr. Olmstead built the
house which is now the parsonage. In October, 1847,
he sent a letter to Presbytery, stating that on account
of feeble health he would be unable to preach for
several months. The ministers of Presbytery offered
to give a Sabbath and thus supply the pulpit, and an
appointment was accordingly made for every other
Sabbath. Although Mr. Olmstead's health improved
under this rest, he soon became satisfied that his
strength was not adequate to the work of the parish.
He resigned, and the pastoral relation ceased Nov 1
1849
The church was vacant one year, when Oct. 29,
1850, Eev. John L. Janeway was installed on a salary
of $700, which afterwards was raised to $1000. The
membership of the church numbered 163. The con-
gregation had now so grown that all desiring seats
could not be accommodated. The building also
needed repairs. In 1848 a committee had been ap-
pointed to ascertain what alterations and repairs were
necessary. A report was made, but no further steps
were taken. Committees were appointed and reports
made for several years, but nothing definite was un-
dertaken until in March, 1852, when an architect was
employed to make an estimate of the cost of repair-
ing, of the expense of an addition, and of an entire
new building. During the next year (1858) a sub-
scription was opened for a new house. But little
was accomplished, so that at the meeting of the con-
gregation the next April the committee was con-
tinued. Progress was checked by a desire to have the
church located in a central part of the town. Finally,
it was determined to build on the present site, and
additional land was purchased of William E. Bellis,
lying on the east side of the church-lot, at the ex-
treme southern point of which stood a tavern, just
where the front entrance now opens. The building
committee were A. J. Holcombe, Hugh Capner, J. C.
Hopewell, A. V. Bonnell, William P. Emery. The
corner-stone was laid in May, 1856, and the church
was dedicated the next May, on the 14th, on a very
stormy day. The sermon was preached by Prof Wil-
liam H. Green, of Princeton Theological Seminary.
The edifice cost something over $11,000, which was
made up by subscriptions and the sale of pews. The
same year (1857) an additional acre was purchased of
Mahlon Smith, enlarging the church-yard to its pres-
ent dimensions. At that date, also, the practice of
holding quarterly celebrations of the Lord's Supper
was inaugurated. In 1859 a melodeon was introduced,
which was replaced by an organ in 1867. At first the
singing was led by a precentor. Col. Clark for some
sixteen years had charge of the choir, up to 1857,
when he resigned. His services were gratuitous.
During the absence of the pastor (Eev. Mr. Jane-
way) in the war of the Eebellion the pulpit was
supplied by Eev. N. L. Upham, who afterward settled
at Eeaville.
Under the ministration of Dr. Janeway the con-
gregation increased in numbers and influence. In
1852 and 1866 were seasons of religious awakening
which added many to the church. But the exposures
of the camp while he was chaplain seemed to have
undermined his constitution, and on account of his
enfeebled health he resigned in December, 1868.
In January, 1869, George S. Mott, D.D., the present
pastor, was called, and installed May 4th of the same
year. During the summer the lecture-room became
too small to accommodate the classes of the Sunday-
school, and Hopewell Hall was hired. The lecture-
room was given up to the infant-school, which was
organized as a separate department in May. In a few
months Miss S. Hopewell was called to the head of it,
an still remains there. Beginning with 15 it has num-
bered as high as 100. In 1879 the two schools took
possession of the present chapel.
In 1870 the house of Dr. Janeway, on Main Street,
was purchased, repaired, and enlarged into the present
commodious and attractive parsonage at a total cost
of $11,683.
During the present pastorate there have been three
revivals, in 1870 when 66 united on confession ; in
1874, 37, and in 1876, the same number. The total
EARITAN.
313
additions are 218 on confession and 140 by certificate
from other churches. The membership now is 430.
During the same period the congregation has con-
tributed $24,869 for missionary and benevolent pur-
poses, and has disbursed $47,552 in meeting its ex-
penses. In 1877 the congregation sent the pastor
to Europe, generously providing him with a purse
sufiicient for a journey of three months and a half.
In the history of this church, covering as it does
nearly a century of time, it is only possible to here
give the prominent facts of the past. Appended is a
chronological list of the pastors, elders, deacons, and
trustees.
Pastors.
1791-1809, Thomas Grant; 1810-13, Jacob Ten Eyck Field ; 1815-36, John
Flavel Clark ; 1837-49, James Munson OlmBtead ; 1850-68, John L.
Janeway ; 1869, George Scudder Motfr.*
Elders.
Thomas Beading, ordained 1797, died 1814 : Jasper Smith, ordained 1797 ;
Arthur Schenct ;| Jonathan Hill;f Isaac Hill, ordained 1811 ; Cor.
WiUiamson, ordained 1811, died 1818 ; Jeptha Anderson, ordained
1816, died 1820 ; Paul Knhl, Jr., ordaiued 181 6, died 1859 ; Christopher
Cool, ordained 1816, died 1844 ; John G. Trimmer, ordaiued 1816, died
1844; Daniel Marsh, ordained 1838, died 1866; Mahlon Smith, or-
daiued 1838 ; John Griggs, ordained 1838, died 1872 ; Cor. William-
son, ordained 1838, died 1853 : Leonard P. Kuhl, ordained 1848, died
1857 ; William P. Emery, ordained 1848 ; Peter I. Clark, ordained
1857, died 1863; John Kershow, ordained 1867, died 1868 ; John T.
Yard, ordained 1857 ; Peter Neviue, ordaiued 1864 ; George B. Stot-
hoff, ordained 1864 : William B. Kuhl, ordained 1S69, died 1870 ; John
T. Bird, ordaiued 1869 ; E. E. Bullock, ordained 1869 ; A. T. Conuet,
ordained 1869.
Beacons.
1869, John C. Coon, John S. Emery ,{ Richard S. Kuhl, Joseph Higglus.
Tntsiees.^
1792. Jasper Smith, Thomas Beading, Arthur Gray, Charles Beading,
Samnel Hill, Joseph Capner, Cornelius Polhemus.
1795. Jasper Smith, Samuel Hill, Thomas Beading, Arthur Gray, Samuel
Bobert Stewart.
1806. Thomas Reading, George C. Maxwell, Charles Beading, William
Bennet, Samuel Hill, Joseph Capner, Isaac Hill.
1809. Geoj-ge C. Maxwell, Charles Reading, John B. Beading, Samuel
Hill, Isaac Hill, Arthur Schenck, Jonathan Hill.
1814. Samuel L. Southard, Charles Beading, Cornelius Wyckoff, Samuel
Griggs, John R. Reading, Jonathan Hill, John G. Trimmer.
1817. Thomas Gordon, William P. Toung, Andrew Van Fleet, Cornelius
Wyckoff, Samuel Griggs, John R. Beading, William Maxwell.
1819. David P. Shrope, William Williamson (in place of Thomas Gordon
and William Maxwell, resigned).
1820 Daniel Marsh (in place of Slirope, resigned).
1821. Nathaniel Saxton, Cornelius Wyckoff, Samuel Griggs, William
Williamson, Daniel Marsh, Andrew Van Fleet, William P. Toung.
1823. Joseph Reading, George Bialer, John F. Schenk, M.D.||
1825. Nathaniel Saxton, Samuel Griggs, CorneUus Wyckoff, Daniel
Mareh, Joseph Beading, William P. Young, Neal Hart.
1828. Joseph Beading, Elisha B. Johnson, Alexander Wurts, .George
Maxwell, Daniel Marsh, Neal Hart, Bobert K. Bea<ling.
1831. Joseph Beading, Bobert K. Beading, Daniel Marsh, Paul Kuhl,
Christopher Kuhl, John Trimmer, Henry M. Kline.
1833. Joseph Beading, John Trimmer, Paul Kuhl, Christopher Kuhl,
Daniel Marsh, Neal Hart, Cornelius Williamson.
1834. Thatcher Prall, Leonai-d P. Kuhl (in place of Trimmer and
Kuhl, resigned).
1836. Charles Bartles, John Griggs, Paul Kuhl, Thatcher Prall, Leonard
P. Kuhl, Neal Hart, Cornelius 'Williamson.
* Now (1881) officiating.
f Date of ordination not stated. J Bemoved in 1876.
g In the years not enumerated, the same persons were tnistees as in the
last year recorded.
II Van Fleet and Toung, resigned.
21
1838. Bobert K. Reading, Leonard P. Kuhl, William G. Kuhl, Samuel
Hill, Benjamin S. Holt, .Toseph P. Boss, John Griggs.
1839. Thatcher Prall (in place of William G. Kuhl).
1844. Charles Bartles, Augustus Frisbie, Alexander Wurts, John W.
Kline, L. P. Kuhl, Joseph P. Boss, Peter I. Clark.
1846. George B. Stothoff, Cornelius Williamson (in place of Kline an*
1847. William P. Emery, John Chapman (in place of Wurts and
Frisbie).
1848. James N. Beading (in place of Williamson).
1849. John Chapman, .Tames N. Reading, William H. Sloan, L. P. Kuhl,
Peter W. Burk, Edward E. Bullock, William P. Emery.
1850. Charles Bartles, Peter I. Clark (in place of Sloan and Cliapman).
1852. John G. Reading (in place of James N. Reading).
1855. George B. Stothoff (in place of C. Bartles).
1867. Charles Bartles (in place of E. B. Bullock).
1858. George B. Stothoff, Peter I. Clark, John G. Reading, William P.
Emei-y, Peter W. Burk, Charles Bartles, William E. Kuhl.
1864. Peter Nevius (in place of P. I. Clark, deceased).
1867. Bichard Emmons (in place of J. G. Beading).
1870. T. C. Haward (in place of William B. Kuhl, deceased).
1873. J. T. Bird, A. T. Connet (in place of C. Bartles and E. Emmons).
1874. P. K. HofTman (in place of W. P. Emery).
1876. John T. Bird, Thomas C. Haward, Andrew T. Connet, Paul K.
Hoffman, John L. Jones, L. L. Nevius, John Kershow.
The names of some of the earlier members of this
church are here appended. The proceedings of the
Session of Flemington Church were not regularly
recorded previous to 1810. At that time the following
names were on the roll : John Reading, Sr., Thomas
Heading, Jonathan Hill and wife, John G. Trimmer,
William Bellows, Sr., Mrs. Mary Cool, John Maxwell,
Sr., and wife, Abraham Williamson, Mrs. Griggs,
Arthur Schenck. Probably there were a few others
not recorded.
1810. Ccm/ession: Isaac Hill, Mrs. Mary Hill, Joakim Hill, William
Bloom and wife, John Phillips, Mrs. Mercy Gray, Miss Nancy Bead-
ing, Christopher Cool and wife.
1811. Confession: Mrs. Eachel Field, Miss Mary Toung. Certificate:
Cornelius Williamson, Mrs. Elizabeth Williamson, David Baker.
1812. Confession : Mrs. Wyckoff, Mrs. Vandoren, Mrs. Phebe Polhemus.
Certificate : Mrs. Abigail Marsh, Mrs. Mary Baker.
1815. Confession : Ann Williamson, Cornelius Williamson, Bichard Wil-
liamson. Certificate : Jeptha Arrison and wife, William Williamson
and wife.
1816. Confession : Mrs. Andrew Van Fleet, Agnes Lee, Hannah Clark,
Daniel Griggs, Mahlon Smith, Flora, Margaret, and Phebe (colored),
Mrs. Betty Case, Mrs. Anna Cool, Mrs. Hannah Sutphin, Mrs. Catha-
rine Hoagland, Mrs. Phebe Smith, Joseph Painter, Mrs. Margaret
Bonnell. .
1818. Covfession: James HeiTing, Mary Johnson, Catharine Williams,
Betsey Griggs, Mrs. William H. Toung, Mrs. Hopy Henderson,
Eachel Lisk, Catharine Vanomer, Daniel Marsh, John Pittenger,
Katy (colored). Oi-iifica(e: Sally Case, Auchy Pittenger. . .
1823. Confession: William Corwine, Mrs. Catharine Yard, Mrs. Ann
Huff, Samuel D. Stryker and wife, Charity Huff, Mary Hart, Mar-
garet Bughuer, John Anderson, James Callis, Mrs. Sarah Thompson,
Mrs. Sarah Maxwell, Amy Ann Case, Ann ('ase,MrB. Elizabeth Shep-
herd Mrs. Elisha E. Johnson, Elizabeth Clioice, Miss Nancy
Thompson.
1824. Confession : William C. Young.
1825. Confession : Leonard Kuhl. (Certificate : Mrs. Jane Schenck, Jo-
seph (colored).
THE AMWELL FIEST PEESBYTEBIAN CHnECH, AT EBA-
VILLE.f
The first Presbyterian Church organized in that
part of Hunterdon County included in the present
townships of Earitan, Delaware, East and West Am-
If By Eev. J. P. W. Blattenberger.
314
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
well, and tlie city of Lambertville (but then called
Amwell) was organized some time between 1715 and
1733. The minutes of the Presbyteiy of Philadelphia
and New York from 1715 to 1733 are lost. No men-
tion is made of the church in the minutes as in exist-
ence prior to 1725, but it is there found subsequent to
1733. Dr. Sprague mentions the probability of the
Eev. Robert Orr having preached there in 1715.*
The first building for public worship of which we
have any knowledge was situated on the York Road,
between Reaville and Ringos, and stood in the grave-
yard. Unlike our present church buildings, its great-
est length was parallel to the highway ; the door was
on the side facing the road, and directly in front of it
was the pulpit ; there were galleries on three sides.
It was built of wood. The old building was taken
down in 1839 and rebuilt in the village of Reaville,
about a mile and a half from the old site. Such of the
material as could be was used in the construction of
the present building.f The lot of ground where the
old church stood is now almost covered with graves.
At the first meeting of the Presbytery of New Bruns-
wick, Aug. 8, 1738, agreed that Mr. Wales preach at
John Traissier's upon the third Sabbath of this instant,
upon the Monday following at Edward Barber's, and
upon the Tuesday at Amwell meeting-house. J Thus
it seems a, meeting-house was in existence at that
early date.
At a subsequent meeting of Presbytery, held at
Freehold, Sept. 7, 1738, more supplies were requested.
There seems to have been a scarcity of ministers, for
Presbytery, in answer thereto, " do conclude that they
cannot afford them any supplies till the meeting of
our next." It seems, however, that they did appoint
Rev. John Rowland to preach there. Rev. William
Tennent was appointed to preach at Amwell the first
Wednesday in September, 1739.
In September, 1739, the people of Amwell offered
a petition for the ordination of Mr. John Rowland.
On October 11th the Presbytery met (first meeting of
Presbytery at Amwell) at Amwell, with a view to or-
dain Mr. Rowland. It held its first session on the
evening of the first day at the house of Michael
Henry. Among those present were William and Gil-
bert Tennent.
We have the following record of this meeting :
" The affair of Mr. Rowland being reassumed, the Presbyteiy do report
that after deliberate consideration upon the present circumstances of
Amwell, inasmuch as they desired but one-third part of Mr. Rowland's
time and labors among them, judged it improper to ordain him to that
place in particular, and therefore, the necessitous state of the church so
requiring, they proceeded to ordain him to the ministry of the word in
general. "
This means that he was ordained as an evangelist
and not installed. He supplied Amwell and Law-
* " Annals of American Pulpit," vol. iii. p, 14, note.
t For description of the old church we are indebted to George P. Bex
M.D, who was a member of the building committee of the new church.
X The references to meetings of Presbytery are taken from minutes of
Presbytery, unless otherwise stated.
renceville for about six months, and much good
resulted from his labors. There was a revival in
1740. He died before the autumn of 1747.^
After Mr. Rowland, the congregation had various
supplies. A call was made, Aug. 2, 1742, for a " Mr.
McCray's services" (supposed to be Rev. James Mc-
Crea, licensed by this Presbytery Nov. 7, 1739, or-
dained Aug. 4, 1741), the answer to which was that
" Mr. McCray supply Amwell one-quarter part of his
time, as formerly. Mr. McCray's services continued "
until May 28, 1745.
May 22, 1746, Mr. Davenport was appointed to
" supply the Second Bethlehem one-quarter of his time
equally between them, half of his time at Amwell,
and the other quarter at Hopewell (Pennington) and
Maidenhead ( Lawrence ville). On May 19, 1847, "
Amwell petitioned for three-quarters of Mr. Daven-
port's time, which was granted. His relation as
stated supply ceased with the October meeting of
Presbytery. He is mentioned as occasionally supply-
ing the church thereafter that same year and in 1748.
In October, 1747, Rev. Charles Beatty was appointed
to " supply Amwell one-quarter of his time, and Mr.
James Campbell supply them three Sabbaths before
our next."
The Eev. Charles Beatty married Ann, the oldest
daughter of Governor John Reading. || In 1748 and
1749, Mr. Beatty, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Allen, and Mr.
Chestnut are some of the supplies. Mr. Campbell
was the principal supply until June 12, 1750, when
he declined a call from Amwell, accepting one to New
Providence and Charlestown.
The first pastor of the Amwell Church was Eliab
Byram. He graduated at Harvard University in
1740, and became pastor at Mendham, N. J., in 1743.
He was an evangelist in Virginia from 1746 to 1751.
He accepted a call to Amwell, June 25, 1751, but had
supplied the congregation from May, 1751, at which
time he was received from the Presbytery of New
York. He was installed at Amwell, Aug. 14, 1751.
He died before May, 1754. His body is supposed
to lie under the heavy horizontal slab in the old
graveyard, from which the hand of time has effaced
whatever inscription might have been placed upon it.
By his side sleeps Hannah, daughter of Rev. William
Kirkpatrick, who died Aug. 7, 1786, aged nineteen
years. Her grave is covered with a similar slab.
The first mention of any one as commissioner from
Amwell is the name of Derrick Hoagland, at Bound
Brook, May 30, 1753, where a request was made by
J Whiteiield preached at Amwell in 17.39, and says in his diary,
" Some thousands of people had gathered here by noon, expecting to hear
me. "
II Governor John Reading was connected with the Amwell First
Church. Two communion-cups of hammered silver, and very heavy and
costly, and still in use in the First Church at Reaville, were given by the
Governor. They bear this inscription : " A Gift of the Honorable John
Reading, Esq., deceased, to the Eastern Presbyterian Congregation in
Amwell, 1767." The Governor and his wife lie side by side in the old
yard, where the plain stones that mark their resting-place may be seen.
Many of their descendants are also buried there.
EARITAN.
315
him for supplies. He subsequently appears in Pres-
byterj' as an elder, so with his name we begin our roll
of elders.
In 1753 a parsonage was purchased ; the old sub-
scription-papers are before me, with the names of the
subscribers. Its location cannot now be definitely
ascertained.
The interval between the death of Mr. Byram and
the settlement of the next pastor was filled by sup-
plies. Among them we find Mr. Halt's name. He '
became the next pastor. The Eev. Benjamin Hait
was received by the Presbytery of New Brunswick,
Oct. 25, 1754, and, having accepted the call to Am-
well, Nov. 13, 1755, was installed Dec. 4, 1755. He
was graduated at the College of New Jersey the pre-
ceding year. He remained ten years ; after leaving
here he went to Wallkill, Orange Co., N. Y., and
afterwards settled at Connecticut Farms, N. J., where
he died in 1779.
Michael Henry is named among the elders at Pres-
bytery in 1756, undoubtedly the same Michael at
whose house the first meeting of Presbytery was held.
From the time of Mr. Halt's dismission, May 29,
1765, to August, 1766, the church had several sup-
plies, among the number Kev. William Kirkpatrick,*
who was Mr. Halt's successor. He was installed the
second Wednesday of August, 1766.
The names of the following elders are gleaned from
the records of Presbytery, as representing this church
at Presbytery: April 19, 1768, Abraham La Eue;
May 20, 1768, Jacob Ruder ; Oct. 18, 1768, Peter Wil-
son ; Nov. 16, 1868, William Norcross ; April 18, 1769,
Alexander White.
From the death of Mr. Kirkpatrick to the installa-
tion of his successor a period of about seven years
the church had numerous supplies. Among those most
frequently mentioned is the name of Rev. Samuel
Kennedy, pastor at Basking Ridge from 1751 to 1787,
who was famous in his day as one of several Presby-
terian clergymen who addressed a letter to the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury which was construed as an at-
tempted interference in the concerns of the Episcopal
Church. He was not only a clergyman and a teacher,
but a physician also.f The minutes of Presbytery,
Philadelphia, May 17, 1771, say,
" Mr. William Mackey TenDent, a candidate under the care of Lewis
Town Presbytery, who is now in these parts, is requested to supply Am-
* William Kirkpatrick was graduated at the College of New Jersey in
1757, was licensed to preach hy the Presbytery of New Brunswick at
Princeton, Aug. 15, 1768, and was ordained dm tUulo at Cranberry, Julji
4, 1759. In March, 1760, he was sent, in answer to a petition made to
Presbytery, to preach at Trenton. He preached there the greater part
of the time until June, 176S, when he accepted the call from Amwell.
His death occurred Sept. 8, 1769. He was moderator of the Synod in
1769. Tradition represents him as an eloquent man and distinguished
for his piety and usefulness. His funeral was attended by an immense
concouiBe of people. His remains were buried in front of the pulpit of
the Old House,"" Amwell. A heavy horizontal slab covers his grave, "
upon which an inscription commemorating his virtues may still bo seen.
To Mr, Kirkpatrick, it is believed, belongs the honor of being the fii-st
stated clerk of Presbytery. He was appointed Oct. 23, 1700.
t See " Sprague's Annals," vol. iii. p. 176.
well as many Sabbaths as be can between this time and the next Pres-
bytery."
Rev. William Mackey Tennent, D.D., was a son of
the Rev. Charles Tennent, and a grandson of the Eev.
William Tennent. He became a distinguished min-
ister. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from Yale College in 1794, and died pastor at Abing-
ton. Pa., in 1810.
There was what may be termed a remarkably liberal
collection taken at Amwell for education in 1772. At
the meeting of Presbytery held at Kingston, Oct. 8,
1771, the subject of educating young men for the min-
istry was under discussion, and it was resolved to
notify all the churches. Mr. Tennent was appointed
to present the subject to the vacant Amwell Church,
and at meeting of Presbytery, Trenton, April 14, 1772,
he reports the sum subscribed, £114 17s. 6d. ; paid, £87
7s. 6d. ; lost, £1 10.s. Od ; outstanding, £26. This was
the largest sum subscribed, with exception of Bedmin-
ster, and the largest paid by £25.
The next pastor was John Warford, who was or-
dained and installed July 31, 1776, at what is called
the upper house in the minutes, meaning the Second
Church. t He married the widow of Kirkpatrick, his
predecessor. His salary was £100 a year (Dr. Jacob
Kirkpatrick, "Historical Discourse," p. 7, says £50,
which is an error). The price of produce having in-
creased during the Revolution, mostly from the de-
preciation of the Continental money, the congregation
resolved :
" Whereas, Tlie prices of country produce are much risen to what they
were when the Eev'd Mr. Warford settled in Amwell, when his congre-
gation agx-eed to pay him as salary £100 pounds per annum, to which we
respectively subscribed or engaged to pay, we who had subscribed or
taken seats iu order to pay the salary now engage to make up our re-
spective engagements in produce attheprice they respectively bore when
we entered iuto such engagement, or pay as much money as will pur-
chase such or so much produce, etc. "
This is dated Jan. 21, 1779, and signed by " Jasper
Smith, John Henry, David Bartron, Charles Reading,
John Reading, son of Daniel, William Abbit, Abra-
ham Deremer, Tunis Quick, William Schanck, Abra-
ham Williamson, Peter Prall, Thomas Lowrey, Isaac
Hill, Jatnes Stout, Jacob Mattison, Joseph Hankin-
son, Jr., John Hankinson, Arthur Gray, Samuel Car-
man, David Jones, Samuel Furman, David Bishop,
Garrett Schanck, James Stout, Capt. James,
Peter Philips, Cornelius Stout, Maj. Samuel Hill,
John Phillips, Thomas Reading, Thomas Wilson,
Jonathan Pidcock, Jacob Bommon, Walter Wilson,
'Thomas Burrowes, Abraham Hegeman, Thomas Han-
kinson, Daniel Wilson." This list will enable us to
see who were then the supporters of the church.
At the same time it was determined to circulate a
subscription to purchase a new parsonage, as the old
one was very much out of repair. The subscription
although liberal, on account of the rapid rise in the
price of land, was not sufiicient, and the project was
J Built about 1764.
316
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
abandoned. Tlie trustees hired " a plantation adjoin-
ing the parsonage for £150, in order to better support
the minister," the amount being raised by special sub-
scription.
In 1784, during Mr. Warford's pastorate, a proposal
was made to sell the two buildings " commonly called
the old and new meeting-houses of the English Pres-
byterians of Amwell, and erect one house for the two
congregations at a central point." The measure was
abandoned.
Mr. Warford's relations to the congregations ceased
Oct. 16, 1787 ; he is mentioned as a supply occasion-
ally during the winter and spring. He was afterwards
(July, 1789) installed pastor of the Presbyterian
Church at Salem, about 50 miles from New York City.
In 1784, Mr. Abraham Praul's name appears as an
elder.
Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Stanhope Smith, and others
supplied the vacant pulpit. Mr. Grant's name as
supply ajipears first in November, 1790 ; he subse-
quently became pastor.
In September, 1791, Jasper Smith and fifty-five
others in and about Flemington petitioned to be
formed into a congregation. Mr. John Prall, Jr., in
behalf of the united congregations of Amwell, op-
posed the measure, and it was deferred until the
next meeting of Presbytery, at which meeting it was
unanimously resolved by Presbytery that the circum-
stances would not justify the forming of another
congregation. One reason given was that it would
nullify the call to Mr. Grant. (This is the first men-
tion of a call having been made.)
A call was made for Mr. Grant's services, he to
preach one-fourth of his time at Flemington, one-
fourth at First Amwell, one-half at Second Amwell.
The salary was £130, gold or silver, with the use of
parsonage. Rev. Thomas Grant was ordained and
installed at the Amwell Second Church Dec. 13, 1791 ;
his relations ceased on account of failing health April
25, 1809. He died in March, 1810. He remained a,
longer time than did any of his i^redecessors.
Joseph Reading, son of the Governor, John Praul,
Jonathan Burrowes, and Col. David Bishop, in ad-
dition to those previously named, represented the
Amwell Church in Presbytery. As the records are
lost, it is in this way only that the names of the
elders can be ascertained up to 1820.
Col. Bishop, who was one of the most prominent
men of his day in the county, was elected commis-
sioner to the General Assembly in the years 1801-3
and 1806-7. He died Dec. 22, 1815. His monument
is in the old yard.
In 1809 proposals were made to the German con-
gregation at Larison's by the Flemington congrega-
tion to unite in the support of a pastor. " This,"
says Dr. Mott,* " would probably have been accepted
had not the First Amwell, on becoming acquainted
* Dr. Mott's History of the Flemington Church, pp. 25, 26.
with the overture, offered to unite with them on the
same terms. . . . Thus the old house (First Amwell),
the new house (Second Amwell), and the German
congregation (First German Reformed) united for the
support of a pastor." The First and German Church
elected trustees to hold the funds of the two churches
in common, with the title of the United First Church,
each worshiping in its respective building.
In 1810, Jacob Kirkpatrick was called to supply
these churches. He was licensed Aug. 8, 1809 ; or-
dained June 20, 1810. He was installed pastor of
Amwell, June 16, 1815.
In October, 1817, Amwell was set off to the Pres-
bytery of Newton. The relations between the First
Church and the German Church continued until
March 19, 1818, when, " at a meeting of the United
Presbyterian Congregations held at the stone house
(Larison's), a motion was made by Jacob Young, and
seconded, that this united congregation dissolve their
present connection in order that each branch may
choose trustees for itself Carried, 34 to 6."t
The congregation at Larison's assumed the title
United First.
Mr. Kirkpatrick's relation to the First Church
seems to have continued to Nov. 1, 1818. The last
receipt that appears on the records of the trustees
signed by him is for salary to that date.
Aug. 18, 1819, a committee fi-om the First Church,
consisting of Messrs. Titus Quick, John Schenk, and
Jacob J. Young, met a committee from the Reformed
Dutch Church at "New Shannack" (Neshanic), con-
sisting of Messrs. Henry H. Schenk, John Wyckoff,
Jr., and Nicholas Williamson, to consider an action
taken at a meeting of the first-named congregation,
to wit, that a call be extended to the Rev. Mr. Smats
or Smaltz, and to submit to the government of the
Dutch Reformed Church. Arrangements were made
at this meeting to unite with the " New Shannack"
Church in this call, but at the meeting which was
held on the 1st of September, 1819, the action of the
previous meetings was reconsidered, and the union
did not take place.
April 1, 1820, the Amwell congregation agreed to
unite with the Flemington congregation in support-
ing a pastor.
April 29th a call was made out for half of Rev.
Mr. Clark's services as a supply for three years at a
salary of $325. The matter was not settled until later
in the year. This union lasted for almost sixteen
years. The separation grew out of a desire to have
preaching at both churches every Sabbath. Almost
simultaneously a call was extended from each to Mr.
Clark. He accepted that from the First Church,
April 27, 1836, and his relation with the Flemington
Church ceased. Mr. Clark, however, soon severed
his connection with the First Church that he might
accept a call to the First Presbyterian Church of
t This is a copy of tlie minutes. See Trustees' Records, p. 89.
RARITAN.
317
Paterson, N. J. The relation was dissolved Dec. 27,
1836*
The next pastor was the Eev. David Hull, who
began his ministry in 1837 as a supply for six months.
He continued until April 16, 1844, when the pastoral
relation was dissolved. Mr. Hull is still living, at a
ripe old age, in the city of Williamsport, Pa., honor-
a,bly retired from the active work of the ministry.
The first wife of Mr. Hull died while he was pastor,
and was buried in the old yard.
In 1839, during Mr. Hull's pastorate, the present
church building was erected. The old church in the
graveyard was torn down and part of the material
used in the construction of the new church. It was
resolved to build in Greenville (Reaville), about one
and a half miles from the old site. The building
committee consisted of John Hagaman, George F.
Wilson, Gideon Quick, Jacob W.Schanck, and George
P. Kex, M.D. The building was to be 42 feet wide
and 56 feet long, and the cost was, as near as can
be ascertained, $2300 and the old church. The con-
tractor and builder was Mr. Jacob Voorhees, of the
congregation. The building was commenced Feb.
11, 1839, and finished in the autumn. It is a frame
building.
May 26, 1840, the First Church united with the
Dutch Reformed Church at Clover Hill for the sup-
port of a pastor, and elected one set of trustees who
administered ^he affairs of the two churches. This
union lasted until the year 1863.
The next pastor at the First Church was Rev. Ben-
jamin Carrell, who was installed Nov. 26, 1844. The
relation was dissolved April 11, 1859. Mr. Carrell
was pastor of the united churches for about fourteen
years. He is at present a resident of Lambertville,
N. J. His last pastoral charge was Kingwood, in this
county. We are without any other facts in his his-
tory.
Rev. George P. Van Wyck was Mr. Carroll's suc-
cessor. He was installed the last Tuesday in Janu-
ary, I860; relations dissolved Oct. 22, 1862. He is at
present a chaplain in the United States navy.
Rev. J. B. H. Janeway, son of Thomas L. Janeway,
D.D., of Philadelphia, was the next pastor ; ordained
and installed May 7, 1863 ; relations dissolved Sept.
6, 1864. The death of Mr. Janeway's wife led to this
early dissolution of his relations. There were numer-
ous additions to the church in this brief pastorate.
Mr. Janeway was very highly esteemed by his people.
He resides at present in Philadelphia, where for sev-
eral years, and until recently, he has been secretary
and actuary of a life insurance company.
Rev. Nathan L. Upham, a brother-in-law of Mr.
Janeway, was his successor. He was installed the
second Tuesday in June, 1865; relations dissolved
Nov. 1, 1871. His pastoral charge at present is Mer-
chantville, N. J.
* See Dr. Mott'B Historical Discourse, FlemiDgton Church, pp. 33, 34.
In the spring of 1865 a lot was purchased of Robert
R. Smith, in Reaville, on which to build a parsonage.
Messrs. Zebulon Stout, Barzilla Robbins, and John
W. Priestley were the building committee. The
structure and lot cost, exclusive of much work done
by the congregation, over $5000. The edifice reflects
credit upon the liberality and taste of the congregation
and the building committee, it being one of the finest
properties in the neighborhood.
The next pastor was the Rev. John H. Schofield.
He was installed Feb. 20, 1872; relations dissolved
Feb. 3, 1874, he having accepted a call to the church
at Kingston, N. J., with which his relations have re-
cently been dissolved.
The Rev. John S. Beekman was called to the First
Church Jan. 4, 1875 ; installed Feb. 16, 1875. His
relations continued until the spring of 1878. During
the early part of Mr. Beekman's pastorate there was a
revival of religion resulting in a number of accessions
to the church.f
The present pastor, John P. W. Blattenberger, was
installed Dec. 31, 1878, he having been called from
the pastorate of the Bergen Street Methodist Epis-
copal Church, in the city of Newark. He was gradu-
ated, in 1873, in college and theological departments
of Drew Seminary. A revival of religion followed
the installation as the result of meetings held
growing out of the observance of the week of prayer.
At the communion held March 2, 1879, 47 were added
on profession and 17 by letter. This is supposed to
be the largest addition at any one time in the church's
history.
We are without data as to the early history of the
Sabbath-school. The present superintendent is Elder
George P. Rex, M.D. It numbers 156 members, and
is very efScient in all its departments.
The old church is in a prosperous condition. There
are no debts. The parsonage has been thoroughly
renovated and repaired. The membership has largely
increased, and the greatest harmony prevails ; and it
is hoped that its future may be one of increased use-
fulness.
Pastors.
1751-54, Eliah Byram; 1755-65, Benjamin Hait; 1766-69, William Kirk-
patrick ; 1776-87, John Warford ; 1791-1809, Thomas Grant; 1815-18,
Jacob Kirkpatriok (supply 1810-15); 1820-36, .John Flavel Clark;
1837-44, David Hull ; 1844-59, Benjamin Carroll ; 1860-62, George P.
Van Wyck ; 1863-64, Joshua B. H. Janeway; 1865-71, Nathan L. Up-
ham ; 1872-74, John H. Schofield ; 1875-78, John S. Beekman ; 1878 to
present time, John P. W. Blattenberger.
Elders.
Derrick Hoagland, Michael Henry, Abraham La Eue, Jacob Kuder, Peter
Wilson, William Norcross, Alexander White, Abraham Prall, Joseph
Reading, John Prall, Jonathan Burrows, David Bishop (died 1815),
Titus Quick, John Hoagland (ordained 1822, removed 1856), Tunis
Quick (ordained 1822), Peter P. Young (ordained 1831, removed 1867),
George F. Wilson (ordained 1831, removed 1852), John P. Quick (or-
f Mr. Beekman is a native of Middlebuah ; graduated at Princeton Col-
lege in 1857 ; theological seminary, 1860. He was ordained pastor of the
Old Farmington Church, in Illinois, in 1862 ; called thence to French
Grove, same Presbytery (Peoria), in 1866. He is now engaged in private
teaching in Princeton and supplying vacant churches on the Sabbath.
318
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
dained 1831), John E. Holcomte (ordained 1853, died 1859), â– ffilliam
Waldron (ordained 1663, died 1866), Ealph Sutphin (ordained 1863),
John H. Johnson (ordained 1866, removed 18Y2), Jacob S. Prall (or-
dained 1865, remoTed 1868), Jacob Voorhees (ordained 1865, died
18Y0), Zebulon Stout (ordained 1870), William Hill (ordained 1870),
IreniBiis E. Glen, M.D. (ordained 1870, removed 1871), John T. Bellis
(ordained 1872), George P. Eex, M.D, (ordained 1872), Abraham J.
Prall (oraained 1872).*
BAPTIST CHUECH, FLEMINGTON.
The beginning of any local interest in the Baptist
denomination in Flemington, as near as can now be
ascertained, was in the year 1765 (ten years before
the first gun of the Eevolution was fired), when
Thomas Lowrey and James Eddy gave the land (about
half an acre) for a Baptist meeting-house. The lot
was situated on the northeast corner of the main
street and the New Brunswick and Somerville roads.f
The house was erected in 1766, under the direction of
Thomas Lowrey, James Eddy, Gershom Lee, Jonathan
Higgins, John Jewell, and others. This was the first
Baptist meeting-house in Amwell township, which at
that time, together with the adjoining township of
Kingwood, was a part of Bethlehem ; since 1838,
when Amwell was divided, this church has defined
its location as in Earitan township. Although not a
regularly-constituted church, it was called the "Bap-
tist Meeting of Amwell,"t and was supplied with
preaching by neighboring ministers. Eev. David
Sutton, of Kingwood, supplied them for some time
during the Revolutionary war; he was finally shut
out of the meeting-house by Mr. Jewell, because he
was thought to be too favorable to the British.
About this time the American soldiers used the house
as a barracks and hospital, the marks of their fire-
arms being visible on the floor as late as 1825.
Following Sutton was Rev. Nicholas Cox, " a min-
ister of considerable talent, then of Kingwood." He
supplied a part of his time regularly, but in 1790-91
declared himself a Universalist. This was a great
* The writer would acknowledge obligations to Rev. Amzi L. Arm-
strong, stated clerk of Presbytery of New Brunswick, for transcript of
proceedings of Presbytery; also to Rev. George S. Mott, D.D., and E.
Vosseler, Esq., of Flemington, for the loan of documents.
f Barber's Hist. Coll. State of New Jersey, p. 253.
X The title of this church was changed in 1853 to the " Baptist Church
of Flemington." See " Minutes of the Seventy-seventh General Assem-
bly of State of New Jersey," 1853, pp. 197, 354, 417.
shock, and prostrated the church for some time.
There was but little preaching for the next four
years; then Eev. J. Ewing, of Hopewell, supplied
them for ten months. In 1795, Rev. G. A. Hunt, of
Kingwood, engaged with them for one-third of his
time. At this period the meeting-house was almost
in ruins; but, their circumstances becoming more
auspicious, the house was repaired, and June 19,
1798, there were fifteen persons constituted into a
regular Baptist church, under the title of " The Bap-
tist Church of Amwell." The names of these original
members were Nathaniel Higgins, William Merrell,
Jane Merrell, Elizabeth Hartenbrook, Sarah Ott,
John Runyan, John Carr, John Manners, Sarah Sut-
phin, Hannah Wolverton, Eachel Manners, Anna
Higgins, Elizabeth Yard, Anna Craven, and Mar-
garet Wilson. The first six were baptized at Flem-
ington by Eev. G. A. Hunt, of Kingwood church ; the
others were from Kingwood and Hopewell churches.
They then elected their deacons, their clerk, and a
board of trustees. Eev. Mr. Hunt baptized fifty into
his fold during his pastorate, which he resigned in
the fall of 1803. In conjunction with Kingwood, in
1804, they called the Rev. James McLaughlin as their
minister. He officiated until 1809, and was succeeded
by Eev. Dr. Daniel Sweeney, whose pastorate con-
tinued less than one year. Feb. 1, 1812, they called
Rev. Charles Bartolette, of Lower Dublin, Pa., who
had the pastoral charge for thirty-four years. When
he came the membership was only about seventy.
The church edifice was again repaired and painted.
A course of prosperity was now fully inaugurated,
and their numerical strength so augmented as to ren-
der their house too small for their accommodation ;
therefore, in 1836, the second edifice was erected.
The number of communicants in 1844 was about 300.
Rev. Mr. Bartolette resigned in April, 1846, having
baptized more than 400 during his stay.| His suc-
cessors, with the year of pastorate, have been Revs.
Clarence W. Mulford, 1846-49 ; Levi G. Beck, 1849-
51 ; Thomas Swaim, 1851-67 ; E. J. Woods, 1867-72 ;
T. E. Vassar, 1872-80. The Rev. Mr. Vassar resigned
this charge during the fall of the present year (1880),
and up to the present time no call has been made to
his successor.
The imperfection of the early records of the church
render it difficult exactly to report the statistics of
this church, but they give a summary something as
follows : 997 baptized, about 200 received by letter,
about 250 died, 100 excluded, nearly 550 dismissed,
and a fraction over 500 still remain in good standing.
During the past forty years the charitable collections
have amounted to over $30,000, while the amount
raised for church edifices and the support of the gos-
pel has been quite $150,000. Seven persons have gone
forth from this church to preach the gospel, Thomas
Barrass and William Pollard in 1830 ; Edward Bar-
g He died a few years later, and was buried in the shadow of the Sandy
Eidge church.
RARITAN.
319
rass in 1831; William B. Stroupe and John L.
Brooks in 1843; Moses Heath in 1851; and J. D.
Merrell in 1854.
The seventy ^fifth anniversary of the organization of
this church was celebrated by suitable exercises, on
which occasion an historical sermon was preached*
by Eev. T. E. Vassar, and addresses delivered by ex-
pastor Dr. Thomas Swaim, Eev. H. F. Smith, A. D.
WilUfer, etc.
Officers of the CImrch (1880).
Pastor, Thomas Edwin Vassar ; Deacons, John 0. Biggs, Judiab Higgins,
Jr., Asa Suydam, Avery Parker, Jonatlian Higgins, Chester Van
Sycliel ; Clerk, Asa Saydam ; Treasurer, Hariy A. Fluok.
BAPTIST CHUKCH, FLEMINGTON.
The present church edifice was erected in 1867. It
cost, including organ and furniture, over $40,000. Has
1000 sittings. The structure is the largest of any in
the county used for divine worship, and the congre-
gation one of the largest, if not the largest, about
800 persons being connected with it.
The Sunday-school was formed in 1830. Its first
superintendent was Charles George, the editor of the
paper now known as the Hunterdon County Democrat.
It numbered 25 all told, most of the teachers belong-
ing to a family now extinct in Flemington, but then
prominent, the Blackwells. The school has enrolled
to-day 330. Its superintendent is J. W. Britton. He
is assisted by 30 officers and teachers.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH, FLEMINGTON.f
A great sensation was produced in the Presbyterian
Church when, one Sunday morning in 1822, the Rev.
* Afterwards published in pamphlet form.
t By Kev. K. Johns,
Dr. Clark stated that he had been requested by per-
sons calling themselves Methodists to announce that a
meeting would be held by them that afternoon in the
court-house. The men who thus desired to commence
Methodist meetings in Flemington were David and
Isaac James, brothers and local preachers from Tren-
ton. They had been invited to come by Asher At-
kinson, a Quaker, distinguished for his love of a good
argument on knotty theological questions, and partic-
ularly noted for a strong antipathy against the Oalvin-
istic creed.
Popular opinion was divided on the question of
allowing the court-house to be used by the strange
Methodists,! and Asher Atkinson, finding that the
janitress was disposed to keep the building closed,
strongly remonstrated with her, saying, " Let me tell
you I am going to do as I please : when I say a thing
I mean it. They are coming here, and are going to
preach. The sheriff has given his consent, and they
shall preach." David James was the preacher that
day, and thus the first Methodist sermon ever heard
in Flemington was preached by him, his brother fol-
lowing with another sermon a week or two afterwards.
In 1823, Flemington was made a regular a];^oint-
ment on the Trenton Circuit, Bartholomew Weed and
James McLauren being the stationed preachers.
In the fall of that year a camp-meeting, called the
Stony Ground Camp-meeting, was held on land
owned by Asher Atkinson, located near Mr. Charles
Hanson's. At this meeting about forty professed
conversion. The most of them joined the Methodist
Church and were organized into a class. Among the
number were Samuel Atkinson and Thomas Carhart.
Polly Timbruck, living in the old house now occupied
by the Miller family, having joined the little band,
class-meetings were regularly held in her house.
About this time John Atkinson (half-brother to
Samuel), a cabinet-maker, came from Philadelphia to
live here. He was an earnest Christian, was the first
regular class-leader, and has been called the father of
Methodism in Flemington.
John Creamer and Isaac Wirmer were stationed
here in the spring of 1824, and then the question of a
church edifice was agitated. A subscription paper
was drawn up by William Iliff', secretary of the offi-
cial board, and indorsed by the widely-known and
much-esteemed Manning Force, then presiding elder
of the Trenton district. David James and John At-
kinson were appointed a committee to " collect dona-
tions and subscriptions for building a meeting-house,
to and for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Society
X During these years the little band of Methodists had to contend with
the strongest prejudices on every side. The following extract from the
records of the Readington Reformed Dutch Church will convey some
idea of the estimate placed upon them by the other churches of the town
and county :
April 17th, 1785. '* Margaret Demott, for an offense to the church in
countenancing the erroneous doctrine of the Metliodifjts, having hereto-
fore been debarred the use of the Lord's Supper, is now, upon confession
of sin, readmitted to the benefit of that sacred ordinance."
320
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEAV JERSEY.
of Flemington." A board of trustees was elected,
consisting of Andrew Hoagland, Samuel Atkinson,
Asher Hankinson, John Atkinson, and Peter Bodine,
taking for their corporate name " The Trustees of the
Methodist Episcopal Society of Flemington." The
lot on which the church now stands, designated as
on the corner adjoining Charles Bonnell's tavern,
was obtained from Thomas Capner, Esq., for the
nominal sum of $50.
The subscription-list shows that moneys were ob-
tained from Trenton, Pennington, Bordentown, Allen-
town, Crosswicks, Lebanon, Haverstraw, Nyack, New
York, New Brunswick, and other places, in sums
ranging from six and one-quarter cents up to $20.
The building, commenced in the fall of 1825, was
completed in the spring of 1826, John Walker and
Richard W. Petherbridge being the stationed preach-
ers. A camp-meeting for the Trenton and Asbury
Circuits was held in this neighborhood, probably on
grounds near the residence of John Huff, from June
9 to 14, 1825. '
After the burning of the court-house, in 1828, this
church was occupied for the holding of the several
courts ; four regular terms, besides special terms for a
year, were held therein.
In 1826, John Walker and James Moore were sta-
tioned on the circuit; 1827-28, Thomas Davis and
William H. Bull; 1829, J. Finley and M. Lacost;
1830, John Finley and James H. McFarland; 1831,
Eichard W. Petherbridge (second term) and John
Buckley ; 1832, Solomon Higgins, while Mr. Pether-
bridge seems to have settled on the circuit as super-
numerary, ^that is, temporarily retired ; 1833, Thomas
J. Thompson.
In 1834, Flemington appears on the minutes as a
separate circuit on the East Jersey district, it having
been heretofore connected with the Trenton Circuit.
J. S. Swaim was appointed preacher in charge. J.
L. Lenhart followed him in 1835. Mr. Lenhart pos-
sessed considerable popular talent, and years later,
when chaplain in the United States navy, met with a
tragic fate, going down with the "Cumberland" in
the gallant but unequal conflict with the ironclad
Merrimac.
The total number of members reported this year
for the circuit was 127 whites and 5 colored (in those
days the colored members were reported separately) ;
the amount of collections, $4.78. In the following
spring, when Mr. Lenhart's time expired, 170 white
members and 18 colored were reported. J. Lewis was
then stationed here.
In the year 1837 the old Philadelphia Conference
was divided, and Flemington appears in the minutes
of the New Jersey Conference and Newark district.
The circuit must have been divided also, for only 98
white and 3 colored members were reported ; but the
collections amounted to $19.29. Manning Force was
presiding elder, James Hevener and J. M. Tuttle the
preachers for tVis and the following year. While
Mr. Tuttle was here controversy between the Baptists
and Methodists ran high. He invited Rev. Anthony
Atwood to come and preach on the points in dispute.
He having lately published a book or tract on " Bap-
tism," Mr. Tuttle supposed him to be just the man
for the occasion. Three sermons were preached by
Mr. Atwood.
In 1839, William Hanley and James White were
stationed here ; 1840, Abraham K. Street and George
Hichins ; 1841, A. K. Street and Washington Thomas ;
1842, J. W. McDougall and T. T. Campfield. Mr.
Campfield's letter gives a full and interesting account
of the circuit, especially of the great revivals with
which it was favored, and of the work of a Methodist
preacher in those days :
1 "Our Sabbath preaching-places were Flemington, Readington, Ser-
geantaville, Lambertville, and the Rocks, in Amwell township. We held
an extra meeting in the woods at Amwell, commencing on the 15th of
September and continued it until November, part of the time in the
woods, at night in a large barn. When it stormed we had it in the school-
house. Over 70 conversions ; 60 of this number joined our church. Then
we held an extra meeting at Readington which lasted twelve weeks ; 120
converted; 102 joined the church. We then commenced an extra meet-
ing at Flemington about Christmas of that year, and about 30 con-
verted. In January, 1843, we held a meeting at Lambertville; 25 con-
verted and joined our church. In February we held a meeting at
Sergeantsville, with 60 conversions, Eev. Enoch Green, of the New Jer-
sey Conference, being one of them. This meeting was continued until
the last of March. Then we went to Conference, held at New Bmns-
wick, N. J. Mr. McDougall lived at Flemington, in a rented house, near
the Presbyterian church. I had my home among the people, a few days
in a place. Rev. McDougall received $300 as salary, and a house ; my
allowance waa SIOO. Over 300 were converted duripg that year."
In 1843, Edward Page and J. F. Canfield were here ;
391 white and 14 colored members were reported. In
1844, "Flemington and Readington" was the name
given to the charge, and Edward Saunders was the
preacher ; 1845^6, Caleb A. Lippincott. He was
altogether a most remarkable man, eccentric, pos-
sessing natural talents of a very high order, and
highly successful everywhere. The parsonage was
then built, its first occupant being Nesley Robertson,
184748. The house was in an unfinished state when
Mr. Robertson arrived, and the people thought them-
selves unable to add the improvements necessary to
make it habitable, but by his persuasions a successful
effort was made.
In 1849-50, Joseph Ashbrook was appointed. Dur-
ing his first year an unfortunate disagreement between
him and some of the prominent members made a great
deal of trouble and hindered the prosperity of the
church. So strong was the feeling that a protest was
made against his return the second year ; and when,
in the face of that protest, Mr. Ashbrook was reap-
pointed, several persons left the church, never to re-
turn. In 1851-52, J. W. McDougall was stationed
here for the second time.
In 1853-54, J. P. Daily was pastor.
In 1855-56, Fletcher Lummis preached ; in 1857, S.
Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was a man of marked
ability, a strong anti-slavery man.
In 1858-59, Thomas Walters, a genial Englishman,
RARITAN.
321
a good singer, and a master in the art of phonograpliy.
He was popular with all classes. The Presbyterians
were particularly friendly towards him, and when his
two little children, twins, died, they gave him the
burial-spot in their graveyard where the little ones
were tenderly laid away.
G. Vanhorne was the preacher for 1860-61. During
his term the church edifice was greatly improved and
enlarged, at an expense of over $4000. The proposed
constitutional amendment changing the term of min-
isterial service from two years to three was brought
before the Quarterly Conference, and the vote was
declared to be in favor of the old rule of two years.
In 1862-63, Sylvester H. Opdyke served ; 1864-66, J.
P. Daily. From an item in the pastor's report, April
30, 1864, to the Quarterly Conference, we learn when
the Sunday-school, in connection with the church,
was established. He says,
" There is nothing in connection witii this church that is a more cheer-
ing sign of advancement than the present state of its Sunday-school.
Eleven years ago we found this charge with no Sunday-school ; there is
now a good one at this place, kept open all the year, and an average
attendance of fifty scholars. "
David Walters had charge in 1867-69. Flemington
become a station the year of Mr. Walter's appoint-
ment, the Eeadington Church in connection with Al-
lertown having J. W. Dalley as its pastor.
In 1870-71, Albert H. Brown was the preacher in
charge; 1872-74, G. H. Winans ; 1875, S. J. Morris;
1876-78, T. E. Gordon; 1879, Eichard Johns, at
present stationed here.
The last official report gives the church 197 mem-
bers and 13 probationers.
The Sunday-school, under the superintendency of
Dennis S. Hall, reported 27 officers and teachers and
146 scholars.
THE EPISCOPAL CHUECH, FLEMINGTON.
When the first Episcopal services were held here is
not known, although, no doubt, quite early in this
century. A chapel was also built quite early, but at
what time is not definitely known. By appointment
of the Right Rev. Bishop of the diocese, the Rev. Mr.
Crane officiated here on every alternate Sabbath after-
noon, "at four o'clock, in the session-room." This
was in the summer of 1838.* The Eight Rev. Bishop
Doane, on his annual visitation, preached at " Cal-
vary church," Tuesday evening, Oct. 18, and Wed-
nesday morning, Oct. 19, 1842.t
Mrs. E. A. Perry contributes the following reminis-
cences :
" About thirty years since we, as a family, removed to Flemington,
wishing to enjoy church privileges, A chapel belonging to the diocese
then occupied the lot where Dr. Rowland's house now stands. A fine
avenue of trees extended quite a distance into the lot, which ran through
to a parallel street, intended to be used as a cemetery. Mr. William Clark
buried a child there ; I know not how many others.
The same spring that we came to Flemington the officiating mission- "
ary, Mr. Adams, left the place with other prominent members, including
the family of William Davis, who were earnest and efiicient workers.
* Eunterim GaneUe, .July 18, 1838.
t Ibid., 1842.
The chapel was closed for some time. The Rev. Mr. Brown, from Lam-
bertville, held afternoon services in it a few times to an exceedingly
small congregation. Afterwards the chapel was sold, to close the mort-
gage.
" The Rev, S, P, Jacques, from Port Colden, opened the services again,
with much earnestness, in the court-room, and the communion-service in
our parlors, to a very few communicants. Then, that we might have
regular Sunday services, I secured the services (from the New York
Theological Seminary) of a student, Mr, Wenman, as a tutor to my sons
through the week, the bishop constituting him a lay-reader. After Mr.
Wenman left we had infrequent sei-vices, sometimes led by lay-readers,
sometimes by ordained ministers. "
After this services were held here at intervals, but
without any settled rector, and sustained mainly
through the zealous labors of a few churchmen and
women, prominent among whom may be mentioned
Mrs. Dr. Sullivan. During the past year the erection
of a fine chapel was commenced in the village, and
the tokens indicate a revival of interest and effiDrt in
this church.
ST, MARY MAGDALENE DE PASSIO (ROMAN CATHOLIC)
CHURCH OF FLBMINGTONt
Prior to 1847 there were but two families of this
faith in Flemington, embracing four adults and one
child. The working of the copper-mine, west of the
village, brought thither quite a number of Irish
miners. There was no church here at that date, but,
through the invitation of the miners. Father Mackin,
of Trenton, visited this place Sept, 18, 1847, held ser-
vices at the house of a miner named James Hurley,
on Sunday the 19th, and then went to Lambertville,
where was a Catholic mission. He was the first priest
to celebrate mass in or near Flemington. He visited
Flemington again on Christmas Eve, and in February
following.
In April, 1848, the mining was suspended and the
miners (who were Catholics) all left. From that time
until 1853 no priest came here. In that year Father
Jeigou, a French priest, was located in the Lambert-
ville parish, which then included this place ; he vis-
ited Flemington once a month for four years, and
held mass in the dwelling-houses of Myles Cunning-
ham, Joseph Purcell, William Purcell, Nicholas
Barry, and William Dennis. During this time they
had grown to number six Catholic families. Many
young women of this faith also came to Flemington
and found employment as servants. Such was the
increase that in 1858 it was proposed to build a
church. September 16th of that year, at a meeting
held at the house of Myles Cunningham, it was re-
solved to purchase a lot and build a church. The lot
was purchased of ex-Sheriff Bonnell, and William
Purcell and Myles Cunningham solicited subscrip-
tions from the people of the village to pay for the
same. The citizens generally and generously re-
sponded to this appeal for help, and they proceeded
to erect a small church, 24 by 34 feet, which accom-
modated the Catholic people until 1879. In the sum-
mer of that year, and during the ministrations of the
late pastor, Rev. B. Henry Ter Woert, it was resolved
X From memoranda furnished by Myles Cunningham.
322
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
to build a new church. To the subscription-paper
which was circulated the people of the village of all
denominations very kindly responded, some giving
liberally, and almost all giving something. The
corner-stone was laid on the iirst Sunday in Septem-
ber, by Right Kev. Bishop Corrigan, and December
21st it was dedicated by the same personage. The
church is 37 by 66 feet, and cost $3200, besides some
$500 in labor, etc. The lot is paid for, and the church
also, save a small incumbrance. Myles Cunningham
and James H. Murphy are the present trustees.
From 1848 to 1879 this church was attended by the
priests located at Lambertville, namely. Fathers Jei-
gou, Carny, Catlen, O'Keefe, Murphy, P. F. Conuolly,
J. P. Connolly, and B. H. Ter Woert, the latter of
whom officiated until July 1, 1880. The present
pastor. Father Brady, resides at Clinton, and attends
the three churches, of that place, High Bridge, and
Flemington. This church has received six visits and
two lectures from the Eight Kev. Bishop Bailey,
bishop of the diocese, and three visits and lectures
from Bishop Corrigan.
The Catholic population of Flemington about a
year ago was 250 individuals, but since that date
several families have moved to Raritan, Somerset
Co., so that it does not now embrace more than 180.
CEMETERIES.
The first burial-ground of Flemington was on the
knoll back of the dwelling of Judiah Higgins, uj^on
Mr. Fleming's land. His first wife was there interred.
Afterwards most of the bodies were removed to the
cemetery on the south side of Academy Street.*
The cemeteries now in use for mortuary purposes
are those connected with the Presbyterian, Baptist,
and Catholic churches, and the public ground incor-
porated as Prospect Hill Cemetery.
The Presbyterian burial-ground was established at
about the same time as was the church, and inter-
ments were there made prior to 1800. It is said that
Austin Gray Runyan was the first person there buried.
His inscription is as follows :
"In
Memory of
AnTiiuR Gray Runyan,
Son of Hill &
Nancy Kunyan,
who departed this
life the 2lBt of July, 1794,
aged 2 years, 10 monthB,
& 26 days. "
Here are the graves of many of the early settlers
of this neighborhood, as well as those of Gearhart,
Howe, and other Revolutionary heroes ; but, unfor-
tunately, the slabs marking the resting-place of the
latter worthies, save alone that at the grave of John
Howe, are without inscription of any kind, while
that of the last named is almost illegible. The fol-
lowing inscriptions are from some of the old tablets :
* Historical Discouree, Rev. G. S. Mott, pp. 9, 10.
" Sacred to the memory
of
Ruth, the wife of M'â„¢ Bennet, 1 William Bennet, who departed this "
who departed this life Mar. 29, I life April 11, 1S08, in the C6th
1798, in the 55th year of his age. year of his age.
Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall iind
watching. Luke, xii. chapt., 37'^ verse.
In life how peaceful moved this happy pair I
How blest in death, released from mortal care !
Te angels, o'er tlieir dust your vigils keep :
Calm be their slumbers, undisturbed their sleep.
And ye who tread in solemn silence near,
Repress the sigh, restrain the swelling tear;
No more to wound shall earthly sorrows fly:
Eternal bliss awaits Ihem in the sky."
The stone erected to the " memory of William
Maxwell, Esq., councillor-at-law. Acqualege, ne-
cessitas, sortitur, insignes et imos," contains neither
date of birth nor that of death.
In the Maxwell plot are also the graves of John W.
Maxwell, who died April 3, 1848, aged twenty-five
years and one month, and of Naomi, daughter of John
W. and Hannah Jlaxwell, who died June 10, 1848.
*' Here lieth the remains of Joseph HanUinson, Jun', sou of Joseph &
Hann.ah Hankinson, who departed this life August 10'^, ISOO, in the 22'i
year of his age."
In this churchyard also repose the bodies of Mary,
daughter of Rev. W, B. Sloan (died May 14, 1836),
and others of his fomily ; Neal Hart, who died in
1837, in his fifty-ninth year ; Nancy, wife of George
Johnson and daughter of John and Plannah Ivuglar,
born in 1800, died in 1830; Martin Johnson, who
died Sept. 7, 1828, aged seventy-five years, and his
wife, Anna, who died much earlier, Feb. 5, 1812
aged fifty-three years, four months, and seventeen
days.
" Here lieth the body of Eleanor Smith, wife of Jafpcr Smith, of Am-
well. Esq', and daughter of Ool. Ryerfon, of Reading-Town i who died
Nov 2'2, 1706, in the 26 Tear of her age.
To preferve the memory and in honor of a virtuous and good wife "
this stone was erected."
Three graves side by side, and three large hori-
zontal slabs of equal size, mark the place of interment
of Alexander, Joseph, and Catharine Bonnell. The
inscription on one is :
"The grave of
Joseph Bonnell, EyQl'inE,
Counsellor-at-Law,
who died
Oct. 13>i>, A.B. 1823,
aged 30 years.
*' They who knew him need no
monumental eulogy.
They who knew him not would
view as living vanity the
posthumous efforts of the
Tablet. "
The other two inscriptions inform us that
Alexander Bonnell, born Jan, 31, 1708 ; died Aug. 1819.
" Catharine, relict of Alex. Bonnell, born Jan. 12, 1770, died May 26,
1854. "
Another states that Charles Bonnell died March 24,
1830, aged thirty-four years.
RARITAN.
323
*• In memory of Gabriel Hoff, who died Jan. 29, 1S30, in the 76th year
of his age.
"Farewell my Friends & Children dear
I am not dead but sleeping here. "
Ann, wife of Gabriel Hoff, died April 11, 1857, aged 78 years.
" Jane Kennedy, widow of Daniel Keading,'died July 30, 1840, aged 70
years, 6 months, and 13 days. "
" Levi R., son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Ann Vorhis, died May 4,
1846. "
" In memory of Thomas Capner,
a native of
Leicestershire, England,
Emigrated to America in the
year 1787, died September 7th 1832,
aged 63 years. "
" Mary, relict of Thomas Capner, who died Feb. 28, 1856, in the 80th
year of her age. "
Hopy Henry, wife of Joseph Henderson, Nov. 27, 1840, aged 62 years.
" Christina Capner, wife of Peter Nevius, and daughter of Hugh and
Matilda Capner, died Dec. 12, 1865, aged 34 yeare. "
In this " city of the dead" the Beading family are
largely represented. Some of the inscriptions we give,
in brief, viz. :
" Daniel Reading, died Apr. 9, 1S34, aged 71 years, 2 months, and 4
days. "
Ann Beading, born Jan. 29, 1777 ; died Apr. 17, 1861.
" Elizabeth H. Beading, daughter of Joseph and Eleanor Beading, died
Oct. 19, 1828. "
" Joseph, son of James N. and Sarah C. A. Beading, died Jan. 29, 1845,
aged 8 months. "
Daniel K. Beading, bom Feb. 1, 1804 ; died Nov. 23, 1835.
Robert K. Beading, born June 20, 1790 ; died Dec. 13, 1863.
'' Alexander Beading, died Dec. 5, 1820, aged 62 years."
Mary Reading, died May 4, 1825, set. 53 years.
Elizabeth Reading, died May 9, 1821, aged 47 years.
Eliza Reading, died Sept. 16, 1818.
John Reid Beading, died Apr. 30, 1821.
Daniel B. Beading, born Deo. 1 7, 1796 ; died Dec. 25, 1868.
The following is the inscription upon the monument
of Major Boeman :
" Lambert Boeman,
Major 15th Reg't N. J. Vols.,
Fell in the Battle of
Cedar Creek, Va.,
At the head of his command
as acting col. of
the loth New Jersey,
October 19th, 1864,
In the 32nd year
of his age. "
" With permission of the family, this monument is erected hy a few
personal friends of the Departed, as a token of their love and gratitude,
and to transmit to posterity a gratefnl remembrance of the patriotism
and self-sacriflcing devotion manifested by him in the darkest and most
trying hours of peril to his country. "
From the Baptist churchyard are taken the follow-
ing :
John T. Blackwell, died Aug. 4, 1831, aged 69 years.
Asher Higgins, died Dec. 10, 1823, aged 36 years.
" William Bishop, died July 23, 1842, aged 68 years, i months, and 20
days. "
Abraham Quick, died Sept. 2, 1823.
Henry Gulick, died Aug. 9, 1854, in his 82d year.
John Brittain, died Sept. 15, 1844, aged 77 years, 10 days.
Jacob Francis, died July 26, 1836, aged 81 years.
Mary Ann Bellis, wife of Gabriel W. AUer, died Aug. 1, 1841.
The Roman Catholic cemetery, on Bonnell Street,
in the western part of the village, was purchased in
1865 and established as the burial-ground of that de-
nomination. Being of so recent a date, but few inter-
ments have been made.
PEOSPECT HILL CEMETERY.
This cemetery is owned by " Prospect Hill Ceme-
tery Association of Flemington," incorporated April
13, 1870, by William P. Emery, Charles Bartles, John
C. Hopewell, Judiah Higgins, and Abraham V. Van
Fleet, with a capital stock of $20,000, divided into
400 shares. Its officers at organization were : Presi-
dent, Charles Bartles ; Secretary and Treasurer, C. C.
Dunham ; Directors, the five corporators above named,
and David Van Fleet, C. C. Dunham. They have
served, with exception of Joseph H. Higgins as di-
rector in place of Abram Van Fleet, until the present
(1880). William P. Emery is superintendent.
The grounds embrace two tracts, purchased of Daniel
Suydam and Mrs. Elizabeth Kee, and aggregate a frac-
tion less than 18 acres, upon Mullen Hill, lying to the
northward of Capner Street. The first plot sold was
to John Grabow. The first interment was the body
of Dr. J. A. Gray. A large share of the burials have
been of bodies removed from the old village church-
yards, as is shown by some of the inscriptions upon
tablets erected over their remains.
INDUSTRIES.
The pursuits of the people of this township, outside
of the village of Flemington, are now, and have been
from the first, agricultural. With the culture of the
cereals is combined dairying to a considerable extent.
Large quantities of milk particularly are shipped daily
from Flemington to the New York market.
There are also several grist- and flouring-mills in
different parts of the township, some of which date
from before the Revolution. Such an one was that
on Jonathan Higgins' place, near Ringos, and run by
many succeeding generations of the family until about
seven years ago.
A bone-mill located on the Neshanic, near Copper
Hill, and a saw- and grist-mill in the same neighbor-
hood, are owned by William Hill.
Kershow's mill, on the South Branch, is the most
prominent of the existing grist-mills of the township.
On the South Branch of Baritan, about two and a
half miles from Flemington, a fulling-mill was carried
on in the early part of this century by Daniel D. Wil-
liams. About 1826 (possibly earlier) it was repaired
and run by Levi M. Metier. His advertisement in
the Hunterdon Gazette of 1826 states that he has
" been engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloths
for a number of years, and that the mill was "" late "
the property of William Conover." Fifty years ago
(1830) Jacob Voorhees had a cabinet-shop two miles
east of Flemington, at the "cross-roads," near the
Voorhees school-house.
MATTERS OF SPECIAL NOTE.
"At the opening of the Revolution, near the Presbyterian church
stood a long, low, frame building, beginning a few feet in front of John
Capner's lawn-fence and extending a few feet south of the north end of
324
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Ilia dwelling. For many years it wa5 a store* famous in all these ports.
In this store-house a quantity of muskets was placed by the Conti-
nentals. When the British occupied Trenton they were informed of this
fact, and sent 500 cavalry for the purpose of seizing tliese arms. Tliey
arrived earlyln the morning, and found in the main street a man with a
cart, whom they pressed into their service. The chests in wliich the guns
were packed were taken out of the building and put into the cart, and
the whole troop hastened away. But when they reached Tattersall's
Lane, where the tile-kiln now is, they became alarmed, and concluded it
would be better to destroy the muskets than attempt to carry them away,
so they broke the guns by striking them upon the posts of the fence. In
the mean time Capt. John Schenck had collected a band of men and
secreted them in a piece of woods between Copper Hill and Larison's.
As the horsemen filed through this they were fired upon. Capt. Geary,
the commander of the British, ordered his troops to halt and face the
spot whence the firing proceeded, when he was almost instantly shot
through the head. His men wheeled and fled. '^This resistance probably
saved the village and neighborhood from other raids. This captain
afterwards Col. Schenck was a brave officer ; he was in nearly all the
important battles of New Jersey. f "
A company of American soldiers were quartered
one winter during the Revolution near the Presby-
terian church. The Baptist church was also occupied
as barracks by the Americans.
Barber, in his " Historical Collections of New
Jersey," says that during the war of the Revolution
a detachment of the American army encamped on
Gray's Hill near the village, and Washington had his
headquarters at the residence of Col. Stewart, then a
commissary.
Among those who figured conspicuously in the
Revolution was Col. Hugh Runyon, a bold and fear-
less officer, " full of energy amid scenes of danger ;"
Joseph Capner,^ ancestor of the Capners in Fleming-
ton, married one of his daughters. Col. Charles
Stewart, for many years a resident of this township,
was commander of the First Regiment of minute-men
in this State ; was afterwards promoted to colonel of
the line, and commissioned by Congress in 1776 as
commissary-general, serving on Washington's staff
until the close of the war. The sons of Adam Bellis
were active participants in the Revolutionary struggle
on the battle-fields of Trenton, Monmouth, etc.
Thomas Gearhart, who outlived most of his fellow-
comrades, was as witty as brave, and he, as well as
John Howe, was buried in the Presbyterian church-
yard in Flemington.
Raritan township during the late Rebellion raised
large sums of money and furnished her full share of
men, in fact, fully sustained her reputation for loy-
alty to the Union.
The last public celebration of Independence Day in
Flemington was in 1860. The exercises were held in
the old apple-orchard on the farm of John H. Capner,
the orator of the day being a Rev. Mr. Lewers, of
Milford. E. R. Bullock, Esq., read the Declaration
of Independence. This occasion is also memorable
for the fire that then occurred. In the afternoon Mr.
Capner's large barn, situated near Main Street, was
entirely consumed, with its contents, including two
* This store was kept in connection with a mill, on the site of John
Rockafellow's mill,
f Dr. Mott'B Hist. Disc., pp. 17, 18.
horses, while an intoxicated man asleep in the barn
barely escaped with his life. A strong north wind
carried a shower of sparks over the town, which, fall-
ing thickly upon the roofs of many houses, promised
a general conflagation. The result, no doubt, would
have been serious but for the rain which fell' in
torrents.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
This beautiful village is situated very nearly in the
geographical centre of Raritan township, of which,
and contiguous territory, it is the leading business
and commercial mart, being also the seat of justice
for the county. The location here of the court-house
and county buildings has greatly fostered the growth
of the village. It is about equidistant from Reaville,
Barley Sheaf, Copper Hill, and Klinesville, within a
radius of three miles. Flemington is located about a
mile south of the South Branch of the Raritan River,
11 miles northeast from Lambertville, 9 south from
Clinton, 10} east from Frenchtown, and about 14 (in
a straight line) west from Somerville.
Its boundaries are thus described :
" Beginning at the Arch bridge, near Kichard Emmans' ; thence run-
ning due south to the public road leading from Flemington to .Tohu C.
MerriH's ; thence in a straight line to the southeast corner of George
Hanson's lot, near Thomas Hartpence's; thence due west to Thomas Ed-
mondson's line; thence north along said Edmoudson's line to Charles
Bartles' line; thence along said Bartles' line north to the public road
leading from Flemington to Sergeantsville ; thence in a straight line to
the west end of Bonnell street; thence in a straight line to the south-
west corner of Mrs. Kee's land; thence along Mrs. Kee's land to
the northwest comer thereof; thence in a straight line to the creek
north of Samuel Johnson's house; theuce down the said creek, tlie sev-
eral courses thereof, to the place of beginning.J "
By the foregoing description it will be seen that
the town is somewhat irregular in shape, and that its
eastern line is the only one pursuing a straight, un-
deviating course, its northern line, the Bushkill
Creek, being tortuous in the extreme.
Flemington is a little more than a mile in width,
and about a mile and one-third long, embracing an
area of one and a half square miles. Its population,
according to the recently completed census of 1880,
is 1748, an increase of 336 over that of 1870.
The title to the lands of this village, as well as to
a vast area beyond, was originally held by Daniel
Coxe and William Penn, two of the proprietaries of
the West Jersey Company. The north portion of the
village was in Coxe's tract,? the south part in Penn's,
the dividing line between the two tracts being from
east to west, passing by the lamp-post now standing
in front of the Presbyterian church. A high stone
just over the brook, beyond Kershow's mill, is where
this line touched the South Branch. To make their
title the more secure, the proprietors purchased the
X An Act for the Improvement of Flemington, approved March 14,
1870
i Commonly called the Mount Carmel tract, embracing 4170 acres.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
325
lands of the Indians, the deeds for which bear date
of 1703. This land was first surveyed in 1712. The
Penn's estate tract embraced 5000 acres.*
NATOBAL FEATTOES.
Flemington lies in one of the most beautiful of the
many valleys of the Earitan and its tributaries. For
many miles south and east the surface is undulating
â– with, hills on the north and south. From Mount
Carmel, on the west, a beautiful view of the village
and its vicinage is afforded. In this valley is the
county-town of Hunterdon. The principal portion
of the village lies upon nearly level ground and upon I
what is called " Main Street," which runs north and
south. Parallel to it are Spring, Broad, and Stover
Streets on the east, and New and Brown, on the west ;
while the east-and-west streets are named Church,
Williams, Lyceum, and Capner, and Penn Avenue.
Bonnell and Minef Streets start near the centre of
the village and run diagonally, south of west. Wyc-
koff Avenue runs eastward from Branch Street, and
the latter, from the Presbyterian church to the Bush-
kill, in a nearly northeast direction. At the junction
of Penn Avenue and Main and Branch Streets, also,
comes in the " Clinton" road, from the northwest.
The Bushkill Creek bounds the village on the north,
and is the only stream worthy of mention within its
limits. The soil is of the red shale, underlying which
is the " Old Ked Sandstone."
BABLT SETTLEMENT.
From the earliest deeds it appears that the first
purchase of land in this section was in 1731, when
Daniel Coxe sold 210 acres to William Johnson, who
two months later sold about one-fourth 56J acres
to David Chambers, then of Philadelphia. This was
conveyed in 1748 to Henry M. Mullen, from whom
Mullen Hill derives its name. This passed in 1756
to John Wood, and in 1761 to Thomas Lowrey.
Samuel Johnson, son of the William above named,
was another purchaser of the Coxe tract in 1754. He
bought 105 acres, and the next year sold 4 acres to
William B. Potter, who, June 11, 1756, sold the same
to Samuel Fleming, the recognized pioneer settler of
the village.
Many of the early settlers were of Irish nativity.
William Johnson, Thoma-s Lowrey, and Samuel Flem-
ing came from Ireland. Others were of Scotch,
English, or German descent. Among them may be
named Philip Kase (Case), Joseph Smith, James
Farrar, George Alexander, Robert Burgess, John
Haviland, Thomas Hunt, William Norcross, and Dr.
George Creed. Some of these were without the limits
of Flemington as now constituted, but in the early
days the "Flemings' settlement" covered a consider-
able territory. (For a sketch of William Johnson
* "First Century of Hunterdon County."
t So named from its running to the old copper-mine west of tlie vil-
lage.
and his descendants, see the chapter on the " Bench
and Bar" in this work.)
In 1756 Samuel Fleming purchased land. He
brought with him from Ireland a boy, Thomas Low-
rey, who afterwards married his daughter Esther, and
became a prominent man, acquiring possession of sev-
eral properties in the village.^ Fleming and Lowrey
and his wife were devoted patriots during the Eevolu-
tion. The old house where Fleming lived, and the
first in the village, is still standing. It is the second
house on the north side of Academy Street, and was
recently occupied by Charles Miller. Fleming kept
a tavern there. As in time other houses were erected
the place was called " Flemings," and finally Flem-
ington. Samuel Southard afterwards purchased and
occupied this house,? until he built the one on
Main Street, now owned and occupied by Alexander
Wurts, Esq.
Esther (Fleming) Lowrey, one of the pioneer
women of this settlement, "was remarkable for her
amiable and generous qualities, and was a practical
and intelligent woman. Coming from Ireland when
a child, she retained much of the richness of the
brogue, especially when excited. Fleming and Low-
rey were both strong Whigs, and Esther particularly
earnest in the cause of the Revolution. It is related
that one morning, about daybreak, news came to the
village that the American army had met with a serious
disaster. Esther's patriotic blood was stirred to a
rage at the news, and, rushing to the chamber door, she
called out in her strongest native accent, " Thomas,
get up and mount the ould mare, and ride as fast as
yez can and find out if the dom lie is thrue."||
Fleming seems to have been unfortunate in his
purchases and sales of lands and in his business specu-
lations. Buying from year to year so embarrassed him
financially that finally he was sold out to pay his obli-
gations. Dr. George Creed buying at auction his
dwelling-house.lf
Lowrey was as successful as Fleming was unfortu-
nate. He was a shrewd man, and became rich and
influential. He was one of the founders of the Am-
well Baptist Church in 1765, was a member of the
Provincial Congress in 1775 from Hunterdon, lieuten-
ant-colonel in the Third Hunterdon Regiment in
1776, later was colonel,** and after the war a member
of the State Legislature. In 1785 he sold his prop-
erty in Flemington and vicinitytf and removed to
Frenchtown, where he purchased large tracts of land,
erected mills, founded Frenchtown, and built up Mil-
} Witbout doubt the first purchase Lowrey made was 650 square feet,
in 1758, on which the storehouse was subsequently built, in which he
engaged in merchandising.
g Dr. Motts' Hiet. Disc, 1876.
II Traditions of our AncestoiB, chap. xi.
f Dr. Mott's Hist'l Discoui-se, p. 9.
** Minutes of Provincial Congress and Council of Safety, 1775-76, pp.
170, 184, 237, 465.
ttlt;was at this time that Eobert Burgess purchased 107J^ acres of
Lowrey, for £800, " hard mouey."
326
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ford, wliich latter was for a time called Lowerytown.
He died at Frenclitowii in 1809.
In 1767, Thomas Lowrej' owned two lots, lying south
of what is now Penn Avenue, extending east from the
road to Trenton (now Main Street) 20 chains, and
south on the Trenton road 3 chains 68 links, amount-
ing to hetween 6 and 7 acres. The northwest quarter
part of the west lot he purchased of J. Anthony.
The next lot south was owned by Jasper Smith,
contained 3 acres and 10 chains in depth. Next south
lay the lot of William Pearson, of same shape and
area as Jasper Smith's. Then came five narrow lots,
all of equal depth (10 chains), and each containing
an acre. The second and third from the north were
owned by William Disher and Jacob Mallison re-
spectively. Below these lay the 8-acre lot of Joseph
Hudnett, being 8 chains fronting on the Trenton road,
and extending back (east) 10 chains.
With the exception of the seven lots above men-
tioned, all the remaining land on the east of Main
Street, embracing both "front" and "back" lots, and
extending from the old store-house* to the Baptist
meeting-house lot, on the New Brunswick road, in
other words from the Presbyterian church to the
Baptist church, was divided April 24, 1767, be-
tween Thomas Lowrey, Joseph Morris (for William
Morris' heir), James Eddy, Christopher Marshall,
and Gershom Lee, so that each had a little more than
14 acres as his individual share.
"The following is ti true copy of an original Draft & Notes thereon,
in my possession, supposed to have been made 24 April, 17G7.
(Signed) N. S.ixton."" "
.^'
licucMofccmpan^ ,i
Jasp?rSMUIi..
William Pearson
3 g.
10 Chains
Thomas Lowrey
J lla,35|)erch.
J Nsi.
[BelDnsinelolhislottmu;!
Ibe^ddpdLotls 8.11.21,
^OnflncfroriUQlts.
I Joseph Hudnel
S -Ba.
^I.Motvrfv b:ioiiosri'iai To"
= w Morns' Meirs
#NAME?
in 'aloe
James Eddy.
(No3)
I Christ Marsmll
(No4)
'•nlqZOrodi
Gershom Lee
,(No5) H
. Loir '.(lin^Or^
Thomas Lowrey.
3a.,2q..28rQds.
Thos. Lowrey.
JBa.aq.SGrods
N.P3E.1.
â– I Wm Morris' heir.
N52.
ID12 belong', tolliis.iSiLlqZOR
Trnuc Lofts
Jaines Eddy.
N!3
9iL,3n,l6R.
Christ' Marshall
N!4,
9a.3q.;i6R.
Ton
i Gershom Lee.
No5.
3a,3q„16R.
'ewBrunsivic/c -
's ">
PLAK OF FLEMIJSTGTON, 1767.
* At the junction of the old road from HoweH's Ferry (now obsolete)
ivlth the Trenton road, that is, near where the Presbyterian church
stands.
" A Plan of several lotts of ground in Amwell aa divided the 24 of
April 17G7 between Thomas Lowrey, Joseph Morris for William Morris's
heir, James Eddy, Christopher Marshall & Gershom Lee, with their sev-
eral names wrote on each division as they are numbered beginning from
No. 1 to 5, containing upwards of 14 acres to each Lott.
[Indorsed] Date of release, 2d June, 1767."" "
Gershom Lee deeded to Thomas Lowrey, Dec. 10,
1769, a tract of 21 acres, 32 perches (part of 533J
acres purchased by John Reading as part of 3333
acres of Daniel, John, and William Cose, in 1745),
and sold by his heirs to Gershom Lee, March 16,
1768. Joseph Taylor and Robert Dods were wit-
nesses to this indenture.
After the Revolution, Col. (afterwards Gen.) Charles
Stewart, who rendered important service to the Amer-
ican cause from the very commencement of the strug-
gle, removed from Landsdown to Flemington, taking
up his residence in a house near that of John C.
HoiDewell, Esq., and owning a large farm extending
to Coxa's Hill. There he lived until his death,
June 24, 1800, at the age of seventy-one.f He
was buried in the old Presbyterian churchyard at
Bethlehem. A long epitaph is inscribed upon his
tombstone, which was written by his life-long friend.
Chief- Justice Smith, of Trenton, in these words :
" He was an early and decided friend
to the American Revolution
and bore the important office of
Cuuimissary-General of Issues
to uuivei-sal acceptance.
His friendships were fen'id
and lasting,
and commanded both his purse
and his services.
His hospitality
was extensive and bountiful;
The friend and the stranger
were almost compelled to
come in. "
His granddaughter, Mrs. Bower, after the .war,
received marked attention, in Philadelphia, from
Mrs. Washington. His daughter, Martha, married
Robert Wilson, a young Irishman of education, who
came to this country and volunteered in the Conti-
nental army soon after the battle of Lexington. He
was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Ger-
mantown. Capt. Wilson died in Hackettstown, in
1779, at the early age of twenty-eight. Mrs. Wilson
was distinguished for beauty and for a brilliant and
cultured mind. J
Some of Gen. Stewart's descendants have continued
in the service of their country to this day. One of
his grandsons, Charles Stewart, son of Samuel Stewart,
was born in Flemington, where his father lived, near
and east of the Presbyterian church. He was grad-
uated at Princeton in 1815, and was a class-mate of
Alexander Wurts ; first studied law, afterward theol-
ogy, and went as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands,
t "The Kret Century of Hunterdon County," p. 33.
t Mrs. Ellet, in her "Women of the American Revolution," devotes a
chapter to this lady, the daughter of one of Flemingtou's early resi-
dents.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
327
from whence he returned in 1825. In 1828 he received
the appointment of chaplain in the navy, in which
office he continued until 1862, visiting all parts of
the world. He died at Cooperstown, N. Y., at the
age of seventy-five.* A son of his was graduated
with Gen. McClellan at West Point, and during the
Rebellion had charge of the Engineers' department
at Fortress Monroe ; since the war he has had com-
mand of the United States Engineers' Corps at San
Prancisco, Cal. A granddaughter of Gen. Stewart,
Mrs. Hoyt, widow of the late of Capt. Hoyt, resides
at Landsdown, in this county, and has in her pos-
session the old family record.
Flemington's old hero was Thomas Gearhart, one
of the early settlers. He was a daring soldier, and
was shot through the knee by the British, who were
in ambush on the river-shore. The ball, which had
lodged behind the knee-cap, subsequently became
visible under the skin. The doctors offered to cut it
out, but the proud old soldier said, " No ; I got that
ball in the Revolution, and I mean to carry it as long
as I live !" and he did, although it made him a cripple
for life ; it was buried with-, him. With native wit,
he was the joker of his regiment during the war, sub-
sequently entertaining many a crowd in Flemington
with his droll stories. He lived where Andrew B.
Rittenhouse, lately deceased, resided, and was buried
in the Presbyterian churchyard, where his grave is
pointed out by Mahlon Smith ; but the unlettered
slab would not indicate that a herb slept beneath.
Johannes Bursenbergh was an early settler in or
near Flemington.f
Of Dr. George Creed little is known. He was born
at Jamaica, L. I., Oct. 1, 1735 ; commenced practicing
his profession at Flemington in 1765, was the pioneer
physician of the village, and was the purchaser of
Fleming's dwelling-house.t
In 1775, John Haviland was the owner of a half-
acre lot, on which was a tan-yard, and where now is
the brickyard? in the north part of the village.
James Farrar cotemporaneously had a lot of 3}
acres north of Lowrey's store-house.
Samuel L. Southard, afterwards the distinguished
senator and Supreme Court judge, built, in 1814, the
house now owned by Alexander Wurts. He removed
from the village in 1817.
Jasper Smith built the house now owned by John
Jones, Esq. Mr. Smith was professionally a lawyer,
and a man of great energy and public spirit, and had
much to do in securing the county-seat to Fleming-
ton. He was a devoted church-member, and some-
what strict in ideas. Pitching bullets in the street
* Kev. Geo. S. Mott, D.D., Hiatorical Biaconrse, pp. 16, 17.
t " First Century of Hunterdon County," Dr. Mott, p. 19.
J He subsequently removed to Trenton, K. J., where he died suddenly
of apoplexy about 1776. BalTe Hist. Preahy. Church, Frenlon.
gHist'l Disc, Dr. Mott, p. 9. John H. Capner says Mr. Haviland
never had definite title to it, and that the half-acre nowpartof a larger
tract owned by John C. Hopewell never had a brickyard on it, although
near one.
was a favorite amusement in his day, which he very
much opposed. He finally became so much provoked
at the practice that he one day picked up the bullets
and threw them away. It is related that afterward
the men engaged in this sport turned the tables on
him by heating a bullet almost to melting and placing
it in his way, at the same time warning him that he
might some time get his fingers burned. He did pick
it up, but dropped it quickly; nor did he trouble
their bullets again.
James Clark, Sr., was one of the oldest residents in
Flemington. He was born in 1755, and died Deo. 20,
1828. He bore a part in the Revolution, and at his
demise left a wife and three children. " He was de-
servedly held in general esteem." He lived in a
house, since torn down or removed, which stood where
David Dunham now lives. His son, also known (after
his father's death) as James Clark, Sr., died in Flem-
ington ; was a carpenter by trade, but followed^arm-
ing mainly. His youngest son, John Clark, now lives
in the old Reading house, built by the " Governor,"
near what is now Kershow's Mills, in 1764.
In 1804, Peter Haward went to Philadelphia and,
for $70, bought a German to serve him for several
years. His son, Thomas, lives now in a house built
on his father's lot, near the South Branch depot. The
house his father built, close by, is still standing, occu-
pied by tenants, and owned by two of his daughters.
His oldest daughter, Catharine, married Joseph H.
Schenck, of Philadelphia, and his youngest daughter,
Sarah, married Henry C. Hill, of Norristown, Pa.
Mary and Jane never married.
Among other prominent early families of this vi-
cinity were the Blackwells. John T. Blackwell, son
of James H., lived where is now the Blackwell block
of stores, on Main Street. He was appointed judge
of the court Feb. 8, 1804; was county clerk for nine-
teen years and surrogate for seven. He died in 1831.
His wife was Susan Hunt; his daughter, Clarissa,
died in 1823. James H. Blackwell was postmaster
for ten years (1820-30) . He lived in the second house
north of the Union Hotel, on the east side of Main
Street. John H. Blackwell was surrogate in 1823.
Oliver H. Blackwell, born in Hopewell township,
came to Flemington soon after 1800, with his father,
John T. He died in 1877. None of the name now
remain in the place, and of all the sons and daughters
of John T., one son only (John P.) is living, or was
quite recently, in New York.
The Gregg family was a prominent one in Fleming-
ton during the latter part of the last and early part
of the present century. James Gregg was postmaster
here in 1794, and Dr. John Gregg practiced physic
from about the same time until 1808. They were of
the Quaker faith. There is not a representative of
this family now living in Flemington.
The Capner i^ami%. Joseph " Capnerhurst" came
from England just after the Revolution and bought
the Mine Farm, formerly Case's, and married Chris-
328
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
tiana Eunyan. He had but two sons, Thomas and
Hugh. He had a brother named Thomas, who had
sons, John H. and James.
The name " Capnerhurst" was abreviated to " Cap-
ner" shortly after Joseph came to this country. Jo-
seph Capner had a passion for blooded stock, prin-
cipally for sheep. He was the second who keiDt
Bakewell sheep in this country. The first were
smuggled here by a man named Beans. Joseph Cap-
ner's Bakewells were considered the finest sheep in
the Union, and were sold to wool-growers in almost
every State. When Hugh was about seven years old
his father would send him out with a little bag of
oats to feed the sheep, that he might acquire a fond-
ness for them. It was through this early training
that Hugh Capner became celebrated as an importer
of the best Bakewells and as having one of the finest
flocks in the Union.
Thomas Capner, a brother of Joseph, and John H.
Capner's father, came from England when a boy.
John Hall, the great-uncle of Hugh and John H.,
came here before the Revolution to look at the coun-
try, and returned. He sympathized with the Ameri-
cans, but had landed property in England, and Capt.
Coltman, wishing to come over and help fight our
battles, left his wife in Mr. Hall's family and em-
barked for America. He was a gallant soldier, and
fought bravely all through the war. After the war
Mr. Hall returned to America, bringing with him the
Capner family and Capt. Coltman's wife. This was
(says John H. Capner) about the year 1792. Joseph
settled at Flemington, as already related, and Thomas
went to a saw-mill at the mouth of the Wissahickon,
in Pennsylvania, Here he became partner of Moses
Hill, a wealthy Quaker of Philadelphia. He after-
wards moved to Trenton. When his brother Joseph
died, Thomas came to Flemington (not far from the
year 1810), rented the Mine farm, and kept up the
reputation of the family for raising and importing
Bakewell sheep. When Thomas, the son of Joseph,
became of age he bought the farm. This farm de-
scended to Hugh Capner, by purchase fi-om Thomas,
and he sold it to the mining company.
Thomas Capner died in Flemington, in 1832, and
was buried in the Presbyterian churchyard.
John H. Capner, son of Thomas, was born at
Trenton, N. J., in 1807 ; came here with his father
about 1810, settling on the home-farm ; since 1818
has resided in Flemington, on the place where he is
now living, at the age of seventy-three, quite hale
and hearty. His wife, Anne Hill, was a daughter
of Thomas Hill, of New Brunswick, N. J. ; she was
born in 1810, and died Aug. 3, 1880, aged seventy.
They had no children. His brother, James, lived in
the village, in a house once belonging to Samuel
Fleming.
Among other early settlers at Flemington may be
named the Bonnell, Rea, Callis, Atkinson, Maxwell,
Hoff, Chamberlin, and Smith families. The earlier
representatives of these names sleep in the village
churchyards, but their memories still live. Their
names will be found running all through these annals,
figuring in " Church and State," in civic matters, and
in mercantile pursuits, while many of their descend-
ants are to-day prominent in the affairs of the vil-
lage. George Eea was postmaster over seventy years
ago.
In 1808, Flemington was but a small village. From
the Presbyterian church to the Baptist there were but
sixteen houses, of which three were occupied as tav-
erns. Water was scarce, and frequently had to be
hauled, sometimes from the Branch. This led, in
1808, to the introduction of water through wooden
logs. Women at that time went to the polls and
voted, as they were permitted under the old constitu-
tion of the State.*
Neal Hart kept tavern at the present stand of the
Union Hotel. His daughter Eliza married Charles
Bartles. Mary, another daughter, married John H.
Anderson, formerly a merchant here, but later of Lam-
bertville, at which place his sons are still living. Mr.
Hart died Sept. 4, 1837, aged fifty-nine.
Samuel Hill built the pottery-works about 1815,
operating them until his death, in 1858. He was born
Aug. 13, 1793. His son William, the present post-
master, was born Feb. 13, 1822.
Isaac G. Farlee, born in April, 1787, was an early
settler at White House, came here in his later life,
built the house now occupied by Robert J. Killgore,
and died there, Jan. 12, 1855, aged sixty-seven. His
wife was a daughter of John Reid Reading, a sister
of Daniel K., and the widow of Mr. De Pue. George
Farlee, a sou of Isaac G., now resides near New York
City, and Augustus Ritchie, a son-in-law, is a member
of the Trenton bar.
FLEMINGTON IN" 1822.
1. ResideDCe of Asher Atkinson, now occupied by his daughter, Ann
GrofE.
2. Presliyteriiin Church. Since rebuilt near the bite of tlie old hotel (3).
3. ^Hotel, then l^ept by Elnathan Moore, previously by Jonathan More-
head. Since removed to make way for the church.
3^2. Store-house, used by Lowrey during tlie Revolution for storing
comniissai-y supplies, etc.
4. Residence of John Capner.
5. Slaughter-house, owned by Thomas Capner.
C. lionnell's Hotel.
Y. Alexander Wurts' residence, huilt by Hon. S. L. Southard.
8. Clerk's and surrogate's office, brick.
9. Court-HouBC, stone.
10. Store, S. I>. Stryker. Owned by Johu Maxwell estate.
11. Residence of Mrs. Cyntliia K. Clark. Owned by John Maxwell
estate.
12. Residence of S. D. Stryker, brick. Owned by John Maxwell
estate. Now the residence of Chester Van Syckel.
13. Residence of William Maxwell. It constitutes the main part of
the present residence of Clinrles Bartles, Esq.
14. An old houbc belonging to Nathaniel Saxton, and since removed.
It was on the site of Dr. Parish's residence.
15. Residence of Cliarles Miller,t back of Charles Bartles', in the
meadow. Previously Fleming's tavern. This is the oldest house now
* Items from a diary kept by Peter Haward, father of T. C. Haward.
t He died there, and his descendants have since lived in it It is now
occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Kimball.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
329
standing in the Tillage. The old Centre Bridge road, since taken np,
ran close to this tavern, and thence northeasterly to the Trenton road
(now Main Street), striking it near whefe, in 1822, Moore's hotel stood.
In 1822 It waB the only residence, except that of Kev. Meld, not located
on the main street.
16. Residence of the Rev. J. T. E. Field, and built by him. Now owned
and occupied by Vice-Chancellor Tan Fleet.
V4S
n
18*
19
1 32
T,\
E3»
Aca(leTnT/ii^<t
25 •
26 #
'.',
ijio__ SoutKBrmckR R.
V V BapcChurdi.
n
/
PLAN OF riEMINGTON IN 1822.
17. Pottery built and owned by Samuel Hill. The principal part of the
present works.
18. Kesidence of Samuel Hill.
19. Late the residence of John Kline, next to the railroad. Bow
owned by Moses Everett.
20. Carpenter-shop, owned by Peter Haward, near where depot now is.
21. Tenant-house. Still standing as built,-the first house south of the
railroad.
22. Kesidence of William Barrass.
23. Tenant-house.
24. Academy building, standing well back from the street.
22
25. Barcalow'B chair-factoi-y.
26. Kesidence of Dr. Geary.
On IhcEast Side of Main Street.
27. Red house, owned and occupied by James Clark, Sr.
28. Baptist church. Afterwards rebuilt more to the ^vestward, and
facing the main street.
29. A small shanty built by "Daddy Miiilc," and in 1822 occupied by
Jacob and Mary Francis as a cake- and beer-shop. They were all colored
people.
30. Residence of Jane and Maiy Haward. Now owned by the Mary
Haward estate.
31. A small frame school-house built by Peter Haward for an English
lady, a school-teacher, named Miss Allen.
32. An old red house, owned by estate of George C. Maxwell. Now-
owned by W, P. Emery.
33. Residence of J. Stillwell, brick. Now occupied by Hiram Deats.
34. Kesidence of George Foiker, and built by him. Now occupied by
his widow and family.
35. House owned by Joseph P. Charaberlin, and occupied by his father.
A part of the present J. T. Bird residence.
30. Tailor-shop. A small frame building (vacant in 1822) where now
is the Democrat office.
37. Residence of Joseph P. Chamberlin, where is now Parker's jewelry-
store.
373^. House, residence of the widow of John Maxwell, Jr.
38. Hotel. Neal Hart, proprietor. About on the site of the " Union"
hotel.
39. Kesidence of John T.Blackwell.
40. Dwelling-house, owned by Gershom Lambert, of New Hope, on the
site of George A. Rea's store, occupied by a Scotch fiddler named Mat-
thew Thompson about 1822.
41. The Hooley property, now occupied by N. G. Smith, a small, one-
story frame building, then used as a jewelry-shop.
42. House now owned by Garry Voorhees' mother, then occupied by
Samuel Large as a residence.
43. House then occupied by Mr. Cain, now by Robert Ramsey's-
widow.
44. Residence of John L. Jones, then owned and occupied by Rev.
John F. Clark. It was built by Jasper Smith.
45. Stone house occupied and owned by Samuel Atkinson, on the site
of which is one now occupied by Clarkson C. Dunham.
46. Residence of Esq. George Kea (deceaaedj. Since somewhat altered,
and now the residence of Peter Nevius.
47. Mahlon Smith's residence and black sraitli-shop, where Isaac
Smith's widow now lives.
48. Stone house owned by Mrs. Martha Wilson, of Cooperstown, N. T.,
and occupied (1822) by Elisha Bird. Since rebuilt, and now owned by
John C. Hopewell.
49. Nearly opposite M. Smith's, and next south of the Webster lot, was
the residence of Anna (Jewell) Stratton ; now owned by Mrs. Key.
INDEPENDENCE JUBILEE IN 1826.
This particular natal day was hailed with unusual
demonstrations of joy. It was ushered in by the
ringing of the village bell, the display of the national
flag, and by a salute of fifty guns,~-the nation being
fifty years old that day. The procession was formed
at the house of N. Price in the following order :
Capt. Case's Cavalry Company.
Capt. Voorhees' Light Infantry.
Capt. Swing's La Fayette Guards.
Band.
Flag.
The Clergy.
Orator of the Day.
Reader of the '* Declaration."
Committee of Arrangements.
Choir.
Ladies, in white, representing the thirteen original States.
Misses, representing the eleven new States.
Civilians, Citizens and Strangers.
330
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
When the procession arrived at the court-house, the
venerable survivors of 76 joined the procession. Their
names were :
Col. David Schamp, Readington, with " Trentou" Ijanuer ; John Howe,
Amwell, with " Princeton" banner ; James Clark, Sr., Flemington,
with " Monmouth" banner ; Adam Butterfaus, Amwell, with " Sara-
toga" banner ; Kichard Mills, Bethlehem, with " Yorktown" ban-
ner , Jacob Andereon, with banner of " 1776 ;" Samuel Barber and
Capt. Tunis Case, marshals; William Bennett, John Besson, Sr.,
William Bowne, Eobert Butler, William Bilby, Albert Conover, Paul
Coon, Sr., Samuel Corwine, John Chamberlin, Adam Conrad, Wil-
liam C. Dilts, Nicholas Danbury, William Danbury, Daniel Bnt,
William Fulper, John Farley, Joseph Fish, Peter Geary, Adam
Hummer, Capt. John Higgins, Martin Johnson, Christopher Kuhl,
James Metier, John Ma.xwell, Sr., George Pownell, Tunis T. Quick,
John Servis, Michael Shurts, Moses Stout, George N. Schamp, Elijah
Thatcher, Johu Trimmer, William Taylor, William Van Fleet,
Jerome Waldron, Lewis English (colored), Jacob Francis (colored).
The procession then moved to the church, the inte-
rior of which was magnificently decorated with wreaths
of laurel and festoons of evergreen. After prayer by
Rev. J. F. Clark, and a song by the special choir,
etc., the " Declaration'' was read by Alexander Wurts,
Esq., and an appropriate oration delivered by Andrew
Miller, Esq. ; another psalm was then sung, and the
benediction pronounced, when the procession reformed
and moved to the inn of Peter Smick (during which
a salute of twenty-four guns, in honor of the States
of the Union, was fired), where a bountiful dinner
was partaken of One of the volunteer toasts on this
occasion was to "The memory of Brig.-Gen. William
Maxwell, of the New Jersey line. His surviving
Light Infantry will never forget how he said to them
' Shin 'em, boys !' "
At this day, 1880, after a lapse of fifty- four years,
few, if any, of the active participants of this celebra-
tion survive, and it would be impossible to convey
adequately the kind and degree of enthusiastic feeling
manifested.
FLEMINGTON FIFTY YEAES AGO.
It may be interesting to take a retrospective glance
at this village at it was a half century ago. From the
files of the Hunterdon Oazette and Farmers' Weekly
Advertiser, for 1825, we find that fifty-five years ago
the following tradesmen and mechanics were engaged
in business in Flemington :
Thomas J. Stout, blacksmith, in a shop which he
advertisecl as " near Mr. Bonnell's hotel," really
located where now are the stores of Lemuel Fisher
and E. Vosseller ; Samuel Hill, earthen-ware manu-
facturer ; James and John Callis, watchmakers ; P. W.
Dunn, saddler and harness-maker; Hugh Capner,
brick-maker; William 1\\S and Samuel Nailor,
tailors ; Hannah Blackwell, on the hill near Hoag-
land's, milliner, in business since 1820. Charles Bon-
nell kept tavern, although he was succeeded by Peter
Smick in May, 1826.
The firms engaged in general merchandise were
Stryker & Anderson (S. D. Stryker and J. H. Ander-
son) and Joseph P. Chamberlin. In 1826, Ellsha R.
Johnston became a competitor, and the following
spring Knowles & Carhart opened a " country store"
at the old stand of Asher Atkinson.*
John F. Sclienck practiced medicine, while S. G.
Opdycke, Alexander Wurts, Charles Bartles, Natty
Saxton, A. Miller, Peter I. Clark, and Zaccur Prall
(also a doctor) were resident attorneys and solicitors.
Once a week the mail came in from New York,
and likewise from Philadelphia, via Trenton and the
" Swift-Sure'' coaches, over the Old York Eoad. But
the Flemington people had another means of news,
for Mr. George published his Oazette once a week,
albeit it had more columns of legal advertisements
than items of local news. Probably the latter were
scarce in those times, and yet .the following, which
appeared in his paper of date Nov. 1, 1826, evidences
there was some stir in this locality :
NOTICE. "
" My wife in the fall, she pack her goods all.
She left me, she went in a hluster ;
Now plainly I say her debts I'll not pay.
And you run your own risk if you trust her.
Samuel H. Snider."" "
During the next three years several changes oc-
curred. In 1828, Dr. Zaccur Prall left Flemington
for the Schuylkill coal region of Pennsylvania. In
1829 and 1830 the mechanic arts received accessions
in N. Magonigal, John Atkinson, John Volk,t
Joseph McNeely,t Mahlon Smith, and John Mc-
Eathern, whose handiwork was respectively classified
as cooperage, funiture, chair- and cabinet-making,
and the last two were partners in blacksmithing.
In 1829, Elnathan Moore was supplying our farmers
with " Deats' patent plows," etc., and, in 1830, John
H. Anderson, Johnston & Hoff", John S. Rockafeller,
G. & W. L. Alexander, and E. H. Knowles, with
store-goods of every class.? About this time, too,
John Durant, assisted by his two bo5's, commenced
the manufacture of hats and the dyeing of woolen,
cotton, and silk goods. He subsequently removed to
New Germantown. In 1829 a tri-weekly stage-line
commenced running between Trenton and Fleming-
ton. In 1829 Margaret Boss, and in 1830 the Misses
Moore and Runkle, were engaged in millinery and
mantua-making.
From 1825 to 1830 the military enthusiasm ran high,
and this village had its " uniform infantry company" ||
and its " troop" of cavalry.1[ The " Fourth Regiment
of the Hunterdon Brigade" at that time was manoeu-
vred by Col. J. S. Manners and Adjt. R. L. Sutphin.
* After 182S Knowles continued the business alone.
I In 1830 it became Laird St, Yolk's chair-factory ; it was opposite N.
Price's tavern.
X Succeeded, in 1832, by John K. Clioyce.
§ In 1831 the mercantile firms wore Miller & Chamberlin; Farlee
Maxwell & Hoff (Isaac G. Farlee, Amos T. Maxwell, Joseph C. Hoff), at
Asher Atkinson's old stand, occupied " recently by Capt. E. H. Knowles ;"
and Ale-xanders & Davis, in the store-house formerly occupied by J. H.
Anderson.
II In 1826 it was commanded by Capt. Yoorhees, and 0. H. Blackwell
was iirst sergeant.
1[ The " Fifth Troop of the Hunterdon Squadron," in 1827, was com-
manded by Peter I. Case, and Johu Wyckoff was its *' orderly."
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
331
During this time the court-house had been burnt
and rebuilt, and the village had grown to considerable
dimensions, and yet was without gas, a water-supply,
or railroad communications. A vivid contrast is the
Flemington of 1830 with the Flemington of 1880.
Jan. 17, 1828, a public meeting was held at the
court-hoase to consider the questions of turnpiking
the streets and improving the sidewalks, and a com-
mittee (Charles Bonnell, Samuel Hill, Neal Hart,
Charles George, and E. E. Johnson) was appointed
to solicit subscriptions. That there was urgent need
for action is witnessed by the following item in the
Gazette oiVeh. 13, 1828:
" The public roads have not been in a worse condition in twenty years.
Those whose business required them to be at court here this week ex-
perienced much difficulty in attending. Learning that the roads were in
many places impassable, we did not send our carriers on the routes of
Thursday and Friday. "
Charles Bartles, wlio came to Flemington in 1822,
says he frequently aided in prying out of the mud
wagons and teams which became "stalled" in the
main street.
The first sidewalk in Flemington was built by
Oharles Bartles in front of his residence in 1833. He
has also the honor of being the first to set out shade-
treeSj in the spring of the same year. Soon after,
B-obert Reading set out some elms in front of the court-
house. This was all that was done in this direction
for about ten years, when Col. Clark set out trees on
his lot. After that the planting of trees became
general, and Flemington is now one of the best-shaded
towns in this section.
REMOVAL OF COUNTY-SEAT,
The following memorial and remonstrance of the
citizens of Flemington and vicinity was presented to
the State Legislature in February, 1828, after the
court-house was burned; it so fully portrays the
agitation concerning the removal of the county-seat
that it is given nearly entire :
"The Memorial and Remonstrance of the Subscribers, Citizens of
Flemington and its Vicinity, in the County of Hunterdon, and
OF other Sections of said County,
Respectfully Sheweth, That for several years past the inhabitants of "
the Tillage of Lambertsville, in this county, have been circulating peti-
tions for the removal of the seat of justice of the county to that place;
during which time they have labored assiduously to satisfy themselves
of the propriety of the measure and convince the public that they would,
in some way or other, be benefited by the change. By dint of unwearied
patience and perseverance they have, as is usual in such cases, succeeded
in obtaining their own approbation, and the signatures of a large num-
ber of persons, some feeling a deep interest in the prosperity of that par-
ticular place, and others feeling little or no interest at all in that or any
other location, but who could not resist continued and importunate solici-
tation to subscribe their names to a petition, , .
'• Some three or four years ago, having obtained a sufficient number of
subecribere to give countenance to the measure, they ventured to present
petitions, and bring the subject before your honorable body, and a bill waa
actually reported, which upon further reflection, however, was abandoned
by them as hopeless and chimerical ; and so the project is still considered
by the great body of substantial yeomanry of the county, and by many
of the most respectable citizens of their own neighborhood. The Legis-
lature has not since been troubled with it until lately, when some for-
tuitous circumstances, entirely unconnected with their claims on the one
hand, or the public interest on the other, but backed by the recent de-
struction of part of the public buildings at this place, have again encour-
aged them to press the subject on the attention of your honorable body. . . .
" In pursuance of an act passed in May, 1790, the seat of justice of the
county of Hunterdon was, by a large majority (upwards of three-fifths)
of all the votes of the county, at an election held in October in that year,
located in Flemington. The place at that time contained about 10 or 12
houses; since which time all the property in the village has changed
hands at advanced prices, and about 35 new dwell ing-ho\ises have been
erected, on the faith of the seat of justice having been established at the
place, which now contains, beside 3 churches and the county offices (yet
uninjured), between 40 and 50 dwelling-houses, all occupied, several of
them with two families each ; besides store-houses, shops, and outbuild-
ings. There are in the place 4 taverns, 4 stores, a post-office, printing-
office, an earthen manufactory, 20 mechanics of different occupations, 11
professional men, and the county officers, besides other citizens, to all of
whom a removal would be a Bacrifice. And we hesitate not to declare
that Flemington, within the circuit of the village, contains more build-
ings, public and private, than Lambertsville, and considerably more in-
habitants, some buildings in the latter place, erected some years ago on
speculation, remaining to this day unoccupied.
The public buildings in Flemington were erected in 1791, plain, sub- "
stantial, and sufficiently large for the accommodation of the county, al-
though the court-room was not arranged to the best advantage for the
convenience of the court and bar ; and on this account only was an ap-
plication made by the members of the bar to the board of freeholders for
some alterations. This application was not refused on account of any con-
templated change of the seat of justice, but, on the contrary, the board
appointed a committee with instructions to examine, and report the most
eligible plan of improvement. The report was made to a special meet-
ing of the board called on another occasion : the season being far advanced,
and the assessments begun, it was, on that account only, postponed to
the ensuing spring, and, not being again urged, was not afterwards
acted on. . .
" But least of all will Flemington suffer by a comparison with Lam-
bertville with respect to its local situation for the convenience of the
county as the seat of justice. By inspection of the map, your honorable
body will perceive that the county of Hunterdon extends from Trenton
up the Delaware about 4.i miles. Lambertsville is situated on the western
margin of the county, not exceeding 16 miles from the southern and not
less than 26 from the northwestern extremity, on the Delaware, nor less
than 36 miles by the nearest practicable route from the northeastern ex-
tremity, on the Muscouetcong, adjoining the county of Morris; while
Flemington is 23 miles from Trenton, about 20 from the northwest and
25 from the northeast extremity, being nearly equidistant, and if any-
thing about a mile below the central point between the three extremes
of the county, and at least 12 miles nearer to that point than Lamberts-
ville. And when it is considered that the lower end of the county from
Trenton up to Lambertsville does not average more than from 8 to 12
miles in width, that up as far as Flemington it does not exceed 15 miles,
that opposite Flemington its eastern boundary is suddenly extended down
the Raritan to a much greater width, and that from thence upward to
the Muscouetcong it averages between 20 and 30 miles in width, the
whole extent of which is thickly inhabited, it is abundantly manifest
that the greater portion both of the territory and population of the
county he above Flemington. And when it is further considered that
from this place upward the country is uneven and mountainous, it is
evident that in short days and bad roads it would take some of these
upper inhabitants two days' travel to reach the seat of justice, if estab-
lished at Lambertsville ; and that a great portion of the population of the
county would be put to great inconvenience, and have just reason to
complain of such a location.
On behalf of the application, it is said to be in conformity to the "
principles of pure republicanism to facilitate the expression of the pub-
lic voice. Pure republicanism requires that the opinions and interests
of a few should yield to that of many, and not that the property, inter-
est and convenience of many should be sacrificed to the aggiaudizement
of a few, or the interest of one section or district of country to that of
another. That it is proper to afford an opportunity of expressing the
public voice as to the location of a seat of justice is not denied, but in
the present instance that haa long since been done, the privilege has
been exercised, and exercised judiciously; and we humbly apprehend
that it is not proper, after it has been thus exercised, the seat of justice
located and property to a large amount invested on the faith of that lo-
cation, that this property should be sMrificed, and the seat of justice set
afloat to be scrambled for by all those who may fancy that the advan-
tages of their situation entitle them to it or enable them to obtain it.
"But it is said that it is proper to take the public opinion ou the locar
332
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
tion at this time, because part of the public buildings have been de-
stroj'ed. The destruction of part of the public buildings undoubtedly
renders it proper that they should be rebuilt, but by no means proper or
necessary that the remainder of the public buildings should also be de-
stroyed, private propei'ty to a large amount sacrificed, the harmony of
the county disturbed, and the inhabitants put tn much more expense in
contending for the location than would have replaced the buildings.
This would render the destruction of a public building a calamity indeed.
*' Your memorialists humbly trust that where a seat of justice has been
once located by the public voice, legally and decisively expressed, and
expensive improvements made on the faith of that location, your honor-
able body will listen to an application to change it only when coming
from portions of the community who can demonstrate that from their
local situation they are subject to unnecessary inconvenience or oppres-
sion, and not when coming from those who have no such injury to com-
plain of, but can boast of the advantages tliey enjoy, and seek a change
of the location only to enhance those advantages, raise the value of their
property, fill their empt}' liouses, build up their village, and aggrandize
themselves at the expense of their neighbors.
They therefore humbly pray that your honorable body will not pass "
any law authorizing an election for the seat of justice in the county of
Hunterdon.
And your memorialists, as in duty bound,;will ever pray.
The bill introduced into the Legislature providing
for an election to determine the location of the county-
seat was negatived in the House on Wednesday, March
5th, and on the following Monday the board of chosen
freeholders, in session at Flemington, resolved to pro-
ceed in the erection of a court-house and jail with
convenient dispatch, and appointed apj)ropriate com-
mittees to effect the same.
EARLY PHYSICIANS.
Dr. John Gregg was an early resident, and the
second physician to locate in Flemington, being the
successor of Dr. Creed. He established himself here
about 1790, and practiced as a physician and surgeon
from that time until 1808, when he was succeeded by
Dr. William Geary. Dr. Gregg was (says Mahlon
Smith) a bachelor, and boarded with his brother,
James Gregg, who lived where Peter Nevius now
resides. He was very fond of hunting and fishing,
and was crippled in the leg by being accidentally
shot by a fellow-hunter. In 1808 he removed to
Pennsylvania.
Dr. William Geary was a. Scotchman. When he
came to Flemington is not definitely known, but his
record as a practicing physician here dates from 1808.
He was small of stature, quick, shrewd, a good horse-
man, an excellent doctor, and a popular man. In
1832 he was still in Flemington, but left shortly after
for Trenton, his former residence, where he lived a
short time, and died. He left a widow and several
children. At the time of his death he was a member
of the Presbyterian Church.
Among other early physicians prior to 1840 were
John Manners, Henry B. Poole, John F. Sohenck, and
William Duryea. (See chapter on "Medical Pro-
fession," in this work, for further sketches of Flem-
ington physicians.)
The incipiency of the express business in this place
is to be found in the early post-carriers, who seem to
have made a practice not only of forwarding letters,
but of delivering packages, money, and light articles^
very often without receiving any compensation. But
Jacob Lacy advertised in the village paper in 1831*
that he had " worked for nothing long enough," and
absolute!;/ would not forward letters, packages, etc., un-
less the small sum charged for his trouble was left with
the article to be sent, and that in no case would he go
off the post-route.
OKGANIZATION, CIVIL LIST, Etc.
Flemington is not incorporated, and has no civil
government independent of the township of which it is
a part, without we except the board of highway com-
missioners. A few years since some efibrts were made
towards securing an incorporation, but, the project
being opposed by many of the leading citizens, it was
abandoned. An " Act for the Improvement of Flem-
ington" was procured from the Legislature in 1870,
which created the board of commissioners, defined
their powers, etc.
Board of Commissioners. This body, exercising
the power and performing the duties of highway com-
missioners for the town of Flemington, and provided
for by an Act of the Senate and General Assembly,
approved March 14, 1870, is composed of seven mem-
bers, elected annually. The board has been consti-
tuted as follows :
1870-73, John 0. Hopewell, Eunkle Bea, Samuel M. Higgins, Myles
Cunningham, Nathaniel G. Smith, Abel W'ebster, John L. Jones;
1874, John C. Hopewell, Runkle Bea. John L. Jones, Samuel L.
Higgins, Myles Cunningham, Isaac Smith, Andrew T. Connet; IS?.!,
same as 1874, except Henry Britton in place of M. Cunningbam ;
1876, Kunkle Bea, Isaac Smith, T. R. Trewin, Henry Britton, Tunis
Sergeant, John M. Moses, Joseph H. Higgins ; 1877, Bunkle Rea,
Nathaniel G. Smith, John L. Jones, John H. Capner, Tom B. Trewin,
Richard Emmons, Joseph H. Higgins; 1878, Eunkle Rea, John H.
Capner, King Pyatt, William G. Pedrick, J. Wesley Britton, George
Harrison, Joseph H. Higgins; 1879, Bunkle Bea, John H. Capner,
John W. Britton, David Dunham, Jos. B. Case, William B. Hall,
William G. Pedrick ; 1880, David Van Fleet, John B. Hopewell, John
H. Capner, John W. Britton, William Pnroell, William H. Hall,
Uriah W'arman.f
Until 187.5 the board met in Hopewell Hall, since
which date its sessions have been held in the upper
story of the Flemington engine-house.
THE POST-OFFICE.
The post-office of Flemings (now Flemington) was
established in 1794. James Gregg was the first to
handle the mails, which at that time embraced letters
only ; in fact, it is only in quite recent years tliat
newspapers have been carried through the mails in
this county. They were distributed through the vil-
lage and throughout the county by a carrier mounted
on a horse, whose services were paid for by the pub-
lisher of the paper.J In the early days the mails
were "posted" in the same manner. In 1826 the
Swift-Sure stage-coach line brought letters from
Philadelphia, New York City, and intermediate
* Hunterdon Ckiunty GazeUe, Aug. 24, 18,31.
t The first-named commissioner in the above list served as president
of the board. The secretary and treasurer of the board have been .lohn
L. Jones, 1870-76 ; Joseph H. Higgins, 187f)-78 ; Wm. H, Hall, 1879-80.
X See files of the Hnnierdon Gasetic, Flemington, 1825, et acq.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
333
points on the route, three times a week. In 1829 a
tri-weekly mail-line was established between Trenton
and Flemington. No doubt prior to these dates the
mails were " few and far between." In the po.st-office
may still be seen a box, of the size of and resembling
a ballot-box, which was used by the early postmasters
of Flemington to contain the mail, and the old case
of " distributing-boxes" still stands in the office.
The first printed " List of Advertised Letters" pub-
lished in Flemington or in Hunterdon County ap-
peared in the Oazette, April 7, 1825, and contained the
names of " Jacob Buzart, Agesilus Besson, Henry Bu-
chanan, William M. Bellis, Mrs. Sarah Case, Major
Carman, Lewis Dunn, Miss Rebecca Devitt, Mrs. Anne
Housel, George Holcombe, Ross Jones, George N.
Jones, Miss Marcia Johnson, Benjamin Johnson,
Henry M. Kline, Mrs. Henry and J. M. Kline, Dan-
iel Larrowe, Mrs. Rachel Lanning, Aggie Lewrue
(Taylor), Michael Murphy, Philip Rake, John W.
Seymour, William Suydam, John Smith, John Sty-
res, Joseph Schenck, Joseph Thatcher, Cornelius
Williamson, Henry Wright, Peter Wolverton."
Early in 1838 the post-road from New Brunswick to
Flemington was established by Congress.
The following has been kindly furnished for this
history by the present obliging incumbent of the
Flemington office :
" Post-Office Department,
Officr of the First Assistant Postmastkr-General, "
" Washington, D. C, Aug. 6, 1880.
*' William Hill, Esq., P.-M. Flemington, J. N. :
Sir, In compliance with the request contained in your note of the "
28th of July, I take pleasure in furnishing you with the date of the es-
tablishment of your office, together with a list of all the postmasters
who have been appointed since that time. Owing to the fire which
turned the building on the 15tb of December, 1830, tliree of the earliest
record books were destroyed, but, by the auditor's ledgers, which for-
tunately were preserved, it is ascertained that the office began to render
accounts on the 1st of January, 1795. It is probable, therefore, that the
ofBce was established in the month of November, 1794. The following
comprises the list of
"POSTMASTEES FROM 1794-1880:
James Gregg, November, 1794; George Boa, Jr., July 1, 1808; John "
Maxwell, Jr., Oct. 1, 1813; James H. Blackwell, April 11, 1820;
John Callis, Jan. 13, 1830; John S. Brown, June 21, 1S41; George W.
Eisler, Oct. 26, 1841 ; James Callis, Aug. 2, 1845 ; John R. Holcombe,
June 9, 1849; John Volk, June 18, 1853; Joseph H. Higgins, March
30, 1853 ; Nathaniel G. Smith, May 10, 1861 ; Asa Jones, Oct. 15,
1866; Nathaniel G. Smith, March 20, 1869;* William Hill, April 19,
1877, present incumbent.
" The foregoing names and dates are believed to be correct as found
on the record books of the department, each postmaster holding tlie office
up to the appointment of his successor.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, "
" E. C. Fowler,
For First Assistant P.-M. Gen."" "
The Flemington office is now graded as third class,
with a salary of $1500 per annum.
SCHOOLS.
The first school appears to have been established
about 1760, when a small, one-story frame house 20
• At and from this date the office became " Presidential," and Mr.
Smith was appointed by the President, instead of by the Postmaster-
<3eneral.
by 30 feet was erected in the rear of the Baptist meet-
ing-house. It was rather a rude affair, and very
simply furnished. The second structure was of brick,
erected about 1812, and was located on the back end
of the academy lot, on the west side of Main Streert,
nearly opposite the Baptist church and facing Church
Street. Rev. W. W. Blauvelt, D.D., then a young
man of eighteen, taught in the academy about 1818.
The brick school-house was known as the " acad-
emy" at least as early as 182G. In that year the trus-
tees of the academy resolved to open a classical
school. They proposed that " all branches usually
attended to in our most respectable academies shall
be taught." This school was to "be under the imme-
diate superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Clark (pastor
of the Presbyterian Church of this place)," the pupils
being expected to board in the same house with the
principal, and applications for admission to be made
to the president of the board of trustees, John F.
Clark, to Andrew Miller, Esq., or to Mr. Charles
George.t William M. Hough was engaged as teacher
of the English department, and the school opened
Oct. 16, 1826. In 1827 he became principal.
Feb. 25, 1829, the trustees advertised for " a suit-
able teacher to take charge of the English department
in the academy." Edward Murray was secured, and
the village paper announced that he would "open
school in the academy on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1829."
Charles Parties, Esq., also taught in this school in
1822. J. J. Rockafellow taught in the "academy"
in 1840. The old Flemington Academy building is
still standing, about 100 yards west of the Baptist
church.
The oldest deed of school property in this district,
to be found, bears date of Jan. 1, 1812.t Among the
early teachers here Mahlon Smith names Messrs.
Leigh, Mendham, Kissam, and Brown, and says the
latter was the last teacher in the old building, which
stood in the rear of the Baptist church. The first
trustees were Peter Haward, Thomas Capner, James
Clark, Jonathan Hill, and John Maxwell.
Various select schools have been taught here from
time to time. One of the earliest was that of an
English maiden lady, a Miss Allen, in a house built
for the purpose by Mr. Peter Haward, which stood
on the east side of Main Street, a little north of where
is now the track of the South Branch Railroad. Miss
Harriet T. Thayer taught a select female school in
1829, at the residence of Mrs. S. Maxwell, and the
same year Nathaniel G. Mattison gave instruction in
penmanship at the house of Elnathan Moore. In
1867, Prof. McBeth established an "English and
classical school," but four or five years later sold to
I. N. Leigh and removed to West Virginia. Mr.
Leigh had charge of the school until September,
1880, when he disposed of his interest in it to Mr.
t Himierdon QazeOe, Sept. 20, 1826.
X Rev. C. S. Conkling's Centennial Report, 1876.
334
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Bahler, who is now conducting the same. Sir. Leigh,
upon retiring from this institution, assumed the man-
agement of the Eingos Academy.
The Flemington High School, a sclaool conducted
for many years under Baptist management, was estab-
lished by Rev. Moses Heath in the fall of 1855. The
following spring he was succeeded by Rev. Jonathan
Dayton Merrill, a graduate of Rochester University.
He had charge until the spring of 1856, when he I'e-
turned to college to finish his theological course, hip
place being taken by Mr. Sherwin. In Septem-
ber, 1859, John S. Higgins, also a graduate of Roch-
ester University, became principal, Mr. Sherwin re-
maining as assistant. In the fall of 1861, Cornelius
W. Larison became associate principal, and at this
period the school was conducted in two separate
buildings, for the boys and girls respectively. In 1857
-58 there were 180 pupils and 5 teachers, Mr. Hig-
gins, Mr. Sherwin, Mrs. Higgins {instrumental music).
Miss Higgins (drawing, painting, etc.), and Joanna
Higgins (the English branches). Prof. Abijah Rit-
teuhouse, formerly professor of mathematics in the
State Normal School of New Jersey, was the last prin-
cipal of this school, and subsequently became the first
of the Reading Academy, when the classical school
went out of existence.
This school was first opened in the old Episcopal
church, where now is the residence of Dr. George H.
Rowland, and subsequently in the Lyceum Hall, then
owned by Hugh Capner. It was quite successful, and
did a noble service in the cause of education.
The Reading Academy, the only public school
in Flemington, was established in 1862 with a fund
left by the will of the late Daniel K. Reading. The
cost of erection was about $6000. In was named in
honor of its founder. The Hon. Alexander Wurts
supervised its construction. Abijah Rittenhouse was
the first principal. After a few years he went to the
oil regions, being succeeded by J. R. Enke. Other
teachers since Mr. Enke have been Isaiah N. Leigh,
William T. Fidler, Simeon R. Opdyke, and Prof. R.
F. Pierce, the present principal.
The building, as erected in 1862, was a substantial
brick edifice 42 x 50 feet, two stories in height, di-
vided into four rooms, with accommodations for 200
scholars. In 1875 it was enlarged and improved at an
expense of $4000, embracing eight rooms. During
the present year (1880) many important improve-
ments and conveniences have been introduced at a
further cost of $1000, and it now takes first rank
among the public schools of the State. The present
(1880) trustees are David Van Fleet, Chester "Van
Sycke, and G. C. Stiger. The teachers are R. F.
Pierce (principal), Mrs. Mary Cox, Mrs. J. C. Higgins,
Miss Caddie Combs, Miss Drake, Miss Bailey,
THE FLEMINGTON GAS-LIGHT COMPANY.
In 1859 gas was introduced into this village, and in
the following year the water-works were established.
These two important measures are due to the energy
and public spirit of John C. Hopewell, who desired
gas, and Charles Bartles, the champion of the aqueous
element. They joined issue in the matter, and Mr.
I3artles procured the charters for both institutions in
1859. The gas-works were built in the north part of
the village, on Branch Street, near, the Bushkill
Creek, in 1859, and pipes laid throughout the village.
The incorporation is known as the " Flemington Gas-
Light Company." The first officers were John C.
Hopewell, President ; Bennet Van Syckel, Secretary
and Treasurer.
Its present (1880) managers are : President, William
P. Emery ; Secretary and Treasurer, C. C. Dunham ;
Directors, Charles Bartles, W. P. Emery, John C.
Hopewell, John B. Hopewell, and C. C. Dunham.
THE FLEMINGTON WATER COMPANY.
Water was introduced so long ago as 1808, in wooden
logs bored through the centre, and was brought from
Coxe's spring, on the property now occupied by Rob-
ert Thatcher. Mr. Bartles says it was in bad repair
in 1822, and, although there had been two plugs con-
structed, one at the court-house and another just
north of the Presbyterian church, the whole affair
had been neglected and left to go to ruin, so that for
many years prior to 1859 the place was without an
adequate water-supply in every dry season.
Two springs, located on John Capner's and J. C.
Hopewell's lands respectively, were largely the supply
in times of scarcity until the water-works were built,
water often being hauled from them when wells and
cisterns gave out. " The Flemington Water Company"
purchased springs about two and a half miles west of
the village, and the first supply was brought in iron
pipes from thence to the reservoir on Mullen Hill.
An additional reservoir, of three times the capacity of
the first constructed, was afterwards built, adjoining
and connected with it. An engine-house was also
built, and a small engine put in, on the west side of
the hill, in Suydam's meadows, to pump water from
Mine Brook and other streams. A six-inch main
was recently laid to Kershow & Chamberlin's mill,
and the necessary power provided to pump the water
from the South Branch. The springs before men-
tioned supply all the water required for nine months
in the year, but for the remaining three months the
South Branch is now had to guard against any defi-
ciency. The first officers of the water company were
Charles Tomlinson, President; George H. Bartles,
Secretary and Treasurer. The first directors were
Bennet Van Syckel, John C. Hopewell, Charles Bar-
ties, William P. Emery, Charles Tomlinson, Alexan-
der Wurts, John L. Janeway, John G. Reading, and
Hugh Capner.
Its officers for 1880 are as follows : William P. Em-
ery, President ; C. C. Dunham, Secretary and Treas-
urer. The board of directors is composed of John C.
Hopewell, Charles Bartles, William P. Emery, Alex-
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
335
ander Wurts, Joseph H. Higgins, Peter I. Nevius,
John B. Hopewell, A. V. Van Fleet, and C. 0. Dun-
ham.
FIEE DEPARTMENT.
In 1842, Samuel Hill, William P. Emery, Abraham
Fulper, Mahlon Fisher, Wilson Forker, John Capner,
Charles Miller, Tunis Sergeant, Joseph P. Boss, and
their associates, were incorporated as the " Fame Fire
Company of Flemington," with a capital stock not to
exceed $3000, " which shall be solely and exclusively
applied to procuring, maintaining, and repairing such
engines, hose, reservoirs of water, ladders, buckets,
fire-hooks, engine-houses, and other implements and
machines, and to such other incidental expenses, as
shall to the said company appear best calculated to
secure the property of their fellow-citizens from in-
jury or destruction by fire."*
Practically, nothing was done under this charter, so
that the only protection against fire which the people
of Flemington possessed up to 1862 was the " bucket
brigade." In that year certain private individuals
who did not desire to leave the place at the mercy of
the flames at every chance conflagration purchased a
steam fire-engine and erected a commodious two- story
engine-house. This was an entirely voluntary action
on their part. The names of these public benefactors
are engraven upon a plate on the engine, and are as
follows: "The Flemington Water Company, The
Flemington Railroad Company, The South Branch
Railroad Company, Charles Parties, John L. Jane-
way, John G. Reading, Robert Thatcher, John H.
Capner, Thomas C. Haward, Alexander V. Bonnell,
Charles Tomlinson, Edmund Perry, William P. Emery,
George F. Crater, Alexander Wurts, Bennet Van
Syckel, Anderson & Nevius, Hugh Capner, Joseph
H. Higgins, Albert G. Smith, John C. Hoiaewell.''
A company was formed, but after a few years it be-
came disorganized. A year or two since it was recon-
stituted, and now (1880) has the following officers
and members : President, A. T. Connet ; Vice-Presi-
dent, L. F. Reinert ; Secretary, G. T. Gray ; Assistant
Secretary, C. H. Higgins ; Treasurer, J. A. Bullock ;
Foreman, John H. Stockton ; First Assistant Fore-
man, C. D. Fulper; Second Assistant Foreman,
George W. Fulper ; Engineer, George T. Gray ;
First Assistant Engineer, H. Hughs ; Second Assist-
ant Engineer, Jacob Johnson ; Third Assistant
Engineer, Frank Gray ; C. A. Anderson, Edward E,
Allen, John H. Bullock, C. D. Burk, William Bellis,
Theodore B. Bellis, Peter Bodine, Frank Burk, Robert
Baum, James Bellis, A. T. Connet, Samuel Case,
Samuel A. Duckworth, George W. Fulper, Charles
D. Fulper, E. B. Fulper, George T. Gray, Frank Gray,
Arthur Hughs, S. B. Hill, Davis Hanson, C. H. Hig-
gins, Jacob H. Johnson, James H. Kline, William
S. Kline, John C. Pyatt, John B. Price, L. T. Rein-
ert, T. H. Rice, C. D. Rittenhouse, John H. Stockton,
* Acts of Assemlily, 1842 (passed March 2).
B. P. Stout, George W. Sheppard, J. Q. Thompson,
Odell Van Doren, George Van Ness, Hugh Van
Doren, John Warn, Lemuel Warman, L. K. Young.
Some five or six years since the purchasers and
owners of the engine property offered to donate the
same to the township authorities provided they
would purchase a sufficient quantity of good hose to
take the place of that which was old and unservice-
able. This offer was accepted, and the engine, etc.,
\^re transferred to their guardianship. The engine-
house is located on the lot adjoining and west of the
court-house, on Lyceum Street. The second story,
used as an assembly room by the fire-company and
the board of highway commissioners, is carpeted and
neatly furnished, the furniture being the gift of Dr.
J. H. Schenck, of Philadelphia.
Under the " Act to regulate the business of Bank-
ing," approved Feb. 27, 1850, the "Tradesmen's
Bank"! and the " Bank of North America" t were or-
ganized at Flemington. The bank commissioners of
the State, in their report for 1853, state that neither
had gone into full and bond fide operation, and that
the former had declared an intention to " wind up its
affairs."
The banks now in operation are the following :
" The Hunterdon 'County National Bank of Flem-
ington is the successor or outgrowth of the old "
Hunterdon County Bank, organized in 1854, under
the general banking laws of the State. Subsequently
it received a special charter from the State Legisla-
ture, and was thus continued until May, 1865, when
it was converted into a national bank. Isaac G. Far-
lee was its first president, in 1854 ; his successor was
George A. Allen, followed in 1S58 by Charles Bartles,
who now fills the position. The cashiers have been
William Emery, Charles Tomlinson, C. C. Dunham,
and, since 1876, John B. Hopewell. The tellers were
successively J. T. Conover, C. C. Dunham, and J. L.
Connet.
The present board of directors are Charles Bar-
ties, John C. Hopewell (vice-president), William P.
Emery, Judiah Higgins, Runkle Rea, Peter S. Dalley,
Avery Parker, Joseph H. Higgins, Peter P. Quick,
John W. Priestly, Andrew Van Syckle, William R.
Risler, and David Van Fleet.
It has a capital stock, paid in, of $200,000.
The Flemington National Bank was organized
April 27, 1876, with a capital stock of $100,000, and
with the following officers and management : Presi-
dent, Peter E. Emery; Vice-President, John L.
Jones ; Cashier, C. C. Dunham ; Attorney, J. N. Vor-
hees ; Directors, C. C. Dunham, Miller Kline, Moses
K. Everitt, John Shields, Edward P. Conkling, John
N. Voorhees, William Richards, Jr., Hiram Deats,
Peter E. Emery, John L. Jones, Thomas B. Fidler,
t Ch. T. Cromwell president in 1863.
J L. I. Merriam was president, and John C. Coon, Jr., caahier, in 1853.
336
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Zenas L. Nevius, and Peter I. Nevius. The principal
official changes have been the election of John L.
Jones to the presidencj- of the bank in October, 1S77,
and of Peter I. Nevius to the vice-presidency in No-
vember of the same year.
The present officers are : President, John L. Jones ;
Vice-President, Peter I. Nevius ; Cashier, C. C. Dun-
ham; Teller, Louis Anderson; Attorney, E. P. Conk-
ling ; Directors, J. L. Jones, P. I. Nevius, C. C. Dun-
ham, George H. Dunham, W. E. Anderson, Millar
Kline, H. A. Holcombe, Moses K. Everitt, E. P.
Conkling, Zeuas L. Nevius, William Eichards, Jr.,
William W. Fisher, and Joseph Plaines.
The bank is located in Eea's building, on Main
Street.
" The Hunterdon County Savings-Bank and Trust
Company was established in 187G, under a charter "
from the State, and, although most of its officers and
managers are also interested in the "Flemington Na-
tional Bank," and its business is transacted in the
banking-house of that institution, it is an entirely
separate corporation. It commenced operations Oct.
6, 1876, at which date the first deposit was received.
The result of this financial enterprise demonstrates
that a savings institution in Flemington can hardly
get more than a nominal business. After over three
years of passive existence it voted, in May, 1880, to
discontinue the payment of interest after July 1st
following, and to retire its business as fast as practi-
cable. This is being done, and the bank will soon be
numbered among " the things that were."
SOCIETIES.
Various societies of a literary, social, or secret char-
acter have from time to time been instituted in Flem-
ington, have flourished for a season, and have died
out.
One of the associations of the " old days" was the
Flemington Vigilant Society, for the detection of
thieves and robbers. It was in existence in 1824, and
no doubt was organized several years prior to that
date. Its officers in 1824^2.5 included Thomas Cap-
ner. President and Treasurer; Charles Bonnell, Sec-
retary ; Capt. Jonathan Higgins, Thomas Capner,
Neal Hart, Samuel D. Sutphin, and Andrew Van
Fleet, Directors. The " pursuers" at that time were
William R. Prall, Samuel Higgins, William Marsh,
Peter Quick, Robeson Rockhill, James Taylor, Thomas
W. Reading, Jesse H. Landis, Capt. J. Higgins, and
Charles Bonnell. It had an existence until four or
five years ago, but for the last ten years of its life it
was a mere matter of form.
The only societies, other than those of a religious
character, now to be found in the village are the
lodges of the Masons and Odd-Fellows, and a re-
cently-organized post of the Grand Army, sketches of
which are herewith given.
Hiram Lodge, No. 2.5, F. and A. M., was the first
Masonic organization of Flemington, and the second
established in Hunterdon County.* From the min-
utes of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey (August ses-
sion, 1811) we ascertain that a petition, received
" from Bro. Ephraim F. Ogden, and seven others, all
Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be
granted to form a new lodge, to be held at Fleming-
ton, to be called Hiram Lodge, No. 2.5, was read, and "
it was resolved " that the prayer of the petition be
granted and that a warrant do issue accordingly."!
At a meeting of the grand body held Aug. 11, 1811,
at Trenton, this lodge was represented by Ephraim F.
Ogden, W. M., John Cherry, 8. W., and Thomas Gor-
don, J. W. The first return contains seven names,
and is for November, 1811. Meetings were held at
Flemington on or before full moon on Mondays.
Their last return to the Grand Lodge was dated Nov.
13, 1820, signed by Samuel Hill, Secretary, and eon-
tains the names of .James Herring, W. M. (who was
a Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York,
and a very influential and prominent man there in
his time) ; John Bush, S. W. ; Dr. William Geary,J
J. W. ; John T. Blackwell, Treas. ; John Maxwell,
S. D. ; Jacob Moore, J. D. ; Daniel Case, Henry M.
Kline (the father of Miller Kline), Daniel P. Shrope,
Henry B. Poole, Joseph P. Chamberlin, Henry H.
Scheuck, Abrm. R. Sutphin, Andrew Wilson, and
Nathan Price.
Although few, if any, meetings were held after
1820, its warrant, jewels, etc., were not taken by the
Grand Lodge until after November, 1826, as appears
by the "Proceedings" of that date, p. 240.
Darcy Lodge, No. .37, F. and A. M., held its first
meeting May 24, 18.'i.5, under dispensation of the
Grand Lodge of the State. Its charter bears date of
Jan. 9, 1856, and its charter members were John A.
Partridge, Edmund Perry,^ John C. Coon, George F.
Crater,? Jacob S. C. Pittinger, John P. Rittenhouse,
Justus Leesey, John S. Hockenbury, and William
Nichols. The first Worshipful Master was John A.
Partridge, in 1855-56. His successors to the present
time have been .John F. Schenck, 18.57; Edmund
Perry, 1858; J. Alfred Gray, 1859; J. S. C. Pittinger,
1860; J. A. Gray, 1861 ; .Jacob Young, 1862 ; John F.
Schenck, 1863-64 ; J. A. Gray, 1865 ; I. S. Cramer,
1866-67 ; Henry S. Crater, 1868 ; J. A. Gray, 1869 ;
George A. Poulson, 1870 ; Dr. Henry B. Nightingale,
1871; William 8. Riley, 1872; George T. Robbins,
1873-74; John S. Hankinson, 1875 ; Edward P. Conk-
ling, 1876 ; S. S. Robbins, 1877-78 ; Richard S. Kuhl,
1879; A. H. Rittenhouse, 1880. The first return to
* The first lodge established was " Unity Lodge, No. 7,'" of Kingwood,
in 1788.
t Proceedings Grand Lodge N. J., p. 136.
X Joseph H. Hough, Grand Sec, Trenton, writes (Aug. 7, 1880) of Dr.
Geary : " He was a resident here when I was made a Mason, and I have
frequently sat in the lodge with him. He was a Scotchman, and his
certificate was spelled Garrioch. I had it in my possession some lime,
then gave it to his daughter, Mrs. Hays, who is living a short distance
from here."
§ Deceased.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
337
the grand body of the State, in 1856, shows that the
lodge then had 22 members.
The present (1880) officers are Albert H. Ritten-
house, W. M. ; Dr. Thomas B. J. Burd, S. W. ; Wil-
liam G. Callis, J. W. ; George T. Gray, Treas. ; Wil-
liam G. Pedriclc, Sec. ; A. T. Connet, Chaplain ; Wil-
liam E. Trewin, B. D. ; John Warne, J. D. ; Jacob
Spangenberg and Elisha S. WyeljofF, M. of C. ; Jacob
M. Bellis and Edward P. Conkling (P. M.), Stewards ;
John S. Hankinson (P. M.), Tiler.
This lodge numbers 58 members at the present
time. Its stated communications are held at Masonic
Hall, on the first and third Thursday evenings of
each month.
Flemington Lodge, No. 94, 1. O. of 0. F., was
organized Dec. 17, 1875, with the following charter
members : H. S. Crater, H. A. Fluck, G. F. Crater,
E. Tunnewald, J. P. Eittenhouse, J. E. Potts, Frank
JlcCue, John Ramsey, and G. Crater. The first offi-
cers were E. Tunnewald, N. G. ; H. A. Fluck, V. G. ;
H. S. Crater, Sec. ; John Eamsey, Treas. The prin-
cipal officers of the lodge since then have been as
follows :
July 3, 1S76. H. A. Fluck, N. G.; .John Smith, Sec; John P. Eitten-
house, Grand Represeutative.
Dec. 30, 1876. Joseph R. Potts, N. G. ; John Smith, Sec.
July 1, 1877. Frederick Biutlemau, N. G. ; John Smith, Sec. ; Henry A.
Fluck, Grand Representative.
Dec. 24, 1877. Frank G. Bush, N, G. ; John F. Smith, Sec.
June 24, 1878.- John A. Schultz, N. G.; Howard Sutphin, Sec; F. Bar-
tleman. Grand Representative.
Dec. 30, 1878. J. V. Smith, N. G. ; Howard Sutphin, Sec.
June 30, 1879. William C. March, N. G. ; Wm. H. Johnson, Sec. : Joseph
V. Smith, Grand Represeutative.
December, 1879. Howard Sutphin, N. G. ; George F. Hanson, Sec.
July, 1880. Davie Hanson, N. G.; Charles Higglns, Y. G.; John H. De-
mott, Sec. ; George W. Grouse, Treas.
The lodge numbers at the present time (1880) 80
members, and holds its meetings weekly.
Major Boeman Post, No. 48,* of the Grand Army
of the Eepublic, was organized in Flemington, Aug.
25, 1880, by Chief Mustering Officer Peter F. Rogers,
of Newark, assisted by members of the organization
from that city, Lambertville, and Junction. Its
charter members were A. T. Connet, John C. Coon,
Simpson S. Stout, James Mattison, Abrain W. Boss,
James S. Fisher, William T. Barber, Hiram G. Voor-
hees, Fredolin Bartleman, Samuel L. Hart, Cornelius
Emmons, Jacob Veit, Jeremiah Opdyke, George W.
Sheppard, Theodore B. Bellis, Francis M. McCue,
Christopher Thudeum, John C. Higgins, and Robert
Hugh Kelley. The following officers were elected :
Post Commander, Andrew T. Connet ; Senior Vice-
Commander, John C. Coon ; Junior Vice-Commander,
Simpson S. Stout; Adjutant, James Mattison; Quar-
termaster, William T.Barber; Surgeon, Abram W.
Boss; Chaplain, James S. Fisher; Officer of the Day,
Theodore B. Bellis; Officer of the Guard, Jacob Veit;
* Originally chai-tered as No. 46, but within a few weeks changed to
No. 48.
Sergeant-Major, Frank M. McCue; Quartermaster-
Sergeant, Samuel L. Hart.
This new organization started off under favorable
auspices, and with over 20 members.
" The Flemington Building and Loan Association,
No. 2, was established and organized in December, "
1877. The design of the association is to assist the
members in the acquisition of real estate and the
making of improvements thereon, and removing iii-
eumbrances therefrom by the payment of periodical
instalments, and also to accumulate a fund to be re-
turned to the members who do not obtain advances
when each share shall become worth $100.
The following have been the officers and directors
•since the organization of the association up to the
present time :
1877. President, diaries Bartles ; Secretary, J. L. Connet; Treasurer, J.
T. Thatcher ; Directors, A. T. Connet, J. B. Hopewell, Joseph H. Hig-
gins, K. S. Kuhl, Avery Parker, Elias Vosseller.
1878-80. President, Charles Parties ; Secretary, J. L. Connet ; Treasurer,
J. T. Thatcher ; Directors, Avery Parker, J. B. Hopewell, Elias Vos-
seller, J. H. Higgins, A. T. Connet, George T. Gray.
The meetings of the board of directors are held on
the second Monday of each month. The annual
meeting of the stockholders for the election of officers
is held on the second Monday of December of each
year.
INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURES, Etc.
Flemington has several industries which employ a
number of hands, and whose business adds to the
prosperity of the place. Among them may be named
the tile-works and the pottery owned and operated
by the Messrs. Fulper, the steam grist-mill of H. &
J. W. Britton, and the sash-and-blind factory of G.
T. Gray, both near the depot ; the marble- and gran-
ite-works of James H. Murphy ; the brush-manufac-
tory of Eli C. Cook ; the brick-yard of Pedrick Broth-
ers ; while the manufacture of carriages, wagons, and
sleighs is carried on by John E. Skillman and Arthur
Hughes.
The principal business interests at the present time
are the following :
Agricultural Tvipleinents.J . P. Bodine, G. H. Slater.
BuoiU, elcB. Vosseller.
Baola and SJioca.Z. 0. Finch, George A. Rea, Jacob Spagennberg, E.
C. Green.
Bakery. John GoU.
Confectionery. P. A. Eeinert.
Cigars md Tobacco. J. V. Smith, Reading Moore.
Dry-goods, Ootking, e(o. II. C. Finch, William H. Fulper, Richards
& Sutphin, Peter I. Nevius, Nevius Bros.
Dnigj. Joseph H. Higgins, Alexander B. Allen, J. Miller Bellis, A. J.
Green.
Hardware. Q. H. Slater, J. P. Bodine.
Oocerics. William H. Hall, J. W. Race, Wilson Fulper, N. G. Smith,
L. Bellis.
Hitfes, Tallow, cic George A. Rea.
Ice. David B. Boss.
Jewelry. t^yery Parker, S. D. Hart, Lemuel Fisher.
Livery. Jacob R. Johnson, Jacob Veite.
Lumber. W. F. Emery.
Millinery. W.re. M. Housell, Mrs. L. M. Davis, Mrs. Mary Ramsey,
Miss 0. Webster, Mrs. Van Zandt, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Parks.
Meat-Markets.-S. W. Wyokoff, Stephen G. Gano.
338
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Fholcgraplier. George B. Spencer.
Plaster, Coal, elc.Z. 0. Nevius & Co.
JReslauranls.J. H. Stockton, Joseph Gray, P. A. Reinert.
Seicing^machines.^. H. Trimmer.
Excess and Baggage. ViWson Moore, Ogden Robinson.
Legal Blanks. E. J. Killgore.
IToteZs." Union Hotel," L. Humphrey, proprietor; "County House,"
William H. Force, proprietor.
Newspapers. HunteTdon CounUj Democrat, Robert J. KillBore, publisher ;
The EmUerdon RepMican, 'William G. Callis, editor.
MILITARY.
In 1805 an infantry company called the " Fleming-
ton Volunteers" was formed. In September, 1807, all
the members of this company volunteered to be ready
to march at a moment's notice, whenever called by
the Governor.
Fifty years ago, and over, the martial spirit of the
Flemington people found vent through several com-
panies, among which were the " Uniform Infantry
Company," commanded by Capt. Voorhees, of which
0. H. Blackwell was " orderly," and Peter I. Case's
troop, the " Fifth" of the Hunterdon squadron, of
which John Wyckoff acted as first sergeant. Later
came the " Flemington Grays," of which H. S. Stryker
was orderly in 1840.
The meeting of the Hunterdon brigade of militia
at Flemington on June 9, 1830, was not only a notice-
able event, but the first parade of the kind in the
county deemed of sufficient moment to receive men-
tion by the press. The four regiments were com-
manded respectively by Cols. Parks, Stires, Van Kirk,
and Clark. The several troops of cavalry composing
the Hunterdon squadron were under command of
Maj. Mcllvaine. Infantry companies ("Phoenix,"
Blues, and " Guards" ) belonging to the independent
battalion of Trenton, and Capt. Gaston's spirited
troop of Somerset cavalry, were also present. His
Excellency Governor Vroom and suite, Maj. -Gen.
Stryker and suite, several of the field- and staff-officers
of the Somerset brigade, and Brig.-Gen. Williamson,
of the Warren brigade, graced the occasion with their
presence. The review and inspection were highly
creditable to the Hunterdon troops.
"When the national flag was insulted at Sumter,
and the whole North was aroused, Flemington re-
sponded with both men and money. The first
company of three months' volunteers was com-
manded by Capt. George A. Allen, and left in May,
186lJ as Co. H of the Third Regiment. Rev. John
L. Janeway, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of
this village, was chaplain. The farewell service, held
in the Presbyterian church, was solemn and impres-
sive. These troops were the first that reached Wash-
ington from the North. (An account of its services,
with a list of its members, may be found in Chapter
X. of the General History in this volume, commencing
at page 116, and on following pages sketches of the
other companies raised in Flemington.)
Rev. Mr. Janeway, of Flemington, also served as
chaplain of the Thirtieth Regiment.
ELEMINGTON IN 1880.
Since 1785, when Flemington became the county-
seat, the growth of the place has been, although slow,
steadily progressive. The business incident to the
seat of justice, gave then, and will always give, an
added impoi*tance to the little settlement, now grown
to be a considerable village, embracing a present
(1880) population of 1754 souls. Its activity and
wealth were stimulated by the opening of The "
Flemington Railroad" to Lambertville in 1854, and
still further by the building of the " South Branch
Railroad" to this point in 1862. Since then its pros-
perity and advancement have been assured. The
beauty of its situation none can dispute, while its fine
churches, good school, and business enterprise, with
its healthful climate and ample supply of gas and
water, combine with the high moral tone, intellectual
culture, and law-abiding character of its people to
give it an enviable name among the villages of this
State. There are few places of its size that possess
at once the rural beauty, the repose and quiet, and
the conveniences of the metropolis in so great a de-
gree as Flemington, in which all seem happily blended.
And in that distant future for which we write we ven-
ture to prophesy that Flemington will still stand in the
fore-front of the villages (perchance boroughs) of the
State.
The writer is under obligations, and hereby returns
thanks, to the following-named persons (residents of
Flemington), for information furnished and courtesies
extended during the compilation of this sketch: Rev.
George S. Mott, D.D., Hon. Alexander Wurts, Charles
Bartles, Esq., Rev. T. E. Vassar, D.D., Robert J. Kill-
gore, editor of the Democrat, William G. Callis, editor
of the Republican, John B. Hopewell, C. C. Dunham,
Rev. R. Johns, Andrew T. Connet, John F. Schenck,
M.D., William Hill, postmaster, David Van Fleet,
Esq., John Hyde, county clerk, William H. Johnson,
surrogate, H. G. Chamberlin, Col. J. C Rafferty,
Mahlon Smith, John Capner, Judiah Higgins, E. P.
Conkling, Esq., A. H. Rittenhouse, Dr. Thomas B. J.
Burd, John L. Connet, E. Vosseller, Hon. John T.
Bird, E. R. Bullock, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHARLES BAHTLES.
The subject of this sketch is of German extraction,
and traces hia descent from Frederick Bartles, his
grandfather. The latter, while serving in the cavalry
of Frederick the Great of Prussia, was captured by
the French, but succeeded in effecting his escape ;
from Paris he reached Amsterdam, whence he pro-
ceeded to London and thence to this country, arriving
in Philadelphia some time previous to the Revolution-
ary war. He married a Miss Apt of that city, and sub-
Si---^.:': So-ioJJi- -
FLEMIN&TON VILLAGE.
339
scquently settled among the early German colonists at
New Germantown, Hunterdon Co., N. J. He was a
man of enterprise, and soon engaged in the manufac-
ture of wrought iron at Hackelbarny, on the line be-
tween Hunterdon and Morris Counties. He followed
this business several years in connection with John
Plum, of New Brunswick, the maternal grandfather
of Charles Bartles, who, it is said, manufactured the
first cut nails ever made in the State of New Jersey.
In 1793, Frederick Bartles was induced by Col.
Charles Williamson, the agent for the Pulteny estate,
in what is now Steuben Co., N. Y., to emigrate to the
head- waters of the Susquehanna, near Bath, in view of
the great advantages afforded for the transportation
of the products of that rich country down the Susque-
hanna and its tributaries to Columbia, Harrisburg,
and Baltimore. He settled at " Bartles' Hollow,"
now Bradford, N. Y., where he built the first mills,
and shipped flour and large quantities of fine lumber
down the river in arks. He was thus the first to in-
augurate that mode of transportation which, before
the construction of the Erie Canal, conveyed most
of the products of the rich " Genesee country" to
market on the Atlantic seaboard through the western
branch of the Susquehanna River. The headquarters
of this enterprise was at Bath, which city Col. Wil-
liamson founded as the prospective great inland com-
mercial centre of New York, or what was then con-
sidered " the West." Within a few miles of this place
Mr. Bartles established himself, constructed a canal
from the outlet of Mud Lake to the Conhocton,
through which he sent down large cargoes of flour
and lumber to Baltimore and other Atlantic cities.
We find the following reference to Mr. Bartles' op-
erations in Clayton's " History of Steuben County" :
"In 1798, Mr. Bai-tles rafted one hundred thousand feet of boards from
his mills to Baltimore. In 1800 he ran two arks from the same place, of
which the following record was made by the county clerk :
' Steuben County : This fourth day of April, one thousand eight "
hundred, started from the mills of Frederick Bartles, on the outlet of
Mud Lake, two arks of the following dimensions : one, built by Col.
Charles Williamson, of Bath, 72 feet long and 15 wide, the other, built
by Nathan Harvey, 71 feet long and 15 wide, were conducted down the
Conhocton (after coming through Mud Creek without accident) to
Painted Post, for Baltimore. .Those arks are the first built in this
country, except one built on the Conhocton, at Wliite's saw-mill, five
miles below Bath, by a Mr. Patterson, Sweeny, and others, from Pennsyl-
vania, 70 feet long and 16 wide, which was finished and started about the
2(lth of March of the same year.
" 'This minute is entered to show, at a future day, the first commence-
ment of embarkation in this (it is hoped) useful invention.
'By Henry A. Townbenu, "
^ Clerk of Steuben County.^
While Frederick Bartles was engaged in these en-
terprises he made his settlement the busy centre of
other industries. He was the first to manufacture
forged iron in all the country west of Seneca Lake ;
from his nail-factory at Bartles' Hollow were carried
wrought nails in saddle-bags to different parts of the
wilderness, and are now to be seen in several of the
old buildings in the vicinity built before or about the
beginning of this century.
One of the sons of Frederick Bartles was Andrew,
the father of our subject. He resided at New German-
town, where he followed in early life the occupation
of a hatter, but later that of a farmer. He married
Catherine, daughter of John Plum, of New Bruns-
wick, N. J., already referred to in connection with the
iron interest. Mr. Plum was a lieutenant in Wash-
ington's army during the Revolution, and was with
the army at Morristown while his home in New
Brunswick was occupied by British officers. Cathe-
rine, the mother of Charles Bartles, was then a girl
of ten or eleven years of age, and waited upon the
officers. A table on which these officers messed is now
in the possession of Mr. Bartles, having been handed
down as an heirloom in his family by his grand-
mother. It is of solid mahogany, probably of German
make, a fine specimen of the art, and, although con-
siderably over a hundred years old, possibly a hun-
dred and fifty, it is at this writing as good as new.
Andrew Bartles married Catherine Plum about the
year 1790. The fruit of their marriage was eight
children, four sons and four daughters, of whom
three survive, viz., Charles, our subject; Julia (un-
married), who resides with her sister near Flemington ;
and Phebe, wife of George B. Stoothoff.
Charles Bartles was born in New Germantown,
Hunterdon Co., N. J., March 18, 1801. His early life
was there spent on a farm, where, besides receiving
the advantages of the common schools, he attended
the classical school of Ernest Louis Hazelius, a
learned Lutheran clergyman, educated in Germany,
afterwards Doctor of Divinity and president of Co-
lumbia College, South Carolina. Mr. Bartles also stu-
died under Rev. Dr. Studdiford, at Lesser Cross-Roads,
in Bedminster, and finished his preparation for col-
lege under Rev. Horace Galpin, at Lamington. He
was so far advanced by these excellent opportunities
that he entered the junior class of Union College in
September, 1819. William H. Seward was at that
time a member of the senior class. Mr. Bartles grad-
uated with his classmates Rev. Dr. Messier, Judge
Hiram Gray, of Elmira, and others in 1821, and on
the day he was twenty-one years of age (March 18,
1822) he arrived at Flemington and entered as a stu-
dent the law-office of Nathaniel Saxton, Esq.
During the four years which followed Mr. Bartles
was engaged, in connection with his law studies and
his admission to the bar, in discharging a pecuniary
obligation whiteh he had incurred in going through
college. On account of the financial embarrassment
of his father, no assistance could be rendered him
from home in procuring an education ; so that, during
the last year at college, he had borrowed a small sum
of his grandfather, and was, at the time of graduation,
three hundred dollars in debt. This was no great
amount, to be sure, but times were hard and business
of all kinds very much depressed. It was during the
time of depreciated values and scarcity of money
which followed the financial crash of 1817. Still, Mr-
340
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Bartles resolved that his indebtedness should be paid,
as the first object to which he would devote himself
before considering plans for the future. Tlie accom-
plishment of this truly honest and worthy object ne-
cessitated a course of self-denial and discipline which
proved of the greatest service to him through life,
which, indeed, as Mr. Bartles himself thinks, laid the
foundation of his future success. He was obliged to
eurii all he could and save all his earnings, to say
No emphatically to every temptation to engage in so-
cial pleasures and amusements, temptations enough
of this kind being offered in the social habits of
members of the bar, and even of the bench, of those
days, in the convivial parties and, often, niglitly ca-
rousals and dissipations witnessed at the principal
hotel in Flemington. Mr. Bartles, as a student-at-
law and as a young lawyer, was often solicited to join
these convivial parties, under the plea that such asso-
ciations would introduce him to business, but he
found it necessary to decline. His evenings, and
sometimes a good portion of the night, were occu-
pied in writing at his desk. Being often solicited by
friends to join evening parties at the hotel, he persist-
ently declined, first because he deemed it dishonora-
ble to accept sucli entertainments when he had not
the means of reciprocating them, and, secondly, be-
cause such habits would lead to dissipation, neglect
of business, and final ruin, as, alas ! proved true in
the cases of some of those who invited and urged liim
to attend their parties. Mr. Bartles, in view of his
â– own convictions and the necessity wliich he felt laid
upon him, adopted habits of strict temperance, econ-
omy, and persistent labor. He resolved to waste no
time and to buy nothing for which he could not pay
the money down. Guided by these principles, he ad-
dressed himself, first of all, to the work of paying his
indebtedness; and he paid, little by little, as he
could earn the means, till it was all finally discharged.
Could a certain drawer in an old desk reveal its
secrets, it might disclose how many small sums were
there daily and weekly deposited from scanty earn-
ings before the three hundred dollars were finally
made up. It took him till twenty -five years of age to
square the old score, and at that period he began life
for himself, with no capital except the intellectual
and moral strength he had gained and the sound
principles he had adopted for self-government.
For fifteen months after graduation he taught school
in Flemington. He was admitted to the bar in 1824,
and at once commenced practice at Flemington. His
business increased, and was continued till 1854. Hon.
Alexander Wurts, P. I. Clark, William Maxwell,
Nathaniel Saxton, and himself then constituted the
Hunterdon County bar.
In 1832, in connection with Aaron Van Syckel, he
engaged largely in real estate operations, which were
continued till 1860. During this period they handled
farming property amounting in value to over a quar-
ter of a million of dollars, and all these sales were
settled \vithout the foreclosure of a mortgage, the re-
turn of a property, or the distress of a purchaser in
any way. They never lost a dollar in all these trans-
actions, and never sued but one man, and then for a
sum of less than five hundred dollars.
In l.S'iO, Mr. Bartles turned his attention to rail-
road matters : he succeeded in securing the construc-
tion of the Flenungton Railroad, giving Flemington
direct connection \vith Philadelphia, and conferring
substantial advantages, not only upon the town itself,
but upon a large tract of intervening country.
In 1854, in company with J. R. Reading and Mr.
Fisher, he engaged in the lumber business and pur-
chased large tracts of timber-land in Pennsylvania,
on Bennett's Branch of the Sinnamahoning, erecting
mills at Williamsport. The firm of Reading, Fisher
& Co., at Williamsport, of which Mr. Bartles has been
an active member, has been among the heaviest
operators in all that country for more than twenty
years. They have disposed of their lumber chiefly to
wholesale dealers. The investments have proved very
profitable, for, in addition to the timber on the lands,
a large portion ha-s been found to be underlaid with
coal, which is now accessible by railroads.
Mr. Bartles has devoted himself so thoroughly to
business as to have no time or inclination for political
offices, although as a politician and statesman he
might have achieved eminent success. His extensive
information, his comprehensive views, above all, his
knowledge of men and his tact and influence in man-
aging them, are qualities which fit him admirably for
the sphere of the politician and the legislator, and
they have often been called into requisition by his
friends and by the exigencies of various public enter-
prises. As one of the pioneers in internal improve-
ments in the State, he was early enlisted in the Cam-
den and Amboy Railroad and in the Delaware and
Raritan Canal, and assisted these companies in pro-
curing various acts of legislation favorable to their
interest. This he did, not for pay, for he never re-
ceived a dollar for his services in their behalf, but
simply as a citizen, believing these improvements to
be of great advantage to the State. He was always,
in the face of the most bitter local opposition, the
constant and unswerving friend of the Camden and
Amboy Railroad Company, and possessed in a very
high degree the confidence of that corporation.
Hence he was often called upon to assist them in
procuring amendments to their charter and other acts
of legislation ; and when their influence was needed
to assist him in any emergency, it was always cheer-
fully rendered.
Mr. Bartles obtained the charter for the Fleming-
ton Railroad in 1850, which was finished through in
1854. He was elected first president of the road, and
held that office till it went into the hands of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He was also one
of the first directors in the Belvidere Delaware Rail-
road, and has been a member of the board ever since.
FLEMINGTON VILLAGE.
341
He was elected president of the Hunterdon County
Bank (no-ivthe Hunterdon County National Bank) in
1858, and is still holding that important office.
Of the influence of Mr. Bartles in various local im-
provements much might be said had we the space to
enter into the minutite of his active and useful life.
In most of the improvements which have changed
the aspect of his village and much of the surround-
ing country, rendering them beautiful and fruitful
compared with half a century ago, he has not only
been a pioneer but a steady and constant worker.
He early saw the importance of a good water-supply
for the village of Flemington, and also, in conjunc-
tion with Mr. Hoi^ewell, the advantages of lighting
the houses and streets with gas. The inhabitants
were few and the stock hard to dispose of; neverthe-
less these men united their energies and procured
charters for the gas and water companies in the win-
ter of 1859. A large share of the stock they took
themselves, and have since managed these interests
successfully, and to the great benefit of the village.
Mr. Bartles has held the presidency of the Fleming-
ton Water- Works since their establishment.
He married Eliza, daughter of Neal Hart, of Flem-
ington, in the spring of 1833. She died Feb. 25, 1845.
Of three sons and one daughter, the issue of this mar-
riage, two are now living (1880). He has also two
children by his second marriage to Eliza Randall, of
New Hartford, N. Y., who died March 19, 1877.
On the 1st of April, 1823, Mr. Bartles came to board
in the house where he now resides. He boarded there
until his marriage, in 1833, when he bought the place
and the family moved out, leaving him in possession.
He has lived there ever since, and expects to spend
there the remainder of his days. For one of his age,
nearly eighty years, he is remarkably hale and
active, being in the vigorous possession of nearly all
his bodily and mental faculties.
at first. After seven years of very successful trade,
he retired from business in 1854 and settled at Flem-
ington, N. J., on property purchased of Judge Joseph
Brown, now included within the village limits. In
the improvement of this property Mr. Hopewell has
expended over ten thousand dollars, having erecteij.
upon a portion of it a fine residence for his son, Mr.
John B. Hopewell, cashier of the Hunterdon County
National Bank, and has made other desirable im-
provements.
Mr. Hopewell married Ann Housell, in the city of
Philadelphia, on the 10th of September, 1835. She
was born and broughfup near Flemington, N. J., and
was the daughter of Abraham Housell. The children
of this union were seven in number, six of whom
three sons and three daughters are living.
Since his settlement in Flemington, Mr. Hopewell
has been active:in various local enterprises tending to-
benefit the village and adjacent country. In 1859 he
built the Flemington Gas- Works, which have been
under his management ever since, and in 1860 the
Flemington Water-Works. When he removed to
Flemington he was elected a director in the old
Hunterdon County Bank. When the bank was
changed to a national bank, in 1865, he was elected
director and vice-president, and still holds these offi-
ces. In 1864 he built the fine brick building of the
Hunterdon County National Bank. It contains the
bank, the post-office, and a store in the first story,
lawyers' offices in the second, and a commodious
public hall in the third. He was instrumental in
getting for the village, in 1864, the steam fire-engine,
hose, and apparatus, and the brick engine-house. He
was president of the gas company from its formation
till 1868, when he leased both the gas- and water-
works, and consequently resigned the presidency of
the former. He was president of the Hunterdon
County Agricultural Society from 1858 till February,
1878, when he declined re-election, on account of his
advanced age.
JOHN C. HOPEWELL.
John C. Hopewell was born at Mount Holly, Bur-
lington Co., N. J., Nov. 26, 1814. He is the son of
Becket and Eebecca Hopewell. The former was horn
Sept. 16, 1768, and died in 1827. John C. Hopewell,
when a boy, was apprenticed to the hatter's trade,
which he learned partly at Mount Holly and finished
in the city of Philadeliahia, at the age of nineteen.
He then followed his trade as a journeyman in Phila-
delphia about three years, at the expiration of which
time he engaged in the hat and cap trade in that city,
and continued till the financial crash of 1837, which
resulted in his failure, with many of the best business
houses in the country.
In 1842 he removed to Flemington, N. J., and re-
established himself in the hat business, which he
carried on successfully five years, and then returned
to Philadelphia with good credit and means enough
to establish himself more favorably in business than
RUNKLB KEA.
Eunkle Eea was born in Flemington, Hunterdon
Co., N. J., Jan. 19, 1804. His father, George Eea,
was born and brought up near Pittstown, in the same
county, and was a clock- and watch-maker by trade,
carrying on that occupation at Princeton, Trenton, and,
later, at Flemington, after his removal to the latter
place. He finally gave up the business, and in the
latter part of his life devoted himself to farming and
milling, having erected a grist-mill on Sand Brook,
where he lived and died. For about twenty years of
his life he was one of the judges of the county court.
He married Elizabeth Eunkle, and had a family of
ten children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the
second in the order of birth. Eunkle was brought up
on a farm, receiving such education as the common
schools aff"orded, and continued a farmer till after his
342
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
marriage to his first wife, Rachel Manners, which oc-
curred in 1834. In 1835 he gave up farming and en-
gaged in mercantile business at Reaville, then called
Greenville, but upon the establishment of a post-
office there the name was changed to Reaville, in com-
married, for his second wife, Ellen Sullivan, daughter
of Nathan P. Sullivan, of Philadelphia, by whom he
has had one child, a son, deceased.
RUNKLE REA.
pliment to Mr. Rea, who was appointed postmaster.
He remained in mercantile business there about
thirty-four years, and held the office of postmaster
from the time of the establishment of the office till
1862, when he was appointed deputy collector of in-
ternal revenue, and held that office till 1877, when he
went out, on account of his age, being seventy-four
years old.
Mr. Rea was a capable and efficient officer of the
government, arid left a record which has been com-
mended by both political parties for its .soundness and
honesty. In 1869 he disposed of his mercantile in-
terest at Reaville and removed to Flemington. His
enterprise and means have enabled him to take an
active part in the improvement of the beautiful
county-seat of Hunterdon County, he having built
several houses in the place, besides his own com-
modious residence. He has been for several years a
director in the Hunterdon County National Bank. In
politics he is a Republican. For many years he has
been treasurer of the Hillsborough Fire Insurance
Association, located at Neshanic, Somerset Co. He
has also been president of the Street Commission and
Fire Department of Flemington.
Although in his seventy-seventh year, at this writ-
ing, he is hale and vigorous, and attends to business
with remarkable activity for one of his years.
He had seven children by his first wife, five of
-whom are living. She died in 1847, and in 1849 he
PETER I. KEVIUS.
Peter I. Nevius was born on the North Branch of
the Raritan, in Somerset Co., N. J., Jan. 8, 1824. He
is a son of Mina and Johanna (Stoothoff') Nevius. The
former was a miller and agriculturalist in the town-
ship of Branchburg, Somerset Co., and in the latter
part of his life removed to Readington, Hunterdon
Co., where he followed the same occupation till his
death, which occurred in 1861. He had six children,
of whom the subject of this sketch is the fourth and
the only surviving member of the family.
The early life of Mr. Nevius, up to the age of
eighteen, was spent in Branchburg and Readington
townships, where he received such educational advan-
tages as the common schools afforded. He began his
apprenticeship as clerk in the dry-goods business in
New Brunswick, whence he removed to South Branch,
Somerset Co., and was clerk in a store at that place
two years. Early in 1846 he removed to Fleming-
ton, where he engaged as clerk for 'George W. Risler,
remaining two years, when he became clerk for Wm.
P. Emery, and remained two years in that position.
Mr. Nevius then entered into partnership in mer-
cantile business at Flemington with William E. An-
derson, under the firm-name of Anderson & Nevius,
in which relation he remained till 1856, when, Maj.
Lambert Boeman being admitted as a partner, the
firm became Anderson, Nevius & Boeman, and so re-
mained till 1861, when Mr. Boeman went into the
army and the firm was dissolved, Messrs. Anderson
and Nevius selling out to Fulper & Connet, After
about a year Mr. Nevius accepted the ofier of a part-
nership with Messrs. Fulper & Connet, the firm being
Fulper, Nevius & Connet, which it remained a year
or two, when the other partners purchased Mr. Con-
net's interest and the firm became Fulper & Nevius.
Mr. Nevius continued a partner in this firm till the
spring of 1867, when he became a member of the firm
of Anderson, Nevius & Connet, which existed till
1872 ; the firm was then Peter I. Nevius & Co., Mr.
Ezekiel Williams being taken in as a partner, and so
continued till the spring of 1880, since which time
Mr. Nevius has been sole proprietor. He is esteemed
an honorable dealer, and by close attention to business
has been quite successful. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church of Flemington, and for a num-
ber of years has been a ruling elder in that body.
Mr. Nevius married for his first wife, June 6, 1855,
Christiana, daughter of Hugh Capner, Esq., of Flem-
ington, by whom he had two children. One died in
infancy ; the other, Hugh Nevius, is in business with
his father as a clerk. Mrs. Nevius died Dec. 13,
1865, and Mr. Nevius married his present wife, Mary
F., daughter of Rev. Peter Allen, of Rockland Co.,
N. Y., Oct. 10, 1867.
WEST AMWELL.
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, ETC.
West Amwell is the most southerly township in
Hunterdon County. It is bounded north by Dela-
ware township, east by East Amwell, ^both in Hun-
terdon County, south by Hopewell, in Mercer County,
and west by the Delaware Kiver, which separates it
from Bucks Co., Pa. It is the smallest township in
the county, its area being only 19.4 square miles, or
12,185 acres. Its present population is (1880) 1040,
a very slight gain since 1870, when it contained 1032.
The increase in Lambertville during the same period
has been 338, which shows that here, at least, the
tendency of immigration is rather to ''city" than to
country. It contains 160 farms.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
By far the larger half of the township is hilly ; the
northern portion, however, is pleasantly undulating
and well adapted to the raising of cereals, etc., but the
eastern and southern parts, from Eocktown to Goat
Hill, are hilly, rough, and in some places almost
mountainous. Still, very much of the surface of these
rugged slopes is cultivated, and found well adapted to
small-fruit culture. "Goat Hill" is bold and pic-
turesque, and of considerable elevation. Its primitive
rocks outcrop in many places ; upon its western face,
near the Delaware Eiver and Canal, are extensive
quarries of sienitic granite and trap, worked for
building purposes, for monuments, and for the Bel-
gian-block pavements. The prevailing rock-formation
is the red shale, which outcrops in many places, in
others covered with a thin coating of alluvium, which
is principally disintegrated shale. The south part of
the township is in many places strewn with bowlders
varying from a few hundred pounds to as many tons'
weight.
The Alexsocken Creek forms a portion of the north
line of West Amwell. In old deeds is found the term
alias Socken, which leads to the conclusion that
the present cognomen is a commingling of the two
words.* This stream rises in the township and flows
mainly westerly and southwesterly, emptying into the
Delaware at Lambertville. The brooks and rivulets
which swell the Alexsocken in this township are
quite insignificant in volume and length, and flow
* On an old map of the province of New Jersey, published in 1777, by
â– Wilham Faden, Charing Cross, from a survey made in 17G9, the orthog-
raphy Is Aliabhocking. This creek has almost as many various spell-
ings a^ it has vi'indings.
principally in a northerly direction. Moore's Creek
crosses the southeast corner of the town, below Goat
Hill, and southwesterly to the Delaware. The reader
is referred to the general chapter upon the " Physical
Features of Hunterdon County," antecedent, in this
work, for much interesting information upon this
topic.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The territory embraced by what is now the town-
ship of West Amwell included the tracts of Winder,
Stevenson, Bull, Wheeler, Calow, etc. The Winder
tract was in the southwest corner of the township,
fronting on the Delaware.
The Thomas Stevenson tract lay east of the Winder
tract in the southern and eastern part of the township.
Neil Grant owned land next north of Winder, and
bordered on the Delaware, as did also the 400 acres of
Benjamin Field (1700), and the lands of John Eead-
ing.
To the northward lay Eichard Bull's tract, and,
next above, that of Gilbert Wheeler.
In the northwest corner of the township, and ex-
tending over the Alexsocken into Delaware township,
was the tract of John Calow, from George Hutchin-
son, 1695.
The central and upper part of West Amwell was.
occupied by the Eobert Dimsdale tract, of 1200 acres.
The Delaware Indians had a path through the
woods from Lambertville, through Mount Airy,
Eingos, and Eeaville, to Newark, upon which line the
Old York Eoad was subsequently laid ; while another
path ran from the banks of the Minse,t north of
Flemington, to the wigwams of the Assunpink, at
Trenton. These paths crossed at Eingos. Long
before there were any settlers in Amwell these woods
were traversed by the landed proprietors, surveyors,
and " those going to and fro between the settlements
of the lower Delaware and those of East Jersey.
When, therefore, land had been nearly all taken up
around those early settlements, attention was directed
to this well-known and attractive region."!
One of these proprietors, and possibly the first set-
tler of Amwell, was John Eeading, father of the Gov-
ernor. He was a Quaker, and one of those who left
England on account of persecution. With his wife.
f A brook emptying into the South Branch about two miles above
Flemingtou, but not now known by that name.
1 Rev. Dr. George S. Mott.
343
344
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Elizabeth, he emigrated to America and settled in
Gloucester, N. J., previous to 1683, as he was a mem-
ber of the council which met at Burlington in that
year. He settled in old Amwell above Lambertville,
in what is now Delaware township, not long after
1703, but in what precise year is not now known.
(See sketches of the Eeading family, in histories of '
Delaware and Earitan townships.) i
One of the earliest settlers within the present limits
of this township was Emanuel Coryell, for an account
of whom see the history of Lambertville, preceding.
Jonathan Pidcock, a son of Jonathan, the Irish
emigrant who early settled at Neeley's Mills, Bucks
Co., Pa., after his father's death bought property at
the foot of Goat Hill, just below where is now the
rubber-mill, and erected a dwelling, a store, and a
grist-mill. This was prior to 1776. He owned a
number of Durham boats, on which his sons Emanuel
and Charles ran down the river cargoes of flour and
produce, and brought back store merchandise. When
the war broke out his three eldest sons the two just
named and Philip -(vent into the New Jersey militia,
and served through the struggle. John Holcombe's
first purchase was in 1705, of land just north of what
later was the village of Lambertville. On it he built
a stone house, which is still standing, and occupied
by a tenant of one of his descendants. He died in
1743, and his will was proved in " the eighth month"
of that year; Emanuel Coryell and Benjamin Canby
were witnesses to the document. In it he bequeathed
to his son Richard, with other property, " a farm in
Amwell township," the one he "bought of John
Ways." Richard lived and died in the stone house
erected by his father. In that house Gen. Wash-
ington and his staff found shelter, and Richard was
their host. He died in the " 12th month, 1783." He
left £5 to the Buckingham Meeting, of which he was
a member. His widow rode in his funeral procession
to Buckingham, on horseback. Samuel Holcombe
settled near Mount Airy, on which his son, recently
deceased, lived and died at an advanced age (over
eighty). The store and dwelling long occupied by him
was an old tavern during the Revolution, and the
Alexsauken mill, at Mount Airy, is of equal antiquity.
In the previously-given history of Lambertville
will be found an extended account of the Coryell,
Holcombe, and Lambert families, the original settlers
of that part of this township, to which the reader is
referred.
One hundred and thirty years ago Joseph Morehead,
an Ifish orphan boy, then scarcely eighteen, might
have been seen moving with a musket on his shoulder,
to Newark, to join the gallant Col. Peter Schuyler,
with whom he subsequently marched to Crown Point
and Ticonderoga, sharing all the hardships of Indian
warfare. Joseph Morehead was born in 1730, and
came from Ireland in 1747. He immediately enlisted
in Schuyler's battalion of New Jersey Volunteers.
Fighting Indians and hunting seems to have princi-
pally engaged his attention until 1770, when he mar-
ried Jude Aten and purchased a house and lot in
x\.mwcll, where he commenced to work at his trade,
that of a weaver. He remained in Amwell until 1778,
and there four of his children were born, John,
Sarah, Elizabeth, and Molly. Joseph Morehead re-
moved with his family, in 1778, to Readington town-
ship, where he purchased what is still known as the
Morehead farm, near Readington village. (See the
history of Readington township for a further account
of this family.)
Thomas Wilson, a colored man, was an early resi-
dent of Amwell, and became possessor of considerable
real estate in the townships of Amwell and Hopewell,,
viz., a lot in Hopewell, conveyed to him hj Joseph
and Sarah Burroughs, Aug. 1, 1802 ;* Lot No. 2, in
Amwell, "adjoining lands of William Atchley, and
the road leading from Harbourtown to Amos Moore's
on the Delaware River," by conveyance from Daniel
Coxe Runyan and Elizabeth, his wife, May 13, 1805 ;
Lot No. 3, in Hopewell, conveyed to him June 16,
1809, by Nathan Price, sheriff of Hunterdon County;
and lot 4, also in Hopewell, deed dated June 20, 1814.
He paid for these lands in full, and occupied them
during his life. Wilson, however, being a slave at
the time the above deeds were executed and during
his whole life, was unable, in law, to hold the lands
or any interest in them. Therefore, in 1842 (after
Wilson's decease, and subsequent death of Mary, his
wife), there being no children, no relations living,
the Legislature authorized John Dilts, of Hope-
well, to sell the lands at public sale, and to execute
and deliver deeds for the same to the purchasers,
which was to be as valid title as if it had not been
conveyed to Thomas Wilson. f
Another early settler was Peter Fisher, who emi-
grated from Germany, and about 1729 settled on the
land now occupied by Caleb Fisher, west of Ringos.
In the year named he purchased, for £54, 200 acres,
in what is novv West Amwell, of Thomas Eman. This
was a part of the Benjamin Field tract, located at and
near Ringos, which passed through the hands succes-
sively of Field, Marmaduke Horsman, John Arney,
his son Joseph, and Eman, to Fisher.J Upon that
plantation Peter Fisher lived and died, and there his
descendants, down to Caleb F., have resided. On
this farm, not far from the present dwelling, and on
the site of the old one, formerly stood an Indian wig-
wam. At the foot of the hill, near the present dwell-
ing of Charles Wilson, was an old Indian burial-
place, visible to this day.
Peter Fisher was married in Germany ; his wife's
name is not known. His sons, as named in his will,
were Anthony, William, Christopher, and Jacob. In
a sketch of the family by the late James J. Fisher
* Recorded in Book G, fol. 403, Hunterdon Ckiunty, clerk's office.
t Acts of Assembly, 1842, pp. G4, 66.
t The release for tlie surplus, after surveyiug, twenty-eight acres, was
dated 1730.
WEST AMWELL.
345
occur the additional names of Peter and John. They
must have deceased before their father, which would
explain the omission of their names in the will,
which bears date "Amwell, June 19, 1775." An-
thony (Tunis) and William were his executors. All
the sons, except William, settled in West Amwell ;
he located in East Amwell. Jacob, the youngest, re-
mained on the old homestead. One of the daughters
married a Bellis ; another, a Kuhl.
Jacob Fisher married Sarah Hoppock, of Amwell,
and had children, Anthony, Peter, Jacob, Annie,
Mary, and Sarah. Peter married Annie Runk, and
settled first in Delaware township, and later near
Clinton ; of his descendants a granddaughter only is
now living in this township. Anthony married, re-
moved to Philadelphia, and died without issue.
Jacob, another son of Jacob, married Anna Cham-
berlain, and to them were born Sarah, Maria, John
C, Caleb F., and Lucretia, the latter dying in infancy.
Jacob died Sept. 24, 1813, aged nearly thirty-four
years ; Anna, his wife, died Feb. 6, 1855, aged nearly
seventy-two years. Sarah married Gideon Quick (see
sketch of Quick family) ; Maria became the wife of
John H. Larison, and had four children, George,
Jacob F., Lucretia Ann, and Abram W., all living ex-
cept the last named ; John C. married, first, Cornelia
Maria Skillman, and had Jacob, Thomas (deceased),
Mary, Martha, Cornelia, and, second, married Adaline
Chamberlain, by whom he had three children, Jean-
nie, James 0., and one deceased. A sketch of Caleb
F. Fisher may be found in the biographical depart-
ment at the close of this township history.
One of the oldest living residents of this township
is Uriah Akers, born Nov. 30, 1803, in a house then
standing about a mile east of the borough, but which
was long since torn down. His father, who took the
place as a renter of Esq. John Coryell, died in a house
at the foot of Goat Hill which has since disappeared ;
the house erected on its site is owned by the heirs of
Samuel Ege, and occupied by John Lanyer. Ab-
ner Akers died in February, 1844. His wife, Mary,
was a daughter of Elijah Holcombe, of Holcombe's
Island ; she died in Indiana, where one of her daugh-
ters resided, and whither she went after her husband's
death. Joseph Akers, in Lambertville, son of the
above, is the only survivor living in this township of
all Uriah's brothers or sisters. His sister Cordelia
married successively Solomon Price and Christopher
Case, in West Amwell, then moved to Indiana, where
she married, for her third husband, a Mr. Ballard.
Maria, who married Aardn Holcombe, resides in
Iowa. These are all that are living ; those deceased
were named Daniel, Leah, and Ruth, the latter being
the wife of Samuel Skillman.
Uriah Akers married, in 1830, Elizabeth Clauson,
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Nailor) Clauson,
who at the time of their death were living at the foot
of Bell-mont. The children born to them were: 1,
Thomas, 1831 ; died in 1832. 2, Mary Elizabeth, 1832 ;
23
living in Lambertville, the wife of Edward Leonard.
3, Camille, 1834 ; married George, son of Daniel and
Mary (Ronsafer) Moore, and lives at Trenton. 4, Ab-
ner, 1836 ; now in Maryland. 5, Joanna, 1837 ; died in
1838; 6, Ruth, 1839; died in 1855. 7, Sarah Cath-
arine, 1840 ; married John Cofiee ; is a widow, resid-
ing in Lambertville. 8, Lavinia, 1842; living in
Lambertville, unmarried. 9, Charlotte, 1844; mar-
ried Elwood Kitchen, and resides in Trenton. 10,
Emma M., 1847; wife of Ely Green, of Trenton.
11, Louisa, 1849 ; died in infancy. 12, Uriah, 1851 ;
died at Fort Preble, Portland, in 1873. 13, Samuel
H., 1853 ; died in 1866. Uriah Akers, Sr., and his
wife are now living on Goat Hill.
Among other prominent early families maybe men-
tioned the Phillips, the Wyckoffs, and the Abbotts.
The first named was quite numerous in this section in
the early days. Capt. John Phillips was a soldier in
the Revolution, in which struggle his company did
good service. He lived on the Rocktown road, about
a mile from that village, on the place now owned by
Robert Fisher. Hannah Phillips is a granddaughter
of Capt. John.
The Wyckoffs lived near Rocktown, and John kept
the hotel then, as did also Daniel, his son. The
family burial-ground is on the Robert Fisher farm.
John Wyckoff died Sept. 30, 1831.
Benjamin and Nelson Abbott, in the south part of
the township, are the only ones now owning land in
this section out of a once numerous family. John
Abbott, fatlier of the above, was twice married, first
to Ann Schenck, and subsequently to Mar.garet Boor-
eam. At the time of his death he lived on a lot now
owned by Baxter Agin. For a time he resided on the
Wesley Drake farm. His children were John S.,
Nelson, and Joseph by his first marriage, and Ann
S., William, Benjamin, and Isaac W. by his second.
Another old residenter was John .Tames, who died
at an advanced age at Pennington in 1880. He owned
a large tract of land east of Jonathan L. Phillips'.
None of his children are living.
George Peterman commenced the tanning and cur-
rying business at the " Prime Hope tannery" in the
spring of 1828. This tannery had previously been
occupied by Cornelius Coryell.
In 1826 fifty-four years ago the following mer-
chants were trading at Lambertville : S. D. & J. D.
Stryker, Knowles & Co. ; James B. Bowen, boots and
shoes; John Scudder & Co., proprietors of the Eagle
Distillery. It may be interesting to note the market-
prices of that date. They are given by the Hunter-
don County Gazette as follows :
" LamhertviUe Price Current.
Sept. 13, 1826.
Wheat, new 80-85
Rye, •'56 "
Corn 62-.65
Outs 37-.i0
Flour, super 2.76-3 00
Xiye, " 2.00-2.26
Dried apples -50
Flaxseed 1.10-1.15
346
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Mustard seed 4.00
Flax 08-(l9
Hams 09-10
Butter .16
Lard .09
Eggs 12H
John Lambert was postmaster of Lambertville in
1827. He died Feb. 6, 1828, and was succeeded/'by
William Garrison. We give the following letter-list
of Jan. 7, 1828: "Miss Eaohel Phillips, Philip
Young, William Eittenhouse, Mrs. Ann Bacon, Cath-
arine Smith, William Case, Samuel Hensel, Philip
Purson, John K. Large, Tunis Quick, Jared S. Stout,
Christopher Cool, Joseph Palmer."
The first storehouse was built by Emanuel Coryell,
near the residence of Griffith Williams. There was a
bridge over the river in 1812 or 1814, and a few years
later (1817) the first church edifice was erected, that
of the Presbyterians. At the foot of Goat Hill, near
the rubber-mill, stood an old stone tavern, one of the
first, if not the very first, erected in the town. Its
roof sloped on one side so as to reach the ground, and
the massive chimney was at one corner of the build-
ing. Among other old buildings that survived those
early days until recently is the " Old Red Tavern,''
near Smith's mills, and recently occupied as a dwell-
ing, and the old Krewson house, in the rear of Cor-
win's shops ; both are torn down.
It is stated by a recent writer of local reminiscences
that Lambertville was first known as " Bungtown."
This is traditional, and has no verification in history.
Pidcock's (or Prime Hope) mills, down the river,
and the Alexsockin mill at Mount Airy, were in ex-
istence before the Revolution.
Prime Hope went down at the time the " feeder"
was being built. Andrew Larison's mill, two and a
half miles east, purchased prior to 1830; he ran it
until his death, in 1861, and then it became the prop-
erty of his sons, Benjamin and Andrew, who sold to
Joseph Romine ; it was burned down about 1870.
Flaxseed oil was made there prior to 1843.
Capt. James Thackenthall's mill, at foot of Mount
Airy hill, is an old grist-mill ; about twelve years ago
he became its possessor, and has since operated it.
Isaac Matthews had a small oil-mill half a mile
below Larison's mill, since burned down.
OLD AMWELL.
As the history of neither of the civil divisions framed
out of the territory of Amwell as it existed prior to
1838 can give a fair view of the township in the early
days (and an attempt to so treat it would involve a
repetition of the same facts and statements in each of
them), it is here attempted to throw together some
matters which the author desires to place on record
in these pages.
From 1709-14, Amwell was one of the three towns
which constituted the county of Burlington. The act
of March 15, 1713-14, setting off" Hunterdon County,
made the Assuripink the southern boundary and left
Amwell one of the four towns which lay to the north
of it. Its southern boundary has been but little, if
any, altered since that date, but on the north almost
every succeeding decade has witnessed a loss of terri-
tory by the formation of new towns. Thus, before
1753, Reading, Kingwood, Lebanon, and Bethlehem
were erected. Thenceforward, until 1838, it existed
as a tract of country about twelve miles square,
bounded by the Delaware River on the west, by the
South Branch on the east, by the Hopewell town-
ship line on the south, and by the present southern
line of Kingwood, Franklin, and Readington town-
ships on the north.
In 1785, when Flemington became the county-seat,
it was in Amwell township, and so remained until
1838, in which year it was divided into three parts
(Raritan, Delaware, and Amwell) ; in 1846 the lower
third j^art, then known as Amwell, was erected into
two townships, each retaining the old name with the
distinctive appellation of "East" and "West."
EABLT KECOEDS OF OLD AMWBLL.
The officers of Amwell township for 1723, as appears
by the court records, etc., at Flemington, were George
Green and Samuel Cook, Freeholders ; Samuel Green,
'Sessor ; John Knowles, Collector ; Daniel Howell
and Thomas Windor, Commissioners of Highways.
In 1724, George Green and John Holcombe were
the chosen freeholders; 1725, David Howell and
Daniel Robins, Freeholders ; John Manners, " 'Ses-
sor" ; John Holcombe, Collector; Jacob StuU and
Henry Ketcham, Commissioners of Highways ; John
Holcombe and Jerome Vanorst, Overseers of the
Poor. March 14, 1726, John Holcombe and Duncan
Oliphant, Freeholders; Daniel Sebring and David
Stout, Commissioners of Highways ; Samuel Green,
Assessor ; John Holcombe, Collector.
In July, 1727, it was " ordered by the court that
the officers of Amwell stand as they were last year,"
and in March, 1728, the court made a similar order.
It would appear from this that the court appointed
the officers of Amwell township at that time,* and
continued to do so until about 1734.
Officers appointed March 11, 1729, for Amwell:
John Manners, Assessor ; Samuel Green, Collector ;
John Knowles, Overseer of the Poor ; Resolve Wal-
dron and Henry Ketcham, Surveyors of the Roads ;
William Miller, Constable.
In May, 1730, the Court of Hunterdon County ap-
pointed the following officers for Amwell : Henry
Ketcham and George Fox, Surveyors of the Roads ;
John Manners, Assessor ; Peter Lomas, Collector;
David Stout, Sr., Overseer of the Poor ; Samuel Fur-
man, Constable.
In March, 1734, occurs the first mention of a town-
meeting being held in Amwell and officers chosen.
The following-named were elected : Thomas Ketcham,
* The reports of the election of officers for the townships of Trenton,
Hopewell, and Hanover are given in the records of 1727, hut no mention
of an election in Amwell.
WEST AMWELL.
347
Henry Ketcham, Freeholders ; Samuel Green, Asses-
sor; Philip Ringo, Collector; Rudolph Harley, Con-
stable; Samuel Barns, Deputy Constable; John Hol-
combe and Joseph Hixon, Surveyors of the Roads ;
Samuel Green, Township Clerk.
March, 1735, the assessor and collector were re-
elected, but there was a change in the other offices,
viz., John Reading and Joseph Hixon, Commissioners
of Highways ; Samuel Stout and Samuel Hall, Free-
holders ; Johannis Moor, Constable.
In 1737 the list of officers elected was handed in,
and from that date the names were not entered in the
records of the court, but placed on file. In the May
term of 1738 the township of Hunterdon appears be-
fore the court by its clerk, who returned a list of
officers elected, which was read, approved, and or-
dered placed on file. It is evidently a clerical error,
as in no other place, in court or freeholders' records,
is there mention of a township by that name.
At the May term of court, 1738, among the peti-
tions for keeping public-houses which were then
granted were the following for Amwell : Joseph
Inslee, Philip Ringo, and John Taylor. Each was
required to enter into a recognizance of £20, with a
surety bound in £10 more.
In 1746 the licensed innkeepers of Amwell were
Philip Ringo, Nathaniel Parker, George Van Bus-
kirk, Andrew Petit, Peter Kesler, and Samuel Flem-
ing. Philip Ringo and Samuel Fleming appear to
have presided over their hostelries for a long time.
The name of the latter appears as a licensed inn-
keeper in the court minutes of the May term, 1756
(with Christian and John Smith as sureties in £20
each), and again in 1763. In the last-named year
William Fleming was also licensed.
From an old town-book of the township ,of Amwell
the following extracts are taken. They will give an
idea of the manner of conducting and recording the
business of the township at that time.
The first entry is as follows :
" At a town-meeting of the inhabitants of the township of Amwell,
met at the house of Derilck Hoagland on the 11th day of March Anno
Dom, 1746. The inhabitants then and there met and assembled, pro-
ceeded to elect theoflicers {following to sei-ve £for the ensuingyear as the
Act of Assembly directs :
Peter Prall, Town Clerk ; Robert Meldnim, Constable ; Benjamin Stont "
(son of Dafid), William Montgomery, Overseers of the Poor ; John Bead-
ing, Esq., Benjamin Stout (captain), Godfrey Peters, Jacob Pattison, Sur-
veyors ffor the Boads ; Jacob Mattison, Assessor ; Andrew Pettit, Col-
lector; Daniel Gregg, Joseph Higgins, Freeholders ; Paul Flagg, Peter
Bellisfelt, Overseers ffor Earitan Koad; William Hixson, Johannes Wil-
liamson, Overseers ffor York Eoad and liock Eoad ; John Jewell, Over-
seer for Swamp Koad; Adam AUer, Samuel Holcombe, Overseers ffor
Eiver Eoad ; Peter Prall, Clerk ffor the Strays."
March 11 , 1745." The overseers of the poor ffor this town have agreed
â– with Walter Cane to keep John Huddy in meat, drink, washing, and
lodging, and clothing sufHcient ffor him, and to keep the town indemni-
fied ffrom the said John Huddy ffor the ensuing year, ffor which the
said Walter Cane is to have eight pounds seven shillings, to be paid by
the overseers of said town."
April 8th, 1746." Then balliinced accounts with William Montgomery
and Benjamin Stont, overseers of the poor, and there is due to tlie town
ffrom Benjamin Stout the sum of ffour pounds fBve shillings and eleven
pence. And be it remembered that there is in the hands of Freegift
Stout, of last year's account, the sum of one pound ffive shillings, and
fflve pence, which is not discounted in this year's account, and is yet due
Ihe Uywny
The succeeding entry is a record of the next town-
meeting to elect officers, at which the same officers
generally were re-elected, except some changes in
overseers of roads.
Peter Prall continued to be yearly elected clerk
until 1761, during which year he died, as we find by a
meeting held on Nov. 2, 1761, by the inhabitants of
the township of Amwell at the house of John Ringo,
for the purpose of electing a town clerk and clerk for
the strays in the place of Peter Prall, deceased ; at
which meeting Richard Reading was elected town
clerk, and Joseph Reed clerk for the strays.
As an illu.9tration of the depreciation of the Conti-
nental currency towards the close of the Revolution,
we find that in 1779-80 the amount levied on the tax-
payers of the townsliip of Amwell, as shown by a set-
tlement with the township collector, was £32,474 lis.
Id., and on December 2d it was voted to raise £6000
for the support of the poor, whereas in 1777 only £100
was ordered to be raised for that purpose.
One of the earliest roads in this section was the fol-
lowing, record of which is found on page 7, vol. i. of
Minutes of Court in Hunterdon County, in the
clerk's office, Flemington :
" A draught of the Amwell Eoad that leads from Malayehik into the
Koad that cums from Greens planation to Cornelius Andersons.
MowNT Amwell, December y ISth, 1721 . "
" Then layed out A Road fewer Rods in Breadth According to An Act
of Assembly Made And provided for that purpose Beginning in yo said
townshyp by y Eeadington paith that leads from Mr, Eeadings old plan-
tation to wher John Reading now Lives Att two Black oaks trees marked
by s* paith thence along As Markt to A white oake tree Marked To the
sutherd of Nathaniel petits plantation thence Along As Marked to A
hickory tree Markt by nishaning kricke thence over s^ kricke As direct
As may be to ttie school bowse on the west seid of ye sd schoole howse,
thence Along straight As marked to A Black oake tree on the west side
ol the paith that Leads from James Stouts to Joseph Hicksons then
along as marked Betwixt the palatins Land And John Warforts thenes
Along As Marked by the east side of the old Indian towne to A red oake
tree Marked in or near the Line Betwixt Benjamin Hicksons Land And
Ruckmans Thenes Along y*' s* line till it passeth the house of ye s^ Ruck- "
man, then through the corner of yc s<* Ruckman field to A white oake
tree thenes Along As marked to A Blacke oake tree Marked on ye east
side of the old Koad that Leads from George Greens old plantation to Cor-
nelius Andersons plantation.
" Layed out By us Commissioners the day and year Above written.
Philip Eingo, George Green, "
" John Burroughs, John ,
Charles Clark, Chas. I. Burroughs, "
" CommisBioners.
Entered the above Draught January 26"", 1721^. "
"Alexander Lockhart,
Becorder,^' "
Feb. 4, 1722, the Court ordered the commissioners of
Hanover and Amwell townships to lay out a road
leading from Amwell to Hanover, to meet at John
Reading's the 1st of October next for that purpose.
The following copy of the original order of the jus-
tices and surveyors of Amwell township is valuable
as indicating some of the early settlers :
348
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
" To Peter Ten-it, one of the overseers of the roads in the township of
Amwell, in the Coun^- of Hunterdon, or whom it may concern,
Whereas, Jasper Smith of Amwell hath complained to us Joseph "
Heading and Thomas Heading Esquires two justices of the peace for the
County of Hunterdon, and Cornelius Hoppock and Derrick Hoagland the
surveyors of roads for the township of Amwell aforesaid, that he con-
ceives himself injured by the encroachments made on a road laid out, of
28^1* day of September 1734 Beginning at that time at a post in a road
leading froni the south branch of llaritan to Delaware being also a corner
between David Eviland and Andrew Little from thence down their line
south to a white oak tree which coruer and tree being since down and
removed we the subscribers being therefore called upon as aforesaid to
ascertain the line as aforesaid on which the road was laid out equally on
both sides for a four rod road and on viewing the ground and having the
line run agree as follows, viz., That the said line and corner for a begin-
ning be fixed four feet two inches east of and from the southeast corner
of a store-house as called belonging to Eobert Burgess Jun^ in a part of
which house Cornelius Garey now lives and runs from thence south three
degrees east as the compass will now stand within two rods of the front
or westerly side of Lemuel Piei-sons dwelling house where he now lives
and continuing the said corner to opposite the meeting house called the
baptist meeting house, on which line you the said Peter Territ as over-
seer of the road aforesaid are hereby requested to govern yourself and to
open the said road clear of all obstructions two rods on each side of the
said line causing the said road to be fully opened to four rods wide as
originally laid on the day & year aforesaid, pursuant to Act of Assembly
in such case made and provided, given under our hands the nineteenth
day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-six 1786.
(signed) " Jos. Reading,
" Thos. Reading,
Corns. Hoppock, "
*' Derrick Hoagland."
CIVIL ORGANIZATION, Etc.
West Amwell township was formed out of the for-
mer township of Amwell, by act of the State Legisla-
ture, early in 1846. It was entitled " An Act to Divide
the township of Amwell, in the County of Hunterdon,"
and was approved Feb. 27, 1846. The portion relating
to this township was in tlie following terms :
Beit enacted etc., " That the township of Amwell, in the county of
Hunterdon, be, and the same is hereby, divided into two separate and in-
dependent townships ; and all that part of the said township of Amwell
which lies west of the middle of the great road leading direct from
Woodsville, by New Market and Rocktown, to the village of Ringos, in
said county, shall be, and is hereby, set off into a separate township, to
be called and known by the name of ' the township of West Amwell.' "*
Section 3 of the above-mentioned enactment pro-
vides that the inhabitants of the township of West
Amwell shall hold their first annual town-meeting at
the inn of John Menagh, in the village of Mount
Airy.t
In 1864 that portion of Binges which lay in West
Amwell south of the Old York Eoad, and west of the
road from Eocktown to Eingos Station was, by
legislative enactment, annexed to East Amwell.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TOWN RECORDS OF WEST AMWELL.
March 16, I860." Pursuant to an act to divide the township of West
Amwell into the township of West Amwell and the town of Lambert-
ville, this is to certify that we, the joint committees appointed to settle
the matter of division and all liabilities, have this day settled all matters
according to the minutes of the clerk of the town and township, except
the matter of roads and Hannah Akers, a lunatic, which are deferred."
Signed by George A. Kohl, George B. Holcombe,
commissioners of Lambertville ; Gideon Phillips, Nel-
son V. Young, commissioners of West Amwell.
* Session Laws, 1846, p. 81.
t Ibid., p. 82.
April 14, 1851. Decided that the York Eoad be
kept free. No plank-road on any road in said town-
ship that is a public road.
1851. Amount of duplicate was $1487.34. "Paid
James N. Reading counsel's fees $5."
1854. The township of West Amwell paid 142.10
to East Amwell, being the balance due after deduct-
ing the debts of the township.
CIVIL LIST OF WEST AMWELL.
The following persons have served as the principal
officers of the township from its organization to the
present time :
John H. Wilson was the first assessor of West Am-
well (1846), he having served the two preceding years
as assessor of the former township of Amwell. He
continued to fill the office until the spring of 1848,
when, Lambertville having been set off from West
Amwell and incorporated into a town, he was again
chosen, and served one year in the township as at
present constituted.
George B. Holcombe was the first collector of the
township, and served two years, when, Lambertville
being set off, and he residing therein, he was chosen
as its collector, and Israel Higgins was elected col-
lector of West Amwell.
The first township committee of West Amwell was
composed of the following gentlemen : George A.
Kohl, Israel Higgins, Caleb F. Fisher, Jacob B.
Smith, and John Sebold ; first township clerk, John
S. Drake ; first constable, John C. Todd.
In accordance with a usage at that time existing,
the assessor and collector of the township were also
elected overseers of the poor ; consequently, John H.
Wilson and George B. Holcombe were overseers until
Lambertville was set off, and then Israel Higgins in
the place of George B. Holcombe.
Following is a list of the principal officers of this
township from its organization to the present time :
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1846, aiarles Holcombe, Joseph Phillips ; 1847-48, Thomas B. Carr, Joseph
Phillips; 1849, Alexander P. Holcombe, Joseph Phillips; 186U-51,
Alexander P. Holcombe, Joseph Mathews; 1852-54, Jos. Mathews;
1855, Charles Wilson ; 1856-59, Isaac Mathews ; 1860-62, Cornelius
H. Rose ; 1863-65, Joseph Q. Taylor ; 1866-68, Charles Wilson ; 1869-
71, George H. Mathews; 1872-74, Peter S. Pidcook ; 1875-77, Bloom-
fleld Blackwell ; 1878-80, James C. Fackenthall.
ASSESSORS.
1846^9, John H. Wilson ; 1850-54, Edward G. Phillips; 1855-58, Joseph
Phillips; 1869-62, Samuel Holcombe ; 1863-06, John S. Drake; 1807-
70, Nelson T. Young; 1871-72, Isaac Mathews; 1873, James J.
Fisher ; 18^, Isaac Mathews ; 1876-77, William H. Drake; 1878-80,
Jacob F. Lariaon.
COLLECTORS.
1846-47, George B. Holcombe ; 1848-52, Israel Higgins; 1853-55, Daniel
Skinner; 1866-59, Joseph Mathews; 1860-63, George M. Holcombe;
1864^06, Caleb Fisher ; 1867-69, Isaac Mathews ; 1870-72, Alexander
Mathews; 1873-76, Charles Wilson; 1875-78, Alexander Mathews;
1879-80, Edward B. Holcombe.
TOWN CLERKS.
1846-49, John S. Drake; 1850-64, George M. Holcombe; 1855, Nelson V.
Young ; 1856-60, Edward G. Phillips ; 1861-66, Edward B. Holcombe ;
CALEB PARLEY FISHER.
Caleb Farley Fisher was born May 6, 1S09, on the estate
where he now resides, in West Amwell, Hunterdon Co., N. J.
The following history of this place was given by Dr. George 11.
Larison, son-in-law of Mr. Fisher, on the occasion of the fiftieth
anniversary of the marriage of the occupants. The land was
purchased of the Indians, in 1703, by John Mills, William Bid-
die, Jr., and John Reading, on the part of the province of West
Jersey, and the two Indian chiefs, Himhammoe and Copounoc-
kous, on the other part. The tract contained one hundred and
fifty thousand acres more or less, and was purchased for seven
hundred pounds. It was then divided into proprietary shares
of Ave thousand acres each, of which Benjamin Field took his
portion in two lots, one of three thousand acres fronting on
the Delaware from Lambertville southward, thence east, and
the other two thousand acres in and around Ringos, of which
said Benjamin Field conveyed a smaller tract of two hundred
acres to certain land speculators in succession, Marmnduke
Horsman, John Arney and his son Joseph, and Thomas Eaman,
who sold the same to Peter Fisher in 1729, where he lived and
died at an old age, and his children's children down to Caleb
F. Fisher have followed him.
On a site near the present dwelling, by a spring of never-
failing water, formerly stood an Indian wigwam, and at the
foot of the hill, near the dwelling of Charles Wilson, was an
Indian burying-ground, which is visible to this day.
Mr. Fisher married, Dec. 2, 1829, Rebecca A. Holcombe, by
whom be has had the following named children: Jacob, born
Aug. 23, 1830; Ann Elizabeth, born Dec. 8, 1831; Martha Re-
becca, born Dec. 23, 1833; James J., born Oct. 18, 1835; Sarah
Q., born Dec. 29, 1837; Emma, born Sept. 9, 1839: Farley, born
Nov. 1,1841; Robert H., born Oct. 17, 1843; Lewis C, born
Aug. 21, 1845; John, born Sept. 28, 1847; Alida, born April
29, 1850; Maria L., born Oct. 11, 1853. All these lived to
maturity.
After fifty years of married life, with its varied experiences,
they celebrated their golden wedding on the 2d of December,
1879. The children were all present, as well as numerous
grandchildren. Dr. George H. Larison, of Lambertville, gave
the history of the old homestead. Hon. Joseph G. Bowne, who
had been groomsman at the marriage in 1829, made a very
appropriate and touching address, in which he alluded to the
changes of half a century since he stood with the young bride
and groom at the marriage altar, and witnessed the solemn
ceremonies pronounced by that eminent minister, Jacob Kirk-
patrick, D.D., of Ringos. He was among the few survivors
present on that occasion. The grandchildren then present sig-
nalized the occasion by presenting Mr. Fisher with a handsome
gold-headed cane, and Mrs. Fisher with a large easy rocking-
chair, accompanied by the following card:
" West Asiwell, N. J., Dec. 2, 1879.
We, the undersigned grandchildren of Caleb F. Fisher and "
Rebecca A. Fisher, at the fiftieth anniversary of your marriage,
present you, our grandfather, Caleb F. Fisher, with a cane, and
you, our grandmother, Rebecca A. FisHer, with this chair, as
remembrances of this semi-centennial anniversary of your
marriage.
"Children of Jacob F. Fisher: Edward G. Fisher, Wm. L.
Fisher, Laura M. Fisher, George L. Fisher, Fred Fisher, Minnie
J. Fisher, Harry Fisher.
Children of Wm. F. Holcombe : Parley F. Holcombe, Theo- "
dore F. Holcombe, Solomon H. Holcombe.
" Children of Charles Johnson : Sarah F. Johnson, Fisher C.
Johnson, George Johnson.
Children of James J. Fisher: Charles H. Fisher, S. Harry "
Fisher, Farley F. Fisher, Anna F. Fisher.
" Children of George H. Larison : Francis W. Larison.
Children of John N. Golden : Kate S. Golden, W. F. Golden. "
"Children of Farley Fisher: Bertha Fisher, Edwin Fisher,
Otis Cliflford Fif^her, Lizzie H. Fisher.
Children of Robert H. Fisher: Clinton W. Fisher. "
" Children of Lewis C. Fisher : Laura W. Fisher, Lizzie
Fisher, Lula Maud Fisher. "
The anniversary was closed by an invocation and benediction
by Rev. C. S. Converse.
Mr. Fisher has pursued the occupation of a farmer on the
old homestead all his life, and has taken but little active part
in politics. He was the efficient collector of his township during
the war, when more than ordinary labor and responsibility de-
volved upon that oEB,cer, and his services were sought by his
townsmen. He has served on the committee, first and last, for
a period of twenty years, and at present holds the office of
justice of the peace. It is, however, his policy to make the
duties of this office as light as possible by advising his neigh-
bors to settle their difficulties among themselves without resort
to litigation. He joined the First United Presbyterian Church
of Amwell in November, 1831, and was appointed ruling elder
in Mny, 1836, which office he still holds. He has always lived
on the homestead on which he was born, and during his life-
time his church has passed under the jurisdiction of the
Presbytery of Newton, then Raritan, and now New Bruns-
wick.
Jacob Reed was born at New Market, Hunterdon
Co., N. J., July 4, 1 806, and has resided there ever
since. His great-grandfather, Richard Reed, was
born June 30, 1711, and his wife, Mary, Nov. 9,
1713. He purchased the property of Aohsa Lambert,
of Trenton, the deed bearing date April 20, 1747.
The estate passed from him to his son John, and from
John to Jacob Reed, the subject of this sketch, and
hence has had but three owners in a period of one
hundred and forty-one years. His father, Levi Reed,
being a young man of twenty-six when he died, did
not inherit the property.
John Reed, son of Richard, was born July 6, 1742,
and was a lieutenant of militia in the Revolutionary
war. He married Leah Golden, who was born April
19, 1757, and had eight children, five of whom
reached maturity. Of these, Levi Reed, father of
Jacob, was born July 29, 1784, and married Lena,
daughter of John Quick and Mary Schenck, both of
Hunterdon County. They had two children, one of
whom died in infancy ; the other, Jacob Reed, the
subject of this notice, was born July 4, 1806, as
above stated. He inherited from his grandfather the
farm on which he now resides, consisting of one
hundred and fourteen acres, portions of the original
three hundred and thirty-four acres having been sold
by his grandfather at an earlier date.
Mr. Reed was brought up on the farm, and re-
ceived his education at the common schools. He has
followed the occupation of farming from boyhood, and
may be regarded as a successful man in that primitive
and honorable callin He has been twice married.
He married, first, Ann, daughter of Thomas Stout
and Elizabeth Burrows. She died Sept. 3, 1834.
By this marriage there were three children, two of
whom reached maturity, and one is still living, viz.,
Ellen, wife of John C. Quick. The other, Margaret,
was born March 16, 1833, married Horatio N. Ege,
of Hopewell township, Mercer Co., and thence moved
to Jersey City. She raised a family of five children,
one son and four daughters. She became a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life,
and was a Christian woman and a friend to the poor.
She died Oct. 17, 1 875. Her last words were, " Hark I
I hear the sweet music of the skies! Briajht! Bright !"
Her remains were deposited in Greenwood Cemetery,
New York, lot No. 22,889.
Ellen Quick has two children, Sarah and Mary.
For his second wife Mr. Reed married Maria,
daughter of John Wyckofi", of West Amwell, Oct.
31, 1837. They have three sons living, viz., John
W., who married Sarah F., daughter of Nathaniel
and Maria Hunt ; Levi H. Reed, who married Ann
Sarepta, daughter of Nehemiah and Ann Blackwell,
who reside on the farm t and Abraham G. Reed, of
Jersey City, who married Jennie, daughter of Schenck
and Elizabeth Moore.
In politics Mr. Reed is a Republican. He has held
several township offices, such as collector, overseer of
the poor, member of the town committee, etc., and has
sustained the reputation of a man of honesty and integ-
rity. He has also held the office of commissioner of
deeds. In all his business transactions he has avoided
litigation, having never sued any one nor been sued.
WEST AMWELL.
349
1866-69, Richard H. Wilson ; 1870-72, William H. Drake ; 1873-76,
Edward B. Holcombe; 1877-79, Philander H. Hartwell; 1880, Seeley
S. Phillips.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE.
1846, George A. Kohl, Israel Higgins, Caleb F. Fisher, Jacob B. Smith,
John Sebold; 1847-48, Caleb F. Fisher, John Sebold;* 1849, Gideon
Phillips, David W. Wilson, Caleb F. Fisher, John Sebold, Nelson T.
Toang; 1850, Gideon Phillips, John H. Wilson, Caleb F. Fisher,
John A. Abbott, Nelson T. Young; 1851, Gideon Phillips, John H.
Wilson, Caleb F. Fisher, John C. Holcombe, Nelson V. Tonng; 1852,
Gideon Phillips, John H. Wilson, Daniel Skinner, John C. Holcombe,
Nelson V. Young; 1853, John S. Drake, John H. Wilson, Cornelius
H. Rose, Lewis Drake, Jacob Eeed ; 1864, John S. Drake, John H.
Wilson, Cornelius H. Hose, Peter Larew, Jacob Eeed ; 1855, John S.
Drake, Isaac Mathews, Jr., Cornelius H. Eose, Peter Larcw, Jacob
Eeed ; 1856, John S. Drake, George Muirhead, Cornelius H, Rose,
Tunis Fisher, Lewis Hagaman; 1857, John S. Abbott, George Muir-
head, Henry E. Dilts, Tunis Fisher, Lewis Hagaman ; 1858, John S.
Drake, Vincent E. Mathews, Henry B. Dilts, Tunis Fisher, Andrew
Holcombe ; 1869, John S. Drake, Jonathan Phillips, H. E. Dilts, Chas.
Wilson, Andrew Holcombe : 1860, John S. Drake, Peter S. Pidcock,
George E. Wilson, Charles Wilson, Andrew Holcombe ; 1861, John S.
Drake, Peter S. Pidcock, Geo. B. Wilson, Chas. Wilson, Isaac Mathews,
Jr.; 1862, John Cray, Peter S. Pidcock, Joseph Sebold, Charles
Wilson, Isaac Mathews, Jr. ; 1S63, George H. Mathews, Henry R.
Dilts, Lemuel Phillips, Caleb F. Fisher, Isaac Mathews. Jr. ; 1864,
George H. Mathews, Henry R. Dilts, Lemuel Phillips, Charles Wil-
son, Isaac Mathews, Jr.; 1865, G«orge H. Mathews, Jacob Eeed,
Lemuel Phillips, Charles Wilson, Isaac Mathews, Jr.; 1866, George
H. Mathews, Jacob Reed, Lemuel Phillips, Andrew Holcombe, Isaac
Mathews, Jr. ; 1867, George H. Mathews, Jacob Eeed, Lemuel Phil-
lips, Andrew Holcombe, Caleb F.Fisher; 1868-69, John S. Drake,
Hiram Wilson, Israel Wilson, Andrew Holcombe, Caleb F. Fisher;
1870, John S. Drake, Hiram Wilson, Elias Lambert, Andrew Hol-
combe, Caleb F. Fisher; 1871, John S. Drake, Hiram Wilson, Elias
Lambert, Eichard H. Wilson, Caleb F. Fisher ; 1872, John S. Drake,
Hiram Wilson, Ellas Lambert, Eichard H. Wilson, Alfred Buchanan ;
1873, Caleb F. Fisher, Hiram Wilson, John G. Muirhead, Eichard H.
Wilson, Asher Ege ; 1874, Robert H. Smith, Jacob A. Wilson, Samuel
E. Vanbuskirk, Alfred Buchanan, Asher Ege ; 1876, John S. Drake,
Jacob A. Wilson, Samuel E. Vanbuskirk, Alfred Buchanan, Theo-
dore H. Smith; 1876, John S. Drake, Jacob A. Wilson, Samuel E.
Vanbuskirk, Hiram Wilson, Theodore H. Smith ; 1877, John S.
Drake, Isaac Mathews, Robert H. Fisher, Hiram Wilson, Theodore
H. Smith ; 1878, John S. Drake, Isaac Mathews, Robert H. Fisher,
Hiram Wilson, Peter S. Pidcock ; 1879, Peter S. Pidcock, Robert H.
Fisher, John H. Wilson; 1880, Lemuel Phillips, John S. Drake,
Charles Wilsou.
VILLAGES.
There are no villages of any importance in this
township, nor any post-office, Lambertville, Eingos,
etc., affording postal facilities.
Mount Airy contains a church, a school, a black-
smith- and wagon-shop, a store (kept by A. B. Hol-
combe), and a grist-mill, owned by James Fackenthall,
and about a dozen dwellings. The hotel formerly
kept here has gone down.
Rocktown and New Market are partly within East
Amwell. At the former there was early, and for
many years, a tavern, now occupied as a store (see an
account of New Market, in history of East Amwell).
CHURCHES.
The only churches in West Amwell are the small
Methodist Episcopal church at New Market, supplied
* Notwithstanding a diligent search was made by the writer, and many
of the citizens of the township, for some of the missing town records,
these two years were not satisfactorily filled. The two persons named
evidently served in 1847-48, having been elected in 1846, and being still
in office in 1849.
by the pastors of that denomination located at Lam-
bertville, and the feeble Unitarian Society " on the
mountain." But Lambertville, with its numerous
and fine houses of worship, as well as the several
churches at Eingos and other adjacent points, afford
the people of the township ample religious privileges.
SCHOOLS.
The four school districts of this township are num-
bered 104, 105, 106, and 107, and are known by the
appellations of Eocktown, Mount Airy, High Valley,
and Mount Eange, respectively. Each district has a
very good school-house, particularly that of Mount
Airy, which is valued at about $2000, the others at
from $500 to $600 each. These schools have three
male and one female teacher, who taught last year
an average of nearly ten months, giving instruction
to 106 scholars. As the buildings will comfortably
seat 200 pupils, the facilities and accommodations
seem to be equal to the present demand or the needs
of the immediate future, unless the 323 children of
school age in the township should all become imbued
with a desire for knowledge and attend at the same
time. In 1879 there were 62 children in the township
who did not attend either public or private schools.
The following history of the schools is compiled,
by permission, from the " Centennial Eeport of the
Schools of Hunterdon County," 1876, by the then
officiating county school superintendent, Eev. Corne-
lius S. Conkling.
In the Eocktown district. No. 104, the first school-
house, built of logs, stood in Hagaman's woods, near
C. F. Fisher's farm. When it was erected cannot be
learned. John Mountain taught there very early,
but it is doubtful if he was the first teacher.
The second school-house was a frame one, and
stood on the corner of the lot where the present
building stands. It was built about eighty -five years
ago. The oldest teacher in this building that is now
remembered was Joshua Jones. The house now in
use was built in 1854. It is a frame building.
District No. 105 is known as " Mount Airy.'' In
1798 there was a school-house on the farm now owned
and occupied by Hon. I. G. Bowne ; in 1800 there
was a school-house on the farm of Hon. F. S. Hol-
combe, near the station. There were also school-
buildings on the farms respectively of Joseph Hop-
pock, west of Mount Airy station, and Samuel Barber,
near Dilts' Corner. The last-named house, when
rebuilt, was removed to Van Dolah's, and is now the
school-house of District 96, and both were in what
are now the bounds of " Van Dolah's." Master Moun-
tain also taught in the Mount Airy district.
The first house of which any very clear knowledge
can be ascertained was 20 feet square, of stone, and
octagonal in shape. Judge Holcombe says, " I com-
menced going to school in this house in 1823, and
Joshua Jones was my first teacher." Nelson V.
Young, now of Lambertville, taught here for fifteen
350
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
years. The old school-house was still standing in
1877, when the present one was erected on its site.
High Valley district, No. 106, has a neat but small
school-building, but we can give no data of their early
schools or houses.
In Mount Eange, No. 107, the first house was of
stone, 20 by 22 feet, but when built or where located
is not known. The present building was erected in
1858 ; it is 21 by 28 feet, and has good seating accom-
modations.
SOCIETIES, Etc.
The only incorporated company (outside of Lam-
bertville and its industrial interests) of which we find
any mention is the " Lambertville and Rocky Hill
Turnpike Company," incorporated by act of the
Legislature in 1860. Ingham Coryell, Charles A.
Skillman, Alexander B. Holcombe, Bloomfield Black-
well, David 0. Larue, Jacob V. Young, Joseph B.
Dalrymple, John L. Case, aud John Riley were the
corporators, with a capital stock of $20,000. Their
charter of incorporation empowered them to " con-
struct a plank or turnpike road from Lambertville to
Rocky Hill, in Somerset County, with a branch from
the same at or near Ringos to Ringos Station, on the
Flemington Railroad."*
The Mount Airy Vigilant Society was organized
on the second Wednesday in January, 1873, with the
following officers: C. F. Fisher, President; Isaac
Mathews, Vice-President; Edward B. Holcombe,
Treasurer; F. S. Holcombe, Secretary. Its first di-
rectors were John S. Drake, John H. Wilson, Ander-
son Wilson, Horace Runkle, and Bloomfield Black-
well. The officers and managers remain much the
same at the present time.
There are no secret societies in the township, al-
though Lambertville has a fair representation of the
various orders.
NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS AND PERSONAGES.
Capts. Cornelius Hoppock, John Phillips, and Robert
Sharp were Revolutionary worthies from this section.
Samuel Holcombe was a scout during the war, and
two of his relatives, Elijah and Maj. George, were
soldiers in the patriot army. The latter is said to
have been a most daring olficer. He was once cut off
from his command by a party of British soldiers, and
escaped by swimming a stream amid a shower of bul-
lets from the enemy. Emanuel, Charles, and Philip
Pidcock, sons of the pioneer Jonathan, went into the
militia and served valiantly through the war. On
one occasion a company of British and Tories came
up from Trenton to "hunt rebels." Charles f was at
home, disabled from hard marching. He tried to es-
cape by the front door, but that was guarded. He
went to the back door, and there too stood two armed
men, but, taking advantage of the darkness, he sprang
past the guard and fled up the steep sides of Goat
Hill, the rocks cutting his feet at every step. A sharp
volley of balls fell around him, and the soldiers
rushed up the hill after him. Young Pidcock found
a hiding-place under a large rock ; his pursuers even
stood upon it, but, failing to find him, gave up the
search. During the affair the officer in command of
the party lost his chapeau. Charles became its pos-
sessor, and was proud of his trophy.
We refer the reader to the history of Lambertville,
in this work, for incidents connected with the Revo-
lution, particularly those events which happened at
Coryell's Ferry and vicinity.
No noteworthy incident has recently occurred to
excite the quiet of this peaceable, industrious people.
A memorable occasion, however, was the golden wed-
ding of the Rev. Dr. Jacob Kirkpatrick, Dec. 13, 1859,
and another, although of a mournful character, was
the death of that venerable pastor.
EAST AMWELL.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, Etc.
East Amwell is located in the southeastern cor-
ner of Hunterdon County, bordering upon both Som-
erset and Mercer. As a remnant of the territory of
ancient Amwell, it yet is noted as one of the finest
agricultural districts in the county. It now contains
27 square miles of territory, or 17,248 acres, and is
larger than the portion from which it was severed in
1846, known as West Amwell.
It is bounded on the north by Raritan township ;
* Session Laws, 1860, pp. 676-83.
east by Hillsborough and Montgomery, in Somerset
County ; south by Hopewell, of Mercer County ; west
by West Amwell and Delaware townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of East Amwell is that of undulating
hill and dale, except in its southern portion, which is
quite hilly and rough. Its soil, save in the small dis-
+ Obarles Pidcock known to the older citizens as " Uncle diaries"
tended the mill at Wells' Falls, aud lived in a long narrow house at the
foot of Goat Hill.
EAST AMWELL.
351
trict mentioned, is very fertile and suited to a mixed |
husbandry.
Sourland Mountain is a range of liigli liills which
follow along the south line of this township, crosses
its southeast corner, and runs well into Hillsborough
in a southwest by northeast direction.
The principal streams are the Neshanic Kiver and
Back and Eocky Brooks. The former heads in Dela-
ware township, flows nearly easterly, crosses the north
part of this township, and empties into the South
Branch of the Raritan, in Somerset County. Mal-
lard Brook,* commonly known as Back Brook, rises
west of Eingos, flows nearly the whole length of the
township, and joins the Neshanic at a point about a
mile from the eastern line of the town.
The " Three Brothers" is a noticeable natural fea-
ture on Pero's Hill where three large bowlders, of
some ten or more tons' weight each, located in a
group, stand up prominently on the high elevation.
EARLY SETTLEMENT AND PIONEER INCIDENTS
OF THE TOWNSHIP.
It has been stated and\generally believed that John
Ringo was the first permanent white settler of Am-
well, but the honor is contested by Francis Moore.
History fixes Eingo's advent in the year 1720. t We
can find no authoritative data as to Moore, and his
claim rests wholly on the statements of old men re-
cently living in the neighborhood, that he came be-
fore Eingo and built a little rum-shop about opposite
to where was the tavern at Ringos.J At all events,
about 1720, Francis Moore purchased 100 acres at
Eingos, on the east side of the King's Road (Old
York Road), and sold the same to John Dagworthy,
Esq., May 9, 1724. At this day it is difficult to say to
whom the honor of the first settlement of East Amwell
belongs.
When John Ringo came this country was frequented
by Indians and wild beasts. He built a log hut at the
point where the two main Indian "paths" crossed,
and there he was accustomed to entertain travelers,
there being no house near. It hence obtained noto-
riety as "Ringo's tavern." Its roof often sheltered
Governor John Reading, Mahlon Stacy, Robert Dims-
dale, and others of the large proprietors when here
marking out their tracts. There, too, Capt. Johnson,
Joseph Higgins, Jonathan Burroughs, Peter Fisher,
Derrick Hoagland, Capt. Schenck, John Bunyon,
Walter Wilson, Dr. Craven, and scores of others met
and talked over current topics. , This place was kept
by John Ringo and his descendants for nearly three-
quarters of a century. Before the Revolution he had
considerable money, and it is said he would pace up
and down the road, much distressed lest the British
should get it. He finally buried it, and died without
revealing the hiding-place, so that his family were
left comparatively poor.^ By his will he left £9 to
provide a fence around his grave. He, together with
his family, was buried in a small cemetery about 200
yards back of the new Presbyterian church at Eingos ;
their graves are marked by initial letters, and sur-
rounded by a rude stone wall. Eingo's old tavern
was burned in 1840.
The Hunterdon Oazette (Flemington) of Wednesday,
April 22, 1840, contained the following :
" Tlie old tavern at Eingos, which we believe has been standing up-
wards of one hundred years, was destroyed by fire on Saturday night.
We are indebted to a correspondent for the following account.
On Saturday evening, at 8 o'clock, the cry of 'Fire!' was heard in "
our streets, when we beheld the flames bursting from the east end of the
shed belonging to the tavern ; . . . and so rapid was its progress that
a horse which was tied in the shed was with some difficulty loosed and
rescued. The tavern-house, standing but a few feet distant, and unoccu-
pied by any family, and of course closed, in one moment took fire ; the
whole roof was in a blaze. The bolted door was forced open, and all
available means brought into requisition to arrest the progress of the de-
vouring element, but in vain ; in a very little time the whole length and
breadth of this large and ancient house glowed in one general mass of
fire.
"The barn, belonging to Judge Wilson, on the north, and especially
the large store-house owned by W. L. Skillman on the south, were in the
most imminent danger, the latter being only a few paces distant from the
fire. The remarkable calmness of the wind, and its westerly position
bearing the flames away, rendered our exertions successful in saving the
store-house and contents, the new tavern-house, and adjoining build-
ings. . . "
Thus this noted travelers' rest, with its sign bearing
a portrait of Washington, passed away, to come to us
of a later generation only through the medium of old
men's tales and the historic page.
Philip Ringo lived, in 1736, where Peter Young
lately resided. || Philip Ringo's name appears for the
first time in connection with this township in a deed
for 5 acres of land dated Aug. 6, 1736 ; the convey-
ance is to him from John Dagworthy, and in the de-
scription occurs this sentence ; " South of the present
dwelling-house, and over against Theophilus Ket-
chum's land, innholder."
Ringo was witness to a deed, executed in 1742, for
the mill property known as the " Race Mill," about a
mile south of Eingos. His land adjoined that of
John Eingo. Among other claims to land by the In-
dians in 1758, was one made by Teedyscung, the Del-
aware chief, to a tract " called Neshannock, begin-
ning at Philip Ringo's house, which stands near a
corner of it ; and so along the road that leads from
thence to Brunswick, as far as Neshannock Creek;
thence up the same to George Hatten's ; thence on a
strait course to Petit's place, and so on to a hill called
Paatquacktung ; thence in a strait line to the place of
beo-inning ; which tract was reserved at the sale, and
marked out by Waubaway, who is alive."1f This In-
dian title was, however, extinguished by a treaty
made at Easton in October of that year.
"â– - otherwise Duck Brook,
t Hist. OoU. N. J., p. 242.
X An old deed for the transfer of some property in Eingos recites that
one of the boundary lines is along the line of land of Francis Moore."" "
g His buried treasure has never been found, and many doubts are ex-
pressed as to his having ever hid any.
J He died in 1879.
\ Smith's History of Now Jersey, p. 445.
352
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Philip was much more prominent in the affairs of
the settlement than was his brother John, of whom
there are no recollections save those associating him
with the tavern. Philip was judge of the Hunterdon
County courts in 1754, and his name appears as a jus-
tice as early as 1723, and is last found in 1745. He
was a Presbyterian, and we find him, in 1715, present-
ing to Presbytery a call from Hopewell and Maiden-
head (now Lawrenceville) for the labors of Mr. Robert
Orr. An old tax-list of 1722 shows, also, that he
owned one of the two mills of the township, four head
of cattle and horses, and fifty acres of land.* His
real estate passed to his son John, who, on his death,
left his wife, Martha, executrix. His estate was sub-
ject to a mortgage held by William Pidgeon, Esq.,
who (on his decease) made Clayton Newbold, William
Coxe, and Anthony Sykes his executors ; they ob-
tained judgment, and Joshua Corshon, sheriff of Hun-
terdon County, exposed the same to sale, whereupon
it was purchased by Joseph Robeson for £1305. In
the deed there is one exception, viz., in the 25-acre
tract there was reserved 25 feet square, in the north-
west corner, for a burying-place. This is the back
part of the lot lately owned by Jesse Landis.f
What relationship Cornelius Ringo, of Hopewell,
sustained to Philip is not shown. He was a justice
in 1746, and otherwise prominent in Hunterdon
County in the early days.
The 3000-acre tract known as the Benjamin Field
purchase of 1702 passed into the hands of Nathan
Allen, of Allentown, who began to dispose of the
same to settlers about 1720. Dec. 6, 1721, a convey-
ance was made to Rudolph Harley, of Somerset, for
176 acres, comprising all the land west and south of
Ringos, and extending to the east side of the Old
York Road. The description of the land does not
mention names of persons who owned adjoining
tracts. This, however, is not proof positive that
there were no other settlers there. Harley, in 1726
(August 25th), sold 25 acres to Theophilus Ketchum,
innholder, being the land upon which most of the
old village stood. It is claimed that Ringo's old
tavern formerly stood on this tract. With the excep-
tion of 8 acres sold to John Justus Ganse, the balance
of the Harley estate was sold, March 29, 1754, to Ru-
dolph Harley, Jr. ; but it immediately passed into
the hands of Henry Graff, his brother-in-law, who
sold it to his son-in-law, Henry Landis, May 1, 1772.
By a quit-claim deed executed June 26, 1758, by
Nicholas Austin and Sarah, his wife (Quakers), of
Abington, Pa., the following persons, nearly all of
whom were actual settlers in this section, are shown
as being possessed of portions of the above-mentioned
tract : Ichabod Leigh, llSf acres ; Henry Landis, 80 ;
William Schenck, 280; Jacob Sutphin, 150; Tunis
Hoppock, 100; Jacob Moore, 130; John Becelsimon,
* Rev. Geo. Hale's Historical Discourse, pp. 12, 13.
t KecoUectious of John Hunkle, and MS. notes of Rev. Aaron S.Lan-
iiing.
30 ; Obadiah Howell, 8 ; Justus Ransel, 30 ; Rudolph
Harley, 142; John Housel, 3; Gershom Mott, 2;
John Ringo, 40 ; James Baird, 18 ; Anna Lequear, 80 ;
George Thompson, 100 ; Jeremiah Trout, 3 ; Hon.
Barrack, 100 ; George Trout, 17 ; John Hoagland,
200; Derrick Hoagland, 180; John Williamson, ISO,
computed to contain 1989| acres.
From the above it would seem that this portion of
Amwell was quite thickly settled for that early date.
In many of the deeds the occupations of the settlers
are stated, from which we learn that there were then
a cooper, a gunsmith, a saddletree-maker, and a
foundry where brass castings were made for saddle-
mountings. Among those who came early to this
locality for saddletrees was Henry Landis, a young
man learning his trade at Gerihantown, Pa. An-
other young man, Henry Graff, from Neuwrid on
the Rhine, making the acquaintance of young Lan-
dis at Germantown, and desiring to go to some Ger-
man settlement, in 1724 accompanied Landis to Am-
well, where he found a home with Rudolph Harley,
and a wife in his daughter Anna. Graff was born in
1699. He set to work at once to clear and cultivate
his new wilderness home. In a few years (1737) he
was joined by Landis, who left Germantown and set-
tled at Ringos on attaining his majority. He was
born in Germany, Aug. 16, 1716. In 1737 he mar-
ried Elizabeth Naas, who lived on the Neshanic. He
at once established a small business, which eventually
so increased as to enrich him. In 1750 he began to
build the stone house, still standing, late the residence
of his grandson, Henry Runyan. His large barn
stood until 1840, when it was removed by the late
Henry Runyan. He added to his land until in 1800-
he possessed over 300 acres in and around Ringos,
and had given his sons Joseph and Samuel fine farms
a short distance south of his own. He married, for
his second wife, March 6, 1754, Catharine Graff. She
was born Sept. 11, 1734.
Of the sons, John married a Servis, of Amwell ;
Henry married Mary Carver ; Daniel, Barbara Sli-
fer ; Jacob, Mary Harley, of Skippack, Pa. ; Joseph,
Sarah Colvin, of Amwell; Samuel, Hannah Hevelin,
of Bucks Co., Pa. ; David, Mary Paxson, of same
county; Solomon, Elizabeth Reeder, of Amwell.
Isaac remained single.
Henry Landis was a Dunkard, and for many years
the meetings were held at his house and at the
houses of the Lawshes, Moores, Runkles, and Wag-
oners, also members of that denomination. He made
his will seven years before his death, which occurred
in July, 1809, he having nearly completed his ninety-
third year. He appointed John Lequear, Paul Kuhl,
and his son David his executors.
The children of Henry Graff were Lena, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Rebecca, Henry, Mary, Hannah, Daniel,
Joseph, Benjamin, Samuel. Hannah married John
Runkle, of Amwell. Daniel, Joseph, and Benjamin
lived in Sussex Co., N. J., and Samuel resided on the
EAST AMWELL.
353
homestead east of riemington, whither his father
moved after selling his farm at Eingos to Henry
Landis.
The Rev. Aaron S. Laning, of Pennington, N. J.,
a lineal descendant of Rudolph Harley, contributes
the following reminiscences :
" In my boyhood I had the story of the settlement of this part of Am-
well told me often by the late John Eunkle, born in 1752, in Hunterdon.
His mother was of the Toungblood stock. They lived on a farm at what
is now Weart's Corner. Bunkle lived in the vicinity of Flemington.
His grandfather Tonngblood died, and his father worked the farm. He
told me he used to go down there and work during the week, and would
return by the paths to Eingos, and so along by Harley's house, to his
uncle's (Honness Boss), to stay over the Sundays. Harley's house stood
about half a mile west of Ringos, and remains of it are yet plainly visi-
hle. He described the country as then one vast wilderness, with here
and there a log house and small clearings; the roads were horse- or
foot-paths ; Ringo's (tavern) was a small log house with a porch in front.
The settlers about Weart's Corner were mostly Hollanders, including the
Toungs, the Tounghloods, the Fishers, Hyronimus Mingo, and others.
The beautiful meadow stretching down from the roadside, above the old
stone house of Landis, to the southeast, was a swamp of green-brieiB. The
settlers around Ringos were principally German. He and his father had
often gone to Trenton to mill on horseback. This John Ruukle lived to
the age of ninety-three. He married a Graff for his first wife, and the
widow of John Bunyan, nte Rebecca Landis, for his second. He was the
grandfather of Mrs. W. P. Emery, of Flemington, and others in that
vicinity. "
" The eastern portion of Old Amwell, on the north-
ern slope of Sourland Mountain, says a writer in the "
Hunterdon Republican in 1873, "is somewhat cele-
brated as being the home of several descendants of
Richard and Penelope Stout," the history of the
latter of whom is almost too marvelous for belief.
But the sober pages of history reveal this record :*
" She was born at Amsterdam, about 1602 ; her father's name was Van
PfinciB. She and her firsthusband (whose name is not known) sailedfor
New York (then New Amsterdam) about 1620 ; the vessel was stranded
at Sandy Hook ; the crew got ashore, and marched towards the said New
York. But Penelope's (for that was her name) husband, being hurt in
the wreck, could not march with them ; therefore he and his wife tarried
ill the woods. They had not been long in the place before tlie Indians
killed them both (as they thought), and stripped them to the skin.
However, Penelope came to, though her skull was fractured and her left
shoulder so hacked that she could never use that arm like the other ; she
was also cut across the abdomen, so that her bowels appeared ; these she
kept in with the hand. She continued in this situation for seven days,
taking shelter in a hollow tree and eating the excrescence of it ; the sev-
enth day she saw a deer passing by with arrows sticking in it, and soon
after two Indians appeared, whom she was glad to see, in hope tliey would
put her out of her misery. Accordingly, one made towards her to knock
heron the head ; but the other, who was an elderly man, prevented him,
anil, throwing his matchcoat about her, carried her to his wigwam and
cured her of her wounds and bruises. After that he took her to New York
and made a present of her to her countrymen, viz., an Indian present,
expecting ten times the value in return. It was in New York that one
Richard Stout married her : he was a native of England, and of a good
family. She was now in her twenty-second year, and he in his fortieth.
She bore him seven sons and three daughters, viz.: Jonathan (founder
of Hopewell), John, Richard, James, Peter, David, Benjamin, Mary,
Sarah, and Alice.f The mother lived to the age of one hundred and ten,
and saw her offspring multiplied into five hundred and two in about
eighty -eight years. "
James, a grandson of Richard and Penelope Stout,
settled in Amwell, on the west side of Jacob Man-
ners' farm, where Abraham Runkle now resides.
* Benedict's Hist. Baptists ; Hist. Coll. New Jersey.
t Nathan Stout, in history of the family, in 1823, says daughters' names
were Deliverance, Sarah, and Penelope.
His brother, David, came soon after and brought
his family, settling about a mile north of James.,
Benjamin, David's youngest son, settled northwest
of the Manners farm. David gave the lot for a
family burying-ground, which was then on a part of
his farm. The old David Stout dwelling-house is
still standing, about a mile northeast of Jacob Man-
ners' residence.
The Manners family, closely connected with the
Stouts by marriage, was one of the earliest in the
township. John Manners, the emigrant settler of
Amwell, was an Englishman, born in Yorkshire,
England, in 1679. He settled at Freehold and mar-
ried Rachel, one of Richard Stout's daughters. In
1718 they came to Amwell and purchased the farm
where Jacob S. Manners now lives. A deed, of date
1728, shows that John Manners owned about 400
acres. This, as well as Benjamin Stout's land, was
purchased of 0. Van Syckel, who bought of Thomas
Stevenson, the owner of a large tract of the William
Penn grant from the " West Jersey Society" of
Quaker proprietors. John Manners' house formerly
stood but a few feet east of the present wagon-house,
"and about 200 yards east of the present mansion-
house there. Here the second John Manners was "
born. The ruins of the second house built by John
Manners, in 1750, are still to be seen, a short distance
east of the present mansion. John Manners, Jr.,
married Mary Higgins (daughter of Jediah Higgins
and Hannah Stout, daughter of Jonathan, son of
Richard the first), and had a son, John, who re-
moved to Readington and was the father of Dr.
JohnJ and Gen. James S. Manners. The latter, born
in 1780, was three years sheriif of the county and a
general of the militia; he lived near Kuhl's Mill,
and died in 1851, without issue. John Manners, Jr.,
after the death of his first wife, Mary Higgins, mar-
ried Rachel, a daughter of James Stout. They had
two children, Rachel, born in 1773, and David,
born in 1777, who was the father of Jacob S. Man-
ners, who now lives on the homestead.
David Manners, son of John, Jr., married Mary
Schenck, and had nine children, the names of the
five sons being as follows : John, Abraham, Theodore,
Abraham (2), and Jacob S. Abraham died without
issue; John married a daughter of the Hopewell
John Stout; Abraham (2) married a daughter of
Abram Quick (her mother being a Stout) ; Theodore
married Caroline Werts ; and Jacob S. married a
daughter of Jacob Blackwell, and lives on the old
Manners homestead. Jacob S. Manners has recently
purchased a lot adjoining the old Stout graveyard and
laid it out for a family cemetery.
Peter (1) Young in 1726 purchased 1000 acres in
Amwell east of the Manners tract, upon which he
settled, along with his sons, Peter (2), Jacob, and
J For sketch of Dr. John Manners see chapter on " Medical Profession
of Hunterdon County," elsewhere in this work.
354
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Henry. His location was at what is now Wertsville.
Peter (3) Young, of Eingos, a great-grandson of
Peter (1), died in 1879, over eighty years old.
Peter Young (3) was a son of Jacob, the son of
Peter (2), and the grandson of the first Peter. His
wife was Elizabeth Guthrie. She died about fifteen
years ago, and, with her husband, lies buried in the
churchyard at Larison's Corner. Their sons Amos,
John, and Jacob are all deceased.
Eoelif Sutphin, who lives on the old " Indian Path"
road, about midway between Eingos and Wertsville, is
a son of James S. and Charity (Hortman) Sutphin.
James S. Was born in 1778, and was second son of Eoelif
(or "Eafe") and Johannah (Stout) Sutphin, the said
Eoelif being the son of Jacob Sutphin, who migrated
from Somerset County in the early part of the eighteenth
century and settled in Amwell, now Earitan, township,
about a mile north of Larison's Corner, upon a tract of
220 acres which he purchased there ; he subsequently
bought another tract of 200 acres on the Neshanic,
south of Eeaville, which remained in the family for
generations, hut is now occupied by Eobert Cain.
Eoelif, the son of James S., married Eachel Bellis,
daughter of John H. Bellis.*
Another prominent family of Amwell is that bear-
ing the name of Prall, descended from Abram (1), who
very early, but at what date is unknown, purchased
a large tract of land in this township, embracing the
farms now occupied by William B. Prall and William
W. Fisher, the latter being the old homestead. Abram
was twice married, Peter being a son by his first wife,
and Dr. Williamf by his second, whose maiden name
was Elizabeth Stout ; by the latter, also, two daugh-
ters, Elizabeth and Hannah.
Peter Prall, son of Abram (1), was born in Amwell,
in 1750, on the homestead farm. He married Mary
Quick, also of Amwell. He died March 2, 1829,
aged seventy-eight years nine months. Their chil-
dren were Abram (2), born in 1770, married Sarah
Fisher,J and Catharine, who married John P. Quick.
The children of Abram (2), and his descendants, are
as follows : Mary Prall, who married Joseph Sutphin ;
Peter, born May 3, 1796, married, in 1817, Catharine
Sutphin, daughter of James Stout Sutphin ; Sally,
became the wife of Jacob Sutphin, also a son of James
S. ; Ann, married Christopher Griggs ; and Catharine,
married John Griggs. Jacob was twice married, first
to Margaret Case, second to Mary Young ; Eliza be-
came the wife of George Smith; Abram (3), born
Dec. 9, 1811, married Hannah Bellis, a daughter of
Mathias Bellis. Peter Prall died July 6, 1839; his
wife, born Aug. 28, 1798, died July 10, 1867.
* For a more full account of tbe Sutphin and Bellis families gee liistory
of Baritan township, in this work.
t See sketch in Medical chapter, Hunterdon County.
X Peter Ksher came from Germany about 1728-29, and settled in what
is now West Amwell, upon the land now occupied by Caleb F. Fisher;
he had four sous, the youngest of whom was Jacob, tbe father of Sarah
Fisher. She died Sept. 18, 1831, aged fifty-six. (See further account in
history of West Amwell township.)
Abram and Hannah Prall were married Sept. 16,
1832. Their children were William B., born Dec. 10,
1834, and Abram J., born April 28, 1840. A sketch
of William B. Prall and family is given in another
place.
The children of Mathias Bellis and Elizabeth Sut-
phin are as follows : 1, William M., born July 2,
1802 ; 2, Ealph M., Dec. 10, 1803 ; 3, Adam M., Sept.
16, 1806 ; 4, Hiram, May 17, 1809 ; 5, Mary Ann,
May 2, 1811; 6, Hannah, March 23, 1813; 7, Eliza-
beth, Jan. 14, 1817 ; 8, Charity, March 23, 1822.
William M. Bellis married Abi Housel, April 4,
1841
Ealph M. Bellis (son of Mathias) married Lucretia
Young, and died April 22, 1870, aged over sixty-six
years.
The Blackwell family is an old one, representing,
in Andrew Blackwell, one of the early settlers of Am-
well, whose descendants are to be found in the Hol-
combe, Wilson, Van Derveer, Case, Larison, and
other well-known families of this section. Andrew
Blackwell was born Oct. 11, 1787 ; Anna Hunt, his
wife, was born Jan. 20, 1792. They had nine children,
all deceased except Noah, Eandolph, Bloomfield, and
Andrew, who all reside in East Amwell, save Bloom-
field, who is living near Mount Airy, in West Amwell.
Jacob Quick, Sr., was an early settler at what is
now Van Liew's Corners, on a portion of which Moses
S. Quick now resides. He died Sept. 15, 1800, aged
eighty-six (born 1714). His son, Jacob, Jr., was born
in 1749, married Jerusha (Eose?), and died Nov. 7,
1816, aged sixty-seven.? His wife was born Nov. 2,
1753. Their children were Jane, born in 1771 ; Jacob,
1774; Ezekiel Eose, 1777; Abraham, 1779; Eosan-
nah, 1781 (married Josie Quick; had no issue);
Mary, 1785.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
East Amwell was set off in 1846 1| from the former
township of that name. In 1854, Eingos, before sit-
uate in Delaware, West Amwell, and Earitan town-
ships, was annexed to East Amwell.
The following is an extract from the record of the
first town-meeting, held at the house of Charles W.
Holcombe, at Weart's Corner :
"At tbe first annual meeting of the inhabitants of the township of
East Amwell, held April 13, 1846, for the purpose of electing officers for
the above-named township for the ensuing year, tbe following officers
were elected: .John S. Williamson, Moderator; Jacob S. Durham, Cleric ;
John Hoagland, Judge of Election; Ralph Sutphin, Assessor; John V.
Hoagiand, Collector; Jacob S. Williamson, Abraham T. Williamson,
Chosen Freeholders ; N. 0. Durham, John S. Williamson, Israel Wilson,
Richard Van Lieu, John L. Case, Township Committee; Jacob F. Prall,
James S. Fisher, Surveyors of Highways; Andrew H. Qiiick, Nathan
Stout, John S. Hoagland, Commissionei's of Appeal ; Ralph Sutphin, John
g Both the Jacob Quicks were buried in the private burial-ground, on
the farm originally located by Jacob, Sr., and now in the possession of
the Van Liew family.
II An Act to Divide the Township of Amwell,"" etc., approved Feb. 27, "
1846. (Session jtaics, 1846, p. 81, ei fleg.) In this enactment the township
of East Amwell was defined as " all that part of the said township of Am-
well which lies east of the middle of the great road leading direct from
Woodsville (by New Market and Rocktown) to the village of Ringos."
EAST AMWELL.
355
S. Hoagland, Overseers of the Poor; Jonathan Quick, Puundkeeper ;
Abraham K, Quick, Constable: David Hille, Ealpb Schank, William
Metier, School Committee; Christopher Servis, Garret Hixon, Jacob Ser-
vis, Wm. Fisher, Alison Chamberlin, Jonathan Hig^us, Solomon Labaw,
James H. Wikoff, Overseers of the Highways.
" Toted that the next election and town-meeting be held at the house
of Kichard Yan Lieu. "
EXTRACTS FEOM THE RECORDS.
April 20, 1846, " according to the provisions of an
act entitled 'An Act to Divide the Township of Am-
well,' " the township committees of East Amwell and
West Amwell met at the house of Amos Williamson,
in Eingos, and a committee was appointed to ascertain
the ratio of taxation, Kichard Van Lieu on the part
of East Amwell, and Caleb F. Fisher on the part of
West Amwell ; the committee then divided the Tren-
ton road, " and agreed that East Amwell take the road
from the Hopewell line to within 100 yards of David
Larowe's gate, and West Amwell from that place to
Ringos." April 23d, the joint committee met and
divided the surplus revenue, being $3368.35 for East
Amwell and $3804.80 for West Amwell. A com-
mittee was appointed to sell the township's right to
the Gilchrist lot on the mountain, and the finances
were adjusted by a division of the bonds and mort-
gages, and by the payment of $23.20 by West to East
Amwell. April 24th, the joint committee met and
divided the books, papers, etc., settled with Jacob
Reed, " late collector," and divided the balance due
the townships, $78.59 to East and $88.77 to West
Amwell.
At a special town-meeting, Aug. 23, 1862, it was
" Besolvedf That East Amwell is heart and hand with the national gov-
ernment in its efforts to suppress the existing Kebellion at whatever cost
of time, treasure, and blood. "
The bounty duplicate for 1863 was $11,807.42.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
The following is a list of the principal township
officers of East Amwell from the date of its organiza-
tion:
CHOSEN FEEEHOLDEKS.*
1846, Jacob S. Williamson ; 1S46-48, Abram T. Williamson ; 1847-49, Jacob
S. Manners ; 1849-61, Noah Hixson ; 1860-63, Levi Hixson ; 1864-67,
Simpson S. Sked ; 1868-60, Samuel W. Dilts ; 1861-62, Kalph Sut-
phin; 1863-66, Noah Hixson; 1866-68, John 0. Durham; 1869-71,
John Dalrymple; 1872-74, Edwin H. Durham; 1876-76, Wiliiam
Sutphen ; 1877-79, David Nevius ; 1880, Peter W. Shepherd.f Silas
Nonamaker.
ASSESSOES.
1846-62, Ealph Sutphin ; 1853-69, Oliarles Ewing ; 1870-77, Abram Quick ;
1878, Benjamin Y. Hill ; 1879-80, Ira Munson.
COLLECTOES.
1846-47, John S. Hoagland ; 1848-52, 0. W. Holcombe ; 1863-65, Nathan
Stout; 1856-59, Joseph Servis; 1860-63, William S. Eiley ; 1864,
Abraham Quick; 1865, Joseph Servis; 1866, Afm. T. Hixson; 1867-
68, Jacob C. Young; 1869-70, Thomas C. Smith; 1871-78, Jacob S.
Herder; 1879-80, Samuel W. Dilts.
CLEEKS.
1846-65, Jacob S. Durham; 1856, John Young; 1857-62, Jacob S.Dur-
ham; 1863-65, Peter W. Shepherd; 1866-68, Ira Higgins; 1869-74,
* Prior to 1851 two freeholders were chosen ; since that date, only one.
t Died May 6, 1880.
Eobert I. Hunt; 1875, William M. Eue ; 1876, Ira Munson; 1877,
William Eue ; 1878-80, Abraham Borton.
TOWN COMMITTEES.}:
1846-48, N. 0. Durham, John S. Williamson, Israel Wilson, Eichard Vau
Lieu, John L. Case ; 1849, N. 0. Durham, Jacob F. Prall, Simpson
Sked, Eichard Van Lieu, John L. Case ; 1850-61, John E. Young,
Andrew H. Quick, Simpson Sked, Abraham T. Williamson, John L.
Case; 1852, John E. Young, Andrew H. Quick, Simpson Sked, Abra-
ham T. Williamson, George M. Prall ;. 1863, John S. Williamson,
W^illiam Golden, Simpson Sked, Jacob S. Manners, George M. Prall;
1854, John E. Young, Levi K. Chamberlin, Simpson Sked, Jacob S.
C. Pittinger, John L. Case; 1855-57, James S, Fisher, Mahlon
Schenck, Simpson Sked, Eobert E. Smith, John C. Durham ; 1858,
James S. Fisher, Mahlon Schenck, Simpson Sked, David Williamson,
John C. Durham ; 1859, James S. Fisher, Mahlon Schenck, Simpson
Sked, David Williamson, Lewis S. Servis ; 1860, James S. Fisher,
Mahlon Schenck, Simpson Sked, Andrew Wyokoff, John C.Durham;
1861, James S. Fisher, Mahlon Schenck, Andrew H. Quick, Jacob
W. Nevius, John 0. Durham ; 1862, David S. Wert, James P. Cham-
berlin, Stout Hunt, Jacob W. Nevius, John C. Durham; 1863, David
S. Wert, Jacob C. Sutphin, Solomon Labaw, John L. Case, Joseph
Servis ; 1864, Andrew WyckofF, Jacob S. C. Pittinger, Solomon
Labaw, John L. Ciise, Jolin Williamson ; 1866, Cicero Hunt, Stout
Hunt, Solomon Labaw, John L. Case, Levi Eeed ;§ 1866, Cicero
Hunt, Horace P. Quick, Sidney B. Snook, Jonathan Higgins, Ean-
dolph S. Blackwell ; 1867, John W. Bellis, Samuel W. Dilts, Sidney
B. Snook, Benjamin B. Mathews, Jacob S. Herder; 1868, Thomas C.
Smith, Samuel W. Dilts, Abram Quick, Joseph P. Servis, Jacob S.
Herder; 1869, Joseph Dalrymple, David 0. Larowe, John L. Case,
Benjamin Y. Hill, Jacob S. Herder; 1870-71, Joseph Dalrj'mple,
David 0. Larowe, John L. Case, Benjamin V. Hill, Jacob C. Young ;
1872, Samuel W. Dilts, Peter W. Shepherd, John L. Case, Waterhouse
Woodruff, Jacob C, Young; 1873, Samuel W. Dilts, Peter W. Shep-
herd, David Nevius, Waterhouse Woodi-ufF, Benjamin V. Hill; 1874,
John C. Durham, Peter W. Shepherd, David Nevius, Theodore Y.
Craft, Benjamin V. Hill ; lb75, Abram Van Doren, Levi Eeed,
David Nevius, John Fisher, Benjamin V. Hill ; 1876, James Eiley,
John C. Durham, Martin V. Case, Peter W. Shepherd, Ira Higgins;
1877, Abraham Eunkle, William Golden, T. Y. Craft, William W.
Fisher, John Eue ; 1878, Abraham V. Chamberlin, James Riley, T.
Y. Craft, Eobert I. Hunt, John Eue; 1879, William S. Young, James
Riley, Eobert I. Hunt; 1880, Daniel Stout, William S. Toung, Ira
Higgins.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
This township contains no large village, although a
number of hamlets are found in its several parts.
Eingos is the most prominent on account of its early
settlement and the renown of the name, and lies in
the western corner of the town, close to, but south of,
the Flemington branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
upon which line, in this neighborhood, is Ringos Sta-
tion, although in Delaware township. There is no
post-office at the latter place, nor anything to particu-
larize except the station-building. The post-office is
at the village, II which was for many years the most
important village in the whole Amwell Valley. A
store was kept there, to which the Indians resorted
from as far as Somerville. There public meetings
were held to petition the king for the removal of
grievances. Later on, celebrations for the whole
county centered there. It was also a place of consid-
erable trade. Among others, Henry Landis, as early
as 1737, carried on a saddlery business.^ Lambert-
t Prior to 1879 this board was composed of five members ; since that
date, only three,
g Appointed.
II This is the only post-office of the name in the United States.
f Eev. G. S. Mott, D.D.
356
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ville at this time was an insignificant settlement ; at
the time of the Revolution even it was far behind
Ringos in size.
Ringos contains two churches, the " Kirkpatrick
Memorial," Presbyterian, and a Baptist church, a
district school (District No. 103), a seminary, and
the "Academy of Science and Art,'' accounts of
which may be found under the head of " Schools."
Business is represented by the "Ringos Tavern"
(Theodore J. Young, proprietor), two country stores
(kept respectively by Borton & Brother and David
Williamson), two blacksmith-shops, two wheelwright-
shops, one harness-shop, and one shoemaker-shop.
The present postmaster is David Williamson. Wil-
liam L. Skillman served as such over forty years ago,
1838-40.
Pleasant Corner is situate about a mile north-
east of Ringos, on the Old York Road. It was so
named some thirty or forty years ago, although it is
often called " Larison's Corner," after its recent hotel
proprietor. Here is located the United First Presby-
terian Church. The blacksmith-shop, which has
been operated under many different " knights of the
anvil," is owned by Hiram Hoffman, but is not at
present in operation. Larison's Hotel (on the Rari-
tan township side of the road) is likewise enjoying
rest, although formerly a popular hostelry.* The
property is owned by the widow of Augustus Black-
well, a daughter of John W. Larison, the old inn-
keeper.
Wertsville takes its name from the Werts family,
and is located in the centre of the eastern part of the
township. It is known locally as " Werts' Corners,"
but its post-office, first and last, is Wertsville. There
are here a church of the Bapti.st (New School) denom-
ination and the public school of the district. Peter
V. D. Manners keeps the store and post-ofiice, and
the industries of the place are represented by a wagon-
shop and a shoemaker-shop.
Van Liew's Corners, about a mile from Werts-
ville, a little south of west, is a small cluster of resi-
dences surrounding the store of Chamberlin & Van
Liew. Durham's nurseries are in the vicinity. This
settlement is in the same school district as Wertsville.
Unionville, on the Indian Path Road, between
Ringos and Van Liew's, is a rural settlement, and
contains a two-story frame school-house, in the upper
part of which is a good-sized hall where public meet-
ings, etc., are sometimes held. This place formerly bore
the name of " Minksville," so called from an old black-
smith named Mink located there, but long since dead
or removed. Its inhabitants have neither store nor
post-office, but in their stead have a butcher-shop, of
which Samuel W. Dilts is proprietor.
New Market, in the south part of the township,
on the Rocktown Road, is quite a smart settlement,
* Id 1828 it was kept, says Dr. John Blane, liy Jolin Bellia, "with
whom boarded my old friend and preceptor, Abraham Montfurt, who was
then teaching in that neigliborhood."
although a portion of it lies in West Amwell. It con-
tains a Methodist Episcopal church, the store of L.
K. Chamberlin, and a blacksmith-shop. An old tan-
nery, now gone down, was operated for years by Lan-
sing Chamberlin.
Snydertown, just north of New Market, and so
close that the two villages almost join, contains a
number of residences, a saw- and feed-mill, owned
by R. P. Crosedale, and a tannery operated for some
time and until about four years ago. It is owned by
L. K. Chamberlin, but the building is now vacant.
Reaville is almost wholly within Raritan town^
ship, the harness-shop of Robert R. Smith being the
only business interest on the East Amwell side of the
Old York Road.f
RocKTOAVN, also, lies almost entirely in West Am-
well. (See history of that township.)
BuTTONWOOD Corners, in the southeast corner of
the township, comprises a dozen houses and a school-
house (District No. 101), situated on the slope of the
Sourland Mountain, in a rough and hilly section of
country.
SCHOOLS.
The public schools of this township are embraced
in four districts, viz., Wertsville, No. 100 (frame) ;
Mountain Grove, No. 101 ; Unionville, No. 102
(frame) ; and Ringos, No. 103 (frame). The present
valuation of school property is $3400. Each of these
schools has a female teacher, and, although the build-
ings will comfortably seat from fifty to sixty scholars,
the average number who attended during the past
year was but a little over one-half that number. The
cost of the free schools of East Amwell, exclusive of
building and repairing, is about $1800 a year. The
statistics of the school officials show that there are 333
children in the township of school age, between the
ages of five and eighteen. In 1879, 252 of these were
enrolled on the school registers, the average attend-
ance being 210.
In the "Wertsville" District (No. 100) there was a
log school-house built in 1747. It was located on
land leased from Benjamin Stout for ninety-nine
years. In 1798 there was a frame school-house, one
story, 25 feet square, built on the same land. The
lease expired in 1846, and the school-house was
moved on to land belonging to the heirs of William
Weart, deceased. School was kept in it until 1853,
when it was sold to David S. Wert and made into a
dwelling-house, being used for that purpose at this
time. In 1853 a new two-story frame school-house,
30 by 44 feet, was erected, at a cost of $1500, about
one hundred yards south of the site of the first one ;
this is in good condition, and school is now kept in
it. Its balcony is furnished with a fine-sounding
bell.
The teachers were nearly all foreigners until about
1820, and all male teachers. James Ewing, native
t See Rai"itan townsliip liisloi-y for a description of this village.
EAST AMWELL.
357
of Scotland, taught from 1788 to 1795. In 1826 a
Miss Bartine taught during the summer. The next
female teacher was employed in 1858. Alfred Hazard
taught from about 1840 to 1845 ; then Charles S. Man-
ners, for two or. three years; O. H. Hazzard, about
five years, followed by Damon Y. Hyde. David
Hyde, his brother, was the first to teach in the new
school-house.
The first school-house in "Mountain Grove" Dis-
trict (No. 101) was built in 1812. It was a small
frame. The first teacher was William Dougherty ;
the first trustees, James Wardenbrook, Jeremiah
Smith, and Ralph Elberson. The present house was
erected in 1863.
Unionville District (No. 102) boasts one of the
oldest school-houses in the township. It was built in
1780, about half a mile southeast of the village now
known as Unionville. It was an old-fashioned one-
story frame house. One of the early teachers was
John Carr, Sr. He had charge of the school during
the Revolution. This house was used for forty years,
and in 1820 was replaced by one built about a rod
west of the spot on which the third and present house
now stands. It was a low, one-story frame building.
The land on which it stood, about one-eighth of an
acre, was purchased of Lewis Quick. The first who
taught in it was Garret Service. The present school-
building was erected in 1868, and the old house turned
into a dwelling. The site was bought of Green Quick,
and contains an acre. The house is a frame, two
stories, with cupola. The first teacher in this house
was Phebe Baldwin. Among other teachers in this
school have been the following : Miss Armitage, Otis
Fisher, Dr. 0. W. Larison, Miller K. Reading, Henry
Gulick, Susan Green, Ada Nelson, Annie R. Green,
Phebe Baldwin, Annie Stout, Sarah E. Piatt, Charles
M. Lee, Dennis Runyon, Wm. H. Pittman, Annie
Sutphin, Bessie Davis, Laura Rose, Lida Lawrence,
Jennie Vanhorn, Emma Wall, Carrie J. Combs,
Mahlon Schanck, Bessie Sked, Cornie Fisher, Rettie
Dalrymple.
The patient and protracted research of Peter S.
Young, since deceased, has thrown much light upon
the history of District No. 103 ("Ringos"). Beforethe
Revolution a high school was taught by Rev. William
Frazier, an Episcopal clergyman, and in 1776 the
building stood on the ground afterwards occupied by
the Episcopal church. A school was also kept at
Larison's Corner until the present academy was built,
in 1811. For years a high school (private) has been
kept at Ringos. The first school-house was built in
1720, of logs, in what is now the lower part of the
village. It was quite â– a small affair. The second
house, a frame, stood near Larison's Corner, and the
third near and by the side of the present grave-
yard. The church was at one time occupied for a
school, taught by Joseph Lequear and a Mr. Fitzpat-
rick. The present school-house of this district was
erected in 1854. It is 21 by 34 feet. The teachers
since 1870 have been P. D. Meyers and Kate Miley,
1870-71 ; Lydia A. Baldwin, 1872-75 ; Charles Night-
ingale and Mary Bond, 1876; Lyda Lawrence,
1877-79 ; Eetta Dalrymple, 1879-80 ; Corriie Fisher,
1880. The trustees in 1870 were Jacob Brewer, T. Y.
Van Marter, Jacob Fisher. Other trustees who have
served since 1870 are William Brewer, 1871-76 ; Da-
vid Williamson, 1872-74; Ira Munson, 1875-80; Levi
Holcombe, 1877-79 ; Silas Nonamaker, 1874-80 ; Ja-
cob Dilts, 1880.
THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND AET, AT EINSOS.
This school is an outgrowth of a demand made
upon Cornelius W. Larison as a teacher of science
immediately after his return home from the university
at Lewisburg. Early in the autumn of 1875 there
were made by young men desirous of a knowledge of
practical science numerous applications for tuition,
but, situated as he then was, he felt it impossible to
afford such instruction as was demanded or such as he
was willing to give. The seminary in which he used
to teach did not afford suflicient scope, nor did he
think that practical science was carried to the extent
so often demanded of him, a branch suited to be a
prominent factor in the curriculum of a school that
was organized for general culture. Accordingly, in
the fall of 1875, a building suitable to the purpose of
scientific instruction was erected, laboratories fitted
up, and the work of teaching begun.
In the summer of 1876 it was thought that a school
of practical science and art was needed at Ringos.
Accordingly, a curriculum of study was laid down,
and the school began Aug. 23, 1876. The faculty
was as follows : Cornelius W, Larison, M.D., princi-
pal, natural science ; Mrs. Mary Jane Larison, math-
ematics, English grammar, rhetoric, and drawing,
Latin and criticism, music and elocution.
The school commenced with only six pupils, but
during the term the expectations of its patrons were
fully met, and such were the demands for tuition from
new pupils that at the beginning of the ensuing term
it became necessary to add a member to the faculty.
Accordingly, Mary W. Prall was appointed teacher
of English grammar, rhetoric, and drawing.
The following term began with sixteen pupils.
Among these were two who had received the degree
of A.B. from a university. At the beginning of the
academic year 1877-78, Miss Sarah A. Prall was ap-
pointed teacher of music and elocution.
Aug. 14, 1880, occurred the first commencement of
the academy. On this occasion there were graduated
two students, Lewis C. Prall and Edwin S. William-
son.
The " purpose and plan of the institution," as
shown in its catalogue of 1877, " is to afibrd an op-
portunity for a practical education in those depart-
ments of science and art that most directly bear upon
the rounds of every-day life. And, since it sometimes
happens that students wish to pursue the study of
358
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
some particular branches beyond tlie limits set in the
curriculum of a well -organized academy, or even col-
lege, an arrangement is made to afford such a favora-
ble opportunity to prosecute such studies as may be
elected, beyond the limits indicated in the curricu-
lum of this school."
The school is well provided with apparatus, etc.
The classes are frequently taken to the mountains, or
to the seaside, where they can study from nature.
During the past year twentj^-one days were thus
spent.
THE SEMINARY AT RINGOS.
When the Rev. Andrew B. Larison was called to be
pa,stor of the Baptist Church at Eingos, the congre-
gation was small and not very well able to sustain
him. However, he accepted the pastorate upon the
condition that he should be allowed to devote a few
hours each day to teaching, and, in connection with
his brother, started a school. A scheme to purchase
the building known as the old Amwell Academy, and
to start a school therein, was soon formed. The two
brothers entered into jjartnership, under the firm-name
The Seminary at Kingos, N. J. The building was
bought, and preparations to begin a school were made
in December, 1869. The school was arranged for both
sexes.
The first term began Jan. 3, 1870. There were in
attendance 29 pupils. The faculty was as follows:
Bev. A. B. Larison, M.D., principal, Latin, Greek,
and moral science ; Mrs. K. B. Larison, English litera-
ture and French ; C. W. Larison, M.D., natural sci-
ence. The school fully met the expectations of its
patrons, and at once became very popular.
During the early part of the second academic year
it became necessary to enlarge the faoilty. Charles
M. Lee, M.D., was added as teacher of mathematics,
and Miss Margaret Aller as teacher of music.
Sept. 25, 1872, the seminary suffered the loss of its
worthy principal, Eev. A. B. Larison, M.D. This
necessitated a considerable change. His widow, Mrs.
Catharine B. Larison, became, in his stead, partner to
the survivor of the firm. C. W. Larison became the
principal of the school, and assumed the duties of
teacher of Latin and Greek, in addition to his duties
as teacher of natural science. Mrs. Catharine B.
Larison kept charge of the department of English
literature and French, and Mrs. Mary Jane Larison
was appointed teacher of mathematics.
June 19, 1874, the seminary held its first commence-
ment. The deportment of the officers and students
was such as to win for it many friends. From this
day its old supporters grew more and more warmly
attached to it, new ones became zealous, and, as time
advanced, opponents became fewer. There was but
one student to receive the honors, Miss Carrie Wal-
dron, of Kingston, N. Y.
During the first term of the academic year 187-4 75
several changes occurred : C. W. Larison, having been
appointed professor of natural science in the univer-
sity at Lewisburg, Pa., resigned his position in the
faculty. Mrs. Catharine B. Larison became principal,
and the Eev. Ebon J. Pearce, A.M., was employed
to teach Latin and Greek. Under this arrangement
the school prospered, and new friends were gained for
the institution. At this time the school in the village
that had been started in opposition to the seminary
closed, and many advocates of that enterprise now
patronized the old institution.
In December, 1877, Eev. Charles S. Converse, A.M.
was appointed lecturer on belles-lettres. His work
proved very satisfactory, and many of the lectures
were published in the Lambertville Record. About
the same time, Eev. J. M. Helsley was appointed
lecturer on biblical literature.
During the academic years 1877-78, Miss Mary A.
Eeading acted as an assistant to the principal, and
Miss Annie Williamson as teacher of music.
In this school there has been for some years a cus-
tom of selecting from the higher classes the students
most efficient as teachers to assist the principal.
Among those thus selected have been Eettie Dalrym-
ple, Mary A. Eeading, Annie Ingraham, Amos Haines.
Hiram Fisher, Cora Williamson, Lizzie M. Reading,
and Mary Y. Fisher.
The graduates of the seminary are as follows :
Class of 1873 : Carrie Waldron, Kingston, N. Y. ;
Class of 1874 : Mary S. Hampton, Oliver I. Black-
well, Lorenzo D. Hagaman ; Class of 1877 : Henri-
etta Dalrymple, George E. Mathews, E. Stanton Wil-
liamson ; Class of 1878 : Annie E. Ingraham, Mary
A. Eeading ; Class of 1880 : Mary Y. Fisher, Lizzie
M. Eeading.*
CHUllCHES.
Within the limits of this township are now located
six churches, of which two are Presbyterian the
Kirkpatrick Memorial, at Eingos, and the "United
First," at Pleasant Corner; two belong to the Bap-
tist denomination, and are located at Eingos and
Wertsville ; one, Methodist Episcopal, is located at
New Market; and a Unitarian, on the Sourland
Mountain, in the southeast corner of the township.
So early as 1725 an Episcopal church was in exist-
ence at Eingos. It was built of logs, and was located
just beyond the railroad station.! It was organized
* Since this article was prepared Tsaiah N. Leigh has taken charge of
the school, during the absence of Miss Larison as teacher in the Female
Institute at Lewisburg, Pa.
f An indenture made Jan. 22,1725, between Wm. Lummox, and John
Knowles and Duncan Olipliant, all of Amwell township, witnesseth, that
in consideration of the sum of five shillings of current silver money,
Wm. Lummox conveyed unto Knowles and Olipliant a tract of land con-
taining eleven acres, '* being a part of the plantation whereon the said
Wm. Lummox now lives," the bounds of which began in the line of
Wnt. Lummox and Francis Moore's land, and ran " by land of Godfrey
Peters, crossing the King's road" (the Old York Road) ; being part of a
larger tract purchased by Lummox of Nathan Allen of Monmouth. This
conveyance was in " trust to the sole benefit and towards the settling of
the Church of England ministry, and for no other intent or purpose
whatsoever." Sealed and delivered in presence of John Parke, Na-
thaniel Pettit, John S. Locker, Christopher Becket, etc., and attested
by John Reading.
EAST AMWELL.
359
under a charter from tlie Crown by a missionary of
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in For-
eign Parte.* Both organization and edifice have long
since ceased to exist, and at the present time no Epis-
copal society is to be found in East Amwell.
THE UNITED FIEST CHDECH OF AMWELL.f
Little or nothing can be found of the earliest eccle-
siastical history of the Amwell Germans. Churches
abounded in this region at an early day. St. Peter's
(Episcopal) church was located where the Eingos
public school now stands, and the Amwell First
(Presbyterian) church was only one and a half miles
to the east, in the old graveyard. A few years later
(1754) the Amwell Second (Presbyterian) church was
erected at Mount Airy.
Our German ancestors early took measures to have
a church of their own. Tradition speaks of an old
log house, but there is nothing certain concerning it.
The earliest authentic date is November, 1747, the
time when Eev. Michael Schlatter visited Amwell.
The German churches in America had very few min-
isters (only four in 1750) and but sixteen charges,
several neighboring congregations constituting one
charge. All but three of these were in Pennsylvania.
Only one was in New Jersey, composed of the Amwell
and Rockaway and Fox Hill congregations.
Eev. Michael Schlatter was sent from Germany as
general superintendent in 1746. He resided in Phil-
adelphia, and had charge of the German churches
there and in Germantown, but most of his time was
spent in visiting the vacant churches. Being invited
by the New Jersey congregations, he came to them in
November, 1747, and administered the rites of the
Lord's Supper and baptism. At this time the Amwell
church had been without regular preaching for up-
wards of three years. Thirty members took part in
this communion-service.
The next date is Jan. 21, 1749, when the deed to
the graveyard was made by James Whittaker to Wil-
liam Ease, Peter Hofman, and William Bellowsfelt,
" trustees for the Calvinistical High Dutch Congrega-
tion. Whittaker derived his title from the heirs of "
Anthony Diezdorf, to whom it was deeded in 1742 by
Nathan Allen, of Allentown. The old stone house
was erected the same year. The minutes of the old
Dutch Church in New York, of date May 22, 1749,
record a resolution to pay £15 to the High Dutch Re-
formed Congregation at Amwell, to help in building a
church, since their own means fall short, signed by
John Eitzema, pastor. The church was consecrated
Dec. 1, 1749. The services were conducted by Eev.
George Michael Weiss (or Weitzius) and Eev. John
Philip Leidich. December 2d a congregational meet-
ing was held, and "Articles of Order and Discipline"
adopted and signed by the ministers present and
twenty-three male members. A more extended series
of rules was adopted on July 12, 1762, in addition to
those of 1749. They were again confirmed in congre-
gational meeting Nov. 16, 1763.
The record-book of the old church has unfortu-
nately been lost. For the next sixty years little can
be given of interest, except such facts about early
pastors as are given in " Harbaugh's Lives.'' It has
been found impossible to obtain a complete list of the
German pastors, and there is some uncertainty about
the dates of some of them. Their names, as far as
known, will be given in regular order.
Eev. John Conrad Wirtz did not live at Amwell,
but came to Eockaway and Fox Hill (Lebanon and
German Valley) soon after Mr. Schlatter's visits
(1750-62). He is supposed to have preached also in
the Amwell church. But little is known of him. He
was the ancestor of Hon. Alexander Wurts, of Flem-
ington.
Some old receipts indicate that Eev. John Casper
Lapp was serving here in 1755-56, but nothing is
known of him.
Eev. William Kalis (1757-59) came from London
in 1756 and labored in Philadelphia till his settlement
here. After leaving Amwell he preached in New
York. Eev. Caspar Michael StabelJ (1762-63) re-
sided in Amwell, but preached also in Lebanon and
German Valley. His ministry here was short, but
successful. He died in 1766, and is buried in our
graveyard.
The name of Eev. Frederic Dalliker (1763-70) was
originally De la Cour ; he was probably of Huguenot
descent. He died in 1799 and is buried in the Ger-
man Eeformed cemetery at Faulkner Swamp, Pa.
The life of Eev. John Wesley Gilbert Nevelling
(1770-83) abounds in historic interest. Born in West-
phalia in 1750, he came to America in his boyhood,
and studied theology with his uncle and another
German minister. He preached at Amwell when lit-
tle more than a boy only twenty ; and soon after was
ordained. Mr. Nevelling was an ardent patriot in
the Eevolution. He sold his property and loaned the
money some $25,000 to Congress. He was after-
wards defrauded of his certificate and left destitute.
The British offered a large reward for his capture, and
at one time Gen. Washington sent a troop of horse to
protect him. After the war he removed to Eeading,
Pa., but was soon disabled by a remarkable accident.
He was a devoted smoker. While riding on horse-
back his horse fell with him, and the stem of his pipe
pierced his throat. The remainder of his long life
was spent as an invalid; he was a paralytic sixty
years and entirely helpless forty. He lived in Phila-
delphia in his last years, and died Jan. 18, 1844, aged
ninety-four.
Eev. John Jacob Waok (1798-1805) was the last
German pastor. He married an aunt of John, Wil-
liam, and David S. Bellis, now elders. He was the
* " First Century of Hunterdon County," Kev. Dr. Mott.
f By Eev. C. S. Cimverae,
X The name was also spelt Stapel and Stapfel.
360
HUNTBKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
first pastor who used English, in this church. After
leaving Amwell he lahored in New York, and was a
chaplain in the army during the war of 1812-14. He
subsequently became an independent minister.
English Period. We now enter the second period
of our history. Like the other German churches of this
neighborhood the difficulty of being remote from the
Oerman Synod of Pennsylvania was keenly felt. All
of them about the same time, led by the same cause,
abandoned their old connection and entered the
Presbyterian Church.
The name of the church was changed at this time.
At first it was spoken of in the old deeds as "The
High Dutch Calvenistical or Preisbeterian Church;"
in 1800 they adopted the title " German Presbyterian
Church of Amwell;" in 1809 it became the " Amwell
Dutch Reformed Church;" and in 1810 it assumed its
present title, the " United First Church of Amwell."
This was the result of a union with the Amwell
First Church. All the Amwell Presbyterian Churches
were at this time vacant. The Flemington Church
made overtures for a union in supporting a pastor,
but they were declined. A similar proposition from
the Amwell First was accepted. Together they had
funds yielding about $600 a year. In April, 1810, in
conjuction with the Amwell Second Church, they
called the Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, a licentiate of the
Presbytery of New Brunswick. He was ordained in
the Amwell First Church, or "old house," June 20,
1810. The arrangement was that he should preach
twice a month at Mount Airy and once a month in
each of the two houses of the United First.
In 1818 the United First Church divided its funds
and separated into its component elements. For
several years unsuccessful efforts had been made to
secure a new church building in place of the two old
ones, which were too small and uncomfortable. They
were unable to agree, and it was thought best to sever
the connection. The old First Church branch resumed
that name, while the German branch retained the
name United First.
The same year the present building was erected, on
a lot given by Mr. Joseph Kugler, to the west of the
old graveyard. Both branches desired to retain Dr.
Kirkpatrick's services, but it was decided that he
should remain with the United First and Amwell
Second, preaching alternately in the two places.
In 1823 a separate bench of elders was elected for the
United First Church. After the union with the Am-
well First, one Session attended to the spiritual affairs
of the three congregations, aud this arrangement con-
tinued for several years after the withdrawal of the
First Church. It was now thought best that each
congregation should have its own Session. The ear-
liest list of elders to be found is of date 1798, twelve
years before the union. They were Peter Young,
Jacob Fisher, Peter Eisler, and John Trimmer ; with
Adam Bellis, Jacob Young, Paul Kuhl, Jr., and Jacob
Bearder as deacons. In May, 1823, Peter Young and
George Dilts were the elders present at the first
meeting of the separate Session. John T. Skillman
and John Vandyke were nominated at this meeting,
and ordained in August, 1823. Others have since
been elected at intervals, in January, 1830, David
Bellis and Thomas Skillman; May, 1836, John Kuhl,
C. Farley Fisher, and Derrick Sutphin ; November,
1848, William M. Bellis, James J. Fisher, Sr., and
John William Bellis; May, 1859, George F. Wilson
and D. B. Kirkpatrick; March, 1867, Theodore Y.
Van Marter and Dr. Jacob Dilts; February, 1873,
David S. Bellis, Jacob Brewer, William W. Fisher,
and William Brewer. Thus in nearly sixty years
this church has elected eighteen ruling elders. Six
are still in active service, and three others are living
and in the bounds of the village congregation.
In September, 1852, the congregation decided to
employ a co-pastor with Dr. Kirkpatrick. This
action was the result of a conviction that, as both
churches were large and able, they ought to have
preaching in both houses every Sabbath. Rev. S. M.
Osmond was called in 1853, and labored zealously
here for four years. Poor health then led to his res-
ignation. After his departure the two congregations
separated in peace, and were served by separate pas-
tors, Dr. Kirkpatrick remaining with the United
First. In January, 1866, another co-pastor was
employed on account of Dr. Kirkpatrick's failing
strength ; Rev. W. S. Wright was called, and installed
on April 28, 1866.
Rev. Dr. Jacob Kirkpatrick died May 2, 1866, in
the fifty-sixth year of his pastorate in this church.
He was universally beloved and esteemed. The
funeral sermon was preached by his aged friend and
co-presbyter. Rev. Dr. Studdiford, who soon followed
him to his rest. He sleeps in the old graveyard. A
handsome marble shaft was erected over his remains
by a subscription of the congregation. In his semi-
centennial " Historical Discourse" Dr. Kirkpatrick
speaks of having " enjoyed ten special seasons of
revival. In one year we received 117 ; in another,
67 ; and from 40 down to 20. The whole number
received is over 600." In these fifty years he " sol-
emnized 635 marriages ; attended more than 800
funerals ; preached at home and abroad more than
10,000 times."
Mr. Wright's pastorate was of short duration. The
connection was dissolved by the Presbytery of Rari-
tan, Oct. 1, 1867. He is now laboring in Pennsyl-
vania.
The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Harrison, called
June 27, 1868, and installed September 5th, of
the same year. His pastorate commenced under
great difficulties arising from the division of the
church. For many years there had been a lecture-
room in Ringos, in which Sunday-school, prayer-
meetings, and other services were held. Many were
in favor of removing the church to the village, but a
majority voted against it. The result was that the
EAST AMWELL.
361
Kirkpatrick Memorial church was built in Ringos,
and 47 members, including three elders, dismissed by
the old church in December, 1868. The old church
â– was repaired and enlarged at this time. Mr. Harri-
son's pastorate will long be remembered for the re-
vival of 1870. Eighty-three were received into the
church on profession at the spring communion, and
six more later in the year. During his pastorate a
Sunday-school was established at the church, also a
ladies' missionary society.
Mr. Harrison resigned in the fall of 1875, in conse-
quence of a throat affection that disabled him from
preaching. He studied medicine, and is now prac-
ticing at Clover Hill, N. J.
The present pastor, Rev. Charles S. Converse, was
ordained and installed May 8, 1876. This is the only
ordination that has ever taken place in this church.
The United First Church now numbers 200 mem-
bers (or about 240, including scattered absentees), and
is a united church in fact as well as in name.
THE " KIEKPATBICK MEMOEIAL CHURCH" (PBESBTTEEIAN)
AT BINGOS, N. J.»
This church was erected as a memorial of the minis-
try of Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D., for fifty-six
years pastor of the Amwell churches in this vicinity.
During the later years of his life Dr. Kirkpatrick
made several attempts to induce the Amwell United
First Church, located at Larison's Corner, about a
mile out of Ringos, to remove to the village of Rin-
gos, but these attempts proved ineffectual. After his
death, in 1866, the effort was renewed by members of
that congregation resident in the village and vicinity,
but still without success. Then a separation was de-
termined upon, as the following historical minute
shows :
" The inhabitants of the village of Blngos and vicinity, having long
been impressed with the need of the means of grace for themselves and
their children nearer to them than the old place of worship, used all
honorable and Christian efforts with their brethren of the United First
Church, Amwell, to unite with them in the erection of a more commodi-
ous and enduring edifice in the village, and that the whole congregation
might be transferred. Having failed in this attempt, they resolved to
build, cherishiug no unkind feelings towards those who did not come
with them. "
The corner-stone of the new edifice was laid Oct. 3,
1868. The Rev. Thomas L. Janeway, D.D., made an
address and-laid the stone.
The people applied to the Presbytery of Raritan to
set them apart in a new organization, and at a meet-
ing held at Lambertville, N. J., Dec. 23, 1868, the
Presbytery, satisfied with their reasons, and believing
that the cause of Christ would be thereby promoted,
resolved to grant their request and organize them
into a church, with the name of the " Kirkpatrick
Memorial Church." Accordingly, on December 28th,
the committee appointed by Presbytery met with
the applicants at Ringos, for the purpose of organiz-
ing them into a church. Forty-nine persons pre-
sented certificates of dismission and were enrolled as
* By the Rev. Alex. Miller.
members, viz. : From the Amwell United First
Church : Jacob Dilts, Mahlon Schenck, Hannah M.
Schenck, Liscomb T. Schenck, Virginia C. Schenck,
Edward H. Schenck, Frances J. K. Schenck, George
F. Wilson, Mary A. Wilson, Nathaniel G. Wilson,
Caroline Wilson, David Williamson, Mary L. Wil-
liamson, Martha Williamson, Mary Williamson, Sa-
rah C. Williamson, Jane E. C. Williamson, Elizabeth
Kirkpatrick, Joseph C. Sutphin, Cornelia A. Sutphin,
Mary F. Egbert, Mary Ten Eyck, Catharine Tindall,
Anna C. Young, Peter I. Young, Jacob Young, Theo-
dore Y. Van Marter, Ann S. Van Marter, Jacob S.
Van Marter, Mary C. Van Marter, Robert I. Hunt,
Catharine T. Hunt, Frances M. Hunt, John J. Con-
over, Henrietta Conover, George Rowland, Amanda
Rowland, Levi M. Housel, Rebecca A. Housel, Ada-
line Housel, Thomas Van Fleet, Catharine Servis,
Caroline Blackwell, Elizabeth N. Young, Peter
Brewer, Catharine Brewer, Sarah A. West, Elias
Brister. From the Presbyterian Church, Lambert-
ville: Mrs. Eliza Schenck.
At the same time, Jacob Dilts, George F. Wilson,
and Theodore Y. Van Marter were elected and in-
stalled as ruling elders, they having been previously
ordained as elders in other churches. The financial
interests were committed to a board of trustees, con-
sisting of Jacob Dilts, John J. Conover, Edward H.
Schenck, Cornelius Vreeland, J. C. Sutphin, J. S.
Van Marter, and Noah Blackwell. Services were
held in the lecture-room, a frame building 36 by 24
feet, which had been erected near the centre of the
village by them and other residents many years be-
fore, and used for Sabbath-school, prayer-meetings,
and occasional preaching services. At the separation
from the old church this property fell to the new or-
ganization, which built library and infant class rooms
in the rear of the building, adding 14 feet to its
length. It is now valued at about $1500.
Meantime, the new edifice was completed, and ded-
icated Oct. 27, 1869. It is a substantial stone struc-
ture, Gothic style, one story and basement, with
pitched roof, 75^ by 48i feet, and with seating capac-
ity of about 600. The massive memorial tower 14 by
14 feet, projecting irom the front centre and sur-
mounted by a spire running to a height of 120 feet,
forms a spacious outer vestibule to the church. Its
cost may be set down at $12,000.
For over a year after organization the pulpit was
supplied mainly by Dr. Janeway and other members
of Presbytery. The first pastor was Rev. John D.
Hewitt, who was installed in this, his first pastorate,
April 18, 1870. Here he ministered successfully for
nearly seven years, his pastoral relation being dis-
solved Dec. 29, 1876, upon his acceptance of a call
to engage in home mission work at Helena, Mon.
After a vacancy of a few weeks, he was succeeded by
Rev. Alexander Miller, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who, on
April 22, 1877, was formally installed as the second
pastor.
24
362
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
In the spring of 1872 a deaconate on the rotary
principle was inaugurated, Amos M. Hart, David
Lawshe, and Isaac Cherry being elected for one, two,
and three years, respectively, and ordained and in-
stalled May 12th of that year.
In the fall of 1875 a lot was bought on the north
side of the church, and a parsonage built the follow-
ing spring, at a total cost, including lot, of about
$3,500.00
When the church was organized, the old " Eingos
Sabbath-school," previously carried on in the lecture-
room, was reorganized as " The Kirkpatrick Memorial
Sabbath - school." The successive superintendents
have been D. Williamson, George F. Wilson, H. H.
Gorton, D. Lawshe, and W. M. Rue. It numbers
about 100 officers, teachers, and scholars.
The present officers of the church are : Pastor, Rev.
Alexander Miller; Elders, Jacob Dilts, T. Y. Van
Marter, Jacob S. Van Marter, David Williamson,
John Rue ; Deacons, Amos M. Hart, John Conover,
Levi Holcombe; Trustees, D. Williamson, W. M.
Rue, P. 0. Holcombe, Noah Blackwell, Ira Munson,
William S. Quick, John Conover; Superintendent of
Sunday-school, William M. Rue.
This church now numbers 170.
THE BAPTIST OHAPEL, BIN60S.
From the time Dr. C. W. Larison settled in Ringos,
in 1863, he was active in his efforts to facilitate the
progress of the gospel in the village. He believed
that the establishment of a new church (there being
but one, ^the Presbyterian) would draw the crowd
away from the tavern and tend to improve the morals
of the place. After many discouragements and
prophecies of failure, Israel Poulson, a Dunkard
minister, then a merchant in the village, advised them
to move forward in the name of the Baptist people,
and to invite those of that denomination in the vicinity
to assume charge of the enterprise.
Dr. Larison then made application for the use of
the ''session-room," on alternate Sabbaths, for the
purpose of holding religious services therein, but was
refused. A building was now a necessity.
In response to an invitation given, a number of
Baptists met at the office of Dr. 0. W. Larison, at
Ringos, Oct. 10, 1867. At this meeting it was unani-
mously resolved to organize a society and build a
chapel.
A committee to purchase a site (Jacob S. Durham,
John C. Nevius, and Dr. C. W. Larison) was chosen,
who reported that they had purchased the ground for
the church enterprise for the sum of $311.
The following gentlemen were chosen as a board of
trustees : Rev. A. Armstrong, Frenchtown ; Dr. George
H. Larison, Lambertville ; Dr. Charles M. Lee, George
W. Sharp, Stockton ; Acher Moore, Sandy Ridge ; Dr.
C. W. Larison, Ringos ; Jacob S. Durham, John C.
Nevius, Wertsville.
Rev. S. Siegfried, Dr. G. H. Larison, and Dr. C.W.
Larison were chosen a committee to submit at the
next meeting a plan for a chapel edifice, and to pre-
pare and submit a constitution for the government of
the corporate body. Oct. 12, 1867, the constitution
was submitted and adopted, and in accordance with
it the body hereafter was known as the " Baptist
Chapel at Ringos."
Oct. 19, 1867, C. W. Larison, Jacob S. Durham, C.
M. Lee, William Daily, and John C. Nevius were ap-
pointed a building committee. Under their manage-
ment was erected the edifice at present known as the
Baptist church at Ringos. It is a frame structure, 44
by 24 feet, with posts 19 feet high. It was dedicated
Aug. 12, 1868.
Pursuant to previous arrangements, a Sabbath-school
was organized Aug. 17, 1867, and September 1st,
eleven individuals organized themselves into a regular
Baptist Church.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHUKCH OF KINGOS.*
As above stated, on the 1st of September, 1868, a
Baptist Church was organized. It was incorporated
as " The First Baptist Church of Ringos," and was
composed of twelve members, Mr. and Mrs. David
F. Bond, from the Lambertville Baptist Church ; Mr.
and Mrs. E. C. Green, Mrs. Hannah Young, and Mr.
A. B. Larison, from Sandy Ridge Baptist Church ; Mr.
and Mrs. A. C. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. William Daily,
and Mr. and Mrs. John Reading, from the Fleming-
ton Baptist Church. Messrs. David F. Bond and
William Daily were chosen deacons.
A council of recognition convened Sept. 2, 1868.
Rev. George Young, of Sandy Ridge, was chosen
moderator, and Rev. H. D. Doolittle, of Somerville,
secretary.' The Articles of Faith and Discipline hav-
ing been examined, and meeting the approval of the
Council, the new interest was recognized as a regu-
larly-constituted Baptist Church. The recognition
sermon was preached by Rev. William Swindon, of
Pennsylvania; prayer by Rev. Samuel Sproul, of
Baptisttown, N. J. ; hand of fellowship by Rev. J.
M. Carpenter, of Pennsylvania; and charge to the
church and benediction by Rev. A. Armstrong, of
Frenchtown, N. J.
Rev. J. M. Carpenter supplied the pulpit about
four months, and to him, with the few faithful workers
gathered about him, the church owes much of its
present prosperity. In April, 1869, Mr. H. H. Leamy,
a student of Crozer Theological Seminary, at Upland,
Pa., was secured as a supply and served the church
with much acceptance till Sept. 1, 1869. During this
period Dr. C. W. Larison, Mr. Silas Nonamaker and
wife, Mrs. Henry More, and Miss Charlotte Emly
united with the church.
Jan. 30, 1870, Mr. A. B. Larison was called to the
pastorate. He was ordained Feb. 9, 1870, in the
Baptist chapel at Ringos. With his coming a new
era seemed to open to the church. A revival at once
* By Kav. J. M. Htlsley, pofitor.
EAST AMWELL.
363
began, and about thirty united with the church
during the first three months of his ministry.
The church depended on supplies from Crozer
Seminary, Pennsylvania, till Sept. 7, 1873, when
Ebon J. Pearce, of Upland, Pa., became its pastor.
He remained in charge only about a year, after which
preaching was supplied by the students of Crozer
Seminary. During this period another revival oc-
curred which increased its membership to nearly 100.
Soon after this Mr. T. C. Young was called to the
pastoral charge. He was ordained May 6, 1875, and
served with ability till February, 1876, when he re-
signed to accept a call from the Bethlehem Baptist
Church.
During the next fourteen months the church had
no regular pastor, but was supplied from time to time
by students and neighboring pastors, when such could
be obtained. Internal feuds and dissensions about
this period seemed to threaten its very existence.
In April, 1867, Mr. J. M. Helsley, of West Vir-
ginia, who had just completed his course at Crozer
Theological Seminary, was called to the pastoral care.
Comparative harmony was restored, and the little
band, so near dissolution, now numbers 110 members.
THE WBRTS' CORNER BAPTIST CHURCH.
On March 1, 1834, a meeting was called at the
school-house at Werts' Corner (now Wertsville) of
persons favorable to the erection of a Baptist meet-
ing-house, at which it was resolved to erect a building
to be known as the Baptist meeting-house at Werts'
Corner. At an adjourned tneeting, held March 22,
1884, articles were drawn and subscribed to.
One acre of land was given by James Servis and
Betsey Hoaglaud, as a site for a meeting-house and
burying-grcund forever. A structure was erected upon
the lot, 40 by 48 feet, and dedicated with appropriate
services.
A council was called Oct. 1, 1836, for the purpose
of constituting a regular Baptist Church. The minis-
tering brethren who were present were Eevs. G. S.
Webb, Daniel T. Hill, Morgan J. Rheece, and David
B. Stout. Rev. G. S. Webb was moderator, and Rev.
Morgan J. Rheece clerk. Letters of dismission were
presented from the Amwell Baptist Church at Flem-
ington by the following persons: N. O. Durham,
Mary Durham, Mahlon Higgins, Ann Higgins, Abra-
ham I. Van Doren, Abraham Larison, Mary Carr,
and Elizabeth Young. The letters, together with the
Articles of Faith and Covenant, having been exam-
ined and approved, the church was regularly consti-
tuted and recognized. Rev. Morgan J. Rheece pre-
sented the right hand of fellowship. The church
then elected N. 0. Durham and Abraham I. Van
Doren deacons, and N. O. Durham clerk.
Rev. William Pollard was called as pastor, and in
much bodily weakness and infirmity he served faith-
fully three years, dying Nov. 30, 1839, much beloved.
He baptized twenty-one persons during his pastorate.
After this the church was dependent on supplies for
a few months.
Near the close of May, 1840, Brother F. Ketchum,
an evangelist, commenced a series of meetings, and
twenty-eight were baptized into the fellowship of the
church.
June 13, 1840, Rev. James Spencer accepted a call
and became pastor ; he remained until the middle of
December, 1841, having baptized nineteen during this
period.
The church was again dependent on supplies until
April, 1842, when Rev. Joseph Wright accepted a
call, dividing his time between Werts' Corner and
Sandy Ridge. This arrangement continued for one
year. He then accepted a call for the whole of his
time at Werts' Corner, continuing as pastor until
April, 1849, and baptizing forty-two during his term
of service.
June 1, 1849, Rev. Ephraim Sheppard accepted a
call ; he served for about five years and four months,
baptizing eighteen persons.
From October, 1854, to March following the church
was destitute of a pastor. In March, 1855, Rev. Ed-
ward C. Ambler accepted a call, and remained until
September, 1856 ; he baptized seventeen persons during
his pastorate.
A call was then extended to Rev. George Young,
which he accepted, and served until October, 1857.
During his pastorate he baptized his two sons, Charles
and George. They were both afterwards licensed by
the church to preach.
June 1, 1858, Samuel Cox, a licentiate of the Second
Baptist Church of Salem, N. J., accepted a call, and
on the 10th of that month was ordained to the min-
istry by a council convened for that purpose. He
remained until Oct. 1, 1860, baptizing six during his
stay.
In October, 1860, Rev. Joseph Beldon accepted a
call, and commenced his labors the 1st of February
following; he continued to serve until June 1, 1865.
From June 1, 1865, to October, 1867, the church
was destitute of a pastor, but enjoyed occasional
preaching; prayer-meetings were held, and quite a
number were converted ; nine professed their faith,
and were baptized by Rev. Ephraim Sheppard, who
volunteered his services to administer the ordinances
and preach until a pastor might be obtained.
Oct. 1, 1867, Rev. Simeon Siegfried took charge,
and remained until April 1, 1869.
Rev. Joseph Wright then commenced as supply,
faithfully laboring until stricken with palsy ; he bap-
tized six while thus serving.
In the summer and fall of 1875, Thomas C. Young
preached twice a month in the afternoon and held a
series of evening meetings, baptizing ten persons on
profession of faith.
Nov. 1, 1876, George B. Young commenced serving
the church, and resigned in May following. Six were
baptized and added during his pastorate.
364
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
In 1878, Dr. George H. Larison supplied for a con-
siderable time, and baptized four.
The churcli has no settled pastor at present (1880),
nor has it had for some time past, but has been sup-
plied by Eev. J. M. Helsley and other neighboring
pastors.
The present trustees are Jacob S. Durham, Jacob S.
Herder, Israel H. Hill, J. R. S. Hill, John C. Dunham,
B. V. Hill, and David Van Doren.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH, NEW MABKET.
The church at New Market grew out of a class that
met at Woodville, Mercer Co., one mile south of New
Market. According to the church record of Penning-
ton Station this class was formed in 1844, Header
Blackwell as leader. The members were John A.
Abbott, Margaret Abbott, Walter Harbourt, Eliza
Harbourt, Ann E. Abbott, Theophilus Harbourt,
Catharine Titus, Wilmina Tibbett, and Joseph Ab-
bott.
In 1858, Eev. James R. Bryan was preacher in
charge, and Eev. Jonathan Vannote junior preacher.
A revival occurred under their administration, which
lesulted in a large addition to the Woodville class ;
«o that the class was divided, and Theodore Silvers
and John L. Burroughs were appointed leaders. The
following appear as members of these classes : Theo-
â– dore Silvers, Frances Silvers, Jacob Williamson, Mary
Young, William N. Brady, Sarah M. Brady, N. E.
Blackwell, Olivia Brady, Frances Conover, Sarah
Conover, Asa Eobbins, Jane Mathews, Alice Akers,
â– Sarah Cromwell, Jacob R. Brady, Mary Cromwell,
William Wolverton, Helen B. Wolverton, J. H.
Stillwell, E. H. Stillwell, W. Penrod, Eunice Pen-
jod, Henry B. Brady, Samuel Holcombe, Deliverance
Blackwell, Mary E. Wilson, Margaret Snook, William
Reed, Lucretia Ege, John L. Burroughs, Eichard
Burroughs, Zimri Wood, Susannah Wood, Ann Chaf-
fee, Penelope P. S. Burroughs, Charity Burroughs,
Jacob Tindall, Warner R. Mathews, A. H. Drake,
William H. Scudder, Mary Scudder, Elizabeth Golden,
Jacob S. Deen, Ann M. Deen, Jacob Williamson, Jr.,
Elizabeth Larew, Ellen Smith, Ketura Smith, and
Elizabeth Petit.
This large accession rendered a church edifice a
necessity, and the same year (1858) the present struc-
ture was erected, and the above persons constituted
the society. The size of the building is 48 by 36 feet.
The basement story has a Sunday-school room and
two class-rooms ; the audience-room has seating ca-
pacity for 250 persons. The building cost about $3800.
The following were the first trustees: Richard
Burroughs, William H. Scudder, Zimri Wood, Ralph
B. Smith, and Theodore Silvers. The present board
(1880) consists of Levi Eeed, Andrew Cromwell,
Cornelius Dallas, Samuel Schenck, Edward Larew,
Cornelius Gulick, and Ferdinand H. Akers. The
pastors since organization have been James R. Bryan,
Jonathan Vannote, Benjamin S. Sharp, John P. Con-
nelly, John J. Graw, John B. Westcott, J. T. Streck,
Samuel Parker, George Hitchens, Milton Relyea,
Caleb A. Malsbury, Benjamin C. Lippincott, Henry
Belting.
The church at present has a membership of 67.
CEMETERIES.
The only public cemetery in the township, other
than the denominational churchyards, is that known
as the " Union Cemetery at Ringos." It was incor-
porated Oct. 25, 1876, by Cornelius W. Larison, Noah
H. Blackwell, John B. Dalrymple, Levi Holcombe,
John H. Young, Silas Nonamaker, and Austin S.
Wilson. The first officers were Cornelius W\ Larison,
President ; Noah H. Blackwell, Vice-President ; Levi
Holcombe, Secretary ; Silas Nonamaker, Treasurer.
In 1876, 4.29 acres, west of the village and adjoin-
ing the township line, were purchased of Noah H.
Blackwell and constituted a cemetery under the above
organization. The grounds have been laid out, roads
made, trees set out, and a memorial monument erected
in the centre of the cemetery. The first interment
was a child of Peter Snyder, in 1877.
The ofiicers for 1880 are the same as above given
except that John H. Young is vice-president in place
of Noah H. Blackwell.
The other cemeteries of this township are those
connected with the Baptist Church at Wertsville and
the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Corner. There
is also an old burial-ground, disused for the past sixty
years, located on the property of Joseph G. Quick
and Roeliflf Sutphin, north of Mountain Brook, and
in the same vicinity is another, formerly the pauper
burial-ground in the days of the old poor-farm, but
this has been abandoned for many years. Another
old cemetery, and one well known, is located between
Ringos and Larison's, near the Ringos school.
Amodg family burial-places may be mentioned that
of the Chamberlin family, on the M. Huffman farm,
near the Back Brook; that of the Quick family at
Van Liew's Corners, on the estate of the late E. Van
Liew ; and that of the Manners and Stout families,
about a mile east of Wertsville.
SOCIETIES.
POWHATTAN LODGE, No. 72, I. 0. 0. E.,
was instituted Jan. 20, 1848, with the following char-
ter members : Jacob W. Williamson, Joseph A. Pit-
tinger, Abraham T. Williamson, Augustus Hunt, and
Wellington Fergus. The principal first oflScers were
J. W. Williamson, Noble Grand ; Augustus Hunt,
Vice Grand ; Wellington Fergus, Sec. ; J. A. Pittin-
ger, Treas. June 28th : Augustus Hunt was elected
Noble Grand, and D. B. Kirkpatrick Vice Grand.
The presiding officers since 1848, with the dates of
their election, have been as follows :*
1848, D. B. Kirkpatrick ; 1849, John S. William-
son, David Williamson; 1850, Wellington Forgus,
* The ofBcera are elected semi-annually.
EAST AMWELL.
365
John Denson; 1851, David B. Boss, Joseph Servis;
1852, Nathaniel Coffee, John F. Servis ; 1853, Jacob
Williamson, Jacob S. C. Pittinger; 1854, David
Shepherd, James A. Foote ; 1855, P. Mathews ; 1856,
D. H. Bodine, John Young ; 1857, Joseph M. Dal-
rymple, J. F. Larison, John F. Shepherd; 1858,
Charles Denson, Peter W. Shepherd ; 1859, Jacob J.
Fisher, Jacob Young ; 1860, James S. C. Pittinger,
Isaac Hoppock.
In 1860 the charter of Powhattan Lodge was re-
voked by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
The lodge was resuscitated Feb. 2, 1874, under the
same name and number. The representatives of the
Grand Lodge on this occasion were D. D. Taylor, of
Lackatong Lodge; P. D. D. Curtiss, of Magnolia
Lodge ; P. G.'s John Horn, of Lenni Lenape Lodge,
Hervy Witten, of Pennington Lodge. The charter
members were Joseph Dalrymple, Peter W. Shep-
herd, James G. Phillips, and David Williamson.
The first officers were Joseph Dalrymple, Noble
Grand ; Joseph G. Phillips, Vice Grand ; Peter W.
Shepherd, Sec. ; David Williamson, Treas.
The succeeding Noble Grands have been :
1874. June, J. G. Pliillips; December, Amos M. Hart.
1875. June, Harry Weber ; December, Edward Larue.
1876. JuDe, Ira Munson ; December, William Weber.
1877. June, E. C. Green ; December, Jacob Dilts.
1878. Jane, Abm. M. Eixson ; December, Abm. S. Wilson.
1879. June, James B. Housel; December, Josepb Abbott.
The officers of the lodge elected June 26, 1880, are
Theodore Servis, Noble Grand; George Suydam,
Vice Grand ; P. C. Young, Sec. ; A. M. Hart, Treas.
The lodge holds weekly meetings in their hall, in
the second story of the Odd-Fellows' building, for-
merly owned by the lodge, but now private property.
EINGOS TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.
For some years the temperance cause was almost
entirely neglected in the vicinity of Ringos.* At one
time the Eev. Dr. Zirkpatrick, who was pastor here,
with the aid of a few zealous laymen, did some effi-
cient work ; since then, however, nothing was done
by any one except the pastors of the different churches,
who preached a sermon on the subject occasionally.
In the fall of 1879 one of the pastors heard a man
abusing his wife while still suffering from the efiects
of a drunken revel, and the same day a number of
men became intoxicated at a political caucus. This
led to a consultation among the three pastors of the
place, and a course of action was marked out.
November 9th, Mrs. J. T. Ellis, of Flemington,
lectured by request in the Presbyterian church, and
made so good an impression that on the evening of
November 14th an association was formed at the Bap-
* Not. 6, 1826, the good people of Amwell met at the house of Isaa*
Lowe, and organized a reformatory association, with the lengthy title of
" The Amwell Society for the Suppression of Vice and Immorality, and
the Encouragement of Virtue and Good Morals. A constitution was "
adopted, an address delivered, and olHcers chosen. As no further men-
tion has come to our notice, it is believed that it must have been short-
lived.
tist chapel. The society was called "The Ringos
Total Abstinence Society." Subscription to the
pledge constitutes any one a member.
The society meets on the last Friday evening of
each month. The present officers are : President,
C. R. Nightingale; Vice-Presidents, William Rue,
Amos Bond, Hiram Fisher ; Secretary, J. M. Helsley ;
Treasurer, Datis Reed.
The society numbers about 110 members, very few
having retrograded. It owes much of its success to
the earnest efforts of Mr. C. R. Nightingale.
EINGOS GRANGE, No. 13,
was organized Oct. 11, 1873, by George W. Thompson,
General Deputy of the State of New Jersey, with the
following charter members : Newton K. Young, Mrs.
Margaret Young, Eev. J. D. Hewitt, David Bellis,
John W. Bellis, Mrs. Sarah Bellis, David Bond, Anna
T. Bond, Elisha E. Holcombe, Hannah Holcombe,
William S. Quick, Sallie Quick, F. S. Holcombe, Mrs.
J. W. Holcombe, D. Williamson, 0. Wilson, Rachel
A. Wilson, P. O. Holcombe, Martha Holcombe, John
B. Blackwell, and Jacob Sutphin. The following
officers were elected and installed: Master, David
Williamson ; Overseer, D. S. Bellis ; Lecturer, J. W.
Bellis; Steward, E. E. Holcombe; Asst. Steward,
J. B. Blackwell ; Chaplain, Rev. J. D. Hewitt; Treas.,
William S. Quick; Sec, F. S. Holcombe; Gate-
keeper, C. Wilson ; Ceres, Mrs. J. W. Bellis ; Pomona,
Mrs. Anna T. Bond; Flora, Mrs. J. W. Holcombe;
Lady Asst. Steward, Mrs. Martha Holcombe.
The Masters for the succeeding years have been :
1874, E. E. Holcombe; 1875-76, F. S. Holcombe;
1876-77, E. E. Holcombe; 1878-79, D. V. L. Schenck;
1879, C. F. Fisher.
The following are the officers for the present year
(1880) : Master, J. W. Bellis ; Overseer, A. Black-
well ; Lecturer, E. E. Holcombe; Steward, A. W.
Muirheid ; Asst. Steward, J. B. Blackwell ; Chaplain,
G. B. Stothoff'; Treas., D. V. L. Schenck; Sec, F. S.
Holcombe; Gate-keeper, R. S. Blackwell; Ceres,
Mrs. D. V. L. Schenck ; Pomona, Mrs. R. S. Black-
well ; Flora, Mrs. A. Blackwell ; Lady Asst. Steward,
Mrs. E. E. Holcombe. This organization is in a
flourishing condition.
MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL.
The first mill erected in this township was known
as the " Race Mill," situated about a mile south of
Ringos. The land on which it stood was purchased
in 1727 by William Dawlis, who built the mill some-
where about 1780-32 ; at his death he devised it to
his sons Herman and William. In 1742, William
executed a deed of release of the same to Herman,
which document Philip Ringo signed as a witness.t
The only woolen factory in the township was estab-
lished years ago, and located about midway between
Ringos and Rocktown. It was owned and operated.
â– j- " Traditions of Our Ancestors," 1870.
366
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
along with a grist-mill in the same neighborhood, by
P. W. Shepherd & Son. The former died in June,
1880, but the mills are still carried on by the son.
A saw-mill and a feed-mill, on the Back Brook, one
mile east of Eingos, are owned by A. T. Williamson.
A general custom grist-mill, with both water- and
steam-power, is located on the Neshauic, near the
east line of the township ; it is owned by the estate
of Jacob Vanderveer. The mills at Snydertown were
built prior to 1820.
James Eiley's apple-distillery and cider-mill has
been in operation for many years. A large grist-
mill and grain distillery at Ringos was established
about 1857 by Jonathan Higgins, who ran it until
1870 or thereabouts, when it was suspended and the
machinery taken out. The building is still vacant.
The tannery at Snydertown was in operation for
many years, and up to about four years ago, when the
business was discontinued.
In 1828 the general mercantile trade was repre-
sented by Richard L. and Hugh L. Sutphin and
Richard Lowe, under the firm-name of Sutphin &
Lowe ; but Oct. 31, 1829, there was a change, R. L.
Sutphin withdrawing, and the firm-title becoming
Sutphin & Lowe.
NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.
John Carr, Sr., taught school during the Revolu-
tion in a one-story frame school-house, which stood
about half a mile southeast of the village now known
as Unionville. At one time during his incumbency
there were present in this school-house twenty-one
boys and a number of girls. While the children were
all out at play a gentleman in military costume rode
up on horseback, accompanied by his life-guard.
Opposite the school-house he halted, faced about, and
began talking to the boys. Finally he formed them
in a line, with the tallest boy at the head and graded
down in size to the smallest ; when formed he asked
them, "How many of you, when you become men,
will be willing to fight for your country?" Twenty-
one hands were at once elevated. It is scarcely ne-
cessary to add that the chieftan was Gen. George
Washington. The American army was crossing New
Jersey at that time. •
The venerable Peter S. Young, of Eingos, who died
so recently, related the above incident in 1876, and it
was committed to manuscript.
General Lafayette, it is said, made his quarters for
some time in this township, during a period when
sickness detained him at the mansion of Henry
Landis. The same house, on another occasion, shel-
tered sixty Tories, but they were in irons, coupled
two and two, and in charge of a strong guard of
Whigs.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CORNELIUS WILSON LARISON, M.D.
Cornelius Wilson Larison, M.D., was born Jan. 10,
1837, near Sandy Ridge, in Delaware township, Hun-
terdon Co., N. J. He is a son of Benjamin and Han-
nah A. (Holcombe) Larison, both natives of Hunterdon
County. They had nine children, four sons and five
daughters, of whom the subject of this notice is the
second son and the third child. His early life till
nearly the age of twenty years was spent on the farm
and in the acquirement of such rudimentary educa-
tion as the country schools afforded. On the 29th of
October, 1856, he entered the Medical Department of
the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, in-
tending to pursue a course of medical study. Finding,
however, that it would be advantageous to him first to
graduate in a regular literary course, he gave up the
study of medicine for the time being, and, in pursuance
of his purpose, began a course of preparation for col-
lege at the Flemington high school, entering that insti-
tution on the 1st of May, 1857. He was there fitted for
college, and entered the Pennsylvania University, at
Lewisburg, Sept. 20, 1858, remaining there till March,
1860, when he was appointed associate principal and
teacher of mathematics and natural science in the
Flemington high school, where he remained till the
end of the school year, and resigned on account of
failing health. In October, 1861, he entered the med-
ical college at Geneva, N. Y., where he graduated
with the degree of M.D., Jan. 20, 1863, and in March
following settled at Ringos, N. J., as a medical
practitioner, in partnership with Dr. Cicero Hunt.
Dr. Larison's reputation as a teacher drew to him
at Ringos a number of students desirous of fitting
for college and for the profession of medicine, and to
meet the wants of these he associated teaching with
the practice of his profession. Among those who
were instructed in the sciences and in medicine by
Dr. Larison during the first year may be mentioned
Rev. A. B. Larison, M.D, C. M. Lee, M.D., and A.
O. S. Carpenter, M.D. In 1870, in connection with
Dr. Andrew B. Larison, he organized the seminary at
Ringos, the history of which is given in another
part of this work. He was appointed professor of the
natural sciences in the university at Lewisburg, Pa.,
in August, 1874.
In March, 1873, he had associated with him in
practice Dr. Charles Milton Lee. This arrangement
gave him greater opportunity for studies outside of
his profession, among which geology took first rank,
and he spent the greater part of the year in the study
of that interesting science in the Appalachian Moun-
tains. Early in June, 1874, Dr. Lee died, deeply
lamented by all who knew him. This induced Dr.
Larison to resign his professorship and return home
and resume his practice, which he did, July 1, 1875.
The school denominated the Academy of Science
Ciy\/yudiuj l^ cCcioxlnu
EAST AMWELL.
367
and Art at Eingos grew out of the circumstance that
certain students and tutors acquainted with Dr. Lari-
son were desirous of studying the sciences in a more
practical way than is usually pursued at the colleges.
With this object in view, the present school-building
and laboratory were erected in the fall of 1875. Early
the year following the school was organized. The
pupils each year, with their teacher, make excursions
in the fields, forests, and mountains, and to the sea
and streams, gathering practical information in geol-
ogy, physical geography, zoology, botany, and other
sciences. The doctor maintains a course of lectures
the year round.
In June, 1876, he was appointed professor of zoology
in the university at Lewisburg, and delivers there
an annual course of lectures to a large class of
students.
He has been reporter for the District Medical So-
ciety of Hunterdon County for fifteen consecutive
years, and, under the appointment of the Governor,
held the office of the first county superintendent of
public instruction for Hunterdon County. Much of
his time has been devoted to teaching in various
grades and departments of education, he has, in fact,
taught all classes of schools from the common district
school up to the university. He accomplishes much
because he is an earnest and indefatigable worker in
everything he sets his hand to, and has great strength
and tenacity of will to accomplish his purpose. Few
men have been able to bring forth better results out
of unpromising circumstances.
Dr. Larison married, in March, 1873, Mary Jane,
daughter of Gershom C. Sergeant, of Earitan town-
ship, and has two children, Pollie and Ben.
dren,-
Ann.
#NAME?
James S. Fisher was born and brought up on the
homestead, and was an honorable and upright citizen.
He followed the occupation of farming through life,
and the home residence erected by him in 1850, and
many other improvements and home comforts, bear
JAMES SLACK FISHER.
The late James Slack Fisher, subject of this brief
memoir, was born Oct. 23, 1800, on the estate where
his family now reside, in East Amwell, Hunterdon
Co., N. J., and died there Sept. 22, 1879, aged nearly
seventy-nine years.
His great-grandfather, Peter Fisher, came from
Germany and settled about 1728 on the place where
Caleb F. Fisher now lives. His grandfather, Wil-
liam Fisher, son of Peter, moved upon the present
homestead in East Amwell in 1777. He married,
first. Charity Young, by whom he had a son Peter
and a daughter Mary. His second wife was Charity
Youngblood, by whom he had five children, John,
William, Anna, Sarah, and Hannah.
William Fisher, son of William and Charity Young-
blood, was the father of the subject of this sketch, and
was bom June 21, 1768, in what is now West Am-
well. He was a farmer by occupation, as were all
his ancestors. He married, Aug. 2, 1794, Lucretia,
daughter of James and Eebecca (Chamberlain) Slack,
who was born Oct. 12, 1771. They had five chil-
the evidence of his careful and industrious hand. He
was a man of strict integrity, and highly esteemed
by all who knew him. He married Catharine L.,
daughter of William and Eleanor Stout, March 4,
1835. She was born Nov. 25, 1816. The children of
this marriage were ten in all, of whom seven survive,
viz., three sons and four daughters. The names of
the daughters are as follows: Ellen S., Eebecca S.,
Caroline S., and Kate. The eldest son, William H.
Fisher, is an active business man in St. Paul, Minn. ;
the second son, James S. Fisher, carries on the home-
stead farm for his mother ; he served in the Union
army during the late civil war. He enlisted in the
Thirty-eighth Eegiment New Jersey Volunteers, and
was honorably discharged at the close of the war ; the
third and youngest, Claudius E; P. Fisher, M.D., is
a graduate of Jefferson Medical College of Philadel-
phia, and in practice at Neshanic, Somerset Co., N. J.
ABRAHAM TEN BROOKE -WILLIAMSON.
The subject of this notice is descended from one of
the oldest families in this portion of New Jersey.
His great-grandfather, John Williamson, came firom
368
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Holland and settled about one mile north of Eingos,
N. J., before the year 1731, as his deed bears date
that year. The property was formerly owned by
John Chamber, of Amwell, who deeded it to
Henry Vroom, of Kingstown, Ulster Co., N. Y.,
June 22, 1726.
A. T. WILLIAMSON.
Abraham, one of the sons of John Williamson, the
original settler, married Katharine Ten Brooke, and
had two sons and three daughters, of whom Abraham
Ten Brooke Williamson, Sr., was the father of our
subject. He married Penelope Sutphen, and had
children, Katharine K., John S., Abraham T., Ann
C, Sarah, and Jacob W., three sons and three
daughters, of whom Katharine, Sarah, and Abraham
T. are living. The latter was born on the estate
which has descended from his great-grandfather, near
Eingos, N. J., on the 13th of June, 1815, and was
brought up on the farm, receiving such education as
the schools of his neighborhood furnished.
On the 23d of January, 1850, he married Mary,
daughter of James Shepherd, by whom he has three
children, Katharine Ellen, John S., and Annie M.
T. Williamson.
The home of Mr. Williamson, on the York Eoad,
near Eingos, is one of the most beautiful in this por-
tion of Hunterdon County. His fellow-townsmen
elected him to the office of chosen freeholder in 1846,
and he discharged its duties in a satisfactory manner
for three years. He takes little part, however, in poli-
tics, being devoted strictly to the interests of his occu-
pation as a farmer.
NATHAN STOUT.
The subject of this sketch is a descendant in the
seventh generation from Eichard Stout and Penelope
Van Princes, the line of descent being from Eichard^
through David, his seventh son ; through James, first,
son of David; John, first son of James ; Nathan, Sr.,,
/7
fifth son of John ; and William, fourth son of Na-
than, Sr.
The Stouts of New Jersey are of both English and
Dutch ancestry, the blood of the two nationalities,
having joined their currents in a most singular and
romantic manner.
Eichard, the first of the name in America, was born
in Nottingham, England, and, being disappointed
in his first love affair with a young woman deemed
by his father below his rank, he embarked on board
of a man-of-war, where he served seven years, and
was finally discharged at New Amsterdam, now New
York. About this time a ship with passengers firom
Amsterdam, Holland, bound to the same port, was
driven on the shore now called Middletown, in Mon-
mouth Co., N. J., where the crew and passengers were-
soon cut ofi' by the Indians, the whole company being,
as they thought, destroyed. But a certain woman,
whose husband the Indians had killed, found herself
strong enough to creep to a hollow tree, where she
remained in her wounded and forlorn condition till
discovered by an Indian, who took pity on her, car-
ried her to his wigwam, healed her wounds, and in a
short time conveyed her in a canoe to New Amster-
dam, where he sold her to the Dutch. This woman
EAST AMWELL.
36»
was Penelope Van Princes, who not long afterwards
became the wife of Richard Stout, and was the ma-
ternal ancestor of the numerous Stout family of New
Jersey. They became acquainted with each other in
New Amsterdam, and were there married.
Not the least curious part of this strange but au-
thentic story is the fact that this couple should seek a
home on the very shore where her late husband and
so many fellow-passengers had been killed by the
Indians ; but so they did, soon after their marriage,
and the first settlement made by the Stouts of New
Jersey was at Middletown, Monmouth Co., in the
year 1648. There were at that time six white families
in the settlement, including their own.
It is impossible in this brief sketch to follow all the
branches of a family which has become so numerous
and widely scattered. The ancestors who first settled
in Hunterdon County were Jonathan and David, the
former the third, and the latter the seventh, son of
Richard, the first settler in Monmouth. Jonathan
married a Miss Bullen and moved to Hopewell town-
ship, then in Hunterdon County, about the year
1686. David settled about the same time on the
opposite side of the ridge in Amwell, on the farm now
owned by Abraham Runkle, where he bought about
seven hundred acres of land. Nathan Stout, the
subject of this sketch, was the first son of William,
who was the fourth son of Nathan, Sr., who was the
fifth son of John, who was the first son of James,
who was the first son of David, the first settler in
Amwell.
Nathan Stout was born in Amwell, Hunterdon Co.,
N. J., Dec. 31, 1812, and has always resided in the
township, in that part now known as East Amwell,
being a farmer and an honorable and exemplary citi-
zen. He married Mary Ann Fisher. Their children
are William F., Henry H., Simpson S., Lucretia F.,
and Mary Y. The first of these, William F. Stout,
went to Independence, Iowa, and married Martha A.
Hariman. He died in his thirty-fifth year, leaving one
child, Ettie H. Stout. Henry H. Stout entered the
Union army in the late war, and was killed at the
battle of the Wilderness. Lucretia F. Stout died of
consumption. Mary Y. Stout married Augvistus
Young, and has three daughters, Lucretia F., Mar-
garet, and Mary.
WILLIAM B. PKALL.
William B. Prall was born near Wertsville, Hun-
terdon Co., N. J., on the estate where he now resides,
April 10, 1834.
Abraham Prall, his great-great-grandfather, settled
on the estate adjoining, as near as can now be ascer-
tained, about the year 1730. He conveyed the prop-
erty to his son, Dr'. William Prall, and in 1770 bought
the Prall homestead, where the descendants have ever
since resided. This estate was left to Peter Prall, his
son by his first marriage, during his lifetime. Peter
married Mary Quick, of Amwell, and had two chil-
dren, a son and a daughter, Abraham and Catharine.
Abraham became the successor of Peter on the home-
stead. He married Sarah, daughter of Jacob Fisher,
and had children, Peter, Mary, Sarah, Ann, Cath-
arine, Jacob, Eliza, Abraham, and John, the latter of
whom died young; the others married and raised
families.
Abraham, the next to the youngest, was the father
of the subject of this sketch. He was born on the
adjoining farm Dec. 9, 1811, and lived there till the
death of his grandfather, when he settled upon the
present homestead. He married Hannah, daughter
of Matthias Bellis, of Raritan township. Her great-
grandfather bought the place where she was born
about 1740 ; it is still in possession of the Bellis
family.
Abraham Prall was a prominent and enterprising
farmer, and was highly esteemed by all who knew
him. He died of consumption, Sept. 6, 1843. Mrs.
Prall is still living, and resides with her son, Abraham
J. Prall, on the adjoining farm. She was born March
23, 1813.
They had two children, viz., William B., the sub-
ject of this notice, born April 10, 1834, and Abraham
J., above mentioned, born April 28, 1840.
William B. Prall was brought up on the homestead,
and received the rudiments of a common-school edu-
cation. His father being in limited circumstances at
the time of his death, William was thrown chiefly
upon his own resources, and by energy, industry, and
370
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
good management made his way to the prosperity and
competence he now enjoys. When he was eighteen
years of age the property on which he now lives was
left for sale by his grandfather. His mother bought
it, with the understanding that he should take it at
the age of twenty-one. This was assuming a heavy
responsibility, considering that the property was much
depreciated in value and had no buildings of any con-
sequence upon it excepting a barn. Mr. Prall, how-
ever, came into possession, assuming all the indebted-
ness on the place, which he had completely discharged
in 1865. He has greatly enhanced the market value
of the property, and has erected upon it fine, com-
modious buildings. In addition to this, he has pur-
chased and paid for a house and lot which he bought
of his brother, which, on the recent division of the
farms, fell to his portion. These facts are mentioned
in this connection to show that Mr. Prall has neither
been idle nor unsuccessful since he assumed the re-
sponsibilities of a business man on attaining his ma-
jority. His path in life has not been altogether
bright, for the shadow of sickness has fallen at times
heavily upon his household.
He married, Jan. 30, 1855, Elizabeth B., daughter
of Joseph G. Quick, of East Amwell. She was born
March 4, 1836. They have five children, whose names
and births are as follows : Abraham, born Sept. 11,
1855; Cornelia, born July 14, 1857 (died Jan. 29,
1858) ; Anna C, born Nov. 27, 1858 ; Hannah, born
March 28, 1866; William B., born March 14, 1871.
DELAWARE.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
The township of Delaware lies on the west border
â– of the county, and is bounded north and east by
Earitan and East Amwell townships, south by West
Amwell, southwest by the Delaware River, and north-
west by Kingwood and Franklin townships. The
population of the township in 1870 was 2968 ; in 1880,
3092. There were 366 farms in 1880.
Section 3 of the act of 1838 provided that the in-
habitants of the township of Delaware should hold
their first annual town-meeting at the inn of Henry
Wagner, in the village of Sergeantsville. The bound-
aries of Delaware are thus defined in the act erect-
ing the township, passed Feb. 23, 1838 :
"Be U enacted, That all that part of the township of Amwell, In the
county of Hunterdon, which lies within tlie boundanes and descriptions
following^to wit, Beginning in the Delaware River, in the western
boundary line of the county of Hunterdon, at the division line between
the townships of Kingwood and Amwell ; thence down the said river
Delaware, along said boundary line, to the mouth of Alexsocken Creek ;
thence up the middle of the said creek, the several courses thereof, to
the middle of the Old York Road, leading from Lambertville to the vil-
lage of Kingos ; thence northeasterly up the middle of said road until it
intersects the road leading from Trenton to Quakertown, by the way of
EingOB and Buchanan's Tavern, at the village of Binges ; thence north-
wardly, following the middle of the said road leading from Trenton to
Quakertown, until it iqtereects the division line between the townships
of Kingwood and Amwell; thence sonthwestwardly, following the said
division line, to the place of beginning shall be and hereby is set off
from the said township of Amwell, in the county of Hunterdon, into a
separate township, to be called and known by the name of the township
of Delaware.* "
NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of this township, after a gradual rise
from the Delaware Kiver for about a mile and a half,
* Session Laws, 1838, pp. 132, 133. The only subsequent change in the
bounds established in 1838 was in 1854, in the setting off to East Amwell
of an insignificant strip of its territory, comparatively but a few acres,
being that portion of Delaware embraced in School District No. 103,
which lay to the west of the Old York Koad.
is a broad undulating table-land, with no abrupt
mountain ledges or narrow valleys, but one of the
most fertile farming sections in Hunterdon County.
It has a diversity of soil, such as red shale, gravelly
loam, sandy loam, and some clay loam, all susceptible
of a high state of cultivation, to which most of the
farm-land in the township has been brought by her
intelligent farmers.
The township is abundantly watered by the Alex-
socken Creek, which forms a part of the south bound-
ary line between this township and West Amwell and
the city of Lambertville, emptying into the Delaware
River at the southwest corner of the township. The
Horn Brook rises in School District No. 94, finding
its way to the Delaware at Brook ville, a small hamlet
below Stockton. The Wickhecheoke rises in School
District No. 93, mingling its waters with those of the
Delaware at Prallsville, half a mile above Stockton.
The Lackatong Creek rises in School District No. 97,
and empties into the Delaware at Eagle Island, be-
tween Prallsville and Raven Rock. The general
direction of all these streams is southwesterly. There
are a few tributaries of other streams in the east part,
which flow into the township of Raritan.
EARLY SETTLEMENT AND PIONEER INCIDENTS.
The earliest date found of a purchase of land in
what is now Delaware township is that of John Cal-
lowes, who bought of George Hutchinson, March 17,
1695, a tract of land, a part of which is in Delaware,
in the southwest corner of the township, along the
river north from Alexsocken Creek. John Wey sold
the same tract. May 29, 1733, to John Holcombe.
This is in School District No. 98, and it is now owned
in part by John V. C. Baker; John C. Holcombe also
owns a portion of the original tract.
DELAWARE.
371
The next lot above on the river front was purchased
by William Biddle, Sept. 18, 1734, and the next, hack
of Biddle's, was owned by John Holcomhe, and still
back of Holcomhe's, in what is now School District
No. 96, was a lot of 300 acres, originally owned by
Gershom Lambert, but now by Butterfoss, Dilts,
Housel, Leonard, Melick, and others. A little
farther up the river is the old John Reading tract,
â– which covered what is now the villages of Stockton
and Prallsville. Joseph Reading located above the
Wickhecheoke Creek, opposite the upper end of Hen-
drick's Island. Richard Reading, according to old
maps and surveys, located along the river, between
the creek and Joseph Reading's. From John Read-
ing came the name of Reading's Ferry at what is now
Stockton. Reading subsequently (Dec. 28, 1749)
deeded to Joseph Howell the tract up the river from
the old Ferry road (now Ferry Street, Stockton) and
including Prallsville. " The 16th day of the first year
of the reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Third,"
Joseph Howell and his wife, Susanna, deeded to George
Ely, Jr. ; Aug. 11, 1792, the latter deeded to John
Prall, Jr., from whom Prallsville derived its name ; in
1832, John Prall's executors deeded to Peter Miller ;
April 1, 1841, Miller deeded to Thomas Holcomhe ;
May 27, 1850, Holcomhe deeded to Asher and Maurice
Woolverton; and April 1, 1851, Maurice Woolverton
purchased Asher Woolverton's interest in the above
tract, where he (Maurice) now resides. The Joseph
Beading. property spoken of as above Prallsville is
now owned and occupied by Gardner Johnson.
In "Traditions of our Ancestors," published sev-
eral years ago, John W. Lequear says, â–
" In the course of my duty as a surveyor, and from the estate of my
esteemed relative John Waterhouse, of Rosemont, a number of old deeds
have (alien into my hands. I have derived great-pleasure in looking
over them and locating the tracts as originally taken up. ... Thomas
in 1686, bought of Helmsley 1665 acres; he dying, it descended to
his son William ; he sold it, or a portion of it lying west of Eosemont, to
Charles Woolverton in 1714; he, May 18, 1719, conveyed 284 acres, con-
stituting the farms of John Hartpence and William B. Allen, and six
acres on the southeast corner of John Huffman's larm. The southwest
corner of the tract was in John Beading's line, near John Huffman's
gate, and was sold to George Fox, who came from England. 'While he
owned this tract a young man came over from England to George Fox's,
•where he died soon after his arrival, of ship-fever, and was the first per-
son buried in Eosemont burying-ground, one-quarter of an acre being
reserved after this for a graveyard. June 10, 1729, Mr. Fox conveyed
this to Thomas Can by. Aug. 19, 1735, Canby conveyed it to Henry Coat ;
March 2, 1741, Mr. Coat conveyed it to Derrick Hoagland. William Eet-
tinghonse (as it was then spelled) owned the land on the east of this ; he
and Derrick Hoagland altered their boundary line to conform to its
present course in the road north of Rosemont Mr Hoagland conveyed
this in 1760 to his son James; in 1760 he conveyed it to his brother Wil-
liam. Peter Morrow had purchased six acres off the southwest comer
of Derrick. This tract was afterwards conveyed to Asa Beed, then to
Thomas Lequear, then in part to John Waterhouse. William Biddle sold
lloO acres to Peter Emley about 1732. Mr. Emiey sold 600 acres to
Christopher Cornelius in 1750. Mr. Cornelius sold 400 acres to Daniel
Howell in 1750, near the upper boundary line of what is now Delaware
township, east of 'Duck's Flat,' a part now occupied by Thomas Robin-
son. "
In 1718, Robert Elton sold to Ralph Brock, mill-
wright, 800 acres of land near Rosemont. In 1710,
Edward Kemp, of Bucks Co., Pa., sold Brock 200
acres, which he had purchased in 1709, of William
Biles. Brock, in 1734, sold the whole of this 1000
acres to William Rettinghousen. He, in 1742, con-
veyed it to Richard Green, of Morris Co., N. J. The
tract lay northeast of Eosemont. The old Ritten-
house graveyard is to be seen near Lambert Hop-
pock's house above Prallsville. Several of the Howell
family are buried there. William Rettinghousen
had four sons, Isaac, Lot, Peter, and Moses. His
daughters were Catharine, who married Richard
Heath ; Abigail, married Mr. Freeman ; Anna, mar-
ried Mr. Dansville ; Rebecca, married Amos Bonham,
from whom William Bonham, of Rosemont, was de-
scended.
William Heath was an early resident of this town-
ship, and owned a large tract. Richard, his young-
est son, having been drafted to perform duty in the
New Jersey militia during the Revolutionary war,
the father, believing himself more able to bear the
fatigues of the service, took his son's place. During
the march of the company to headquarters a fray
occurred with some Tories, and, the day being very
hot, he was overcome and drank a large quantity of
buttermilk and water in a farmhouse, which cooled
his blood so suddenly that it caused his death in a few
hours. He left a wife, Magdalen, and three sons and
four daughters. The oldest son, Andrew, became heir
to his father's property under the English law of
primogeniture. The estate was large, and, with ex-
treme liberality, he gave a farm to his brother John
oif the east side of his plantation, and one off the
west side to his brother Richard. He kept the central
portion and homestead for himself, and lived there
with his mother, Magdalen, until her marriage with
Uriah Bonhone, when he sold his property and re-
moved to Virginia. John and Richard Heath both
married and settled on the farms given them by their
brother, and at their death each left a large family.
Of the daughters of William and Magdalen Heath,
Mary married Samuel Wilson, and removed with him
to Kentucky ; Elizabeth married Jesse Hall, and be-
came the mother of Judge John H. Hall, of Sussex
County, the founder of the Stissex Register, and a
prominent man of that county ; Sarah married Jacob
Dilts, of Amwell, and died in July, 1831, leaving six
sons and two daughters ; and Prudence married Heze-
kiah Bonhone, son of Uriah, and removed to Sussex
County.
March 2, 1714, Charles Wolverton* bought of Wil-
liam Biddle a tract of 1665 acres. This is the earliest
record we have of the Wolvertons in Hunterdon
County. â– The location of this tract was about Eose-
mont, extending almost to Prallsville on the south,
and to the north and west about one and a half
miles. To this point, which was then almost the
western frontier, Charles Wolverton came from Long
* In some cases it is spelled WoUerlon, again WoUerton, in others Wool-
verUm.
372
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Island. Just when lie or his father came across the
ocean is not now known. The part of England
whence they originally came was Wolverhampton.
Charles Wolverton, the original settler, had six sons,
Maurice, Dennis, Charles, Jr., Gabriel, Isaac, and
Joel. The order of their birth is not known. To
each of tliem was left a farm of about 280 acres out
of the original tract of 1665 acres. Dennis died
Aug. 9, 1774, aged sixty-three ; he was buried at
Eosemont. From this point we can trace but one of
the lines of descent, that through the son Maurice.
He married a Miss Baker. They had two sons
and three daughters. One son died young. The
other children were John, Margaret, who married
Silas "Wilson, Abigail, who married a Kensall, and
Sophia, who married Samuel Cowdrick. The date
of Maurice's death was somewhere about 1787.
John inherited his father's farm in consideration of
his paying to each of his three sisters £115. This
farm was situated above Rosemont, being lands now
owned by E. P. Tomlinson, Andrew Sherman, and
others. The old homestead stood just east of where
Mr. Tomlinson now lives. He lived On this farm
until 1799, when he removed to one on the Delaware,
above Prallsville. He served in the war of the Rev-
olution. He married Rachel Quimby. They had
seven children, Samuel, born April 22, 1779 ; Mary,
who married Joshua Opdyke, horn Feb. 2, 1782 ;
Sarah, who married John Stockton, born July 2,
1784; Martha, born June 81, 1787; Margaret, who
married Asher Reading, horn March 14, 1788 ; James,
born Oct. 19, 1791 ; Anna, who married Ambrose Bar-
croft, born June 22, 1794.
John Wolverton died Dec. 10, 1837, aged eighty-
two. He was buried at Rosemont. His son Samuel
was a cabinet-maker, and James a blacksmith. Sam-
uel was twice married. His first wife was Mary
Johnson. They had one child, Asher, born Jan. 80,
1812. Mary Wolverton died March 6, 1812, aged
twenty-four. Samuel married Elizabeth Wilson for
his second wife. Their son, Maurice, was born Feb.
19, 1827. Elizabeth died Sept. 28, 1836, aged forty-
eight. Samuel served in the militia in the war or
1812. He died Sept. 19, 1841, aged sixty-three, and
only four months later, Jan. 17, 1842, his mother died,
in her eighty-ninth year. Asher, Samuel's older son,
married Mrs. Ann Fisher, nie Gearhart. He lived on
the old Wolverton farm, opposite Eagle Island, until
April, 1872, when he removed to Stockton, where he
now resides. Maurice, the other son of Samuel, mar-
ried (1850) Caroline M., daughter of William L.
Hoppock.
James, the sixth child and second son of John
Wolverton, married Mary Sergeant. They had five
sons and five daughters, Sarah, wife of Elias John-
son, born Dec. 2, 1818 ; Rachel, wife of Henry Fell,
born Nov. 18, 1820 ; Jane, wife of George Hoppock,
born July 6, 1822 ; John, born Oct. 27, 1825 ; Mary,
wife of Charles Jones, born Jan. 29, 1828 ; Permelia,
wife of Gardner B. Johnson, born April 29, 1833 ;
James, born Sept. 4, 1834 ; Joseph, born Oct. 6, 1836 ;
Charles, born Nov. 22, 1838 ; Samuel, Sept. 12, 1843.
Mary, wife of James Wolverton, died June 23, 1853,
aged fifty-five, and James died March 8, 1871, aged
seventy-nine. His son John studied medicine, and is
one of the leading physicians of Trenton, N. J. Jo-
seph studied medicine, became a surgeon in the army
in the late war, and is now a druggist in Trenton.
James commenced the study of medicine, and died
March 3, 1861. Charles S. is a, farmer on the old
homestead, near Rosemont; he married Elizabeth
Fell. Samuel is a dentist in Trenton ; his wife was
Susan Lukens. The children of Maurice and Caro-
line M. Wolverton are Elizabeth (died Sept. 13,
1854), William H., Eva, and Samuel.
The following facts concerning the Reading family
one of the first to locate in Delaware township
are communicated by P. A. Reading :
'* Joseph Heading was my grandfather. He lived on a plantation of sev-
eral hundred acres, alout a mile southwest of what is now Kosemout
which tract was originally bounded hy two creeks on its east and west
sides. Tt was entailed, and the entail ran out in his eldest son's (William)
heirs. This original homestead is now owned and occupied by Gardner
Johnsou. On the northeast line and county road is the family burial-
ground of the later descendants of the family. Tlie old homestead com-
manded a view of the Delaware River, of the Pennsylvania shore, etc.
I remember visiting it when a boy of eight to twelve years. The man-
sion was reached from the county road by a drive of one-fourth of a mile,
on each side of which were cheiTy- and other fruit-trees, planted in reg-
ular order, till the mansion-house w.as reached, thence continuing for
one-eighth of a mile to the Delaware River with a double row of multi-
caulis, or silk-worm trees. The attic of the dwelling was devoted to the
hatching and rearing of silk-worms, from which my Aunts Mary, Amy,
and their sister reeled off the silk thread and manufactured their own
dresses.
" This original plantation was divided, and a portion of it is now in the
occupancy of one of my grandfather's great-grandsons, John Reading.
The two estates or 'palatines,' as they used to be called extended from
the county road to the Delaware River, about one mile. My grandfather,
Joseph, at his death, in 1806, willed to my father a farm of some 250 acres,
directly on the bank of the Delaware River, immediately opposite what
is known as 'Lower Black Ledge.' The eastern line is marked by a creek,
which empties into the Delaware at what is now the head of the feeder
of the Delaware and Rarifcin Canal ; it embraces what was at one time
the most valuable shad-fishery between the head of tide-water, Trenton,
and Easton. With it was connected the ferry riglit for the Jersey side.
This ferry long since disappeared, and a bridge at Point Pleasant station
has taken its place. This second Reading home was my birthplace.
The old stone mansion is yet standing, about one-fourth of a mile below
Point Pleasant, and half a mile above Bull's Island station; it is owned
by me, although rented out. It is in sight from the car-windows of the
Belvidere Delaware trains. I am a frequent visitor there, often taking
my children and grandchildren to see my birthplace and the play-ground
of my youth. I was eighty-three years old on the 11th inst. (October,
1880), and until my hist sickness used to walk up to the homestead and
back eight miles the same day.
My great-grandfather, the Governor, settled desirable farms for some "
of his sons near Flemington, on the Raritan River, and two of the houses
built by him I think are standing yet. The one nearest the Tillage
named was long occupied by John Reed Reading, ' Gentleman John,' as
he was familiarly called. These houses were built of brick imported
from London, and constructed in the old Virginia style, a red brick and
a black one alternating."*
Among a number of old documents in the posses-
sion of Cyrus Van Dolah, Jr., is a bill of Henry Van
^- See a further account of the Reading family in the history of Baritau
township, in this volume.
DELAWARE.
373
Dolah for sundry goods bought of Lewis Moore in
1731. Another paper is an agreement to purchase
the Van Dolah farm, dated May 6, 1738, witnessed by
Honust Vanvorst and Christopher Search. There are
also a receipt of Capt. Derrick Hoagland, dated April
18, 1744, for £2 Is., from Sarah Johnson, widow of
Henry Van Dolah ; an article of agreement signed by
Isaac Stelle and Hendrick Van Dolah, dated April 1,
1736 ; and the lea^e of the farm to Andrew Orison, by
the widow of Henry Van Dolah, dated Dec. 5, 1743,
signed by Emanuel Coryell, Sarah Van Dolah, and
Andrew Orison, with John Larison and Edward Mur-
phy as witnesses.
We also cite the following :
'* Received, April 26, 1808, of Henry Van Dolah, one of the executoi-B
of Garrett Van Dolah, late of Amwell, deceaaed, eight dollars for making
his coffin. Rec^ by me Israel Poulson."
" A true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chat-
tels, rights and credits of Garrett Van Dolah, late of Amwell, in the
county of Hunterdon, and State of New Jersey, deceased, made this '21st
day of August, 1807 :
Purse and apparel $38.18
Books 9.00
2 pr. steelyards 3.00
3 pair of beds, etc 60.00
1 Hetchel 3.00
Pewter Platter and basin 4.00
1 Dresser (now owned by C. V. D., Jr.) 1.50
1 Smooth rifle '* "" 10.00 "
1 Clock 25.00
1 Negro man Jack* - 20.00
1 Horse 5.33
4 cows and 2 young cattle S4.00
1 Spinning-wheel, owned by C. V. D., Jr 1.00
Hand irons, dough trough, and brass candle stand... 3.50
Total S2CY.51."
The following is a verbatim copy of the last will
and testament of John Van Dolah, late of this town-
ship :
" In the name of God, Amen, this Eighteenth day of November,
the Tear of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight, this
to be my last will and Testament in the fear and Lov of CJod. I pool my
two Brothers, Garret Vandolah and Peter Vandolah ; I leav Them my
Executors to Divide my Estate, as follows : To my eldest Brother, Garret
Vandolah, I leav one-third part of my estate, and to my other, Peter Van-
dolah, Another third part of my Estate; and to my two Sisters, Anna
Wilgus and Charity Hausman, I leav the other third Part of my estate,
Equally Divided between my two sisters, to be divided by my Executors.
This my last Will and testament Sined and Sealed in the presents of us
witnest. his "
" John X Vandolah.
mark.
Jacob Labrowz, "
" Abraham Laerowe,
his
Richard X Chamberlin."" "
mark.
The farm on which Cyrus Van Dolah, Jr., now
lives was purchased of E. Marcellison, in 1738,
by Hendrick Van Dolah. The deed was witnessed
by Hannah Vanvorst, Joseph Bell, and Christopher
Search, and acknowledged before Andrew Keed, May
10, 1756. The farm is located in School District No.
96, and is part of the Biddle tract of 5000 acres. When
it was purchased of Marcellison there were 220 acres,
but by a distribution of the property there remain
113 acres, which have descended by bequest to the
present owner, Cyrus Van Dolah, Jr.
* Died April 30, 1812.
Israel Poulson, first pastor of the '* German Baptist
Church" in this township, was also collector of Am-
well township previous to the formation of Delaware
township, and in a notice published in the Hunter-
don County Gazette of Nov. 2, 1829, he states that on
specified days he will be at the houses of William Rit-
tenhouse, James W. Hart, Delilah Buchanan, Nathan
Price, Samuel Large, John S. Stout, David W. Young,
Cornelius H. Anderson, Lemuel Howell, and John
Larison, to receive tax. He concludes his notice in
the following w;ords :
"There's one thing more you may remember:
TJnleas 'tis paid by the twentieth December,
Of course there will be two cents coat,
Which will be so much to you lost;
And if not paid in five days more,
An additional sum of thirty-four.
The law is plain, you all may see ;
Then I would have you not blame me ;
If I return you to the Squire,
'Twill be just what the laws require. "
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
The following extracts from the records present
the proceedings of the first town-meeting held in
Delaware township :
'* At the first annual town-meeting of the inhabitants of the township
of Delaware, held at the house of Henry Wagners, in Sergeantsville,
April 9, A.D. 1838, the following were chosen, to wit : John Barber, Esq.,
Moderator ; Amplius B. Chamberlin, Town Clerk ; Jacob Rake, Assessor;
Mahlon Smith, Collector (assessor and collector, overseer of the poor to
serve without pay) ; Benjamin Harn, Mahlon Smith, Jacob F. Buchanan,
Commissionere of Appeals ; Jas. J. Fisher, Jas. Snyder, Esq., Chusen
Freeholders ; Albertus Wagner, John Hoffman, Surveyors of Highways ;
William Kake, Constable ; Abraham Conover, Judge of Election ; John
Barber, Esq., Adam Williamson. Benjamin Harn, James J. Fisher, Wil-
liam Sergeant, Town Committee ; Jacob Rake, A. B. Chamberlin, William
Wilson, School Committee.
" One thousand dollars to be raised for making and repairing roads.
The committee to ascertain the amount to be raised for the poor.
Dog tax to pay for sheep killed by dogs. "
" Overseers of tlie Roads : Joseph Sergeant, Samuel Wolverton, James
Barcroft, Abraham Williamson, Mahlon Smith, Joseph Lair, James D.
Pearce, Gabriel Aller, Henry Trimmer, Jacob Bodine, Job Wolverton,
Nelson Holcomb, Robert Bonhani, John C. Holcomb, John Lair, Nicholas
B. Higgins. Richard Shepherd, John Hoppock, Samuel Holcombe, John
H. Ott.
Elections to be held, first day at the house of Peter B. Mellick, and "
the second day at the house of Henry Wagner, at Sergeantsville.
" Resolved, That in the opinion of this town-meeting public convenience
will be promoted by the division of the township of Amwell; so far we
approve of said division, and we have no desire that the present arrange-
ment should be disturbed. But at the same time we would say that any
act of this kind passed without the knowledge or consent of those imme-
diately interested is in direct opposition to the fundamental principles of
our form of government.
Signed, John Bahber, ilfoderafor. "
'* Attest, A. B. Chamberlin, Clerk.'''*
SUNDRY TRANSACTIONS.
At a special town-meeting held Dec. 29, 1838, at
the house of Henry "Wagner, in Sergeantsville, it was
resolved, " that the township will not buy a poor-
house farm," but ''that the paupers be kept all to-
gether by some one individual and resident of this
township."
April 13, 1840, it was voted "that $1000 be raised
I for making and repairing roads, $500 for the use of
374
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
the poor, and that the interest of the surplus revenue
go towards supporting the poor." It was
" Resolved, That this township buy a poor-house property, and that we
take the proceeds of the poor-houae estahlishment to purchase said
property. "
The committee appointed to purchase said prop-
erty consisted of John Barber, Adam Williamson,
and Abram Conover, and it was decided that *' the
interests of our share of the old poor-house establish-
ment go towards the support of the poor."
At a special town-meeting held May 17, 1864, at
the house of George W. Comley, in Sergeantsville, in
accordance with a special act of the Legislature, ap-
proved March 25, 1864, it was
" Resolved, That the sum of $31,000 shall be raised by assessment and
taxation, in accordance with the requirements of a special act of the
Legislature, approved March 25, 1864, for the purpose of enabling us to
raise this tax.
Resolved, That the sum so ordered to be raised, or such part thereof "
as shall come into the hands of the collector, shall be applied by him to
the payment of the commutation money for the exemption from the
draft of such persons as shall be drafted and accepted for the township
of Delaware at the ensuing draft (the one now ordered)."
Oct. 27, 1864, the inhabitants met Tigreeable to
public notice, and the following resolutions were read
by the clerk :
'* Resolved, That the sum of ^6,000 shall be raised by assessment and
taxation, in accordance with the requirements of a special act of the
Legislature approved March 25, 1864, for the purpose of enabling us to
raise this tax.
" Resolved, That the sum so ordered, or such part thereof as shall come
into the hands of the collector, shall be applied by him to the payment
of the obligations and debts incurred by the township committee of the
township of Delaware in raising money to pay bounties to volunteers to
fill the quota of said township of Delaware on th'e hist call of the gov-
ernment for 500,000 men, and wherever any person has furnished a sub-
stitute which counted on the quota assigned to said township under said
call for 500,000 men, such person shall be paid the sum of §668.08. "
A vote was then taken, which resulted as follows :
For the resolution, 237 ; against, none.
A special town-meeting was held Jan. 14, 1865, at
Sergeantsville, to take proper measures to provide for
a call for trooj>s ; John T. Sergeant was elected mod-
erator and Edward M. Heath appointed clerk. G. S.
Bellis, J. G. Sutphin, and Dr. I. S. Cramer were con-
stituted a committee on resolutions, which it appears
were presented, but never placed on record.
TOWNSHIP OFPICERS.
From the first election, in 1838, to the present time
the officers have been as follows :
TOWN CLEKKS.
1838-44, Amplius B. Chamberlin ; 1845-51, Reading Moore ; 1852-55, John
M. Chamberlin; 1856-64, Andrew B. Rittenliouse; 1865-73, E. M.
Heath; 1874^76, H. F. Bodine; 1877-79, Asa H. Holcombe; 1880,
George W. Holcombe.
COLLECTORS.
1838-40, Mahlon Smith ; 1841-43, John HufTman ; 1844r46, Jacob Bodine ;
1847-49, Philip Rockafellow; 1850, Robert Bonham ; 1851-52, Wil-
liam Reading ; 1853-55, Dilts Larowe ; 1856, Charles Denson ; 1857-59,
Cornelius L. Hunt ; 18G0-62, Samuel Fauss ; 1863-65, David Jackson ;
1866-67, Gershom Lambert; 1868-70, Allison Holcombe; 1871-73,
John Bush; 1874-76, Daniel R. Sharpe ; 1877-79, L. C. Fielier; 1880,
J. P. Dilta.
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1838, John Barber, Adam Williamson, Benjamin Horn, James J. Fisher,
William Sergeant; 1839, Benjamin Horn, N. B. Higgine, John S.
Wilson, Adam Williamson, Asher Lambert; 1S40, Jonas Sutton,
Asher Lambert, John S. Wilson, Adam Williamson, Benjamin Hoi-n ;
1841, John C.Fisher, Mahlon Smith, Asher Lambert, John S. Wilson,
William Hice; 1842, Asher Lambert. Maiilou Smith, Benjamin Horn,
John S. Wilson, William Hice; 1843, James Wolverton, Mahlon
Smith, Asher Lambert, William Hic^e, Benjamin Horn; 1844, Benja-
min Horn, William Hice, Aslier Lambert, John Barber, Mahlon
Smith; 1845-47, Mahlon Smith, Benjamin Horn, Asher Lambert,
William Hice, JamesSnj'der; 1848^9, Asher Lambert, "William Hice,
Jacob Bodine, Mahlon Smith, James Snyder ; 1850, Tobias Shadinger,
William Hice, Charles R. Swallow, James Snyder, Hiram Kobbiiis;
1851, Jacob Bodine, William S. Dalryniple, Tobias Shadinger, .rohn
Hofiman, Mahlon Smith; 1852, Mahlon Smith, Jacob Bodine, Read-
ing Moore, Tobias Shadinger, John Iloflnian ; 1853, Mahlon Smith,
John Hoffman, John J. Sutphin, Silas Huffman, Reading Moore ;
1854, John HofTmau, Rending Moore, Andrew B. Rittenhouse, Silas
Hoffman, J. J. Sutphin ; 1855, Eli Kitchen, A. B. Kittenhouse, Daniel
J. Moore, Silas Hoffman, Daniel Ponlson; 1856, A. B. Rittenhouse,
D. J, Moore, Daniel Punlson, Andrew Wolverton, Eli Kitchen;
1857, Malilon Smith, D. J. Moore, D. Ponlson, Andrew Wolverton,
Eli Kitchen; 1858, William H. Earcroft, William Bearder, Wil-
liam H. Larue, A. Wolverton, Mahlon Smith; 1859-60, W, Bear-
der, John T. Risler, Eli Kit<-lien, W. H. Larue, Cliarles W. Go-
down ; 1861, Eli Kitchen, John T. Risler, Jonathan M. Dilts, Charles
W. Godown, J. M. Dilts; 1862, Eli Kitchen, Jonathan M. Dilts, Jona-
than M. Hoppock, Francis Rittenhouse, Gershom Lambert; lS6:j-
64, Eli Kitchen, J. M. Dilts, John Bodine, Francis Rittenhouse,.
Gershom Lambert; 1865, J. M. Dilts, William H. Barcroft, G. Lam-
bert, Cyins Risler, William Aller; 1SG6-G8, Eli Kitchen,' W. H. Bar-
croft, William Aller. Andrew Wolverton, Cyrus Risler; 1869. Eli
Kitchen, W. H. Barcroft, William Aller, William R. Bearder, Thomas
Lake; 1S70, Thomas Lake, Eli Kitchen, Acker Moore, William R.
Bearder, W. H. Barcroft; 1871-73, John Hoffman, Thomas Lake,
Acker Moore, W. R. Bearder, Eli Kitchen ; 1874, Anderson Bray,
Thomas Lake, J. HofFnian, A. Moore, W, B. Bearder; lb75, J. Hoff-
man, A. Moore, Anderson Bray, Azariah Stout, Jeremiah F. Horn;
1876, Charles Fisher, J. F. Horn, A. Bray, A. Moore, J. Hoffman;
1877, J. Hoflman, A. Moore, C. T. Fisher, E. Kitchen, A. Bearder;
1878, C. T. Fisher, E. Kitchen, A. Bearder, D. B. Ege, Albert Juhn-
son; 1879, Andrew R. Bearder, Daniel B. Ege, Albert R. Johnson;
1880, Daniel B. Ege, Albert Johnson, Samuel Horner.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1838-39, James Snyder, Esq., and James J. Fisher; 1S40-42, James Sny-
der, Esq., and Abraham Conover; 1843, A. B. Chamberlin and James
Snyder ; 1844, A. B. Chamberlin and John S. Wilson ; 1845-46, John
S. Wilson and Jeremiah Smith; 1847, Acker Moore and Jacob Go-
down ; 1848, Robert Dilts and Jeremiah Smith; 1849, Robert Dilts
and John Dilts; 1850, Peter Rockafellow and Acker Moore ; 1851-53,
Andrew B. Rittenhouse; 1854, Charles B. Everiit; 1855-57, Joseph
B. Case; 1858-60, David Jackson; 1861-62, Amos Thatcher; ISii:!,
Andrew B. Rittenhouse; 1864-66, Daniel Sharp; 1867, George N.
Holcombe; 1868, G. W. Holcombe; 1809, George N. Holcombe ; 1870-
75, Joseph Smith; 1876-78, Jonathan M. Dilts; 1879-80, William
Aller.
The following county and State officials have been
elected from Delaware :
Sheriffs. Amplius B. Chamberlin, 1844; James
Snyder, 1850.
County Clerks. Andrew B. Kittenhouse, 18G4;
served five years. It is said "no man ever held the
office who sustained himself and the interests of the
county more creditably."
Surrogates. Jesse C. Reed, 1849 ; died near the
close of his term, Oct. 26, 1854. His son, John C.
Reed, was appointed by Governor Rodman to fill the
unexpired term, which was but a few weeks.
Judges of Common Pleas. John Barber, 1846 ; died
DELAWARE.
375
Jan. 4, 1867, aged seventy -nine. Mahlon Smith, 1853 ;
held the position ten years ; died May 27, 1868, aged
seventy-three.
Directors. James Snyder, 1843 ; he had been a
member of both branches of the Legislature, and was
subsequently elected sheriff of the county. Amplius
B. Chamberlin, 1844 ; elected sheriff the same year,
which terminated his residence in Delaware township.
Andrew B. Eittenhouse, 1853.
Cleric of Board of Chosen Freeholders. Edward M.
Heath, 1865.
Members' of Assembly. James Snyder, 1838; Wil-
liam Sergeant, 1856.
State Senators. James Wilson, 1835, 1842-43 ; born
in the north of Ireland; came to this country in 1806;
died Nov. 14, 1865, aged eighty-six. James Snyder, I
1889. Joseph G. Bowne, 1868 ; he accepted the nomi-
nation very reluctantly, not being an office-seeker, in
the common acceptation of the term, and made an
honorable and reliable officer.
Assistant United States Marshals. John Barber,
1850. William W. Moore, 1870 ; he was unable to
perform the duties of the office, which was done by
John C. Sine. Mr. Moore died Sept. 13, 1870.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Stocktok, located in School District No. 98, is a
village on the Pennsylvania Railroad, four miles up
the Delaware from Lambertville. It was first known
as "Beading's Ferry," subsequently as "Howell's
Ferry," after Howell purchased the property from
Beading. Upon the advent of the railroad at this
place, the name was again changed, and became
Centre Bridge Station, which corresponded to the
name of the post-office and hamlet on the Pennsyl-
vania side of the river, at the opposite end of the
turnpike bridge.
This place soon became the centre of trade and
shipments for the products of the township, so that in
1851 a post-office became a necessity, and was estab-
lished with the name of " Stockton." Jeremiah Smith
was appointed the first postmaster. The office was
kept at first in the tavern, and subsequently trans-
ferred to the store now kept by G. W. Mason.
The pioneer store was kept by Daniel E. Sharp and
Gershom Lambert, in 1842, in the old stone house
across the creek, west of the Baptist church. It was
built in 1842 by Col. John Sharp. The first house
was that of Joseph Howell. It stood on the present
site of 0. S. Conkling's steam saw-mill. The ferry
was at this time owned by Joseph Howell, and ran
from what is now the foot of Ferry Street, in Stock-
ton, to a point nearly opposite, on the Pennsylvania
shore.
The pioneer blacksmith was John Loomis, who in
1832 started an axe-factory in the old stone building
above the Sharp & Lambert store-house. Mr. Loomis
ran his machinery by water conveyed from the stream
in wooden troughs. The pioneer tavern stood on or
near the site of the present Baptist church, and, in
1832, Asher Johnson built a part of the present
Stockton House; it was enlarged in 1850 by
Charles Bartels and Aaron Van Sickel. This firm
also built the store now occupied by G. W. Mason,
on the corner opposite the hotel.
The pioneer shoemaker was Daniel Dilts. He lived
a short distance above Conkling's mill, where John
White now lives.
Smith Phillips was an early blacksmith. His
shop was where that of Samuel Hoffman now stands.
The first physician to locate here was Dr. 0. H.
Sproul, in 1866, now practicing in the village.
Previous to 1830 all of the present village west of
Bridge Street was covered by an old orchard. The
fir.st brick house was built by William Bodine, on
Main Street.
The stone-quarry in rear of the Stockton House was
opened in 1874 by Peter Best, who sold the stone to
the Lehigh Valley Eailroad Company.
There are at present in the village three churches,
one hardware-store, by S. B. Hill ; one dry-goods and
grocery store, by G. W. Mason ; two grocery-stores,
kept by G. J. Fisher and R. E. Boss. There are also
a blacksmith-, a harness-, a shoe-, and a barber-shop ;
lumber business, conducted by Messrs. Salter & Huff-
man ; hotel, by J. S. Hockenbury ; one school-build-
ing, with two schools ; one steam saw-mill, spoke-
works, and paper-mill ; railroad depot, with Reading
M. Dilts as express-messenger, Theodore Barber tele-
graph-operator, and Daniel M. Dilts baggage-master
and freight-ageijt. There are also saloons, meat-
markets, and milliner-shops, as usually found in
towns of this size.
The population in 1880 was 577. The present post-
master is Gabriel Wolverton. William Dilts is the
oldest man in the village of Stockton; his age is
eighty-four.
Headquaeters is located in the northwest part of
School District No. 94, and is by road four and a half
miles northeast from Stockton. The place was so
named from the fact that Washington made the old
stone house, still standing on the corner of the road,
his headquarters for a few days during the Revolu-
tion. It is a two-story structure, built in 1758.
Here George Holcombe kept a store for many years,
and several pleasing anecdotes are related of the haps
and mishaps at the old Headquarters. A store, steam
saw- and grist-mill, shoe-shop, blacksmith- and wagon-
shop of Manuel Green, and about a dozen dwellings-
are located here. The principal part of the property,
including old Headquarters, is now owned by John,
A. Carroll.
Ceoton is a small hamlet in the extreme north
corner of the township, in School District No. 92.
The first store was opened in 1840, by David Bocka-
fellow; it is now kept by Smith Fields, and is the-
only store here. A post-office was established in 1845,
with JohQ S. Hockenbury as postmaster. Smith Fields-
376
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
is the present incumbent, and keeps the office in his
store. In 1847 a tavern was opened by 'Asher Trim-
mer, and is now kept by Hart Johnson. The first
blacksmith was Dennis Carter, who was succeeded by
Eldridge Green, the present knight of the anvil. Hol-
combe Warford and John W. Hockenbury are the
present wagon- and carriage-makers, while Bateman
& Hockenbury operate a saw-mill. There is also a
Baptist church, together with a few dwellings.
Previous to 1845 this place was known as " Aller-
town," from the number of Aller families living near
here, but when the post-office was established the
name was changed.
Peallsville is located in School District No. 98,
half a mile from Stockton, and was settled as early as
1793, when John Prall, Jr., built the house in which
Maurice Wolverton now lives. Mr. Prall also built
an oil- and grist-mill on the Wickhecheoke Creek,
which here empties into the Delaware. He was also
the pioneer merchant, and built what is known as the
old Prall House, the mills, and the store, all of stone.
He also opened the quarries here, and at one time
conducted a very extensive business. William L.
Hoppock was postmaster from 1832, the date of the
establishment of the office, to 1851, when that at
Stockton was opened and the one at Prallsville dis-
continued. For several years William Prall and Jacob
Lambert, son and son-in-law of John Prall, kept the
store, while John conducted the rest of the business.
The grist-mill has been enlarged to a first-class custom
and flouring-mill, S. Stover proprietor. The rest of
the original Prall property is owned, by the heirs of
the William Hoppock estate. The first physician was
John Bowne, 1791-95, when he removed to Oakdale.
LoCKTOWN is located on the northwest border of
the township, in School District No. 91. The first
church was built in 1745. The first storekeeper was
Mr. Roberson ; his store stood on the site of the one
now kept by John M. Chamberlin. The first tavern-
keeper was Benjamin Hyde; the old house is now
occupied by William Nixon. The first postmaster
was John Bellis, appointed in November, 1856.
There are at present a store by J. M. Chamberlin
(who is also postmaster) and a blacksmith-shop by
Samuel A. Carroll, two churches, Baptist and Chris-
tian, and a school-house. Population of the village
in 1880, 29.
EosEMONT Village is located in the northeast
part of School District No. 97, three miles from
Stockton. The place was first settled by William
Rittenhouse, who built the stone house now owned
by George Hoppock, bearing the date 1754. Mr. Rit-
tenhou.se had owned the farm since 1719. He opened
a tavern, and upon the sign was painted the emblem
of a treasurer, "crosskeys," and the place was long
known as the " Crosskeys Tavern." The name was
subsequently changed to "Rittenhouse," by which
the village was known for some time, and finally to
Rosemont, by which appellation the village has
since been known. There has never been a post-oflice
here, and at present there is no tavern.
The first merchant was Henry Winters ; he was
succeeded by Samuel Hartpence, who continues the
mercantile business. The pioneer blacksmith was
James Opdyke ; his shop stood on the site now occu-
pied by the residence of Samuel Hartpence. The
first wagon-maker was Samuel Green, in the house
where James Hammer now lives. Mahlon William-
son was the first, and is the present, shoemaker, he
having lived here for fifty years. Dr. John Barcroft,
who boarded at the Rosemont Tavern for about six
months in 1841^2, was the first physician. The
first death of a resident was that of Mrs. William
Rittenhouse.
There are at present a store kept by Samuel Hart-
pence; a blacksmith-shop by W. A. Shepherd; a
carriage- and sleigh-factory by R. C. Phillips; a
harness-shop by H. A. Chapin ; an undertaker, Sam-
uel Hartpence; a shoemaker, Mahlon Williamson;
two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian;
one physician, G. N. Best. Population of the village
in 1880, 50.
Seegeantsville is a pleasant village located
in School District No. 95, close to the centre of the
township and three miles northeast from Stockton.
It has a population of 139. Where the first settler
located is a matter of uncertainty. From the best
traditionary evidence it is believed that the Sergeants
were among the first, as the three brothers, Joseph,
John, and Charles, previous to 1825, kept a small
grocery on the corner where G. H. Fisher's harness-
shop now stands. Before 1827 the locality was known
as " Skunktown," from the fact of its being frequented
at certain seasons of the year by skunks.
In 1827 it was found desirable that a post-office
should be established, and Henry H. Fisher, Esq.,
procured the appointment of Jonas Thatcher; the
office was named " Sergeantsville," in honor of the
numerous family of Sergeants who lived in the vicin-
ity at that time.
The principal early merchants were Jonas Thatcher
and Sergeant Lake. Their store was in the old Fisher
store-house, opposite the tavern. The stone store-
building on the southwest corner of the roads was
built in 1830 by H. H. Fisher. The first tavern was
kept by Nathaniel Gordon, father of John, . pre-
vious to 1825. John Sergeant had a blacksmith-shop
here prior to 1825. Dr. Richard Mershon was the
first physician, in 1840. Sergeantsville has been the
business centre of the township ever since the organ-
ization of Delaware.
There are at present one store by J. F. Shepherd,
a tavern by Jacob Wilson, a blacksmith-shop by
Jacob L. Green, carriage-and-sleigh manufactory by
Henry Quick, a shoe-store and manufactory by A. B.
Williamson, a harness-shop by G. H. Fisher, a tin-
shop by AVashington Timbrook, a nursery by I. S.
Cramer (also the physician), a grange and Methodist
DELAWARE.
m
Episcopal church. Mrs. Harriet Jackson is post-
mistress.
Sand Brook is a small settlement in the northeast
part of the township, in School District No. 93, five
and a half miles from Stockton, one mile from Head-
quarters, and two and a half miles from Sergeants-
ville. It contains a German Baptist Church, of which
Rev. John P. Moore is present pastor; a school, of
which Joseph S. Fauss is the teacher ; a grist-mill,
run by water-power, Hiram Moore proprietor ; a store,
kept by Charles W. Moore ; a blacksmith-shop and a
wagon-shop, operated by G-eorge F. Green and Joseph
H. Crum respectively. John A. Moore is present pos1>
master.
Oakdale is a small collection of houses at Bar-
ber's Station, on the Lambertville and Flemington
Railroad. It is located in School District No. 105,
in the south part of the township.
Bkookville, half a mile from Stockton, on the
river road to Lambertville, is a hamlet of about a
dozen houses, grocery, and the foundry and machine-
shops of Hiram Deats, at the mouth of Horn Creek.
This is also in School District No. 98. The property
was owned by one Cavanagh ; it was bought at
sheriff's sale by Daniel Butterfoss, and by him sold to
Hiram Deats, who in 1851 built tlie foundry and
saw-mill. The Mansion House was erected in 1852,
and several other buildings during that and the next
two or three years. John V. Higgins was associated
with Mr. Deats ; he died in 1852. During the next
few years a large number of stoves were made here,
but for the last fifteen years but little has been done
aside from the manufacture of agricultural imple-
ments.
Raven Bock Post-Office is in the southwest
corner of the township, at Bull's Island station, on
the Pennsylvania Railroad, in School District 97. At
present it embraces a railroad station, a store, and a
dozen dwellings. Previous to 1859, M. H. Hoffman
was postmaster ; he resigned in that year, and Wes-
ley Johnson was appointed.
SCHOOLS.
There are in this township eleven school districts
and twelve teachers.
Number 92 is the " Croton" District, with the school-
house in the northern part. It has had two school-
houses. The fir.st, erected in 1829, stood about one-
fourth of a mile from the village, and at no great dis-
tance from the present building, on the opposite side
of the same road. It was a frame structure, 18 by 20
feet, and was in use forty-one years, when it was re-
placed by the present house, built in 1871, in the
centre of an acre lot donated for the purpose by Mrs.
Ellicott, of Croton. Among the earliest trustees the
name of Asa Jones is found.
District No. 93 is known as "Sand Brook."
The first school-house was probably erected about
1790. In 1831 a new one was constructed on its site,
25
of stone, 20 by 23 feet. This was repaired in 1871.
It is impossible to uame the trustees farther back than
1820, in which year the board consisted of Henry
Trimmer, Amos Sutton, Jacob Moore, George Bu-
chanan, and Isaac Huffman.
District No. 98, known as the " Stockton" District,
embraces the village of Stockton and the hamlets of
Brookville and Prallsville, with the school-house at
Stockton. This is the only district in the township
which supports two schools and employs two teachers.
The schools are open ten months in the year. The
first, or one of the first, to teach in this district was
John Schomp. This district does not appear to
have had a school prior to 1832. The first house
stood near where the present edifice is located, and
was built that year. It was an old-fashioned, oc-
tagonal building, about 20 feet in diameter. The
first teacher was Rev. Joseph Wright, still (or re-
cently) living in Wertsville, this county. For a short
time prior to 1875 this district was divided into Upper
and Lower Stockton Districts, or Nos. 98 and 99, but
about the latter date they were consolidated, and No.
99 was dropped, the district since being known as
Stockton, No. 98. The immediate result of the
union was the construction, in 1875, of a commodious
and tasteful building, 50 by 27 feet, with a wing 27
by 25, affording two large rooms. The first teachers-
in this building were Lewis C. Paxson and S. Hunt.
The Locktown District (91) was formed and the
school-house built in 1804. The first trustees were
William Lair, Capt. John Heath, and Richard Heath,
who served for over twenty years. The first teacher
was William Heath, who taught for seven years, and
was followed by Adam Williamson for about the same
length of time. The third teacher was Rev. John
Ellis, who was at the same time pastor of the Baptist
Church at Baptisttown. He was succeeded by Royal
Barrett, of Massachusetts. The first house was a
frame structure, 20 by 24 feet, and stood north of the
Old School Baptist church. The present edifice,
built in 1866, is of stone, 25 by 36 feet. The district
lies in the northwest corner of the township.
The old school-house in District 94 (Moore's) stood
originally about one mile from its present location, on
the public road leading from Headquarters to Ringos.
It was moved twice. It stood first on ground now
owned by William P. Fisher ; it was afterwards re-
moved to lands of David Moore, later to those of
Gideon Moore, and subsequently sold. Among the
teachers in this house was Mrs. Bhoda Wagner,
widow of Albertus K. Wagner, and also Cyrus Van
Dolah. The present house was built in 1866. Its
size is 26 by 34 feet. This district is in the southeast
part of the township.
District No. 105 is a joint district, running into this
township from West Amwell ; it lies between Districts
Nos. 94 and 96, and reaches to Barber's Station.
District No. 85 lies on the east side of the township,
and is known as the " Higgins District." This dis-
378
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
trict had a school-hoijse prior to 1776. The clerk of
the district says,
" The old building I can trace back over one hundred years. It waa
ultimately sold for $46, and is still standing, about 300 yards south of the
new building, ou the east side of the road, where it hjis now (1876) stood
for forty-five years. Previous to this time it stood about one mile north
of its present location. In 1831 the trustees, then all living in the south
part of the district, put the house on wheels, and, with several yoke of
oxen, removed it to the spot where it now stands. This resulted in a
lawsuit : the north part of the district sued the southern for damages,
and recovered half the value of the building, or $40. The most ancient
board of trustees was Paul Kuhl, Jacob Dilts, George Trout, William
Bishop, Nicholas Swallow, and Asa Higgins. The above-named Paul
Kuhl was one of the first teachers.
The school-house often stood empty in those early days for a long "
time, as schools were made up by subscription ; at such times the chil-
dren attended the adjoining districts. After the old house was removed,
the people in the north part of the district sent their children to the Sand
Brook school."*
The present building was erected in 1873, and is a
large, tasteful ediiice.
District No. 97, known as the "Beading" District,
lies in the west corner of the township. The first
school-house, built in 1796, stood about 25 feet east
â– of the present building. It was 20 feet square, and
constructed of stone. The lease dates back ninety-
four years. John Kitchen taught here sixty-seven
years ago. The names of the earliest trustees that
can be ascertained are Samuel Wolverton, John
Beading, and John Huffman. The following persons
(all living in 1876) attended school in this building:
George Huffman, seventy-six years ago ; George Ser-
geant and John Huffman, sixty-seven years ago ; Jehu
Huffman, sixty-six years ago ; Elias S. Johnson, fifty-
four years ago. The clerk says, "There have been
only two school-houses, as far as we can prove, al-
though there are traditions of an old log school-house
belonging to this vicinity, which is reported to have
stood three-quarters of a mile from the present site."
The building now in use was erected in 1861. It is of
stone, 27 by 33 feet, in good condition, and will
accommodate sixty pupils.
District No. 89 is a joint district, the school-house
standing on the Raritan side of the road, near the
old " Boar's Head" tavern.
District No. 96 is " Van Dolahs." The school-house
is near the centre of the district, and is octagonal in
shape. This district has had three school-houses.
The first, of logs, was erected in 1780, and was 20 feet
square. Early trustees were William Sharp, Caleb
Eunk, and Charles Barber. Charles Rice was the
first teacher. Of the second building we have no ac-
count. The one now in use was built in 1822, of stone.
District No. 95, known as the "Sergeant" District,
is located in the west half of the township, and
bounded east by Districts Nos. 93 and 94 ; south by
Districts Nos. 96 and 98 ; west by District No. 97 •
northwest by a Kingwood district; north by District
No. 91. It is not known when or where the first
house was built. The present building was greeted
in 1830, and was enlarged in 1874.
* Eeport of County School Superintendent, 1876.
CHURCHES.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOOKTOWN.
The Baptist Church of Kingwood, now worshiping
at Locktown, was organized .luly 27, 1745, at Baptist-
town. The original or constituent members were
Elder Thomas Curtis (also the first pastor), John
Walter (church clerk), William Fowler, John Burt,
David Drake, James Wolverton, Euckman, Job
Warford, Thomas Hill, Eleanor Hunt, Edward Slater,
Elsie Curtis, Martha Burtis, Agnes Drake, Abigail
Wolverton, Elizabeth Warford, Elizabeth Collins,
Ann Larue, Elizabeth Barris, Mary Still, and Mary
Green. The first meeting-house was built in 1750, of
logs, 30 by 88 feet, on a lot donated to the church by
George Burket. The second was a frame building,
and the present structure, of stone, was built in 1819.
The first two stood on or near the site of the present
edifice.
Thomas Curtis remained pastor from its organiza-
tion till his death, in 1749. He was succeeded in
1749 by Malachi Bonham, who remained until Feb.
17, 1757. The next minister was David Sutton, from
March 26, 1764, to Aug. 3, 1783, when he resigned,
and was succeeded by Nicholas Cox, who ministered
from Nov. 4, 1784, to June 5, 1790. He was followed
by Garner A. Hunt, Oct. 5, 1795, who continued until
May 1, 1807, when he left the Baptists and joined the
Presbyterians. The next pastor was James McLaugh-
lin, Nov. 1, 1808, for about one year. In the spring
of 1813 the church called John Ellis, who continued
till the spring of 1817. He was succeeded, in the
spring of 1818, by Elder David Bateman, who oflSci-
ated until his death, Aug. 10, 1832. April 1, 1833,
William Curtis was chosen, but he resigned at the
end of six months. Aug. 30, 1834, James W. Wigg
came, and continued till Feb. 2, 1839. April 1, 1840,
Elder J. Felty took charge, but resigned at the end of
one year. In January, 1841, Elder William Hause
became pastor, and continued till April 1, 1845.
Elder G. Conklin was his successor. May 16, 1846, and
remained until his death, April 16, 1868. May 28,
1870, the church called Elder A. B. Francis to the
pastorate, which he retained until November, 1876.
Present membership, 71 ; present value of property,
$5,000.00
BAPTIST CHUBCH OF SANDT EIDGB.
Feb. 1, 1812, Eev. Charles Bartolette accepted a call
from the Baptist Church of Amwell, now Flemington,
and devoted a part of his time to Sandy Eidge, con-
tinuing to do so under adverse circumstances, riding
from seven to nine miles and preaching from house
to house, in the summer season on Sabbath afternoons,
and in winter on week-days.
The first house of worship was built near~the site
of the present edifice, and was opened for'divine wor-
ship in January, 1818. Oct. 24, 1818, a church was con-
stituted with nineteen members from other churches,
fourteen of whom were members from the Amwell
Church, as follows : Samuel Hunt, Mary Larowe, Mat-
DELAWARE.
379
thew Covenhoven, Esther Butterfoss, Rebecca Ent,
Catharine Dilts, Phebe Johnson, Anna Reeder, Mary
Hunt, Isaac Wolverton, John Hunt, Esther Hunt,
Nehemiah Hunt, Elizabeth Hunt, William Mitchell,
Mary Ringo, John Smith, Sr., Rebecca Larowe, and
Hannah Rittenhouse. The ministers present were
Revs. Thomas B. Montague, David Bateman, Alex-
ander Hastings, and Charles Bartolette.
The first deacons were Samuel Hunt and William
Mitchell, who were chosen the same day. Dec. 5,
1818, Samuel Hunt, William Mitchell, Samuel Rit-
tenhouse, John Smith, Joseph Brittain, John Coven-
hoven, and John Hunt were elected trustees ; and the
first clerk. Garret Wilson, was chosen Feb. 20, 1819.
Two persons were baptized Oct. 25, 1818, Samuel
Hunt and Joseph Brittain, being the first into this
membership.
March 24, 1818, the church extended a call to Mr.
Bartolette to become their supply, he to give half his
time here and the other half to Flemington. He
served thus till the spring of 1832, during which
period he baptized seventy-one. Mr. Bartolette's
duties at the Flemington Church requiring all his
time, this church extended a call to Rev. Joseph
Wright, who then settled as pastor. Mr. Wright
closed his labors here in the autumn of 1842, after a
ministry of ten years. During the winter of 1842-43,
Rev. E. B. Hall supplied the church ; the following
spring Rev. George Young was called, and remained
till April, 1847. May 21, 1847, Rev. J. E. Rue was
installed, and continued till Jan. 1, 1850. During
this time were purchased six acres of land adjoining
the church property, on which the present parsonage
house was built. Mr. Rue took a deep interest in the
cause of education, and Sandy Ridge was represented
in the university at Lewisburg, Pa., until 1870. Early
in 1850, Rev. J. James Baker settled, and continued
till April, 1854. During his ministry the church
maintained four Sabbath-schools and kept up regular
preaching at four outposts, Stockton, Sergeant's
Mills, Sand Brook, and Hopewell. Rev. J. Timber-
man was called as supply in April, 1854, and served
as pastor till April, 1857. After him the church was
supplied by Rev. Joseph Wright for nearly a year,
until the spring of 1858, when Rev. Samuel Sproul
was called ; he continued his labors till the close of
the year 1867. During his ministry the church built
two fine substantial houses of worship, one at Stock-
ton, in 1861, and the other, in 1866, at Sandy Ridge,
on grounds adjoining the original edifice. For nearly
a year Rev. Morgan R. Cox officiated (until Oct. 1,
1867), when Rev. George Young, formerly a pastor,
settled, and remained until Jan. 1, 1872.
Nov. 27, 1867, the new house was dedicated. The
cost of rebuilding was $5500. It is 44 by 60 feet, of
stone, having a fine basement and audience-room. It
is a neat and attractive place of worship. Five per-
sons have been licensed by this church to preach,
viz., Charles E. Wilson, William E. Lock, William V.
Wilson, A. Ammerman, and Edward C. Romine.
The church from its infancy has always contributed
to the different benevolent objects of the denomina-
tion, and was one of the few represented in forming
the New Jersey Baptist State Association.
The following have been chosen deacons : Samuel
Hunt, William Mitchell, Garret Wilson, Jonas Lake,
Tobias Shadinger, Dilts Larue, Achor Moore, C. Hig-
gins, James Romine, Benjamin Larison. The present
value of property is $7000, and the present member-
ship is 180. The Sunday-school numbers 70, with an
average attendance of 6.0. James M. Cox is super-
intendent.
CHKISTIAN CHUECH, lOCKTOWN.
In giving a history of this church it is thought
proper to make brief mention of the pioneer efforts.
The following is from a record kept by one of its
members :
" About the middle of January, 1827, Mrs. Abigail Eoberta, accom-
panied by her husband, Mr. Nathan Eoberts, visited the county of Hun-
terdon and attended a number of meetings in different neighborhoods,
which produced great excitement among the people who came out to
hear her preach. . . . The third Sunday in June, 1829, there was ap-
pointed a two-days' meeting in the woods near Locktown, attended by
Simon Clough, of New York, William Lane, of Ohio, John F. Thompson,
of Johnsonsburg, N. J., and Mrs. Roberts. On Saturda.v the meeting was
held in a public- house occupied by Benjamin Hide (Hyde). On Sunday
the meeting was held in the woods, a large assembly of people being
present. William Lane preached on the ' Sonship of Christ,' and the
sermon caused great excitement among the people. "
From further records, we conclude the organization
of the church took place between Oct. 16, 1829, and
Feb. 13, 1832. The following is the record :
"On Sunday, Oct. 16, 1829, the First Christian Church, acknowledged
at Milford, Hunterdon Co., N. J., with a part of her members livinj; in
the townships of Amwell and Kingwood,a distance of from eight to four-
teen miles, were met, and took into consideration the propriety of build-
ing a house for public worship. A plot of ground was selected, and the
owner, Jcfeeph Lair, agreed to deed three-quarters of an acre in the
southwest corner of his farm for that pui-pose. The aforesaid membeiB
making their intention known to the body of the church, it was agreed
on, and a meeting appointed at the house of Samuel Cooley, in Milford,
for the purpose of appointing trustees; which meeting took place April
21,1832.
Francis Roberson was appointed chairman, and Samuel Cooley secre- "
tary, when Francis Eobersou was appointed trustee for one year, Philip
Gordon for two, and Elisha liittenhouse for three years. Trustees were
appointed to raise funds and superintend the building. The building
was commenced the last of May, raised about the middle of June, and so
far completed that meetings were held in it on Saturday and Sunday,
13th and 14th of October, 1832. The dedicatory sermon was preached by
William Lane, from Romans xvi. 17."
At a meeting held April 21, 1832, a series of reso-
lutions defining the doctrines of the Christian Church
were adopted, which are too lengthy for publication
in this work. The proceedings of that meeting were
signed by Francis Roberson, chairman, and Samuel
Cooley, secretary. The following is a copy of the
subscription list by which money was raised to build
the church :
" And to the end that the same may be established, we the subscribers
do hereby promise and engage to pay to Francis Roberson, Philip Gor-
don JSsq., and F,lisha Rittenhouse, trustees appointed as aforesaid, or
either of them, or their successors in office, or either of them, the several
sums Bet to our respective names, at such times and in such instalments
380
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
as the trustees aforesaid, or a majority of them, may agree upon, on de-
mand. In witness whereof, we hereunto subscrihe oar names, and affix
tlie several sums thereto respectively, the day of , a.d. 1832. "
The trustees have been as follows : 1830^0, Francis
Roberson, Philip Gordon, Elisha Kittenhouse, Jona-
than Harden, David Lair, William Eake, Tennis Ser-
vis, Isaac Hann ; 1840-50, Elisha Kittenhouse, Nathan
Stout, Mahlon Emmons, Isaac Hann, Tunis Servis ;
1850-60, Nathaniel Stout, Joseph B. Slack, Eli Brit-
ton, Abraham Slack, Thomas Hibbs; 1860-70, Fran-
cis Rittenhouse, S. D. Horner, David Bodine, John
Bodine, George Hoppock, Wesley Hawk, John Eick,
Samuel Bodine; 1870-80, Peter Hoppock, Asa Cor-
son, David Bodine, Wesley Hawk, Edward Hellier,
William J. Walker, Richard S. Conover, John T.
Eick, Sylvester Lake.
The present chapel was built in 1864, on the site of
the old one, and the balance of the building debt can-
celed in 1871. During this time the sheds attached
to the chapel were built, at a cost of $225. Between
April 1, 1876, and July 1, 1877, the society built the
present parsonage, located on the opposite corner of
the street from the church, at a cost of $1100.
The following-named persons have served as pastor :
William Lane, from the date of organization till
May, 1838; James Macdoran, William Lane, Wil-
liam Lauer, Philip Hawk, Henry Black, 1858 ; Elder
James Lauer, 1859. Oct. 21, 1859, Elder William H.
Pittman was chosen, and served ten years. In the
spring of 1870, Elder John Soule took charge and
remained four years. In the spring of 1874, Elder
B. F. Summerbell became pastor for one year, and
was succeeded by J. M. Woodward, in April, 1875.
April 1, 1876, Elder George Tenney became pastor,
and remained till July 1, 1877 ; he was followed by
Elder John N. Spoor, until Dec. 9, 1877, when he
was succeeded by the present pastor. Elder Jacob
Rodenbaugh.
The present membership is 204; present value of
property, $4000.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SERGEANTSVILLB.
In 1830 a " woods meeting" was held near Ser-
geantsville, when quite a religious interest was
awakened; a class of Methodists was formed, with
Amos Hoagland as leader, and Jonathan Rake, Amos
Merseilles, Philip Rockafellow, and a few females as
members. Meetings were continued at the residence
of Mr. Hoagland, who then lived in the house now
occupied by H. H. Fisher, Esq., of Sergeantsville,
and it was in this house that the first class at this
place was formed.
In 1832 the society built a church, of stone, on the
site of the present edifice, the lot and $100 in cash
being donated by H. H. Fisher, Esq. Amos Hoag-
land, Jonathan Rake, Amos Merseilles, and Philip
Rockafellow were the pioneer trustees, and Rev.
James M. Tuttle the first preacher. There is no
record of any formal laying of the corner-stone or
of the dedication.
In 1867 the society enlarged the old church at a
cost of $4300. The rear end and side walls remain
as they were originally, the walls being raised and
an addition built on in front, making the seating
capacity 550. The church, as rebuilt, was dedicated
in the summer of 1868, by Rev. David Bartine.
The following are some of the ministers who have
served this society and congregation : Revs. McDou-
gal, Canfield, E. Page, Caleb C. Lippincott, Josiah
Campfield, Street, W. M. Burroughs, J. L. Hays,
Richard Thomas, in 1867-68, Albert Van Dusen,
George T. Jackson, Frederick Bloom, and John H.
Timbrell, the present pastor, who also preaches at
Stockton, this being a part of the Stockton and Ser-
geantsville charge.
The stewards are Wilson H. Snyder (president of
the board), John H. Green, Robert Post, John B.
Fuher, Manuel Green, and Joseph Hagaman ; the
leaders, Robert Post, John B. Fuher, and Elisha
Alward ; the trustees, W. H. Snyder, John H. Green,
Robert Post, John B. Fuher, George R. Hann, Ed-
ward C. Green, Elisha Alward, Manuel H. Green,
and Joseph Hagaman.
Present membership, 85 ; present value of prop-
erty, $6000. A flourishing Sabbath-school is con-
nected with the society, of which John H. Green is
superintendent.
GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.
This branch of the Christian Church seems to have
had its origin among the Pietists in Germany, in 1708,
a miller by the name of Alexander Mack being
their spiritual leader. The word Dunher, by which
they are sometimes known, is a corruption of the Ger-
man TunJcer, the signification being "dippers," or
Baptists by plunging. In the fall of 1719, Peter
Becker, with a company of Dunkers, came to Penn-
sylvania and settled in Germantown, but soon tlieir
principal settlement was in Ephrata, in Lancaster
County. It is supposed that a society was organized
in what is now Delaware township, and a church built
about a mile northeast of Headquarters, where tlieir
church now stands, as early as 1750. The only records
of this church now in existence are in the hands of
Cyrus Van Dolah, the church clerk, from which we
make the following extracts :
"At a meeting of the German Baptist Church which is in Amwell
township, N. J.,held on the 11th of August, 1835, at their meeting-li..use,
for the purpose of transacting business relative to the peace and Kod "
order of said church, it was resolved that there be a record made and
kept of all important business transacted relative to said church alTairs.
" Israel Poulson,
Elder. "
"Gideon Moore,
Jacob Waggoner, "
" Abraham Lawsh e,
Clerk. "
"Resolved, That Gideon Moore, Henry Lawshe, and Asa Moore be the
trustees. "
"April 13, 1839. Agreed to take a lot of Gideon Moore for a bur.ving-
place.'*
* This lot adjoins the church lot.
DELAWARE.
381
The land upon which the meeting-house stands was
deeded to the church by Israel Poulson and his wife,
Hannah, and the deed specifies that it is for the use "
of a German Baptist Church, and for no other use
whatsoever," and is signed, sealed, and delivered in
presence of Peter Fisher and Hetty Poulson, May 27,
1811. The deed was given to Gideon Moore, Samuel
Faus, and Henry Lawshe, trustees, etc. The church
building was originally of wood, but was rebuilt in
1856 at a cost of $1600. The present pastor is Rev.
Israel Poulson.
The church property is valued at $3500.
GERMAN BAPTIST CHUECH OF SAND BBOOK.
This church, locally known as the " Moorites," is a
branch from the German Baptist Church located in
School District No. 94, on the road from Headquarters
to vSand Brook, and was organized by adopting the
following articles of association, under which the
church is still working :
" We the undersigned, after careful and serious consideration, do
nnunimously agree to stand in union together aa professed Christian
bretliren and sisters, inasmuch as we thinly it is an all-important matter
and privilege that we have the indisputable right to worship God accord-
ing to the dictates of our own conscieuces, consistent with His word as
we understand it, for which privilege we confess that we have great
C4iuse to be veiy thankful; therefore we have concluded that by the as- "
sisting grace of God we design to try to keep the ordinauces of the Lord's
house according to the doctrines and principles of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, and His holy apostles, as they are delivered unto us in tlie
Gospel, which our Saviour says shall judge us in the coming day. There-
fore we feel that we are under obligation, as much as in us lies, to try
and live in union together in the church militant (because we feel tliat
it has in time past done much hurt and made sore by being of different
minds) ; and therefore we would that there should be no pre-eminence
one above another, considered that in regard to the business that we de-
sign to transact of importance we want to be united in, and agreed to
have officers in said church, and also did legally appoint as elder John P.
Moore, and as deacons WiUiam H. Moore and Jacob Bouss ; and further
agreed that our plan of receiving members in said church is that all the
members present must be agreed, and, to excommunicate, all must be
consulted before and agreed to; which subscribe our names, this tenth
day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty-nine.
(Signed)
" John P. Moobb, Elizabeth Trimmer,
William H. Moore, Mary Dalrtmple, "
" Daniel J. Moore, Catharine Dalrtmple,
William S.Moore, Asa Moore, "
"Sarah Brewer, Silab Shearman,
Catharine A. Moore, Martha Moore, "
"Hester Corson, Luct Ann Sine,
Keziah Coudrick, Catharine Shearman, "
Martha Coudrick, Anna Moore.
The church edifice, centrally located in the village
of Sand Brook, was built of stone. Elder John P.
Moore has the pastoral care of the church at present
(1880).
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH, EOSEMONT.
The first Methodist Society at Rosemont was or-
ganized in 1859 at the house of Samuel Hartpence
hy Rev. William M. Burroughs, with ,the following
members : Asher Reading, Samuel W. Reading, Asa
Cronce, Lewis Snyder, Wilson H. Snyder, Joseph
Reading, Sr., Samuel Hartpence, and Charles Green.
The church was built in 1860, of wood, and dedicated
November 8th of the same year by Bishop Edmund
S. Janes. The present membership is 42 ; value of
property, $2800.
The pastors who have served are W. M. Burroughs,
John L. Hays (two years), John E. Switzer (two
years), Richard Thomas (two years), Henry Trum-
bower (two years), Albert Van Dusen (two years),
George T. Jackson (two years), P. G. Ruckman (one
year), Richard Thomas (three years), J. M. Michael
(two years), and A. S. Compton, the present pastor.
The first superintendent of the Sunday-school was
Wilson H. Snyder. The total number of scholars is
75, with an average attendance of 30. Asa Cronce is
the present superintendent.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHDECH OF STOCKTON.
The first property owned by the board of trustees
for the Methodist Episcopal Church of Stockton was
a lot on Broad Street, purchased of Aaron Van Sickle,
on which the society built a chapel, which was used
for some years for a place of worship, and subse-
quently converted into a parsonage. The first board of
trustees was organized in 1865, under the administra-
tion of Rev. H. Trumbower, pastor, and was as follows :
Charles Romine, John Hendricks, Pliilip Rockafellow,
Thomas C. Wanamaker, Charles R. Hunter, Garret
S. Bellis, and Henry M. Trumbower. The proceed-
ings of the board have been very loosely kept, conse-
quently most of them have been mislaid or destroyed.
The chapel referred to, with the lot upon which it
was built, cost $1000. The trustees purchased of Wil-
liam Bodine, for $550, a lot on Main Street, upon
which was erected the present church edifice, at a cost
of $3500. The building is of wood, and has a neat
and attractive audience-room, with a seating capacity
of 300. There was no formal laying of the corner-
stone of either chapel or church. The former was
dedicated in 1866 by Rev. J. B. Graw, then of Lam-
bertville, and the latter in 1876 by Rev. Robert L.
Dashiel, since deceased.
The first class-leader and original members of this
society were as follows : Pierson Williamson (leader),
P. Williamson and wife, Charles Romine and wife,
Philip Rockafellow and wife, Hannah Ann Wana-
maker, John Hendricks, Mrs. Hunter, George Day
and wife, Daniel Dilts and wife, Silas Huffman and
wife, and Charles Green and wife.
The pastors of the church since its organization
have been Revs. H. Trumbower, Richard Thomas, A.
Van Dusen, Phineas G. Ruckman, George Jackson,
Frederick Bloom, and John H. Timbrell, the present
pastor. Present membership, 45 ; value of property,
$5,000.00
The present officiary of the church is as follows :
Stewards, Silas Huffman, William McNeal, Albert
Rockafellow ; Trustees, William McNeal, Silas Huff-
man, Daniel Dilts, Albert Rockafellow, Pierson Wil-
liamson, John R. Bowlsby, Charles Titus; Leaders,
William McNeal, A. H. Rockafellow.
382
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The Sunday-school was formerly part of a union
school whose sessions were held in the Baptist church,
and was organized June 28, 1868, with Rev. Richard
Thomas as superintendent and George Day as assist-
ant, with 25 scholars. It is at present flourishing,
with William McNeal as superintendent, Albert
Rockafellow assistant, Jesse W. Weller librarian.
BEREAN BAPTIST CHDRCH Or STOCKTON.
The records of this church furnish us the following
in relation to its history :
" Stockton, N. J., March 9, 1859.
A number of brethren, members of the Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, "
feeling the need of a suitable house of worship in the village of Stockton,
N. J., assembled themselves together and appointed Garret Wilson, To-
bias Shadinger, and Frederick S. Phillips for the purpose of erecting a
house of worship in said village, to be built under the direction of five
persons, whom we agree to elect ou the 6th of April next "at the school-
liouse in Stockton, at 7J^ o'clock P.M., and to be held in trust by them as
a place of worship until there shall be constituted and recognized a reg-
ular Baptist Church. The following persons were elected to erect said
building and hold the same in trust until such time as recognized an
independent Baptist Church : George W. Sharp, Tobias Shadinger, Joseph
II. Butterfoss, Asa Reed, and Fredenck S. Phillips.
" Arrangements were made for building said house, and it was com-
menced in the fall of 1859, and dedicated in Januaiy, 1861. After the
dedication the pulpit was supplied as a branch of the mother-church at
Sandy Ridge until Feb. 1, 1866, when the following brethren and sisters,
receiving letters of dismission from the Baptist Church at Sandy Ridge,
met in council with members of neighboring churches, and were consti-
tuted and recognized as the ' Berean Baptist Church of Stockton :' Gar-
ret Wilson, Tobias Shadinger, George W. Sharp, Joseph H. Butterfoss,
Rev. Joseph Wright, Hester Wright, Joseph M. Van Cleve, Hester A. Van
Clave, R. A. Robertson, Sarah M. Rittenhouse, Watson R, Bodine, James
Salter, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Rachel M. Smith, Mary Ann Sbarp, Mary E.
Sharp, Melis-sa Ann Wanamaker, Rachel Ann Dilts, Dickerson Naylor,
Mrs. Naylor, Asa Reed, Sarah Reed, Esther A. Butterfoss, C. Q. Higgins,
Elizabeth Higgins, Mahala Lambert, William R. Allen, Reading Hol-
combe, Eliza Holcombe, Mary E. Holcombe, Ellen Runk, Anna H. Wolver-
ton, Permelia W. Boss, John E. Bodine, Catharine Shadinger, Sarah Dilts,
Edward Knowles, Mary Bodine, Charles W. Bodine, Hannah Shadinger,
Susan S. Paxson, Elizabeth Sharp, Ann E. Sharp, Amelia Knowles, and
Margarette Allen. "
The first deacons were Garret Wilson, Tobias Shad-
inger, and C. Q. Higgins. The first trustees after the
recognition of the church were George W. Sharp,
Tobias Shadinger, Frederick S. Phillips, Joseph H.
Butterfoss, Asa Reed, William R. Allen, and Henry
B. Helyer.
March 20, 1866, the church called Rev. Charles E.
Gordo to the pastorate, which he filled till July, 1867.
He was succeeded by the following: Rev. John S.
Hutson, May 17, 1868, to Sept. 1, ]871 ; Rev. Alfred
Caldwell, Nov. 2, 1871, to Feb. 14, 1875 ; Rev. Benja-
min F. Robb, Sept. 5, 1875, to June 1, 1879 ; Rev.
George W. Noecker, Oct. 19, 1879, and at present
officiating as pastor.
The present (1880) deacons are C. Q. Higgins,
James Salter, and Charles W. Bodine, and the trus-
tees James Salter, William Bodine, Joseph M. Van
Cleve, Henry B. Helyer, Charles W. Bodine, Enoch
Meginnis, and Hiram Beats, Jr.
The present membership is 142; cost of prop-
erty when built, $5100 ; present value, $5450.
The Sunday-schools in Stockton were conducted as
union schools, but of them there is no record prior to
the spring of 1867, when a division took place, and
the Baptist Sunday-school was formed. The first
superintendent was Tobias Shadinger. Average at-
tendance of scholars, 75 ; present number of scholars,
168 ; number of officers and teachers, 27. Present
superintendent, Andrew J. Hunt.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF STOCKTON.
In the spring of 1867 it was found that there were
at least thirty Presbyterian families in Stockton and
its vicinity, a goodly number of whom were desirous
of organizing a Presbyterian Church and erecting a
house of worship. A subscription was accordingly
started, and $3500 was soon subscribed for the purpose
of purchasing a lot and putting up a building. En-
couraged by this success, they took measures to or-
ganize a church in connection with the Old School
General Assembly.- Accordingly, on April 9, 1867, a
petition to that efiect was presented to the Presbytery
of Raritan, in session at Frenchtown, N. J., signed
by twenty-five members in good standing in neighbor-
ing Presbyterian Churches, and also by fifteen other
persons, mostly heads of families and holding to the
Presbyterian faith, although not communicants. The
request of the petitioners was granted by the Presby-
tery, and an adjourned meeting of that body was held
at Stockton, April 23, 1867. The following persons
then presented certificates from the several churches
with which they had lately been connected :
From the Presbyterian Church at Roeemont : George W. Runk. Eliza
H. Wilson, Rachel Alward, Jacob Morgan Vanderbelt, Elizabeth Vander-
belt, John Stockton, Elizabeth Stockton, Leman K. Strouse, Sarah Cath-
arine Strouse, and Jane E. Hoppock.
From the Presbyterian Church at Lamhertville : Daniel D. Dilts, Mary
Dilts, Hannah Hoppock, Caroline M. Wolverton, Eden B. Hunt, Louisa
Hunt, Clarkson T. Hunt, Lizzie Hunt, Silas W. Volk, Lizzie S. Volk,
Eliza Rounaaville, and Sarah E. Hendrick.
From the Presbyterian Church of Alexandria: William V. Case and
Sarah Case.
From the Second Presbyterian Church of Amwell : Sarah Maria Lefler.
The church was then duly organized as the " First
Presbyterian Church of Stockton," with the foregoing
members, twenty-five in all, and George W. Runk,
Eden B. Hunt, and William V. Case were chosen
ruling elders. Mr. Runk having been ordained as a
ruling elder in the church at Rosemont, the other two
were ordained, and all were then installed.
At the request of the church, the Presbytery ap-
pointed Rev. B. Carroll stated supply. This gentle-
man for several years had labored in the church at
Rosemont, and also preached in the school-house
and elsewhere in Stockton and vicinity.
On May 11, 1867, a meeting of the congregation
was held at the school-house* in Stockton, at which
the following persons were elected trustees : George
W. Runk, Maurice Wolverton, John Stockton, Wil-
liam V. Case, and Clarkson T. Hunt. A certificate
of organization was then duly drawn up and signed
by the trustees, which was soon after recorded in the
* The old stone school-house which stood on the site of the present
public school-house.
DELAWARE.
383
clerk's office of the county of Hunterdon, according
to law, thus constituting the trustees and their suc-
cessors in office a body corporate.
The building committee consisted of John Stockton,
Maurice Wolverton, and Robert Sharp, with John
Finney as treasurer. June 6, 1867, the trustees of the
church having purchased from Eden B. Hunt a lot of
ground, 150 feet front on Main Street, or the river
road, the building committee proceeded to erect
a church edifice thereon; and on the 1st of July
following entered into an article of agreement with
James Bird, of Lambertville, to erect and complete
the structure for $6270, the house to be of sandstone,
40 by 60 feet, Gothic style of architecture. Aug. 27,
1867, the corner-stone was laid by Rev. B. Carroll,
with appropriate ceremonies.
At a congregational meeting held March 11, 1868,
a call was made to Rev. Wm. Swan, who was installed
June 2, at which time the church was dedicated. He
continued to officiate with great acceptance and suc-
cess for a little more than ten years, when, in the fall
of 1878, having received a call from a Presbyterian
Church at Batavia, N. Y., he obtained a dissolution
of his pastoral relation to the church, and on Sunday,
November 10th, preached his last sermon in this
church, after which it was several months without a
pastor. April 4, 1879, at a congregational meeting,
Rev. John S. Foulk, of Northumberland, Pa., was
called; he accepted the call, commenced preaching at
Stockton May 25th, was installed July 22d following,
and is officiating at the present time. The church
numbers at the present time (1880) 151 members in
full communion. The property, including the par-
sonage, is estimated to be worth $10,000.
THE CROTON BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized April 21, 1861, by
twenty-two persons dismissed from the Kingwood
Baptist Church, seven from Oherryville, twelve from
Flemington, and thirty-seven baptized converts, mak-
ing seventy-eight constituent members, under the pas-
toral care of Rev. W. D. Hires, a missionary of the
New Jersey Baptist State Convention. Hiram Rob-
bins, Daniel B. Rittenhouse, Holcombe "Warford, and
Watson B. Everitt were chosen deacons, and Edward
Barrass clerk.
May 1, 1861, the church was recognized, according
to Baptist usage, by a council of ministers and mes-
sengers from the Flemington, Cherryville, Sandy
Ridge, Bethlehem, and other churches. The council
was organized with Rev. Thomas Swaim moderator,
and Rev. H. C. Putnam clerk. After the examination
of the church's covenant and Articles of Faith, it was
voted to recognize it as a regular Baptist Church.
June 1, 1861, the following persons were elected
trustees : Hiram Robbins, Holcombe Warford, Jacob
Bearder, Smith Cronce, Watson B. Everitt, King
Pyatt, and William Eick. The church was incorpo-
rated June 12, 1861.
Rev. William Archer succeeded Rev. W. D. Hires
Nov. 12, 1864, and the following year a substantial
brick house, 36 by 54 feet, with spire, was erected at a
cost of 15000, and dedicated, free of debt, Dec. 8,
1865. Rev. James French preached the dedication
sermon. Miss Susan B. Rittenhouse presented the
church with a handsome pulpit Bible and hymn-
book.
April 1, 1866, Rev. W. Archer resigned, and was
succeeded by Rev. Charles Cox as a supply for six
months. In April, 1867, Rev. W. Humpstone be-
came the pastor, and continued in that office for three
years, leaving in April, 1870. The following January,
Rev. B. C. Morse was chosen, and entered at once
upon his labors. During his pastorate a neat and
commodious parsonage was built, at a cost of about
$2000. Deacon D. B. Rittenhouse gave an acre lot
for the site. In -August, 1874, Rev. B. C. Morse re-
signed, and in the following January Rev. G. F. Love,
of Deckertown, N. J., was called ; he entered upon
his work Feb. 1, 1875, and has continued until the
present.
It appears from the records of the church that 228
persons have been received since its organization by
letters, experience, and baptism.
CEMETERIES AND BURIAL-PLACES.
There are quite a number of burial-places in this
township, but no cemetery association organized
under and by authority of the laws of the State.
RosEMONT Bueial-Ground, located in Bosemont,
was occupied as a place of interment as early as 1729,
and probably earlier, as the first person buried there
was a young man (name not now known) who came
over from England, on a visit to George Fox (at the
time the owner of the farm on which the graveyard is
located), and died of ship-fever while at Fox's. He
was buried in this ground, after which a quarter of
an acre, in the northeast corner of what is now known
as Rosemont burying-ground, was set apart for burial
purposes. George Fox sold the farm in 1729, so that
the burial must have been in, or previous to, that
year.
On one of the old headstones can be found the fol-
lowing inscription : " C. K. 1748." The following are
the names of a few of the oldest persons buried in
these grounds: Sophia Stewart, died Nov. 3, 1843,
aged one hundred and three ; Elizabeth H. Wolver-
ton, died Jan. 2, 1785, aged seventy-two ; David Mor-
gan, died Feb. 1, 1877, aged ninety -three ; David Ent,
died June 30, 1847, aged ninety-one.
The first death of a resident of what is now Rose-
mont was that of Mrs. William Rittenhouse, which
was caused by drowning in the well on the old tav-
ern property, now owned by George Hoppock. Mah-
lon Williamson has served as sexton for forty-six
years, and has in that time officiated at the interment
of over 900 persons. He is said to be the oldest resi-
dent of this township.
384
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Sandy Eidge Burying-Ground, adjoining the
church at that place, was occupied in 1819, and the
first interment was that of the remains of Rebecca
Doyle, who died April 24, 1819, aged sixty-two. Her
grave was dug by Garret Van Dolah, who then owned
the farm now occupied by Cyrus Van Dolah, Jr.
We find on other tombstones in this gravej'ard the
following (the date given being that of the death of
the person) : Tunis Case, Aug. 21, 1846, aged eighty-
four ;,Rev. Joseph Wright (for several years pastor of
the Sandy Ridge Baptist Church), Jan. 3, 1880, aged
eighty-four; Anna Smith, April 4, 1843, aged eighty-
seven; Mary Hunt, July 11, 1839, aged eighty-seven;
Esther Butterfoss, June 24, 1846, aged eighty -eight ;
Jacob Hunt, April 10, 1843, aged eighty ; Elizabeth
Hunt, April 26, 1842, aged eighty-one ; Mary Hice,
Sept. 29, 1841, aged eighty-three.
The Barber Burying-Ground, located on the
old John Barber farm, in School District No. 96, now
owned by William Barber, was one of the pioneer
burying-places of what is now Delaware township.
Following are some of the inscriptions marking the
resting-place of a few of the pioneers : Nancy Barber,
Dec. 27, 1797, aged thirty-five ; Jacob Dennis, Sept.
20, 1799, aged thirty-four; Catharine Van Dolah,
March 10, 1800, aged seventy-seven ; Nancy Coven-
hoven, Oct. 1, 1801, aged fifteen; Laughlin Currie,
Nov. 10, 1803, aged sixty-six; Garret Van Dolah,
Aug. 10, 1807, aged ^ighty-one; Caleb Farley, Oct.
6, 1808, aged fifty-one ; Eleanor Runk, June 3, 1810,
aged sixty -five ; John Covenhoven, Sept. 9, 1812, aged
fifty -two.
German Baptist Burying-Ground is located
near the German Baptist church, in the north part of
School District No. 94. In this yard the following
inscriptions were found upon headstones : Israel
Poulson, Sr., died Feb. 13, 1856, aged eighty-six (for
many years pastor of the German Baptist Church) ;
David Moore, Sr., May 1, 1860, aged ninety-eight;
Henry Trimmer, Oct. 5, 1850, aged eighty-two ; Dinah
Trimmer, June 25, 1858, aged ninety; Mary Case,
Jan. 23, 1846, aged ninety -three ; Sarah Myers, Oct.
2, 1872, aged eighty-one; John White, May 24, 1851,
aged eighty-four; Elizabeth White, Aug. 23, 1859,
aged eighty-two; Ann Carver, aged ninety; Philip
Berin, Feb. 12, 1849, aged ninety-two; Anna Hop-
pock, Jan. 5, 1866, aged ninety-nine; George Cronse,
June 22, 1867, aged eighty-two; Lois Cronse, July
31, 1868, aged eighty-two ; Andrew Shepherd, Feb. 9,
1862, aged eighty-four; Jacob Lawshe, Nov. 28, 1865,
aged ninety-nine; Hannah Lawshe, Dec. 24, 1861,
aged eighty-nine.
Reading Burying-Ground is near the Reading
school-house, on the farm now owned by G. B. John-
son, in School District No. 97. The Reading family
are represented as follows : Lucy Reading, died Aug.
5, 1831, aged sixty -nine; Joseph Reading, died March
11, 1810, aged fifty; Elisha E. Reading, died Aug.
18, 1824, aged forty-nine ; Ann Reading, died March
28, 1843, aged fifty-eight ; John Reafling, died Nov.
12, 1871, aged eighty-two; Joseph H. Reading, died
Feb. 5, 1874, aged fifty-one ; Elizabeth Reading, died
Feb. 8, 1873, aged eighty.
There are other burial-places in this township, in
some of which there are merely the common field-
stone placed at either end of the grave to mark the
last resting-place of the departed, but without in-
scriptions of any kind. There are others, however,
which are properly cared for ; some of these are
Locktown, Sand Brook, and one near Ringos.
A little northwest of the residence of Maurice
Wolverton, near Prallsville, and on his farm, is an
old burial-place containing about an acre. It is now
in a neglected state, being overrun with trees, bushes,
and weeds. Here rest the remains of the older stock
of the Rittenhouse family. Many of the graves are
marked by the common unlettered field-stones, there
being but little marble. The graves of John Cava-
nagh's two wives are here, Ann, aged twenty, and
Hannah, aged twenty-two. There is also a marble
gravestone upon which is inscribed, " Peter Ritten-
house, born 1737 ; died 1804, aged 67 years ; his wife,
Sarah, died May 16, 1814, aged 76." This Peter Rit-
tenhouse was a son of William (the first). The fol-
lowing is inscribed on a field-stone in this graveyard,
and is supposed to refer to the Cavanagh familv :
A. W. D. C. D. C. 1732.
SOCIETIES.
" Delaware Council, No. 53, Order of United Amer-
ican Mechanics, of Stockton, was instituted Nov. 7, "
1870, by State, Councilor A. W. Johnson, with the
following charter members : Daniel M. Sherman, John
W. Dilts, Alfred Wanamaker, Charles S. Hendricks,
William Sharp, Charles A. Slack, John Moore, Daniel
D. Sperling, Azariah Stout, Daniel R. Sharp, Fred-
erick S. Phillips, Moses R. Dilts, Bennett S. Cooper,
Jacob H. Ten Eyck, AVilliam R. Quick, Henry C.
Wanamaker.
The original oflftcers were : Councilor, Alfred Wan-
amaker; Vice-Councilor, Charles S. Hendricks ; Rec.
Sec, Daniel M. Sherman; Asst. Rec. Sec, Frederick
S. Phillips; Fin. Sec, Henry C. Wanamaker; Treas.,
Daniel R. Sharp; Inductor, Azariah Stout; Exam-
iner, Bennett S. Cooper; S. P., Daniel D. Sperling;
0. P., William R. Quick.
The succeeding presiding officers of the council
have been as follows :
1871, Daniel Sherman, Azariah Stout; 1872, Bennett S. Cooper, Freder-
ick S. Phillipa ; 1873, Charles Slack, Andrew Stout ; 1874, Daniel B.
Sharp, J. D. Kinney •, 1876, John B. Watson, William Sharp ; 1876,
Miles W. Johnson, B. B. Maxwell ; 1877, J. W. Dilts, G. Wolverton ;
1878, Jesse W. Weller, A. Vt. Miller ; 1879, Daniel E. Sharp, William
E. Quick; 1880, Jesse W. Weller, J. D. Kinney.
The regular meetings of this council are held on
Thursday evening of each week, in Masonic Hall, in
the village of Stockton. Total membership, 40.
The present officers are : Councilor, J. D. Kinney ;
V. C, Alfred Wanamaker ; R. S., R. B. Maxwell ; A.
DELAWARE.
385
E. S., J. F. Sherwood ; F. S., William A. Phillips ;
Treas., J. B. Watson ; Indr., J. P. Quinn ; Exr., J.
F. Everett ; I. P., Daniel White ; O. P., Daniel E.
Sharp ; Junr. Exr., J. W. Weller ; Senr. Exr., Wil-
liam E. Quick.
Orpheus Lodge, No. 137, A. F. and A. M., was in-
stituted in Stockton, Jan. 22, 1874, with Joshua
Primmer, A. J. Eounsaville, and Isaac S. Cramer as
w^arrant members. The following were the original
officers : Worshipful Master, Isaac S. Cramer ; Senior
Warden, A. J. Eounsaville ; Junior Warden, Joshua
Primmer ; Treas., C. S. Wolverton ; Sec, G. B. Johnson ;
Senior Deacon, J. M. Hoppock ; Junior Deacon, H.
P. Crellen ; Tiler, S. Hartpence. The lodge was in-
stituted and officers installed by W. A. Pembrook,
Grand Master; J. V. Bentley, Deputy Grand Master;
M. B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden ; Joseph L. De
La Cour, Junior Grand Warden ; Joseph H. Hough,
Grand Sec.
The succeeding Masters of the lodge have been A.
J. Eounsaville, 1876; Nathaniel Shepherd, 1877;
Eobert Kewven, 1878; Norris Haruem, 1879; G.
Wolverton, 1880.
The regular communications are held on the Mon-
day evening on or before the full of the moon in each
month, in Masonic Hall, in the village of Stockton.
Present membership, 43.
Locktown Grange, No. 88, P. of H., was organized
March 5, 1875, by County Deputy George B. Stothoff,
in the school-house, with the following charter mem-
bers : H. F. Bodine, Amy Bodine, E. M. Heath, Annie
B. Heath, David Bodine, Emily Bodine, John T. Eick,
W. B. Hockenbury, Kate Hockenbury, Anderson Bray,
Cyrus Eisler, George D. Eittenhouse, Deborah Eitten-
house, Asa Hockenbury, Jonas L. Strimple, Asa Cor-
son, Lydia Corson, W. S. Hawk, Charles Hardon, J. T.
Horn, E. S. Conover, Levi Snyder, H. Elma Snyder,
A. D. Ward, Uriah Sutton, Susan Stout, William E.
Bearder. The following officers were elected and in-
stalled: Master, E. M. Heath; Overseer, A. D. Ward ;
Lecturer, Cyrus Eisler ; Steward, David Bodine ; Asst.
Steward, Levi Snyder; Chaplain, W. E. Bearder;
Treas., W. B. Hockenbury ; Sec, H. F. Bodine; Gate-
Keeper, E. S. Conover ; Ceres, H. Elma Snyder ; Po-
mona, Kate Hockenbury; Flora, Deborah Eitten-
house; Lady Asst. Steward, Amy Bodine.
The first meetings for a year were held in a room
at the hotel. The hall of Samuel A. Carroll was
rented April 1, 1876, and occupied for three years.
At a meeting held Sept. 30, 1878, it was resolved to
build a hall, and David Bodine, Andrew Bearder, and
(October 19th) E. M. Heath were appointed a build-
ing committee. The edifice was erected and dedica-
ted Feb. 1, 1879, by H. F. Bodine (he being ap-
pointed by the W. M. of the New Jersey State
Grange), assisted by the Master and building com-
mittee of Locktown Grange.
In 1875 twelve persons were initiated ; since that
time from one to three have joined each year. The
following is a list of the successive Masters and secre-
taries since 1875 :
MASTERS.
1876, David Bodino; 1877-78, H. F. Bodine; 1879, David Bodine; 1880,
Andrew Bearder.
SECRETAKIES.
1870, H. F. Bodine ; 1877-78, A. W. Carrell; 1879-80, John T. Eicls:.
A. W. Carrell was purchasing agent in 1877-78, H.
F. Bodine in 1879-80, and in 1877 Amos B. Sutton
was elected selling agent, which position he still
holds. The purchases in 1880 amounted to about
$800. Of the charter members, twenty-one are still
connected with the grange, and five have left; two
have withdrawn to join other granges. Present num-
ber of members, 38. The grange is in a prosperous
condition. The County Grange has held two ses-
sions in Locktown since the hall was erected.
Sergeantsville Grange, No. 101, was organized
April 6, 1876. Place of meeting, Fisher's Hall, at
Sergeantsville.
The following are the names of the charter mem-
bers : Joseph Williamson, D. Wilson Hoppock, Isaac
Smith, Charles Heath, Edwin T. Phillips, Joseph
Hageman, Joseph Ensminger, Mary Ann Ensminger,
Jacob Smith, Samuel D. Barcroft, Elizabeth Barcroft,
James P. Dilts, John B. Fisher, Deborah B. Fisher,
Asa Cronce, Elisha Alwood, Joshua Primmer, Asher
Eeading, Thomas P. Holly, Anna Holly, Frank Ven-
erble, Hiram Johnson, Anderson Eeading.
The following were the first officers elected for
1876 : Master, Joseph Williamson ; Overseer, James
P. Dilts ; Lecturer, Joshua Primmer ; Steward, D.
Wilson Hoppock ; Assistant Steward, Joseph Ens-
minger ; Chaplain, Asa Cronce ; Treas., John B.
Fisher; Sec, Edwin T. Phillips; Gate-Keeper, Frank
Venerble ; Ceres, Sarah Venerble ; Pomona, Adaline
Phillips ; Flora, Elizabeth Barcroft ; Lady Assistant
Steward, Anna Holly.
Jan. 20, 1877, J. B. Fisher was chosen Master, D.
W. Hoppock secretary, Samuel D. Barcroft lecturer,
and Asa Cronce chaplain.
The Master for 1878 was J. B. Fisher, and for 1879,
Isaac H. Hofiman.
Officers for 1880 : Master, E. P. Tomlinson ; Over-
seer, John T. Hampton ; Lecturer, Isaac H. Hoffman ;
Steward, J. B. Fisher; Assistant Steward, Frank
Venerble ; Chaplain, Asa Cronce ; Treasurer, Joseph
Williamson; Secretary, Delia A. Tomlinson; Gate-
Keeper, Asher Eeading ; Ceres, Deborah Fisher ; Po-
mona, Martha Hageman; Flora, Annie Carcoflf;
Lady Assistant Steward, Mary J. Hoffman.
The present number of members enrolled is 40.
CORPORATIONS.
The Centre Bridge Company was incorporated by
act of the Legislature of New Jersey passed Feb. 18,
1811, supplemented by act of the Legislature of Penn-
sylvania passed March 23, 1811. Letters patent were
granted Aug. 17, 1812, by Joseph Bloomfield, Gover-
386
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
nor of New Jersey, to Alexander Bonnell, Samuel
McNair, George Kea, John Britton, James Hart,
Henry Dusenbury, Thomas McEwin, William Mitch-
ell, Samuel Johnson, William Hart, Watson Fell,
Peter Fisher, John Wilson, and Morris Eobinson,
commissioners appointed by the said act to receive
subscriptions for building the bridge.
The first meeting of the stockholders for the elec-
tion of officers was held Oct. 21, 1812, when the fol-
lowing were elected : President, William Mitchell ;
Managers, Watson Fell, Samuel Johnson, John Wil-
son, Albertus King, Peirson Reading, George C. Max-
well ; Treasurer, Aaron Eastburn ; Secretary, William
Sitgreave.
Dec. 24, 1812, a contract was made with Capt. Pe-
leg Kingsley and Benjamin Lord for building the
bridge. John Euckraan was appointed surveyor, and
Aug. 19, 1813, John Abell was made toll-collector,
salary to begin Jan. 1, 1814. The company pur-
chased of Joseph Howell the right of his ferry, to-
gether with land for a road, also stone and sand, for
which he received forty shares of stock.
Dec. 2, 1813, the company contracted with Thomas
Lake to fill in against the abutment on the New Jer-
sey side of the river, which contract was fulfilled on
the part of Lake, and the bridge was informally opened
in the spring of 1814. During the fall and winter of
1816-17 a stone toll-house was built on the Jersey
side, where the present toll-house stands, by William
Mitchell.
The records of the company, dated Jan. 18, 1841,
mention "the destruction of the toll-house, two piers,
and three spans of the Centre Bridge, on the Jersey
side, by the late freshet, on the 8th of January, in the
Delaware, which was higher than any ever known be-
fore from records or the memory of man." Feb. 22,
1841, the managers contracted with Cortland Yardley
to rebuild the Centre Bridge complete for $4200. At
a meeting of the managers held Nov. 29, 1841, the
following schedule of tolls was adopted :
Coach and 4 horeee 30.75
2 " 37H
1 horse 25
Wagon" 4 horses 50
2 " 25
1 horse 15
Cair or sulkey and 1 horse 15
Cart and 1 horse 15
Horse and rider 10
" extra 06^
Cattle, each 03
Sheep or swine, each 01
Foot-passengers 02
Lime-wagons, one cent per hushel ; no load less than 25
hushels.
All funerals free.
Persons on foot going directly to and from divine service,
free on Sabbath days.
The length of the bridge is 883 feet 8 inches.
The present officers are John W. Reading, Presi-
dent ; Dr. I. S. Cramer, Anderson Bray, Thomas H.
Ruckman, Lukens Thomas, Jesse B. Fell, William
S. Barron, Managers; Cyrus Risler, Treasurer; Dr. 0.
H. Sproul, Secretary; R. M. Dilts, Toll-Collector.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal-Feeder"" was "
constructed along the river front of this township in
1832. In 1878 the company built permanent cribs
opposite Bull's Island, so that, with a temporary
dam, plenty of water can be obtained for the
feeder.
The " Belvidere Delaware" (now the " Pennsylva-
nia") Railroad was built across this township, along
its river front, in 1851-52. It has two stations in this
township, one at Stockton, the other at Bull's Island,
or Raven Rock post-office, in the west corner of the
township.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The industries of this township, aside from agricul-
ture, are limited to a few enterprises, although there
is quite a large amount of capital employed.
The original mills at Headquarters were probably
the first of the kind in what is now Delaware town-
ship, having been built in 1756. During the Revo-
lution these mills were a portion of the granary of the
little American army then protecting New Jersey.
At present there is a steam grist- and saw-mill at that
place, which does a fair amount of custom-work. The
mills are owned by J. A. Carroll.
Sergeant's mill, one mile west of Sergeantsville, was
the next most prominent in its day, having been built
as early as 1820. Here, too, quite a large business
was done in the line of custom- work, and there is still
a custom grist- and saw-mill at this place, owned by
E. S. Johnson.
The Prallsville mills were built by John Prall, Jr.,
soon after he purchased the property, in 1792. He
built a grist-mill on the site of the present one, a saw-
mill, and an oil-mill, which was subsequently con-
verted into a plaster-mill. The grist-mill is the largest
of its kind in the township. The other mills at this
place have long since been abandoned.
During the Revolution the Rittenhouses had a tan-
nery near Prallsville, and the general troubles made
oil scarce. During a freshet several large sturgeon
came up the creek ; the waters left them in pools
whence they could not escape, and the Rittenhouses
conceived the idea of rendering them up for the oil,
which proved to be admirably adapted to their busi-
ness.
In the spring of 1862, Mr. John Finney erected a
steam saw-mill, 120 by 20 feet, in Stockton, on the
wharf of the canal-feeder, and commenced the manu-
facture of both pine and hard lumber.
Early in 1865, Messrs. William V. Case and H. W.
Case purchased the saw-mill and built an addition to
it ; they also doubled the original size, and carried on
a large business, under the firm-name and style of
W. V. Case & Bro.
In 1874 the Messrs. Case built a large mill, 1 20 by
40 feet, for the manufacture of spokes, besides the
necessary sheds and outbuildings, and commenced
operations under the style of the "Stockton Spoke-
Works.'' They put in all the necessary machinery,
DELAWARE.
38*7
and when running at their full capacity turned out
about 18,000 spokes per week.
In the spring of 1877 their mill was burned and a
large quantity of stock consumed, but in a few weeks
they had the whole rebuilt, new machinery in, and
the works again in operation.
The Messrs. Case continued in business, having at
different times other parties associated with them as
partners, until the fall of 1878, when they failed, and
Rev. C. S. Conkling, the principal mortgagee, took
the mills. He has successfully operated the saw-mill
ever since, cutting about 1,200,000 feet of lumber per
annum, chiefly hard-wood.
There is also, in connection with the saw-mill, a
turning-shop, in which all kinds of wood-turning is
done, but chiefly telegraph brackets and pins, of
which from 1000 to 1200 are turned out daily.
There is also a handle-factory, in which from 1 200
to 1500 hatchet- and hammer-handles are daily
turned.
The spoke-works remained idle from the time of
the failure of the Messrs. Case and their purchase by
Conkling until the spring of 1880, when Messrs. J.
L. Kugler & Co., by whom they have since been op-
erated, took charge of them.
In the spring of 1877 a gentleman came to Stock-
ton with samples of paper-ware manufactured in Ca-
nandaigua, N. Y., at a factory of which he had been
the superintendent. The factory had burned down,
and he had lost all, being unable to rebuild. His ob-
ject, therefore, was to form a stock company for the
manufacture of paper-ware, and, representing the
business as being profitable, he induced a number of
the business men of Stockton to organize a company
with a capital of $15,000. On April 6th of the year
aforesaid, having secured subscriptions amounting to
$6000, a certificate of incorporation was executed. A
lot of ground was purchased, and a factory 60 by 30
feet, of three stories, was erected, besides a commo-
dious drying-house and paint-shop. Suitable machi-
nery was put in, and the business of manufacturing
paper-ware was commenced about September 1st fol-
lowing. But the company was soon in debt 19000,
and disappointed in selling their goods at such prices
as they had been led to expect, it became bankrupt
about a year after organization. The factory and
machinery were sold Aug. 2, 1878, being purchased
by the firm of E. P. Conkling & Co., of which Mr.
Conkling was the principal member, and to whom
the other members soon sold out their several inter-
ests, leaving him, as he is at this date, sole owner.
In the winter of 1879 the firm of George O. Baker &
Co., of New York City, rented the factory and com-
menced the manufacture of various kinds of paper-
ware, but on April 9th following, the drying-house
and paint-shop being burned down, consuming also a
large quantity of ware, the firm became discouraged
and gave up the works. In the following fall Mr.
J. L. Knox, of New York, rented them, and is still
successfully carrying on the business, making chiefly
pails, of which about 100 dozen per week are turned
out, and employing about 16 hands.
The Prallsville quarries were opened in 1830 or 1831
by John Prall, who furnished stone for the railroad-
bridge across the Delaware at New Hope. The quar-
ries are now owned by the heirs of the William Hop-
pock estate, but are not being worked.
The quarry in the rear of the Stockton House, now
owned by J. S. Hockenbury, was opened in 1832 by
Asher Johnson. A large quantity of stone was taken
out and used in building bridges on the Lehigh
Valley Eailroad. The quarry is not being worked at
present.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal Company are
working their quarries, located a short distance above
those at Prallsville. Fifteen men are employed.
Asher Wolverton owns a valuable quarry along
the feeder of the Delaware and Raritan Canal, but at
the present time (1880) it is not being worked.
The " Hunterdon Nurseries," at Sergeantsville,
were established in 1870 by Dr. Isaac S. Cramer, the
present proprietor.
There are two carriage-manufactories in this town-
ship, owned respectively by Hon. C. W. Godown, at
Dilts' Corners, and Henry Quick, at Sergeantsville.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Clark, who lived at Oakdale, commenced the
practice of medicine there in 1790. He was suc-
ceeded by John Bowne, 1795 to 1857. He also prac-
ticed medicine at Prallsville, 1791-95, when he moved
to what is now Barber's Station, where he remained
for sixty-one years. He died Nov. 4, 1857.
Prior to 1790 the nearest physician to what is now
Delaware township was at Flemington, Quakertown,
and Kingwood.
Richard Mershon practiced at Sergeantsville, 1840-
42, being followed in 1842 by John Stout. Isaac S.
Cramer is now in practice at Sergeantsville.
The first physician at Rosemont was John Barcroft,
1841-42. George N. Best is the present physician
at Rosemont.
H. O. Sproul has practiced at Stockton from 1866
to the present time, and is the only physician there.
STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS.
The following have been elected to the positions
named from Delaware township : State senator, Hon.
William Wilson ; members of the State Legislature,
John Lambert, David B. Boss, C. W. Godown;
sheriffs, James Synder, A. B. Chamberlin; judges,
Mahlon Smith, F. S. Holcombe ; county clerk, A. B.
Rittenhouse.
388
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOSEPH WILLIAMSON.
p Joseph Williamson, son of Matthias and Susan
(Slack) Williamson, of Hunterdon County, was born
in the township of Delaware, Oct. 10, 1839. His
grandfather was Abraham Williamson, who' was born
in Germany or Holland, and came to this country
about 1773. He was a soldier in the war of the Eev-
olution, and fought in several battles under Washing-
ton. He settled in Delaware township about the year
1780, on the road from Sergeantsville to Kingwood
church, on property now owned by his grandson,
Joseph Williamson. He had five children, four of
whom, Derick, Abraham, Eleanor, and Sarah, signed
the deed. May 1, 1828, given to Matthias Williamson,
father of our subject, for the homestead farm. All
lived to an advanced age, but are now deceased.
Matthias Williamson, the youngest of the family,
bought out the other heirs, and remained upon the
homestead where he was born in 1787, and died in
1875, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He
married Susan Slack, Oct. 13, 1832, and had four
children, two of whom died in infancy and two sur-
vive, viz., Joseph, our subject, and Margarette, for-
merly wife of the late Martin V. B. Rittenhouse, of
Kingwood township, and present wife of Bartlett
Hann, a farmer in Kingwood.
Joseph Williamson was born on the homestead
farm, and resided there till 1877, when he purchased
the farm adjoining the village of Sergeantsville on
the west, the homestead of John H. Gordon, whose
daughter Mary Ann he married, Dec. 15, 1864. He
has followed the occupation of a farmer and peach-
culturist all his life, and since 1877 has resided on the
place near Sergeantsville, still owning and carrying
on the old farm. He may be regarded as a model
farmer of his district, and has rendered the occupation
successful financially and in everj' other respect.
In politics Mr. Williamson is of the faith of his
fathers, a Democrat, and is also a member of the
Masonic fraternity. For two terms he has held the
oflice of justice of the peace, and has been called to
fill other offices of trust and resijonsibility in his
township. He has frequently been a delegate to the
county and congressional conventions, and has served
the interests of his party and constituents with intel-
ligence and ability. He has five children, four sons
and one daughter, viz., Franklin P., Kate G., Mat-
thias, John H., and Fred B., in the order named.
ANDREW LARASON.''
Andrew Larason, son of Andrew and Mary (Wil-
son) Larason, was born in Kingwood township, two
miles from Frenchtown, N. J., Oct. 2, 1803, and re-
^?7^:e^^:^c.
moved with his parents to Harbortown, Mercer Co.,
when he was eight years old. After remaining there
five years he removed with his father to the farm
where he now resides. The place is known as the
Old Larason Farm, and was purchased by his
* Sometimes spelled Larison.
cz^.
^^c
^
cc'*.^<>^^>?-t/
^ ,.
59
IP
E
@
m
IP
55
â– in
3
@
@
t
i
/n V 13^
DELAWARE.
389
father of Joseph Higgins in 1816. At that time there
was a tannery upon the place, which was then quite
old, and the house which Mr. Larason still occupies.
He lived with his father on the place till the death
of the latter, in 1861, when he came into possession
of the estate. His mother had already departed this
life.
Mr. Larason married Mary Ann, daughter of John
Phillips, in January, 1837. They had two children,
both sons, viz., John P. and David W. The former
died of scarlet fever at the age of seven years ; the
latter married Sarah, daughter of George Wilson, and
has four children, Mary, John, Cora May, and
Howard Larason.
Mr. Larason has lived a quiet, unobtrusive life on
his farm, which is one of the finest in this section of
New Jersey, and bears the evidence of many im-
provements made by his own hands. He is an up-
right and worthy citizen of the old school, conscien-
tious and conservative in politics, and a supporter of
the church of his neighborhood.
BENJAMIN LARISON.
Benjamin Larison was born Jan. 5, 1805, in King-
wood township, near Frenchtown, N. J. He is a son
of Andrew and Mary (Wilson) Larison, both natives
of Amwell township.
Andrew Larison, Sr., moved with his family in 1810
to a large farm which he purchased at Harborton, in
Mercer County, where he remained till 1816, when he
purchased the large farm known as the LaS'ison home-
stead, on the York Road, between Mount Airy and
Ringos, N. J. This farm has ever since remained in
the family. Here Andrew Larison, Sr., spent the re-
mainder of his life. He was a prominent and well-
to-do farmer and drover, and represented his district
two terms in the Legislature (1835 and 1836). He
was born May 17, 1776, and died July 26, 1861, aged
eighty-five years, two months, and nine days. His
wife Mary was horn Oct. 15, 1778, and died Sept. 24,
1856, aged seventy-seven years, eleven months, and
nine days.
Benjamin was the youngest of three sons, the others
heing John and Andrew, and the daughters, Sarah and
Lavina. The former married Aaron C. Wilson, a
large farmer near Harbortown, in Hopewell town-
ship. The latter is the wife of Samuel E. Holcombe,
of Hopewell. Benjamin was raised on the old home-
stead and educated at the common schools. He
married Hannah Ann, daughter of Capt. George
Holcombe, near Lambertville, N. J., by whom he had
nine children, all living except the late Andrew B.
Larison, M.D., pastor and founder of the Baptist
Church at Ringos. The survivors are George H.
Larison, M.D., of Lambertville ; Corzielius W. Lari-
son, M.D., of Ringos; John, residing on the home-
stead farm ; Lucy A., residing at home ; Mary C,
who married Thomas C. Johnson ; Sarah, wife of
Reading Bodiue ; Ellen and Jane, at home.
Mr. Larison has never sought or held any political
offices, but has been deacon of the Baptist Church at
Sandy Ridge for several years. He is an upright and
worthy citizen and an exemplary Christian.
He lived on the old homestead from 1828 to 1874,
when his wife died and he bought the adjoining lot,
on which he has erected an elegant stone cottage,
beautified the grounds, and made other improve-
ments. (See cut of the place, on another page.)
BLISHA PATTERSON TOMLINSON.
The original ancestors of the Tomlinson family
were of Scandinavian origin, or descendants of the
Northmen. The first of the name who came to this
country was Matthew Tomlinson, who embarked on
board a ship at London, Richard Goodladd master,
bound for America, May 21, 1638. Matthew Tomlin-
0^ d/ c:^2^rn.---^^-?<Az,-i:7
cry-\
son's age, as set down in this ship record, was thirty-
one years. He appears to have settled at New Haven,
Conn., among the early colonists of that place. We
find that William Tomlinson and his wife Abigail
were accepted as citizens of Derby, New Haven Co.,
Conn., in December, 1677. Mr. Tomlinson traces his
descent directly from this couple through Isaac, Sr.,
Isaac, Jr., Timothy, and Samuel, his father. The
latter was a native of Woodbury, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., where the family resided at the time of the
birth of our sxibject.
His maternal ancestors, the Pattersons, iare traced
390
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
back through six generations to the first settlers of
Stratford, Conn. His mother, Jennett Patterson, was
the oldest daughter of Elisha Patterson, of Eoxbury ;
he was a son of Samuel Patterson, who was a son of
Abraham, a son of Charles, etc. Thus his ancestors
on both sides were among the early settlers of New
England, the Tomlinsons of New Haven, and the
Pattersons of Stratford, Conn., whence they have
become scattered widely in the Eastern States and
other portions of the country.
Elisha Patterson Tomlinson was born in Woodbury,
Litchfield Co., Conn., Aug. 2, 1822. In the spring
of 1861 he purchased his farm in Delaware township,
Hunterdon Co., N. J., upon which he settled and has
since resided. He married, Jan. 1, 1867, Delia A.,
daughter of John Beading.
In the management of his farm Mr. Tomlinson
combines the three branches of agriculture, dairying,
grain and stock raising. He is a progressive, wide-
awake farmer, and has devoted much attention to the
subject, both theoretically and practically. Of late
he has taken a deep interest in promoting agriculture
by the establishment of analysis and experimental
stations, for the testing of fertilizers adapted to the
various sections, a mode of safety to farmers and of
practical development of the resources of the soil
destined to be of great benefit to the State. He has
been for some time a member of the State Horticul-
tural Society, and is a reader of books on that subject,
as well as on agriculture, and has a large and choice
collection.
As a member of the Patrons of Husbandry he has
taken an active interest in that order, and during the
first two years of his connection with it held the ofiice
of lecturer of the grange at Sergeantsville.
ISAAC S. CRAMER, M.D.
Isaac S. Cramer, M.D., son of Peter E. and Sarah
(Smith) Cramer, was born at Changewater, Hunter-
don Co., N. J., May 24, 1834. His paternal ancestors
were German, those on his mother's side English.
His grandfather, Noah Cramer, was born in Lebanon
township, and married a Miss Emery. His maternal
grandfather was Isaac Smith, born in Bethlehem (now
Union) township, and married Nancy Potts, who was
born in Warren County, near Washington ; both she
and her husband died at Asbury, N. J., the former
Sept. 4, 1867, aged eighty-three; the latter Feb. 9,
1845, aged fifty-seven years, eight months, and five
days. Isaac and Nancy (Potts) Smith had two sons
and two daughters, of whom Sarah, the mother of
Dr. Cramer, is the eldest, and is still living, at Wash-
ington, Warren Co. She was born Aug. 20, 1813.
The other surviving members of the family are Amos
Smith, residing near Chicago, and Cornelia H., wife
of Hon. John Plane, M.D., of Perryville, Hunterdon
Co., N. J.
Peter E. Cramer, father of Dr. Cramer, was born
March 6, 1810, and died Jan. 3, 1836. The early life
of Dr. Cramer was spent chiefly at school, although
he was clerk in a country store for about two years.
His parents removed from Changewater, his native
place, to Upper Valley, in Morris County, where his
father, being a miller by occupation, went to take
charge of the mills, and died there, at the age of
twenty-six, Jan. 3, 1836, leaving his widow and two
young children. The subject of this sketch was then
only twenty months old. His mother, being thus de-
prived of the support of her young husband, went to
her father's, in Union township, formerly Bethlehem.
In April, 1840, she removed to Bloomsbury, Hunter-
don Co., and during two years in that place put her
children to school. She then removed to Asbury,
where the children enjoyed schooling privileges for
three j^ears, and then, for the purpose of enjoying
better advantages, she spent a year with the boys at
New Hampton. Returning to Asbury, she remained
there till the spring of 1849. During the year 1849,
Mr. Cramer attended the academy at Stewartsville,
Warren Co. ; returned to Asbury in the spring of
1850, and, after a short time spent in a store, com-
menced the study of medicine with Dr. John Blanc.
He continued his studies till he went to attend lec-
tures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in
New York, where he graduated, receiving his well-
earned degree of Doctor of Medicine March 10, 1854.
After graduation he commenced practice with Dr.
Blane, and continued there till Jan. 8, 1855, when he
removed to Sergeantsville, where he has pursued the
practice of his profession ever since. The country
practice has rendered the doctor's ride extensive and
laborious, but he has realized the pleasure of doing
much good, as well as that of achieving success as a
practitioner.
Dr. Cramer has taken an active interest in Masonry
since 1858, at which time he was made a member of
Darcey Lodge, No. 37, of Flemington. He was subse-
quently chosen Master of the lodge. He assisted in
instituting Orpheus Lodge, No. 137, at Stockton, in
1873, of which he was Master for two years. He is
now treasurer of the lodge. He is a member of the
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 13, of Lambertville; St.
Elmo Commandery, No. 14, of Lambertville ; and is
Past High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter.
In politics he is a Democrat, and has taken an active
interest in behalf of the party, being frequently a del-
egate to county. Congressional, and State conventions,
although declining to hold ofiice himself. He has
been for several years secretary of the District Medi-
cal Society of Hunterdon County, and has done much
to advance the interests of that institution. He has
also been president of the society, and delegate to the
State Medical Society and the American Medical As-
sociation, of which he is a member.
Feb. 14, 1855, Dr. Cramer married Margaret E.,
daughter of Jonathan W. Ingham, a brother of Hon.
Q^.
^f»^fc
'(^yCcO^a^
9/ a
ry^oi.o^-i^ j^^^
^.%
KINGWOOD.
391
Samuel D. Ingham, Secretary of the Treasury under
Gen. Jackson. She was a native of Warren County,
and a graduate of the female seminary at Penning-
ton, N. J.
JOSHUA PRIMMEK.
Joshua Primmer was born in Hopewell township,
formerly Hunterdon (now Mercer) Co., N. J., June 25,
1813. He is the son of Kichard and Lydia (Bunn)
Primmer. The latter was a daughter of Jonathan
Bunn, of Hopewell township. Both of his grand-
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. His
grandfather • Primmer was born in Germany, and
came to this country when a boy. He served in the
old French war, and was with Gen. Braddock in his
memorable defeat at Fort Du Quesne. He served
through the Revolution under Washington, and was
in many important battles, but never wounded.
His grandfather Bunn was born within a mile and
a half of Pennington, where his father, Rev. Joshua
Bunn, bought land, under George II., in 1748, which
is still in possession of the Bunn family.
Richard Primmer had seven children, three sons
and four daughters, four of whom are living, viz.,
Mary, wife of Joseph Waters, of Hopewell township ;
Frances, wife of George Simmons, of Trenton ; Han-
nah, wife of Josiah Baldwin, of Pennington, Hunter-
don Co. ; and the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Primmer's early life was spent near Pennington.
He learned the blacksmith's trade in Trenton, and
about 1833 began to work at that occupation in Hope-
well. He then removed to Titusville, N. J., where
he continued to pursue the business seventeen years,
when he settled on a farm two miles from Stockton,
in Delaware township. He carried on farming and
blacksmithing there twenty years. In the spring of
1875 he bought the place where he now resides, and
settled upon it that year. It is a neat place of twenty-
five acres, well supplied with home comforts, where
Mr. Primmer, in a measure retired from the active
labors which have characterized him through life,
can spend with his family the remainder of his days
in peace and quietness.
He married Mary W., daughter of Tunis Servis, of
Hunterdon County, April 26, 1837. They have had
no children of their own, but partially brought up
their niece, Miss Anna R. Primmer, who lived with
them till her marriage to Mr. Elisha Opdyke, in 1878.
Mr. Primmer is a Democrat in politics, but has
held no offices of preferment, devoting his life to his
calling as a mechanic and farmer, having the reputa-
tion of an honest and upright man. He was formerly
a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
but withdrew from that body in 1863. He never
received a classical education, but studied the Eng-
lish and Greek grammars under William, son of the
Rev. John Boggs, a man born blind, but of remark-
able memory and attainments.
KINGWOOD.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
King WOOD is one of the west border townships of
the county, as well as of the State, and is in shape
nearly a keystone or a wedge, the narrow end to the
south. The township is bounded northeast by Frank-
lin township ; southeast by Delaware ; south, south-
west, and northwest by the Delaware River and the
borough of Frenchtown; north by the township of
Alexandria. It contains 34 square miles.
NATURAL FEATURES.
A portion of the river front of this township is bold
and picturesque with its perpendicular rocks and over-
hanging ledges. One of the principal features is " War-
392
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ford's Rock,'' a short distance above Tumble Station.
The main rock at this point presents a bold perpen-
dicular front of 250 feet in height, and upon its sum-
mit stands a rock-shaft about 10 or 12 feet high, the
upper end projecting over all around, giving it the
appearance of an old-fashioned one-legged table, the
upper surface being nearly level. This is known as
Tea-Table Rock. The top is large enough to hold
half a dozen or more persons. The spot is much
visited by pleasure-seekers during the summer months.
The upper half of the river front presents a gentle
slope, upon which are some of the best farms in King-
wood. The " divide," or ridge, runs from a little
east of the south point of the township northeasterly
through Baptisttown, passing out across the east end
of School District No. 34. The waters on the north-
west of this ridge find their way to the Delaware in a
westerly direction. Lackatong is the principal creek.
It rises in Franklin and fiows into Delaware township.
Mud Run empties into the Lackatong at Kingwood
post-office. Warford and Copper Creeks flow into
the Delaware, as does also the Little Nickisakawick.
The islands in the Delaware belonging to this town-
ship are Ridges, Rush, Hawk, and Rittenhouse, all
between Tumble Station and Frenchtown.
The surface of the township, except a small strip in
the southwe.stern part, is pleasantly undulating.
EARLY SETTLERS AND PIONEER INCIDENTS.
Among the pioneers in the seventeenth century was
John Kugler, probably the ancestor of all the Kngler
families of Hunterdon County. He left Germany
when only thirteen years of age, sold himself to a
ship-owner for his passage, and worked for a man
named Eastburn, in Bucks Co., Pa. He subsequently
purchased 500 acres of land on the Jersey side of the
Delaware, which included what is now Tumble Sta-
tion. A part of the original purchase is still in pos-
session of one of his descendants.
Tradition says that Abraham Shurts came from
Germany in 1740, when but fourteen years of age,
and that he brought with him "Auche," who was
but twelve. This romantic young couple afterwards
became man and wife, and from them have sprung
the numerous Shurts family scattered all over the
county. He purchased 204 acres lying along the road
from Flemington to Clinton, about three miles from
the latter place, where stood, but a few years ago, an
old still-house or distillery. Abraham was a proud
old Dutchman, who buttoned his breeches above the
knee, instead of below, as was the custom, who wore
a pointed hat with a big rim, linsey-woolsey coat
reaching nearly to his heels, and a pair of flare-top
boots.
The Besson family were among the early settlers.
The late Mrs. Margaret Kline, who lived near Leb-
anon Station, said that her great-grandparents, Fran-
cis and Lizzie Besson, came from Germany with their
ten children in the same colony with Abraham Shurts.
Mrs. Kline remembered hearing her grandmother tell
of Indians who lived close by them ; she saw them
bury their dead on more than one occasion.
Mrs. Kline's father, William Yauger, served in the
Revolution, and often went out to hunt Tories, of
whom there were many in Kingwood, and for whom
he had a particular aversion.
The earliest tavern in Kingwood was kept in a log
cabin by William Campbell. He was an ardent Whig,
and kept the little tavern at the time of the Revolution.
William Hart next kept the tavern, then John John-
son, son-in-law of Hart, and it went by the name of
Johnson's Tavern for many years. Martha, wife
of Gen. Washington, was once a guest here.
John Bray was one of the first settlers in this
township. He was of Scotch descent, and early
settled in Middletown, Monmouth Co., where he and
his brothers, James and Andrew, were large landed
proprietors. In 1713 there was surveyed to John
Bray a 500-acre tract in Kingwood, which covered in
part the farms of Samuel Niece, Henry Fisher, and
David Manners.* Feb. 28, 1737, John Bray purchased
10.33 acres in Kingwood of Samuel Bickley, of New
Castle, Del., for £350. His sons were John, Samuel,
and James ; his daughters, Elizabeth, who married
Thomas Lequear, Sr., and Susannah, who became the
wife of John Smalley. Their descendants are now
occupying valuable farms on the land bought by their
ancestor, John Bray, Sr. John, Jr., settled where
Joseph Pickle now lives, James where Rebecca Bon-
ham resides, and Samuel where Lewis Dilley is now
located. Susannah Smalley's farm is now occupied
by Rachel Brink and children.f Elizabeth Lequear
settled where Thomas Lequear now lives. This prop-
erty has descended from father to son without passing
out of the family, the present occupant, Thomas Le-
quear, being the great-grandson of John Bray, Sr.,
and of Thomas and Elizabeth Lequear. John Bray,
Sr., died in 1765.
James Bray, brother of John, Sr., owned a tract of
560 acres in Kingwood, now occupied by the Rose
brothers, David Manners, and Mahlon Emmons.
James lived upon this tract and there ended his days.
He was struck by lightning and instantly killed while
returning from church at Baptisttown. In 1793, An-
drew, grandson of James Bray, conveyed 179 acres to
John Cowdric, whose descendants now own a portion
of it. After disposing of this farm, Andrew removed
to Newton, Sussex Co., N. J.
Gen. Daniel Bray and John, his half-brother, lineal
descendants of the above, lived and died a short dis-
tance north of the Kingwood Methodist church.
Daniel married Mary Wolverton in 1772, and died Dec.
* John Bray, Jr., sold :i67 acres of this tract, in 1727, to James Bray ;
it was afterwards purchased hy Thomas Cox, who sold (1768) to Eynear
Van Syckel. It descended to Aaron and David Tan Syckel, from whose
estate Mr. Niece bought the portion he owns.
t The farms occupied liy Rebecca Bonliam and Rachel Brink are now
in the possession of John Bray's descendants.
KINGWOOD.
393
5, 1819. He figured prominently as an officer during
the Revolution. (See page 48 of this work.)
Daniel Bray figured in the State militia, in which
he attained to the rank of brigadier-general. He had
nine children, John, Daniel, Wilson, Andrew, Jon-
athan, Delilah, Betsy, Hannah, and Susan.
Wilson Bray, son of Gen. Daniel, was born in 1795,
and died in November, 1850. In early life he was
engaged in merchandising at Baptisttown, Everitts-
town, and Frenchtown. He married Mary, daughter
of Thomas West, of Kingwood. He subsequently
purchased his father-in-law's farm of 200 acres near
the Kingwood Methodist church. He had seven sons
and eight daughters, John W., Fletcher, Wilson,
Stacy, Thomas W., William, Charles B., Lucinda,
Nancy, Elizabeth, Ellen, Mary, Emeline, Anna, and
Francelia. John W. and Fletcher are deceased. Of
the other sons, only Wilson and Stacy B. reside in this
county. Fletcher bought the east end of the old
homestead-farm when sold by the administrators,
and erected the buildings thereon ; this farm is now
owned by the Rev. Mr. Fogg and Cavender Opdyke.
Fletcher married Lavinia, daughter of John Larison,
Esq., and died in 1876, in Frenchtown.
Wilson, the third son of Wilson Bray, was born in
1824, and is a coal-merchant in Lambertville.
Andrew Bray, a son of Gen. Daniel, owned two
farms near what was formerly Elisha Rittenhouse's
mill, near Locktown. He married Sarah, daughter
of Elisha Rittenhouse. Of his three sons (Daniel
being deceased), Elisha and Anderson live on the old
homestead with their mother, who has been widowed
over thirty years.
One of the general's daughters, Delilah, married
Jonathan Rittenhouse, both deceased. Their oldest
son, Daniel, is living in i'lemington, with his daugh-
ter, now Mrs. John Hyde, wife of the county clerk.
Susan Bray married Israel Bateman, and lived for
many years on a farm east of the Kingwood Methodist
church, Hannah married Jonathan Blackwell, and
Betsy married Edward Rittenhouse.
John Bray, the general's half-brother, had six sons
and one daughter. His eldest son, John, purchased
the homestead at his father's death, and his heirs sold
it to Mr. Green.
Jonas Ingham, maternal great-great-grandfather of
John W. Lequear, came from England. His daugh-
ter Elizabeth married Joshua Waterhouse, who came
from Yorkshire, England, in 1735. In 1746 he pur-
chased a tract of land of George Fox, Sr., a mile east
of Kingwood Tavern, and settled upon it. In 1763
he purchased 247 acres adjoining land of Israel Pem-
berton and wife.
What is now known as Milltown, in School District
No. 39, was formerly known as Runk's Mills, from the
fact that Samuel Runk, father of Hon. John Runk,
an ex-member of Congress, owned the property and
built mills at this place. This was formerly a part of
the Wheeler tract.
26
Among the early settlers of Kingwood the Opdyke
family occupy a prominent position. They were from
Holland. Joshua, the first who settled in Kingwood,
a grandson of Albert, who emigrated from Holland,
purchased a large tract northeast of Barbertown of
the heirs of William Biles. Joshua had two sons,
Luther and Richard ; his daughter Catharine mar-
ried a Mr. Van Syckel. Fanny married Mr. Hoag-
land, and, after his death, Ambrose Barcroft, and was
the mother of the late Stacy B. Barcroft, of Phila-
delphia. Richard Opdyke married Grace Thatcher,
and had twelve children, Daniel, Jeremiah, Richard,
Joshua, Elisha, Samuel, Elijah, Jonathan, Benjamin,
Nancy, Fanny, and Rebecca. Luther's son George
was the father of the late Hon. George Opdyke, for-
merly mayor of New York.
The Dalrymple family, numerous in Kingwood, are
of Scotch descent. Jesse, a descendant of a younger
son of John, third Earl of Stair, came to this country
in 1765. He was a fifer in the militia of New Jersey.
The pioneer Dalrymples were Presbyterians, and were
located mostly in the northeastern portion of the
township, near the Presbyterian church. James Alex-
ander was the agent of Sir John Dalrymple in New
Jersey, and also surveyor-general. Through him the
members of the Dalrymple family selected their
land.
Nicholas Groendyke once kept the store at Mill-
town.
Theodore Hall, the pioneer of the Hall family, was
born in England, and came with his brother Jacob
to the United States ; they settled in the neighborhood
of Philadelphia. Theodore married Gertrude Gordon
in 1729 ; of this union were born Joseph, in 1730,
who removed to Western Virginia ; Isaac, who died in
early manhood ; Samuel, who settled early in King-
wood and married Rhuhamah Everitt, by whom he
had a large family, and died at an advanced age ;
Jacob, and Jesse, who also settled in Kingwood.
Jacob married Elizabeth Davis and had a large
family.
Jesse Hall married, in December, 1779, Elizabeth,
second daughter of William Heath, of Amwell. Their
children were Gordon G., 1780, died 1848 ; Andrew,
1781, died 1832 ; Jesse, 1783, died in early manhood ;
Sarah, 1785, married Edward Lane; Heath, 1788,
died in 1854 ; John H., 1791, died at Newton, N. J.,
1865 ; Susan, 1793, married Hannen Jones ; and Asa,
1795, died 1849.
Besides the five sons of Theodore and Gertrude Hall
already mentioned, there were four daughters : Susan,
married and removed to Western Virginia ; Rebecca,
married and removed to Reading, Pa. ; Mary, married
John Lake and lived for many years in Kingwood ;
and Gertrude, who became the wife of Luther Op-
dyke, of Kingwood, and died leaving five sons and
two daughters.
Theodore Hall settled in Kingwood in 1757, follow-
ing his sons. He lived near the east bank of the Del-
P,0-t
HUNTBKDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
aware Eiver, engaging in the milling business on the
west side. He was finally drowned by the upsetting
of his canoe while crossing the river during a freshet.
His wife died in 1805, aged about ninety-five.
Thomas Roberson married Catharine Pierce and
settled in Kingwood, about three miles south of Bap-
tisttown, on a farm now owned by Alpheus Bonham.
He had seven children, Francis, Thomas, Jonathan,
John, Sarah, Mary, Catharine. Francis married
Mary Horner, and settled on the farm now owned by
ex-sheriff Wesley Bellis. He was a justice of the
peace for many years, and was buried in the old grave-
yard at Baptisttown. Thomas married Mary Kimple,
and moved to the State of Delaware about fifty years
ago ; Jonathan married Gertrude Yoorhees, and lived
about half a mile east of his father, on a farm now
owned by Mrs. Ellicott ; John married Levina Thatch-
er, and lived near the present home of Moses Bonham ;
Sarah married Peter Slater, and lived about a mile
southwest from Baptisttown, where Daniel Warne
now resides; Mary married Charles White, and lived
near where Opdyte Arnwine is now located; Catha-
rine married Daniel Werts ; Elizabeth married John
Bellis.
Of the sons of Francis, William married Sarah
West ; Thomas married Lucy West ; Francis married
Nancy Rittenhouse ; Daniel married three times, his
first wife being Jane Rittenhouse. These children
are all deceased except Francis and Daniel. Francis
lives at Baptisttown with his son Daniel. Of the
children of Thomas Roberson (2), most of whom are
deceased, none reside in Kingwood township. The
children of John, sou of the first Thomas, were named
AVilliam, Elizabeth, Margaret, Catharine, Jonathan,
Lavina, John, Moses, Mary, and Thomas.
Thomas and John W. Lequear, descendants of the
Huguenots, are worthy representatives of some of
the first pioneer families in the settlement of this
county. Thomas married Elizabeth Bray, daughter
of the pioneer John, came from Monmouth County,
and settled on a part of the land of his father-in-law.
They had three daughters and a son Thomas ; one of
the daughters married Daniel Smith. Young Thomas
married Mary Kuntz, by whom he had nine children,
three of whom died in childhood ; the others were five
daughters, and one son named John. The Thomas
last mentioned was during his long life a leading
man in the township ; he was enabled by industry to
buy large fertile farms for each of his five daughters.
His son John, the father of Thomas and John W., was
a practical land surveyor and farmer. He married
Elizabeth, a daughter of Ingham and granddaughter
of Joshua ^Vaterhouse, who came from Yorkshire,
England. Thomas and John W. are the surviving
sons of John* Lequear. Another son, William, fell
* Jotin, father of the present John W. and Thomas Lequear, was one
of the first to introduce lime as a fertilizer in this township, about 1830,
and in 1832 built a kiln on the banks of the Delaware, Avhere he burned
lime for several years. I
at the battle of Champion Hill, near Vicksburg, in
1863
Joshua Waterhouse in 1746 bought land in King-
wood near the store ; he raised a large family, who were
among the most respected and useful citizens. Ing-
ham Waterhouse married Jane Dean, whose grand-
parents came from England.
Paul H. M. Prevost at one time owned the we.stern
half of "William H. Rittenhouse's farm of 59 acres,
and May 2, 1814, sold it to Joshua Opdyke.
Henry M. Prevost bought 170 acres of Philip
Coolej', lying in the "Barrens;" he sold 16J- acres of
this to Abraham Housel, who at one time carried on
tanning near Robert L. A\'illiams' wagon-house.
In the early settlement of the county, there was
surveyed a tract of 312 acres to John Green, most of
which, after passing through several ownerships, came
into the possession of John Kugler, miller, of Penn-
sylvania, in 1782-83. Kugler owned 463 acres, lying
east of Tumble Station and extending out to the road
by Nathan R. Holt's. This land was bounded north
by lands of Daniel Cain, William Reeder, Stephen
Gauo, Mary Longley, and George Warne; east by
Noah Stout ; south by George Opdyke, Jonathan Pet-
tit, and George Warne.
Hon. Wesley Bellis says that his uncle, the late
Samuel Bellis, was probably the first of that name
to locate in this township. He took a deed from Ich-
abod Oliver, dated May 3, 1814, covering the farm
where ex-Sheriflf Bellis now lives. Samuel was born
Sept. 7, 1787, of German parents.
In 1823 a license was granted to Isaac Barber to
keep a tavern at Barbertown, in the house now occu-
pied by Samuel Gano. The tavern-sign was a new
moon.
The oldest highway is that known in the early days
as " the King's Highway," running in a north-and-
south direction across the township. Some of the
first settlers located along or near this road as early
as 1714. It lies also upon the "divide" of the town-
ship. Other roads were made as the increase of pop-
ulation and business demanded.
At the time of Mr. Kugler's purchase, in 1783, the
public road between Thomas Jlartin's and Asher
Wolvertou's, nearly straight to the river, went no
farther than Charles Kugler's southwest corner, and
then turned north as the present road goes, by way of
the Warsaw school-house, and so down the hill to the
river. These roads running to the river at that time
appeared to end there, as there was no road from
Bull's Island up the river around Warford's Rook,
and it is doubtful if there was any from Frenchtown
down the river to the end of the afore-mentioned
road, as there was none in 1776.
In the old day-book of John Waterhouse, in 1796,
when he kept the old Kingwood store, that stood be-
tween the present store of John Bellis and the tavern'
at Kingwood, are the names of many of the residents
of that date. A few extracts are given :
KINGWOOD.
,395
George Opdycke, Jr., to lib candles
WilliaDi I)ilce,to 1 rawhide wliip
James Bray, Jr., to one boy's bat
Amos Honliam, to J^ sheet of pins
Cornelius Sharap, to 1 cow-bell
John Heath, to 1 qt. wine
Thomas West, to J^ yd. brown hoUand
John Hoiisel, Sr., to ^ snuff.
John Cline, to 3^1b tea
Richard Heath, Sr., }^ gal. rum
Isaac Hudnit, to 1 bottle British oyle
6
3
7
2 6
John Cowdrick was a good customer in his pur-
chase of " liquor for tavern." The Brays and Le-
quears figure frequently in its pages.
CIVIL OUGANIZATION.
Kingwood was formed from Bethlehem township
about 1746. The proceedings of the town-meeting
for 1816 form the oldest township record extant. It
is as follows :
"At our Annual Townnieeting Held this Twelf Day of April Anno
Domini 181G, at the house of .Tones Thatcher, inkeeper in baptisttown,
for the Townslii[) of Kingwood, Whare the following Pearsons was Chosen
by a Majority of Votes to Searve the Township the insuing Year to their
Respective Officers, ic. : John Britton, Clarke ; George Opdycke, Assessor ;
Isaac Kitchen, Collector ; John Barton, John Little, Peter Fox, Commis-
sioners ; John Britton, John Little, Chosen Freeholders ; Thomas Lequear,
John Prall, Surveyors of Highways; George Opdycke, Isaac Kitchen,
Overseers of Poor; John Rose, David Hulsizer, Constables; Daniel Bray,
John Little, Poundkeepers; Peter Fox, Judge of Election; Jacob Hall,
Thomas Little, John Barton, Samuel Lott, Seth Rose, Town Committee. "
(We omit the overseers of roads.)
The following persons have filled the princij)al
offices of the township since 1800 :
TOWN CLERKS.
1800-1, Joseph King; 1S02, Gabriel Hoff; 1803-22, John Britton; 1823,
Wilson Bray; 1824-27, John W. Snyder; 1828, Jacob R.Fox; 1829,
John L. Larison; 1830-31, Jacob R. Fox; 1832-33, John Britton;
1S34, Peter Wert; 183.5^2, Samuel H. Britton; 1843, F. E. Lee;
1844r-49, Samuel H. Britton ; 1850-52, A. B. Kounsavell ; 1863, W. H.
Slater; 1854, William T. Srope ; 1855-68, A. B. Eounsavell ; 1859-61,
William T. Srope ; 1862-63, Moses K. Everitt ; 18C4, David Sticker ;
1865-68, Samuel S. Srope; 1869-70, A. B. Eounsavell; 1871, A. B.
Eittenhouse ; 1872-74, A. B. Eounsavell ; 1876, Albert Rockafellow;
1876, Lambert Rockafellow ; 1877-78, A. B. Kugler ; 1879-80, Asher
W. Carrell.
ASSESSOES.
1800-8, Thomas Lequear; 1809-16, John Cowdrick; 1816-26, George
Opdycke; 184C-48, George Slack; 1849-50, Charies Roberts; 1851-53,
Isaac R. Srope; 1854-60, Cyrenus Wagner; 1857, Andrew Slack;
1858-60, William M. Beers ; 1861-63, John L. Tinsman ; 1S64, Elias
Johnson; 1865-69, William M. Beers; 1870-71, Simeon Opdycke;
1872, John W. Lequear ; 1873-74, Wesley Bellis ; 1876, William B.
Sutton ; 1876-79, Hiram Rittenhouse; 1880, was a tie vote.
COLLECTORS.
1.SI1I1-4, Absalom Eunyon ; 1805-16, Isaac Kitchen ; 1817-20, George Lari-
son ; 1821-23, Uriah Sutton; 1824-28, John Cowdrick; 1829-30,
Adam Williamson; 1831-36, John V. Thatcher; 1836-38, Edward
Mason; 1839-41, F. E. Lee; 1842-43, John L. Larison; 1844^6,
John Sine ; 1847-49, Jonathan Rose; 1860-52, Cyrenus Wagner;
1863-55, John Eick ; 1866, Mahlon Emmons ; 1857, Joseph Kugler ;
1868-59, Oliver Clark ; 1860-02, John Sine ; 1863-64, Seth F. Hose ;
1866-67, Wesley BoULs; 1868-70, R. W, Bloom; 1871-73, Charles
Kugler; 1874-75, William H. Barcroft; 1876-78, Charles Kugler;
1879-80, E. W. Bloom.
In the winter of 1845 the subject of dividing King-
wood and setting off a new township, to be called
Franklin, was agitated. A public meeting of those
o]iposed was held, January 13, at the liouse of Jacob
S. Moore, of which Eichard Opdyke was chairman.
and Samuel H. Britton secretary. The committee to
draft a remonstrance were John V. Thatcher, Samuel
H. Britton, Isaac R. Srope, Peter F. Opdyke, and Op-
dyke Arnwine, who reported for signatures a remon-
strance, from which we quote :
" That the proposed division is intended by its advocates to beneiit a few
innholders or tavernkeepers, and to induce othei-s to spring up (which
would probably be the case) in certain portions of our township, wliich
would be (as it now is) entirely unnecessary and useless, giving encour-
agement for places of vice and corrupting the morals of the rising gener-
ation, under the pretence of accommodating the inhabitants of the town-
ship, should a division take place, and entirely useless to the traveling
portion of the community. "
This was signed by 455 voters, and a committee
consisting of Albertus K. Wagner, Samuel H. Brit-
ton, John V. Thatcher, Isaac E. Srope, and John L.
Larison was appointed to oppose the division before
the Legislature. But opposition was of no avail.
"Wilson Bray, of Kingwood, Peter Sigler, of Frank-
lin, and Adam C. Davis, of Earitan, were appointed
commissioner.^ to run the line between the townships.
The highest number of votes ever polled in the town-
ship previous to the division was 650.
Among the residents of Kingwood who have held
official positions in the county are : Sheriffs, William
Nixon, Edward Welsted, Gabriel Hoff, Wilson Bray,
John Ruiik, Wesley Bellis ; county clerks, A. B.
Chamberlin, Charles Tomlinson, Moses K. Everitt;
judges of Common Pleas, Isaac E. Srope, John M.
Voorhees ; county collector, John Lequear ; directors
of the board of chosen freeholders, Hugh Runyan,
Eichard Opdyke, John Eunk; clerks of the board
of freeholders, Charles Eoberts, Charles Tomlinson,
Andrew B. Eounsaville, William T. Srope ; members
of Assembly, William Nixon, Gabriel Hoff, Wilson
Bray, I. E. Srope, Luther Opdyke, Samuel H. Brit-
ton, Jacob S. C. Pittenger, John M. Voorhees ; assist-
ant United States marshals, John V. Thatcher, Wil-
liam T. Srope, Peter T. Opdyke. (For the list of
chosen freeholders see page 263 of this work.)
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Baptisttown is the largest village in this town-
ship, and was settled soon after 1720, when Isaac
Wolverton and William Fowler and their families,
together with a Warford family, located at that point.
In 1734, John Burtis, Ann Lanner, and Mary Green
arrived in the neighborhood and formed a part of the
new colony. The place has slowly increased in pop-
ulation and business interests until there are at pres-
ent two churches, a school-house, blacksmith- and
wagon-shop, tavern, two stores, and about thirty
dwellings. The village is located in School District
No. 35, at the intersection of the Frenchtown road
with the old King's Highway."" The merchants for "
the last forty years have been John W. Snyder, Wil-
son Bray (son of Gen. Daniel), John D. Scott, Moses
M. Bateman, Ellis Hulsizer, Anderson Horner, Wil-
liam H. Slater, Andrew Eoberson, John Bellis, Abel
Webster, Andrew B. Eittenhouse, David Pittenger,
396
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
George W. Mason, William Ritteiihouse, John C.
Arnwine, Andrew B. Rounsaville, William Sherman.
Ex-Mayor George Opdyke, of New York City, was
a clerk here in his youthM days. There was but one
store until about 1844, since which there have been
two, sometimes three.
There has been but one tavern, the tavern-keepers
of which since 1816 have been Jonas Thatcher, Amos
Sine, Frederick Burdine, Peter Skillman, Daniel
Snyder, Larason Stryker, Jonathan Britton, John R.
Hoppock, Alfred Taylor, William Britton, John V.
Thatcher, Samuel Slater, John W. Metier, Jacob S.
Moore, John Menagh, Anderson Horner, William
Eick, Peter S. Taylor, Jacob C. Hawk, Charles Eck-
lin, George M. Shomp, John P. D. Abbott, Anson W.
Baldwin.
The pioneer postmaster was Wilson Bray, appointed
by Andrew Jackson. Others have been John W.
Snyder, Moses M. Bateman, Jacob S. Moore, Albertus
K. Wagner, Anderson Horner, Uriah Larue, William
H. Slater, George W. Mason, William Rittenhouse^
James P. Gray, Abel Webster, Moses K. Everitt, John
Arnwine. Population of the village in 1880, 170.
Barbbetown" was named after one of its early
settlers. It is located in the southeast part of School
District No. 38, on the old " King's Highway." There
are at present two stores, a blacksmith-shop, half a
dozen dwellings, and 90 inhabitants.
KiNGWOOD is a hamlet located in the north part of
School District No. 39. Many years ago it was known
as " Johnson's Tavern," and was in the early part of
the present century the centre of attraction for the
early settlers in that vicinity. When the post-office
was established, it was named " Kingwood." There
was at one time a saw-mill here, built by a Mr.
Tomlinson. There was in early times a store where
the tavern wagon-house now stands. The present
store was built in 1833. There are at present a store
by John Bellis (also postmaster, appointed April 12,
1869), a tavern, and three or four dwellings. Popula-
tion in 1880, 92.
MiLLTOWN is located in the southwest part of
School District No. 39, on the Lackatong. For
several years previous to 1830 there was considerable
business. There was a saw-mill, built by George Fox,
below the present grist-mill, but it went to decay
many years ago. Hon. John Runk at one time had
a saw-mill and an oil-mill, both gone to decay.
Samuel Holt also had a saw-mill and distillery.
Milltown at present embraces a grist-mill, a store,
blacksmith- and wagon-shop, and a few dwellings,
with 131 inhabitants.
Tumble Station is the name of a station and
post-office on the Pennsylvania Railroad, in the
southwest corner of School District No. 41. It
consists of a station-house and two dwellings.
Point Pleasant is a railroad-station on the
Pennsylvania Road, at the Jersey end of the Point
Pleasant bridge.
SCHOOLS.
There are eight school districts, and in 1879 there
were seven male and two female teachers, District
No. 40 having two teachers.
District No. 34, in the east corner of the township,
is known as " Oak Summit" District. The old school-
house stood about half a mile north of the store, on
lands now owned by Philip Hofif, and was an old,
worn-out building fifty years ago. It was replaced a
few years ago by the present handsome structure.
The first teacher was Jonathan P. Finley, of Prince-
ton Theological Seminary.
No. 35, in the northeast quarter of the township, is
known as " Baptisttown" District. The first house,
after its removal from Baptisttown, was built in
1855, a small affair, which stood until replaced, in
1870, by the present structure.
In Union District, No. 36, the first school was
taught in a private house on Mud Run Creek, near
the present residence of J. W. S. Johnson. The first
school-house was near to Slacktown ; the next at that
place, from whence it was removed in 1874 to its
present site, half a mile south. Peter S. Opdyke
says,
'' Some time about 1820, Union School District embraced the territory
now comprieing the present Union District, No. 36, as well as the present
District 37. As the inhabitants began to increase, the school-house built
in 1820 was thought to be too small, and they then built what is locally
known as the ' eight-square house,' at Slacktown. The house built by
old Union was upon ground leased by Samuel H. Britton to the district.
It was situated near the centre of what was then known as the ' Black
Bear Swamp,' so called because a black bear had been killed there."
The present school is near the centre of " Peaceable
Island," on lands donated by Alpheus Bonham.
Independence District, No. 37, is in the east part of
the township. In this district is the "eight-square''
house above mentioned. The first house, erected in
1843, was 18 by 20 feet. The first teacher was William
W. Brady. The next house, and the one now occupied,
was built in 1852, of stone.
Spring Hill District, No. 38, is on the west side of
the township. The first school-building was of logs,
erected about 1776, three-quarters of a mile nortli-
west of the present building, on land now owned liy
Joseph D. Larison. John Welsh was the only
teacher now known to have taught in the house. In
1813 a stone house was built where the present house
stands. In October of that year Moses Everitt (the
grandfather of our late county clerk) deeded a small
lot of land, inclosing the school-house, to George
Larison, George Opdyke, and Jeremiah Opdyke,.
trustees. Ann Beatty was the first teacher. About
fifty-five years ago Benjamin Dennis taught there.
Jared S. Stout, a few years later (fifty-one years ago),
was the first in this section to break in upon the per-
nicious habit of treating by substituting rewards for
the old-time treat of egg-nog and whisky. Mr. Stout
is still living at Scotch Plains. Another teacher was
Barzilla Williams, now living at Erwinna, Pa. In
1854 the jiresent house was erected under the super-
KINGWOOD.
397
vision of Bateman Brink, John Webster, and John
B. Rittenhouse, as trustees.
Scott's District, No. 39, on the southeast border of
the township, embraces the hamlets of Kingwood and
Milltown. The first school-house dates to 1790, stood
near the site of the present building, and was built of
logs. There is no date as to the second building.
The third, now in use, was built in 1853, of stone.
Rock Ridge District, No. 40, occupies the south
point of the township. The first house was of stone,
built in 1803, on ground leased of John Lewis, of
Pennsylvania, for ninety-nine years, for a considera-
tion of "three barleycorns.'' The present building
was erected in 1858, of wood, and will seat 40 scholars.
Warsaw District, No. 41, has property valued at
$800, and the attendance of pupils in 1879 was 13.
This district has had three school-houses. The date
of building the first one is unknown, but it was an old
house in 1800. It stood three-quarters of a mile north-
east of the present edifice, and was a frame building,
18 by 20 feet. The second was of stone ; this became
dilapidated, and was replaced in 1869 by the present
substantial brick structure, 22 by 28 feet.*
Total value of township school property in 1879,
$8550 ; total attendance of pupils, 134. The houses
can comfortably seat 850 pupils.
Among the early teachers in this township was one
named Taylor. He was born in Ireland in 1742, and
came to America in 1759. He had a good education,
and as soon as he reached this country commenced
teaching. Nearly all of the Metier family of school
age at the time were among his pupils.
In 1763 ^how much earlier is not known Uriah
Bonham was in the neighborhood of Kingwood town
as teacher. He married Auche, a daughter of George
Fox the elder.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST.
The first Methodist church in Hunterdon County
was built on the site of the present structure in King-
wood, by the efforts of Eev. Manning Force, when
he first entered the ministry. Previously, however,
the first class was formed by him, with the following
probationers: Thomas and Rachel West, William
West and wife, father and mother of Thomas, and
Mary West, daughter of Thomas, aged eleven. The
venerable mansion where this class was formed, built
by Jonathan Wolverton in 1737, is still standing, a
quarter of a mile west of the church.
As is well known, the first Methodist ministers
through this region traveled on horseback, with
saddle-bags strapped behind. In riding the circuit,
the old Wolverton house, occupied by Wilson Bray,
was universally known as the " home of the preachers."
BAPTIST.
Soon after 1720 a few Baptists settled near Baptist-
town, among whom, in 1729, were Isaa c Wolverton
* Keport of C. S. Conkling, county school Buperintendent in 1876.
and wife, William Fowler and wife, and Elizabeth
Warford. In 1734, John Burtis, Ann Lanner, and
Mary Green arrived.
In 1738, Rev. Thomas Curtis began a settlement
near them, and the next year removed his family
thither. He and the before-mentioned Baptists built a
small meeting-house, long since gone. His first con-
vert was one Edward Hunt, who went to Hopewell
for baptism. In 1748, James and John Bray, from
Middletown, N. J., arrived, increasing the number of
Baptists to twelve. Mr. Curtis visited once in three
weeks the lower part of Bethlehem township, now
Kingwood, and there another little meeting-house
was raised, in 1741, near where the present house
stands in Baptisttown. The first fruits of his ministry
here were Job Wolverton, Elizabeth Collins, Martha
Burtis, Edward Slater, and John Reuben, who were
baptized by Rev. Joseph Eaton while he ministered
at Hopewell ; he occasionally preached and baptized
also at Kingwood, then called Bethlehem Church. Mr.
Curtis' next converts in this place were David Drake,
Agnes Drake, Thomas Hill, Mary Hill, and Elizabeth
Barris ; these were baptized by Rev. Thomas Davis,
who succeeded Mr. Eaton in the ministry at Hope-
well, and who preached and baptized occasionally at
Kingwood.
The above accessions increased the Baptists in
Kingwood to the number of twenty-two, and made
them think of becoming a distinct society. Accord-
ingly, having obtained a release from Hopewell, they
formed a church, July 81, 1742, and the same year
joined the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Rev.
Thomas Curtis preached under the authority of a li-
cense until Oct. 28, 1745, when he was ordained pastor.
He died April 28, 1749, in his sixty-fourth year. His
successor was Malachi Bonham, who was ordained in
1749. He continued until Feb. 17, 1757. He died in
1789, aged seventy-six.
In 1750 the church built a new meeting-house, a
few rods from where the old one stood, on a one-acre
lot, the gift of George Burkit ; this building is still
standing.
The next minister was Rev. David Sutton, from
March 26, 1764, to Aug. 8, 1T88. He was succeeded
by Rev. Nicholas Cox, Nov. 4, 1784. April 3, 1790, he
made it known that he had embraced the doctrine of
universal salvation, and was excluded therefor, June
5, 1790. The church was without a pastor till Oct.
26, 1795, when Rev. Garner A. Hunt was called ; he
remained till May 1, 1807, when he joined the Pres-
byterians.
In June, 1798, ten members were dismissed to join
the then new Baptist Church at Flemington.
This church was without a pastor till Nov. 1, 1808,
when Rev. James McLaughlin settled ; he remained
a little over a year. The church was again without a
pastor till July, 1811, when Mr. McLaughlin was
again called. Until this time the same minister sup-
plied Amwell (now Flemington) and Kingwood alter-
398
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
nately, but about this time tlie connection was dis-
solved, and Mr. McLaughlin jireached every Lord's
Day for Kiugwood, beginning Sept. 14, 1811, and
stayed about a year.
The church called Rev. John Ellis, who served
from 181.3 until the spring of 1817. In the spring of
1818, Elder David Bateman was called, and remained
pastor until his death, Aug. 10, 1832. A few weeks
after, the church engaged Rev. William Curtis to
preach until April 1, 18.33, when he was called for
one year, but after serving six months resigned. The-
church then licensed Thomas Risler to preach, and
Aug. 30, 1834, called Elder James W. Wigg, who en-
tered upon his duties the first Sabbath in October,
1834
Soon after Elder Wigg commenced his pastorate
an anti-mission and anti-temperance spirit crept into
the church, which resulted in a division and a with-
drawal from the Philadelphia Association, and a
union with the " Delaware River Baptist Association,"
leaving the anti-mission party in a majority ; they
held a meeting in February, ] 839, and by resolution
dismissed Elder Wigg and claimed the meeting-
house. Up to this time this history covers both Bap-
tist Churches now at Baptisttown.
The mission faction of the old church, having
peaceably given up their rights to the property, set
about organizing a separate society and building a
new house. Accordingly, April 14, 1839, a council
convened at the Christian chapel in Delaware town-
ship, consisting of sixty members from the old
Kingwood Church and fifty-two converts that had re-
cently been baptized, and formed an indejiendent
church, to be called
THE MISSIONARY PAKTICULAR BAPTIST CHUKOH OF
KINGWOOD.
Soon after, Elder J. W. Wigg was called to be their
pastor. During the summer of 1839 services were
held at the house of Moses Burd, while the new
church was being built at Baptisttown. It was dedi-
cated in the fall of 1839. Joseph West and Mordecai
Roberts were the first deacons chosen, and, soon after,
John Dalrymple and Jeremiah Hoff were chosen.
Delegates were appointed to attend the Central New
Jersey Baptist Association and ask admission to that
body. Elder Wigg continued pastor of this new
church till the spring of 1841. The pastors since
have been Rev. Stiles F. Randolph, until the spring
of 1842 ; Elder Edward Haydock, who remained one
year ; Rev. Charles Cox, of Hightstown, from April
1, 1844, until April 1, 1850; Elder Thomas Barrass,
.spring of 1850 till Oct. 1, 1861, he having resigned
the previous April ; Rev. A. Armstrong, November,
1861, until the last Sabbath in April, 1866. The
church was supplied till September, 1866, when Rev.
Gi;orge Young was called, but remained only a short
time. Jan. 1, 1867, the church called Rev. Samuel
Sproul, of Sandy Ridge, and he entered upon his
duties April 1, 1867. In the fall of 1870 the church
purchased a lot and built a comfortable parsonage,
into which the pastor moved in the spring of 1871.
Elder Sproul remained till Oct. 1, 1874. The church
was then supplied by Rev. F. T. Cailhopper and
Rev. W. E. Watkinson until the first Sabbath in April,
1875, when Rev. W. E. Watkinson, the present pas-
tor, commenced his labors. The present value of
church property is .$6000; the present membership,
150. Pr&sent church oflicers are: Pastor, Rev. Wil-
liam E. Watkinson ; Deacons, Jeremiah Hoflf, Fran-
cis R. Lee, Peter V. Dalrymple, and John W. Le-
quear j Treasurer and Clerk, John W. Lequear; Trus-
tees, Daniel B. Roberson, Peter V. Dalrymple, John
Hoff, John S. Burd, Paul C. Larue, John W. Lequear,
and David B. Sherman.
THE PEESBYTEKIAN OHURCII OF KINGWOOD.*
There was a Presbyterian congregation worsliiping
at, or near the place of, the present church previous
to 1745. Of its earlier history there is no record. At
that date, we are informed by Rev. Mr. Webster, in
his " History of the Presbyterian Church in America,"
Lower Bethlehem (then the name of this church)
made application for the ministerial services of Rev.
Daniel Lawrence. This implies with much certainty
that the congregation had a hoase in which to wor-
ship ten years before the erection of the "old stone,''
and, if ten years, with equal probability a period so
long that the rude structure had become unfit for
further use. In 1752 the congregation presented a
petition to Presbytery for leave to build a meeting-
house, but it was not built till 1755. The deed of
conveyance for the church lot, lately found among the
papers of Jacob Race, deceased, who was a ruling
elder in that church, bears date Sept. 26, 1754. It is
from Lawrence Haff f to " James Barcalow, Charles
Hoff, and Henry Coxe, trustees for the Presbyterian
congregation at Kingwood," for one acre and a quar-
ter of land, it being part of a tract which Lawrence
Haff had purchased from Robert Murfin J in 1745. The
deed also grants " liberty, nevertheless, to the minis-
ters of the Low Dutch Calvinistical persuasion to
preach and perform divine service therein at such
times as there is no religious worship performed by
the above congregation, freely, peaceably, and without
interruption of the above elders, or of any person
claiming under them."
In 1748, Rev. Mr. Lewis was installed at Bethle-
hem. The records of New Brunswick Presbytery
show that some years after his installation he asked
Presbytery to dissolve his relation to Lower Bethle-
hem (Kingwood). Half his time had been given to
Bethlehem and the other half to South Bethlehem.
* Coiitnbuted by Dr. Henry Race.
f Lawrence Haff (pronounced Hawff ) was a chosen freeholder from
174G to 1748.
X Robert Mnrtin came over from Hull, England, in the ship " Shield,"
in 1G78, and landed at Burlington.
KINGWOOD.
399
In 1754 lie was dismissed from Kingwood, and the
pastorate was vacant till 1763. Eev. John Hanna
then became pastor, giving, at first, one-third of his
time to Kingwood, one-third to Bethlehem, and one-
third to Greenwich. That same yeai' Mount Pleasant
congregation petitioned Presbytery for a pastor, and '
Mr. Hanna was withdrawn from Greenwich and one-
third of his time given to Mount Pleasant. Mr.
Hanna continued in charge until his death, in 1801.
Feb. 8, 1787, the trustees of this church were in-
corporated as " Trustees of the Presbyterian Church
called Mount Bethel, in the Township of Kingwood."*
The trustees were Joseph Chamberlin, John Ten-
brook, Elisha Bird, John Sherrard, Isaac Gray, Gabriel
Hoff, Samuel Gano.
We have never heard by oral tradition that the
name of Mount Bethel had been given to that church,
but it must have been retained to the close of Mr.
Hanna's pastorate, as will appear from the following
paper :
" Nov. 7, 1800, Keceived of Mr. Race, one of the Trustees of Mouut
Bethel congregation, for salary, six Pounds two shillings.
*' John Hakxa. "
The "old stone" was a venerable-looking house
with a hip roof, and gables inclosed with shingles
down to a level with the front and back walls. It
had ten large windows, with heavy sash, two in each
side and end and one in each gable. The inside work
was plain and unpainted. The pulpit had a sound-
ing-board high overhead. There were two seats in
front the hindmost higher than the other for the
ruling elders. The pews had high, straight backs,
and, like the pulpit, were made of Jersey cedar. In
the centre aisle was an arrangement constructed of
brick, about 4 by 5 feet in area, for an open charcoal
fire, for warming the house in winter.
Rev. HoUoway W. Hunt succeeded Eev. Mr.
Hanna. He gave one-third of his time to Kingwood,
and two-thirds to Bethlehem and Mount Pleasant.
He continued in charge until 1825, when the pastoral
relation was dissolved by Presbytery, the church de-
clared vacant, and supplies appointed. These were,
in 1826, Eev. Isaac S. Demun ; in 1827, Rev. Alexan-
der Heberton, June to September. The church was
then vacant until 1836, when Rev. John McNair
supplied Kingwood and Milford.
In 1837 the old church was taken down and the
present one erected. The same year Rev. Mr. McNair
was installed as pastor of Kingwood and Milford. In
1838 he resigned his two charges, and was succeeded
by Rev. Joseph Campbell, D.D., who officiated till
his death, in 1840. In 1841, Rev. J. H. Sherwood
succeeded in both churches. In 1842, Milford sep-
arated from Kingwood. In 1843, Eev. Samuel F.
Porter supplied the pulpit, and was installed pastor
in 1844. He resigned the charge in 1857, and was
* Becorded Aug. 6, 1788, in Book A, vol i. p. 282, Registry of Deeds, in
county clerk*8 office.
succeeded the same year by Rev. Joseph Rogers, who
was pastor till 1868.
In 1864, Rev. J. D. Randolph was installed over
the Kingwood and Frenchtown Churches. In 1867
he withdrew from Kingwood and gave all his time to
Frenchtown. From June, 1868, to October, 1872,
Rev. J. Thompson Osier, was pastor of Kingwood
Church. From February, 1873, until April, 1877,
Rev. Benjamin Carrell officiated.
Since the last-mentioned date the church has had
no pastor. Rev. Cornelius S. Conkliug acted as mod-
erator of Session and stated supply of the pulpit from
October, 1877, till April, 1880, since which time Rev.
J. D. Randolph has officiated. The present ruling
elders are Philip Hoff, Runyon W. Bloom, and Emley
Bellis ; trustees, Runyon W. Bloom, George Dalrym-
ple, Philip Hoff, and David Kline.
BURIAL-PLACES.
No doubt in the early history of this township there
were many private or farm burying-places, but they
have been so sadly neglected (real estate frequently
changing ownership, and many of these places being
plowed over) that at the present day there is no trace
or remembrance of scarcely any of them.
The burial-ground at Baptisttown is as old as, and
probably the largest of, any in the township. In
this, too, as in most old yards, the graves of the first
and second generations have no inscriptions, being
marked only by rough field-stones. Following are
some whose names are legible : James Shaw, July 24,
1824, aged eighty; Thomas Curtis, Sept. 19, 1823,
aged seventy-one ; Daniel Curtis, 1848, aged eighty-
five; Daniel Opdyke, 1862, aged ninety-five; Maiy,
his wife, 1864, aged eighty-eight; Francis Robersou,
1837, aged seventy-six; George Opdyke, 1851, aged
seventy-seven ; William Horner, Feb. 23, 1855, aged
eighty-eight; John Kugler, 1812, aged seventy-four ;
Edward Doyle, Dec. 31, 1805, aged seventy-seven;
John Mason, 1813, aged seventy-two ; Abraham Slack,
1840, aged about eighty. The wall around this ground
was built in 1828.
PRESBYTERIAN BrRYING-GBOUND.
This burial-place, located on the old "King's
Highway," in the north part of the township, is
thickly set with graves. Many of the pioneers of
Kingwood here rest beneath unlettered slabs. Among
those that have a record we find many of the Slater
family, including those of John and Eachel, his wife.
John died March 14, 1848, aged sixty-four, and
Rachel in 1848, at the same age. Samuel Slater,
born in 1739, died in 1819, and Ann, his wife, born
1721, died in 1794. Other inscriptions give the fol-
lowing names and dates : John Taylor, born in 1756,
died in 1835, and Sarah, his wife, born in 1758 and
died in 1839 ; Garret Van Syckel, born in 1740, died
in 1810; Emma, wife of Peter Ten Brook, died in
1805, aged forty-nine ; Ezekiel Everett, born in 1746,
400
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
and died aged eighty, and Mary, his wife, born in
1741, and dying in 1810, appear to be the first of a
large number of the Everett family buried here ; Ben-
jamin Wright, born March 3, 1749, died aged se^'enty-
nine ; Asa Wright, died 1845 ; Piety E. Wright, died
Nov. 15, 1844, aged eighty ; John Chamberlin, born
in 1742, died in 1830, and Eleanor, Ms wife, born in
1752, died in 1846, aged ninety-six ; Joseph Chamber-
lin, born in 1732, died in 1816, and Amy, his vrife,
born in 1729, died in 1784. These have representa-
tives living in this township, as well as those whose
names follow. Samuel Lett, died in 1819, aged forty-
seven ; Cornelius Hoff was born in 1740 and died in
1826, and Margaret, his wife, was born in 1748 and
died in 1815. Charles Tomlinson, born in 1767, died
in 1829, and Mary, his wife, died in 1857, aged eighty-
four. John Thomson, born in 1784 and died in 1805 ;
John Roat was born in 1734, and died aged eighty,
and Ann, his wife, was born in 1743, and died aged
eighty-two ; Jesse Dalrymple, the Revolutionary sol-
dier referred to elsewhere, was born in 1756 and died
in 1844, aged eighty-eight, and Esther, his wife, was
born in 1758 and died in 1830, aged seventy-two ;
George Warne, an elder of the church, descended
from Thomas Warne, one of the first settlers of Bur-
lington, was born in 1745 and died in 1805. A broad
marble slab, gray with age, has this inscription :
"Sacred to the memory of Thomas Lowrey, Esq., died
Nov. 10, 1809, in the 73d year of his age. By the "
side of it is the last resting-place of his amiable wife,
Esther, who died Oct. 13, 1814, aged seventy-six, and
on the tablet over the grave is written, " Blessed are
the dead who die in the Lord." Near their graves
are those of their sons, Samuel, who died in 1791,
aged twenty-seven, and William, died in 1802, aged
forty-two ; also Martha (wife of Dr. William MoGill),
died in 1833, aged seventy-four. Here also is the
grave of Dr. William McGill, a physician at French-
town. He died June 23, 1815, aged forty-seven.
Independence burying-ground, in School Dis-
trict No. 37, adjoining the school lot, is a small
ground, well cared for, and inclosed with a neat and
substantial wall. It has but few graves.
SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS.
The Kingwood Vigilant Society was organized at
the house of Samuel Slater, Jan. 17, 1835. The ob-
ject of the society was to guard against the operations
of horse-thieves, who had been depredating quite ex-
tensively during 1833 and 1834; the large number of
horses stolen, and not recovered, aroused the people
to adopt means of self-protection.
This society had an average membership of fifty,
and continued in existence for thirty-six years, when
the funds were divided and the organization dis-
banded.
The Kingwood Temperance Society was formed
on Christmas evening in 1846, with the following
officers : President, Daniel B. Rittenhouse ; Vice-Pres-
idents, Amos Marcelius and Joseph Dalrymple; Sec-
retary, Rev. Stacy W. Hilliard. In 1853 the dele-
gates to the State temperance convention were John
V. Thatcher, Joseph Kugler, Samuel Hartpence,
Pierson R. Niece,' Francis R. Lee ; alternates, Wilson
Bray, Hiram Bennett, Henry Housel, and William
H. Slater.
MASONIC.
Though Kingwood cannot boast of a single secret
organization at the present day, yet she may claim
to have founded the first Masonic lodge in this part
of the State, and especially in the county of Hunter-
don. Its meetings were held for a number of years
at the log house of Gen. Daniel Bray, about three-
quarters of a mile north of the Kingwood Methodist
Episcopal church.
It was chartered as " Unity Lodge, No. 7, F. and
A. M." It was first represented in the Grand Lodge
June 23, 1788. In that year Daniel Bird was Wor-
shipful Master; Jonathan Wolverton, Senior War-
den ; Daniel Bray, Junior Warden. The minutes of
this old pioneer lodge, from Jan. 22, 1788, to Feb. 11,
1802, are in the possession of Joseph H. Hough,
Grand Secretary, Trenton, and they show that the
lodge met in different places in Hunterdon County,
to suit the convenience of the members. One of the
meetings was held at Pennington. The first "return"
now existing of this lodge to the grand body is dated
Jan. 11, 1791, and contains the names of 25 members ;
at that date the sessions were held at James Hart's
tavern, in Kingwood.
POINT PLEASANT DELAWARE BRIDGE COMPANY.
In 1853 the commissioners named in the act to in-
corporate the above-named company proceeded to
build a bridge across the river Delaware from Point
Pleasant, in Pennsylvania, to the township of King-
wood, in New Jersey.
The commissioners, all residing in Kingwood ex-
cept Hugh Oapner, were John Kugler, Hiram Ben-
nett, Thomas Lequear, Nathan R. Holt, George Wan-
amaker, Thomas V. Roberson, Joseph Hann, Wil-
liam D. Shaw, Hugh Capner, Samuel Stewart, Samuel
D. Barcroft, William Hann, Jr., Samuel Hartpence,
John V. Thatcher, Samuel H. Britton, Reuben Kug-
ler, Jonathan Rose, Thomas Skillman, John Emmons,
Rev. Amos Marcelius, Samuel Niece, Charles Tom-
linson, Isaac R. Srope, Mahlon Emmons, Cyrenius
A. Slack, George Arnwine, and John Sine. The
bridge was built in 1853, and the Jersey end is located
at Point Pleasant.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Soon after John Kugler settled in this township, he
and his sons put up a small saw-mill at the mouth
of Warford Creek. As the flow was not constant,
it became necessary for them to avail themselves of
freshets ; they frequently got up in the night and went
KINGWOOD.
401
to sawing when a sudden shower came up and filled
the stream; they therefore gave it the name of
the " Thundergust Saw-Mill."
Just below the mouth of this creek, Mr. Kugler
built the first lime-kiln in this part of the country ;
he boated his limestone down the Delaware from
Durham.
Soon after settling in Jersey he built himself a Dur-
ham boat, and we learn he did a great deal of repair-
ing of boats at the landing below the rifts, near the
lime-kiln. Joseph Eodman, who for many years car-
ried on boat-building at Bull's Island, was brought up
by Mr. Kugler, and from him acquired his knowledge
of the trade.
At an early day the old Kingwood store, near where
Samuel Lewis' wagon-house now stands, was the
grand centre of trade for a wide region of country
extending from Lambertville and Flemington on the
south and east, and some distance north, there being
no store at Frenchtown, Baptisttown, or Quakertown.
The articles of trade were somewhat different from
those of the present day. The extensive forests
abounding with large numbers of shell-bark hickory-
trees, which produced annually large quantities of
nuts, families would gather as many as thirty bushels
of a season. Every one owning a tract of land would
have a piece sown to flax, and farmers have been known
to work out 400 pounds or more of a season. Nearly
all salable articles were disposed of at the Kingwood
store. A portion was carried to the Philadelphia
market, wagons and Durham boats affording the only
means of transportation.
Jacob Kugler lived a part of his life in Chester Co.,
Pa., then moved to Everittstown, N. J., and from
there to Tumble Station, where he spent the re-
mainder of his life. Samuel Rambo owned a lot of
land there, and built the stone dwelling burned a few
years ago. Jacob Kugler bought this of Samuel, and
they together built a saw-mill at Tumble in 1807.
In 1817, Kugler built the grist-mill. The wheels of
these mills were turned by the waters of the Delaware,
as an undershot paddle-wheel was used till about
1837, when two reacting water-wheels were put in by
Mr. Kugler's sons. This was probably the only mill
run by the waters of the Delaware between Easton
and Trenton. These mills were burned on the night
of Feb. 3, 1853, the night before the first locomotive
came to Frenchtown. They were owned by Samuel
Hartpence and Hiram Deats.
The upper mill at Milltown was built by John
Snyder in 1755. The mill of Mr. Kugler became an
important one, as there was no lack of water, while
the other mills in the township were often idle on ac-
count of low water.
The first tannery built along the river in Kingwood
township was operated by Joshua Stout, on the creek
above Bull's Island. Much of the leather tanned here
went to the neighborhood to be used for blacksmiths'
bellows, horse-collars, and leather aprons.
PHYSICIANS.
In 1824 or 1825, Israel L. Coriell came from Bask-
ing Eidge to Milltown, and was one of the most prom-
inent young physicians in the county in his day.
He was killed by being thrown from his sulky in
August, 1829.
William R. Hand was a native of Somerset County.
He located at Barbertown, where he practiced till
1870, when he removed to Virginia, where he died.
George Campbell, a Scotchman, located here Aug.
15, 1758, and commenced the practice of his profes-
sion near Frenchtown. He died in August, 1818, and
was buried in the graveyard of the Kingwood Presby-
terian church.
Charles M. Lee, who died in Baptisttown in 1875,
was a native of that place. John Leavitt located in
Baptisttown in 1855, where he died in 1876.
PROMINENT MEN OP KINGWOOD.
John Runk, son of Samuel Runk, who lived and
died at Milltown, one mile southwest of Kingwood
Hotel, was a merchant at Kingwood, but a miller by
profession, and about the time he arrived at the age
of twenty-one he married a Miss Tenbrook. He first
entered public life as a member of the board of
chosen freeholders in 1825. In 1830 he was the un-
successful Federal candidate for sheriff, but in 1836
was elected and served three years. In 1844 he was
elected member of Congress, but failed of election
in the next campaign for the same office. In 1850,
Mr. Runk was the candidate of the Whig party of
New Jersey for Governor, but was defeated." He was
one of the Presidential electors in 1848, and cast
his vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor. He removed to
Lambertville, when he retired from political life, ex-
cept holding the office of director of the board of
chosen freeholders. In early life he united with the
Masonic fraternity, and remained an honored mem-
ber while he lived. He died at Lambertville, Sept.
22, 1872, aged eighty-two.
Wilson Beay was a merchant at Baptisttown, also
a farmer, and lived on the farm occupied by Wilson
B. Kline, once known as the " poor-house farm." In
1830, Mr. Bray was elected sheriff of this county, and
served one term ; then settled on the farm at the King-
wood Methodist Episcopal church, and was subse-
quently elected a member of the General Assembly,
serving two years. After this he became an earnest
advocate of temperance, and in 1847 was elected pres-
ident of the "Kingwood Temperance Society.'' He
was a safe political leader, and a faithful member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In November, 1850,
while on a visit to his brother in Philadelphia, he was
taken suddenly ill, and died in a short time.
Edwaed Welsted was a practical surveyor and
conveyancer. He was a member of Kingwood town-
ship committee, 1818-25, and subsequently a justice
of the peace. He was elected sheriff in 1821, and
served three years.
402
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Samuel H. Beitton, born in Kingwood town-
ship, about a mile and a half east of south from
Baptisttown, entered public life as a constable, which
office he held a number of years, then township clerk,
chosen fi-eeholder (two years), a member of the As-
sembly, and several years a justice of the peace. He
was also an auctioneer. He was possessed of good
business qualifications. He died in Frenchtown, Sept.
7, 1860, aged sixty-one.
Eev. Amos jMaecelius resided at Milltown. He
was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and was a faithful and zealous worker for
the Master's kingdom. His education was somewhat
limited, but he was at one time a politician of some
note, and was appointed by the Legislature a com-
missioner of deeds for Kingwood township. He died
April 17, 1870, aged sixty-seven.
Isaac E. Skope came to Kingwood about 1835,
and subsequently became member of the township
committee, township assessor for a number of years,
chosen freeholder for four years, member of the As-
sembly five years, judge of the Conrt of Common
Pleas, and acted as administrator, executor, and
commissioner in the settling of estates. He died
in 1862.
Gabeiel Hoff was born two years previous to
the declaration of indejiendence. He Avas town
clerk of Kingwood township in 1802, was a Presi-
dential elector, elected sheriff of Hunterdon County
in 1824, and served three years. In 1829 he was
elected a member of the Assembly. He died Jan.
.30, 1830, aged fifty-six.
Amplius B. CHAjfP.EELiisr, born in Connecticut
in 1807, came to this township when nineteen, and
stopped with Samuel Hudnit, near Locktown. He
taught school at Locktown for five years, and was
subsequently honored with several offices of profit
and trust, one of T\-hich was the unexpired term of
Joseph Besson, who died in 1849. He was sheriff of
Hunterdon County in 1844 for three years, and at the
close of the term removed to Kingwood, where he
afterwards lived. He was clerk of the State Senate for
two years, besides holding a number of township
oflSces. He died May 9, 1879. His first wife was
Miss Elizabeth Myers, and his second (who survives
him) was Mrs. Amy Bittenhouse.
Hon". Geoege Opdyke, ex-mayor of New York
City, was born in Kingwood, obtained a fair educa-
tion, and for a few terms was employed as a district
school-teacher. "When he arrived to the estate of
manhood he was a Democrat in politics, but was op-
posed to slavery, and was a delegate to the Free-Soil
Convention held at Buffalo in 1848. His first busi-
ness enterprise was keeping a clothing-store in Cleve-
land, Ohio, but he soon moved to New Orleans, La.
About 1832 he went to New York, and in 1850 began
the importation of dry-goods, which he continued
till 1867, when he engaged in the banking business,
and up to the panic of 1873 met with notable success.
I
It was with some difficiilty that his banking-house
weathered the storm of reverses at that time, but he
came through, and was afterwards very successful in
business. In 1856 he was elected a member of the
New York Legislature. He took a prominent part
in the election of Abraham Lincoln, and in 1862 was
elected mayor of New York. During the draft-riots
of 1863 numerous attempts were made to assassinate
him, but he remained at his post of duty, and finally,
with the aid of United States troops, he quelled the
uprising. From that time to his death, which oc-
curred in 1880, he was prominently identified with
the business interests of the country. He left a for-
tune of ftl,500,000.
Besides the prominent men already mentioned of
whom Kingwood can boast, there were AVilliam and
John Scott, Hon. Eli Moore, William Euuk, John
Barcroft, John Wanamaker, of Philadelphia, Dr.
Bethel, and others.
MILITARY.
THE LOCKTOWN VOLUNTEEKS.
This company, composed chiefly of members from
Kingwood township, was organized Aug. 7, 1858. The
election for officers resulted as follows: Captain, John
Bellis ; first lieutenant, Edward M. Heath ; second
lieutenant, Martin V. B. Bittenhouse ; third lieuten-
ant, Francis Bittenhouse; orderly sergeant, Andrew
B. Everitt; second sergeant, Peter W. Lair; drum-
mer, Joel Heath. This company made their first
appearance in public at Frenchtown with the Third
Begiment of the Hunterdon Brigade, June 13, 1859.
Sept. 10, 1859, a splendid flag was procured, and on
that day the first annual target-practice was held at
Locktown. A silver mec'al bearing on the obverse
the inscription, " Presented to the Locktown Yolun-
teers by Eli Britton," and on the reverse, "Sept. 10,
1859," was given to Joel Heath for good marksman-
ship. At the second practice (1860) the medal was
awarded to Wilson M. Bittenhouse ; at the third, in
1861, again to Joel Heath. In- 1862, Peter W. Lair,
Theodore Sutton, Uriah Sutton, Izer Bake, John B.
Hardon, AVilliam Harden, Henry Ilardon, and sev-
eral others of this company enlisted, and in 1864 the
company was disbanded and the arms and equipments
returned to the State arsenal.
BAPTISTTOWN CAVALEY.
The second troop of cavalry in this township was
formed at Baptisttown, with the above name, July 23,
1859, with the following officers: Captain, William
Eick ; first lieutenant, Asa Bittenhouse ; second lieu-
tenant, Israel S. Curtis ; cornet, Asa B. Hockenbury ;
bugler, John Taylor, Jr. ; orderly sergeant, Moses K.
Everitt. The company was formed of the best young
men of the township, but was unable to keep up its or-
ganization after the breaking out of the Eebellion, on
account of a large number of its members enlisting.
0<L^
KINGWOOD.
403
THE BAPTISTTOWN EIFLE COMPANY
was formed April 25, 1861. The first officers were :
Captain, William Roberts; first lieutenant, Charles
A. Eoberson; second lieutenant, Jacob B. Dalrym-
ple; drummer, William J. Eounsavell; orderly ser-
geant, Jesse Dalrymple. This company also was
broken up by its members enlisting during the Re-
bellion. There is at present no military organization
in the township.
The following is a list of those who Tolunteered
from this township, as nine months' men, in the
United States service, in 1862 :
Hugh M. Eobinson, Holcombe Hyde, Elijah Robinson, Jeremiah Case,
Samuel Van Norman, Isaiah M. Parker, Joliu Prall, Martin Hyde,
Jeremiah W. Opdyke, John B. Mason, Thomas K. Lake, Joseph L.
Lair, Horace A. Wambargo, .Tesse Dalrymple, John Taylor, Sylvester
Sowders, Reed Myers, Geo. McFerne, Edward Housel, James Kerr,
Sanford Lefever, John C. Opdyke, Charles M. Lee, John R. Slater,
James W. Hawk, James Ashcroft.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
WESLEY BBLLIS.
Wesley Bellis was born in the township of Alexan-
dria, Hunterdon Co., N. J., on the 1st of December,
1822. His great-grandfather, Barnet Bellis, is be-
lieved to have come from Germany. He was born
Aug. 20, 1756. His grandfather, John Bellis, Sr., was
an early settler in the township of Alexandria, having
removed there from Old Amwell. He married Eliz-
abeth Holcombe, a descendant of John Holcombe,
the first settler of that name in Amwell, near Lam-
bertville, and had nine children, Barnet, Charlotte,
Eleanor, Samuel, Rebecca, Phrebe, Uriel, Isaac, and
.John. He died Jan. 26, 1829, aged seventy-three
years. His wife, Elizabeth, died June 4, 1843, aged
eighty-five years.
Their youngest son, John Bellis, father of our sub-
ject, was born March 7, 1779 ; married, Feb. 2, 1822,
Elizabeth Roberson, of Kingwood. She was the
daughter of Francis and Mary Roberson, and was
born March 7, 1777. The children of John and Eliz-
abeth Bellis were Wesley, the subject of this sketch,
born as above; Mary, born Dec. 2, 1824, married Wil-
liam Bodine, a farmer near Stockton, N. J. ; John,
born Jan. 8, 1828, married, first, Amy M., daughter of
Andrew B. Rittenhouse, Nov. 27, 1853 ; married, sec-
ond, Rachel Ann, daughter of James Rittenhouse,
Oct. 17, 1868.
The maternal grandparents died as follows : Thomas
Roberson, Dec. 12, 1837, aged seventy-six years ; Mary
Roberson, Aug. 26, 1845, aged eighty-one years.
The parents died as follows : John Bellis, Dec. 29,
1827, aged thirty years, nine months, and twenty-two
days; Elizabeth Bellis, Nov. 27, 1837, aged thirty-
three years, three months, and four days.
Wesley Bellis was brought up on the homestead
farm of his grandfather Roberson, to which his
mother removed after the death of his father, which
occurred when he was five years of age. His mother
died when he was at the age of fifteen, and he worked
two summers in succession as an employe, attending
school in winter as he had opportunity. His grand-
father's estate consisted of about three hundred and
fifty acres, which was divided soon after his death,
and, Mr. Bellis, at the age of twenty-one, purchased
the homestead farm, embracing one hundred and
twenty-two acres. He has greatly improved the es-
tate, having built upon it, in 1879, a fine residence
and other buildings. On the 10th of February, 1844,
he married Rachel Thatcher, daughter of John V.
and Charlotte Thatcher, of Kingwood township, who
was born Aug. 24, 1822. The fruit of this union has
been five children, as follows : Mary Elizabeth, born
June 14, 1845, married Wesley Hawks, and lives near
Locktown, in Delaware township ; Charlotte, born
Jan. 4, 1847, died Feb. 19, 1856; Martin F., born
Sept. 6, 1849, married Violette Rittenhouse, Dec. 10,
1873, and resides in Flemington ; Emma Jane, born
Aug. 6, 1852, died Jan. 11, 1856; infant son, born
May 14, 1855, died May 15, 1855. Rachel, wife of
Wesley Bellis, died May 16, 1855.
He married his second wife, Mary Catherine
Stryker, of Kingwood, Jan. 2, 1858. She was born
in Franklin township, near Quakertown. The chil-
dren of this marriage are Rachel J., born Oct. 15,
1858 ; Francis S., born April 20, 1860 ; Catharine R.,
born May 15, 1863 ; Laura May, born Feb. 5, 1867 ;
Thurston Roy, born Aug. 20, 1872; Simeon 0., born
March 7, 1877 ; Lydia, born Aug. 7, 1880.
Mr. Bellis has always adhered to the Democratic
faith of his fathers, and has taken some active part in
politics. He has been elected to fill several offices of
trust in his township, such as freeholder, assessor,
collector, and member of the township committee.
In the fall of 1874 he was elected sheriff of the county
for one year under the old constitution, and under
the revised constitution was re-elected for a term of
three years, thus holding the office four consecutive
years, and discharging its duties Avith credit and sat-
isfaction.
JOHN KUGLER.
His great-grandfather, Juhn Kugler, came from
Germany when about fourteen years of age, and sub-
sequently purchased land in Kingwood township,
Hunterdon County, on wdiich he settled. He owned
the property at one time on which George W. Kugler
now resides. It was in the possession of John Kugler,
Jr., and descended from him to the late Samuel Kug-
ler, who died there in September, 1879, and the estate
was purchased of the executors by the present occu-
pant. The first John Kugler had three sons, John,
Joseph, and Jacob ; John and Jacob settled in King-
wood on the original estate, and the last-mentioned
404
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
owned mills known as Kugler's Mills, at what is now
Tumble Station, on the Belvidere Delaware Eailroad.
John Kugler, Jr., or the second of the name, mar-
ried Hannah Snyder, and had three sons and seven
daughters ; his oldest son, John, was the father of the
subject of this sketch; was born on the old home-
JOHN KUGLER.
stead in Kingwood township in 1798 ; married Eliza,
daughter of Jonathan Eittenhouse, of Kingwood, and
had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, six
of whom are living, viz., John, the subject of this
notice; Jonathan, a farmer, residing in Alexa.ndria
township ; Oliver, farmer, of Earitan township ; Har-
riet, unmarried ; Wilson, farmer, residing in King-
wood ; and George W., farmer, of Gloucester Co., N. J.
John Kugler, the subject of this notice, was born
near Kingwood Methodist church in the township of
Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., N. J., Aug. 23, 1823.
His early life was spent chiefly in Alexandria town-
ship, where he received a common-school education,
and was bred to the occupation of a farmer, which he
has followed through life. When at the age of eight-
een he was thrown upon his own resources, and made
a successful start in life by his own exertions. He is
now one of the substantial, forehanded farmers of the
county.
In 1848 he married his first wife, Mary, daughter of
Isaac G. Schomp, of Earitan township, by whom he
had six children, two sons and four daughters, four of
whom, one son and three daughters, are living. Mrs.
Kugler died in 1863. In 1865 he married, for his
second wife, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Mahlon
Thatcher, of Kingwood. Four children living are
the fruit of this marriage, one son and three daugh-
ters.
In politics Mr. Kugler is a Democrat, and has taken
an active part in behalf of the principles of his party.
He has held most of the responsible ofllices in his
township ; has been freeholder several years, member
of the township committee, judge of elections, etc.
He has frequently been a delegate to county, congres-
sional, and State conventions of his party. In the fall
of 1869 he was elected to represent the First As-
sembly District of the county in the Legislature,
and served acceptably in that body in the winter of
1870-71.
THE MATHEW FAMILY.
Five generations have passed since the first of this
family, William, emigrated from Wales and settled
near what is now Mount Airy. He was the great-
great-grandfather of Daniel M., of Frenchtown.
William had six sons and three daughters. Of the
sons, Henry removed to New York, William settled
in Pennsylvania, Joseph in Warren County, near
Washington, Jessie and Pierson resided in the south
part of this county, and Jeremiah, the youngest,
married Kesiah Allen, settled near Mount Pleasant,
and had five sons and seven daughters ; one of the
sons, William, married Mary Bigler, and had Jere-
miah, John, Joseph, and Elizabeth. The latter (now
Mrs. John Wene) lives near Ashury. John married
Elizabeth, a sister of the late ex-Mayor Opdyke, of
New York. Joseph is living at Everittstown. Jere-
miah married Sybilla Butterfoss, and had John H.,
Daniel M., and HoUoway. Daniel M. married Maggie
Hull, and resides at Frenchtown. Daniel M., after
graduating with honors, taught school in this county
for twelve consecutive years, and was the first to in-
troduce a Latin grammar into a public school in this
part of the county. He has been a preacher in the local
ranks of the Methodist Episcopal denomination for
twenty-five years. His preserved published communi-
cations on various subjects make a good-sized volume,
and to him we are indebted for much valuable infor-
mation to be found in this volume.
FREISrCHTOWN BOEOUGH.
FOETY years ago there was no bridge across the
Delaware at this place, and vehicles and stock had to
be taken across in a ferrying flat propelled by setting-
poles. How long there had been a ferry here before
the bridge was built is not known, but it is certain
that Burgoyne's army, as prisoners of war, were here
ferried over the Delaware.
Fifty years ago there was no grain-mart near
Frenchtown. The corn was carted in wagons across
the country to New Brunswick, requiring two days to
make the trip. Perhaps a large part of it was taken
down the Delaware in Durham boats.
The mail at an early day was carried on horseback
from Trenton up through Kingwood, a branch of the
route extending to this village, crossing the river in a
bateau to the Erwinna post-office. William Roat, a
great-uncle of John L. Tomlinson, carried the mail
from Trenton. Letters were then transported at rates
corresponding to the distance, ranging from six and a
quarter to twenty-five cents. In those days there were
neither envelopes nor postage-stamps.
The first post-ofiice in Frenchtown was established
in or about 1839, where Allen & Everts kept store, and
one of them was made postmaster. Afterwards it was
changed to L. M. Provost's store, the " Big Gun,"
then down to Dr. Hough's drug-store, with Bryan
Hough as deputy postmaster. After that W. W.
Hedges was postmaster at the same place until 1861,
when Bryan Hough received the appointment, and in
1865 moved the office to Hough & Smith's shoe-store,
where it was kept until 1867. Oliver Worman was
the next incumbent, with the office in his store (now
Brink's hardware-store) ; from thence he took it to
the brick store next to the depot in 1869, about which
time Philip G. Beading took charge of it, and kept it
in Worman's store. In 1869, C. B. Higgins, the pres-
ent postmaster, was appointed, and moved it to its
present location.
IMPROVEMENTS AT FRENCHTOWN.
By deed dated May 20, 1776, John Stevens and
Elizabeth, his wife, and James Parker and Gertrude,
his wife, conveyed to Thomas Lowrey a tract of land
partly in Kingwood and partly in Alexandria town-
ship. William Lowrey became possessed of this lot,
and he and his wife, Martha, in a deed dated Dec. 1,
•1794, conveyed this lot to Thomas Lowrey. What
relationship William held to Thomas Lowrey is not
known. Thomas now owned 968 acres at and around
where Frenchtown is now situated. About 1785,
Thomas Lowrey built the grist-mill, and probably the
saw-mill. He also built the stone house between Dr.
Reiley's residence and D. W. Pinkerton's harness-
shop. These were among the first improvements in
Frenchtown.
During the French Revolution of 1792 a Swiss, by
the name of Paul Henry Mallet Prevost, a republican,
joined the French army at Alsace as commissary-gen-
eral. But he, not approving of some extreme meas-
ures, was proscribed, and, with his secretary, Nicolas
Louis Toulaine Defresnoye, escaped into Germany,
and finally came to America, landing in Philadelphia.
In looking for a home he by some means came to
Frenchtown, and, being delighted with the place, set
about buying out Mr. Lowrey.
Mr. Lowrey had sold his Frenchtown property
several times to purchasers who were unable to make
the final payments, he taking the property back. Mr.
Prevost bargained with Mr. Lowrey for the 968 acres
for £7664. Mr. Lowrey thought he had him fast, as
he would be unable to make the second and third
payments. But, to his utter astonishment, Mr. Pre-
vost said, " Mr. Lowrey, if you deducts de interest, I
pays de second." To this Mr. Lowrey reluctantly
consented. Mr. Prevost then said, " Mr. Lowrey, if
you deducts de interest, I pays de third." This struck
Old Quicksilver with astonishment, and so wrought
upon his mind that he took to his bed. In Mr. Low-
rey's sale of the Frenchtown property the deed bears
date Dec. 4, 1794, and was made to Nicolas Toulaine
Defresnoye, Mr. Prevost's secretary. Jan. 19, 1802,
Mr. Defresnoye and his wife, Frances, conveyed by
deed 893 acres of this land to Andrew M. Prevost for
£7133. It was bounded on the south by lands of
Thomas and Edward Marshall and Ezekiel Rose, the
southeast corner being the stump in the road near
John Fulper's, on the east by Daniel Opdyke, and on
the west by the Delaware.
Mr. Prevost built the dwelling now owned by John
Stillwell, and this became the residence of Paul H.
M. Prevost during his lifetime, and after him, for
many years, the home of Lewis M., his son, who mar-
ried Mary Exton, of High Bridge.
Fifty years ago there was standing, where the river
road turns down by the depot, a frame building oc-
cupied by Jacob Welch, a clock- and watch-cleaner
and repairer. This shop was afterwards occupied by
Daniel Curtis & Sons as a tailor-shop.
405
406
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
The first store-house in Frenchtown was a low
story-and-a-lialf stone building near where H. E.
A\'arford's new brick store stands ; on the east end a
stone addition was built to it for a dwelling. A little to
the east, some distance back from the street, stood a
frame building occupied many years as a dwelling. In
the spring of 1834, Clarissa and Frances Calvin, sisters,
opened the first millinerj'-shop in Frenchtown. In
after-years this shop was occupied by Cyrenius A.
Slack, who carried on the shoemaking business. The
upper story was occupied by Ambrose Silverthorne
as a tailor-shop. Oliver Worman some years ago
moved this old house a little farther east, but when
near the place it was to occupy it fell into a mass of
ruins.
The brick house now the residence of Jacob C.
Hawk was built for Mr. Prevost's residence by Capt.
William Conner and his son James, the grandfather
and father of Jonathan M. Conner, of Kingwood.
The next house on the south side of Bridge Street was
near where Ishmael Brink's hardware-store now stands,
the first story of stone, and above that frame, and was
occupied by Ealjih Ten Eyck, who carried on shoe-
making. There was no house between this and the
saw-mill, except a little one-story shop where William
Martin's store now stands. This was built about 1830,
and occupied some years by John B. Tomer as a
harness-shop. Tomer and Zachariah F. Laroche
were the village musicians. Laroche came here with
the Prevosts. The first accordeon in this place was
in 1838, and the first melodeon owned in French-
town was by James Emory in 1850. The old building
where Brink's store stands was used in after-years by
Lewis M. Prevost as an ofiice when he was a justice
of the peace. In ,this building a governess in the
family of Mr. Prevost, in 1838, organized the first
Sunday-school in Frenchtown. Near where the
leather-store of the Kachline Brothers stands was
a small frame shop occupied by Capt. Brown as a
shoemaker-shop. There was a dwelling on the tract
near William Sipes' residence where Philip Hinkle
lived for over forty years. These were all the build-
ings on the south side of what is now Bridge Street.
The brick hotel opposite the depot, now kept by
Joseph Opdj'ke, was built by Paul H. M. Prevost.
It was kept by Thomas Alexander at an early day;
after him by Nathan Eisler for many years. Risler
for some time owned a black bear, and at times he
had what was called a "bear bait." A bear was tied
by a rope to a stake. The spectators then formed a
circle, when a dog would be let in to try his prowess
with the bear.
Samuel Lott, father of the late Henry Lott, for-
merly kept the old tavern on the site where Opdyke's
Railroad House now stands. It is said he built one
of the first houses in Frenchtown, bringing the frame
up from Centre Bridge in a Durham boat; whether it
was this old ta^'ern or not is not known. He was
afterwards killed by the falling of a tree. When the
present hotel was built, a portion of the old tavern
was left standing; this was used for some time by
Ingham ^\'aterhouse as a currjdng and leather-finish-
ing shop. The brick dwelling of H. E. Warford was
built by Jonathan Britton about seventy-five years
ago. The old " Temperance House" was built over
forty years ago by Lewis F. Laroche. The first pre-
liminary survey for the railroad was made about that
time, and Mr. Laroche called his new house " The
Railroad House." This was somewhat premature, as
the locomotive did not reach the village until Feb. 4,
1853, fifteen years afterwards.
On March 13, 1852, the steamboat "Major Bar-
nett" ascended the Delaware River from Lambert-
ville to Easton, the steam-whistle for the first time
awakening the echoes of the Delaware vallej-. W^here
Harrison Street now is there was an alley which led
back to the dwelling of Samuel Pittenger and the old
building occupied before the fire by Voorhees <&
Hanu's oftice. This latter building was the farm-
house, and here Louis F. Laroche lived over forty
years ago. This lane then turned and led up to the
barn, where the town-hall now stands. A little west
of Pittenger was a small house in which Isaac Quick
lived. On the corner of Harrison and Bridge Streets,
where Williams' Block now stands, Thomas Pitten-
ger lived in a frame dwelling, and carried on the
blacksmith business in a shop where Abie's saloon
stands. He afterwards built one over where Pitten-
ger's store is, and built the house where Mrs. Pitten-
ger lives.
The first drug-store in the place was kept by John
Hull in a part of the old house that stood on the site
of the Williams Block. The building occupied by
the Opdyke brothers as a drug- store was built in 1833,
where Abel's barber-shop now stands. From there
to the mill-house, and from this house to the hotel,
there were no buildings. Where the National Hotel
stands Samuel Powers carried on blacksmithing.
About 1833 he built an addition to his small dwell-
ing, put up the sign of a "Buck," and opened a
hotel, the second in Frenchtown. Mrs. Powers
kept this hotel for a number of years after her hus-
band's death, and died a few years ago, aged one
hundred. Mr. Williams in 1850 put up the present
National Hotel. From this house north, up the
Milford road, there was not a single house this side
the borough limits. An apple-orchard extended from
the barn where the town-hall stands up to within a
few yards of G. H. Slater's house, and out to the Mil-
ford road.
The first physician of Frenchtown was Dr. Edmund
Porter, who came to Frenchtown in 1820.* He built
a house on the site of Emley Hyde's residence (then
Main, now Bridge Street), and deposited in the cellar
wall a paper which remained there about thirty
* See biogiapliy in clmpter on the Medical Profession of Hunterdon
County.
FRENCHTOWN BOROUGH.
407
years, -when curiosity prompted its removal. From
that paper it was learued tliat the architects of the
house were Enos Rose and Stephen Ashton ; David
Everitt, house carpenter ; John Powers, blacksmith ;
John B. Turner, saddler; Joshua Hoagland, black-
smith ; John Price, shoemaker ; Andrew Curtis,
blacksmith ; Reuben Warford and Allen Rittenhouse,
apprentice blacksmiths ; Ralph Mathews and John
Grossman, cabinet-makers ; Jacob Weltz, silver-
smith ; George Frees, innkeeper ; Frank Pelts, an old
soldier of the war of 1812; Henry Grout, farmer;
Jesse Warwick, hatter ; Peter Snyder, weaver ; Zach-
ariah Laroche, farmer ; Charles Birch, laborer ; Seth
Rose, "major of the militia.'' Then follows the
names of several whom he says were the first persons
at that time in the community, and this paragraph :
" Paul H. M. Prevost, Esquire is tlje principal owner of the property in
tliis vicinity; David Warford v/as postmaster and nicrcliant; widow
Kiionii Frees, mistress of the Alexandria Hotel. The fourtli day of July
is to be celebrated here, it being the 47th of American Independence.
William Voorhees and John Clifford Esquires, and Samuel Powers, and
David R. Wai-ford, Presidents and Vice-Presidents of ttie day. Dr. Albert
Tyler is to deliver the oration. Dr. Luther Towner, the invocation, and
Hon. Joshua B. Calvin to read the Declaration of Independence. The
Key. Mr. Hunt is requested to mate a short address. John Scott, Mar-
stial of the day. Capt. Izra Brewster will appear with the Kingwood
Unifoim Company equipped and in uniform. "
Other physicians, prior to 1850^ were Charles Mer-
rick, 1828-32; William Taylor, 1840-51; John C.
Pursell, 1841^8 ; Dewitt C. Hough, 1848-56.
EARLY MERCHANTS.
About sixty years ago Samuel Cooley kept a store
on the corner where the American Hotel once stood.
Thomas Bayley kept the old store where the present
brick store of H. E. Warford now stands. Between
1820 and 1825, David R. Warford kept the old store.
Believing that opposition was the life of trade, a store
was opened in the "Brick" (where H. E. Warford
now lives), probably not before 1828 ; at this time the
Carhart Brothers kept it. In 1829, Holcombe, Bocka-
fellow & Merrick kept the " Brick," and Magor &
Gordon kept the old store. Gordon bought out the
opposition, and carried on the "Brick" as the only
store here for two years, up to 1833. Johnson & Fine
opened a lumber-yard about this time.
OTHER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
In 1836, Robert L. Williams came from New York
State, and shortly after locating here began the build-
ing of improved fan-mills for cleaning grain, the first
ever made in this county. He occupied an old shop
near his dwelling, once belonging to the tannery of
Mathias Pickel. He also made grain-cradles with
bent fingers. For a few years he entered largely into
the cultivation of broom-corn, which he made up into
brooms.
In 1850, Robert L. Williams built the National
Hotel, which has been kept by William Runyon,
Andrew Risler, Egge Brothers, Michael Vanhart,
Charles Eichlin, Jeremiah Trimmer, John SoUers,
William Nixson, William Cawley, Abram Fluck,
William C. Metier, and William C. Apgar, the pres-
ent proprietor.
In 1845, Philip G. Reading and W. W. Hedges
went in partnership in the lumber business, where
the spoke-factory now stands, between Second and
Third Streets. In a year or two afterwards they built
a steam saw-mill for making siding. In 1858, Mr.
Reading introduced the turning of axe-handles and
wagon-spokes. In 1859, Mr. Kugler entered into
partnership with Mr. Reading in the spoke- and
handle-factory, and carried on the bxisiness till 1869,
when the factory was burned. Kugler & Fargo re-
built it, and the same firm continues the business.
In 1851, Augustus Godly built the distillery just
below the mouth of Little Nishisakawick, where he
carried on a distillery for a year or two, and failed.
Samuel Drinkhouse, of Easton, Pa., purchased the
property and carried on the distillery business ex-
tensively for many years ; the buildings were burned
in 1874. The lime-burning business was carried on
quite extensively at this place for several years by
Philip Lair, Joseph Kugler, and others.
The first tinsmith in Frenchtown was a Mr. Hort-
man, who carried on the business for a few years pre-
vious to 1850. Isaac and Alfred Taylor were among
the first carpenters, coming about 1880.
In the fall of 1836, Hugh Capner bought of H. M.
Prevost, 181.68 acres of land on the north side of the
village, and soon after this began to open streets run-
ning from Milford road to the river, and extended
Harrison Street up to Fifth while in his possession.
There was not much growth, however, until after
Samuel B. Hudnit bought his lot, in 1848, after which
he continued to buy and build.
In 1846, Jesse Sinclair moved to Frenchtown and
carried on the mason trade. He built, probably, all
the stone houses in Frenchtown. He died in the
Able house.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
The act of the Legislature incorporating the bor-
ough of Frenchtown was approved April 4, 1867. A
supplement was approved March 26, 1872, and an-
other March 80, 1876. The first town-meeting was
held on the second Monday in April, 1867. The fol-
lowing are the principal local ofiicers from that time
to the present :
MAYOES.
186Y, 1870, 1872, Samuel B. Hudnit ; 1868-69, Dr. William Kice ; 1871,
Franklin B. Fargo ; 1873,* James S. White ; 1874, Levi Troxell ;
1876-76, Thomas Palmer; 1877-78, Adam S. Haring; 1879-80, Ed-
ward B. Kacbline.
COMMON COUNCIL.
1867, Isaac W. Carmichael; 1867-68, Henry Lett; 1867, Philip G. Head-
ing; 1867, John H. Black; 1867, Oliver Worman; 1867, Moses K.
Everitt; 1868, John L. Slack ; 1868, 1869, 1872,1876, 1877, 1879, Ish-
mael Brink; 1868, Dr. Charles R. Cowdric; 1868, Newbury D. Wil-
liams; 1868, 1873, 1875, Andrew Roberaon ; 1869, Peter W. Lair;
1869 187(1, 1874, 1875, Franklin B. Fargo ; 1869, 1876, Peter T. Lowe ;
^- Resigned Sept. 20, 1873 ; Jacob C. Hawk appointed to fill vacancy.
408
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1 869, Silas S. Wright ; 1 870, Eeuben K. Niece ; 1870, 1872, 1873, Aaron
P.Kachline; 1870, 1871, 1877, Gabriel H. Slater; 1870, George H.
Sanders ; 1871, Levi Tioxell ; 1871, 1874, 1877, 1878, Morris Maxwell ;
1871, Peter S. Kngler; 1872, 1876, 1878, Jacob C. Hawk ; 1872, 1873,
1876, LeTi Hann; 1872, 1673, 1875, Henry Lonx; 1873-80, Joseph
Hawk; 1873-75, 1879-80, Isaac Taylor; 1874, Edwin G. â– Williams;
1874, 1875, 1879, 1880, Eli Swallow ; 1874, 1876, Nathan Shurtz ; 1875,
1876, 1878, Edward B. Kachline ; 1876, Joseph Dalrymple ; 1877-80.
William H. Martin; 1877, Dr. E, K. Deeniy ; 1877, Henry Hager-
man ; 1877, Abraham Slack ; 1878, Daniel Stabler ; 1878, 1879, Geo.
Hays ; 1879, 1880, William E. Shurtz; 1880, Alfred M. Brink.*
TOWN CLERKS.
1867, 1868, James Dilts; 1869, Benjamin H. Joiner; Adam S. Haling
appointed Oct. 7, 18S9; 1870, 1873, David C. Hough; 1871, 1872, Wil-
liam Kitchen; 1874, 1875, John L. Slack; 1876, Silas S. Wright;
1877. 1878, Theodore P. Williams; 1879, 1880, John S. Curtis; Edwin
G. Williams appointed to fill vacancy in 1879.
ASSESSORS.
1867, 1868, 1870, 1880, Thomas Palmer; 1869, Peter S. Kugler; 1871,
Charles H. Hoff; 1872, Alfred Brink; 1873, 1875, Simeon R. Opdyke;
1876, 1877, Herbert A. Hummer; 1878, 1879, James Dilts; 1880, C.
P. Kachline.
COLLECTORS.
1867, William Britton; 1868, Adam S. Haring; 1869, James S.White;
1870, Ishmael Brink ; 1871, 1872, James Dilts ; 1873, 1874, William
H.Martin: 1875, 1876, Justice W. Britton; 1877, J. W. Pinkerton ;
1878. 1879, Alfred M. Brink ; 1880, A. P. KachUne.
TREASDREKS.
1867, 1868, Henry Lott ; 1869, Ishmael Brink; 1S70, 1871, Gabriel H.
Slater ; 1872, 1873, Aaron P. Kachline ; 1874, 1878, Isaac Taylor ; 1876,
Henry Lonx ; 1876, Edward B. Kachline ; 1877, Philip G. Reading ;
1879-80, Daniel M. Matthews.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1867, 1868, Bryan Hough ; 1868, Reuben K. Wright, elected December
17th; 1869, Moses K. Everitt; 1870, Samuel Kockafcllow; 1871, 1872,
Gabriel H. Slater, resigned February, 1873; 1873, 1874, Edward B.
Kachline; 1876, 1876, Adam S. Haring; 1877, 1878, Henrj- Loux;
1879-80, John L. Slack.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1867-71, John Slater; resigned in April, 1871; 1871, Freeman Wood;
1869, 1871, 1877, 1879, Jos. C. Wright ; 1872-77, Samuel Eockafellow ;
1880, Silas S. Wright; 1874^84, William T. Srope.
The commissioners appointed in 1867 to divide the
property between the township of Alexandria and the
borough of Frenchtown were Moses K. Everitt, Sam-
uel B. Hudnit, Isaac W. Carmichael, Newbury D. Wil-
liams, and William Britton.
SCHOOLS.
Forty-five years ago the Frenchtown school-house
stood in the little valley nook on the east side of the
Milford road, just above the northern borough limit,
near the little spring by the roadside. On the road
to the stone church another school-house stood, near
where Newbury Dotterer lives; this was torn down
about 1842, and another built in Moses Eoberson's
woods, near Jeremiah Case's lane. This was after a few
years torn down, and the Hillside school-house erected
in 1858.
The people of Frenchtown, anxious to have a school
in the village, obtained permission of Isaac Johnston
to build a school-house on the north end of his lot
* In 1871 there was a tie vote between Newbury D. Williams and Peter
S. Kugler, in 1874 a tie vote between Hiram Danby and Hiram Roberson, |
and in 1878 a tie vote between George Hays and Isaac Taylor. I
near Charles Slack's house. When Mr. Johnston
failed a mortgage rested on the property, and to save
the school -house the people removed it to the land of
Philip G. Reading. Here it remained for several
years. In 1857 a larger house was built, on land they
could call their own, a lot on the hill, donated by
Hugh Capner, to whom the old house was sold. He
moved it across the mill-race ; it is now the carriage-
shop of Savidge & Swallow.
The trustees and teachers of the Frenchtown pub-
lic school for 1880 were as follows : Trustees, E. K.
Deemy, John Roberson, and Isaac Taylor ; Teachers :
S. R. Opdyke, grammar department ; M. F. Kugler,
intermediate ; Kate Taylor, primary ; Kate E. Palmer,
auxiliary ; Eva R. Kugler, select school.
CHURCHES.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Christian Church of Frenchtown was organ-
ized Jan. 5, 1861. The constituent members were
Charles Kline, Garret Lair, Sr., Robert L. Williams,
Elijah R. Lair, Sarah Ann Taylor, Mary Ann Cawley,
Eleanor M. Ojjdyke, Thomas Hunt, Susanna Sinclair,
Hannah Lair, Esther Lair, Mary H. Kline, Clarissa
Williams, Abraham Slack, and Susanna Matthews.
The following were then elected for the ensuing year:
Deacons, Garret Lair, Sr., and Charles Kline ; Treas-
urer, Thomas Hunt; Church Clerk, Elijah R. Lair.
January 15th, 46 persons received the right hand of fel-
lowship, and were received into the church by Elders
W. Pittman and H. Burnham. April 6, 1861, the
following were elected trustees : David 0. Roberson,
for one year ; Thomas Taylor, for two years ; Abraham
Slack, for three years.
The ministers who have served this church and
congregation are : Jan. 20, 1861, Elder J. E. Hayes ;
Feb. 22, 1865, Elder John C. McGlaughlin ; April 16,
1867, Elder Ford ; Dec. 19, 1868, Elder William H.
Pittman; Dec. 15, 1870, Elder J. C. Soule; Sept. 11,
1874, Elder B. F. Summerbell; March 5, 1876, Elder
C. A. Beck ; April 11, 1877, Elder George E. Tenney;
Jan. 16, 1878, Elder Jacob Rodenbaugh, present pas-
tor. The above dates are those of the election of the
different elders, and from one date to the succeeding
one is the term of service of each elder.
The meeting-house of this organization is located
on the north side of Kingwood Avenue, and cost
about $1000.
Present value of property, $1500 ; present member-
ship, 51. Superintendent of Sunday-school, S. R.
Opdyke ; average attendance of pupils, 40.
The present (1880) officers are: Trustees, Simeon
R. Opdyke, Charles Kline, Joseph Hawk ; Deacons,
Charles Kline, William Roberson, S. R. Opdyke;
Financial Committee, Alfred Brink, Charles Kline,
Mahlou Emmons ; Church Clerk, Alfred Brink.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
When the first Methodist sermon was preached
within the limits of the present village of French-
FKBNCHTOWN BOROUGH.
409
town it is impossible to state. Edward Hinkle re-
members hearing Rev. Amos Marcelius preach a ser-
mon in a house on Bridge Street in 1832. No doubt
many had been preached here before this date by
either local or itinerant ministers.
The earliest regular appointment by the circuit-
preachers of which there is any account was in Mr.
Walbert's wheelwright-shop, on Bridge Street, where
now is G. H. Slater's hardware-store. The room was
also used by other denominations. The Methodists
later sought another room, and found it across the
street, in a building owned by Cyrenius Slack. Ze-
rubbabel Gaskill was the circuit-preacher. A class
was formed by liim, and Cyrenius Slack was made the
leader.
The little society resolved to build a church, and a
board of trustees was elected, composed of C. Slack,
A. Silverthorn, John Hull, Charles Shuster, John
Eodenbaugh, Lewis M. Prevost, and Sylvester Cham-
berlain.* The lot was purchased of Hugh Capner.
The church building was raised Oct. 24, 1844. This
was during the administration of Z. Gaskill. The
building was small, with galleries at the sides and
end. It was used for service before it was completed.
During the pastorate of T. T. Carapfield (who, was
sent to the newly-made station in 1846) the parsonage
was purchased for $850.
The church edifice was greatly enlarged and im-
proved under the administration of Rev. W. Cham-
berlain ; a basement was put under it, the side gal-
leries were taken down, and a steeple was built and a
fine-toned bell hung therein. The church was for-
mally reopened Feb. 28, 1862. Bishop E. S. Janes
officiated in the morning, and Dr. I. Wiley (now
bishop) in the evening.
Eight years rolled round, and the Rev. J. B. Taylor
was in the pastoral charge. Twenty feet was added
to the rear, and the church was also frescoed.
The next pastor was Rev. C. Clarke, Jr., who re-
mained three years. His concluding year was signal-
ized by a revival.
In 1874, Rev. H. C. McBride filled the charge.
Dec. 16, 1876, Rev. E. M. GriflBith, feeling that his
health would no longer permit him to continue in
active work, resigned. Rev. P. G. Ruckman was ap-
pointed by the presiding elder as pastor for the unex-
pired term.
In 1877 this charge was transferred to Elizabeth
District, of which Rev. Arndt was elder, and J. H.
Runyan became preacher in charge of Frenchtown.
At the Conference of 1878, Brother Runyan was
returned as pastor. During this year the parsonage
debt of $200 was paid off. In 1879, Brother Rupyan
was returned for the third year. At the Conference
of 1880, Rev. T. E. Gordon was appointed preacher
* Of this first board C. Slack is still living in the village, and is a re-
.'â– pected member of the church ; Silverthorn emigrated to the West ;
Hull resides in Lambertville ; Shuster, Eodenbaugh, Prevost, and Cham-
berlain are deceased.
27
in charge. The church is in a flourishing condition,
and numbers 246 members.
The following are the original members living at
this date (Sept. 1, 1880) so fiir as known : Mrs. Han-
nah A. Slack, Frenchtown; Ambrose Silverthorn,
Kansas; Charles Schimmerhorn, Indiana; George
Thorne, Trenton; Eli Frazier, Pennsylvania; Mrs.
Caroline Hoffman, Lambertville ; Martha Conner and
sister, Kingwood.
The officers for 1880 are : Preacher in Charge, Rev.
T. E. Gordon ; Superintendent, T. S. Dedrick ; Local,
D. M. Matthews ; Stewards, W. H. Stabler, N. F.
Rittenhouse, Eli Swallow, Morris Maxwell, D. W. C.
Case, Munson Baldwin, G. W. Hummer, I. O. Smith,
F. T. Miller; Trustees, Obadiah Stout, President;
Edwin Beidleman, Secretary ; D. M. Matthew, Treas-
urer ; F. F. Fargo, John L. Slack, David Robinson ;
Superintendent of Sunday-school, Morris Maxwell ;
Assistant Superintendent, 0. Stout; Secretary, Joseph
C. Hough ; Librarian, G. W. Hummer ; Treasurer,
D. M. Matthew.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In 1844 the Rev. Samuel F. P*ter, then pastor of
Kingwood Presbyterian Church, commenced preach-
ing occasionally in Frenchtown in the wheelwright'
shop of Mr. John Walbert, standing on what is now
known as Bridge Street. The result of this occasional
service was the erection, during the following year
(1845), of a house of worship on what is now Second
Street. This building is at present used as a town-
hall. The Rev. Samuel F. Porter commenced hold-
ing stated services in this building as soon as it was
completed, though no separate church organization
was asked for till April, 1849, when a petition was
presented to the Presbytery of Raritan by certain
members of Kingwood Church asking for the organi-
zation of a church in Frenchtown. This petition was
granted by the Presbytery, and a church organized
May 16, 1849. The following are the names of the
original members: Joseph Kugler, Maria Kugler,
Philip G. Reading, Evalina Reading, Mary Ann
Hedges, Thomas Pittenger, Mary Pittenger, New-
bury D. Williams, Lucy A. Williams, P. Snyder
Kugler, Isaac Taylor, Eleanor Allen, Richard John-
son, Sarah M. Prevost, Elizabeth Joice, Margaret
Eounsavall, Dutilda Rittenhouse, Abigail Eichlin,
Mary Rose, Elizabeth Risler, Abigail Risler, Eliza
Ann Freyling, H. Smith, Margaret Smith.
The following pastors have served from the time of
organization: Rev. Samuel F. Porter, July, 1849, till
spring of 1857 ; Rev. Joseph Rogers, Nov. 2, 1857, till
his death, August, 1863 ; Rev. J. Davidson Randolph,
Jan. 31, 1864, present pastor.
The names of the ruling elders are as follows: Jo-
seph Kugler, from organization till Jan. 23, 1863 ;
John Case, October, 1849, to the present; Hugh E.
Warford, Jan. 11, 1863, till the present.
The following have been trustees : Joseph Kugler,
410
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Judge Prevost, Thomas Pittenger, Sylvester Cham-
berlain, Alfred E. Taylor, Philip G. Reading, John
Case, Andrew M. Prevost, N. D. Williams, H. E.
Warford, 0. Worman, P. S. Kugler, William Spear,
H. R. Major, Jonas Melick, Jordan H. Stover, Levi
Troxell, Edwin G. Williams.
The first church building, erected in 1845, was a
wooden structure, 24 by 36 feet. A second and larger
house was built in 1854. This was also a frame build-
ing, 40 by 60 feet. It was enlarged, handsomely
frescoed, and refurnished in 1871.
The growth of the church in membership has been
gradual from the time of its organization, there hav-
ing been some additions in nearly every year of its
history. Several revivals have been enjoyed, and a
goodly number added to the membership. The largest
addition made at one time was in January, 1871, when
28 were received. The present membership is 150.
The church has a ladies' missionary society, the offi-
cers of which are : President, Mrs. S. M. Randolph ;
Vice-President, Mrs. Louisa Hoif; Secretary, Mrs.
Maria Rogers ; Treasurer, Mrs. Susan Hart.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
For more than twenty years prior to the organiza-
tion of the church here there was occasional preach-
ing by Baptist ministers. At an annual meeting of
the New Jersey Baptist State Convention the .subject
of occupying this point, in connection with Phillips-
burg and Belvidere, by an itinerant missionary, was
brought up for consideration, and the Rev. J. G.
Penny was appointed, April 1, 1859, as an itinerant
missionary on the Belvidere and Frenchtown field.
Services were first held in the Methodist church, and
later in the Christian church. This arrangement was
continued harmoniously until their own house of
worship was erected.
Shortly after entering upon his labor the missionary
learned that Daniel T. Rittenhouse, a member of
Kingwood Baptist Church, had pledged the sum of
$500 towards the erection of a Baptist edifice in
Frenchtown. Brother Penny entered at once into
this enterprise with zeal, and was permitted to see
the work nobly advancing before he retired from the
field. A building committee was appointed, consist-
ing of M. N. Thatcher, William H. Slater, Bryau
Hough, D. T. Rittenhouse, and D. C. Robinson, to
whom great credit is due for erecting so good a house,
in so convenient a location, for the small sum of
$3,000.00
Rev. Mr. Penny was succeeded here in the spring
of 1861 by Rev. W. D. Hires. The congregation was
also very much increased.
In the following November the Rev. A. Armstrong
became pastor of the Kingwood Baptist Church, and
incorporated this interest into his pastoral work. The
meeting-house was dedicated Dec. 25, 1861. The
debt of $500 on the church was paid off in the sum-
mer of 1864. The time had now come when it seemed
desirable for an independent Baptist Church to be
formed, which was done in the spring of 1866, with
the following officers : Pastor, Rev. A. Armstrong ;
Deacons, M. N. Thatcher, Charles Burket, Elisha
Rittenhouse. Present membership, 138. The fol-
lowing pastors have served : Rev. A. Armstrong,
1866-69; S. C. Boston, 1870-72; W. H. Shermer,
1872-73; W. H. Pease, 1873-76; S. S. Woodward,
1876-78; W. D. Hires, 1878 to present date.
The present officers are as follows : Pastor, William
D. Hires ; Deacons, M. N. Thatcher, Charles Burket,
Jacob B. Dairy mple ; Church Clerk, J. W. Britton.
Missionary : President, Mrs. Mary Dalrymple ; Sec-
retary, Mrs. Awilda Webster; Treasurer, Mrs. J. C.
Hires.
FRENCHTOWN CEMETERY.
This is located within the borough limits, on the
ridge of land, east side of Cemetery Street, between
the Big and Little Nishisakawick. In it are found
the names of the pioneer settlers of Frenchtown and
vicinity. Over the spot where the Prevosts were
buried is a large marble tablet bearing the following
inscription :
" To the memory of
Paul Henry Mai.let Pjievost
dec<J 5th January 1835 M 79
Jeanne Elizabeth Patrt
hiB wife
dec in 1810 M5\. "
rRANoie Lewis Mallet Piievost
his brother
dec! in 1824 age 601
All natives of Geneva, and interred within a few
feet of this spot. This tablet ie inscribed by
surviving descendants in
1837."
Within a few feet of the above stands a tombstone
inscribed as follows :
" To the memoi-y of
Frances G. Mallet Prevost
relict of
Francis L. Mallet Prevost
Native of Lubry, Switzerland,
decs in 1853, M 84.
Among Others are the following inscriptions: Sam-
uel H. Britton, born Aug. 11, 1799, died Sept. 7, 1860
Mary Britton, born Aug. 11, 1799, died May 21, 1868
Eli Britton, born Aug. 9, 1829, died March 6, 1864,
Dr. George W. Britton, born Nov. 23, 1832, died May
11, 1869 ; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Lair, born July
28, 1805, died March 4, 1873; William Senders, born
Dec. 30, 1802, died May 8, 1876 ; Ambrose Fox, died
Sept. 27, 1876, £et. 67 ; Anna Cronce, born Aug. 14,
1799, died July 12, 1875 ; Mary Cronce, born April
8, 1798, died May 3, 1877; John Slater, born Nov.
30, 1812, died Nov. 22, 1874; Mary Ann Slater, born
Dec. 16, 1817, died Nov. 26, 1874; Abraham StuU,
born Feb. 2, 1811, died Nov. 12, 1871 ; Benjamin Rit-
tenhouse, died March 8, 1874, jet. 73; Isaac Hiner,
born Aug. 11, 1808, died Dec. 10, 1875; John Leavitt,
M.D., born Dec. 3, 1818, died April 4, 1876 ; Mary D.
FRENCHTOWN BOROUGH.
411
Opdyke, died Jan. 23, 1876, set. 72; Mary, wife of
John Cline, born Dec. 15, 1798, died April 23, 1870 ;
John Servis, died Sept. 26, 1876, set. 76; Gertrude
Opdyke, wife of Moses Heath, born June 22, 1804,
died Aug. 2, 1877 ; Samuel Schuyler, died July 20,
1879, set. 77 ; John L. Larison, died Oct. 3, 1826, set.
70 ; Sarah, wife of John L. Larison, died Oct. 2,
1865, set. 70 ; Hannah Snyder, died March 3, 1862,
fet. 65 ; William W. Voorhees, died March 15, 1875,
fet. 60 ; John Eick, died Jan. 27, 1868, »t. 54 ; Amy
Eick, died Oct. 25, 1872, ffit. 54 ; Elizabeth, wife of
Mahlon Wombough, died Sept. 29, 1870, set. 84 ; Cor-
nelius Hoff, born Sept. 20, 1805, died April 26, 1872
Eliza Hoff, born July 7, 1810, died May 26, 1866
William Dilley, died Sept. 25, 1862, set. 71; Amy,
wife of Peter Hann, died May 3, 1877, set. 60 ; Wil-
liam Search, died June 9, 1873, set. 84; Thomas
Roberson, died Feb. 3, 1867, set. 78.
SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS.
Oriole Lodge, No. 39, Independent Order of Good "
Templars," was organized Sept. 16, 1868, with 25
charter members. The following were the principal
officers : W. C. T., Abel B. Haring ; W. V. T., Maria
Rogers; W. S., Ross Slack; W. F. S., Lewis S. Wil-
liams ; W. Treas., Edwin G. Williams ; W. M., Charles
S. Burkit ; W. Chap., Rev. John B. Taylor. The suc-
ceeding presiding oflBoers have been Abel B. Haring,
Ross Slack, Maria Rogers, Susan E. Risler, Edwin G.
Williams, Morris L. Morgan, Jennie Garren, Richard
J. Dalrymple, William T. Srope, Lucretia D. Wright,
William C. McPeck, John K. Ashton, Nellie V. Wil-
liams, Silas S. Wright, Elwood S. Stout, Anna Mor-
gan, Henry V. Rogers, Newbury D. Williams, Anna
E. Dalrymple, Sylvanus D. Slack, T. C. Wood, John
W. Slack, Charles B. Salter, Joseph E. Cook, Hannah
D. Morgan, Jennie Pinkerton.
This organization was the means of doing a great
amount of good in this vicinity, and had upon its
rolls at one time 160 members. The charter was sur-
rendered Feb. 12, 1873.
The "Frenchtown Temperance Association" was
organized Jan. 4, 1878. The first officers were : Presi-
dent, Rev. James H. Runyou ; Vice-Presidents, E. S.
Williams, A. S. Haring; Secretary, D. M. Matthew;
Treasurer, John R. Hardon.
July 2, 1879, the name was changed to " The
Frenchtown Temperance Alliance," and a constitu-
tion adopted to conform to the Hunterdon County
Temperance Alliance, to which it is auxiliary. The
regular meetings are held monthly. The alliance at
present numbers 204 members, with the following
officers for 1880-81 : President, A. S. Haring ; Vice-
Presidents, Revs. J. D. Randolph, W. D. Hires; Sec-
retary, D. M. Matthew ; Treasurer, John R. Hardon ;
Executive Committee, W. T. Srope, Esq., George W.
Hummer, Ross Slack, Justus W. Britton, Revs. T. S.
Dedrick, T. E. Gordon.
The Independent Order of Good Helpers, auxil-
iary to the Good Templars, was organized Nov. 8,
1868. It existed only about a year.
Orion Lodge, No. 56, F. and A. M., was instituted
at Frenchtown, Aug. 14, 1860. The first officers were
Rev. George H. Jones, W. M. ; William H. Slater,
S. W. ; S. K. Risler, J. W. The Past Masters are
Rev. George H. Jones, W. H. Slater, G. H. Slater,
Jonas Rymond, N. W. Tomson, J. C. Fackenthall,
John L. Slack, Howell Mclntyre, A. S. Haring,
Thomas Rogan, and Alfred M. Brink.
Since Jan. 6, 1879, the sessions have been held in
Masonic Hall, in Williams' Block. Present member-
ship, 88. The principal present officers are Rev. James
H. Runyan, W. M. ; Thomas Palmer, S. W. ; Charles
Kline, J. W. ; J. L. Slack, Sec.
Lilly Encampment, No. 20, I. O. of 0. F., was
instituted Feb. 18, 1848. It was named in honor of
Dr. Samuel Lilly, of Lambertville. The charter
members were Lewis D. Gray, Scott A. Erwin, Philip
R. Haspel, Charles G. Thomas, Thatcher McPeck,
Samuel Rymond, and Cornelius D. Ruth. In Feb-
ruary, 1852, it was moved to Milford.
Home Lodge, No. 95, Knights of Pythias, was-
instituted March 31, 1874, when seventeen deposited
cards of dimit from " Evening Star Lodge," of Milford,
and became original members of " Home Lodge." On
this occasion the rank of " Page" was conferred upon
Henry Hagerman, Lorenzo S. D. Kerr, William H.^
Martin, Preston Smith, Charles A. Roberson, Justus-
W. Britton, Robert B. Lyons, Adam H. Miller, Aaron
B. Majors, George W. Bunn, Henry Hardon, Samuel
H. Stabler, Abel B. Haring, Standford Opdyke,
Charles Rockafellow, William Kitchen, Dr. Isaac
Cooper, John S. Curtis, and Daniel Stabler.
The following were the first officers elected : Past
Chancellor, Garret L. Peer ; Chancellor Commander,
John L. Slack; Vice-Chancellor, George W. Bunn;
Prelate, William H. Stabler; Master-at-Arms, Charles
A. Slack ; Keeper of Records and Seal, William T.
Srope ; Master of Finance, Preston Smith ; Master of
Exchequer, Justus W. Britton ; Inside Guard, Henry
Hagerman; Outside Guard, Andrew V. Kugler; Trus-
tees, Charles A. Roberson, William T. Srope, and
Levi V. Abel. The lodge was incorporated Nov. 3,
1875
The following are the Past Chancellors : G. L. Peer,
J. L. Slack, C. A. Slack, A. B. Haring, J. R. Hardon,
P. Smith, W. H. Moser, W. H. Stabler, W. T. Srope,
A. S. Haring, R. B. Lyons, H. C. Roberson, and H.
Hardon. The regular meetings are held at Odd-Fel-
lows' Hall on the second and feurth Wednesday
evening of each month.
"Magnolia Lodge, No. 57, Independent Order of
Odd-Fellows, was instituted March 20, 1847, with the "
following charter members : William V. Cooley, Fitz-
gerald Slocum, Charles Roberts, William Logan, Syl-
vester R. Chamberlin, Uriah Larue, William H.
Slater, Anderson Horner, John Sine, Andrew B.
Rounsavall, Mershon Roberson, Charles Z. Fitzer,
412
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
John H. Eoberts, Elijah R. Lair, Samiiol B. Iludnit,
William Bmith, M'illiam Britton, John Britton, DaviJ
C. Roberson, Thomas Pitteiiger, and Robert L. Wil-
liams. The first I'lectivo olficors were Williiiiii V.
Cooley, N. G. ; Fitzgerald Slocum, V. G. ; Cliarlrs
Rol)erts, S. ; "William Logan, T.
The lodge immediately began to increase in mem-
borship, and paved the way to sueeess by its good
works. Sept. 2, 1850, a handsome banner was pre-
sented to the lodge by the ladies of Frenchtown.
The presentation was made by Edward E. Bullock,
and the reception by A. V. Van Fleet (now Vice-
Chancellor of the Stale).
During its existence the lodge has paid several
thousand dollars in benefits.
The following is a list of the Past Grands of the
lodge :
W. V. Cooley, F. Slocum, C. Roberts, A. B. EouiiBimill, W. Logon, M.
Roliersoii, C. F. Bodiafollow, D, C. Roberson, S. B. Iludnit, W. Smith,
W. H, Slater, J. Aijliton, H. H. Sinter, J. A. ('alhoun, U. L. Willinnis,
A. G. M. Prevost, S. D. Bnrcroft, Dr. D. C. Hough, T. A. Ruiijon, V.
McCue, I. B. Andrus, G. L. Smith, H. W. Carey, M. Ma.\uill, J, F.
Lightfoot, A. W. Lundy, B. IJougli, D. F. Moore, D. Roberson, B. R.
Bullock, A. S. Haring, W, T. SrojK-, P. F. Opdyke, W.Brilton, T.
Palmer, J. Hawk, H. S. Mciine, \V. H. Stabler, W. KoLprson, S. S.
â– Wright, 0. A. Slack, D. 0. Ilongli, B. J. Dalrymple, B. Pliilkill, P.
W. Lair, J. L. Slack, A. B. Haling, G. L. Peer, J. K. Koigbtly, E.
Beidelman, R. Slack, Henry lliigtMimui, A. H. Miller, R. B. Lyons,
E. G, Williams, J. E. Cook, II. Harden, .1. W. Britton, 0. Gordon, P.
S. Kngler, M. E. Sropc, J. B. Lyons, and D. C. Dalryniple.
The lodge stands upon a firm financial as well as
â– social basis, and is composed of .some of the best men
ill Frenchtown. Regular meetings are held every
Saturday evening in Odd-Fellows' Hall, over War-
ford & Moore's store. J. B. Lyons is N. (>., and 1).
0. Hough secretary.
The " Daughters of Rebecca" are composed of
members, with their wives, of the IndeiiendcnK )rder
of Odd-Fellows -who have attained to the Royal
Purple degree. This lodge was instituted Fob. 28,
1861. The officers for the term commencing July 1,
1880, are: N. G., William T. Srope; V. G., Meli.ssa
Peer; S., Henry Hardon; C, Sarah Jane Roberson;
W., Robert B. Lyons ; Chaplain, William H. Stabler ;
Relief Committee, Matilda Slack, Mcli.ssa Peer,
Amanda Srope, Mary E. Smith, Hannah L. Stabler,
and Sarah E. Philkill. The regular meetings are held
in the rooms of " Magnolia Lodge, No. fi7, I. 0. of
O. F.," on the second and fourth Monday evening of
each month.
"Manhattan Tribe, No. 29, Improved Order of
Red Men, wa.s instituted Oct. 20, 1871, with the fol- "
lowing charter members : Joseph E. Cook, Daniel
F. Moore, Hiram Danley, Garret L. Peer, E. Page
Southwick, A. B. Haring, Henry Loux, John M.
Swope, Henry Hagerman, A. P. Williams, John L.
Slack, Charles Kline, William Silverthorn, David 0.
Roberson, Levi Troxel, William Roberson, A. S.
Haring, David Curtis, Peter W. Lair, Eli Swallow,
Isaac Taylor.
The first principal officers were : Sachem, Joseph
E. (\)ok ; Senior Safi'anu ire, David Curtis; Junior
Sagamore, Charles Kline; Prophet, G. L. I'ecr;
Chief of Records, Peter W. Lair; Keejier of \\'am-
pum, D. F. ]\To(ire. Tlie successive presiding olli-
cers have been (!. L. Peer (by virtue of law became
the first past o(lieer), David Curtis, Charles Kline,
Eli Swallow, A. S. Haring, Daniel F. Moore, Henry
Ijoux, Peter W. Lair, \. B. Il:iring, Jluiison liaidwin,
Daviil O. Roberson, William H. Stabler, .loliii L.
Slack, Henry Hagerman, (f. L. Peer.
The present officers are: Sacdiem, \\'illia.in il.
Stabler; Senior Sagamore, William Silverthorn;
Junior S:iganu)re, D. F. Moore; Projiliet, G. L. I'eer;
Chief of Records, .\. G. Huring ; Keejier of Wam-
pum, Charles Kline. Aleetings are held every Friday
evening, in ( )dd-I'\dlovvs' Htill. Present number of
members, 19.
The " Freneblowii P>eiiev(deTil Society" came into
existence during the severe cold winter of IS7.'), there
being a scarcity of work and much suflering among
the laboring men of Frenchtown. Tlie benevolent
work continued till the latter part of the winter of
1877, when licttcr limes arrivt^d, and the society dis-
solved.
The "Frenchtown Literary Society" first met in
the town-hall on the evening of Feb. 7, ]87(). Its
object is for the development of literary and oratori-
cal talent, and to gain a knowledge of parliamentary
rules and usages. PcU'r S. Kiigler was chosen the
first president, and Thcuidorc P. Williams recording
secretary. The society then formed itself into a, legis-
lative body. III lie governed by the same rules that
govern the Slate Senate of New Jersey. It is in .a,
nourishing condition.
The " Union National Bank" organized in the
sjiring of 185(1, under the general banking law, as the
Union Bank of Fi^cnebtown, but was subseipiciitly
chartered by the Legislature of New Jersey under the
free banking law. The original eapitai stock wtia
$100,000, with $85,000 paid up. The liankiMg-honso
was located on Second Street, cast of Harrison, and
was burned in (he great fire of June, 1878. The
original directors were Henry S. Stov(^r, Abraham
Wyker, Tobias Worman, Rev. Mr. Carhart, Philip
G. Reading, Samuel Eckel, Jonathan Piekel, Philip
Hoff, and Henry L.itt, who wiia elected jircsidont, and
N. D. Williams casbic'r.
May 18, 1S(;5, the bank reorganized under the gov-
ernment banking system, with a capital of $ll;i,;(50,
and elected the following directors: Tobias Worman,
Abraham Wyker, Oliver Worman, Biiltus Picket,
Samuel Trimmer, Michael Uhler, Isaiab Quimby,
Philip (!. Reading, Henry Wood, Robert II. Housel,
Hugh E. Warford, and David Rittciihouse. Mr. Lott
remained president of the bank till his death, in 1873,
when Philip (!. Reading, the present ]ircsident, was
elected. Mr. Williams rcmiiined cashier until March
26, 1868, when he was succeeded by William Stover,
who served till his death, Oct. 2, 1880. A. B. Haring
FRENCHTOWN BOROUGH.
413
is the present cashier. The present directors are
P. G. Reading, H. E. Warford, I. Brink, W. H. Mar-
tin, J. M. Wilson, D. M. Mathew, W. H. Eckel, J.
Williams, and Michael Uhler. They have a com-
modious and substantial place of business in their
new banking-house on Bridge Street.
The stockholders of the " Frenchtown Building and
Loan Association" held their first annual meeting on
Monday, Jan. 15, 1866. N. D. Williams was the first
president, and Henry Lott treasurer. It was ex-
pected that the business of the association would
close in ten years, but it extended to thirteen.
The " Alexandria Delaware Bridge Company" is
the corporate title of the bridge company at this
place, which was incorporated by act of the Legisla-
ture of New Jersey passed March 5, 1841. A simi-
lar act was passed the same year by the Pennsylvania
Legislature. The New Jersey commissioners were
Hugh Capner, William Case, Sr., Lewis M. Prevost,
Cornelius Huff, Sr., and William L. King; those of
Pennsylvania, Joseph M. Cowell, John M. Pursell,
George Wyker, Henry S. Stover, Adam Barnets, and
N. D. Williams. Mr. Williams is the only surviving
commissioner.
The capital stock of the company was to be not
less than $30,000, with a privilege of increasing it to
$.50,000. The shares were fixed at $50 each.
At the firet meeting of the stockholders, Friday,
April 22, 1842, Hugh Capner was elected president.
July 22, 1842, Henry S. Stover, Joseph A. Holden,
John Williams, and Lewis M. Prevost were appointed
a building committee.
The bridge was completed in the early part of 1844
at a cost of nearly $20,000.
The present board of officers are as follows : Presi-
dent, Jacob Stover; Directors, James Williams, Levi
Ruth, Moses Roberson, Ishmael Brink, John D. HofF,
and Runyon W. Bloom; Secretary and Treasurer,
Bryan Hough.
FRENCHTOWN'S GREAT FIRE.
Early on the morning of June 29, 1878, a fire was
discovered in the bam of Dr. E. K. Deemy, on Har-
rison Street, and in less than two hours six dwelling-
houses and twenty-one business firms were entirely
burned out, causing a loss of over $50,000. The
whole business portion of the village was in ashes. It
was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.
Among the business places destroyed were the hub-
and spoke-mills, the Union National Bank, bed-bot-
tom factory, American Hotel and barns, and the
Frenchtown Press establishment. The Vigilant hand-
engine, belonging to Frenchtown, was soon disabled,
and assistance was rendered from Lambertville by
Union Fire Company, under command of Chief En-
gineer Clark.
The distance burned on Bridge Street was 240 feet ;
along Warford's alley, 172 feet; on Second Street,
159 feet; from Second to Bridge Street, 299 feet.
The burned district remains unoccupied, except
the new brick building of the Union National Bank,
on Bridge Street, and A. P. Williams' block of stores,
corner of Bridge and Harrison Streets.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
of Frenchtown was organized Dec. 10, 1868, under
the name of " Vigilant Fire Engine Company, No. 1."
Silas S. Wright was president, G. L. Peer foreman.
The Common Council had a short time previous pur-
chased au engine for the use of the company.
In August, 1869, the company disbanded, and
April 9, 1873, a new one was organized, with the
following officers : President, Peter S. Kugler; Vice-
President, Charles S. Joiner; Secretary, Albert P.
Brink; Treasurer, Albert P. Williams; Foreman,
Garret L. Peer ; Directors, Silas S. Wright, Munson
Baldwin, William V. Voorhees, Isaac H. Wilgus;
Engineer, Alfred Rpberson. But in less than a year
this company was numbered with the things of the
past, since which time Frenchtown has been without
a fire department, though one is much needed.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
The New Jersey Spoke- Works, Fargo, Baldwin &
Kachline ; the bending-works of A. S. Haring, on
Third Street; the Vegetable Fibre Company (W. H.
Stabler superintendent) ; the Empire Spoke- Works
(N. Shurtz & Co.), and telegraph pin-factory of W.
H. Walrath, on Cemetery Street ; broom-manufactory
of R. H. Opdyke, and fanning-mill factory of R. L.
Williams, on Kingwood Avenue ; chair-factory of
AVilliam Gordon, Sr., on Harrison Street; carpet-
manufacturer, H. M. Palmer; sash-and-blind fac-
tory, Robinson & Lyon, Cemetery Street ; and H. M.
Palmer and Charles Wright, respectively engaged
in the manufacture of carpets and cigars. There
are also the grist-mill of D. R. Worman and the
saw-mill of Worman & Taylor.
ALEXANDRIA.
Alexandria township was set off from Bethle-
hem by the board of justices and freeholders of Hun-
terdon County, March 5, 1765. It was named after
James Alexander, who. Nor. 1, 1744, became possessed
of 10,000 acres of land, lying mostly in this township,
of the West Jersey Land Society's great tract. Be-
fore Holland was set off, this township contained
31,095 acres; since then, 16,444 acres. The valua-
tion of taxable property is rated at $925,770 ; popu-
lation, 1324.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
Alexandria lies in the northwestern part of the
county. It is hounded northwest by the Jlusconet-
cong Creek, which separates it from Warren County ;
northeast by Bethlehem and Union townships ; south-
east by Franklin and Kingwood townships ; south-
west and west by the Delaware Eiver and Holland
township.
The JIusconetcong Mountain runs in a direction
nearly northeast and southwest across the northern
part; the southeastern section is nearly level; the
surface of the remaining part is gently undulating,
sloping slightly towards the southwest. The Wissa-
hawkent Creek, a mill-stream, rises from several
sources in the northeastern portion, runs in a south-
erly direction, and empties into the DelawareJ at
Milford. The branches of the HakeahawkaJ rise in
the eastern part, run southwesterly through the cen-
tral, and empty into the Delaware at Case's saw-mill.
The Nississackawayll rises in the southeastern section,
runs southwesterly, and empties into the Delaware at
Frenchtown. Several branches of the head-waters of
the Capolon,1[ a creek tributary to the South Branch
of Earitan, also have their sources in the southeastern
part, and pass out of the township at Pittstown. The
* By Henry Race, A.M., M.D.
^ CaUed WicJcakawkin in Robert Emley'a field-notes of a survey in
1747 ; WeachahaJring in Allen and Turner's survey in 1749 ; WIuU;ltaka7i in
Faden's map, 1777; Whichahawlcin in some early manuscripts; Hakiho-
/cake in Beers, Comstock and Cliue's map; Hakiohahe in Cnrneira map;
QimqiiiLcommisBicong in Hughes' map, and also in a manuscript of 1770.
X The Delaware is called Zutjdl, or Snutli, River in Vischer's map. pub-
lished about 1660, and in Daniel Leeds' survey of the Byerly tract, in
1710, SoiUh Itieer or Fiah Creek.
g Called HarikokaTte in Cook's map; KakeaJiawcake in Hughes' map;
Hakeahawha in nearly all the early surveys and other manuscripts of
colonial times in which it occurs.
li In the survey of the West Jersey Land Society's great tract, in 1711,
it is called EeBhasackaway ; in Faden's map, 1777, Nenhachackaway ; in
Cook's map, Ms/iwaftaujicfc ; in Beers, Comstock and Cline's map, iWc7m-
okawkk; and in Elisha Emley's field-notes, Neshaaackawick.
% Called Capooaulong in the survey of the West Jersey Society's tract,
in nil.
414
many rivulets which converge to form these beautiful
streams meander through every neighborhood south
of the Musconetcong.*-* They are mostly unfailing,
and afford power for several mills.
Every part of the township is productive of wheat,
rye, Indian corn, buckwheat, flax, the grasses, and
root-crops. The red-shale soil is generally more fa-
vorable to wheat, rye, and oats than to corn, buck-
wheat, and other late summer crops.
INDIAN BURYING-GEOUND.
In a survey made March 30, 1710, by Daniel Leeds,
" for Thomas Byerly, Esq., one of the Proprietors of
the Western Division of New Jersey, he ran along "
the Maghaghtmeck (Musconetcong) Mountain " till
one come opposite to the Indian Burying-place ; thence
N. W. through the said Burying-place, &c." This
latter phrase seems to imply that the " said Burying-
place" was of considerable extent. Its precise locality
is less than a quarter of a mile east of the public road
from Spring Mills to Hughesville, on land now be-
longing to Jacob C. Huff. There are no traces of it
to be seen at present. The last part of it was plowed
over about twenty years ago. Mr. Henry Huff, an
old man living near, remembers that sixty years ago
it occupied a large space. Mr. Jonas Wieder dis-
tinctly remembers one grave, indicated by a red-shale
stone, lettered " Chief" It is presumable, from its
extent, that this burial-place had been used for a long
time by the Indians of a large scope of country.
The manner of making and marking their graven,
as remembered by Mr. Huff and Mr. Wieder, was
similar to that of white people. If there is no mis-
take in the recollections of these aged men respecting
the appearance of the graves, it would seem probalile
that the Delawares of this section adopted this mode
after the first European immigration. The Indians
generally left their dead in a sitting posture and cov-
ered the graves in the form of a pyramid. They were
very careful about preserving their places of sepul-
ture, and often returned to visit them.
EARLY HISTORY.
William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, and Nicholas Lucas
were seized, in trust for Edward Byllynge, of ninety
one-hundredth (undivided) parts of the western di-
vision of New Jersey, and by indenture bearing date
March 2, 1676, conveyed one of the said ninety one-
hundredth parts to Robert Squib, Sr., and Eobert
t'* Musconetcong Creek is called Maghaghtmeck in the return of Daniel
Leeds' survey, 1710.
ALEXANDRIA.
415
Squib, Jr., in fee. Eobert Squib, Sr., by indenture
dated Nov. 10, 1686, released bis estate, and interest
therein, unto the said Robert Squib, Jr., in fee.
Edward Byllynge, Gawen Lawrie, and Nicholas
Lucas, by indenture dated Dec. 19, 1681, granted to
Eobert Squib, Jr., in fee, one other ninetieth part,
â– whereby he became seized of two ninetieths. Being
so seized, he died, having first made a will, dated July
7, 1694, by which he devised all his estate, including
the two ninetieths, to his executors, Nathan Tilson and
Jonathan Johnson, in trust, to sell the same, and to
apply the money arising therefrom to the uses men-
tioned in hia will.
By indenture dated Jan. 26, 1705, the above-named
•executors conveyed the two undivided ninetieth parts
to Thomas Byerly, Esq., one-half thereof being in
trust for Robert Barker, of Gray's Inn.
Thomas Byerly, by indenture dated March 19, 1709,
mortgaged one of the ninetieths to George Clark, " for
the sum of 1150 oz. of plate silver money, and the in-
terest thereof, at the rate of 8 per cent."
On or about Jan. 19, 1714, there were "surveyed and
laid out" to the said Thomas Byerly 2I,.363 acres, in
right of his two proprieties, in two tracts, situated in
the county of Hunterdon (on both sides of Musconet-
cong Creek and bordering on the Delaware), which
survey was approved by the council of proprietors,
Nov. 13, 1717, and recorded in the secretary's office at
Burlington in Bass' Book of Surveys, and also in the
minutes of council, p. 181. Thomas Byerly, by his
will, dated May 26, 1725, devised all his real estate
within the province of New Jersey to his executors,
Joseph Murray and John Kinsey, in trust, half to be
sold and the other half conveyed to the above-men-
tioned Robert Barker, in fee.
George Clark exhibited his bill of complaint in the
Court of Chancery of New Jersey to compel the ex-
ecutors of Byerly to redeem the premises by payment of
the aforementioned debt. The executors appeared and
prayed the Court of Equity that the said lands might
be divided, which was done by decree of the court, and
two tracts, one in Hunterdon and one in what is now
Warren County, were directed to be sold to discharge
the debt. The two tracts were sold at public sale
Sept. 1, 1749, and purchased by ^Villiam Allen and
Joseph Turner, of Philadelphia, for £3000, proclama-
tion money. The tract in Hunterdon County con-
tained 7308 acres ; that north of the Musconetcong,
1701 acres. The Hunterdon tract lies in what is now
Alexandria and Holland townships, and is described
as follows :
" Beginning on the shore of the river Delaware, opposite the eastern-
most point of a great rock in the river; thence north 48° east di-
viding this laud from the other moiety of the same tract) 247 chains to a
post; thence north 47° west, by the said other moiety, 1^4 chains to
Musconetcong River; thence up the said river, the several courses of the
same, to the northeasterly corner of the said tract (near Bloumsbury),
at a white-oak tree, marked; thence south 35° east 190 chains to a
black -oak tree for a corner; thence south 39° west 57 chains to an-
other black-oak tree for a corner; thence south 24° west, thrice
crossing Wissahawken Creek, 226 chains to a post for a corner ; thence
south 51° west 67 chains to a white-oak tree by the creek last men-
tioned ; thence south 81° west 23 chains to the river Delaware (this
point is 70 chains above the mouth of Wissahawken Creek) ; thence
along the river to the place of beginning, containing 7308 acres. "
The part of Sir Eobert Barker's land lying between
Allen and Turner's (above described) tract and the
Musconetcong Creek was known as the Barker tract
in Hunterdon County.
THE BARKER TRACT.
The locality on the borders of the Musconetcong
Creek began to be settled about 1700. In the field-
notes of a survey of this tract in 1710 by Daniel
Leeds, for Thomas Bryerly, now in our possession,
this statement occurs : " Including the Land whereon
William Titfoot, the Blacksmith, is settled, who is no
proprietor." The fact of a blacksmith being settled
makes it presumptively certain that there was also a
settlement of farmers.
We find no evidence of any rents having been re-
quired of the settlers on Barker's lands previous to
1764. William McAdam, of New York, had been
appointed attorney for Sir Robert Barker, "to act
for him with regard to his Land in West New Jer-
sey." He appointed John Emley as a local agent,
Nov. 25, 1764, with the following instructions :
" My desire is that you may use your best endeavore, by gentle and
persuHsive means, to get the present livers on the estate to come under
lease for one year, or, at most, for three. ... I desire that you may
employ some proper surveyor to Re-survey the Lands and Lay them out
in proper farms, the corners tc be well marked,, and as Publicly Ascer-
tained as you can. "
In 1765 the following names occur among Barker's
tenants :
Hugh Hughes, Jacob Pence, Peter Carlings, Tliomas Potts, P. Longbury,
Robert Tonikins, James Baley, John Delapp, Peter Tinsman, James
Graham, John Martin, James Martin, William Crag (Craig?), Den-
nis Pnsley (Purcell?), Daniel Pusley, Samuel Cragg, Thomas Cragg,
George Arwin, Robins J. Slack, John Houton, Christopher Smith,
Alexander Partrick, Joseph Harber, George Crow, James Stewart,
Hans J. Robins, Christopher Smith, Jacob Pence, William Martin,
Paul Forgeson, Henry Rop, .Toseph Reader (Reeder?), John Boon
(Bu nn ?), Benjamin Tomkins, Peter Cinclere (Sinclair ?), Polo. Tomer,
Cornelius Poling, Widow Poling, Samuel Poling, John Martin Wyess,
John Harrison, George Erwin (mill), Mary Gammon, B. M. Farling.
In 1767 we find these additional names :
Philip Bear, Philip Fine, Thomas Riche (Richey ?), Martin Swick, Henry
Rose, Junius Swiclc, James Wycoff, John Roberts, Jonathan Robins,
Mrs. Daniel, John Crimer, John Hanton, Baltis Tomer, George
Corwine.
In 1772, Joseph Harber, tailor, rented " five acres,
with the tavern-house and stables, in Barker Town."
In 1775 we find these names :
Benia Jones, Edward Hunt, Abram Clawson, Christopher Hynor (Hiner ?)
John Calvin, Henry Hill, Abram Covert, James Iliff, Henry Livring,
Isaac Cooper.
In 1787, Ralph Johnson.
The rents were commonly low, the tenants agreeing
to make specified improvements, plant and cultivate
fruit-trees, etc. After a few years the more thrifty of
them were able to purchase homes of their own.
416
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
THE HAMILTON TBAOT.
In 1774, Allen and Turner conveyed to James Ham-
ilton, of Philadelphia, for $7300, all that remained
nnsold to settlers of the Byerly tract. We find the
following among Hamilton's tenants :
1775. Nathaniel Britain, Pitzer John Tomson, Matthias Bront, John
SheiTed, Roger Parlie, William Sygn (Sine?), C. Horn,
Winegardner, Jacob "Welsli, Matthias Spviglej', Daniel Hnnt,
ITra. Medler (Metier), John Kanilin, Jacob Arnwine.
1787. Isaac Bonnel, Jacob Bunn, William Hawli, Matthias Biakeley,
Thomas Carr. Herbert Smith, Samuel Britain, John Tomsou
(390 acres), Ralph Johnson (612 acres), Peter Haughawout,
William and John Medler (Metier, 433 acres), Isaac Kitchen,
Antony Hoff (360 acres), Cornelius Britain, Henry Laycock,
Henry Winegarden, Jonah Parks, Koger Parks, L. Chamber-
lain (1783).
John Emley was agent for the Hamiltons ; after-
wardsabout 1800 John E. Forman. By 1810 the
last lease had expired and the property all been sold
except one farm, which was purchased by John E.
Forman. This ^\as the Forman homestead, near
Spring Mills.
THE SOCIETY'S TBACT.
All the land lying south and southeast of Allen
and Turner's (afterwards Hamilton's) tract, and within
the boundaries of Holland and Alexandria townships,
was surveyed, June, 1711, by order of Col. Lewis
Morris, for an English land company known as " The
West Jersey Land Society." This tract extended
from the Delaware to the Lamington Eiver, and con-
tained 91,89.5 acres, with customary allowances.
The following is the return of the survey of 1711, as
recorded in the colonial record office at Burlington :
"Situate, and being in the county of Burlington, in the province of
West Jersey, beginning at the north end of Coshanton;* thence north
to Lamington Falls, on the North Blanch of Karitan. where Peapack
path crosses said river ; thence along said path ; thence west to the South
Branch of Karitan River ; thence southwest to Delaware river ;t thence,
as the river goes, to where the SokawayJ comes into the Delaware, to the
top of a hill on the south side of the upper branch of the Beshasakaway ;§
thence to a iork of a run, being a branch of Capooaulong;|| thence down
said run to anotherfork;f thence** up the same to a fork of the said run,
to a hickory sapling by the old field of Sekapus, to a corner near his
plantation ;tt thence east to Karitan Kiver;J+ thence northeast to the
end of a run at tjie foot of the said mountain Coshanton ; thence south-
east to Mr. Willock's corner. "
Nov. 1, 1744, the West Jersey Society, by their
attorneys, Joseph Haynes and Jeremiah Lattouch,
sold to James Alexander, father of Lord Stirling,
10,000 acres of land, " with usual allowances, to be
elected, located, and chosen in any number of par-
cels by the said James Alexander." The convey-
ance was confirmed by deed bearing date March 30,
* Cushetunk, or Picket's Mountain.
t This corner, as we learn from subsequent surveys, was 76 chains
above the mouth of Wissahawken Creek.
I Nississakaway ?
i Lesser Nississakaway 7 This corner, as we learn from later surveys,
was 9 chains and 60 links below the mouth of Nississakaway Creek.
I) Capolon.
1[ Near Ishi Butler's house.
** Southeasterly.
tt Land now belongs to Samuel Stevenson. There was an Indian vil-
lage here.
tt South Branch.
1753, given by Lewis Johnston and Henry Lane,
attorneys for the society. The tract was located prin-
cipally in what two years later became Alexandria
township. ^^
Oct. 11, 1752, Hon. John Stevens, Andrew John-
ston, and John Johnston gave their bonds for the
sum of £20,000, New York currency, for the purchase
of what remained unsold of the West Jersey Land
Society's great tract, comprising about 61,000 acres,
with five per cent, added for highways.
In December, 1752, ^^ were held by Andrew John-
ston, ^3- by John Stevens, ^ by AVilliam Alexander
(Lord Stirling), ^^ by John Johnston, -^ by Thomas
Bartow, and -fg by Francis McEvers. £10,000, New
York currency, were paid prior to July 22, 1761,
when, owing to diflSculties with claimants for certain
parts of the tract, it was arranged by Lord Stirling
with the agents of the society that, upon the payment
of £4000 sterling in London, the second and last pay-
ment of £2000 was to be made April 16, 1762, when
the bonds should be canceled and the property made
free from incumbrance.
By a deed of partition dated Oct. 5, 1765,|||| all the
parties having right to the same " allotted a part of
the said great tract into 15 allotments." By this deed
James Parker was vested with three-fifteenth parts
of the whole tract.
According to a paper in our possession, in the hand-
writing of and signed by Hon. John Stevens, bearing
date of Oct. 4, 1766, the society's tract at this time
was held as follows: Lord Stirling, -f^; John Stevens,
T^; ; James Parker, ^ â– executors of Andrew Johnson,
t:\ ; Patrick McEvers, ^^ ; Nathaniel Marston, Jacob
Ludlow, and Henry Cuyler, ,\.
In 1787 the Hon. John Stevens offered for sale 8701 J
acres of land, " being part of the subscriber's lands in
the county of Hunterdon," situated in the townships
of Alexandria, Bethlehem, Lebanon, and Tewksbury.
The tract connected with his residence at Lebanon
ValleyHII contained about 600 acres. This property
seems to have been sold to William Abbott, who acted
for a time as land-agent for the widow of Hon. John
Stevens and for his son. Col. John Stevens.***
In 1762-63 the society's lands in Alexandria were
surveyed and laid put into farm-tracts, draughted, and
numbered. What remained unsold of Lord Stirling's
two-fifteenth parts of the society's tract in 1790 was
sold by William Lowry, sheriff, to James Parker, who
sold one-half of it the same year to John Stevens for
£250 10s.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The following were citizens of that part of Alex-
andria belonging to the society's tract in 1766:
gj See Book H 2d, p. 196, Burlington Eecords.
Ill Recorded at Burlington, Liber X. of Deeds, p. 47.
Hlf Round Valley, now in Clinton township.
*** For a part of the foregoing facts we are indebted to the courtesy of
Eugene Cook, Esq., Hobokeu, N. J. See also a sketch of John Stevens,
and his descendants, on page 2ri3 of this work.
ALEXANDRIA.
417
1736. William Everitt, Samuel Everitt, Jolin Dillts, William Servos,
Michael Whip, M.ittliias Hand, Cornelius Vau Sitklen, Thomas
Beuvers, Jacob Haff, George McKicken, John Queen.
1756-06. Samuel Webster, Ziba Osmun, John Sager, John Erwin, Thos.
Little, Isaac Osmun, Daniel Jones, Joseph Gordon, WiUiam
Smith, Jonah Park, William Alpock, John Cowen, Henry
Krist, John Emlej', John Krist, John Henery, William Beavei-s,
Stephen Hoff, Nicholas Shipman, Michael Cypher, Joseph
Osmun, William Critchfield, George Trimble, Leonard Ciitzer,
John Bodine. '
1766-92. Joseph Snyder, Jacob Miller, John P. Lance, John Farns-
worth, John Park, Ephraim Drake, Aaron Forman, Joseph
Beavers, AdouijaU Fariisworth, Tunis Stull, AN'illiam Dilts,
John Reed, Conrad Bnnn, George Timbler, Joseph Webster,
Jr., John Armstrong, Henry Stelle (Stull?), Frederic Pickle,
Benjamin Jameson, Benjamin Drake, William Wires, John
Dilts, Jacob Shipman, Absalom llunyau, Christopher Skillman,
Henry Rockafeller, John Dusenbury, John Brunson, Samuel
Usselton, Peter Wyer, Samuel Huwell, Adam Wagoner, Chris-
topher Teets, Jacob Teets, William Osmun, Jesse Dalrymple,
William Murahau, John Rose, Garret Siecle, Matthias Woorts
(Wurts?), Philip Stout, Paul Leonard, Alexander Davison,
Samuel Poland, Edward Manning, Peter Young, Daniel Prig-
more, Ephraim Drake, Fnlkert Fulkerson, Ghershom Martin,
Thomas Biche (Richey?), Joseph Howell, Peter Snyder, John
Smith, Jacob Homer, Peter Smith, John Perliers, Peter Emell,
Daniel Polhemus, John Hoffman, Adam Apther (Apgar?),
Philip Tomer, Tunis Hiller, Stephen Yard, Willi.am Schuyler,
Benoni Heath.
THE OPDTKE FAMILY.
It is claimed by the Opdykes that the patriarch of
their family in this country was Mynheer Gysbeet
Opdtke, one of the early settlers of the Dutch col-
ony on Manhattan Island. The marriage register of
the collegiate church, under date of 164.3, records the
marriage of Gysbert Opdyke, of Wesel, and Catharine
Smith, of England. They had three sons, one of
whom was Joshua. Some of his descendants after-
wards removed to West Jersey, and are supposed to
have located in Kingwood. The following is au out-
line of the second to the seventh generations :
Second and Third Generations. Not ascertained. If Joshua Opdyke, of
Kiiigwood, was a lineal descendant of the above-named Gysbert Opdyke,
it is obvious that two generations at least must have intervened.
In 1790, Joshua was a delegate from Kingwood Baptist Church to an
Annual Association.* Assuming that he was seventy years old at that
time, bis birth must have occurred in 1720, which would have been
seventy-seven years after Gysbert's marriage.
Fnurtft Gejieraiion.- Joshua Opdyke, supposed to have been a great-
giandson of Gysbert, settled on the Biles tract, in Kingwood, a short
distance northeast of Barbertown. From fleld-notes of a survey by Dr.
John Bockhill, made in April, 1703, we learn that his farm bordered on
Mud Eun, and was contiguous to that of Joshua Waterhouse. He
married Anna, daughter of Samuel Green, who lived at one time near
Juhnsonsburg (Log Jail), in Sussex County. He had three sons Luther,
Bichard, and Benjamin and seven daughters.
Flflh Seneroiion. Luther Opdyke, son of Joshua, was born March 29,
17.')0. He married Euth Hall, by whom he had six sons George, Dec.
6, 1773 ; Joseph, Feb. 22, 1775 ; Amos, Oct. 20, 1781 ; Luther, May 9, 1784 ;
James, died young; Hall, Aug. 18, 1792 and two daughters, Rebecca,
N IV. 1, 1778, and Gertrude, Deo. 19, 1788. After the decease of his wife
Ruth, he married a Mrs. Sinclair ; and after her death he married Mary
Dalrymple. He lived many years in Kingwood, and then removed to
Alexandria, in which he owned several farms. He was a justice of the
peace for about fifty years.
Eichard Opdyke, son of Joshua, married Grace Thatcher. They had
twelve children.
.SteWi Generation (Partial).- George Opdyke, son of Luther, lived in
Kingwood. He had five sons- Joseph, George (mayor of New York),
John, Horatio, Stont^-and four daughters,- Sarah, married Christie
* See Minutes of Philadelphia Baptist Associalion.
Little ; Gertrude, married Moses Heath ; Niincy, married John Scott ;
and Fannie, married John Carrel.
Joseph Opdyke, son of Luther, married Fannie, daughter of l^athaniel
Britton, and had two sons John B. and Luther and one daughter,
Hannah, married Samuel Calvin.
Amos Opdyke, son of Luther, married Rebecca Bellis. They had four
sons Samuel, .\ng. 23, 1807 ; John Bellis, Oct. 4, 1812 ; Manning Force,
July 24, 1810, died young; Sylvester Hill, June 22, 1828, died Oct. 21,
1880 and two daughters, Elizabeth, June 20, 1821, and Phffibe, Nov.
28, 1824, died young. Amos Opdyke lived in Alexandria, near Everitts-
town.
Luther Opdyke, son of Luther, married Phosbe Bellis. They had five
sons Lewis, Isiuic, Amos, Samuel, and Sylvester and three daughters,
Rebecca, Gertrude, married John Kipp, and Fannie. They lived near
Evei-ittstown, in Alexandria, and about lS2o removed to Waterloo, Seneca
Co., N. Y.
Hall Opdyke, son of Luther, married Annie Hortman. They had four
sons- Albert, Enoch, Samuel, and Levi and four daughters, Christiana,
deceased ; Elizabeth, married Wholston Vanderbelt ; Mary, married
Eunyon ; and Fannie, married Hiram Vancamp. They lived at Nissis-
sackaway (Wilson's Mill), in Alexandria.
Eichard Opdyke, son of Eichard, had three children, Peter F., lately
deceased; Selenda, married William Conner, removed to Illinois; and
Deborah, married Sidney Yard, deceased. Eichard Opdyke lived in King-
wood, near Barbertown.
Seventh Generation iPiirtial). John Opdyke, son of George, married
Esther Little. They had four sons Christie Little, George O., Stacy,
and John Scott- and two daughters, Eachel Little and Mary. They
lived at Shiloh, Ohio.
Horatio Opdyke, son of George, married Catharine, daughter of Thom.-Ls
Eobeson. They have had eisht children, Christie Osmun, John (de-
ceased), Henrietta Race (deceased), Joseph, T-ncy Ann, Adelaide, Rachel
(deceased), and Abraham Lincoln. They live in Kingwood.
John Britton Opdyke, son of Joseph, married Emetine, daughter of
William Eobeson. They had eight children,- Henry Holcomb (deceased),
William E., Joseph, George, John,S.arah Robeson (married Lam-
bert), Jane (married Locke), and Lizzie. John B. and his wife are
both deceased.
Luther Opdyke, son of Joseph, represented his district in the Legisla-
tive Assembly in 1850 and 1851. He married Elizabeth, daughter of
John Little. They are both deceased. They left one son, Wilson.
John Bellis Opdyke, son of Amos, has been married three times. His
first wife was Nancy, daughter of Thomas Robeson. They had four sous
Samuel, June 17, 1832; Hiram Dalrymple, J.in. 21, 1835, a Methodist
clergyman; Thomas Eobeson, Nov. 21, 1830; and Amos, April 29, 1841
and one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born Nov. 17, 1838. His secojid
wife was Rachel, daughter of Tunis Eicke. They had one daughter,
Eachel Ann, born Feb. 28, 1846. His third wife is Mary, daughter of
John Case. They have two sons Jeremiah W., Dec. 9, 1848, and Stan-
ford, March 12, 1852- and one daughter, Celia, born Oct. 9, 1869. They
live near Everittstown, in Alexandria township.
Elizabeth Opdyke, daughter of Amos, and wife of Jeremiah Wright,
has two children, Sylvester H. and Mary Frances, wife of Eev. Wil-
liam S. Galloway, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Eev. Sylvester Hill Opdyke, son of Amos, married Lizzie Morey, of
Bloomfleld, 111. He left four children, Livingston Atwood, diaries
Pomeroy, George, and Florence. Mr. Opdyke gradiiated at Wesleyan
University, and in theology at Union Theological Seminary. He held a
prominent position in tlie ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He died at Newton, N. J., Oct. 21, 1880.
Albert Opdyke, son of Hall, married a daughter of Tunis Eicke. She
is deceased. He has several children of both sexes. He lives in Alex-
andria, not far from Mount Pleasant.
Enoch Opdyke, son of Hall, married a daughter of Thomas Cronce,
and has several children. His wife is deceased. He lives at Everitts-
town.
Samuel Opdyke, son of Hall, married Emma HoUister. He died sev-
eral years ago, leaving two sons.
Eighth Generation (Pmiiai).- Samuel Opdyke, son of John Bellis Opdyke,
married Mary Ann Queen, and lives in Mount Pleasant.
Eev. Hiram D. Opdyke, son of John B., married Sarah Almenia New-
man, and has three children, Arthur, Ada, and Edmund Janes.
Thomas E. Opdyke, son of John B., married Mary Sharp, and has
three children, Alice, Jay Sheridan, and Ella.
Jeremiah W. Opdyke, son of John B., married Amelia M., daughter of
Oliver Vescelius, of Fairmount, Tewksbury tow-nship, in this county.
They have two children,- Bay and Edna. They live in Frenchtown.
418
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
Stanford Opdyke, son of John B., married Emily Caroline, daughter of
Jacob Henry. They have two children, Mary and Gj^sbert. They live
in Alexandria, near Everittstown .
THE CASE FAMIIY.
John Case lived and died on a farm now occupied
by John L. Case, near Clover Hill, in this county.
He had ten children, five sons and five daughters.
The sons were William, John, Jacob, Peter, and God-
frey ; the daughters, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret,
Charity, and Catharine. The descendants are :
Second Generation. Jacob Case, aon of the foregoing John, had two
eone, Anthony L. and John L., and also daughters. He lived on the
homestead after his father's decease.
John Case lived near his brother .Tacob, and had sons and daughtere.
William Case lived in Alexandria, and had three sons John, Chnsto-
pher, and Mahlon and two daughters, Mary, wife of Daniel Marsh,
and Margaret, wife of Levi Mettler.
Peter Case lived in Alexandria, and had three sons Daniel, Henry, and
Godfrey and one daughter, EUmbeth.
Godfrey Case lived in Alex.andria, and had two sons Levi and John
and four daughters, Mary, wife of William Drake ; Margaret, wife of
William Besson; Catliarine, wife of Spencer Alpangh; and Susan, wife
of Henry Eckel.
{William, Petei-, and Godfrey lived near one another on the road from
Everittstown to Milford.)
Mary Case uiarrietl Peter Blnom, who lived near Mount Pleasant.
Elizabeth Case lived in Bethlehem township, and left a son and two
daughters.
Margaret Ciuse married David Stem, who lived in Warren Co., N. J.,
liiar Easton. She left sons and daughters.
Charity Case married Lewis Rope, who lived in Pennsylvania, not far
from Easton. She left sons.
Catharine Case married John Case, a distant relative, who lived near
Pattenburg, in this county. She left three sons,- Henry, Godfrey, and
John.
Third Generalbn.John Case, son of the foregoing Godfrey, and grand-
Bon of John, to whom we are indebted for much of the material of this
sketch, married Eliza, daughter of Elijah Bittenhouse, and has three
sous, Elijah B. Case, C.E., Levi W. Case, A.M., M.D., and Joseph Case.
He lives at Case's Saw-Mill.
Levi Case married a daughter of Jacob Bunn, and has one son Whit-
field and two daughters, Elizabeth and Lucy. He lives on the home-
stead-farm, near Milford.
Margaret Case (deceased), wife of William Besson, had two sons John
Besson, attorney-at-law, Hoboken, N. J., and Samuel Austin Besson, A.M.,
attorney-at-law, Jersey City, N. J. and three daughters, Elizabeth,
Hannah (deceased), and Frances.
Catharine Case, wife of Spencer Alpaugh.has three daughters,- Mary,
Adella, and Camella. Tliey live at Little York, in this county.
Susan Case, wife of Henry Eckel, has one daughter,- Lydia, wife of
Dr. William Kice, of Trenton, N. J. Henry Eckel and wife live at
Frenchtown, N. J.
Godfrey Case (deceased), son of Peter and grandson of John, married
Sallie, daughter of Daniel Curtis. They had four children,- Samuel,
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Worthington, Peter, and Mary M.artha, wife
of Mathis.
Henry Case (deceased), son of Peter, married Torhis. They had
two sons, Vorhis and Wliitficld.
John Case (deceased), son of William and grandson of John, was mar-
ried twice. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Hoff. By
this marriage they had three sons William, John F., and Jeremiah H.
and three daughters, Mary, wife of .lohn B. Opdyke; Anne, wife of
Jonathan Kugler; and Elizabeth, wife of William Wilson. His second
wife was Amy, daughter of William Hoff. By this marriage they had
one son Eli and two daughters, Catharine, wife of Holloway H.
Hewitt, and Margaret, wife of Wilson Silverthorn.
Christopher Case (deceased), son of William, had two wives, Catharine
Eupel, by whom he had one son, -William, and Case, by whom he
had one daughter, Annie, and three sons, George, Peter, and Christopher.
THE ECKEL FAMILY.
Heineich Haeckel came from Germany about
1750, and settled at Hellertown, Pa. The name soon
became corrupted to Eckel. A son of his, John
Eckel, married Mary Harpell, in Pennsylvania, and
about 1780 came to Alexandria and settled on the farm
at Mount Pleasant on which Jacob Eckel, a great-
grandchild, now resides. John and Mary had five
children, Henry, Philip, John, Mary, and Hannah.
Henry Eckel, son of John, Jiad nine children,
Aaron, John, Eliza, Fanny, Peter, Mary Ann, Henry,
Samuel, and George. Philip died young ; John had
seven children, Samuel C, Sarah, Jordan, Hannah,
Selinda, Amaudus, and Elizabeth; Mary married
Isaac Mathews, of West Amwell, in this county ;
Hannah married Pierson Baker, of Mercer County.
Peter Eckel, son of Henry and' grandson of John,
married Sarah Welch, by which marriage there were
two daughters, Elizabeth and Ellen. After her de-
cease he married Emma, daughter of David and Eliz-
abeth Eiockafeller. They had two children, Laura
J. and P. Judson Eckel. They live in Alexandria.
Henry Eckel, son of Henry, married Susan, daugh-
ter of Godfrey Case. They had two children, Lydia
and Levi. They live in Frenchtown.
CIVIL LIST.
This list is necessarily imperfect, as earnest search
and persistent inquiry fails to develop any of the town
records farther back than the year 1860.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDEKS.
1766-70, William Everitt; 176G-74, Henry Stoll; 1774, John Emley; 177.5,
John Emley, Henry Stoll ; 1784, Henry Stoll (moderator), ;
1787-89, John Brink, William Lowry; 1790, Thomas Lowry, John
Brink; 1791, Thomas Lowry, John Emley; 1792, Thomas Lowry,
Adam Leonard; 1793, Thomas Lowry, Joseph Chamberlain; 1794,
Thomas Lowry, Benjamin Wright ; 1795-96, Heniy Gulick, Benja-
min Wright ;â– * 1800, David Everitt, William Godley.
We are indebted to William T. Srope, Esq., for the
following list of officers, copied from his private col-
lection of historical material :
TOWN COMMITTEES.
1841-43, Willi.amVliet; 1841, Robins Smith, William W. Case; 1841-43,
Jonas Thatcher; 1841, James Dalrymple; 1S42-43, Jonathan Pickel,
William Fleming, Solomon Weider; 1861, John E. Case; 1861-.54,
John H. SincLair, Henry Kels ; 1861-59, George Hice ; 1851-52, Wil-
liam S. Hartpence ; 1852-53, John Slater ; 1853-58, Peter A. Bloom ;
1863-54, Peter Eckel ; 1855-56, John Kugler; 1855, Levi Case, Moses
Eohhins; 1S57, Cornelius Hoff, John Weider; 1858-69, Joseph
Ilyers; 1859-07, Benjamin Wright ; 1869-60, Bateman Stout ; 18-59,
Christopher Stariier ; ISGO, Francis B. Hager, Jonathan Kugler,
Benjamin G. Pursell; 1861, William H. Dawes, Joseph C. Wright;
1862-75, William Bunn; 1862-76, George W. Bonnell; 1862, David
McCrea; 1863-72, John Weider; 1863-66, Baltis Pickel; 1868-71,
Charles Shuler; 1808-70, Jacob Hager; 1868-69, Richard Bloom;
1871-73, James M. Duckworth ; 1872, Philip S. Hawk ; 1873, Samuel
Willson, Jacob Bunn; 1874-80, William J. Duckworth; 1874-77,
Daniel R. Hill ; 1876-77, Aaron Matthews; 1877-79, Samuel Stout;
1877-78, Charles Bockafeller; 1878, John Cole, George W. Hager;
1879-80, Hiram W. Cronce; 1880, Samuel B. Dalrymple.
TOWN CLERKS.
1841-48, Wholston Vanderbelt ; 1849, Jonathan Pickel ; 1850, Wholstcin
Vanderhelt; 1861-62, Henry F. Vannortwick; 1853, William C. Al-
pangh; 1864, Hiomas A. Runyan; 18.55-66, Peter Cole; 1867-69,
James H. Murphy; 1860, Aaron Matthews; 1861, James' N. Hice;
« The chosen freeholders from 1800 to 1880 are given on page 264 of
this work, to which the reader is referred.
ALEXANDRIA.
419
1862-63, Peter C. Bloom ; 1864, MoaeB K. Everitt ; 1865-66, James H.
Murphy; 1867, James N. Hice ; 1868-75, Charles Alpaugh ; 1876-80,
William fionnell.
ASSESSORS.
1840-41, Jonathan Piokel ; 1842-43, George V. Alpaugh ; 1860, Samuel
Stout; 1851, Wholston Vanderbelt ; 1852-53, Lemuel B. Myers; 1854,
William A. Huff; 1865-58, Samuel Stout; 1869-61, Joseph M. Pickel ;
1862-64, Cliarles Alpaugh; 1865-67, Aaron Matthews; 1868-70,
Thomas E. Opdyfce; 1871-73, William Bonnell ; 1874-76, Andrew J.
McCrea; 1877-80, William D. Bloom.
COLLECTOES.
J 841-43, George Hice; 1850, George G. Lunger; 1851-52, John B. Op-
dylce ; 1863, Aaron Root ; 1854-56, Matthias Bunn ; 1867-59, Peter
â– Cole ; 1860-62, James H. Murphy ; 1863-69, Charles Warford ; 1870-
72, John Hackett ; 1873, Charles Warford ; 1874-75, Thomas R. Op-
dyke ; 1876-80, William T. Bloom.
SCHOOLS.
Old Churck District (No. 31) is one of the oldest
in the present limits of the county. The school-house
stood originally on a lot situated on the corner now
occupied by Joseph Everitt, in Frantlin township.
The lot contained half an acre of land, and helonged
to the farm which John Emley, Sr., had bought,
March, 1737, of Robert Strettel, of Philadelphia, and
conveyed, Jan. 1, 1755, to his son, Elisha Emley.
We have an old lease for this lot, found among the
papers of Jacob Kace, Sr., deceased, from Elisha
Emley to John Emley, Sr., John Emley, Jr., Jacob
Large, Robert Large, Harm anus Kester, and James
Willson, bearing date May 1, 1756, the language of
which implies unequivocally that a school-house, as
well as " habitation" for a teacher, had already been
built. How long they had been in use we can only
conjecture, but we feel assured that the inhabitants
provided school privileges for their children as soon
as practicable after settling in the neighborhood.
This was about 1730.
In an old account-book of Dr. Samuel Willson's,
under date of 1752, we find two charges against
William Rennels and "Rennels the schoolmaster,"
from which we infer that William Reynolds was the
teacher at that time. Towards the close of the century
William Bradreth, familiarly spoken of in the tradi-
tions of fifty years ago as " Old Bradreth," taught
there; after him, "Old Master (William) Teeple."
After Teeple, Miss Sarah Curtis taught. She is still
living, the widow of Samuel Stout, and mother of
Bateman Stout.
The lease for one square chain of this school lot
was renewed June 18, 1799. It was given by
Jacob Race, who then owned the farm to which it
belonged, to Samuel Kester, Samuel Willson, Thomas
Hoff, Benjamin Kester, Ichabod Oliver, Samuel
Stout, William Large, William Quick, William
Brewer, George Fritts, John Large, John Little,
Robert Little, Samuel Webster, Joseph Webster, and
John Hull, in " consideration of the sum of sixty
cents." The lease was for sixty years. The writer
remembers accompanying an elder sister one day to
the school-house when Miss Sarah Curtis was teacher.
It was of logs, and stood thirty or forty yards from the
road-corner. This must have been in 1818.
In 1806 there seems to have been disaffection to-
wards the school, or its location, for there was an at-
tempt to open another in the part of the district where
the present house stands. We have a school-teacher's
article, binding the teacher, Elijah Allen, to teach
school for six months, " in the Old Church adjoining
Cornwall Farm," for $3.50 per quarter for each scholar.
The subscribers' names appended pledged 19 scholars.
It is not probable this school was ever taught, for the
$11 a month was insufficient pay, and there is nothing
said in the subscription about "boarding 'round."
In 1818 the school-house was removed to its present
site, near St. Thomas' church. The teachers, after
the removal of the house, as far as known by the
writer, were Peter Lennard, John Risler, and James
Hughes. Hiram Hubby, from Massachusetts, taught
four quarters ; then Peter Lennard again, followed by
Patrick I. Quirk, Asher Bonham, Jacob Bloom, Wil-
liam A. HuflF, George Elicott, David Rittenhouse,
Emley Bellis, John L. Tinsman, Henrietta Ambler,
Ruth Elizabeth Robeson, and several others whose
names cannot be ascertained.
The writer began the "pursuit of knowledge" at
this old log school-house in his sixth summer. The
benches were made of slabs, and had no backs. We
were kept in school eight hours a day, including two
recesses of fifteen minutes each, and had two hours
noonspell.
In 1860 the old log house gave way to the present
building, which is a good, substantial structure. The
teachers whose names are remembered are Jeremiah
O. Hoff", now a practicing physician, Miss Catharine
Rittenhouse, Joseph P. Stout, Holloway W. Bellis,
and Miss S. Jennie Sutton.
The trustees are John L. Tinsman, district clerk,
Joseph P. Stout, and Sylvester Dalrymple ; number
of children, 50 ; public money, $315.37.
In "Pittstown District" (No. 30) the first school of
which we have any reliable knowledge was kept in an
old building directly in the rear of the present hotel.
This building was in a state of advanced dilapidation.
Where the school was previously kept is not known.
Rev. John Hanna, who came to Pittstown in 1761,
sometimes had a number of pupils under his instruc-
tion, but never, as we ai-e aware of, a district school.
Steven Albro was the first, so far as learned, who taught
in the old house. James Hughes was teacher in 1813 ;
then came Nathan Wakefield.
In 1822 a house was built near the cross-roads east
of Pittstown, on land belonging to Edward A. Rock-
hill, Esq. Nathan Wakefield was the first teacher in
the new house, then Sela Hanford, Jacob Pittenger,
Jacob Bloom, Robert Mickel, Patrick I. Quirk, Mar-
garet Opdyke, and William Loder.
In 1832 or 1833 another house was built, on land of
Mr. Larason Stryker, on the west side of the Hickory
Road, one mile from the village. The trustees at the
420
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
time this house was erected were Moses A. Taylor,
Jacob Stires, and John Trimmer. The teachers were
"William Grant, James Pine, George Slack, Thomas
Thomas, • Tozier, Washington Hope, William
Godley, Dewees, William Kennedy, William E.
Mattison, now a physician in New Brunswick, N. J.,
Jacob Race, and Isabella Probasco.
In 1854 the present building was erected, at a cost
of $800. It is a frame, 21 by 34 feet. The teachers
have been William B. Labaw, now a physician ;
Pliram B. Opdyke, now a Methodist clergyman ; Oli-
ver H. Huffman, Esq., a graduate of Eutger.i College;
Oran Landers, Edwin Combs, Nathan Solomon, 0.
Herbert Sproul, now a physician at Stockton, in this
county ; John Fleming, Miss Lydia Frace, William
T. Stires, Miss Esther Dalrymple, George N. Best,
1869, now a physician at Eosemont, in this county ;
Miss Esther Dalrymple, 1869 ; Sylvester H. Wright,
Miss Susan E. Burd, 1870; George N. Best, Miss
Susan E. Burd, Erastus S. Bloom, 1871 ; Miss Kate
Miley, 1872; Miss Susan E. Burd, 1873; Miss Mary
W. Lippincott, 1874; Miss Emily McCrea, 1875;
Julius Johnson, Jos. S. Fauss, 1876 ; Miss Annie B.
Cregar, 1877 ; Julius Johnson, Miss S. Jennie Sutton,
1878 ; Miss Sadie A. Banghart, 1879 ; HoUoway W.
Bellis, 1879-80.
The present trustees are John Probasco, district
clerk. Beavers Fritts, and William Young. There
are 81 scholars in the district between the ages of five
and eighteen, and the public money is $324.91.
The history of Little York,"" No. 24, dates back "
to 1809. William A. Huff, Esq., now deceased, in a
letter to Eev. C. S. Conkling, copied in his centennial
report, says,
" About 1809 the people of Little York conceived the idea of organ-
izing a school for that neighborhood, bnt they had no house. In looking
aro\ind they found an old deserted building, on what was called the Hyde
lot. This was fitted up as a school-house, and William Lee, au .aged
Irishman, employed .is teacher. I was one of liis pupils. Soon, how-
ever, measures were taken for the erection of a school-building. Mathias
Alpaugh gave the land, some g.ave money, some material, and others
contributed labor. In the latter part of 1810 the new building, which
stood near Wright's {or Globe) Mills was occupied. The trustees were
Benjamin Wright, William Alpaugh, and Mathias Aipaugh. "
A second house was erected in 1825, a frame, 20 by
24 feet. Esquire Huff taught there in 1825. The
present building was erected in 1855, is of two stories,
24 by 36 feet, although only one floor has been occu-
pied by the school.
The first house in Winchel's Grove, No. 29, was of
logs, roofed with straw, and was fifteen feet square.
The second house was erected in 1832, and the third
in 1856. The latter is 20 by 30 feet, and is in good
repair, having been refitted in 1874. It will seat 50
scholars.* We are indebted to Peter M. Mechling
for the following list of teachers and trustees. Teach-
ers : Jacob Pittenger, George Elicott, Jemima Atkin-
son, Solomon Vredenhurg, William Keifer, William
Hackett, Jeremiah HoflF, Daniel M. Mathews, Ocran
« Kev. C. S. Conkling.
Eace, Timothy AVinchel, John Griffith, Euhamie
Brewer, Clara Bonhani, Peter M. Mechling,
Schug, Benjamin F. Severs, William Hoppaugh, and
John Y. Eupell. Trustees : Albert Opdyke, William
Eoberts, Isaac Hiner, John Hackett, Dewitt C. Ed-
monds, John Sheridan, Simon Cooley, Ealph H. Dal-
rymple, Abner Cooley, and David H. Butler. Num-
ber of children, 52; public money, $315.99.
An old lady, Mrs. Sarah Pittenger, stated to Eev.
Mr. Conkling that she had attended school in Ever-
ittstown. No. 28, about 1785, in a log school-house
one mile northeast of Everittstown, and that it was
an old building at that time. It is possible that it
stood near what was known as Boss' tan-yard as far
back as 1776, and that from it sprang the two districts
of Everittstown and Winchel's Grove.f We learn
from Mrs. Annie Opdj'ke, aged eighty-two, who has
always lived in the neighborhood, that a school-house
was built in 1818 between Jeremiah Wright's (for-
merly Amos Opdyke's) gate and the brook, a few yards
distant. This house stood ten years, and was removed
to ground now belonging to Samuel McPherson, a
quarter of a mile east of the village. This ground
was leased of Cornelius Lake for ninety-nine years.
The house was frame, 20 feet square. The trustees at
that time were Godfrey Hiner, Cornelius Lake, and
Wesley Johnson. In 1858 the present house was
built. It is 22 by 35 feet, and will seat 50 pupils.
About 1820 a school-house was built in Union
School District at "Case's Hollow," about two miles
from Everittstown, on the road from that place to
Milford. Andrew Eace taught there in 1822. In
1838 or 1839 the district erected a house on the corner
of the road leading from Everittstown to Frenohtown,
and it superseded the former. In 1855 it was removed
to "Shuster's Hollow," and the district was called
Union District. In 1875 it was discontinued by
action of the county superintendent.
CHURCHES.
ST. THOMAS' CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA.
St. Thomas' Church is believed to be the oldest in
the present limits of the county. The Eev. John
Talbot, missionary of St. Mary's Church at Burling-
ton, as we learn by a letter of his to the secretary of
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in For-
eign Parts, visited this section in September, 1723,
and found the people preparing to erect a house of
worship.
Previous to the setting off" of Bethlehem township,
in 1728, Amwell formed "the northernmost and utter-
most bounds" of Hunterdon County.
The first church stood on the south side of the road,
nearly opposite the present one. It was probably a
frame building, for a girder and other timbers in the
present house contain mortises and other evidences of
having been previously used.
t Ibid.
ALEXANDRIA.
4-'l
It is not probable the builders of this " forest sanc-
tuary" were favored for several years with the regular
services of a minister, for there were but few then in
the colonies. It is presumable they met for worship,
and were favored as often as practicable with the vis-
its of ministers from Burlington, Hopewell, Elizabeth-
town, Newark, Woodbridge, and Amboy.
But few of the early records can now be found. We
have an old manuscript, for which we are indebted to
the courtesy of Mrs. Cornelia L. Hay, of Somerset
Junction, Mercer Co., a granddaughter of Rev. Wil-
liam Frazer, and a great-granddaughter of Rev. Colin
Campbell, rector of St. Mary's Church of Burlington
in 1734. This paper is without date, and purports to
be a memorial addressed by the vestry and wardens of
St. Thomas' Church to Rev. Mr. Moreton, their min-
ister, expressive of their sj^mpathy and encourage-
ment under the political persecutions he had suffered.
We learn from the Fulham MSS., copied into the
Episcopal Historical Society's collections, that Rev.
Andrew Moreton was licensed by the Bishop of Lon-
don for missionary service in New Jersey, March 17,
1760
The names of the vestrymen and wardens appended
to the paper referred to are* William Lowrey, Thomas
Harris, Jeremiah Thatcher, John Crawford, William
Thatcher, Constantine O'Neill, George Birkhead, Jr.,
Andrew Crawford, John Roat, John Taylor, Jr., John
Taylor, George Birkhead, Richard Crooks, Philip
Grandin, Mansfield Hunt, Jonah Park.
The principal proprietors of the West Jersey Land
Society's great tract contributed to the pecuniary sup-
port of the minister, as we learn from the following :
" Wheeeas, The subacriliers being desirous in assisting to establish tiie
Gospel in Amwell and Kingwood Churches, I have desired John Emley,
Attorney for the Purchasers of the Society's Great Tract, to pay unto the
Church Wardens the sum of Ten Pound, yearly, during the continuance
of this present Minister, which sum is to be paid out of the Society's
Bents as followeth viz. :
lord Stirling £1 6s. 8rf.
John Stevens 3 6 8
James Parker 2
Ex's of A. Johnston 16 8
McBvers 13 4
Marston, ~|
Henry Cuyler, y 1
Jacob Ludlow,
on, ~|
ler, y..
OW,J
10
Witness my hand this 4th of October, Anno Domi. 1766. "
Jno. Stevens.
Dec. 4, 1768, John Grandin, Esq., in behalf of the
wardens, informed John Emley, the attorney of the
society's purchasers, that £10 was " more than they
wanted," a noteworthy statement, and an appor-
tionment was then made for £8. Half-yearly receipts
are appended for each year until Nov. 22, 1773. These
are signed by John Grandin, Philip Grandin, or Jon-
athan Forman, on the part of the vestry. From this
paper we learn that the same minister officiated at
both St. Thomas' church of Kingwood and St. An-
drew's of Amwell.
* A space, large enough for two names, is lost by wear ; the name of
William Lowrey is so indistinct as to be uncertain.
The Rev. William Frazer succeeded Mr. Moreton.
In 1768 he took charge of the two churches of King-
wood and Amwell and a third at a place he calls
Musconetcong, 28 miles north of the former. In a
letter to Rev. Dr. Benton, of London, describing his
missionary field, he writes that there were thirty fam-
ilies at Kingwood, but no suitable church edifice, pub-
lic worship having to be celebrated in private houses.
We have a manuscript sermon of Mr. Frazer's for
which we are indebted to Mrs. Hay, to which is pre-
fixed, in his handwriting, this statement : " Preached
at Kingwood on Friday, 11th Nov., 1768, being the
day appointed for the congregation to meet in order to
fix on a place where to build a new church." It was
at this meeting decided to erect a stone building on
the opposite side of the road from the former. The
road is the line between Kingwood and Alexandria
townships. The land belonged to Lewis Stevens,
Esq., and was a part of Cornwall farm. The new
house was not completed for several years.
Rev. Mr. Frazer labored until the breaking out of
the Revolutionary war. After peace was declared he
returned, reopened his churches, and resumed his
ministerial labors. He died in 1795, aged fifty-two.
After Mr. Frazer, Rev. George Woodruff, from
Trenton, preached at St. Thomas' bi-weekly. The
Rev. Clarkson Dunn, from Newton, N. J., succeeded
him. There was a period of several years early
in the present century when regular services were
entirely suspended. The membership had become
small, and there was probably no vestry, for the
house and grounds were badly neglected.
In 1822 the house was thoroughly repaired, and re-
ligious services were resumed under the ministry of
Rev. Mr. I)ouglas, of New Brunswick, N. J. A
Sunday-school was conducted by Miss Margaret Op-
dyke and the Misses Susan and Mary Forman. Bishop
Croes officiated occasionally. After Mr. Douglas came
Rev. Mr. Jaques, followed by Rev. William C. Crane
on alternate Sundays for two or three years (1836-38).
After Prof. Crane retired services were conducted
for several years by James R. Dunham, of Clinton,
who afterwards, we have understood, became a li-
censed minister. In 1845, Rev. Mr. Adams took
charge of St. Thomas', Clinton, and Flemington, re-
siding at the latter place. Rev. Mr. Jaques suc-
ceeded to Mr. Adams. After him. Rev. Mr. Fergus
officiated for a year or two, and retired.
There was then a suspension of services for about
ten years, the house being considered unfit for use.
During part of this period the Rev. Dr. Boggs, from
New Brunswick, N. J., preached in the school-house
at Pittstown. In 1875-76, chiefly through the liber-
ality and under the direction of Hon. Frederic A.
Potts, of Pittstown, the house was thoroughly re-
paired.
The Rev. Edwin K. Smith, of Lambertville, is the
present pastor, and there is a fair prospect of a per-
I manent organization.
412
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Inside the church, near the chancel, is a tahlet mem-
orative of Lewis Stevens, whose willing hands helped
to raise these walls. In front, by the side of the path
that leads to the entrance, side by side, as if in mar-
tial rank, repose six heroes of the Revolution.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH OF EVEEITTSTOWN.*
This church was organized in 1817, under the pas-
torate of the Rev. George Banghart, who had Rev.
Richard N. Petherbridge as his colleague. In 1825,
under the pastorate of the Rev. Benjamin Collins, a
house of worship was erected. The trustees at this
time were Amos Opdyke, Samuel Bellis, Uriah Bellis,
Reuben Lee, and Isaac Hartpence.
The names of the successive pastors who have offi-
ciated on this charge are :
1824-25, Benjamin Collins; 1826, Isaac Winner, Anthony Atwood ; 1827-
28, Jolin Finley, John K. Shaw; 1829-30, William H. Wiggins, Abra-
ham Gearliart ; 1831, Pharaoh Ogden, Francis A. Morrel ; 1832.
Joseph McCool, A. K. Street; 1833-34, Jacob HeavencJer; 1836-36,
Abraham Gearliart, B. N. Keed, Eichard Lanniug; 1837-38, Jacob
Heavender, James M. Tuttle; 1839, James M. Tuttle, L. E. Dunn;
1840, William Hanley, James White ; 1S41, A. K. Street ; 1842, Joseph
GaskiU; 1843-44, Zerubbabel Gaskill ; 1846^6, Abram M. Palmer ;
1847-48, Thomaa T. Campfleld ; 1849-50, D. W. Decker ; 1851-62, Kod-
ney Winans, Jacob Horner; 1863, Cnrtis Tally ; 1854-55, J.J. Sleeper;
1886-67, W. W. CbriBtine ; 1S58-59, John S. Coit ; 1860-61, W. W, Voor-
hees, C. P. De Camp ; 1862-G3, J. P. Daily ; 1864, William E. Blakeley ;
1865-66, Henry J. Hay ter ; 1867-68, William S. Galoway ; 1869, A.
H. Bellis; 1870, J. E. Stratton; 1871-72, William H. Euth ; 1S73,
William H. McBride ; 1874-75, H. Bice ; 1876, James W. Hartpence ;
1877-78, A. G. Miller ; 1879, E. S. Jamison : 1880, 1. W. Cole.
The present trustees are Hiram Cronce, Isaac Man-
ning, John F. Case, Samuel Stout, Thomas Cronce,
Isaac J. Snyder, and Nathan Seal.
From this church have originated several others,
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Quakertown, that
of Frenchtown, of Milford, and of Little York.
At this time (1880) the subject of erecting a new
church edifice in Everittstown is under consideration.
MOUNT SALEM METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH
is located about two miles northwest of Pittstown, on
the Hickory Road, the dividing line between Alex-
andria and Union townships. About 1838 a society
was organized in that neighborhood, and met for wor-
ship at private houses. The Rev. Manning Force
encouraged this little band to build a church. David
Dilts, a man of some prominence in the community,
offered to give the land for the church lot. He also
circulated a subscription for necessary funds. Amos
Opdyke, Daniel Jones, Thomas Mechling, and Rev.
Robert Smith, a local preacher, co-operated with him.
A title for the land having been obtained and a requi-
site sum of money subscribed, a building committee,
consisting of Rev. Manning Force, Daniel Jones, and
Rev. Robert Smith, was appointed. The house was
a plain structure, 23 by 33 feet. It was completed
and dedicated, free from debt, in 1846. The name
Mount Salem was given to it by the pastor in charge
* We are nnder obligations to the pastor in charge, Eev. I. W. Cole, for
the facts here embodied.
at its dedication. Rev. Mr. Force, in compliment to
David Dilts, and in allusion to " David's mount of
old." It was connected with Clinton Circuit, which
at that time comprised several churches. Among the
pastors of that period were Revs. George Banghart,
John Fort, E. H. Stokes, Charles E. Walton, David
Graves, J. C. McCormick, J. N. Crane, Samuel M..
Stiles, John F. Dodd, and M. M. Fogg, a supply. In
the spring of 1858, by authority of the Newark Con-
ference, Mount Salem Church was associated witJi
Union, Norton, and Pattenburg Churches. This ar-
rangement was continued till 1864, when it was dis-
connected from these and associated with Quakertown
Church.
From the period of its organization the congrega-
tion and the membership gradually increased. In a
few years the house was too small to accommodate the
people, and a larger one was deemed necessary. In
1864 a new board of trustees was elected, consisting-
of Hiram Mechling, Hiram Stout, "William Taylor,
John H. Cooley, Henry Maxwell, Thomas Mechling,
and William McClary, and funds were raised for the
enterprise. A building committee, composed of Rev..
J. B. Heward, pastor in charge, John H. Cooley, and
William Taylor, was appointed. The contract was.
taken by Eli Bosenbury, of Clinton, and by the close
of the year the new house was completed. The edifice-
presents a neat and pleasing appearance. Its size is
36 by 52 feet, with ceiling 20 feet high. Its cost was-
$3600. It was dedicated in February, 1865. Its pas-
tors since that period have been :
1864-05, Rev. J. B. Heward; 1866-68, Eev. Mathew F. Swaim; 1860-70,
Eev. J. Mead; 1871-73, Rev. PetPr D. Day ; 1874-76, Rev. G. W. Hor-"
ton; 1877-7S, Rev. Daniel Halleron; 1879, Rev. Thomas E. Goidon-,
1880-81, Eev. Charles E. Walton.
THE OHEISTIAN CHURCH OF LITTLE YORKf
is an outgrowth of the Milford Christian Church, as.
will be seen by the following extracts from the records :
"At a regular Quarterly Meeting of the First Christian Cliurch in
Milford, holden in their house of worship, on the fii-st day of January,
1842, the following resolution was introduced and tmaniniously adopted:
liesnli'edj That tliis church approve the organization of such of its- "
members as reside in the vicinity of Finesville and Pattenburg into
branches of this church, that they may conduct monthly fellowship, and
other social religious meetings among themselves, receive and labor with
their members ; but not in such a manner as to set aside or in any way
to interfere with their particular membership with this church.
"Agreeably to the above resolution, the members residing in the
vicinity of Pattenburgh were properly organized and acknowledged a
Branch of the First Christian Church in Milford on this 24th day of
Feby., 1842, by Elder I. C. Goff.
Rev. -Wm. Bradley, Preacher in charge. "
•'John C. Wagoner, C/ej-fc.
George G. Lunger, ISeasiLrer.
In 1844 they built a plain, substantial stone church,,
about 54 by 32 feet, costing about S4000, and appointed
Nathan Dawes, Higgons Harrison, Joseph Hoppock,,
T. P. Forman, and G. V. Alpaugh trustees.
June 22, 1850, the Pattenburg branch of the Milford
Christian Church was constituted an independent
t W^e are indebted to John W. Queen, Esq., for this historical sketch.
ALEXANDRIA.
423
organization, to be known as the " Christian Church
of Little York, Hunterdon Co., N. J. ;" number of
members, 63 ; Pastor, Eev. O. E. Morrill ; Clerk, Isaac
Y. Fitzer ; subsequently added, 97 ; but by declensions,
removals, and deaths the number has become much
reduced. Present Pastor, K. B. Eldridge; Clerk,
E. S. Hoppock; Trustees, Joseph Hoppock, Jonas
Godown, John W. Queen.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Everitt's Mill, Everittstown. We find Ev-
eritt's Mill mentioned in a survey of a road made in
1759, leading from Calvin's Ferry, on the Delaware
River,* to the former place. And in 1766, in a re-
survey made by Dr. John Eockhill, of the farm
southwest of the present village, including the ground
now occupied by it, it is spoken of as having been
previously conveyed by deed from James Parker to
Samuel and William Everitt. There was no village
at that time, and the site of the mill was probably in-
cluded in the purchase. A principal thoroughfare,
leading from Hoif 'sf to Durham Ferry, passed by this
mill. This and the road leading to the river at Cal-
vin's Ferry were among the earliest in this section.
Samuel Everitt was an ensign in Capt. Groendyke's
company. Second Hunterdon Eegiment.
The farm is described as "the same Plantation
Whereon John Dilts now Dwells," and the house is
located, on the draught accompanying the survey, a
few yards from the corner, at the junction of the
Frenchtown road. There was a blacksmith-shop there
also.
The property remained in possession of the Everitt
family until about the beginning of the present cen-
tury, when it passed into the hands of Abram La Rue.
His son Isaac built the hotel, and also an oil-mill
below the village. His successor was Samuel Case,
the father of Dr. Henry Holcombe's wife. The old
mill probably the second on that site was taken
down in 1855, and the present one, a large and expen-
sive structure, erected in its place by Dr. Holcombe.
The village has, in addition, a post-oflfice, a school-
house, two store-houses, one tavern, one blacksmith-
shop, one tailor-shop, an'd about twenty-five dwell-
ings.
Palmyra is one mile east of Everittstown. How
it came by its classic name we have never learned.
Many years ago, in colonial times, when there was
no public-house at Everitt's Mill, nor anywhere else
in that section, a man by the name of Samuel Powers
so we are told by Mr. Charles Van Camp built a
log house at that place and kept tavern in it. Powers
was a blacksmith, and had a shop also. The militia-
trainings were held there for some years. After Powers
the tavern was kept by Henry Apgar, and, about ] 770
to near 1800, by Samuel Arnwine. Precisely when
the first log house was replaced by a better one we
* Frenchtown.
f Pittstiiwn.
cannot ascertain. Early in this century the tavern
was kept by Peter Slout, then by Eli Hoppock. About
1830, Hoppock was succeeded by Peter Slout, the
former occupant. The house of this period is re-
membered by the writer : it was one story, of stone.
After Slout, it was kept for a year or two by John
Trimmer. It was then purchased and kept by Charles
Van Camp, present proprietor. About 1840-50 it was
occupied by Elijah Mettler, son-in-law of Van Camp.
Since that period it has not been used as a public-
house.
Charles Van Camp, the present proprietor of Pal-
myra, is an aged citizen of about ninety-three. He is
of Eevolutionary stock by both parents. His grand-
father, John Van Campen, was a drummer, belonging
to the State troops in the Eevolutionary service, and
his maternal grandfather was Joshua Furman, a pri-
vate in the same service, in Capt. Tucker's company,
etc. Van Campen lived and died where G. Washing-
ton Hoflf now lives, near St. Thomas' church, and
Furman spent his later years and died where John S.
Burd now lives, in the same neighborhood.
NiSHiSACKAWAYt is a hamlet and grist-mill, one
mile east of Everittstown. A saw-mill was first
erected by Luther Opdyke in 1798. The following
year he built a grist-mill. The old stone dwelling
was erected in 1800. Hall Opdyke succeeded to the
proprietorship on the death of his father. After his
decease, in 1844, it was purchased by Wholston Van-
derbelt, who in 1846 built the present mill. It now
belongs to John M. Wilson, together with the other
buildings which comprise the hamlet. It is on a
branch of the Nishisackaway Creek, from which it
took its name.
Mount Pleasant is a thrifty-looking village, sit-
uated about equidistant from the northeast and
southwest corners of the township, and on the west-
ern boundary adjoins Holland. The general and
township elections are held here. The village has a
post-ofiice, two stores, a mill, tavern, blacksmith-
shop, and wheelwright-shop. There is a Presbyterian
church in the upper part. Opposite is a large and
carefully-kept cemetery. The church is on the Hol-
land side of the township line. The grist-mill is the
second in that locality. The first was built of logs, in
colonial times, by John Sherrerd, or Shered. The
one now standing was erected about 1838, by John
Warne and John Eckel. It is on a branch of the
Hakeahawka.
Little York is located on. one of the branches of
the Wissahawken Crsek, in the northwestern part of
the township. It has three churches,' Methodist, ,
Presbyterian, and Unitarian, two stores, two mills,
one tavern, two blacksmith-shops, and one wheel-
wright-shop.
This village was so named about 1828. For some
time previous, we are informed by Mr. John Apgar,
J Wilson's Mill.
424
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
it was kuowii as "Pokano." It acquired this unique
cognomen from tlie incident of a fireman by the name
of Hicks, employed in Joseph King's distillery, taking
a hot poker from his furnace and striking the Irish
workmen on their noses as a punishment.
HICKORY TAVERN.
March 7, 1767, John Stevens and James Parker, by
their attorney, John Emley, leased to John Farns-
worth and Adonijah Farnsworth 150 acres, "includ-
ing 50 of clear land," for the term of seven years, for
the rent of five shillings a year. The tenants, in
addition to the five shillings' rent, agreed " to build a
Good Logg house 28 foot by 22, a good Cellar under
the Whole to be Walled with Stones ; build a good Kit-
chen, ... a good Logg Barn and Stables," etc. This
Logg house was the first Hickory Tavern. The
signboard was fastened up in a hickory-tree ; hence
the name.
July 24, 1769, " John Farnsworth, of the township
of Alexandria, tavernkeeper," sold his lease of the
New Hickory Tavern to Spencer Carter, of the
township of Lebanon, for £81.
About 1800 the log building was superseded by a
large frame house, which was erected for a tavern by
Peter Van Syckel. He kept it until his death Feb
12, 1830.
Peter Van Syckel's son succeeded his father for
about two years, when he also died. It was then
kept successively by John Kephart, Isaac Bennet,
Matthias Fishbaugh, and John Bunn. It was dis-
continued as a public-house about twelve to fifteen
years ago.
The "Hickory" was a place of considerable note in
colonial times. It was on "the King's Highway,"
leading from the forks of the Delaware to the central
and lower parts of Hunterdon, and the iron from the
furnace near Bloomsbury was transported over this
road to HofPs forge, at what in later times became
Pittstown. . From Pittstown to Bloomsbury it has
been known, since the Eevokition, as the Hickory
Road.
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.s
Co. F, Thirty-first Regiment New Jersey Volun-
teers, was organized in Alexandria township, and
mustered into the United States service, Sept. 3, 1862.
OFFICERS.
Captain, Petor Hiirt; first lieutenant, Joseph E. McLauglilin; second
lieutenant, James I. Moore. Sergeants ; fii-st, James Duffee ; second
Hugli M. Robinson; third, Ilart Sinclair; fourth, D.avid W. Snyder-
fifth, Isaac Cole. Coi'porals, John Vanderbelt, John Roberson, George
L. Yard, John Wait, George W. Fackenthall, Elijah Robinson, Wil-
liam Fraley, Sylvester B. Ball-ymple. Musicians, John Duckworth,
Henry Snyder. Teamster, Thomas Wallin.
PRIVATES.
Godfrey Bellis, Adam Bigley, Isaac Bennett, Christian Brotzman, Henry
C. Bear, Isaac Bloom, Robert Clark, Britton Cronse, John Carling,
Joseph D. Campbell, Mathias S. Curtis, James Connell, Jeremiah
Case, Philip Dilgart, Sheridan W. Dean, Elias Deemer, Isaac Durk-
â– worth, James E, Devens, John Balton, Hugh H. Harrison, Edward
W. Huff, Charles Hartman, Samuel Leidy, George Loar, Henry
Luken, Joseph L. Lesher, Alfred B. Moms, William G. Melick,
Skidmore W. Mettler, John W. Osborn, Jacob H. Piatt, Isaiah M.
Piatt, William Piatt, Benjamin F. Sailer, Jacob Sailer, Jr., Jacob E.
Seyler, John Super, W^illiam Super, Daniel Sullivan, George Snyder,
Isaac Thompson, John G. Taylor, George Vaness, Alban J. White,
Stewart C. Warman, Daniel Toung, Henry Edinger, Gershom L.
Everitt, Thomas Flemming, Abraham Gardiner, Robert Gano, David
0. Hager, John W. HaiTison, Peter S. Haughawout, John E. Hayes,
Francis Eizle, Charles Lippincott, Isaac S. Laubach, William W.
Longonouer, Samuel Major, Aaron Miller, Wilson Moore, William
Moore, Amos Opdyke, Henry Potts, .Tames Rourke, George Sowders,
John Sowders, William Sowders, Isaac M. Smith, Isaac H. Smith,
Quintius S. Seip, Augustus Shaw, Hugh Thomson, William H. Teets,
Duillius Vanderbelt, Firman Vanderbelt, Barney Wetzel, Solomon
Wolfinger, Francis Young.
HOLLAND.
FIoLLAND was first set off" fi-om Alexandria in 1874.
March 4, 1876, it was set back ; March 5, 1879, it was
set off a second time by act of the Legislature.
It is bounded west by the Delaware River ; north
by the Musconetcong Creek ; east and southeast by
the township of Alexandria. The dividing line be-
tween Holland and Alexandria is as follows :
Begins at the Warren county line, in the Musconetcong Creek ; thence
along the Bethlehem township line to lands of John Phillips and Philip
Hawk; thence southwesterly in a line of John Phillips and Philip
Hawk to the middle of the public road leading from Bloomsbury to Lit-
tle York; thence southwesterly, following the road and creek, to the
mill-pond of Peter TJhlor ; thence along the middle of the public road to
Mount Pleasant, opposite to the residence of Edward Hunt, deceased-
thence along the road leading to Frenchtown to the into-section of the
road leading from Everitfstown to Milford, at â– ' Point of Rocks" - thence
westerly, following the public road leading to Forman Hawk's barn till
It intersects the road leading from Frenchtown to Milford ; thence north
120 yards to the middle of a creek coming from Dark Hollow; thence
westerly along said creek to the Delaware Kiver.
The area of the township is 14,651 acres, and the
value of its taxable property, $1,199,559; population,
1886
INDIAN FIELDS. MOSES TOTAMT.
On the southern slope of Gravel Hill, near the sum-
mit, are three old fields called " Indian fields." This
* This company was omitted, by accident, in the history of the regi-
ments from Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, in the General History
of the two counties.
t By Heury Race, A.M., M.D.
HOLLAND.
425
locality is traditional Indian ground. It was proba-
bly the site of a village, or a favorite place for coun-
cils. The early settlers found a number of unburied
skulls lying near the bottom of the hill, and there
was a tradition that a battle had been fought there
between two native tribes.
There is another tradition, of how much credibility
we can not determine, ^that Moses Totamy, a Dela-
ware sachem, was born near this place, and lived here
until he was a young man, when he changed his home
to " Totamy's Plantation," at Marble Mountain, some
three and a half miles above Phillipsburg. Totamy
Falls, in the Delaware Kiver, is near that place.
Moses Totamy represented the mountain Indians in
the great council held at the forks of the Delaware in
1758. He was also, with Stephen Calvin and Isaac
Stille (Indians), interpreter of the Delaware language
at the same council. He was the father of William
Totamy, who was interpreter for Eev. David Brainerd,
a missionary among the Indians in Pennsylvania and
New Jersey.
EARLY HISTORY.
For early history of Holland township see " Early
History" of Alexandria. The territory all belonged
to one township at that period, and it is impracticable
at this time to separate definitely their early history.
CIVIL LIST.
For names of chosen freeholders see page 265 of
this work.
TOWN COMMITTEES.
1874, Samuel Wilson, Jesse Sinclair, Thomas P. Tinsman, Henry Cole,
George W. Hager ; 1876, Jesse Sincliiir, Isaac T. Eiegel, Jacob Bunn,
Augustus Vanderbelt, George W. Hager; 1876, Augustus Vander-
belt, Jacob Bunn, Isaac T. Kiegel, Jesse Sinclair, George W. Hager;
1877, Jesse Sinclair, Isaac T. Riegel, Daniel Hawk, Jeremiah K.
Ulmcr. JohnC. Robbins ; 1879,* Isaac T. Eiegel, Philip F. Hunt, Wil-
liam li. Smith ; 1880, Isaac T. Eiegel, Philip F. Hunt, Jeremiah K.
Ulmer.
TOWN CLERKS.
1874-76, Enos D. Scarborough ; 1877-78, William W. Ulmer; 1879-80, J.
R. Dalrymple.
ASSESSORS.
1874-77, Jonas Rapp; 1879, Jonas Eapp; 1880, Hart Sinclair.
COLLECTORS.
1874-75, Charles Warford; 1876-77, Jacob V. Cooley; 1879, Samuel
Eckel ; 1880, Jacob V. Cooley.
SCHOOLS.
Mount Pleasant (District No. 25) was in opera-
tion prior to 1790.
The house stood near the Milford
road when Stephen Gano was teaching, and John
Bloom (since deceased) was a pupil. This building
was abandoned about 1800 ; a new house was built
near where the church now stands, and was then
called the Kingston school. This was taught by a
Mr. Bowlby, and later by Samuel Cooley. In 1833 it
was sold to Nathaniel Wright, and by him moved to
his mills, near Little York, and used as a horse-stable.
The same year another house was erected on the same
site, 22 feet square. The teachers are E. S. Hop-
pock, Mr. Morgan, Samuel Dean, T. E. Galvan,
and John Eoger ; the trustees, William Bunn, Eus-
ling Hoppock, and Philip Hunt. Number of schol-
ars, 80 ; public money, $324.60.
Milford (District No. 26) boasts of having had
three school-buildings. The first was erected in 1810,
and stood on the hill three-fourths of a mile northeast
of the village. This was a frame 18 by 22 feet. The
name of William Chamberlain is given as a teacher
in this place. The second was built on grounds be-
longing to the Presbyterian church, and was a two-
story building, 24 by 48 feet. Date of its erection
not given. The third and present school-house was
built in 1867, a substantial two-story stone edifice, 34
by 58 feet, and divided into four rooms. Cost of erec-
tion, not including grounds, $4900. Present teacher
(1880), Mr. Vannatta. Number of children, 194;
public money, $594.33.
The first house in " Mount Joy" (District No. 19)
was put up in 1829, a frame, 20 feet square. The
present house occupies the same ground and is two
stories, one only being used for school purposes. This
is 22 by 32 feet. Philip Lippincott was the first
teacher ; Edward Middagh, 1 874-75, for three years ;
C. E. Clifton, 1877-78; Charles Erwin and Linnie
Burwell, 1879-80 ; present teacher, I. W. Emans, from
Washington, N. J. The present trustees are I. E.
Buck, J. M. Smith, and S. M. Wolfinger, district
clerk. Number of children, 109; public money,
$333.92.
In "Spring Mills" (District No. 21) a small log
house, about 300 yards from the present building, was
the first school-house in this district. The year of its
erection is not known, but it is believed to have dated
back to the Eevolution. Its history, and that of those
which succeeded it down to the present house, cannot
be ascertained. The present building was erected in
1875. The lot was bought of the heirs of William
Vliet. The house is of brick, and cost, including the
ground, $2200. The present trustees are Jacob E.
Anderson, district clerk, William T. Purcell, and
George Snyder. Teachers: 1875-76, F. S. Cressman;
1876-77, Benjamin F. Seavers ; 1877-78, Eusling S.
Hoppock; 1878-79, F. F. Angle; 1879-80, William
B. Condit; 1880-81, Daniel E. Warne. Number of
children, 66 ; public money, $320.29. The first teacher
of whom there is any remembrance was John Mc-
Glouchan.
Holland (District No. 20) has had four different
houses. The first of logs, dating back to the Eevolu-
tion, is said to have stood near the place now occupied
by its third successor, the building now in use, erected
in 1862. It is 24 by 36 feet, two story, but one floor
only occupied by the school. Teacher in 1876,
Francis D. Eaub.f Number of children, 81 ; public
money, $324.91.
* In 1878 the township of Holland waa set back to Alexandria ; in
J879 it was, a second time, erected into a township.
28
t C. S. Conkling.
426
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Hawk's (District No. 23) dates back to 1825,
when a log building was standing about half a mile
from the present house. Samuel Dunn taught therein.
In 1850 the present house was built, and has seating
capacity for about thirty scholars. The names of
teachers, as furnished by P. L. Hawk, Esq., the pres-
ent district clerk, are Russell Hoppock, William
Young, Emeline Meritt, Hannah Stene, Sally Ma-
hony, J. W. Opdyke, Livingston Dalrymple, Mary
Alshouse, Sally Osmun, May Garrison, Ella Aller,
Mr. Vanderbelt, Gussie Anderson. The present
teacher is Josie Slyker. Number of children, 45 ;
public money, $313.84.
" Millersville'' (District No. 22) is one of the small-
est, but it had a school-house as early as 1811. It was
16 by 20 feet, of logs, and John Bullis was the first
teacher. The present house was built in 1856, of
stone. Number of children, 48 ; public money,
$314.46.
CHURCHES.
THE PKESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MILFOED
was built in 1833. Henry Chamberlain was a leader
in the enterprise. At its organization it had seven-
teen members, and Mr. Chamberlain was installed as
ruling elder. Rev. Mr. Henshaw occupied the pulpit
as missionary, or stated supply, by appointment of
Presbytery for about three years; after him. Rev.
John McNair, for two years, in connection with the
Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.
The first pastor was the Rev. Joseph Campbell,
D.D., pastor of the church in Hackettstown for more
than thirty years. His term of service at this place
was closed by death, about two years later. He was
succeeded by the Rev. J. H. Sherwood, who labored
successfully for over twelve years. He died in 1854,
after a short illness. Over his grave the congregation
erected a monument to testify their respect for his
memory.
The succeeding pastors were Revs. P. A. Studdi-
ford, D.D., now of Lambertville, N. J., 1856-60;
James Lewers, 1860-65 ; A. H. Sloat, 1865-67 ; John
Burrows, 1868-73. The present incumbent, Rev.
Isaac M. Patterson, began his pastorate in 1873.
Since its organization this church has enrolled
nearly 500 members. The Presbyterian Church of
Holland is an outgrowth.
In 1868 the congregation removed the old building
and erected the present edifice, which is a handsome
stone structure capable of seating about 600. The
parsonage, also, is a neat, commodious building.
George Carpenter, who officiated as a ruling elder
for more than forty years, died in 1875. The present
elders are Edward Hunt, Peter Eckel, Levi Ulmer,
and Jacob Cooley.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUEOH OF MILFOKD
was erected in 1855, and dedicated by the Rev. Mr.
Ryan, of Philadelphia. It was included in the As-
bury Circuit, and as early as 1832 such ministerial
services were given as the preachers of that circuit
could bestow in connection with their regular charges.
This church has always been associated with some
other charge. From 1855-58 it was connected with the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Frenchtown ; 1858-
59, with Little York; 1866-68, with Frenchtown;
1868-77, with Everittstown and Little York ; 1877-
80, with Frenchtown.
MILFOED CHEISTIAN CHUECH.*
Mrs. Abigail Roberts was the first to announce the
sentiments of this church in Milford and vicinity.
April 4, 1827, a meeting was held preparatory to build-
ing a church. On the 28th and 29th of November,
1827, the house was opened for public worship, the
sermon being preached by Elder Simon Clough, of
New York. The church was established with ten
members ; the present number is 283. The following
is a list of pastors: 1830, William Lane; 1836, Jona-
than S. Thompson; 1838, William Lane; 1842, Isaac
C. Goff; 1843, Jacob Y. Melick, N. Summerbell;
1850, Guildford; 1852, S. 0. Fuller; 1854, P. J.
Hawk; 1855, J. N. Spoor; 1864, John McLaughlin;
1867, L. Ford ; 1869, Philetus Roberts ; 1873, C. A.
Beck ; 1877, J. J. Summerbell.
The building now occupied was erected in 1870.
The present ofiicers are : Pastor, Rev. J. J. Summer-
bell ; Clerk, James C. Robbins ; Deacons, John Burg-
streser, Paul P. Cooley, David Stryker, John Ulmer,
James C. Robbins, Jehu Larue, Albert S. Eckel;
Treasurer, John Burgstreser; Trustees, Thomas Paul
Forman, Paul P. Cooley, James C. Wright, Albert
S. Eckel, Watson Smith.
THE FIEST PEESBYTEEIAN CHUECH OF HOLLAND
was organized Nov. 14, 1850. Its membership at its
organization was 20. Its first trustees were John
Bloom, John Thomson, John H. Johnson, Benjamin
Snyder, and Michael Fraley ; first elders, Benjamin
Snyder and Jesse Sinclair; first pastor. Rev. J. H.
Sherwood.
The present organization is : Ruling Elders, Jesse
Sinclair, John D. Bloom, Peter Snyder, Stephen Bun-
net; Pastor, Rev. I. M. Paterson ; Trustees, Michael
Fraley, Peter Snyder, George W. Hager, Duilliu.s
Vanderbelt, Jonas Rapp, John Snyder, and Simeon
D. Sinclair. Membership, 80.
THE PEESBYTEEIAN CHUECH 'OF MOUNT PLBASANTt "
was organized by or before 1752. In the records of
the New Brunswick Presbytery it was called " Beth-
lehem on the Delaware," and " The Western Branch"
ot Bethlehem. Bethlehem township then included
the territory of the present Alexandria and Holland.
At a meeting of the Presbytery of New Brunswick
held at Trenton, Oct. 11, 1763, this church was spoken
of as the " log meeting-house" congregation. This
â– ^ We are indebted to J. C. Robbing for tiiis slietcli.
t We are indebted, prinL-ipally, to the pastor in charge, Eev. N. S.
Aller, for the Bketch of this ehnrcli.
HOLLAND.
427
log meeting-house, we are informed by reliable tradi-
tions, was located in the village, on or yery near the
place where Mr. Sylvester Martin's barn now stands.
At this period it is presumable the church was occu-
pied by two societies, the Presbyterian and the Ger-
man Reformed, the latter using the German language
in their worship. In 1768 the German congregation
was associated with the churches of Rockaway, Ger-
man Valley, and Foxenburg,* under the pastoral care
of Rev. Mr. Dalliker (Delacour?).
The old log meeting-house, and also its location,
were abandoned for a new house in 1795. This was
in the old part of the present cemetery, directly oppo-
site to the centre gate. It was a frame, and commonly
known as the new frame meeting-house in Alexan-
dria. The land for the church and burying-ground
was purchased of Aaron Vansyckel and John Eckel,
and conveyed by them to the " Trustees of the said
Church and Congregation, known as the Dutch and
English Presbyterian Church and Congregation of
Alexandria."
May 18, 1802, the German Reformed Synod then in
session in Philadelphia, at the request of the German
congregation through their pastor, set over the said
church and congregation to the care of the Presby-
tery of New Brunswick, and the two branches of this
congregation became united.
This house was used for worship until 1843, when
the present edifice was erected. It stands on the op-
posite side of the road, on land purchased of Peter
Bloom, Sr. The frame of the old building was re-
moved to Little York in 1844, rein closed, and fitted
up for a house of worship for the convenience of the
northwestern part of the congregation. It is used as
an outpost of the Mount Pleasant Church in which
service is held every alternate Sabbath by the pastor.
The Rev. Thomas Lewis was the pastor or supply
of the English branch of this congregation in 1752-53.
How much, if any, longer we cannot ascertain, as the
records of the New Brunswick Presbytery at this
period are not very full. The Dutch branch was
probably supplied most of the time by the pastors in
charge at German Valley.
The Rev. John Hanna supplied the English con-
gregation, worshiping at the log meeting-house, from
about May, 1760, until his death, Nov. 4, 1801. Rev.
Holloway W. Hunt followed, and continued for forty
years ; he resigned in 1842. Rev. Robert W. Landis
was next in charge for two years. His successor was
Rev. Henry B. Elliot, 1844-46. In the spring of
1846 the Rev. Cornelius S. Conkling accepted a call
and labored until February, 1871, when the present
incumbent, the Rev. Nathan S. Aller, assumed the
ministerial charge.
VILLAGES.
MiLFOED. From manuscript field-notes of a sur-
vey by Elisha Emley, about 1757, it is seen that there
» Fox Hill.
was a saw-mill 3 chains above the mouth of the Wis-
sahawken Creek. To whom this belonged or when
erected we have no means of ascertaining. It was
probably a rude structure and of brief duration.
John Duckworth, a very aged citizen of Milford,
recently passed away, remembered back to the period
when there was no village at that place. The first
grist-mill was built on piles about the middle of
where the pond now is. This mill was burned, and
the place took the name of " Burnt Mills." In a deed
of conveyance made in 1805 by Thomas Lowrey the
creek is called the " Burnt Mill Greek,'' and the land
sold the " Burnt Mill Farm." Mr. Lowrey purchased
the old site of " Burnt Mills," and it was afterwards
called Lowreytown. He built, in 1796-97, for a resi-
dence for himself, the edifice since used for a hotel,
and known as the Gibson House. His wife not liking
the situation, he then built the house now occupied
by Edward Thomas.
Mr. Lowreyt erected the first flouring-mill by the
river-side, which he commenced in 1798 and finished
in 1800. His mill and the saw-mill adjoining were
put up on contract by Thomas Elicott.
Soon after the building of the mills by the river a
saw-mill was put up by Julius Foster. About 1803
or 1804 the place began to be called Milford.J: It
then had, besides the mills mentioned, but three
dwellings and a store. In 1805, Mr. Lowrey sold the
two saw-mills and part of the land to Jacob Housel,
a son-in-law, and James and Thomas Alexander. In
1810 his executors, A. D. Woodruff and Dr. William
McGill, conveyed the flouring-mill and balance of
the land (reserving one house for the widow) to Jacob
Housel. This property wJis sold from him in 1822
by the sheriff, and purchased by Aaron Vansyckel.
It subsequently passed through various hands, and in
1853 came into the possession of its present owners,
Wilson and Edward Thomas.
In 1838, Wilson Housel, son of Jacob, rebuilt the
saw-mill, which had been first built in 1798, and at
his death it was bought, in 1857, by the present
owners, W. & E. Thomas, and again rebuilt in 1869.
The flouring-mill was also replaced with the present
structure by Mordecai Thomas in 1849. It contains
six run of burrs, and has a water-power of thirty-one
feet fall on a lasting stream.
While these changes have been occurring relative
to the mills, the village has grown slowly but steadily
in size and importance. It now has three churches,
four stores, two hotels, two grist-mills, one saw-mill,
one drug-store, one hardware-store, one tin-and-stove
store, two cabinet-makers' shops, one carriage-shop,
two blacksmith-shops, a post-office, and a railroad
depot.
Spring Mills. The mill at this place dates back
to an early period in colonial times. In the field-
1 See a liiatorical Bketch of Mr, Lowrey in the history of Flsmington,
avie.
t Mill Ford.
428
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY".
notes of Robert Emley, 1747, he speaks of- "the road
to Petit's Mill." This mill had probably been built
and occupied by a tenant, or by a party who had lo-
cated on land for which he had obtained no title or
lease. In a letter in .the writer's possession, of Sir
Robert Barker's to his attorney, William MoAdam,
Esq., of New York, dated "Spring Gardens, Oct. 3,
1775," he says,
" With regard to the purchaee of the mill by Mr. Richie, you are the
best judge. I think, if I may be allowed to form auy idea at this dis-
tauee, he has some claim of preference. "
We have no means at hand by which to prove to a
certainty that this relates to Petit's Mill, but think it
does.
Mr. Jacob R. Anderson, the present owner of the
Spring Mills property, says that William Godley pur-
chased of John Cooley in 1790, and in 1793 took
down an old rickety mill, " and in digging out the
foundation discovered where there had been a mill
previous to the one he took down." Mr. Anderson
has these facts from Mr. Augustus Godley, a son of
the above-mentioned William Godley.
A few years afterwards Mr. Godley built a saw-mill
also. In 1835, Mr. Augustus Godley, who had inher-
ited the property, took down both the grist- and the
saw-mill, and erected a large stone mill. In 1852,
Mr. Anderson, the present proprietor, bought the
mill-property and 16J acres. April 14, 1861, the mill
was burned, but rebuilt the same year on the old
foundation. Mr. Anderson is a grandson of Jacob
Anderson, a captain of State troops in the Revolu-
tionary army.
Mount Joy is an extension of Riegelsville, on
the Hunterdon County side of ]\Iusconetcong Creek.
It has one store and two saw-mills.
Amsterdam is a hamlet at the northwest side of
Gravel Hill. A shoe-shop, carpenter-shop, and saw-
mill comprise its places of business.
SMITH'S HOTEL.
A mile and a half above Milford, on the line of the
Belvidere Delaware Railroad, stands an old building
which fifty years ago was kept as a hotel. The pro-
prietor was James Smith. He had thirteen children,
six sons and seven daughters, all of whom are
still living. At this time (1880) the youngest is forty-
seven years old, and the eldest about seventy.
THE WARKEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
is a joint stock company, organized for the manufac-
ture of manilla paper. It is located near Hughes-
ville, and has a capital of $40,000. Its factory was
commenced in 1872, and completed in August of the
following year. Its daily product is five, tons of ma-
nilla paper.
KNIFE-FACTORY AT FINESVILLE.
About the close of last century Philip Fine built a
saw-mill, oil-mill, and flour-mill on the south side of
Musconetcong Creek, at Finesville. The saw- and
oil-mills went into disuse nearly half a century ago.
After the decease of Philip Fine the flour-mill was
continued by his son. In November, 1860, two-thirds
of the property was purchased by Amos Davis, Cyrus
Lawall, William Lawall, Tobias Worman, and Cyrus
Stover, who converted it into a paper-mill, and used
it as such until near 1869, when it was sold to Fred-
eric S. Taylor, Augustus Bunsby, and Francis Stiles,
who changed it into a knife-manufactory. It is still
used in this department of industry. The firm-name
is Taylor, Stiles & Co.
CALVIN'S FERRY.
Among some old manuscripts the following is
found :
"Upon application made to us, the Surveyors of the Boads for the
Townships of Bethlehem, Kingwood, aud Amwell, for the Alter.ation of
a Certain four Rod Road that runs from Colviu's* Ferry, on Delaware
River, Toward Everitts' Mill,f and we have called to our assistance Six
More Surveyors of the Ajacent County of Sussex, According to Law made
and Provided, and all Mett Together, this 24 d.iy of August, 1759, aud
Upon a Vew of the said Road, and a Deleberiite Consideration thereon,
have thought Reasonable the said Road Sliould be Alter'd, etc. "
Various documents we have seen convince us that
in 1759 the ferry at Frenchtown was called Calvin's.
In Erskine's map, used in the Revolutionary army,
1778-80, this crossing is called Sherrerd's Ferry. At
a later period it was called Erwin's Ferry, and still
later Prevost's Ferry.
OTHER EARLY FERRIES.
According to Faden's map, 1777, the road came
down Deep Hollow 50 yards above where Forman
Hawk's barn now stands, and ran directly across the
valley fo the river at a point one mile below Milford.
Here was a crossing marked on the map as "London
Ferry."
For many years previous to the building of the
Milford Delaware bridge, in 1841, there was a ferry
at Milford known successively ^s Lowreytown Ferry,
Burnt Mills Ferry, and Milford Ferry.
The ferry opposite the village of Monroe, Pa., is,
probably, as old as the Durham, Pa., furnace, which
is quite near, and was built in 1727-28. It is desig-
nated on Faden's map, 1777, as Pursley (Purcell)
Ferry. For many years it has been known as John-
son's Ferry.
A half-mile above the preceding is Stillwell's
Ferry, also called Brink's. It is opposite Durham
Cave, Pa. This ferry is probably as old as the pre-
ceding.
Shank's Ferry dates back to an early colonial
period. It was contemporary, or nearly so, with the
two preceding. It has been superseded by the Rie-
gelsville Delaware bridge.
TORY DEN.
On the farm of John M. Wolverton, on the northern
slope of the Musconetcong Mountain, just beyond
* Calvin's.
t Everittstown.
HOLLAND.
429
the summit, is a small cavern called the " Tory Den."
It is formed by a large overhanging rock with projec-
tions on two sides ; one side was walled up with stone,
so that it furnished quite a comfortable shelter.
There is a tradition of the neighborhood that in the
Revolutionary war (probably 1776-77) a small de-
tachment of marauding soldiers passed through
Greenwich, closely pursued by Capt. John Maxwell's
company, as far as Shank's Ferry, where they eluded
their pursuers. They then passed a short distance
up the Musconetcong valley, ascended the mountain,
and concealed themselves in this rocky retreat. Here
they wintered, being clandestinely fed and cared for
by some neighboring Tories. From this circumstance
the place was called by the patriots of that section
the " Tory Den,'' which name it still retains.
OLD BURYING-GROUND.
About 150 yards south of the manufactory of Tay-
lor, Stiles & Co., at Finesville, on land of John L.
Eiegel, there was an old burying-ground. Only one
gravestone now remains, and that is broken in four
pieces, lying by an apple-tree since grown there. The
stone has the following inscription :
" In Memory of Elizabeth, Daughter of Moses aud Sarah Yamans, who
Departed this life October Uth, a.b. 1778, Aged one Year and Nine
Months. "
The name, Yamans, so far as known to the writer,
no longer occurs in Alexandria or Holland.
SKETCH OF THE SINCLAIR FAMILT.®
Peter Cincleare (Sinclair) was a native of Germany,
and emigrated to America about 1750. He brought
with him his wife, Elizabeth, two sons, John and
Peter, and one daughter Mary. Peter was born 1719,
and died 1784; Elizabeth, his wife, was born 1724,
and died 1798. Their remains lie in St. James' Lu-
theran churchyard, Greenwich, N. J.
His son John was born in Germany, Nov. 12, 1743,
and came with his father to America in 1750. He
subsequently married Anna Alpaugh, and became the
owner of 220 acres of land on the Musconetcong
Mountain, probably before the Revolution. Feb. 14,
1799, his house was destroyed by fire, at which time
all deeds and papers were lost. The house was re-
built the same year, a part of which still stands, and
is owned and occupied by Simeon D. Sinclair. It is
a log structure.
John Sinclair died Sept. 1, 1821, leaving nine chil-
dren, Peter, born 1784; William, 1786 ; John, 1789;
Reuben, 1790 ; Samuel, 1791 ; Elizabeth, 1794 ; Ann,
1796 ; Mary, 1799 ; Jesse, 1802. Of these last named,
Samuel Sinclair had five children, three sons and
two daughters.
One of these sons, Jesse, had eight children, only
three of whom are living. The Sinclairs are numer-
ous, being now found in almost every State in the
Union.
THE VAN SYCKEL FAMILY.
The following sketch of the Alexandria and Hol-
land branches of the Van Syckel family from the first
to the sixth generation is compiled principally from
Dr. John W. Van Sickel's " History of the Family ia
the United States :"
First Generation. Ferdenandus Van Sycklin, the primogenitor of the
Van Syckel family in this country, was horn in the Netherlands, about
the year 1635. He emigrated to America in 1652. Of his European an-
cestry nothing is known. He married, about 1660, Eva Antonis Jansen,
born 1641, by whom he had eight children, of whom Reinier was the
eldest.
Second Genemlian {Partial ZW). Keinier Van Sycklin, the first child of
Ferdenandus and Eva, was born about the year 1661 ; married (1687) Jan-
netje Van Hooren; had four sons, of whom Cornelius, Jan, and Keinier
removed to New Jersey prior to 1720, and became the progenitors of most
of the New Jersey Van Syckels.
T.liird Ceticrad'tm. Keinier Van Syckelen, the fourth child of Reinior
and Jannetje, was born on Long Island about 1697. He man-ied Henah
. They had one child, Reinier.
Fourth Gencmfioii, Reinier Van Sickelen, a son of Reinier and Henah,
married Mercy Longstreet, by whom he had ten children, Birck (Kich-
ard), Rynier, Annetje (Hannah), Elsje, Katrina (Catharine), Lydia,
Aaron, Peter, Samuel, and David.
Fifth Generation. Aa.ron Tan Syckel, the seventh child of Reinier and
Mercy, was born in Kingwood, July 8, 17G4, He was married, about
1786, to Catharine, daughter of Joshua Opdyke, by whom he had eight
children, John, Elijah, Daniel, Aaron, Mercy, William, Alice, anj
Fannie.
Peter Van Syckel, the eighth child of Reinier and Mercy, was born
Aug. 26, 1766. He married, about 1788, Ellen Vanderbelt, by whom he
had eight children, John, Samuel, Lydia, Agnes, George Warne, Lewis,
Elizabeth, and Ellen. He lived in Alexandria township, and kept tlie
Hickory Tavern, on account of the sign-board being suspended from
the branch of a hickory-tree. He died Feb. 12, 1 830.
Si^Ui Generation. I)s.me\ Van Syckel, the fourth child of Aaron anJ
Catharine, was born Nov. 2, 1790. He was twice married, first to Mary,
daughter of Cornelius Carhart, by whom he had ten children, Holloway
Whitfield, Isabella, Seliuda, Augustus, Elbridge, Sanford, Horatio Dis-
borough, Albert, Gustavus Adollihus, and Virginia. He next married
Mrs. Sarah Runkel, sister to his first wife Mary. No children by this
marriage. He was a merchant, and also carried on farming. He died
Nov, 8, 1861.
John Van Syckel, the first child of Ellen (Vanderbelt) and Peter, was
born Jan. 11, 1789. He was twice married,- to Mary, daughter of Luther
Calvin, by whom he had ten children; and Mrs. Catharine (Alpaugh)
Van Syckel, the widow of his brother Lewis, by whom he had four
children.
Samuel Van Syckel, the second child of Peter and Ellen, was born
Dec. 11, 1790. He was twice married, first to Margaret Hartpence. No
children. He next married Margaret Barber, by whom he had one
daughter, Lydia Catharine. Samuel died Feb. 12, 1865.
George Warne Van Syckel, the fifth child of Peter and Ellen (Vander-
belt), was born Sept. 30, 1797. He married, Dec. 13, 1817, Rachel,
daughter of Jacob Schuresm.an, by whom he had eleven children. He
was a farmer by occupation, and lived in Holland township.
Lewis Van Syckel, the sixth child of Peter and Ellen (Vanderbelt), was
bom Dec. 19, 1800. He married Catharine Alpaugh ; had five children ;
died July 18, 1830.
John Van Syckel, the fourth child of Mary (Opdyke) and David Van
Syckel, who was the tenth child of Mercy (Longstreet) and Reinier
Van Syckel, was born Sept. 12, 1803. He married Sarah Ann, daughter
of Michael Frailey, by whom he had eleven children. He was a farmer,
and lived near Milford, in Holland township. He died March 27, 1875.
TINSMAN'S SAW-MILL.f
Tinsman's saw-mill is a short distance below Rie-
gelsville. It was first erected about 1812 by Henry
Quinn, who emigrated to this country from Ireland.
* Contributed by Jesse Sinclair, Esq.
t We are indebted to the kindness of Jesse Sinclair, Esq., for the facts
relative to Tinsman's and Riegel's 8a%v-mills.
430
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
He afterwards built a grist-mill at the same place.
These mills were destroyed by fire in 184S. The fol-
lowing year the saw-mill was rebuilt by John L. Eie-
gel, Thomas P. Tinsman, and George Quinn. It is
now the property of Thomas P. Tinsman.
EIEGEL'S SAW-MILL.
Thomas Purcell came to Alexandria from Durham
township, Bucks Co., Pa. He is believed to have
been the first settler at Monroe, in Durham (John-
son's Ferry), and is said to have built, in 1780, the
first house in that place. This house was afterwards,
and is still, kept as a tavern. He also built a saw-
mill, grist-mill, and blacksmith-shop, and established
a ferry across the Delaware. In 1793 he came to New
Jersey, having purchased 212 acres of land on the
south side of the Musconetcong Creek, near its mouth.
He built a saw-mill, now owned by Isaac T. Eiegel, on
this property. Purcell, soon after, also built another
saw-mill on the same property, half a mile above the
former. This property was bought by Benjamin
Riegel, and the latter mill has since been taken down.
FRANKLIN.
GEOGRAPHICAL.
Franklin is a central township of Hunterdon
County. It is bounded north by Clinton borough ;
northeast by Clinton township, from which it is sep-
arated by the South Branch of the Earitan ; south-
east by Earitan and Delaware ; southwest by King-
wood; northwest by Alexandria and Union. Its
form is rhomboidal, its southeastern and southwestern
boundaries being straight lines meeting obliquely.
Its longest diagonal is about nine miles : its shortest,
about six. It has a farm area of 14,419 acres.
The act to establish the township has this pro-
vision :
'* Be it enacted hy the Senate and General Assembly of ilie State of New
Jersey, That all lliat part, of the township of Kingwood, in the county of
Hunterdon, lying north of a line to begin at a stone standing in the
Kingwood and Deliiware line, in the great road near Elisha Warford's
farm, and from thence in a straight line to the Alexandria and King-
wood line, in the middle of the great road, opposite the school-house
near the Episcopal church known by the name of St. Thomas' Church,
shall be, and the same is hereby, set off from tiie said township of King-
wood into a separate townsliip, to be called and known by the name of
the township of Franklin."
This has been slightly modified by the act incorpo-
rating the borough of Clinton, as noticed elsewhere.
Two streams important for their water-power, the
Capoolon and the Lacatong, have their sources
within its borders. The Capoolon rises in the north-
west corner of the township, takes an east-by-north-
east course, and empties into the South Branch. The
Lackatong (in old deeds called the Laokolong) rises
below Quakertown, and flows southwesterly through
Kingwood and Delaware into the Delaware Eiver.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The township presents no very striking scenery, yet
it has a diversity of rich and highly-cultivated farm-
ing districts. The surface is level in the southern
part, rolling or hilly in the northern. The soil is fer-
* By E. T. Bush.
tile, producing abundantly all the grains common to
this latitude. Fruits are largely grown. Peaches
have lately become a leading production.
Franklin may still be considered a well-timbered
district. Oak, hickory, maple, and chestnut grow
plentifully, thu.s contributing to the general wealth.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Just when the lands were first taken up and who
were the first settlers are questions wanting a satis-
factory answer. That Franklin was a Quaker settle-
ment is undisputed, and that portions of it were set-
tled soon after 1700 is evident; but exactly when
and by whom may, perhaps, never be known.
The last will and testament of George Hutchinson,
of Philadelphia, bearing date April 29, 1698, be-
queathed to his daughter Rachel 1000 acres of land
near Quakertown, evidently lying to the west; a part
at least of the Laing property was included in it.
She died childless, and her nephew, George Hutchin-
son, fell heir to the property ; he sold it to James
Bollen in 1716. In 1723 it was sold to John Tautom,
who in 1742 willed it to his three daughters, Mary
Murfin, Anne Hughlings, and Sarah Lovett. These
heirs caused a division to be made, and the land was
subsequently sold in parcels.
In 1729, Jacob Doughty bought 1212 acres, extend-
ing from Oak Grove to Quakertown. This land was
bought of Mathews Gardiner, who had inherited it
from his father, by whom it had been taken up as a
proprietary right. From this tract Doughty sold
various parcels, as elsewhere seen. His son Daniel
finally came into possession of what had not been other-
wise conveyed. The original owners, the Gardiners,
do not seem ever to have occupied the land.
Among the early landowners were George Deacon,
once owner of the Large homestead ; John Emley,
who owned several hundred acres of land west of the
southern part of Doughty's purchase ; John Coats,
FRANKLIN.
431
â– whose land, afterwards sold to Samuel Schooley,
joined the Doughty tract on the east in 1730. Amos
Strettle seems to have been quite an extensive land-
owner at that time, having purchased a large tract,
partly within the borders of Frantlin, of Alexander
Seaton, of County Down, Ireland, by indenture bear-
ing date 1702, the same having been purchased of
Maurice Trent and Chester Allen, who had purchased
it of Edward Byllinge and trustees, Penn, Lucas, and
Lawrie, in 1680. In 1731, Edward Rockhill, " far-
mer in Bethlehem," bought "one whole propriety,
^\ and ^% of one propriety." This land was in two
tracts, one about Pittstown and the other southwest
of Oak Grove, described as " timber swamp." In all
there were 846 acres, costing £102. Charles HofF was
an extensive landholder as early as 1758. He lived
at Pittstown, then called "HofF's," where he kept a
shop, and afterwards, in 1764, carried on milling.
John Stevenson bought 200 acres east of the Doughty
tract in 1727.
At a later day Joseph and Jeremiah King counted
their acres by the thousand in the lower part of the
township ; their land lay in what is known as the
â– " Great Swamp."
It is said that the Friends selected the vicinity of
Qiiiikertown on account of the richness of the soil, the
beauty of its situation, and the absence of forests, the
last, as is usually the case in new countries, being con-
sidered a great advantage to the settler. Tradition
tells of a time, scarcely more than a hundred years
ago, when Quakertown could be seen from Oak
Grove across a country that afterwards became densely
wooded. Be this as it may, the early deeds, by sel-
dom describing any forest or timber-land, seem to
bear testimojiy to the openness of the county. Much
of the timbered portion has been cleared off within
the past thirty or forty years, but some large and val-
uable pieces of woodland still remain.
This is said to have been a favorite resort for Indian
huntsmen, and the truth of the tradition is attested
by great numbers of arrow-heads found in many
places in the township.
A village of Delaware Indians once occupied the
ravine below the house now owned by Daniel Little,
on the property known as the Rhoda Large lot.
The most reliable records that are now available
concerning the early days are the minutes of the
Friends' meeting at Quakertown.* From these many
facts concerning the old families have been gathered.
It is unfortunate that they do not go back to the first
settlement.
OLD FAMILIES AND THEIR HOMESTEADS.
The Kings were among the first settlers. Har-
menus King came from Holland with a colony of
Friends and settled at Burlington in or about 1777.
He had two sons, Joseph and John. Joseph bought
* These records have been kindly placed at our disposal liy Abram K.
Vail, clerk of the meeting.
954 acres of land along the South Branch in 1729, and
settled at or near Young's Mills (so named in later
years), and built the first mill at that place. The
date of his settlement cannot be definitely fixed, but
his name occurs as trustee of the Friends' meeting at
Quakertown (then Bethlehem) in 1733. He had two
sons, Joseph and William, and a daughter named Re-
becca. William at one time lived at Oherryville,
where his son Joseph was born. He subsequently
removed to the farm now owned by Edward Bidwell,
which he purchased of Nehemiah Dunham in 1763.
Here Joseph remained until after the purchase of the
Twining (now King's) Mills property for his only
son, William L., in 1811. William L. King married
Elizabeth Large, a great-granddaughter of the orig-
inal settler, Samuel Large. Their children were
Nancy and Joseph, still living at King's Mills,
Mary, Sarah, and Eliza.
Jeremiah King' settled in the "Swamp," on the
farm now belonging to the estate of Jacob Philhower,
recently deceased. He was a chosen freeholder from
Kingwood from 1768 to 1774. He was an extensive
landholder in that vicinity ; he and William King are
popularly said to have "owned the Swamp." His
children were John, Jeremiah, Joseph, Albertus,
Newton, Sarah, Mary, Rachel, and a daughter who
married John Wood. Sarah was the wife of Dr.
James Pyatt ; she lived to an advanced age, and died
a few years ago. Rachel married Thomas Little.
Newton married Elizabeth Case. Their children
were Sarah Ann, Charlotte, and Margaret. Charlotte,
now the wife of Thatcher Trimmer, Sr., still lives in
Franklin.
John Coats, in 1730, owned land east of the Willson
tract. A part at least of this was subsequently sold
to Samuel Schooley ; but we find that Henry Coats,
who is thought to have been a son of John, and
who a tradition in the family says was the first white
child born in that vicinity, lived at a later day on the
farm now occupied by Mrs. Mary Ann Mathews.
He married Deborah Newbold. Their children were
Amy, born in 1754, John, Esther, Daniel, Lucy,
Robert, Phebe, Elizabeth, Mary, John A., Henry,
and Charles.
Robert Coats married a Smith. His son Charles
married Elizabeth Case, and had nine children,
Elizabeth, Lucy, Mary, Amy, Robert, Nancy, Sarah,
William, and Thomas. The last named still lives
near Quakertown.
Samuel Large was born in England in 1688; he
settled within the present limits of Franklin before
1780. He married Rebecca Willson, sister to Samuel,
the first of that family to settle here. They had five
children, Ebenezer, Robert, Jacob, William, and
Ann. Jacob married Mary Bunting, and had seven
children, Aaron, Samuel, Anna, Mary, Ebenezer,
William, and Rebecca.
Samuel the elder was a member of the Society
of Friends ; he died in 1761, and was buried in the
432
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Friends' burying-ground. "William, son of Jacob and
Mary Large, married Susan Palmer. They bad seven
children, Jacob, Aaron, John, Samuel, Achilles,
Nelson, and William. John married Eliza, daughter
of George Brown ; they were the parents of William
Large, now living near Quakertown.
The homestead, now owned and occupied by Wil-
liam Dubon, about a mile and a half southwest of
Quakertown, originally extended so far to the north
as to include the farm now owned by Jeremiah Sny-
der. It was bought of George Deacon, and remained
in the family until 1807, when William, a grandson
of Samuel, Sr., sold it and removed to the Quaker-
town tavern. The purchaser was Uriah Larue, whose
son Gordon, the father of the present Uriah and Paul
0. Larue, lived on the homestead, and died there in
1871
In 1746, Thomas Eobeson and his wife came with
a certificate from Wrightstown, Pa. Jonathan Robe-
son was a prominent member of the Friends' meeting
for several years. In 1764 he and his wife and their
daughter, Mary, went with a certificate to Greenwich.
He was one of the pioneers of the iron industry in
this country. He is said to have built the Oxford
Furnace. He had two sons, John and Morris. The
latter married Tacy Paul, and lived part of the time
at Oxford, and part at Philadelphia. He died in
1823, and was buried in the Friends' burying-ground
at Quakertown by the side of his sister Elizabeth
Robeson, who lived and died in that village. Morris
was the grandfather of Hon. George M. Robeson,
formerly Secretary of the Navy.
Jacob Race, the first of the New Jersey branch of
the Race family of which we have any reliable record,
was born in 1716. We find papers of the date of
1725 showing that he was then nine years old and
had a guardian, Henry Boss, of Amwell. The
family traditions are that his father came from Ger-
many. Henry Boss lived in the neighborhood of
Rocktown. Jacob Race, his ward, learned milling,
and in 1768 purchased " Dalles' old mill," near Mount
Airy, built by William Dalles, who purchased the
property in 1727. His son, Jacob Race, was born in
1764, and brought up at that place. He and his son
occupied the mill and a small farm adjoining till
about 1790. In 1796 the younger Jacob and his aged
father came to the old Race homestead in Franklin
(then Kingwood) township, where the father died in
1804. Jacob Race, son of the latter, in 1787 married
Anne, daughter of William Rockafeller ; they had
five children, William, Mary, Jacob, John, and An-
drew. The first wife having died, he was again mar-
ried, in 1801, to Sophia, daughter of Cornelius Hoff
and Margaret Eicke, his wife. By this marriage they
had six children, Cornelius, Holloway W., Samuel
Anna, Henry, and Margaret. He died July 4, 1857,
aged ninety-three. Of his children two only are
living, John Race, of Clinton, and Dr. Henry Race,
of Pittstown.
Samuel Willson was born in Scarborough, England,
in 1681. He removed to this country, and settled at
Chesterfield prior to 1707. Here were born to him
and his wife, Hester, eight children, Samuel, Robert,
Esther, Sarah, James, Ann, John, and Gabriel. In
1730 he removed with his family to what is now
Franklin township, and died here in 1761. The oldest
son, Samuel, went to Sussex County. James studied
medicine, married Martha Laing, of Plainfield, in
1736, bought the homestead of his father in 1742, and
lived there until his death, in 1777. The children of
James and Martha Willson were Samuel, Josiah,
James, Sarah, Esther, and Anne. Samuel never mar-
ried. Josiah settled at or near Rah way, and died and
was buried there in 1788, aged forty-four. James was
born in 1760 ; he married Lucretia Freeman, and lived
at the homestead, where he died in September, 1785,
at the early age of twenty-five. He left two sons,
Samuel, born in 1782, and John, born in 1784. His
widow died about four years later. Sarah married Jo-
seph King,- and died soon after. Anne remained
single. She and Samuel lived and died at the home-
stead.
Samuel and John, the orphan children of James
and Lucretia Willson, were left in charge of their
uncle Samuel, who brought them up according to
the discipline of Friends. John married Ruth,
daughter of George Scott. They removed with their
children to the West. Samuel married Hannah
Mason, and had six children, Uriah, James, John,
Samuel, Edward, and Josiah, of whom all except
Uriah and Edward live in Franklin. Uriah died at
Quakertown. James married Mary Laing in 1836.
Their children are Samuel, Anna, and Carrie. John
married Elizabeth Allen, who died soon after. He
subsequently married Amy Bray ; they have one
daughter. Belle, the wife of Rev. Frank Tomlinson.
Samuel married Amanda, daughter of John Swallow.
They have eight children, George, Hannah, Lucre-
tia, Elizabeth, Sarah Eleanor, Edward, Samuel, and
Charles. Edward married Mrs. Lucy Case, and had
one child, Mary, who still survives. He lived at the
homestead, and died there in 1866. Josiah married
Mary Ann Bray ; they have two children, Addie
and Laura.
The Willson homestead lies a little more than a
mile southwest of Quakertown. It was bought by
Samuel Willson, of Jacob Doughty, in 1730, and
from that time to the present it has never been out of
the family. Originally it contained 600 acres and
cost £300. It then included the farms now owned by
David Case, William Mathews, James Willson, and
Josiah Willson, besides portions included in other
farms. It now contains about 100 acres of the orig-
inal tract, and belongs to Samuel M^'illson, who pur-
chased it after the death of his brother Edward.
The stone house was built by Samuel Willson in
1735 ; an addition was made to it by his great-grand-
son, Samuel Willson, in 1819. Both parts are still
iiiiia
%W^
mm'.
ill.
''"Illffi
li'' ' II
'â– '' '-'"liiii
,Mmm
I.Ll
111 '!!
i''.'il'i ,
III
,i
iiii
\ ii I I'l
.' iWv
mi
1 iiiiili'^'-'iiiiiii
I'm I'll
'iii!' :| h I
: :m: „„„„
'''''iiiilii''iLv,.
dff"
FRANKLIN.
433
occupied, the new by a son-in-law of the present
owner, William H. H. Woodruflf, who tills the farm ;
the old by another son-in-law, the writer of this
sketch.
Richard Lundy and his wife came from Exeter,
Pa., in 1747. He died and was buried at Hardwick
in 1772, aged eighty years.
Among the others of the name who are mentioned
in the Friends' records are Jacob (probably a son of
Richard), married Mary Willson in 1748; Thomas,
came from Maiden Creek in 1745 ; Joseph, married
Sarah Willson in 1758 ; and Ann, married Abraham
Webster in 1770.
Isaac Lundy died at Hardwick, at the age of twentj'-
seven. His son, Amos G., came to live with his uncle,
Aaron Large, on the Large homestead. He married
Abigail, daughter of John Stockton, in 1804, after
which they spent most of their time here until 1818,
when they removed to the State of New York. Their
children were Nancy, Amy, Geo. W. A. C. (now of
Stockton), Arthur W. (now of Frenchtown), Eliza-
beth, and John, all living except the last two.
John Emley settled on the farm now owned by
Isaiah Mathews, evidently by or before 1730. He
certainly owned the land at that date. In 1732 he
built the stone house, which, after standing ninety-
nine years, was rebuilt by Edward Mason in 1831.
He had three sons, two of whom, John and Robert,
in 1762, after the death of their father, bought the
property, or at least a part of it, containing 600 acres.
The other son was Elisha, to whom, in 1755, he deeded
the Race farm, now owned by Judson Hoff. This
is described as being part of a larger tract bought
by John Emley of Robert Strettle in 1737. After
tlie death of Elisha, in 1767, it was sold by his ex-
ecutors to Robert Emley, who sold it to Thomas Hol-
combe. Holcombe sold it to Jacob Race, father of
Dr. Henry Race, in 1791. Ann Emley, daughter of
.John, married Dr. Aaron Forman in 1769. Robert,
a surveyor, died in 1808. The family has entirely
passed away, not one of the name remaining in the
township.
The Stevenson family was among the earliest here,
l)ut the line of descent is not very clear. The first
mentioned are Thomas and Sarah, whose children
•Tohn, Sarah, and Mary weire all born here, the first
in 1732. John married Mercy King; their children
were Sarah, born in 1762, Mary, Joseph, Thomas,
Abigail, Anna, Daniel, John, and James. Thomas
married Rebecca Webster in 1794 ; Joseph, Susanna
Kester in 1796. They had four children, Anna,
John, Amy, and Samuel.
Another Thomas Stevenson married a Jenning, and
at the beginning of the present century lived on the
farm now owned by George and Jacob Race. Their
children were John, Samuel, and Arthur. Arthur
married a Husted ; Andrew, Samuel, Sally, Theodore,
Thomas, Rachel, and Eliza were their children.
Samuel, who still lives, near Quakertown, married
Sally Case. Their children, all living in the town-
ship, are Henry, Elizabeth, and Martha Ann. Eliza-
beth is the wife of James Hoff, of Quakertown.
The first Cliffton settler was Henry, who married
Amy, daughter of Isaac Horner, in 1777. Horner
lived on the property now owned and occupied by
Dr. M. Abel at Quakertown. Clifl'ton seems to have
settled there immediately after his marriage, and to
have either purchased or hired the farm soon after.
A part of this property was sold in 1744 by David
Martin, sheriff, to Margaret Stevenson, who sold it to
Henry Farnsworth in 1749. In 1758, Farnsworth
willed it, together with other lands, to his sous, Daniel
and Thomas, who shared it. Daniel sold his share,
96 acres, to John Mulliner in 1767. The latter sold it
to Isaac Horner in 1772.
The stone house in which Horner, and probably
the elder Farnsworth, lived is still standing in good
preservation. It is certainly much more than a hun-
dred years old, but its exact age is not known.
Henry and Amy Cliffton had one daughter, Eliza-
beth, unmarried. She lived at the homestead, and
died there in 1853.
William Cliffton, a half-brother to Henry, was born
in 1768. He married Amy Hampton in 1796, and
the same year purchased of Henry the farm now oc-
cupied by Morris Hampton. He died in 1848, aged
eighty. The children of William and Amy Cliftton
were Sarah, Henry, William, Jacob, John, Rebecca,
Joseph, and Amy, all deceased except Amy, who is
the wife of Morris Hampton and lives on the home-
stead. Morris and Amy Hampton have had three
children, Rebecca, William, and Sarah Elizabeth.
The first two are dead ; the last is the wife of George
Leaver, of this township.
Hermanns Kester, born in 1703, removed to King-
wood prior to 1733. His children were Susanna,
Elizabeth, Samuel, John, Rebecca, Hermanns, Peter,
Thomas, and Margaret. Samuel married Susanna
Webster, and had ten children, Benjamin, born
1759, Anna, Rachel, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, Susanna,
Hannah, Amy, and Rebecca.
John Kester married Deborah Webster in 1765.
We have no record of their f^imily.
Benjamin, son of Samuel, married Rachel Hamil-
ton in 1782. Their son William married Mary,
daughter of Samuel Webster, in 1810.
Susanna Kester was interred in the Friends' bury-
ing-ground " the 24th of the second month, 1882,"
aged ninety-five.
Nearly a hundred years ago the Kesters lived on
the farm now owned by J. T. Stires, but it does not
appear whether, or not this was the original place of
settlement. None of the name remain in this
vicinity.
John Allen, son of Joseph, married Mary, daughter
of Jacob Large, in 1778. Their daughter Elizabeth
married David Laing in 1807. These were the parents
of Mary A. (deceased, wife of James Willson), Eliza-
434
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
beth, Eacliel, Jacob, and John. The last mentioned
still lives on the homestead, which was conveyed to
his grandfather, John Allen, by Peter Potter in 1776.
A part of the stone house remains just as it was during
the Revolution. An addition was built to it in 1796.
Daniel Allen, a brother to John, married Elizabeth
Lafatra. Their son John married Catharine Snyder,
and lived and died at " Allen's Corner," where Jere-
miah Robeson, a son-in-law, now lives.
Thomas Little came from Ireland and settled on a
farm near Pittstown, where he died before 1785. His
children were Andrew, John, Christy, Martha, and
Robert. Christy married Rachel Cook, and had seven
children, Daniel, Sedgwick, Esther, Joanna, Ade-
laide, Martha, and Thirza. The homestead is still in
possession of the family, being owned by Daniel.
Sedgwick lives on the o|)posite side of the road.
Herbert Trimmer came from Germany and settled
on the farm now owned by Abram Dilts. The date
cannot be exactly fixed, but he was living there during
the Revolution. His children were Jackson, George,
Peter, Tunis, William, and Anne. The children of
Jackson were John E., Samuel, Charles, Aaron, El-
dridge, Francis, and Thatcher. Three of these
John E., Samuel, and Francis recently .died in this
township at an average age of eighty-five. Aaron
died at the age of about fifty.
The children of John E. Trimmer were Asher, Ann,
Eliza, Sarah, Jeremiah, John, Mahlon, and Catharine.
John and Mahlon still reside in the township. Sarah,
wife of Mahlon Fields, lives near Locktown. All the
others died before their father, who lived to the age
of ninety-two, dying in 1880.
Francis had three children, Mahala, Thatcher,
and James. The last is dead; Thatcher is a mer-
chant in Quakertown, and Mahala, wife of Milton
Schorap, resides at Fleraington.
Samuel had three sons, Aaron, Joseph, and Elias
H. Joseph is dead, Aaron lives in Kingwood, and
Elias H. in Flemington.
Thatcher Trimmer, Sr., still resides in the town-
ship. His children, all living, are Martha Ann, Amy,
Elizabeth, William, Jauette, Mary, Sarah, and New-
ton.
John Trimmer, a half-brother to Herbert, was a
blacksmith, and located below the old Boar's Head
tavern, about a hundred years ago. He had three
sons, Henry, Amos, and John ; his daughters were
Mary, Sarah, Susanna, and Catharine. Amos mar-
ried Susanna, daughter of George Scott, of this town-
ship, and had six children, of whom Henry S. is still
living in Quakertown, and John S. has spent nearly
all his life in Franklin township.
Sarah, daughter of John Trimmer, married Jacob
Bush, and lived and died in Franklin. They were
the parents of John S., Susan, Sidney L., Sarah, and
Jacob.
Tunis Trimmer, son of Herbert, had five sons, all
deceased except Servis, who lives in this township.
Amos was the father of Joseph P. Trimmer, of
Quakertown.
Tlie McPherson family is an old one in this vicin-
ity. The first by that name of whom we have any
knowledge was Samuel, who in 1764 owned land
extending from the graveyard at Nixon's to Quaker-
town. He died in 1772. Our efforts to gain a certain
knowledge of his family have been futile. There is
little doubt that he was the father of three brothers,
Nathaniel, Samuel, and David, of whom mention is
made by their descendants, but there is no proof.
Some assert that he was himself one of the three, but
thirty-eight years intervened between his birth and
that of David, a difference not likely to exist be-
tween brothers. These brothers, it is said, at one
time owned most of the land between Quakertown
and Cherryville. David, in 1768, bought 100 acres of
Gershom Lee and John Griggs, described as being a
part of the Mount Carmel tract, surveyed to Col.
Daniel Coxe in 1712. Later David McPherson was
located at Quakertown, keeping a tavern. He died in
1880, aged eighty-three, and was buried at Nixon's,
by the side of his wife, Rebecca, who died in 1801.
Samuel McPherson lived between Sidney and
Young's Mills, on a farm now occupied by his grand-
son, Harry. His children were Asa, Daniel, Mary,
Hetty, and George. The last, father of the present
owner, died at the homestead.
Asa was the father of Samuel, Mary, Amos, and
Theodore. The last two are living near Cherryville.
Reuben McPherson, Sr., was killed by the acci-
dental discharge of a gun in 1795. He left a family
of seven children, Thomas, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary,
David, Anna, and Reuben. Thomas married Mary
Chamberlain, and had David, Elizabeth, Phebe, Ger-
shom, Ann, Maria, Rebecca, Lucretia, ThomavS, Cath-
arine, Truman, and Samuel C.
Rebecca, daughter of Reuben, married John Cham-
berlain ; Sarah married George, the father of John
Q. Case, of Cherryville; Mary married George Tee-
pie ; Anna married Daniel Pierson. Five of the chil-
dren of the last couple are living in the township,
Mary Pegg, Susan Case, John, Reuben, and Jacob S.
Pierson. Reuben McPherson married Sarah Barton,
and had Mary, Charity, John, Elizabeth, and Reu-
ben. He was killed by falling from a mow in 1831 .
All these families, except the last three and the Races,
belonged to the Society of Friends.
Bartholomew Thatcher, a Tory captain in the
British army, was born in 1785. About 1810 he lived
on the farm now occupied by John Trimmer, Jr. He
afterwards lived and died where Mrs. Brown now re-
sides, near Quakertown.
STORES.
The first store of which there is any knowledge was
kept by Charles Hoff at Pittstown as early as 1758.
A commissary store was kept by Moore Furman dur-
ing the Revolution where now stands William R.
FKANKLIN.
435
Smith's residence. Among others still remembered
is one kept by "Captain Ealph" and Benjamin Guild
commonly called " Benny Giles" about a hundred
years ago, at Pittstown, near the present location of
William Stryker's store. Nabor Boeman and Wil-
liam R. Smith built the stone house in which Joseph
Tharp now lives, and kept a store there about 1840.
Luther Opdyke kept in the same building about 1850.
Both the store-houses now in that village were built
by Sylvester Probasco, who still owns and occupies
one of them. The one owned by Stryker was built
in 1856, the other in 1867.
The first in Quakertown was kept by Henry Cliff-
ton, in the house now owned and occiipied by Dr.
Abel. Cliflfton settled there about 1777 ; but it is not
known when he established the store ; there is proof
that he was in the business in 1796. He continued
until about 1830. Another, on a lot now owned by
Elijah Potts, was kept by John Coats about 1815 ; he
was followed by Richard Arison. James Waterhouse,
as early as 1824, kept in the old red house now owned
by E. H. Trimmer. It was subsequently kept by â–
Larison, Miller Kline, G. W. Waterhouse, and John
Tenbrook. In 1843, on the lot now owned by Elijah
Potts, Christopher and John Sullivan transformed
an old cooper-shop into a store. They were followed
by J. and E. H. Trimmer, who in 1851 erected the
store now owned by John H. Vail and occupied by
J. D. Stires. G. W. Waterhouse and Benjamin
Shackleton built the corner store in 1844. It has
since been kept by Trimmer & Holcombe, Cronce &
Allen, Gary & Brother, A. J. Green, Edward Mason,
William and Thatcher Trimmer, and others. Theo-
dore Probasco's furniture-shop was built by him in
1842, and Christopher Sullivan was the first occupant.
The first in Cherryville was built in 1841 by Wil-
liam Aller. This burned down in 1864. John Ilofif-
man, who owned the property at the time, rebuilt in
1865. For several years past it has been kept by
Reuben Pierson.
James Waterhouse kept for a short time in the old
stone building east of the mill at Sidney, somewhere
about 1835. In 1864, John M. Baldwin built the
present store-house at that place.
TAVERNS.
The Quaker influence was against taverns, but they
sprung up and flourished in spite of this opposition.
In the minutes of a monthly meeting held at Quaker-
town in 1779 we find this entry :
" The committee on reformation report there is one Fiiend keeps a
tavern, which is under care ; they are desired to continue their care, and
report to a future Meeting. "
The old tavern-house at Cherryville was built in
1739, and still stands as the oldest landmark in that
vicinity. It has recently been repaired in such a
manner as to destroy its aged appearance, and also to
conceal the stone on which was inscribed the date of
its erection. Of the early days of this tavern noth-
ing is known. About sixty years ago it was kept by
one Fonner, who died and was believed by the super-
stitious to have haunted the place. In 1830 it was
kept by Reuben McPherson, who was killed by falling
from the mow of the shed, Jan. 16, 1831. It is now
several years since a tavern was kept here.
David McPherson kept a tavern at Quakertown
about 1790, some say on the lot on which William
Cronce's house now stands. When or by whom the
present building was erected is not known. William
Large was landlord from 1807 until 1819. It is now
the only licensed house in the township, and is kept
by Abram Little.
Tradition says that whisky was sold as much as one
hundred years ago at or near what in later years be-
came known as the "Frog Tavern." There was a
hut southwest of the spot on which the house now
stands, in which darkeys dispensed the fiery beverage
at " three cents a smaller." At a later day Amos
Trimmer built a log house on the site of the present
building, and kept a tavern there until his death. In
1851 this house was replaced by a frame building,
under its present owner, Thatcher Trimmer, who
kept the tavern until it was discontinued, a few years
ago.
There used to be a tavern where Cornelius Aller
now lives, above Sidney. It was kept by Thomas
McPherson about 1825, and by James Waterhouse
about 1830. Early in the present century a tavern
was kept by Hugh Runyon at " Allen's Corner."
PHYSICIANS.
James Willson was probably the first physician
within the limits of Franklin. He was married in
1736, and bought the homestead of his father in
1742. In existing documents the title of M.D. is first
connected with his name in 1756, but, as most of his
earlier papers have been lost, it is very likely he be-
gan to practice soon after his marriage. His account-
books, still preserved, covering the years 1758 to 1765,
and 1774 to 1777, show quite an extensive practice.
He died in 1777, aged sixty-four.*
The first physician in Quakertown is said to have
been Aaron Forman, who lived where J. L. Nixon
now resides, and practiced fi-om 1766 to 1794, when he
removed to Pittstown. He was the second to prac-
tice in that place, John Rockhill having preceded
him. Other physicians at Quakertown were Henry
H. Schenck, 1820-21; William Watson, 1831-38;
Albert S. Clark, 1848-56 ; James H. Studdiford, 1856
-57
Matthias Abel commenced the practice of medicine
at Quakertown in 1857, and is the only physician now
in the township.
* Dr. Blane entirely omits this name from his valuable " Medical His-
tory." This omission no doubt arose either from a lack of records, or
from the belief that he was merely one of the " handy men." The writer
believes that the papers now i[i his possession fully establish Dr. Will-
son's standing as a regular practitioner, and justify the placing of his
name at the head of this list.
436
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
HIGHWAYS.
A deed from Daniel Doughty to Joseph Stemiard,
of Philadelphia, drawn in 1749, mentions the " Rar-
ington" (Earitan) road. This is the old name of the
road running east and west through that village. An
examination of various deeds leads to the conclusion
that it was laid out between 1733 and 1749, and the
Trenton road between 1749 and 1764.
The road leading from Pittstown southward is men-
tioned in a lease drawn in 17;"i6 as the "road leading
from John Emley, Senior's, to Charles Hoff's," now
Pittstown. The road from Bellair's Corner south-
ward is mentioned in 1773 as a " two-rod road that
runs between Adam Swagart's and Messrs. Monkhill
and Clark.son's.'' The road to Allen's Corner from the
west is spoken of in 1768 as a " road leading to the great
road leading to Trenton.'' The one from Quakertown
northward was a public highway in 1789 ; that from
the Frog Tavern westward was laid out about 1826.
The Lehigh VaJley Railroad, crossing the northern
part of the township, was commenced in 1872. The
first passenger-train passed through this township
Jane 12, 1875.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Until about the middle of the last centur)', what is
now Franklin township was included in Bethlehem.
From that time to the date of its erection into a sep-
arate township it formed part of Kingwood. The act
establishing the township of Franklin was approved
March 21, 1845. The first town-meeting is thus re-
corded :
"April 14th, 1845. At our annual town-meeting held at the house of
Samuel Trimmer, in Quaker Town, in the township of Franklin, county
of Hunterdon, and State of New Jersey, the following persons were
chosen by the majority of votes, to serve the township in their respective
offices the ensuing year : Moderator, John Aller ; Town Clerk, Theodore
Probasco ; Assessor and Overseer of the Poor, William W. Aller ; Collec- "
tor and Overseer of Poor, Edward Mason ; Chosen Freeholders, Daniel
Little, Theodore Holcomhe ; Surveyors of Highway, John Pierson, John
Mechlin; Constable, Barzilta Kobbins; Committee, John Sullivan,
Theodore Probasco, Dr. John Manners, George W. Waterhonse, Abra-
ham Lawshe; School Committee, Daniel Allen, John Lee, Alexander
Kea; Commissioners of Appeals, Edward Mason, David Everitt, Elisha
Uurd ; Judge of Election, Alexander Rea ; Pound-keepers, Joseph G.
Case, Peter S. Sigler."
The principal officers since the formation of the
township have been as follows :
TOWN CLERKS.
1845-47, Theodore Probasco ; 1848-49, Josiah Willson ; 1850-54, Theodore
Probasco ; 1865-66, Blias H. Trimmer ; 1857-58, Daniel Allen ; 1859,
Asa Snyder; 1860-62, Reuben Pierson; 1803, Lemuel B. Myers;
1864, A. T. Trimmer; 1865-69, Reuben Pierson; 1870, Lemuel B.
Myers; 1871-72, Aaron T. Trimmer; 1873-75, Asa R. Cronce ; 1876-
78, Enoch B. Sujdam ; 1879-80, Edward 0. Trimmer.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
No record of their election was kept until 1859,
when John Trimmer and John S. Trimmer were
elected. The former held the office until the time of
his death, in 1873. In 1864, John S. Trimmer was
succeeded by his brother, Henry S., who holds the
office at present. In 1874, William Large was elected ;
in 1879, James Hoff.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS.
Up to 1847 a school committee was chosen each
year. In 1845-46 this committee consisted of Daniel
Allen, John Lee, and Alexander Rea. In 1847-48,
Daniel Allen was superintendent; 1S49, Elias H.
Trimmer ; 1850-55, Dr. Albert S. Clarke ; 1856, Theo-
dore Probasco ; 1857, James H. Studdiford ; 1858-66,
Dr. M. Abel. A change in the school law in 1867
abolished the office.
ASSESSORS.
1845, William W. AUer ; 1K4C^7, Daniel Allen : 1848-51, Daniel Pieraou ;
1.S62-63, Alexander Kea ; 1854, HoUoway H. Race ; 1856-57, Luther
Opdyke; 1858-69, Joseph B. Pierson ; 1800, Luther Opdyke; 1801,
John Pierson; 1863-05, Thatcher Trimmer; 1806-67, John Trim-
mer; 1369-09, Uriah Larue ; 1870-72, UeTlben Pierson; 1873-79,
Thatcher Trimmer ; 18S0, Charles M. Trimmer.
For a list of the freeholders of this township, see
page 264 in this volume.
STATISTICAL.
According to the census of 1880, Franklin has 1339
inhabitants, and the assessors' books for the same
year show that it contains 14,449 acres, valued at
$871,400. The assessed valuation of personal prop-
erty is 1446,960 ; the amount of debt, $373,373; the
amount of taxable property, $944,987. The number
of polls is 387 ; number of surviving soldiers of the
late war, 23.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Pittstown, lying partly in this township, is its
oldest village. It was so named by Moore Furman,
during the Revolution, in honor of William Pitt, Earl
of Chatham. Previous to this it was called Hoff's,
who preceded Furman as owner of most of the prop-
erty around.* It is sometimes spoken of in old deeds
as " Pitts Town Mills." As elsewhere noted, it was
the seat of milling industry at a very early day. It
is said to have been a point of some importance during
the Revolution. It contains two stores, one grist-
mill, one foundry, one machine-shop (all in Fraukl|n),
two blacksmith-shops, and about twenty dwellings.
The post-office was established May 17, 1821, with
Robeson Rockhill as postmaster. It was discontinued
Sept. 23, 1831, and re-established July 12, 1834, with
Leonard N. Boeman postmaster. The appointments
since have been William R. Smith, April 27, 1840, and
Aug. 25, 1845 ; L. A. Boeman, June 21, 1841 ; Luther
Opdyke, July 19, 1850 ; John L. Tinsman, Dec. 24,
1850; William M. Stryker, April 7, 1859, still in
office.
Quakertown was once called Fairview, but the
name seems never to have gained general favor. Its
present name is derived from the fact that it was a
Quaker settlement. It does not appear to have been
generally so called, however, until about the begin-
ning of the present century. In 1794 the road to Pitts-
town is mentioned in a deed, not as the road from
* For these facts, as well as muiy otliers concorning Pittstown and
vicinity, we arc indebted to Dr. Henry Riice.
FRANKLIN.
437
Quakertown, but as " the road leading from the Quaker
meeting-house," etc. What is now known of the
store and tavern kept here at an early day is told
elsewhere. '
In 1789 the Quaker grounds were surveyed by
Robert Emley, who drew a draught of the place. This
draught is still in existence. The road running north
is marked " Eoad to Reba. Cott's ;" west of that road is
Coates' Lande, and east of it is " Murfin's Lande."
Samuel Kester's house is drawn where J. T. Stires
now lives, " Henry Cliifton's house" where Dr. Abel
lives, and " John Brown's house" on Abram Lawshe's
corner. These are the only houses shown in the
drawing.
William, father of Theodore and Joseph Probasco,
had a cabinet-shop on what is now Joseph Probasco's
corner, probably as early as 1817 ; his residence was
the house in which James Hoflf now lives. Before
] 800, Hezekiah Waterhouse built a wheelwright-shop,
afterwards used as a store-house, on the south side of
the road ; it is now occupied as a dwelling, and is
known as the "old red house." Edward Welstead
lived about sixty years ago on the lot now belonging
to Elijah Protts. In 1831 the ground on which the
corner store, the residences of J. P. Trimmer and
Samuel Trimmer, the Methodist Episcopal church,
and the parsonage now stand was a vacant lot.
At present the village contains a Methodist church,
a Friends' meeting-house, two stores, two blacksmith-
shops, and about thirty dwellings.
The post-office was established April 2, 1828, with
William Nixon as postmaster. Subsequent appoint-
ments: James Waterhouse, March 21, 1832; George
W. Waterhouse, Oct. 15, 1841'; Elijah Warford,
March 12, 1852; Henry S. Trimmer, July 15, 1853;
Samuel Trimmer, June 5, 1857 ; John P. Gary, June
16, 1864; Elias H. Trimmer, June 13, 1865; Andrew
J. Green, March 26, 1867 ; John H. Vail, March 19,
1869 ; J. D. Stires, April 16, 1877.
Cherryville, formerly called Dogtown, is near
the Raritan line. It was named in 1839 in honor of
â– a Cherry family who once owned most of the land
around it. It contains a Baptist church, a store, a
wheelwright-shop, a blacksmith-shop, and about a
dozen dwellings. The post-office was established
Dec. 26, 1850. William Large was the first post-
master. Since then the following have served : Asa
S. Snyder, Aug. 5, 1857 ; Reuben Pierson, April 11,
1860, and June 4, 1875 ; Andrew Emans, Jan. 10,
1862
Sidney, so called on a map of 1769, is a small
hamlet in the northeast of the township. It contains
a store, a mill, and four or five dwellings. The post-
office was established March 10, 1832, with Richard
Coxe as postmaster. The office was discontinued
July 11, 1837, and re-established Sept. 6, 1837, when
Carmalo F. Carnand was made postmaster. George
W. Holcombe was appointed Oct. 4, 1841 ; David
Phillips, May 9, 1843; James Boss, Nov. 7, 1848;
John M. Baldwin, April 12, 1860; Joseph King, Aug.
12, 1862 ; John M. Baldwin, April 2, 1863. The last
named still holds the office.
Oak Grove, in the south of the township, was so
called on account of the fine oak-forests around it.
It consists of a grist-mill, a saw-mill, a blacksmith-
shop, and three dwellings. The post-office was estab-
lished in 1857. Josiah Willson, the first postmaster,
still holds the position.
SCHOOLS.
No records of the early schools have been preserved.
All the information now available concerning them
is stored up in the memories of old people or buried
beneath piles of dusty documents. Just when and
where the first school-house in Franklin was erected
it is impossible to ascertain. The first of which there
is any knowledge was built on or near the corner now
occupied by Joseph Everitt's buildings. From a lease
in possession of Dr. Race, found among his father's
papers, we find that the corner mentioned was leased
for school purposes in 1756. About 1810, Charles
Potts taught in a log house which stood on a corner
of the wood just west of Everitt's buildings. This
was evidently the second house. A few years later it
was removed to St. Thomas' church, where it did duty
for many years. The minutes of a monthly meeting
held in " Quakertown," No. 42, in 1752, have this
entry :
We have likewise considered the proposal for settling a School, But,
being few of us and so remote from each other, and Some of us under
Low Circumstance, so that it seems unlikely to us that we shall be able
to raise a sufficient salary to Support Such School, otherwise we should
be very free, and Heartily join with the Proposal, believing it would iu
some good degree answer the good purpose intended."
All authorities agree that the first school-house was
built of logs. A draught drawn in 1789 fails to show
that building, which indicates, if it does not prove,
that it was not erected until after that date. From
what is known by old residents, it would appear that
it was built soon after.
In 1817 a new school-house, 16 by 21 feet, was
erected south of the road, on a small triangular piece
of ground conveyed by Henry Cliflfton. This land is
now included in the lot owned by John Johnson.
After the new house was built, the old one was re-
moved, to Henry Cliflfton's lot, now Theodore Pro-
basco's, north of the meeting-house, where it is used
as an " out-kitchen" to this day. The first trustees
are said to have been Henry Cliflfton and Thomas
Craven. The first teacher in the new house was
Erastus Eno, who taught only a short time. He was
followed by Henry Coats, who remained several years.
Israel Clarke had charge of the school about 1823.
Dr. Henry Race taught three terms in 1836-37.
In 1850 the present two-story stone building was
erected by a stock company for a high school or
academy. It was soon after opened to the public
school. The upper story is occupied by Lackatong
Lodge, No. 114 (Odd-Fellows). The first teacher in
438
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
this building was Samuel Peel, the second, Charles
Kellogg. The school is now under charge of Wilson
Eittenhouse.
The first school-house at "Sidney," No. 46, was built
of stone, on the corner north of the present school-
grounds, in or about 1816. The first teacher wa.s a
Mr. Palmer. Nathan Wakefield taught about 1825.
This building stood until 1865, when a frame house,
20 by 30 feet, was erected. Miss Adeline Probasco
was the first teacher in the new house. Miss Emma
Apgar now has charge of the school. The trustees
are Joseph Eea, Jonathan Butler, and Hezekiah Geb-
hardt.
Franklin, No. 42, was formed chiefly from the
lower part of the Quakertown District, though it is
probable that district-lines received but little attention
at that day. The first house, a small log structure,
was built in 1826. The first teacher was Amos
Lundy. A. B. Chamberlain, afterwards sheriif of the
county, once taught in this house. It was burned
down after a few years, but was replaced by a frame
building, 18 feet square, in 18.37. Arthur W. Lundy
was the first teacher in this house. The new building,
as well as the old, stood in the edge of the grove just
west of the present school-house. From the circum-
stance of its location this school is sometimes called
Maple Grove. The second house remained in use
until 1871, when a new one, 22 by 30 feet, was built,
at a cost of $800, on a lot purchased of Joseph Myers.
George Robinson was the first teacher in the new
house. The present teacher is E. T. Bush, and the
trustees are Abram E. Vail, George W. Scott, and
William Dubon.
The first school-house in " Cherryville," No. 45,
was built about 1830," of stone, near the road, on the
ground still devoted to school purposes. In the win-
ter of 1830-31 the school was taught by Samuel Wood.
In 1860 a frame house, 22 by 30 feet, was erected.
Among the teachers since the school was established
have been Peter Eake (1833), Jemima Atkinson,
Garfield, Page, Nathan Solomon, Elias Trout,
Matilda Cook, Joseph Buchanan, John Stout, Eeuben
Pierson, Clara Bonham, Skillman, Emma Hoff',
Mrs. Emma Opdyke, and the present teacher, Elias
L. Dalrymple. The trustees are Whitfield Henry,
William Volk, and Gershom McPherson.
The school-house at " Sunnyside," No. 44, formerly
Young's Mills, a two-story frame building, was erected
in 1854. Nathan Solomon was the first teacher. Miss
Lizzie Nixon now has charge. The trustees are Lem-
uel Marshall, Jacob S. Smith, and Tunis Smith.
Long before a school was established at either
Cherryville or Sunnyside there was a little log school-
house below the hill, about half-way between the two.
The date of its erection is unknown. A stone house
was built on the same spot, some say in 1839 ; others,
* Bev. C. S. Conliling'B " Centennial Report" says that there was a log
house, built in ISOO, near the site uf the present buildiug.
a few years later. It was soon abandoned and allowed
to fall into decay.
In 1852 a school-house was built at the cross-roads
wesl of Oak Grove. A school was kept here at irreg-
ular intervals until 1871, when the district was divided,
part being united with Franklin and part with Bap-
tisttown District. The house is still standing, and is
occasionally used for religious purposes.
Famous among the few who made teaching a busi-
ness was Jemima Atkinson, said to have taught in
every school in the township. There are but few who
were pupils here anywhere from twenty-five to fifty
years ago who do not cherish lively recollections of
Aunt Jemima.
The five schools of Franklin, according to the
Eeport of the State Superintendent for 1879, had
a total enrollment of 273, out of a school population
of 285 ; average time of keeping the schools open,
10.5 months ; average attendance, 117 ; value of
school property (estimated), $4250; total amount re-
ceived for school purposes, $1616.94 ; average salary
per month, males, $34.67 ; females, $28.82.
CHURCHES.
I'EIENDS' MEETING AT QDAKEBTOWN.
The first religious society organized in the town-
ship was the Friends' meeting at Bethlehem, then a
general name for all the country around. Unfortu-
nately, the exact date of its organization cannot be
ascertained. The first meeting-house is said ("Tra-
ditions of Our Ancestors") to have been built of logs,
near the site of the present building, before 1700, and
the second in 1714. This statement is evidently er-
roneous. The first Monthly Meeting was held on the
10th day of the 7th month, 1744, and from that
time to this records more or less complete have been
preserved. Back of this there is one date positively
fixed by deed of Jacob Doughty to Samuel Large,
Samuel Willson, Edward Eockhill, John Stevenson,
and Joseph King, dated March 20, 1733, and convey-
ing four acres of land to the said parties, for the uses
of the meeting. There is no reason to doubt, though
there are no records to prove the fact, that the first
meeting-house was built soon after the date of this
conveyance.
At the first Monthly Meeting, Benjamin Williams
and Mercy Stevenson declared intentions of marriage.
Caleb Eaper was made clerk of the meeting. Among
the Friends first mentioned in the records are found
the names of Kester, Webster, King, Emley, Ste-
venson, Willson, Williams, Large, Paxson, Lundy,
Doughty, Price, Myers, Coate (or Coats), Atkinson,
Schooley, etc.
At the Burlington Quarterly Meeting held Dec. 12,
1744, permission was given to build a new meeting-
house at Kingwood, "that they already have not be-
ing large enough." It was recommended that it be
built of stone, about 36 feet long and 26 wide in the
clear.
FRANKLIN.
439
March 3, 1747, it was ordered that the following re-
port be made :
" That we are building our new meeting-house here 39 feet long and
27 feet wide, and that we expect by computation that the Cost will
amount to £150. "
This house was burned before it was fully com-
pleted, and the Friends were soon again busy with
their building. From the minutes of the Monthly
Meeting held Feb. 1 3, 1752, we quote :
"This meeting appoints Jeremiah Williams, Jonathan Robeson, Jos-
eph King, and Thomas Atkinson to agree with suitable workmen to re-
pair the meeting-house of Fiiends in Kingwood (known by the name of
Bethlehem Meeting-house) in such sort, manner, aud form as they think
best. "
In 1754 they report the house rebuilt on the former
model, " as nearly completed as it was before it
burned down." They were then holding their meet-
ings in the new house, which it had cost them £107 to
repair. This was the old stone house which stood
for more than a century. For more than eighty years
it was the only house for religious purposes within
the present limits of Franklin township. During the
war of the Revolution it was used and abused for a
time by a detachment of British soldiers. Tradition
says that during their stay here some of them died
and were buried in the " Quaker wood," a lot lying
east of the road, and now owned by Joseph Probasco.
During this trying period many Friends suifered
for opinion's sake. Some were thrown into prison
and subsequently fined for refusing to take up arms
or " become instruments for the shedding of human
blood."*
In 1862 the historic old building, which, with its
old-fashioned "hip-roof," had stood as a landmark
to four generations, was torn down, and replaced by a
smaller and more modern, but substantial, structure.
John Willson and Abram E. Vail are the present
* The following is a brief account of Friends suffering, belonging to
Kingwood Preparative Meeting in the years 1770-78, for not complying
with the unjust requisition of Men to become instruments in shedding
Human Blood.
** Dor worthy Friend, Jos. Moore, for refusing to take the Test of Alle-
giance to the Stale of N. Jersey so called & abjuring the King of G. Brit-
tain, was Confiued in Trenton Jail near Six weeks & had the Test ten-
dered to him again by the Court, but he refusing to comply, was fined in
the sum of £50, aud discharged from confinement, for which sum the
following Chattels were distrained: 1 yoke of oxen & 1 Mare, worth £40
Os. ; for Militia Fines & Tax, 1 yoke Oxen, 2 Cows, 1 Mare & 1 Colt, worth
£61 0».
"Wm.Paxson,l Mare.l Gun, 3 young Cattle &1 Horse, worth £36 lOs.
Saml. Kester, 1 ox, 2 Cows, 1 Mare & 2 steers, worth £36 0». "
" Paul Kester, 1 Mare, worth £18 Os.
Jos, Drinker, 2 Horses & 1 Cow, worth £36 10s. "
" Henry ClifTton, 7 Halts, worth £St 10s.
Jno. Kester, 1 Cow & 1 young Cattle, worth £9 lOs. "
"Susannah Webster, for her son, 1 Cow, worth £3 lOs.
James Willson, 1 Gun, worth £2 5s. "
" Samuel Willson, 1 Mare, worth £25 Os.
Our Friend, John Allen, about the age of 22, for refusing to take the "
test to the State of N. Jersey so called aud abjuring the Crown of G. Brit
tain, was confined in Jail lor some time & fined by the Court £25, for
which was taken 1 Cow, 1 Feather Bed, 20 pr. of Shoes, worth £19 10s.
" For Militia Fines, 1 Cow, 3 sides of Leather, 2 pr. of shoes 1 pr. Boots
& Some Leather, worth £8 5k.
.Tos. Webster, 1 Cow & :i Cattle, wortli fll lOs."" "
trustees. The latter has also acted as clerk for many
years.
The society is rapidly waning. Only a few of that
faith remain in all the region round, but the organi-
zation is kept up and meetings are held as regularly
as though the house was thronged.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH OF QUAKEETOWN.-j-
â– Methodism was introduced into Quakertown by
Daniel Green and his wife, who came about 1836 and
opened their doors to preaching by itinerants. Prior
to this there was a Methodist church at Flemington,
and one at Everittstown. When Daniel Green moved
away (date not recorded), another Methodist couple,
David R. Bodine and his wife, moved into the house
vacated by Mr. Green.
Nine persons composed the first class. These were
David R. Bodine and wife, Abram Slack, Pearson
Orison and wife, G. W. Waterhouse and wife, and
Abram Bennett and wife. Of these Mr. Bennett re-
mains to the present day. The first preachers were
Jacob Hevender and James M. Tuttle, with Mr. Ma-
zellus, a local preacher. Soon after the " regular or
periodic visitation," a wood's-meeting was held about a
mile north of Quakertown, at which about thirty were
converted. The good work was then transferred to
the old school-house in the village. This was in 1888.
The school-house soon proved to be too small, and
it was decided to build. The lot was donated by G.
W. Waterhouse. The church was erected in 1840, at
a cost of $1200, upon very nearly the site of the pres-
ent structure. Rev. A. K. Street and Rev. George
Hitchins were the preachers in charge. The build-
ing committee consisted of G. W. Waterhouse, D. R.
Bodine, D. Green, and Rev. A. E. Street.
After the building was raised, Peter S. Sigler not
a member of the church, but a well-wisher of the
cause ofiered to bear one-third the cost of side-gal-
leries. At this liberality Rev. George Hitchins took
courage, and raised the balance in a very short time.
At this time the Quakertown Circuit embraced
Quakertown, Frenchtown, and Everittstown. In
1842, Zerubbabel Gaskel was appointed first preacher
on the new circuit. He served faithfully for two
years, and was then followed by Joseph Gaskel, who
bore no relation to his predecessor ; he remained one
year. Abram M. Palmer was appointed in 1845. In
1847, Thomas T. Campfield came to the circuit.
During his second year he conducted a protracted
meeting which resulted in the conversion of 108 per-
sons. Sylvanus W. Decker was appointed in 1849,
and Rodway Wynans in 1851.
In 1853 two preachers, Joseph G. Tally and John
D. Blaine, were appointed to the Quakertown Circuit.
The latter died from the efiects of rupturing a blood-
vessel.
Brothers Korah and Robb were appointed about
•f Chiefly condensed from a histovical sketch written by the pastor, Bey.
D. Halleran, iul878.
440
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
this time. They remained but a short time. Joseph
Horner then took charge, serving one year. Joseph
Sleeper followed, and remained two years. In 1856,
W. W. Christine took charge. He was followed by
John S. Coit, since deceased. He was instrumental
in the purchase of a parsonage near the church. It
was bought of G-. W. Waterhouse for $1000. A great
revival crowned his labors. W. W. Voorhees was the
next preacher. Quakertown and Everittstown now
constituted one charge.
J. P. Daily succeeded Mr. Voorhees, and remained
two years. Everittstown was now placed with French-
town. Mount Salem and Pattenburg were connected
wdth Quakertown. J. B. Heward was pastor from
1864 to 1866, and M. F. Swaim for the next three
years, followed by Joshua Mead, who remained two
years. The question of a new church began to be
generally agitated. Peter D. Day was the next
pastor.
In 1874, George W. Horton was appointed to the
Quakertown charge. He remained three years. Dan-
iel Halleran followed in 1877, Some of the points of
interest under his ministry are thus noted :
" The church united.
A hlessed revival, 116 persons at the altar. "
" Tlie inception [and completion] of a new church enterprise. Size of
Ibuilding 44 by 70 feet, with tower projection and pulpit recess, 7S feet. "
May 16, 1878, the corner-stone was laid by Eev. E.
S. Arndt, presiding elder.
In 1879, T. E. Gordon came, served one year, and
was followed by Charles E. Walton, who has charge
at present (1880).
THE BAPTIST CHUKCH AT CHEEKTVILLE.*
Previous to October, 1849, the Rev. Edwin R. Hera
labored as a Baptist missionary in Cherryville and
vicinity. On the 2d of that month a meeting of mem-
bers of the Flemington, Kingwood, and Bethlehem
Baptist Churches was called at Cherryville " for the
purpose of considering the propriety of organizing a
distinct Baptist Church at Cherryville.'' Resolutions
favorable to the organization were passed.
In compliance with Baptist usage, a council of
churches was called for Nov. 21, 1849, for the purpose
of recognizing the new church. Delegates were pres-
ent from the Baptist Churches of Flemington, Lam-
bertville, and Kingwood. Rev. Joseph Wright, of
Lambertville, was made moderator, and Rev. Levi G.
Beck, of Flemington, clerk. After due deliberation,
the church was recognized. The recognition services
were : Sermon by Eev. John Davis, of Lambertyille :
text, Matt. xvi. 18 ; prayer by Rev. William Shrope,
of Flemington ; hand of fellowship, Rev. L. G. Beck '
â– charge to the church. Rev. Joseph Wright. The new
church consisted of 49 members, 39 from Flemino--
ton, 9 from Kingwood, and 1 from Bethlehem. The
house was built in 1850.
The first pastor was Rev. Edwin R. Hera, April 1
* Data kindly furnished by the pastor, Kev. M. B. Laning.
1850, to July 1, 1853. His ministry seems to have
been successful, as the church numbered 95 when he
resigned. For one year the church was supplied with
preaching by different ministers, among whom for six
months was Rev. William Shrope. A unanimous call
having been extended to Rev. R. B. Stella, he entered
upon his work .July 1, 1854. His was the longest
pastorate since the organization of the church. It
continued for more than ten years, or until Aug. 9,
1864, when death dissolved the connection. During
his ministry 84 were added to the church.
The next pastor was Rev. William D. Hires, Nov.
6, 1864, to April 1, 1867. During this time 29 joined.
Rev. William Hump.stone took charge June 1, 1867,
and remained until April 1, 1868 ; 20 were added,
mostly by baptism.
For more than a year no mention is made of any
pastor. From May, 1869, to March, 1871, Rev. E. S.
Lear was in charge. March 4, 1871, Rev. Charles E.
Young became pastor, and remained until his death,
Aug. 24, 1876. During his pastorate 45 were added.
From October, 1876, to May, 1877, Rev. M. B.
Laning preached as a supply, when, receiving a call,
he became pastor, in which capacity he remains to the
present time. During his ministry 21 have been
added.
The total membership of the church during the
thirty-one years of its existence has been 305. Many
of these have moved away, some have died, and about
160 are now enrolled. The parsonage was bought in
1869. The church is almost free from debt.
BURIAL-PLACES.
The oldest place of public burial in the township
is the Friends' burying-ground at Quakertown. Here
repose the ashes of many of the earliest settlers. Un-
fortunately, there was among Friends an early aver-
sion to the erection of tombstones with commemora-
tive inscriptions. The records of burials do not date
back of 1761, hence it is impossible to give any ac-
count of the earliest interments. The first burials re-
corded are :
" A Memorial of the time of Death and Burial of Joseph King Senior,
departed this Life the 10th Day ot the 12th Month, 1761, in the Seventy-
eighth year of his age. "
" Our antient Friend Samuel Willson Died the Nineteenth Day of the
Twelfth Month, 1761, and was Inter'd in Friends Burying-Ground at
Kingwood the Twenty-Second Day of the Same Month, about the Eigh-
tieth year of his age. "
"This our antient Friend Samuel Large Departed this Life at his
House in Kingwood, the 9th Day of the 6th Month, 1765, and was de-
cently Intered in Friends Burying-place there. "
The oldest stone marked and dated bears this in-
scription :
W. B. Ag 31 yrs 1752.
Among other old inscriptions are the following :
P. G. Died Feb. 13th, 1791.
Susanna Atkinson, died Oct. 24th, 1792, aged 35 years.
Aaron Formau, M.D., died Jan. 11th, 1805, aged 60 yeara.
"In Memory of Ann, wife of Dr. Aaron Forman,who departed this life
December 13th, 1794. "
Jeremiah King, died July 2, 1829, in the 83d year of his ago.
oxcui--^^
FEANKLIN.
441
In memory of George Scott, who died April 12th,1821, aged 7S years.
Morris Robeson.
Elizabetli Robeson.
The next oldest burying-ground is the one opposite
J. L. Nixon's, formerly known as Craven's. It was
deeded to the Society of Friends by Daniel Doughty,
son of Jacob Doughty, by conveyance bearing date
Sept. 20, 1764. It is therein described as "the lot
known as the grave yard," showing that it had pre-
viously been used as a place of burial. It was then
bounded north, south, and west by lands of Samuel
McFerson. The eastern boundary was a line running
in the middle of the Trenton road. The Friends, who
still hold the deed for it, opened it to the public,
making it, of course, free to all. Their object, it is
said, was to prevent their own graveyard at Quaker-
town from being crowded with the remains of those
not in sympathy with their society. The oldest in-
scription, rudely chiseled on a rough stone, reads thus :
" Samuel McFerson Sener was born April the 4 1709 and departed thi
life September the 2d 1772. Aged 63. "
Other inscriptions :
" Temperance Sutton departed this life April the 16 Day in the year of
our Lord 1774. "
" In memory of Mary Drake, daughter of Imla & Temperance Drake,
who departed this life September 21st, 1794, aged 7 years and 5 months. "
" In memory of Sarah Lair, wife of Wm. Lair, who departed this life
January 15th, 1798, in the 42d year of her age. "
" In memory of Elizabeth McFerson, Consort of David McFerson, died
December 4th, 1801, in the 68th year of her age. "
" In memory of Joseph Stockton who died Dec. 27th, 1800, aged 68
years, 9 months and 2 days. "
" In memory of Peter Teeple who departed this life November 29th,
A.D. 1834. aged 85 years. "
" In memory of Sarah, wife of Peter Teeple, who died April 14th, 1852,
in the 98th year of her age. "
There was once a colored people's ground in what
is now J. L. Nixon's field, about 100 yards northwest
of his house. It is said to have been the place of
burial for the early slaves of this vicinity. People
now living remember when two negroes belonging
to Hugh Eunyon, who lived at "Allen's Corner,"
were buried there. The stones are now torn out and
the graves plowed over, leaving no trace of their last
resting-place.
The ground at Cherryville was set apart for burial
purposes in 1850. The first three interments were
those of John K. Everitt, died March 5, 1850 ; Ann
Maria McPherson, died March 16, 1850; Hannah
Maria Johnson, died April 6, 1850.
The Locust Grove Cemetery was incorporated
in 1867. The original members were Henry S. Trim-
mer, Sedgwick Little, Benjamin Egbert, Wm. M.
Stryker, Elijah Hartpence, John B. Tomer, Wm.
Large, John W. Welch, Joseph Everitt, and Abram
Bennett. The first interment was that of William
Haver's child; the second, that of Christiana, wife of
Benjamin Botman.
In the edge of a wood in the southwest corner of
David Burd's farm is a lone grave marked by a rough
stone bearing this inscription :
Sarah Yard, Died Apriel 12th, 1790, aged 42 years.
29
All memory of her seems to have been completely
lost. The writer has tried in vain to find out who
she was and the circumstances of her burial.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The cultivation of the soil has always been the
leading industry of Franklin. Her soil, made fertile
chiefly through the agency of lime, produces fine
crops of all the grains and fruits common to this lati-
tude. The peach-crop is rapidly growing in import-
ance. In 1846 the first peach-orchard was planted
by Joseph K. Potts, on the farm now owned by
G-eorge and Jacob Eace. The other pioneers of this
industry were Thomas S. Potts and John Scott. The
fruit was then carted to Easton. The business has
increased so rapidly during the last decade that it is
now a leading industry.
Milling has been carried on from a very early day.
The abundant water-power furnished by the Capoolon,
the Lackatong, and the South Branch was not long
suffered to run to waste. It is said that the first
grist-mill was what was known in later years as the
old fulling-mill at Pittstown. It was built by Ed-
ward Eockhill before 1748. This was used as a grist-
mill until after the Eevolution. It is said to have
been for a long time the only one within a wide ex-
tent of country. A new mill that now owned by
Charles Hann ^was built by Moore Furman during
the Eevolution for " army purposes." Subsequently
the old mill was used for fulling. Thomas Twining
carried on the business at one time, and Samuel Grant
in 1813. ,
Another grist-mill was built at a very early day by
Joseph King, Sr., where Young's Mills now are.
The new mill at that place was built in 1850 by Peter
E. Young and Nathan Shurts. The factory-building
was erected in 1845 or 1846 by Peter R. Young, and
the business of wool-carding and weaving was begun
by Sheppard & Brother. It was closed in 1878.
Thomas Twining bought, at a sale of James Dil-
worth's property, in 1785, the mill-site now known as
King's. About two years later he built the old fall-
ing-mill, now used as a dwelling. The grist-mill was
erected in 1799 by the same man. In 1811, Joseph
King bought the property of Twining, who removed
to the State of New York. William L., son of Joseph
King, built the old oil-mill during the same year, and
in 1812 commenced to manufacture linseed oil. The
first mill proving insufiicient, in 1827 he built the one
now in use.
The first mill at Little's (now Tomer's) was built
by Christy Little, date unknown. The new one, still
in use, was built by John Little in or about 1815,
after which the old one was for some time used as a
distillery. The saw-mill, farther down the stream,
was also first built by Christy Little. It was rebuilt
about 1835 by Christy, Jr., a nephew. The stone
building near by was built about 1818 by Christy
and Oliver Little, for a fulling- and oil-mill.
442
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
The old mill at Sidney is said to date back to the
last century. In 1860 a new one was built by John
M. Baldwin.
The saw-mill at Oak Grove was built in 1805 by
Samuel Willson ; the grist-mill in 1856 by Josiah
Willson.
Hiram Deats began to manufacture plows near
Quakertown in 1831, started a foundry for casting his
plows in 1836, and added the casting of stoves in 1841.
In 1852 the stove business was transferred to Stockton,
N. J. In the same year he built the machine-shop
at Pittstown, on the site of the old fulling-mill, using
the same pond and tail-race, just as they were, perhaps,
a hundred years before. In 1859 the foundry was
built at Pittstown, and the entire business removed
from Quakertown. In 1860, Mr. Deats began to
manufacture reapers and mowers ; in 1866 he formed
a partnership with William J. Case, Rutsan Case, and
his son, L. M. Deats, doing business under the firm-
name of Deats, Case & Co. Later the firm was L. M.
Deats & Co. For fifty years, up to April 1, 1881,
Mr. Deats has been either sole proprietor or senior
partner.
About a hundred years ago Daniel Potts and James
Dilworth owned the land west of Cornelius Best's, and
there operated a forge. Subsequently, Daniel Potts
and his son William followed making scythes, just
below the hill. The forge was about 100 yards south,
on the other side of the Capoolon. As late as 1817 a
large grain-distillery was in operation on the mill
property at Pittstown. It was carried on by Benjamin
Guild, who lived where William E. Smith now resides.
Charles Hoff had a forge in front of the tavern at
Pittstown before the Revolution, traces of which may
still be seen.
The manufacture of hats was at one time extensively
carried on at Quakertown and vicinity. Early in the
present century Thomas Craven lived on the farm now
occupied by J. L. Nixon. He built the old house by
the road for a hat-shop, and carried on the business
there. Henry Clifiton and William Clifiton also
manufactured hats. John Spiby had a hat-shop on
the lot now owned by Aaron Trimmer. He was fol-
lowed by Lewis Patterson, who relinquished the busi-
ness in 1843, and Spiby in 1848 moved to Ohio.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
The following documents explain themselves :
Manumission 1 " I do hereby manumit & set free from Bondage my
Caty Allen, j Negro Child Caty Allen.
"Witness my hand & seal this IStli day of Kot.,
A.D. 1805.
LORANNA Allen."" "
" Keceived, December the Eighteenth, one thousand seven hundred &.
Ninety-Seven, of Henry Cliffton, in behalf of Mingo Whano, the sum of
seventy-five pounds, proclamation money of the State of New Jersey, it
being the full consideration for a certain Negro Woman named Christiana
& her Child named Samuel Coates Whano, sold by me this Day to the
said Mingo Whano & to his Heirs and assigns forever, reed, per me.
Jacob Kace, Junr."" "
Mingo Whano, thus having purchased his wife and
her son, manumitted them in due form, as is wit-
nessed by John Rockhill and Robert Emley, and re-
corded by Henry Cliffton.
The following extract from an inventory of the
personal estate of Dr. James Willson, taken March
15, 1777, shows that it was no trifling matter to set up
housekeeping at that time :
£ e. d.
6 Bushels of WTieat in seller 2 6
1^ barrels of Pork in seller 10 10
1 Copper Oittle 6 10
1 frying pan 14
I grid Iron 7 6
II mettle SpooDS 6
I Clock 14
6 yds. of 12 Hundred Linnen 2 6
II Coarse Sheats 11
llflneSheats 16 6
1 pare of Smoothing Irons 10
568 lbs. of Bacon at Is. 3d. per pound S5
" By Us,
Egbert Large, "
Joseph King.
MILITARY. '
Unfortunately, there are few records covering the
period of the Revolution. Though never the scene
of hostilities, Franklin, according to reliable tradi-
tional authorities, was visited by detachments from
both the British and the American armies. The
British, it is said, were at one time encamped in the
locust grove northwest of Quakertown. The ofiicers
were quartered in the house of John Allen, now be-
longing to John Laing. It is also a tradition well
established that a part of the American army was
once encamped at Pittstown, where there was a gov-
ernment store-house. This store-house is said to have
been a barn on the farm now owned by Hiram Deats,
who removed the building about twenty years ago.
Tradition says that Washington visited this village
when on his way from Morristown, and stopped for a
short time in the old house that stood partly on the
present site of the dwelling on the same farm.
In the Rebellion, Franklin bore her full share of
the burdens. Co. D, Thirtieth Regiment, and the
Hunterdon companies of the Thirty-first Regiment,
contained many of her patriotic sons, while many
others enlisted and served in the First, Second, Third,
Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, Fifteenth, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-
fifth, Thirty-eighth, and other infantry regiments,
in the Second Cavalry, with a few representatives in
the artillery and naval service.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ASA Mcpherson.
Asa McPherson was born in Raritan township,
Hunterdon Co., N.J., Feb. 2, 1798.
He was a son of Samuel and Betty (Polhemus)
McPherson, and his grandfather was born in Scot-
land, and immigrated to this country. Samuel was
twice married, and had in all seven children, of whom
DANIEL LITTLE.
FRANKLIN.
443
Asa was the first-born. Asa McPherson married
Eliza Porter, of Clinton township, Hunterdon Co.
They had seven children, three of whom died in
childhood. Those living are Samuel, farmer, residing
in the township of Alexandria; Amos, farmer and
drover, of Franklin township ; Theodore, farmer, re-
siding in the same township ; and Mary, wife of the
late George Housel, of Flemington, N. J.
ASA Mcpherson.
Asa McPherson was an active, enterprising business
man of his township, and, as a drover anxi agricul-
turist, accumulated a handsome competence. He was
highly respected as a citizen, was an earnest and san-
guine Eepublican, but in no sense an office-seeker.
He was a member of the Bethlehem Presbyterian
Church till his removal to Flemington, in 1866. He
spent the last years of his life with his daughter in
Flemington, departing this life Feb. 25, 1880, aged
eighty -two years and twenty-three days.
Theodore McPherson, who occupies the old home-
stead, near Cherryville, in Franklin township, was
born on an adjacent farm, and removed here when
about six years of age. He was brought up a farmer,
and has made that his business through life. In 1866
he married Anna Stout, of Mount Salem, Union
township, and has one son, Asa McPherson.
DANIEL LITTLE.
Daniel Little was born on the estate where he now
resides, March 27, 1810. His grandfather, Thomas
Little, purchased the homestead of the executors of
Thomas Eockhill, the deed bearing date Dec. 4, 1749.
After his death the executors conveyed the property
to John and Christy Little, sons of Thomas, in a deed
bearing date Jan. 30, 1804.
Thomas Little married Esther Christy, a native of
Ireland, and had six children, four sons and two
daughters, all deceased. He died before the Eevolu-
tion.
His son, Christy Little, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in a log house which stood upon the
site of the present stone house on the Little estate.
He served five years in the Revolutionary war as
brigade teamster, entering the service at the age of
fifteen and continuing till the close of the war. Ee-
turning home at the close of the war, he settled upon
the farm, and married, Dec. 26, 1801, Eachel, daughter
of Jacob and Joanna Cook. She was born Deo. 28,
1777, and died Feb. 10, 1859 ; he was born Sept. 11,
1761, and died Oct. 17, 1850. Their children were :
1. Charles,* born Sept. 16, 1802; 2. Joanna,* born
April 29, 1804 ; 3. Esther,* born March 9, 1806 ; 4.
Adelaide,* born Dec. 27, 1807 ; 5. Daniel, born March
27, 1810 ; 6. Sedgwick, born April 5, 1812 ; 7. Mahala,
born July 25, 1814; 8. Thirza, born Dec. 12, 1817.
The four members of the family living reside at
and in the immediate vicinity of Littletown. Mahala
married George Besson, and Thirza, William Taylor,
farmers.
Daniel Little was brought up on the homestead,
which has been in the possession of the family since
1749, and received such education as the schools of
his neighborhood afforded. His occupation has-been
farming and milling, having been joint proprietor
with his brother Sedgwick in the flouring-mills at
Littletown for seven years, fi-om 1886 to 1843 ; at the
latter date he sold his interest to his brother, and has
since given his attention to agriculture. He is a
Democrat in politics, and has discharged the duties
of the most important local township offices. He has
been for some three years past an elder in the King-
wood Presbyterian Church, and for many years a
member of its board of trustees.
Mr. Little married Maria Hoff, Dec. 6, 1839, who
was born Feb. 11, 1821, and died Aug. 2, 1856. They
have two daughters, Margaret Ann, residing at home,
and Emma Eelis, wife of Norris Shupe, of Shiloh,
Ohio.
ASA CASE.
Asa Case, son of William and Eachel (Evans)
Case, was born in Earitan township, Hunterdon Co.,
N. J., April 14, 1821. He is the youngest of fifteen
children, twelve of whom reached maturity, and his '
life has been devoted to agricultural and horticultural
pursuits. The farm on which he now resides consists
of one hundred and fifteen acres of well-improved land.
He purchased the farm eleven years ago, and has since
given his attention chiefly to peach-growing, from
which he has realized very successful results. He is
444
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
a devoted temperance man, and an exemplary mem-
ber of the Baptist Church at Chenyville. July 24,
1847, Mr. Case married Elizabeth Ann Rodenbock, a
ASA CASE.
native of Hunterdon County. She is a member of
the Baptist Church and teacher in the Sunday-school.
Of the four children, the fruit of their marriage,
three, two daughters and one son, are living, and are
also church members with their parents.
HIRAM BEATS.
The subject of this sketch is of German descent on
his father's side. His grandfather, William Deats
(Deitz), came from Germany and settled in Hunter-
don County, about four miles northwest of Fleming-
ton, where he followed the occupation of a wheel-
wright, being a workman of great skill and ingenuity.
He had a family of several children, of whom John,
the father of our subject, was the only son.
John Deats married Ursilla, daughter of Capt. Eli-
sha Barton, who, with his eldest son, Henry, served
through the Revolutionary war. Capt. Barton lived
on the old homestead in Raritan township both before
and after the war, and died there about 1820. The
property then passed to his son John, and from him
to his son Isaac, and from Isaac to his son John, the
present occupant. Mr. Deats has lived to see five
generations on the old homestead of his maternal
grandfather, and the sixth growing up in its imme-
diate neighborhood. Three generations lie buried in
the old graveyard on the place.
John Deats, like his father, was a wheelwright by
trade, and followed that occupation most of his life.
He began early to experiment in plows, and made the
model of the celebrated Deats plow, which, in the
hands of his son Hiram, has become so widely and
favorably known. He obtained the patent for it, and,
not being able to engage in its manufacture, went
West for the purpose of disposing of rights there, and
never returned.
Hiram Deats was then a young man verging upon
his majority. He was born April 12, 1810, and had
spent a portion of his minority in working at the
shoemaker's trade near Flemington. The thought
occurred to him that he could take his father's model
and do something with it in the way of manufactur-
ing plows for his immediate neighbors. He was a
young man, then scarcely of age and extremely poor,
and he little dreamed of the magnitude to which the
business would ultimately grow. The wish to do
something in this direction was father to the deed,
and in 1831 Mr. Deats began at Quakertown, near
his early home, the manufacture of a plow which has
well stood the test of all competition for fifty years.
Being of an ingenious turn, the patterns for the first
castings were made by him, and he was able to turn
his hand to almost any mechanical job required in the
fitting up and working of his foundry and shop, a
gift or faculty which was really the key to his future
success; for, had he been obliged to hire all these
things done, he never could have succeeded, and his
enterprise must have died in its infancy. For many
years he was sucoessfiil in everything he touched,
and, indeed, his whole life since has fiirnished but
few exceptions to this general rule of prosperity.
In 1831, as we have said, he began manufacturing
the Deats plow near Quakertown. In 1836 he started
a small foundry for the ca;sting of his plows. To this
he added the casting of stoves, which grew to be a
considerable business and continued till 1852, when
he divided the business, transferring the stove-casting
to Stockton, N. J., and built a machine-shop at Pitts-
town, on the site of the old fulling-mill which was
originally used as a grist-mill in the time of the Rev-
olutionary war and afterwards, using the same pond
and tail-race which were then used. (This was the
only grist-mill throughout a large extent of country
at that early day.) At this shop he commenced the
manufacture of horse-powers, threshing-machines,
corn-shellers, etc., leaving the foundry and plow
business at Quakertown.
Seven years after, in 1859, he moved to Pittstown,
and built an addition to the machine-shop and a new
foundry the same year, bringing all the business from
Quakertown, and in the year following added to the
business the manufacture of reapers and mowers.
Seven years later, in October, 1866, he formed a co-
partnership with William J. Case, Rhutson Case and
his son, L. M. Deats, doing business under the firm-
name of Deats, Case & Co. Seven years later Rhut-
son Case bought the interest of William J. Case, and
LEBANON.
445
the business was conducted under the name of L. M.
Beats & Co, making in all fifty years up to April,
1881
A severe blow fell upon Mr. Deats and his house-
hold in the death of his son, Lemuel Madison Deats,
whose name stands at the head of the iirm. He de-
parted this life July 26, 1879, in the prime of his
manhood and usefulness.
Li 1850, Mr. Deats bought the very desirable prop-
erty at Pittstown where he now lives. Upon this
property stood an old house and barn which were
there during the Eevolutionary war, the barn being
then used as a government store-house, and the
house, it is said, was that at which Gen. Washington
stopped for a time on his return with a portion of his
army from Morristown, after their hard winter there.
The present house is partly on the old site, and three
long stones used as steps to the old house are now
used at the entrance to the yard.
Mr. Deats is known, and has been for half a cen-
tury, as one of the most busy mechanics in this sec-
tion of the countiy, devoting more hours to work and
business than most of his contemporaries. He is
now, though on the shady side of seventy, engaged in
his general business, in superintending improvements
on his farm near Flemington, and in the erection of a
large brick building in the village, interests which
require his constant care and attention.
Mr. Deats married, first, Nov. 10, 1838, Rebecca,
daughter of Jonathan Higgins, of Hillsborough, Som-
erset Co. She was born June 26, 1820, and died Aug.
6, 1862. Four children were the fruit of this mar-
riage, three sons and one daughter, of whom only the
latter survives. Their names and dates of birth are
as follows: Jonathan H. Deats, born Nov. 8, 1840,
died Aug. 16, 1850 ; Emly Ogden Deats, born Sept.
13, 1842, died Oct. 31, 1866; Lemuel Madison Deats,
born June 23, 1845, died July 26, 1879; Rebecca
Julia Deats, born Oct. 11, 1848.
Mr. Deats married, for his second wife, Elmira
Stevenson, of La Salle Co., 111., by whom he has one
son, Hiram E., born May 20, 1870.
LEBANON.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This is the extreme northern township of Hunter-
don County, and is bounded northeast by Morris
County; southeast by Tewksbury and High Bridge
townships; southwestby Bethlehem township; north-
west by Warren County. The Musconetcong Creek
is the dividing line between this township and War-
ren County.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface is quite uneven, rising at some points
several hundred feet above tide-water. A ridge of the
Musconetcong Mountains runs nearly east and west
across the township, forming the divide, the waters on
the south falling into Spruce Run, while those on the
north empty into the Musconetcong Creek.
The principal stream is Spruce Run. It rises in
School District No. 1, a little above Anthonytown,
flowing southwesterly, westerly through the centre of
township, and southerly, breaking through the moun-
tain at Glen Gardner and Clarksville. The South
Branch of the Raritan is the dividing line between
this township and Tewksbury.
The soil is, as a rule, susceptible of a high state of
cultivation, especially along the Musconetcong, Spruce
Run, and Raritan River.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Among the pioneers was Abraham Banghart, better
known as " Uncle Abram." He lived on the land pur-
chased by his father in 1765. His grandfather came
from Rhinebeck, Germany, and hired out as a team-
ster with Allen & Turner at Solitude Forge. His son
George purchased 300 acres of William, Richard, and
Daniel Coxe, of Burlington, and built a log house on
the same spot where " Uncle Abram" lived and died,
in School District No. 7. George married Abraham
Van Buskirk's daughter, who lived on the farm now
occupied by Samuel Apgar. Thomas Van Buskirk
lived where the late James Force lived and died.
Frederick Fritts lived near the Lutheran church, and
Jacob Lernenger at what is now "White Hall."
These, with others living at quite a distance, united
in building the Lutheran church at Spruce Run,
about 1795.
Uncle Abram used to say that his father, though
a leading church-member, would attend parties and
was the usual fiddler at dances. Spinning-frolics,
which were very common, always wound up with
a dance and "going home with the girls in the morn-
ing."
In those days wild turkeys were quite often seen
in this vicinity, and as late as 1820 deer were very
plenty in Lebanon township.
James Force was one of the pioneer settlers, near
what is now Glen Gardner. His grandfather, Wil-
liam Force, in company with two brothers, came from
England. He married a Miss Wolliver, whose father
was from Rhinebeck, Germany. Thomas Force was
446
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
a millwright, and settled at Rowland's Mills over a
hundred years ago.
Among other pioneers near the Spruce Run Lu-
theran church were Mathias Castner, Morris Fritts,
Leonard Hipp, Thomas Foss, Philip Crater, William
Fritts, Jacob Terreberry, Jacob Lunger, Andrew
Banghart, John Banghart, Thomas Banghart, Isaac
Hildebrant, and William Taylor, all of whose de-
scendants live on the old homestead or in the
vicinity.
In what is now School District No. 5, where the
old homesteads are nearly or quite all occupied by
those of a direct line of descendants, there located
the Castner family, Daniel, Jacob S., and Crazy
Jake, Joseph Foss, Joseph Thomas, Samuel Wea-
ver, William F. Fritts, George Ackerman, and
Thomas Aston. In District No. 4 there were Peter
Castner, William E. Prall, and J. Stearns, son of
Abram ; in No. 8 Richard Rounsavall (where S. Shep-
herd now lives), Joseph Johnson, Joseph L. Bowlby,
David Parks, and Jacob Johnson.
In School District No. 2 the Hicksonbough, Backer,
Huffman, Erts, and Lauce families represent the
pioneers.
The pioneers of School District No. 3 were George
and Matthias Trimmer. One of Matthias Trimmer's
sons now occupies the old homestead on which his
father located over one hundred years ago. The
Neighbours and Huffmans were also among the pio-
neers in the southeast part of the township.
White Hall District was settled about 1765 by
Jacob Lenenger, Stoffle Hildebrant, George Fritts,
John P. Lance, John Apgar, Paul Anthony, Christo-
pher Tiger, and John Anderson.
June 10, 1772, Samuel Johnson and Mary, his wife,
sold 125 acres to " Peter Van Boskerk," covering the
farm now owned by John Eveland, the hotel property
of E. Humphrey, and other lots in the village of Glen
Gardner. The same land was sold to the grandfather
of John Eveland by Van Buskirk.
enOST STOEY.
Among the old stories best remembered in this
locality is that of the Morristown ghost. Tom Bang-
hart says that some men from this locality were
among the victims. In 1788 one Eansford Rogers,
a school-teacher from Connecticut, professing a deep
knowledge of chemistry, pretended that it gave him
power of raising good and dispelling evil spirits, and
through them of finding hidden treasure. A tradi-
tion was then current that immense sums of money
lay buried at Schooley's Mountain. Rogers, taking
advantage of this, formed a company and held secret
meetings at midnight, drawing dupes into a " charmed
circle" and performing incantations too various to
mention. The whole upper part of Hunterdon County
was excited over the matter, and numbers believed
in it till the chief actor, getting drunk, revealed him-
self, a ghost of flesh and blood, and was sent to jail.
There are many versions of this matter, but these are
the main facts.
EXTRACTS FROM PIONEER RECORDS.
'* Lebanon, March 17, 1734. Election of officers : Schooley and Hollo-
way, Freeholders; Samuel Schooley, George Malloat, Overseers of the
Poor; John Moore, Assessor; Abraham McDaniels, Collector; Edward
Barber, Gasper Hendershott, Commissioners of Highways ; Lawrence
Howleson, Jacob Angell, Overseers of Highways ; James McGraden,
Constable.
" May, 1734. Upon the petition of divers of Inhabitants of the town
of Lebanon setting forth that William Phillips of the s'* town retails
liquore by small measure and keeps a disorderly House, & it appearing to
this Court that the s^ Wm. Phillips has no Lycence granted him to keep
a Publick House of Entertainment, it's ordered by the Court that Justice
Martin Ryeraon & Justice John Van Sickle do inquire into the Truth of
the allegation of the said Petition ; & if the said justices shall think it
convenient, they may suppress the said Publick House & order the s* Wra.
Phillips to Retail no more strong liquors by small measures. "
CIVIL HISTORY.
For lack of township records we are unable to give
civil officers of this township prior to 1841. Those
who have served since that date are :
TOWN CLERKS.
1841-42, Andrew Banghart ; 1843^5, James Madison Johnston ; 1846-47,
Peter A. Beavers ; 1848-49, Morris F. Martenis ; 1860-81, David H.
Banghart ; 1862, George Beavers ; 1863, 1864-66, Nelson Read ; 1854-
56, Ambrose Fritts; 1857-58, Michael Banghart; 1869-60, Elias
Fritts; 1861-63, George Banghart; 1866, Stewart F. Bell; 1867-68,
Abraham S. Banghart ; 1869-70, Mansfield H. Beatty; 1871, Christo-
pher Martenis; 1872-73, John H. Parkinson; 1874-76, William V.
PraU; 1877-78, Jacob N. Miller; 1879-80, Eugene Eveland.
ASSESSORS.
1841, Benjamin Fritts; 1842-43, 1848-49, William R. Prall ; 1844-45, 1802-
63, Thomas Banghart; 1846-47, George Beavers; 1850-51, James
Madison Johnston; 1852-63, David H. Banghart; 1864^66, Samuel
Fritts; 1856-57, Morris F. Martenis; 1858-61, Abraham W. Grant;
1864^66, Frederick Fritts; 1867-68, Andrew Crater; 1869-70, 1873-
74, Conrad Davis ; 1871-72, Mansfield H. Beatty ; 1876-76, Joseph Bon-
nell; 1877-80, William V. Prall.
COLLECTORS.
1841^2, Morris Fritts; 1843^14, Bonj. Fritts; 1845-46, Ralph Beavers;
1847, Samuel Fritts ; 1848-49, Leonard Hipp ; 1850-61, Peter C. Apgar ;
1852-53, George Jones ; 1854-66, John Hill ; 1866-67, Abraham W.
Grant ; 1858-69, Lewis Young ; 1860-61, Samuel C. Fritts ; 1862-04.
1867-68, Samuel Beinhart ; 1866-66, Elias V. Creger ; 1869-72, Dennis
Sullivan ; 1873-76, Andrew B. Flomerfelt ; 1876-78, John Eveland ;
1879-80, George W. Beatty.
CONSTABLES.
1841-42, Thom.TS Banghart, Anthony W. Beinhart; 1843-44, Joseph A.
Srope, Thomas Banghart ; 1845, Thomas Banghart, John Dean ; 1846,
John Dean, Abraham Apgar; 1848-60, Thomas Banghart; 1851,
George Jones, Thomas Banghart ; 1862-66, Jacob Crater ; 1856, J. J.
Walters ; 1867, Geo. W. Beatty, Abraham W. Grant ; 1868-60, Abraham
W. Grant ; 1861, John B. Crane ; 1862-66, Thomas Banghart, John
B. Cremmer ; 1866, J. B. Cremmer, Andrew Crater, Thomas Bang-
hart ; 1867, Andrew Crater, Nelson Read ; 1868, Mai-tin Lunger, N.
Read, George C. Trinmier ; 1869, Coni-ad Davis, Martin Lunger, Mar-
tin O'Brien ; 1870, Thomas L. Anderson, William McCann, John S.
Cox ; 1871-72, T. L. Anderson, William McCann ; 1873, W. MoCann,
Henry Peirce, T. L. Anderson ; 1874, T. L. Anderson, John H. Par-
kinson, W. McCann ; 1876-77, T. L. Anderson, A. B. Banghart ; 1878-
80, T. L. Anderson, Stewart T. Bell.
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1841, Abram Banghart, Peter C. Apgar, David Neighbour, George Franks,
Jacob Anthony ; 1842, Anthony W. Reinhart, A. Banghart, D. Neigh-
bour, P. C. Apgar, Geo. Pranks, Jacob Anthony ; 1843, Lewis Young,
D. Neighbour, Peter H. Rowland, George Franks, David P. Srope ;
1844, Lewis Young, Samuel Fritts, Peter H. Rowland, D. P. Srope,
William R. Prall ; 1845, George Foss, Samuel Fritts, Benjamin Fritts,
LEBANON.
447
D. P. Srope, W. R. Prall ; 1846, George Fobb, Jacob M. Trimmer,
Benjamin Fritts, George Jones, Morris F. Martenis ; 1847, William C.
Beavers, Frederick Lance, G. Jones, M. F. Martenis, Lewis Toung ;
1848, Frederick I. Hoffman, F. Lance, Sylvester Bowlby, Andrew
Banghart, Lewis Toung ; 1849, F.I. Hoffman, A. Banghart, S. Bowlby,
Abram Banghart, John S. Davis; 1850, Abram Banghart, John S.
Davis, Peter Eveland, Zacharlah Flomerfelt, Andrew Banghart ; 1861,
Z. Flomerfelt, P. Eveland, Jacob Pence, Andrew Banghart, Benjamin
Fritts; 1862, Benj. Fritts, J. Pence, Nelson Bennett, Charles Force,
Richard Rounsavall; 1853, George W. Beatty, N. Bennett, Lewis
Toung, Jacob A. Wise, Joseph B. Fritts; 1854, L. Toung, J. A. Wise,
G. W. Beaty, J. B. Tritts, W. E. Prall; 1865, W. E. Prall, G. W.
Bowlby, Ranee H. Gray, Elias Fritts, Jacob Anthony ; 1856, Ranee
H. Gray, E. Fritts, George W. Bowlby, J. Anthony, John C. Miller ;
1857, J. C. Miller, G. W. Beaty, John Eveland, E. Fritts, R. H. Gray;
1858, J. Eveland, Q. W. Beaty, Nathan Lance, Adam Reinhart, Nel-
son Read ; 1859, Adam Reinhart, Nathan Lance, R. H. Gray, D. H.
Banghart, B. S. Beavers ; 1860, N. Lance, D. H. Banghart, Ranee H.
Gray, E. S. Beavers, Abram S. Banghart ; 1861, Nathan Lance, D. H.
Banghart, Elias V. Creger, A. S. Banghart, Ebenezer S. BeaveiB;
1862-63, D. H. Banghart, E. S. Beavers, A. S. Banghart, E. V. Oreger,
Martin O'Brien; 1864, Abram Banghart, George Banghart, Martin
O'Brien, E. "V. Creger, Cornelius Stewart ; 1865, C. Stewart, George
Banghart, M. O'Brien, Leonard Neighbour, Ira C. Anderson ; 1866, 0.
Stewart, Daniel C. Anderson, Peter Walters, L. G. Neighbour, Jona-
than M. Welsted ; 1867-68, C. Stewart, D. C. Anderson, G. Banghart,
J. A. Wise, William S. Brown ; 1869-70, J. A. Wise, John Gardner,
G. Banghart, Isaiah Trimmer, Joseph B. Fritts ; 1871, G. Banghart,
J. B. Fritts, J. A. Wise, G. Gardner, D. C. Anderson ; 1872, D. C. An-
derson, William Beatty, J. B. Fritts, George Gardner, Peter Martenis ;
1873, D. C. Anderson, P. Martenis, G. Gardner, G. W. Beatty, William
Beatty ; 1874, John Wise, John Fritts, G. W. Beatty, W. Beatty, P.
Martenis ; 1875, P. Martenis, W. Beatty, J. Fritts, Isaiah Apgar, John
Wise; 1876, P. Martenis, John Fritts, I. Apgar, Andrew Castner,
John C. Miller ; 1877, L. H. Trimmer, George K. Bird, Christopher
Bryant, J. Apgar, A. S. Banghart ; 1878, G. K. Bird, L. H. Trimmer,
J. C. Miller, Joseph Hipp, P. 0. Castner; 1879, G. K. Bird, John 0.
Apgar, Jacob Hipp; 1880, John C. Apgar, Jacob Hipp, John M.
Shannon.
The chosen freeholders from 1800 to 1880 may he
found on page 264 of this volume.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
JirerCTION is situated in the northwest corner of the
township, a considerable portion of it reaching over
into Bethlehem township ; it is comparatively a new
town. Here is the junction of the New Jersey Cen-
tral and the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Kail-
roads, from which fact the place derived' its name.
Previous to the advent of the Central Railroad, in
1852, there was no village here. But when it became
established that the junction of the two roads was to
be at this point, one sprang into existence as if by
magic. A plot was surveyed, building loan associa-
tions formed, and when the Delaware, Lackawanna
and Western was completed to this point, in 1857, a
thriving village was ready to welcome it. The lands
upon which it is located were formerly owned by John
Bowlby, M. D. Wells, Nathan Terreberry, and A.
Skillman.
The Central Railroad, in 1865, built extensive re-
pair-shops, machine-shops, etc., here, which caused a
speedy increase of population. The Delaware, Lack-
awanna and Western also built similar shops, which
made a still greater demand for tenement-houses,
stores, etc.
The pioneer tavern was built in 1852, a short dis-
tance west of the railroad shops, by Joseph BonneU.
The house is now owned by Chester V. Dilley, and is
unoccupied. The present National Hotel, opposite
the depot, was built by Dennis Sullivan, in 1865, and
in 1867 the " Junction House," a little farther west,
was built by D. T. McCarthy.
The pioneer store was kept by M. D. Wells, a short
distance east of the Delaware, Lackawanna and West-
ern Railroad shops.
Wells' Hall was built in 1875, on the corner of
Main Street and Wells' Avenue, and is three stories
high. The lower floor is occupied by stores and the
post-oflBce, the second is a public hall, and the third
is occupied by four diiferent civic societies.
The first physician was Philip G. Creveling, in
1866. The pioneer postmaster was M. D. Wells, ap-
pointed in 1865, and still holding the oflSce. The first
church was built by the Roman Catholics in 1860.
It was in the west part of the town, and is now occu-
pied as a private dwelling. The present Roman
Catholic church was built in 1865.
Business is represented by ten or more stores, a
blacksmith-, tailor-, shoe-, and other shops, three ho-
tels, a school-house, and three cigar-manufactories.
VILLAGES.
Glen Gardner is located on the extreme western
border of the township, in a romantic glen through
which winds the Belvidere and Burlington turnpike
(laid out more than a century and a quarter ago), and
the Central Railroad of New Jersey, built here in
1852
Over a century ago this locality was known as
Eveland's Tavern, and soon the glen became known
far and near by the name of " Sodom."
Just when the first settler located it is impossible
to say. John Eveland built and kept a tavern as
early as 1760. The present hotel covers a part of the
site of the old one. John Eveland kept the tavern
for fifty-five years, his son, Peter, for forty, his grand-
son, John, for ten, when the property was purchased
by E. Humphrey, present owner and proprietor. It
is now known as the " Clarksville Hotel." Jacob
Leninger built a saw-mill near the tavern ; it stood
adjoining the site of the present grist-mill.
Soon after (or about 1800) the population of " So-
dom' ' commenced changing quite rapidly. The pioneer
store was kept by a Mr. Clark, in 1820, on the oppo-
site side of the road from the present " Hunterdon
manufactory." A post-office seeming to be a neces-
sity. Dr. W. A. A. Hunt was appointed, about 1820,
and the office was named Clarksville, in honor of the
old merchant, and kept in his store. The place is
now better known as Clarksville than as either Sodom
or Glen Gardner, as the one is nearly forgotten, while
the other is of such recent origin that it has not come
into general use.
James Smith succeeded Mr. Clark in the old store-
house in the bank, and was followed by Dr. W. A. A.
448
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Hunt, who moved the building up to near his resi-
dence, where he kept both store and post-ofiice.
Adam Runkle first kept the store on the west side
of the creek, at the end of what is now the iron bridge,
as. early as 1825. Other merchants were John and
Aaron McKinstry, Prall & Eunkle, Lewis Young,
James P. Huffman, Samuel and Jacob Weller, L. W.
Young & Son, Young & Grant, and Watson Ander-
son. In 1864 the Gardner Brothers established their
chair-manufactory, when the name of the post-office
and village was changed to " Glen Gardner" in their
honor.
There are three churches (Methodist Episcopal,
Presbyterian, and Lutheran), one academy, a hotel,
two grist-mills, a frame-factory, four stores, a coal-
and-lumber yard, several shops, and a railroad depot,
with Samuel Van Arsdale as agent ; Lewis F. Bigelow
is the present postmaster. Population, 700.
LowEE, Valley is a small hamlet situated in
School District No. 3. There are a church, school-
house, the post-ofiice, and about a dozen dwellings
located within a mile of the four corners where the
church is situated.
Anthonytown, on the highlands of Hunterdon
County, in School District No. 1, was settled as early
as 1825 by David and Philip Anthony. There are at
present a Methodist church, a school-house, a store,
two saw-mills, blacksmith- and wheelwright-shops,
and a few dwellings. The first store was kept by
Jacob Beatty, in 185.3. A post-ofiice was established
in 1860, with G. W. Beatty as postmaster ; he still acts
in that capacity.
White Hall is located in School District No. 6,
on the south side of the township, and was settled as
early as 1800, when Jacob Leuinger kept tavern here.
The house had become weatherbeaten, and the pro-
prietor painted it white ; hence the name by which
the village has been known for eighty or more years.
There are a tavern, store, blacksmith- and wheel-
wright-shop, and half a dozen dwellings.
New Hampton, situated on the Musconetcong
Creek, in the northwest corner of the township, was
settled as early as 1800. .The first tavern, kept by
Elisha Matlick in 1812, is still standing, a short distance
up the road, but unoccupied. There are a store, hotel,
cabinet-manufactory, blacksmith- and wheelwright-
shop, grist-mill, school-house, and about twenty-five
dwellings. The present postmaster is George Apgar.
CEMETERIES.
There are several burial-places in this township,
some of which are private plats or family grounds on
the " old homestead," but the one in which the most
interest centres is probably the " Spruce Run Burying-
Ground," which is located about a mile east of Glen
Gardner, and opposite the Evangelical Lutheran
church.
The following names and dates, taken from the tomb-
stones and monuments in these grounds, give an idea
of who the pioneers were : Anna Apgar, born Nov.
20, 1795, died July 4, 1877 ; George Apgar, died Nov.
6, 1864, aged seventy-one; Margaret Stymets, died
June 8, 1809, aged eighty-one ; Frederick Fritts, Jr.,
died Aug. 23, 1812, aged fifty-three ; Daniel Castner,
died Feb. 12, 1839, aged eighty-two; George Moore,
died Jan. 2, 1815, aged ninety. On his headstone are
the following lines :
" Remember me as you pass by :
As you are now, so once was I ;
As I am now you aU must be ;
Prepare for death, and follow me. "
Elizabeth Moore, died Oct. 17, 1810, aged seventy-
seven; Christopher Martenis, died April 19, 1822,
aged seventy-seven; Catharine McKinney, died
March 2, 1863, aged eighty-five ; John McDan-
iels, born July 1, 1785, died March 17, 1864;
Peter Swick, died May 1, 1844, aged forty-six; Mary
Larue, died April 17, 1856, aged fifty-five; Harman
Dilts, died Oct. 28, 1842, aged forty-two ; Benjamin
Fritts, born Nov. 11, 1781, died Sept. 29, 1861 ; Wil-
liam F. Fritts, born April 18, 1783, died Jan. 27,
1871 ; Eachael Fritts, born June 13, 1789, died March
28, 1870 ; John Anderson, died Feb. 27, 1865, aged
ninety-six ; Ann Anderson, died March 8, 1860, aged
seventy-four; Thomas Hasten, died Dec. 15, 1835,
aged eighty-eight; Margaret Hasten, died Dec. 15,
1852, aged ninety-one ; George Martenis, died April
15, 1860, aged seventy-five ; Jane M., wife of J. G.
More, died Feb. 7, 1864, aged eighty-one; Rev. E.
Collins, died Jan. 1, 1861, aged sixty-five ; Abraham
H. Banghart, died Sept. 26, 1872, aged sixty-three ;
Andrew Moore, born May 15, 1764, died June 1, 1846 ;
Jacob Lininger, died Aug. 15, 1835, aged eighty-two ;
Thomas Banghart, died May 12, 1859, aged eighty;
Rebecca Banghart, died May 10, 1876, aged eighty-
three; Christian Foss, died Oct. 8, 1865, aged sixty-
nine ; Charles Plum, died April 29, 1860, aged thirty-
nine; Rev. David Kline, born Nov. 14, 1812, died
Nov. 5, 1877 ; Jane Kirkpatrick, wife of Rev. David
Kline, born June 19, 1814, died June 1, 1875.
Lower Valley Cemetery is located at Lower
Valley, in the southeast part of the township, and
adjoining the Presbyterian church lot. This, aside
from the Spruce Run grounds, is the only one of much
interest in the township. The names of a few of those
buried there are : Elizabeth Gray, died June 19, 1867,
aged forty-four ; William Neighbour, died March 10,
1878, aged eighty-three; Jacob Swackhamer, born
Dec. 31, 1789, died April 20, 1851 ; Dr. J. K. Stryker,
died Sept. 8, 1862, aged forty-one ; Conrad Hoppough,
died Oct. 23, 1864, aged seventy ; Ralph Beavers, died
March 31, 1863, aged eighty-one; Elizabeth Apgar,
died March 27, 1863, aged eighty-two ; David Trim-
mer, died March 1, 1824, aged sixty-five; Elizabeth
Flomerfelt, died Aug. 26, 1848, aged sixty-nine; Wil-
liam Apgar, died Feb. 19, 1835, aged sixty-six; Joseph
Hoover, died Aug. 28, 1843, aged fifty-four; Sylvanus
Young, died Dec. 11, 1857, aged eighty-two ; Leonard
'aS
LEBANON.
449
Neighbour, died Dec. 10, 1854, aged ninety; Peter
Bunn, born April 17, 1794, died Sept. 15, 1874; Ele-
anor Hofl&nan, died Nov. 18, 1869, aged seventy-two ;
Catharine Teeter, died April 13, 1837, aged seventy-
two ; William Wack, died Jan. 30, 1864, aged seventy-
two ; Ann Hance, wife of David Neighbour, died Dec.
2, 1834, aged thirty-four; Elizabeth, wife of David
Neighbour, died July 22, 1857, aged fifty-eight.
SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS.
The Temple of Honor at Glen Gardner was organ-
ized Nov. 28, 1872. The following persons signed
the application for a charter : L. M. Castner, George
Crater, George L. Dean, Lewis Fritts, David Hart,
William Hart, Moses Housel, Samuel Litts, E. A.
Martenis, Frank Maxwell, Peter Nelson, P. H. Pras-
ter, Henry R. Queen, James G. Shnltz, Elwood S.
Teats, Joseph J. Unanst.
The first principal officers were : W. C. T., Samuel
Litts ; W. V. T., Henry R. Queen ; W. R., Lewis M.
Castner.
The failure of the factories has very seriously af-
fected the society. It still lives, but has only 12
members. The present officers are: W. C, M. G.
Housel; W. V., J. Robbins; W. R., S. K. Doolittle;
W. F. E., T. E. Hunt; W. T., W. M. Hunt; W. W.,
J. Petty; W. G., M. Geary; W. S., C. Martenis; W.
Chaplain, C. H. Traver.
Shabbekong Tribe, No. 46, I. O. of R. M., is
located at Junction. The tribe was originally organ-
ized at Washington, Warren Co., N. J., but was re-
moved to Junction, where the tribe was reorganized
June 21, 1878, with the following officers and members
under the new charter: Sachem, A. Weidmann ; S. S.,
William Huselton; I. S., J. Duckworth; 0. S., C. G.
Blackford; K. of W., John Hoppock; C. of R., A. M.
Young ; and J. R. Rex, E. B. Hoppock, Charles Weid-
mann, William B. Smith, G. German, William Rex,
John S. Rodenbaugh, A. Rinehart, A. B. Apgar, S.
Bowlby, S. Apgar, A. Nigh, J. B. McLean, H. Husel-
ton, William Brown, P. Young, William Dorland, A.
Apgar, James Brown, N. Conover, J. Walters, and W.
Busenberry. Wells' Hall was fitted up for the tribe
in the summer of 1880, at a cost of $300. The tribe
is now in a flourishing condition, with 75 members.
The Past Sachems are A. Weidmann, D. D. G. S.,
George Hummel, William Huselton. The present offi-
cers are : Sachem, John Duckworth ; P. S., William
Huselton ; S. S., G. W. Winters ; I. S., William Dor-
land; K. of W., John Hoppock; C. of R., 0. J.
Blackford.
The following-named charter members of " George
W. Taylor Post, No. 9, G. A. R.," were mustered in
Oct. 24, 1878, at Junction: Capt. W. M. Shipman, A.
Weidmann, Everett Gordon, Capt. Nelson Bennett,
;; Mahlon Smith, Bishop Smith, George Hummel, Hal-
; sey Berry, Stuart Bowlby, John Busenberry, Miller
',' Bell, John J. Bennett, William Cooper, William Flatt,
Jethro German, Daniel Grooendyke, Theodore Hunt,
Theodore Hoffiman, John W. Jobes, David S. John-
son, Edward Lewis, P. D. Morgan, J. B. McLean,
Almier Nigh, George W. Winters, U. A. Walton, and
Herman Althemus. Everett Gordon was the first Com-
mander; the present Commander (1881) is Miller G..
Bell.
Clarksville Cornet Band was organized at Glen
Gardner in 1871 by members of the " Order of United
American Mechanics," with eighteen pieces, and for
several years sustained a reputation second to none in
the county. The band at present has twelve members,
with officers as follows: John L. Tunison, President;
William Stevenson, Secretary ; David Siegfried, Treas-
urer; George Smith, Leader; Lewis F. Bigelow,.
Instructor.
Musconetcong Lodge, No. 98, K. of P., was in-
stituted at Junction, June 9, 1874, by William R.
Laudenberger, H. S. Puterbaugh, G. E. Hummel, E.
E. Welsted, William C. Staples, M. D. Wells, Charles
Ward, M. L. Van Arsdale, Charles Foster, and others
whose names we were unable to obtain. The first
officers were: C. C, W. E. Laudenberger; V. C, H.
S. Puterbaugh ; P., G. E. Hummel ; K. of E. and S.,
M. D. Wells ; M. A., Charles Ward ; M. of E., W. C.
Staples. The successive presiding officers have been
H. S. Puterbaugh, G. E. Hummel, Charles Ward, M.
D. Wells, T. T. Cyphert, Howard Frendsch, A. M.
Young, E. P. Sharp, John Prall, T. T. Cyphert. The
present officers are : P. C, John Prall ; C. C, James
Bowlby; V. C, Alexander Lukens; P., Hannibal
Bowlby; M. of A., Uriah Rinehart; K. of E. and
S., E. S. Anderson ; M. of E., W. R. Laudenberger ;
I. G., Halsey Berry; 0. G., A. P. Shive. Present
membership, 45.
Lebanon Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M., was organ-
ized at Clarksville in 1870, and assigned the number
originally belonging to a lodge at this place, consti-
tuted, as the number indicates, in the early days of
Masonry in New Jersey. The following officers were
installed : W. M., David Bruce ; S. W., Robert Fo-
zard ; J. W., Monroe Curtis ; S. D., Stewart Terri-
berry; J. D., Christopher Staats; Treas., John
Eveland; Sec, Richard W. Taylor; Tiler, John
C. Tomey. The Past Masters have been David
Bruce, Robert Fozard, Monroe Curtis, John C.
Tomey, James Huntsman, John C. Reeves, Peter S.
Shurts, H. S. Puterbaugh, John M. Shannon, and
I. J. Eyears.
The present officers are : W. M., I. J. Eyears ; S.
W., L. F. Bigelow ; J. W., W. H. Parker ; Treas.,
James Huntsman ; Sec, A. S. Pittenger ; Chaplain,
John C. Reeves; S. D., P. S. Shrope; J. D., J. M.
Shannon ; Tiler, R. W. Wolverton. Present mem-
bership, 46.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The grist-mill in School District No. 3, at " Cater-
town" or " Teetertown," owned and operated by
Lawrence H. Trimmer, was built in 1855. The
old Wack mill stood upon the same site, and was
450
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
known for many years as "Wack's Mills." S. Dor-
land's grist-mill, in School District No. 2, was built
in 1820, and is now operated by George Apgar. At
Anthonytown there are two saw-mills, one built in
1830 by David Anthony, the other in 1840 by Wil-
liam Waters. In the northeast corner of the town-
ship there was a grist-mill, built as early as 1785, but
it was burned, and in or about 1855 the present one
was built by J. W. Homer. The place is known as
Homer's Mills. Beatty's saw-mill, about a mile south
of this, was built in 1855, by William Beatty, and is
still owned by him.
The " Point Mills," on the Musconetcong Creek,
below Homer's mill, were built about 1800 by Stephen
Yanatta, and here George Painter was miller in 1810.
These mills were once owned by Dr. Clark, of Belvi-
dere. They are now owned and operated by Pidcock
& Skinner.
The grist-mill on this side the Musconetcong, at
New Hampton, was built in 1800 by Henry Dusen-
berry. It is now owned by Wyckoff, Einehart & Co.
The saw- and grist-mills of Josiah Apgar, located on
Spruce Run, were built in 1865. The saw-mill of I.
Bryan, below Apgar's, was built about 1835 by
John Crater. In or about 1805, Thomas Foss built
a grist-mill on Spruce Run, still known as the " Foss"
mill, but owned by David L. Everitt.
The first grist-mill at Glen Gardner was built about
1760. It was in use for a hundred years, when it was
taken down, and the present one built in 1862 by
Lewis Young ; now owned by William W. Sweazy.
The grist-mill farther down the stream was built in
1835 by Dr. W. A. A. Hunt, and is now operated by
David H. Banghart. A stone " bark-mill" was built
in 1816 on the present site of the " Hunterdon Manu-
facturing" mill ; it was subsequently converted into a
grist-mill, but was destroyed by the " great freshet"
of 1851.
In 1864 " The Gardner Chair-Manufacturing Com-
pany" built three large frame mills up the small glen
on First Street, east of the railroad, and for a time
employed hundreds of hands, but in a few years the
business was abandoned, and the mills are now idle.
In 1868 the Hunterdon picture-frame factory was
built, and Got. 4, 1869, about half the building was
destroyed by a freshet, but immediately rebuilt. Dr.
Hunt became proprietor subsequently. The building
is now used as a store-house for surplus goods.
In 1830, J. S. Prall & Son built a large cabinet-
shop and fnrniture-manufactory at New Hampton,
with steam as the motive-power; they are still in
business. A sash-and-blind factory was built by Dr.
Hunt about 1865, operated a few years, and aban-
doned. The blacksmith- and wheelwright-shops at
Little Brook are owned and operated by William and
George Anderson.
The mine at White Hall was formerly the property
of George Fritts, but is now owned by Alvah Gray
and worked by the " Hellertown Mining Company."
The other mines in the township are not working
at present.
CHURCHES.
MOUNT LEBANON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
A meeting was held in the wheelwright-shop of
William Hight, in the township of Lebanon, March
21, 1844, to adopt measures for the erection of a Meth-
odist church, near the eight-square stone school-
house, to be called the " Mount Lebanon Methodist
Episcopal Church." The following building com-
mittee was appointed, which comprised nearly or
quite all the Methodists at Anthonytown or Mount
Lebanon: John Fisher, Joseph T. Gerrard, Christo-
pher Tiger, Henry Lindaberry, and Samuel L. Fisher ;
the last named not being a member of the society. The
committee entered upon their duties at once, and in
May the corner-stone was laid. During the summer
the church was completed and dedicated, at a cost of
$900. It was of stone, 33 by 40 feet, with 16-foot
THE OLD MOUNT LEBANON METHODIST CHURCH.
walls. May 30, 1844, the following trustees were
chosen : John Fisher, Cornelius R. Hight, Joseph
T. Gerrard, Henry Lindaberry, Samuel L. Fisher,
George AV. Beatty, and Charles Watson.
In 1878 the church was remodeled and enlarged,
and a spire 85 feet high added, in which was hung a
bell weighing 1200 pounds, the gift of D. F. Beatty
(now of Washington, N. J.), as was also the organ
now in use. The corner-stone was relaid Sept. 27,
1878. The total cost of repairs and improvements
was $4000.
The first class-leader was Thomas Waters ; present
leader, Christopher Bryan. Local preacher, John H.
Moore ; Stewards, Christopher Bryan, Theodore Mc-
Catherien, John H. Sliker, John L. Lindaberry;
Trustees, John H. Sliker, John H. Moore, George W.
Beatty, John R. Castner, H. Beatty, Theodore Mc-
Catherien. Present membership, 80. John H. Moore
is superintendent of the Sunday-school ; average at-
tendance, 46.
LEBANON.
451
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LOWER VALLEY.
Ttis church is located in the southeast corner of
the township, in the small hamlet of " Lower Valley."
The original members were from other churches, and
more especially from the Presbyterian Church at Ger-
man Valley, with which it was at one time connected.
Many of the members living in the vicinity of Lower
Valley began to feel the need of a place of worship
nearer home, and Sept. 13, 1870, half an acre of land,
upon which the church now stands, was purchased oi
Samuel K. Weller. A building committee was at
once appointed, consisting of Samuel Trimmer, Oliver
Bunn, and David Neighbour. The corner-stone was
laid in May, 1871, by Rev. I. A. Blauvelt, of the
German Valley Church, and the building was com-
pleted and dedicated Dec. 19, 1871. It is of wood, 38
by 65 feet, and cost $12,000.
May 7, 1872, this church was regularly and legally
organized by the " Presbytery of Morris and Orange,"
with the following constituent members : On certijBcate
from German Valley Church, George Neighbour, Eliz-
abeth Neighbour, David Neighbour, Jacob M. Trim-
mer, Susan L. Trimmer, James Trimmer, Catharine
Flumerfelt, Adaline Neighbour, Caroline Apgar, John
Neighbour, Margaret Q. Neighbour, Charles Miller,
Mary Miller, James Foster, Ellen Foster, Elias V.
Cregar, Eliza Ann Cregar, Sylvester Neighbour, Zil-
pha Neighbour, Mary Trimmer, Elizabeth Miller,
Gilbert Trimmer, Caroline Trimmer, Samuel Trim-
mer, Ann C. Trimmer, Leonard G. Neighbour, George
E. Naughwright, Caroline Trimmer, George Apgar,
and Ann Naughwright ; from Pleasant Grove, Rachel
Apgar, Peter Bunn and wife, Abraham Hofiinan and
wife, and Oliver Bunn ; from Flanders, Mary Welch ;
from Reformed Church at High Bridge, Benjamin
Cole and Sophia Cole; from Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Spruce Run, 0. B. Hoffman and Margaret
A. Hoffman.
The first elders were George Neighbour, David
Neighbour, and Jacob M. Trimmer. May 18, 1872,
the following additional were elected : Elias V. Cregar,
Benjamin Cole, and Abraham Hoffman.
In 1874 the church officials purchased three-quar-
ters of an acre, adjoining the church lot, and built
thereon their present beautiful and commodious par-
sonage at a cost of $4000.
The first pastor was Rev. I. A. Blauvelt. He
preached at German Valley in the forenoon, and at
Lower Valley in the afternoon. He was succeeded,
in December, 1871, or January, 1872, by Rev. R. H.
Van Amburgh, who remained only till February,
1872, when Rev. John Reed was called. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Chester Poe Murra, installed in May,
1876. His successor was the present pastor. Rev.
W. J. Henderson, installed in May, 1877. This
church is now in the Elizabeth Presbytery. Present
value of property, $16,000 ; present membership, 154.
The Sunday-school was established in 1840 by
David Neighbour, the first superintendent. The pres-
ent superintendent is Johnson Bennett ; average at-
tendance, 60.
CLAEKSVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
is located at Glen Gardner. There is no written early
Methodist history connected with this place, and such
as we have is brief and somewhat indefinite. There
was a class sustained here more or less regularly for a
great many years, and the early circuit-preachers held
forth at intervals in the old stone school-house, and
in dwelling-houses.
Wesley Robertson, Henry Trumbour, and others
are mentioned as having traveled this circuit.
Services were held in what was known as Gardner's
Hall. April 16, 1863, the following trustees were
elected : T. Edgar Hunt, William Gardner, George
Gardner, John Gardner, Christopher Martenis, and
Eleazar A. Smith.
At this time it was resolved to build a church and
parsonage, the lots being donated by Dr. T. Edgar
Hunt, a member of the Presbyterian Church, who co-
operated with the society in a most warm and cordial
manner for many years. The church was built in
1863, at a cost of about $7000, as near as can be as-
certained. It has received considerable improvements
twice since then. In the last instance it was frescoed
at a cost of $350. The parsonage was built in 1864
at a cost of nearly $3000.
At the Conference of 1864, Henry Hayter was sent
to the charge. He remained but one year. During
his time about eighty-one are said to have been con-
verted. Rev. David Walters came in 1865. He
remained two years. Rev. Charles C. Winans ap-
peared as the next pastor, in 1867, remaining three
years. In 1870, Clarksville was severed from Union.
Rev. Alexander Craig followed Rev. Winans, in 1870.
He remained but one year. During his short time he
inaugurated a series of meetings at the Junction,
where, with the aid of an esteemed local brother, Dr.
William Hacket, the foundation was laid by him of
the present society. In 1871, Rev. Walter Chamber-
lain came and remained two years. The next preacher
was C. S. Woodruff, who came in 1873 and remained
till 1876. In the spring of 1876, Rev. J. A. Kings-
bury, to whom we are indebted for much of this brief
sketch, was sent to this charge, and remained till April,
1879, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. K. Doolittle,
the present pastor.
The present trustees are C. Martenis, J. A. Davis,
Jacob Foose, M. G. Housel, 0. Ward, J. Dalrymple,
and Peter Praster. Present membership, 126 ; present
value of church property, $15,000.
JUNCTION METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first society was organized at Junction in 1871,
while Rev. Alexander Craig was pastor of the Glen
Gardner Church. The place of meeting was in a hall
since burned down. Rev. William Hacket supplied
the infant society for a time, and a revival added a
member to the class. M. D. Wells gave them a lot
452
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
upon which to build a church. Eev. Walter Cham-
berlain, pastor at Glen Gardner, took charge of .Junc-
tion, and Sept. 7, 1872, the corner-.9tone for the church
was laid. The first trustees were George W. Rowland,
T. H. Berry, .James Warman, J. W. Everett, Jethro
German, Samuel Emery, M. D. Wells. The lecture-
room was dedicated Feb. 7, 1 87.3.
In the spring of 187-3, Rev. Henry Bice w;us ap-
pointed pastor. A Revival followed, and many joined.
In 1874 and 187.5, Eev. J. A. Dickson was pastor;
1876, Rev. H. B. Mollyneaux; 1877, Rev. Rich-
ard Thomas ; 1878, Eev. J. A. Kingsbury ; 1879, Rev.
S. K. Doolittle, present pastor. The audience-room
was dedicated Dec. 19, 1880. Membership, 7G.
THE FIEST PEESBYTBEIAN CHUECH OF CLAEKSVILLB
was organized March 16, 1869, by the I^re-bytery of
Raritan, with eighteen original members. The meet-
ings were held in the Mondalia Academy at Glen
Gardner until the present house of worship \va.s
erected, in 1869, at a cost of *2.7,000. The building
is pleasantly located on the Bethlehem side of Spruce
Run. It is a memorial of the munificence and Chris-
tian zeal of Dr. William A. A. Hunt, through whose
efforts a church was organized and the hoase of wor-
ship built.
Rev. J. H. Clark was the first pastor ; he was suc-
ceeded by Rev. W. .1. Henderson, who remained till
the spring of 1874 ; since then the pulpit has been
supplied by Rev. U. W. Condit, of Easton, Pa.
Present membership, 23 ; present value of property,
$2.5,000. T. Edgar Hunt, M.D., was the first superin-
tendent of the .Sunday-school ; present superinten-
dent, I. J. Eyears.
THE NEW HAMPTON BAPTIST CHUECH
is located at Junction. For over thirty years it was
a mission of the old Bethlehem Baptist Church. Rev,
Thomas Barras commenced preaching here and at
N"ew Hampton village as a missionary in 18.31, and
continued till 1850. Jan. 21, 1868, the New Hamp-
ton Baptist Church was constituted an independent
body.
Rev. Mr. Barras wa.s succeeded by Rev. E. M. Bar-
ker, who served till April, 1853. In 18.54, Rev. J. .J.
Barker commenced missionary work here, and con-
tinued till August, 1858. During this year the pres-
ent church edifice was built, at a cost of $1600. In
NovemVjer, 1858, Eev. William Archer came, and con-
tinued until January, 1864. He was succeeded Vjy
Rev. George Young, who remained until .July, 1867,
followed in Xovember, 1867, by Rev. Henry West-
cott, who continued till ,A.pril, 1872. The church was
supplied by Eev. John Porter from .June 23, 1872,
untilApril 1,1873, after which Eev. G. F.Herjdrickson
officiated. He was succeeded by Eev. Thomas Young,
from April 16, 1876, to April 1, 1878, when Eev. A
B. Still, the piresent pastor, commencf;d his labors.
^Membership, January, 18-1, 25; value of property,
$1200. Deacons, Nathan Terreberry, William Marte-
nis ; Trustees, Nathan Terreberry, J. D. Peirce, Jacob
S. Shrope, B. Woodruff, William Martenis.
SPEUCE EUN LUTIIEEAN CHUECH.
This congregation was organized in 1774 or the
beginning of 1775. The first pastor was William
Graff, who lived at New Germantfjwn, N. J., and
preached at Spruce Eun from 1774-75 until 1809.
The services for many years were exclusively in Ger-
man, and were held every four weeks. From 1775 to
1800 this congregation worshiped during the summer
in the barn, and in the winter in the hoase, of Fred-
erick Fritts, on the premises now owned by Peter
Martenis and occujnr^d by his brother Christopher.
The first house of worship was erected in 1800 by
George Banghart, Abraham Van liuskirk, Thomas
Van Buskirk, Frederick Fritts, Cicorge Moore, An-
drew Miller, Jacob Leninger, and Stoffel Hulsizer.
They cut the yellow-poplar logs of which it was con-
structed. This edifice stood on the north side of the
main road, in the cemetery. The only record left as
Ls that of baptisms. Dominie Graf «'as succeeded by
Eev. E. L. Hazel ius in the fall of 1809. .June 13,
1799, Daniel AnUmy, f"rederick Fritts, .Jr., William
Fritts, Philip Antony, Christopher Martenis, John
Rinehart, and Andrew Miller were elected trustees.
In 1815, Rev. E. L. Hazelius resigned, and was fol-
lowed by Rev. David Hendricks, who served until
1822. The next pastor was Rev. Henry N. Pohlman,
who served until 1834, when Spruce Run became a
sejiarate organization and called Rev. Richard Collier,
who served until I860.*
At a meeting held March 5, 1835, it was resolved to
erect a new church, and a building committee was
apfjointed, composed of Andrew Bangliart, Capt.
Benjamin Fritts, ^lorris Fritts, .Jacob Castner, Sr.,
and George Fritts, .Jr. The structure was of stone,
and remained standing until 1870. During Mr. Col-
lier's ministry the first parsonage was built, and is
still standing. In consequence of failing health he
re-igned, April, 1860, and in .June Rev. P. A. .Strobel
was elected, and served four years, Vjeing in.stalled
August loth. Oct. 30, 1864, he dissolved his relation
with the charge, and upon his recommendation Rev.
David Kline was elected pastor; he remained until
his sudden death, Nov. 5, 1877. A fine church was
built in 1870. The corner-stone was laid .July 30,
1870, and the church dedicated March 9, 1871. The
building cost -*] 5,000, and has a basement, used as a
Sabbath-school, lecture-room, etc.
The first Sabbath-school was held intheschool-house
near by, and continued there until the pastorate of Itev.
.Strobel. Jacob Pence was the first superintendent;
present superintendent, William TerreVjerry.
In 1871 a section of the congregation erected a
* At the end of hia flrat year be jirpju:hcA a lilBtorical gennoD, from
which a f«art of thi« BkeV;h waa ;;athfer'i'l, Xfii^cAhnr with the afiCoUDt j;oi>-
llfched in the Huut'-rdori lU^mhW/ui . 187'l, " AnnaU of tlic American Pul-
pit,'' aod ioforrriation fr-jrri the preaf nt )fasAj:iT.
LEBANON.
453
church in Clarksville. After the death of Rev. Kline
a unanimous call was given to Rev. C. H. Traver,
who began his labors in January, 1S78, and still re-
mains.
There are now on the roll over 140, exclusive of
those in the Clarksville and Mount Bethel Churches.
The church and parsonage are situated about a mile
nortlieast of the Glen Gardner post-office.
OliAKKSVILLE LUTHERAN OIIUECH.*
The project of building a Lutheran church at
Clarksville was conceived, about 1870, by several of
the members of " Spruce Run Church." Rev. David
Kline, their pastor, favored this enterprise, which
was pushed forwai-d, and the corner-stone laid in
May, 1S71.
In the spring of 1872, Rev. David Kline became
the pastor of this organization, embracing about
twenty-six members ; he remained two years, and
was followed in 187-1 by Rev. A. K. Felton. During
his pastorate the audience-room of the church was
completed, and in 1S75 was dedicated. Rev. George
W. Anderson was the next, and the present, pastor.
The church is -10 by 70 feet, aud has seating capacity
for about 600 pei-sons. Its original cost was about
$13,000. It is eligibly located between Clarksville
and Hampton Junction.
A Sabbath-school was organized under the super-
intendence of Morris Fritts. David H. Banghart now
presides over a school of 100 scholars and teachers.
ST. ANN'S CATHOLIC CHUKCH.
Twenty-seven years ago, at the time New Jersey
was formed into a separate diocese, there was no
Catholic Church deserving the name in this section.
The Very Rev. Father Riordan, of Easton, still living,
was the only priest to attend to the spiritual wants of
his co-religionists from Belvidere to_ Frenchtowu.
But when Bishop Bayley was made first Bishop of
Newark and given episcopal charge of tlie whole of
New Jersey, he thought proper to appoint two pastors,
one to take charge of Philipsburg, and the other to
care for the northern part of Hunterdon County and
the eastern section of AVarren. Father Roland was
assigned to the latter charge, and took up his resi-
dence in Clinton.
Shortly after the Delaware, Lackawanna and West-
ern Railroad formed a junction with the Central Rail-
road of New Jersey, near New Hanipton, Father
Roland set to work bravely, and in a short time Old
St. Ann's was constructed, about one-fourth mile west
of the present site. After the church was completed,
in 1858, Father Roland removed to New Hampton,
and subsequently to Junction.
In 1863 he was succeeded by the Rev. P. Leonard.
To his mind the old frame building was inadequate,
and he therefore determined to build a better struc-
ture. He secured a plot of ground and at once set
• Tioni notes furnished by Rev. George W. Anilerson.
about gathering funds to carry out his design. In
1866 he began the present St. Ann's. In 1867 the
work was completed and the church dedicated. The
building is of brick, in the Gothic style, the main
part being 70 feet by 40 feet. The chancel is 20 by
30, making the entire length 90 feet. The tower is
not yet finished. After having completed the church.
Father Leonard built the present parochial residence.
By this time the congregation had grown to number
over 1000 in the vicinity of the church, besides those
who lived in Asbury, Bethlehem, and Polktown.
In the fall of 1869 the Rev. Francis O'Neil was ap-
pointed to St. Ann's. In the summer of 1880 he was
succeeded by the Rev. M. J. Brenna,n, present incum-
bent. The congregations number about 600.
SCHOOLS.
There are in this township eleven school districts.
Mount Lebanon (District No. 1) is situated on
the liighest land in this county. As near as can be
ascertained, about 1793 school was taught by a Mr.
Cooper in a log dwelling owned by Frederick Hipp.
The house stood on lands now owned by John Wa-
ters. A school was also kept in another private
house, in what is now Anthony village, owned by the
then teacher, John Forrester. This second house
stood on lands now owned by Peter Waters. In
1797 or 1798 the first district school-house was built,
entirely by voluntary subscription, on lands owned
then by John Emery, now by Lorenzo Fisher.
Among the first teachers in this new house were
Fisher, Weaver, Creamer, Achers, and Thomas. Dur-
THE OLD " EIGHT-SQUAEE" SCHOOL-HOUSE.
ing 1833 a new stone (octagon) structure was built on
lands of Samuel Slater and Jacob Anthony, or rather
in the centre of the public highway, said lands be-
ing now the property of Peter Slater and Moses Yan-
atta. The building committee consisted of Benjamin
Fritts, John Waters, and Jacob Anthony, who be-
came the first board of trustees, and so remained for
several years. This house, after a lapse of fortj'-three
years, became unfit for use, and a new one was built
454
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
in 1876. Messrs. Peter Lance, George W. Beatty, and
Peter AVaters were the building committee. The new
house was first occupied Jan. 24, 1876, the teacher
being Myron I. Skinner.
The fii-st school-house of " Little Brook" (District
No. 2) was built in 1854 ; the walls ai-e still standing
as remodeled in 1S72. The first trustees were Peter
L. Waters, Isaac Hofiman, and Casper Linderberger ;
the first teacher, Albert Proctor. .
Lower Valley (District No. 3) occupies the south-
east corner of the township. Its early history is com-
prised mainly in that of District No. 2, of which it
was once part. The old house stood upon the site of
the. present one, the latter built in lSo7, 26 by 36
feet, and repaired in 1868.
Changewater (District No. 4) is located on the
north border of the township. The first and only
school-house previous to the present stood about half
a mile south. It was a frame building, built in 1815,
in which year a Mr. Charleton was the teacher. The
present house was erected in IS.")!), and cost $1500.
Mount Airy (District No. 5) is the interior dis-
trict of the township. The first school-house stood
three-quarters of a mile west of the present one. It
was a very modest affair, 16 feet square, of logs, and
was probably built by the Thompsons in 1800 for the
accommodation of the children of people employed in
the ii-on-works. The present school-house was built
in 1835, the first teacher in it being Richard AVcaver.
White Hall (District No. 6) is in the south part
of the township. The first school-house was built of
logs, in 1801, by Frederick Felver. It stood in what
is now the village of White Hall. The second house
was erected, of stone, in 1820, by Benjamin Fritts. It
stood near the present residence of John S. Apgar.
The third (present) house, also of stone, was built in
1848 by Peter C. Apgar. The pioneer teacher was
Samuel Anderson.
Spruce Run (District No. 7) lies in the south-
west part of the township. Its early history was ob-
tained from papere of the late Rev. Richard Collier,
late pastor of the Lutheran Church there. There
have been three houses, all standing upon the site of
the present one. The first was a small frame, built in
1766. After it became unfit for school purposes, there
was no school in the district for several years. In
1825 a new house was built, a small stone building,
which in 1874 gave way for the present structure.
The teacher in 1793 was William Brown.
New Hampton (District No. 8) lies in the north-
west corner of the township. The pioneer house, of
logs, stood on the site now occupied by the cabinet-
shop of John L. Prall & Sons. The present edifice
was built in 1823. Among the pioneer teachers were
a Mr. Beetles and a Mr. McConnell.
In 1870 the children of " Junction" (District No. 9)
were included in Clarksville district. The present
trustees are M. D. 'Wells, L. L. Fulpcr, and Everett
Gordon.
In " Clarksville" (District No. 10), on the west side
of the township, the school-house is of stone, rough-
cast, and was built in 1805.
Glen Gai-dner (District No. 11) is in the south-
west corner of the township. The present building is
a two-story frame, built in 1865, near the depot.
Academic branches are taught. John C. Bayers is
the present principal.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. DANIEL F. BEATTY.
Daniel Fisher Beatty, the subject of this sketch,
was born on the summit of Schooley's Mountain (near
Beattystown), in Lebanon township, Hunterdon Co.,
N. J., on the 14th of August, 1S48. He is the son of
George W. and Elizabeth (Fisher) Beatty, the former
being a son of James, who emigrated from the north
of Ireland and was eighty -eight years old at the time
of his death. John Beatty, one of the sons of James,
of Ireland, was the father of' Maj.-Gcn. Sanuiel
Beatty, of Stark Co.; Ohio, who served with distinc-
tion in the Mexican war, and in the late war of the
Rebellion rose through all the grades to the rank of
major-general.
James Beatty came to this country in the latter part
of the eighteenth century. His son, George W., mar-
ried when quite a young man, and brought up a fam-
ily of ten children, four daughters and six sons, of
whom the third son, Daniel F., has become noted for
his extraordinary genius and enterprise in the devel-
opment and manufacture of the popular musical in-
struments which bear his name. In early life he
evinced not only a rare business capacity, but a de-
cided taste for music and for the rustic scenes sur-
rounding his native home in the mountains. In the
reception-room of the old homestead the visitor is
shown the instrument an old-fashioned melodeon,
long since out of date which first inspired the sub-
ject of our sketch, while he little dreamed that in
after-years he should be the means of introducing in-
struments far superior to this one on which he prac-
ticed his first youthful lessons. Amidst these early
associations we learn for the first time the reason why
we do not find him established in the city, like other
large and influential manufacturers, carrying out his
ideas amidst the hum and bustle of the busy mart,
but preferring to remain near the place of his birth
and to build up a business which has now become the
chief industry of Washington, N. J.
It is said that " young Beatty gave early indica-
tions that he was not ' cut out' for a farmer." Tuck-
ing his music-book under his arm, he would sally
forth to the fields, and, while perhaps his father
would berate him for not taking his hand at the
plow, he would be deeply immereed in the mysteries.
LEBANON.
455
of the theory of music, or making out impromptu ad-
vertisements of his contemplated occupation, or, heside
the Cool spring of never-failing water, he would con
his book, and amidst rustic scenes and sounds instil
into his mind his first rude conceptions which in after-
years moulded his tastes and pursuits to that refine-
ment which early musical associations beget.
While at home on the farm, Mr. Beatty led the
choir in the church of his neighborhood. His oppor-
tunities for education were such only as the common
schools afibrded, but his lack of classical culture is
compensated for in a great measure by his quick per-
ception, clear and rapid insight into the nature of
things, the characters of men, and the readiness with
which he appropriates the results of science and phi-
losophy. He sees and generalizes rapidly, and comes
directly to his conclusions, which are generally found
to be safe and accurate. Above all, that which gives
Mr. 'Beatty his great success is his practical common
sense in business matters, which enables him to ar-
range his plans with reference to the best financial
results, a quality of mind which appeared early in
his life, and which induced his father to entrust him
with all his finances while he was yet in his mi-
nority.
Starting out in life for himself without one dollar
in hand, he commenced business as a salesman, and
finally advanced to the manufacture of the instruments
which bear his name ; and, in the short period of his
industrial life and fair dealing, he has so prospered
that he now owns one of the largest factories in
this country; has large' and commodious offices, di-
vided into seven departments, connected by electric
bells, telephones, and telegraphs, by which news is
received and transmitted to all parts of the world,
adapted to all branches of his extensive business.
His sales of musical instruments are simply enor-
mous.
It may be truthfully said of Mr. Beatty that he is a
natural genius, a sociable, clever man, and has abun-
dantly prospered by being so liberal in giving to his
customers the profits of the middle man by selling to
them directly. He is a liberal and cheerful giver of
his substance to benevolent purposes ; and, as a token
of the high appreciation of his fellow-townsmen, he
was elected mayor of Washington, N. J., the place
of his residence, which office he holds at the present
writing. The community which has thus honored
him with its confidence is indebted more to him than
to any other person for the prosperity it now enjoys, on
account of the immense organ and piano trade which he
has centralized there. His generous donations of or-
ders upon the largest local stores to supply flour to
the needy during the severity of winter, and his lib-
eral contributions to the various religious organiza-
tions, without regard to denomination, are indicative
of but few of the many incidents that are continually
transpiring, and which have made Mr. Beatty exceed-
ingly popular among his fellow-citizens.
The following account of the growth and extent of
Mr. Beatty's business is taken from the New York
Daily Star :
" Daniel F. Bealty is Btill a young man, but lie has succeeded in build-
ing up a business that to-day ranks second to none of its kind in the
â– world, and his name is familiarly known in every State of the Union, and
in the Canadas, Mexico, South America, and in many European coun-
tries, as the head of an establishment -whose operations are va^ in con-
ception, complete in details, and successful in achievement. His atten-
tion was early turned to music, and in this way he became interested in
the sale and finally in the manufacture of musical instruments. His
first operations were on a small scale, but his active and progressive
mind saw wide fields open to energy and enterprise in his chosen voca-
tion, and he has never wavered nor faltered in his projects. Mr. Beatty
conceived the idea of embarking in business for himself, and being a man
with whom to conceive was to perform, he at once established himself in
a small ofiice and began to manufacture organs in a small building. By
his shrewd, skillful, and persistent advertising he attracted wide atten-
tion at once. His business grew to such an extent that he was forced to
employ assistant after assistant, until to-day he employs forty men and
women to keep his books and manage his correspondence, besides adding
hundreds of workmen at the factories. The growth of his business was
a surprise to him, and resulted from his peculiar methods of advertising.
Letters and orders poured in very rapidly with every mail, and the in-
struments were sold in such numbers that he was unable to supply the
demand without largely increasing his facilities.
His organs are known in every part of the civilized world, and every- "
where favorably known for their cheapness, elegance, and durability. Mr.
Beatty is the man who first conceived the idea of reducing the prices of
organs and pianos to a reasonable basis. He exposed the deceptions
practiced by the leading manufacturers, and in face of established prices
and customs he boldly bid for the patronage of the musical public. He
was ridiculed and misrepresented by the monopolists who saw their profits
in danger, and no stone was left unturned to defeat and ruin him. But
conscious of the justice of his intentions, assured that the intelligent
public would support him, he gallantly met and repulsed his foes at
every turn, and they, instead of crushing him, were forced to curtail, and
some go out of the market. This was a great thing for one young man
to accomplish from an obscure inland village, but Daniel F. Beatty did it.
These operations indicate the character of Mr. Beatty's mind.
" But amid all the rush and hurry of a vast and far-reaching business,
Mr. Beatty never forgets the duties of a man and a citizen. He was
elevated to the Mayoralty of Washington entirely without his seeking
it. His fellow-citizens chose him. He conducted no campaign, and was
not even present on election day, business having called him to New
York on that day, and the news of his triumph was telegraphed to his
headquarters at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He bears his honors modestly,
and is the same genial, open-handed, free-hearted man as ever, not for-
getting to relieve the pauper, to donate freely to his church, nor deeming
it beneath him to preside at Children's Day service in his own church. "
CORNELIUS STEWART.
Cornelius Stewart was born in the township of
Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., N. J., Dec. 20, 1799. His
father, Lewis Stewart, came from near Aberdeen, Scot-
land, where he was born Kov. 29, 1751. He married
Lavina Hoflf, born in Kingwood, N. J., Oct. 16, 1769.
Their children were John, born Aug. 31, 1793;
Samuel, born Dec. 30, 1794; Mary, born March 21,
1797; Cornelius, born Dec. 20, 1799; Lewis, born
Dec. 1, 1801 ; Thomas, born July 6, 1809.
Lewis Stewart, the father, died May 20, 1821 ; his.
wife, Lavina, survived him, and died Dec. 9, 1853.
Cornelius Stewart, the subject of this sketch, mar-
ried Elizabeth Carter, March 15, 1832. She was born
in Greenwich township (then in Sussex, now in War-
ren Co.) , N. J., May 26, 1809. They have had children :
Sarah, born Dec. 14, 1832 ; William Eunkle, bom Feb.
(-â– '
456
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
10, 1835, died May 14, 1842; Lewis, born July 16,
1837, died March 18, 1838 ; Joseph Carter, born Sept.
1, 1840, married Mary P. Doolittle, of Washington,
Warren Co., Got. 26, 1864 ; John HoflF, born Sept. 14,
1844, married, first, Kebecca Eoebling, June 3, 1869 ;
she died Jan. 10, 1871, and he married for his second
wife Fannie Southard, Oct. 16, 1872, and resides in
Trenton, N. J. ; Mary Isabel, born Nov. 9, 1847.
Mr. Stewart was brought up on the homestead farm
in Kingwood till about the age of fifteen, when he
engaged in clerking, and followed that occupation till
1827, at which date he engaged in mercantile business
with Joseph Eunkle, at Asbury, N. J., under the firm-
name of Stewart & Runkle. They continued in this
partnership about six years, when the firm was dis-
solved, and Mr. Stewart carried on the business alone
till 1838. He then bought the mill property where he
now resides, at Changewater, Lebanon township, in
company with George Franks. The property at that
time had no improvements upon it, except an old mill,
which is still standing. They built the large stone
mill, forty-five by sixty feet in dimensions and five
stories high, and erected the large and commodious
residencfe now occupied by Mr. Stewart. In 1841, Mr.
Stewart sold his interest in the mill property to John
Strader, and removed to Port Coldin, where he re-
mained three years engaged in mercantile business ;
he subsequently followed the same business in Wash-
ington, N. J., for four years, up to 1846, when he went
to New York and engaged in the grocery and commis-
sion business, in the firm of Cooper & Stewart, after-
wards Stewart & Mettler, till 1858, when he returned
to Changewater and purchased the mill property. He
has followed the business of merchant, miller, and
farmer ever since, making improvements in his ma-
chinery and keeping everything up to the progress of
the times. His mill has a capacity of eighty thousand
bushels of grain a year, and is considered the finest of
the kind in this portion of New Jersey. It is situated
on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad,
and on the Musconetcong Creek, a fine wa.ter-power,
about three miles from Washington, Warren Co.
Quite a neighborhood of buildings has sprung up in
the place, and there is a post-oflSce at Changewater,
on the opposite side of the creek in Warren County.
Mr. Stewart possesses the energy and perseverance
so characteristic of the nationality from which he is
descended, and has made his own way in the world,
having been thrown upon his own resources when a
small boy. He and his wife are members of the Pres-
byterian Church at Washington.
NATHAN LAKCB.
Nathan Lance was born in Lebanon township,
Hunterdon Co., N. J., Feb. 25, 1820. He is a son of
William and Mary (Anthony) Lance. His grand-
father, Peter Lance, was an early settler in Lebanon,
and lived on a farm in the township near Anthony.
^^/hi^a
Nathan Lance has resided all his life on the farm
where he was born. He has been a justice of the
peace for twenty years, and has held nearly all the
local township ofiices at different times, being in his
political principles a Democrat, as were his father and
grandfather before him. Part of his estate he inherited
Mti
BETHLEHEM.
457
from Ms father and paxt lie has acquired by purchase
from the other heirs.
In 1843 he married Margaret, daughter of Morris
Fritts, of Lebanon township, and has one child, Mary
Cornelia, wife of William H. Anderson, a farmer, re-
siding in an adjoining house on the homestead. They
have five children, Lauretta, Anna, Emma, Mar-
garet, and Nathan.
Mr. Lance is a member of the Presbyterian Church
of Pleasant Grove, Morris Co., and is an elder in that
body.
WILLIAM W. SWAYZE.
"Wm. W. Swayze, son of Conrad and Uzinah (Yard)
Swayze, was born Oct. 1, 1837, in Bethlehem township,
Hunterdon Co., N. J. His grandfather was Andrew
Swayze, who lived on a farm in Union township, near
Clinton, where he died. His son, Conrad, had' five
children who reached the age of maturity. . Mary, the
oldest child, married John Gano, a farmer, residing in
Bethlehem township ; Sidney Y. is a farmer, also of
Bethlehem township ; Jacob resides in Clinton ; Sarah
is the wife of John R. Bowlby, of Alexandria town-
ship ; and William W., the subject of this sketch, re- "
sides at Clarksville, Hunterdon Co., N. J. He was
brought up on a farm in early life and acquired the
rudiments of an education at the common schools. He
subsequently attended an academy at Easton, Pa.,
and also the Pennington Seminary, and for some time
followed the occupation of teaching. In 1862 he
married Leantha, daughter of Robert Smith, of Beth-
lehem, by whom he has four children living, viz.,
George B. M., Lenora, Minnie, and Gracie.
Mr. Swayze's chief business has been farming and
handling stock, which he has carried on successfully
on his father's old homestead in Bethlehem. He has
taken an active part in local affairs, having held most
of the offices in his township at different times. He
is at present county treasurer, and has held the office
for the last two years. In his political opinions he is
a Democrat, and has been quite active in the party.
In 1874 he was elected to the Legisla,ture from the
Second Assembly District, composed of Alexandria,
Bethlehem, Clinton, Franklin, Tewksbury, Lebanon,
and Union townships, and the boroughs of French-
town and Clinton. During his first term in the House
he served on the committees on railroads and canals
and on banking and insurance, and the second term
on the committees on treasurer's accounts and agri-
culture.
BETHLEHEM.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVTB.
Bethlehem is one of the northwest townships of
the county. It is about ten miles long by three wide,
and is bounded east by Lebanon and High Bridge
townships; south by Union; west by Alexandria
township; north by the Musconetcong Creek, also
the dividing line between this township and Warren
County.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface presents a variety of topographical
features. Along the north half of the township lies
the beautiful valley of the Musconetcong, while the
southern half is covered by the Musconetcong Moun-
tains.
The soil along the valley is a rich alluvial with a
mixture of red shale, which returns large crops to
the husbandman. The mountain-sides are more of a
gravelly loam, but produce good crops under proper
cultivation.
There are several small streams that rise in this
township, while the Musconetcong washes the entire
length of the north side, furnishing ample water-
power for large manufacturing establishments, which
is improved at both Asbury and Bloomsbury villages.
80
Spruce Run washes half of the east border, fiimishing
excellent water-power at Clarksville. Monselaugha-
way Creek, main branch, rises in the north part of
Charlestown School District No. 16, and runs south-
erly into Union township. Other streams are Black
Brook, and Osman, Creveling, Bethlehem, and VUet
Creeks.
A letter in possession of Rev. J. W. Dally, dated
Aug. 28, 1765, is directed to "Bethlehem, in West
Jersey, in care of SamuerBarnhart," which shows that
at least ten years previous to the Revolution this re-
gion was known as Bethlehem. There are also deeds
in the possession of J. W. Lequear, Esq., of King-
wood township, which describe tracts of land in
Bethlehem township as far back as 1745. At just
what date the original township (which included
what is now others in this county) was surveyed or
laid out we have been unable to ascertain, but is be-
lieved to be as early as 1725.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
It is a pretty well established fact that the first
white settlers of the township were Hollanders, and
came here in the early part of the last century. Among
the descendants of the pioneer settlers who still retain
458
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
a portion at least of tte original purcliases are the
Hoffmans, Alpaughs, Crevelings, Hoppocks, Duck-
worths, Willevers, Vliets, Boss, Housels, Opdykes,
and others, whose ancestors were the pioneers along
the river.
Among the German pioneers we find the names of
Deremer, Bowlby, Groendyck, Wene, Eodenbaugh,
Kimmerhower, Shaffer, Foose, Frittz, Grochley, Sigler,
and others, whose descendants are in many cases in pos-
session of a part at least of the original tract, and yet
a very large percentage of the present owners of real
estate have no title-deeds that run back much beyond
the birth of their oldest children.
That part of the township immediately around
Bloomsbury has come down through the possession of
Robert Johnston, who owned a large tract, including
not only what is now the village of Bloomsbury, but
the farms of Moses Bobbins and John Stute on the
west, and the Taylor property on the east, of the vil-
lage, and running to the top of the mountain. The
Taylor tract was probably the eastern part of this
original tract of Robert Johnston. A little farther
east was a tract owned for a short time by a man
named Hamilton ; then came tracts a part of which
are still in possession of the descendants of the origi-
nal owners, as previously stated. On the east side or
end of the township are to be found the Lakes, Terre-
berrys, Shurts, Vuslers, Housels, Walters, Shaffers,
Thorps, Wellers, and other descendants of the pio-
neers.
An old deed now in possession of J. C. Lake, Esq.,
at Junction, dated in 1765, given by John Bowlby to
Thomas Bowlby, describes quite a large tract of land,
covering a part of what is now Junction village, or
that portion lying in the township of Bethlehem. The
Deremer family still occupy the lands settled by the
original Deremer pioneer, between Asbury and the
Junction.
A piece of land situated on the side of the moun-
tain, above Jugtown, was deeded by Nathan Parke
and his wife, Mary, April 26, 1763, to John Cham-
bers, of Bethlehem. The document was witnessed by
Michael Rosenbury and Roger Ray.
The history of Jeremiah Lptt, a " hero of the Revo-
lution," was given by his son, John L. Lott, of
Bloomsbury, but a few years before his death.
Peter Lott came from Germany about 1750, and
settled in the upper part of Hunterdon County. Jere-
miah Lott, at the age of eighteen, enlisted in the
Revolutionary army. He served seven and a half
years, a greater part of the time under Gen. Wayne.
He was in most of the important battles in New Jer-
sey, fought through the Southern campaign, and was
several times taken prisoner. Lott was one of those
who guarded Andr§ on his way to execution. He was
also one of the party who pursued Sergt. Champe to
the British lines when he was supposed to have de-
serted. After the war Mr. Lott came to Bethlehem
township and worked at his trade, carpentering.
When Gen. Wayne went on his celebrated expedi-
tion to the Ohio, Lott was with him and participated
in the battle of the Miami, Aug. 20, 1793-. When
the Whisky Insurrection of Pennsylvania broke out,
he again answered to the roll-call. He finally settled
in Bethlehem township, between the farms of John
McRea and Jacob Race. He afterwards moved to
Bloomsbury, where he died in 1822, and was buried
in the Presbyterian cemetery. He had seven chil-
dren, Reuben, moved to Ohio ; Henry, went to Illi-
nois; James, to New York; Polly, married John
Brock; Sarah, married a Mr. Carter; Levina, married
John Myers; and John L., lived and died in Blooms-
bury. Two of Jeremiah Lott's grandsons, John and
Edward, were in the late war. John Leacock, the
maternal grandfather of John L. Lott, was of French
descent, and settled on the mountain, above Blooms-
bury.
Of the Vliet family, descendants of Maj.-Gen.
Daniel Vliet, one of the early settlers in the valley,
we are unable to give a detailed history, for want of
the proper data. The old general was a prominent
man in the early history of this township, having for
years held many of the prominent offices. He was
born in 1761 and died in 1833, and was buried in the
Vliet family burying-ground on the old homestead.
He was in the war of 1812, and commanded the State
militia several years.
A TRADITIONARY LEGEND.
About a mile below Bloomsbury, in the bed of the
Musconetcong Creek, is " Butler's Hole,'' about 60
feet deep. In a large rock opposite are several de-
pressions, as though intended for moulds in which to
run metal. Tradition says that Spanish buccaneers
once came here and melted their ill-gotten spoils into
ingots and secured them in this hole.
A legend also states that two young adventurers were
once fishing in the stream when their lines became
entangled and they drew up a large ingot of silver.
A party was organized the next day to search farther,
but they were too late. The young men had revisited
the spot by night and cleaned out the hole, and were
nevermore heard of.
Dr. Hughes was a prominent character in this
township as late as 1832, when he boarded with C.
Tomlinson, in the old log tavern where the brick store
now stands, in Bloomsbury. His office was at the
side of the old house occupied at that time by
Bidleman, on the site where is now the residence of
Henry Gardner. The old office was moved iiom its
original foundation to where C. Alpaugh's house
stands, then to the rear of L. Hulsizer's residence; it
stood there till the old doctor died, when it was again
moved.
EXTRACTS FROM OLD RECORDS.
The following are some of the ear-marks mentioned
in the old township records :
BETHLEHEM.
459
1762. Mary Clifford's ear-mark ia a crop off the off ear and a slit in the
near ear. Joseph Beaver^s ear-mark is a crop off the near ear. Peter
Gase^s ear-mark is a half-penny under each ear and a slit in the near ear.
Bobert Biggera' ear-mark is a " croop of the off ear, and a nick in the croop
and a nick in fore part of the near ear near his head." Jamps Biggera' ear-
mark is a "croop off the near ear, and a swallow fork in the off ear, and
a half- penny in the fore pai't of the near ear." John Beaver's ear-mark
brought from old book, record there in the year 1753 ; his mark is a half-
penny under side each ear, and a slit in each ear top the ear.
1764. Peter Miller's mark is a crop off of the near ear, and a slit on
the same.
1768. Joseph Bigger's ear-mark is a " cropp in the near ear, and a
half-penny on the under side of the off ear."
1771. Thomas Roy es' ear-mark is a " cropp of eich ear, and Halfpenny
in ou nder said off the off ear."
1776. James Parker's ear-mark is a " aleet in the near ear, and cropp
in the off a brand in the near horn. J. P."
ENTRIES OF ESTRATS.
Nov. 20, 1760, Bairfoot Brundson enters a stray bull of a " dun cul-
lour, Buposed to Be marked in the Near ear with a half Crop aad half
penny aged three years suposed to Be." November 21st, John Horriss
enters a '• stray mair, about ten years old, of a Bay coUour, four white
feet as far as the knees joynt, Bauld face, glass eye, White each side of
the Belly, with white Taiil as far as the Dock." December 18th, Her-
bert "Winegardner enters " one stray Hefer, two years old next spring, of
a black colour, with a white face and two white feet, marked with a Crop
in the off ear, and a Nick in the under side of the near ear." December
25th, Herman Ditser enters a " stray Black Heiffer with four white feet,
a atax in her forehead, a little white on her Bump, with white Belly, n.
Crop and slit in the Near ear, and a Crop and a Slit in the off ear." De-
cember 26th, " Henere Couns" enters " one white eu with a Crop of the
Near ear, and a slit in the Crop."
Jan. 6, 1761, Hermon Rosenkrans enters a "sorril mair with A White
face, Some Saddle mark, Bobed taill, Natural Pacer, Hip Shot, heavy with
Colt, better than fourteen hands high, Neither Brand or ear Mark
Reesonable ; suposed to Be old ; hed a yoak on."
The following is a list of the poor and to whom
sold, as shown in the records of date of April 12,
1824:00:00
Hannah Taylor to Elijah Piatt 835.00
Mary Benward to Samuel Derumple 44.75
Lenah Pelee to Peter Bloom..' 32.50
John Lee to Himself. 40.00
John Hunt and wife to Lida Hunt 46.00
David Penwell to Christopher Srope 66.50
Sarah Miera to Hurself. 52.00
Sarah Robinson to Hurself 24.00
"The committee of the Town Put in the Hands of Enoch Clifford,
Overseer of the Poor, the Sum of S78.00 ; allso in the Hands of Levi Met-
ier, overseer of the Poor, 850.00; Allso in the Hands of John Lake two
dollars to Buy a Book for the use of said Township, $2.00.
Amount of Sertificates of the overseers of the Roads for the year "
1824:00:00
Mathias Abel, overseer $90.00
William Young, overseer 80,00
Joseph Bird, overseer 80.00
Morris Cramer, overseer 45.00
Abraham De Remer, overseer 45.00^^
BenjaminH. Opdycke, overseer 50.00'
The record of the '' old road from Hickory Tavern
to South Branch of Raritan" is as follows :
" WkereoB, There has been application to us, the commissioners of
Hunterdon and Sussex county, for relaying and regulating of a High
Road ; and whereaa the road leading from the Hickory Tavern, in Beth-
lehem, to the Sonth Branch of Rarington, part of the same, now Being
very Hilly and Inconvenient for Travellers, as set forth in the Petition^
and we the said Commissioners being mett on the action and having
Viewed the Ground, find the Same, in Our Judgement, to be Inconve-
nient. We therefore think fitt and Convenient to make the following
alteration :
Beginning at the Wooden Bridge, to the north west of Bowlsby Road ; "
thence Easterly a straight course to Biggerses line; Thence East on the
line to a Hill By the Side of the Meadow, giving allowance for the slant
of the Hill; Thence Crossing the Meadow, going on the firm Ground as
near the Line as the Ground will admit, Leaving Samuel Buckalow's
house to the Southward; Thence the Straighteat and Best Course to the
North Side Joseph Bigger's field along an old Road ; Thence Easterly
down the Ridge to' an old field near a Corner Tree and Line Dividing
the Land of Messrs. Stephens and Parker (now in the Tenner of John
Eitzgerrel) & Land of Jonathan Robeson ; Thence Through the same old
field on the North side of a Fence Into the EstabUahed Road on the So-
ciety and Jonathan Robeson's Line. And we do hereby order the Same
to be Cleared Out & made Good, & we do Disolve and make Void that
part of the old Road from the Before mentioned Bridge to the place
where this present Relayd Road Intersect the old road at the aaid Society
Line, being at a Black oak sapling. Given under our hands this 8th day
of May, 1756.
"RoBEE,T Shields, Phil Grandin,
Francis McShane, Denis Wolverton, "
"Robert Harvet, John Stewart,
Christison Sherp, Phillip Sntder, "
"James Martin.
A true copy of tiie return (all but the Dutch namea) compared."" "
The road from Bloomsbury to Pittstown, a distance
of ten miles, is a part of the old one known as "the
King's Highway," and was originally the dividing
line between Bethlehem and Alexandria townships,
so far as it crosses Bethlehem. That small portion of
Bethlehem west of this road was subsequently taken
from Alexandria and added to Bethlehem. The road
does not cross a stream between Bloomsbury and
Pittstown, though there are many springs and creeks
on either side of it.
The road from Bloomsbury to Little York was
opened for travel in 1815.
SONS OF LIBERTY.
The following document deserves a place on the
undying historic page :
"At a Town-Meeting held at the house of David Reynolds, in the
township of Bethlehem, on the lj.th March, 1766, it was agreed and con-
cluded upon that, agreeable to a request made by the Sons of Liberty of
Lower Hunterdon, that a number not exceeding three men should be
chosen in this Township, who should have full power to represent the
inhabitants thereof; and meet their Brethren at the house of John Rin-
goes, on this day sennight, when the Town unanimously choae Mr. John
Rockhill, David Reynolds, and Abraham Bonnell, who are hereby di-
rected to meet the said Sons of Liberty at Bingoes aforesaid, and do and
perform every act and thing that will redound to the honor of the Town
and for the benefit of the Province in general; and whereas it is abso-
lutely necessary that the operation of all un constitutional acta should he
opposed, and in particular that worst of all acta called the Stamp Act, and
in order to enable them thereto, the inhabitants of this town do promise
their countenance and assistance on all occasiona, over and besides pay-
ing them all necessary expenses attending this meeting, and all other
meetings that may hereafter happen on this or the like occasion.
Francis McShanb, "
Town Clerk.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
The organization of the township is supposed to
have taken place nearly or quite as early as 1724, but
no trace of the records (after a vigilant search) can
be found prior to 1763, although the old ones are
known to have been in possession of some of the town
clerks between 1830 and 1835. There seems to have
been a defect in the laws of the 'State in relation to
the preservation of records, and we believe the serious
results arising therefrom have never as yet had the
effect of remedying the evil.
46Q
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
SETTLING ACCOTJNTS BETWEEN BETHLEHEM AND
ALEXANDEIA.
"We, the CommiBsionerB of Bethlehem and Alexandria TownshipB,
having met at the Hickory Tavern and settled the accounts depending
before the division of Bethlehem, as may more at large appear on the op-
posite side.
Witness our hands this 16th day of March, 1765. "
" John Hackett, John Shippet,
Jno. Emley, John Cowan, "
" David Reynolds, Henet Stoll,
RoBT. Johnston, Benjamin Beunson, "
John Rockhill, Ephraim Drake.
The " opposite side" referred to above is an account
with Joseph Beavers, one of the overseers of the poor
for 1765, and reads as follows :
1765, March 16. £ s. d.
By cash paid Benjamin Opdycke and John Du-
senberry after the division of Bethlehem 28 18 11
By cash paid William Silverthorn, one of the
overseers of Bethlehem 11 3 7
By John Baker's note of hand delivered to Ben-
jamin Opdycke, one of the overseers of
Alexandria 6
46 2 6
Ballance remaining in the hands of Joseph Bea-
vers, and due the overseers of Alexandria... 54 8 3
£99 10 9
TOWNSHIP DIVIDED.
At a meeting of the township committee, held Feb.
10, 1877, Peter S. Henry, Mathias H. Case, and
Charles Opdyke were appointed a committee to estab-
lish a line from the Musconetcong Elver southerly
across the township, so as to divide it into two election
districts. The following is a copy of the record of
the committee's doings in the premises :
" Line beginning at the corner of the farm of William H. Drake, on
the Musconetcong River, following his farm-line adjoining the farm of
Mrs. Samuel Creveling in a southeast direction to the public highway
that leads from Ashury village to Bethlehem village ; then along said
highway a southwest direction, under the Central Railroad Culvert, to a
road near James Groves ; from there a southeast direction up the moun-
, tftin road to a tree in the forks of the road along the lands of Martin
^Vykoff; from there across the lands of Martin Wykoff a southwest di- "
rection on to the lands of George Hubbs, near a ledge of rocks known as
the 'White Cat Rocks,' leaving George Hubbs in the western division
and the Bocks in the eastern division of the township ; from there across
a lot of mining-grounds near a stone house, leaving the house in the
eastern division; and from there across a lot of growings belonging to
the Easton and Amboy Railroad to the lands of William Martin, across
bis said lands to a stake in the public highway, and in the line of Union
township."
The following is a list of the principal township
officers from 1763 to 1880, inclusive :
CLERKS.
1763-64, John Farnsworth ; 17G5-90, Francis McShane ; 1785, Albert Op-
dycke ;* 1791-94. 1796-1802, Jacob Anderson, Esq. ; 1795, 1803-21, Geo.
Garrison; 1822-34, John Lake; 1835, John Blane; 1836, 1838-41,
Wilham Egbert; 1837, Asher S. Housel; 1842-52, John H. Case;
1853, Sylvester H. Smith ; 1854^56, William Tinsman; 1857-58, David
Chamberlin ; 1859-62, Joseph B. Cornish ; 1863-64, Andrew J. Mc-
Crea; 1865-66, John C. Reeves; 1867, Joseph S. Smith; 1868-73,
Henry M. Yliet; 1874-79, Charles Opdyke; 1880, D. S. Stute.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1763, Samuel Everitt, James Henderson; 1764, Henry Stull, Benjamin
Opdycke; 1765, John Shippey, Daniel Dunham; 1766, Cornelius An-
* Early so spelled ; later spelled Opdyke. The same change in orthog-
raphy will be noticed in many other names. No two town clerks spelled
these names alike, and it is difiBcult to reconcile their vagaries in this
particular.
derson, Daniel Dunham; 1767, John Crawford, Daniel Dunham ;^
1768-69, Thomas Lake, Francis Lock ; 1770, Robert Johnston, Abram
Bonnel; 1771, James Baird, Thomas Lake ; 1772, James Baird. Hugh
McCaluster; 1773, William Bobbins, Daniel Dunham; 1774r-75, Wil-
liam Robbins, Thomas Bowlsby ; 1776, Cornelius Carhart, John Dusen-
bury ; 1777, Capt. James Baird, Capt. Daniel Vliet ; 1778, Aaron Wat-
son, John Crawford ; 1779, Abraham Bonnel, Benjamin Opdyke ; 1780,
Aaron Watson, Capt. Cornelius Carhart; 1781, Benjamin Opdyke,
Abraham Bonnel; 1782-83, Peter Kes, Elias Wyckoff; 1784, Elias
Wyckoff, Garret Couehouen (or Covenhoven); 1785, Elias Wyckoff,,
Thomas Bowlsby; 1786, Jacob Cuek, Daniel Yliet; 1787-88, Elias
Wasakall, Esq., Joseph Luis ; 1789, Peter Kes, John Crawford ; 1790,
Peter Case, John Crawford ; 1791-95, Daniel Vliet, Col. Abram Bonnel ;.
1796-97, Col. Abram Bonnel, Samuel Large ; 1798-1800, Col. Clement
Bonnel, Emley Drake.
The freeholders from 1800-80 may be found on
pages 262, 263 of this work.
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1763, John Hackett, Benjamin Opdycke, Thomae Lake, William Vaness,
David Reynolds, James Henderson ; 1764, John Dusenberry, Benjamin
Opdycke, William Van Est, David Reynolds, Thomas Lake, Robert
Shields; 1765, Col. Hacket, Thomas Lake, Robert Johnston, John
Rockhill, David Reynolds, John Shippey ; 1766, Thomae Lake, Corne-
lius Anderson, John Rockhill, David Reynolds ; 1767, Thomas Lake,
David Reynolds, Cornelius Anderson, Abraham Bonnel, James Baird ;
1768, Daniel Fleet, James Baird, Francis Lock ; 1769, John Rockhill,
Esq., James Baird, Daniel Fleet, Francis Lock, Abraham Bonel ;
1770, James Baird, John Bassett, Robert Reynolds, Abraham Bon-
nel, Cornelius Carhart, Joseph Hageman ; 1771, James Baird, Fran-
cis Lock, Aaron Watson, Joseph Hageman, George Lacey ; 1772, John
Rockhill, Esq., Abraham Cline, Francis Lock, James Baird, Thomas
Bowlsby ; 1773, John Rockhill, Esq., Francis Lock, Hugh McCalester,
Robert Little, George Lacey ; 1774, Abram Bonnel, Cornelius Carhait,
Aaron Watson, Abraham Leach, Garret Albertson ; 1775, John Ruckel,
Esq., Cornealis Cai'hart, Aaron Watson, Garret Albertson, Abr. Lake,
Abr. Bonnel; 1776, Daniel Yliet, Benjamin Van Kirk, John Dusen-
bury, Mashie Hall, Francis McShane ; 1777, Capt. James Baird, Aron
Watson, Col. Abraham Bonnel; 1778, Abraham Bonnel, Aaron Wat-
son, Garret Albertson ; 1779, Capt. Daniel Yliet, Benjamin Opdycke,
George Barton ; 1780, Benjamifl Opdycke, Capt. Daniel Yliet, George
Barton; 1781-82, Benjamin Opdycke, Machie Hull, Abraham Bonnel;
1783-84, Col. Abraham Bonnel, Macbie Hull, Albert Opdyck ; 1785,
Daniel Yliet, Ephraim Smith, Albert Opdycke; 1786-87, Col. Charles
Stewart, Daniel Vliet, Thomas Bowlby; 1788-94, no township com-
mittee recorded; 1795, Abraham Bonnel, Elias Wyckoff, Benjamin
Opdycke ; 1796-97, no township committee recorded ; 1798-99, Luther
Colvin, Samuel Large, Jacob Cook, Aaron Yenetor, John Rockhill ;
1800, Luther Colvin, Jacob Anderson, Jacob Cook, Aaron Venata,
John Rockhill; 1801-2, Samuel Large, Jacob Cook, Aaron Venata,
Luther Colvin, Aaron Vansyckle ; 1803-5, Garret Covenhoven, Rich-
ard Lacey, Sr., Henry Staats, John Clifford, Aaron Yansyckle ; 18(i6-7,
Benjamin Egbert, Richard Lacey, Henry Staats, John Clifford, Aaron
Yansyckle; 1808-9, Benjamin Egbert, Richard Lacey, George Gauo,
Philip Johnston, Aaron Yansyckle ; 1810, Henry Staats, Richard
Leary, William Nixon, Philip Johnston, Aaron Yansyckle ; 1811,
Henry Staats, William Robertson, William Nixon, Philip Johnston,
Aaron Yansyckle; 1812, Henry Staats, James Dunham, William
Nixon, George Maxwell, Aaron Yansyckle ; 1813-14, Henry Stsiats,
Philip Johnson, William Nixon, Baltns Stiger, Aaron Yansyckle;
1815-17, Cornelius Carhart, Edward Henderson, William Nixon,
Aaron Yansyckle, Baltus Stiger ; 1818, Cornelius Carhart, Edward
Henderson, John Yansyckle, Baltus Stiger, Aaron Yansyckle; 1819,
Cornelius Carhart, Ebenezer Stilson, John Yansycle, Baltus Stiger,
Aaron Van Syckle ; 1820, William Counover, E. Stilson, George Gano,
Baltus Stiger, Jacob Seagler ; 182,1, Adam Stiger, George Gano, Baltus
Stiger, Charles Carhart, Ebenezer Stilson ; 1822, Adam Stiger, George
Gano, Joseph Bird, Charles Carhart, John Rhinehart; 1823, Adam
Stiger, George Gano, Charles Carhart, Joseph Bird, Alexander Rea;
1824, Adam Stiger, George Gano, Asa C.Dunham, Joseph Bird, Alex-
ander Rea ; 1825, Enoch Clifford, George Gano, A. C. Dunham, Joseph
Bird, Robinson Rockhill ; 1826-27, Enoch Clifford, A. C. Dunham,
Alexander Rea, George Gauo, Robinson Rockhill ; 1828, George
Gano, Enoch Clifford, Robinson Rockhill, John Rinehart, Jr , Alexan-
der Rea; 1829, John Rinehart, Jr., Benjamin Egbert, Robinson Rock-
BETHLEHEM.
461
hill, Philip Johnston, Enoch Clifford; 1830, Enoch Clifford, John
Rinehart, Jr., Aaron Vansyckle, John Srope, D. H. Anderson ;
1831, Enoch Clifford, John Einehart, Jr., D. H. Anderson, Sutphin
Garrison, John Srope ; 1832, Philip Johnston, William Conover,
John Srope, Samuel Leigh, Jr., Jacob A. Rinehart; 1833, Philip
Johnston, A. V. Bonnell, Samuel Leigh, Jr., John Blane, M.I)., John
Rinehart, Jr. ; 1834, A.Y. Bonnell, Philip Johnston, John Rinehart,
Jr., John Blane, M.D., Jacob A. Rinehart; 1835, A. T. Bonnell, Jo-
seph Exton, William Egbert, John Lake, Benjamin H. Opdycke ;
1836, A. V. Bonnell, B. H. Opdybke, Joseph Exton, Joseph Smith,
James Bird ; 1837, Azariah W. Dunham, B. H. Opdycke, William
Egbert, James Bird, Samuel Hamilton ; 1838, William Bonnell, A.
V. Bonnell, William Taylor, Peter Mechling, Jonathan Bobbins;
1839, William Bonnell, A. V. Bonnell, P. Mechling, Jonathan Rob-
bins, Samuel Hamilton ; 1840, William Emery, Samuel Hamilton,
A. T. Bonnell, P. Mechling, J. Robbins ; 1841, David Chamberlin,
Andl'ew Miller, A. V. Bonnell, Moses Farrow, John Rinehart, Jr. ;
1842, George W. Rea, A. Miller, A. V. Bonnel, John Rinehart, Jr.,
Moses Farrow ; 1843, I. N. Terwilliger, Charles *G. Wilson, John
Rinehart, Jr., Moses Farrow, Andrew Miller ; 1844, Enoch Abel,
.Samuel Carhart, J. Rinehart, Jr., J. A. Rinehart, Andrew Miller ;-1845,
Wm. Bonnell, S. Carhart, J. Rinehart, Jr., J. A. Rinehart, A, Miller ;
1846-47, R. Rockhill, W. Tinsman, S. Carhart, J. Robbins, J. Rine-
hart, Jr.; 1848, R. Rockhill, S. Carhart, Dr. J. Blane, J. Rinehart,
Esq., W. Tinsman; 1849, Peter Bodine, John Blane, John C. Weue,
W. Tinsman, B. Rockhill ; 1850, P. Bodine, John Blane, William
Maxwell, W. Tinsman, R. Rockhill; 1851, P. Bodine, Peter Melick,
W. Bonnell, W. Tinsm.^n, John Shafer; 18.r2, P. Bodine, P. Melick,
"W. J. Fishbough, W. Tinsman, J. Shafer; 1853, George G. Lunger,
John Rinehart, William J. Fishbough, Andrew Miller, John Shafer ;
1854-55, Joseph Anderson, J. Rinehart, Sylvester H. Smith, A. Mil-
ler, William S. Welch ; 1856-57, John Shafer, David Huffman, James
Bird, John C. Wene, Theodore Gardner; 1858, Peter Rinehart, Wil-
liam S. Gardner, James J. Willover, J. C. Wene, M. Farrow ; 1859,
M. Farrow, P. Rinehart, J. J. Willover, W. S. Gardner, John Hacket ;
1860-61, David Chamberlin, George Juster, Joseph Boss, William
Bowlby, W. S. Gardner ; 1862-63, George G. Lunger, Thomas Young,
W.H.Drake, Ebenezer Wolverton, James Bird; 1864, WilUam H.
Drake, G. G. Lunger, J. Bird, John C. Reeves, Thomas Toung; 1865,
â– W. H. Drake, 6. G. Lunger, J. Bird, Mathias H. Case, Geo. F. Shurta ;
1866, W. H. Drake, J. 0. Lake, J. Bird, M. H. Case, G. F. Shurts ;
1867-88, John L. Wene, John 0. Lake, Jacob Hacket, M. H. Case,
•G. F. Shurts ; 1869, J. L. Wene, J. Hacket, George Race, T. Toung,
John E. Smith; 1870, J. L. Wene, J. Hacket, G. Race, Thomas
Young, Staats N. Park; 1871-72, T. Tonng, S. N. Park, G. Race, W.
W. Sweazy, John Miller; 1873, T. Toung, G. Race, W. W. Sweazy,
Daniel Bloom, William S. Welch ; 1874, T. Toung, W. S. Welch, G.
Hace, W. W. Sweazy, Joseph B. Boss ; 1875, John Stute, G. Race, J.
B. Boss, A. J. Rakes, Peter L. Henry; 1876, A. J. Reeves, John
Stute, J. B. Boss, P. S. Heni'y, M. H. Case ; 1877, A. J. Reeves, J.
Stute, P. S. Henry, M. H. Case, Charles Alpaugh ; 1878, A. J. Reeves,
C. Alpaugh, N. H. Heft, M. H. Case, Godfrey 0. Lott ; 1879, G. C. Lett,
N. H. Heft, Thomas T. Huffman; 1880, G. C. Lott, T. T. Huffman,
Henry M. Vliet.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Bloomsbury is located on the left bank of the
Musconetcong Creek, in the northwest part of the
township. The name is derived from the Bloom fam-
ily, who were influential here in the early history of
the place, and are at present represented in other lo-
calities. It was previously known as Johnson's "
Iron-Works," from Robert Johnson's furnace, which
was on the Warren County side of the creek, near
-where the old charcoal-house now .stands. Johnson
carried on business here as early as 1750. The ore
#NAME?
Mountain and made into what is known as "blooms,"
.and some entertain the idea the name (Bloomsbury)
originated from this.
The village is beautifully situated at the foot of the
Musconetcong Mountains, at the lower end of the
valley. A small part lies upon the north side of the
creek, in Warren County.
The site of the village was owned as early as 1810
by George Beidleman, of Easton. His son Willianl
lived here, having charge of the estate, and the prop-
erty became his by heirship. His house was on the
corner of Bridge Street and Little York Road, where
Henry Gardner's residence now stands. Mr. Beidle-
man died here about 1838. His widow still lives in
the village.
The next owner of the Bloomsbury property was
Henry Jones. He was a distiller, and built a still-
house on the site now occupied by Hufiman's saw-
mill, below the grist-mill. This was the pioneer dis-
tillery. He died about 1828. He lived in the yellow
house where Theodore Melick now resides. His
widow in 1832 built the house where Widow Beidle*
man now lives.
As late as 1832 the land now occupied by Blooms-
bury was a farm, and there were but five houses on
the Bethlehem side of the creek : the old log house
that stood where the brick store now is ; the old Bei-
dleman house, on the corner where Gardner's house
stands ; the old yellow house, down the York Road ;
and the two log houses of John L. and Bartholomew
Lott. These are all standing except the first named.
This was kept for several years as a tavern by Charles
Tomlinson, and was the first on the south side of the
creek. Besides it, Esq. Cougle kept in 1835 in an old
house on the site occupied by the north end of the
Bloomsbury House. This was afterwards kept by-
James Smith, also by Doran Metier. The present
hotel was built in 1874 by William G. Jones, now
proprietor.
The pioneer blacksmith-shop was that of Bartholo-
mew Lott, on the Little York Road, near where MrSi
Hart now lives.
The first wheelwright now remembered was Wil-
liam Britton, where the marble-yard shop now stands*
The pioneer post-ofiioe was on the Warren County
side of the river, in the old tavern where W. J*
Smith's stone house now stands. From there it was
removed to the south side and kept in the then new
brick store, and from thence to the store now kept by
William Fulmer, where John Carter was postmaster,
with Sloan Carter as deputy. Up to this time the
mails were brought from Milford on foot, but by wliom
we were unable to ascertain. The present postmaster
is George Scott.
The village contains two churches, two railroad
depots, a school-house, a drug-store, a lumber- and
coal-yard, a hardware-store, a marble-yard, the
Bloomsbury National Bank, Odd -Fellows' Hall,
one hotel, a grist- and flouring-mill, two saw-mills
(one water and one steam), three general dry-goods
and grocery-stores, a grocery- and provision-store, a
boot- and shoe-store, and a dozen or more shops em-
bracing the various trades.
South Asbtjry is that portion of Asbury village
462
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JEESET.
lying on the aouth side of Musconetcong Creek ; it is
five miles east from Bloomsbury.
Asbury was originally called Hall's Mills. At the
Revolutionary period there were only two buildings,
a grist-mill, on the north side of the Musconetcong
Creek, and a dwelling, on the site of what was after-
wards Van Antwerp's mill.
In 1786, Col. William McCullough united with the
Methodist Society, and through his influence the
society, in 1800, built a small church, the corner-
stone of which was laid by the late Bishop Asbury.
About this time the bishop's name was given to the
hamlet, which it has ever since borne.
Chaelestown is two miles south of Junction, at
the head-waters of the Monselaughaway Creek. It
has a school-house (No. 16), a blacksmith- and wheel-
wright-shop, and about a dozen dwellings.
PoLKTOWN (named in honor of the late President
James K. Polk) is situated in the mountains of the
southeast corner of the township, and contains ten
or twelve dwellings.
Bethlehem, or West End, is located near the
centre of the township, on the banks of Bethlehem
Creek, half a mile south of Valley Station, on the
New Jersey Central Eailroad. Bethlehem station is
on the Easton and Amboy division of the Lehigh
Valley Eailroad. Its early settlement reaches far
back beyond the time when the hamlet was called
"Jugtown,'' by which title it is best known. For
nearly seventy-five years Jugtown"" has been noted "
for the conviviality of its inhabitants. It was a rest-
ing-place for the travelers and teamsters.
The pioneer tavern, as near as can be ascertained,
stood on the upper side of the road, opposite the pres-
ent hotel, and was kept by Jacob Smith as early as
1815. The first store was by Joseph Cornish, in 1825,
on the Asbury road. The property is now owned by
the West End Iron Company, and the old store is
used by them as an office. At present there are a
tavern, saw-mill, blacksmith- and wagon-shop, grist-
mill, two stores, a carpet-weaver, tailor, and milliner,
and two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Roman
Catholic. The west end of the Easton and Amboy
Eailroad tunnel is at this place ; here also are located
the mines belonging to the West End Iron Company,
the principal business of the laboring class being
mining.
Jan. 1, 1880, the name of the post-office was changed
from Bethlehem to " West End," to correspond with
the name of the iron company. William S. Welch is
postmaster, and the office is kept in the store attached
to the grist-mill of Sylvester H. Smith, Esq.
Junction is situated on the east line of the town-
ship, and the station for the two railroads, the hotels,
the post-office, and most of the business are in Lebanon
township.*
* The reader is referred to the history of Lehanon, in this work, for a
more complete account of Junction village.
SCHOOLS.
According to the report of E. S. Swackhamer,
county superintendent of schools for 1880, there are
six school districts in this township : Bloomsbury, 12 ;
Bethlehem, 13 ; South Asbury, 14 ; Charlestown, 16 ;
Mountain View, 17 ; Hickory, 18. There are also
parts of Disiricts 9 and 10 of Lebanon township and
parts of Districts 48 and 49 of Union township running
over into this township. The trustees for 1880 were
as follows :
No. 12, Valentine Toung, Jerome Rappleyea, and James Apgar ; No. 13,
John Creveling, Charles Opdyke, and Alfred G. Smith ; No. 14, J.
H. Martin, David Bowlby, and John Hufiman; No. 16, A. L. Shrope,
Tunis Stiner, and Erwin Lake; No. 17, Jacob Hackett, Thomas
Barria, and John L. Wene ; No. 18, J. T. Conover, J. J. Thorp, and
George Bace.
The district clerks and money apportioned for 1880
are as follows :
No. 12, Valentine Toung, ST16.87 ; No. 13, John Creveling, $398.26 ; No.
14, J. H. Martin, $330.44 â– , No. 16, A. L. Shrope, $313.84; No. 17, Ja-
cob Hackett, $316.68 ; No. 18, Albert Myers, $322.45.
The children of school age in the several districts
for the same year were: No. 12, 234; No. 13, 130;
No. 14, 99; No. 16, 45; No. 17, 51; No. 18, 73.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BLOOMSBURY,
was originally an appointment on the Asbury charge,
and was connected with the Asbury Church until
1858, when Eev. Benjamin Coleman was sent to this
place by the presiding elder, and the connection be-
tween the two places was severed. Our researches
lead us to the conclusion that the first Methodist
preaching in Bloomsbury occurred fifty-nine or sixty
years ago, as a circuit-preacher (probably Eev. Seeley
Bloomer) visited the place in 1821 and preached in
John Pippinger's house, where Samuel Stamets now
lives. Eev. Samuel Hull and Rev. Jacob Hevener
preached in the village occasionally about this time.
Eev. Seeley Bloomer is known to have preached at
Daniel Stire's residence, then standing near the Cen-
tral Railroad arch. Willever's and Stires' houses
became the headquarters of the Methodist preachers
when in this place.
In 1835 a suitable place for public service was pur-
chased. It was the property now owned by Joseph
B. Boss, and occupied as a double dwelling, near the
corner north of the church.f A Eev. Mr. Chattels
preached the dedicatory sermon; he was appointed
to this circuit about 1889.
Henry Willever and Daniel Stires were among the
early members, and contributed largely to the estab-
lishment of the infant church. When Mr. Willever
died, in 1841, he bequeathed $400 to the society, with
which to refit the wheelwright-shop and adapt it to
church purposes. While this was being done Rev.
Mr. Page and his colaborer, Rev. J. P. Daly, preached
in the school-house.
t It was originally a cabinet-shop belonging to a Mr. Helsman, and
later a wheelwright-shop. â–
BETHLEHEM.
463
At length the edifice again showed signs of decay,
and during the pastorate of Rev. William E. Blakeslee
was commenced the movement which resulted in the
building of the present neat and tasteful temple,
whose foundation-stone bears the inscription " 1860."
The building is of wood, 38 by 60 feet, with stone
basement, and is situated south of the old church.
It is painted a light drab, with brown trimmings,
and is surmounted with a graceful spire, in which is
hung a pleasant-toned bell. The cost of the new
church was $6000. Nov. 18, 1874, it was formally
reopened by Prof. H. A. Buttz, of Drew Theological
Seminary, assisted by Rev. W. E. Blakeslee.
After the new church was erected the old one was
used for a parsonage till 1870, when the present one
on Main Street was completed, during the pastorate
of Rev. W. C. Nelson. It cost $3000.
The first board of trustees were Henry Willever,
Joseph Smith, James Martin, Jacob Stoll, and Daniel
Stires. One of the first class-leaders was Robert
Smith ; he afterwards became a local preacher, and
his first sermon was preached in the long frame build-
ing opposite the present residence of Mrs. Zerviah
Stires. He was one of the five original members, the
others being Daniel Stires, Henry Willever, and their
wives.
The preachers, as near as can be ascertained, who
have officiated are Revs. Richard Lanning, Seeley
Bloomer, Manning Force (presiding elder and a
powerful preacher), and George Banghart. Rev.
Abram Carhart was the first preacher on this circuit
after the old church was bought, for he came in the
spring of 1835. In 1840, Rev. Charles F. Deems, D.D.,
then a young man, came to Bloomsbury and traveled
this circuit for one year. The preachers since 1835
have been as follows :
1835, Abram Carhart, Benjamin Keed ; 1836, Abram Carhart ; 1837, James
M. Tuttle ; 1838, WUliam E. Perry ; 1839, ChattleB ; 1840, George
Banghart, Charles F. Deems ; 1841, George Hitchene, Jacob Hevener;
1842, George Hitohens, Samuel B. Post; 1843, Abram Owen, Richard
Vanhome; 1844, Abram Owen; 1845, Edward Page, Jonathan T.
Crane, Jacob P. Daly, M. Stokes; 1846, Edward Page, George
Banghart, Jacob P. Daly ; 1847, George Banghart, John Eort, E. San-
ders, Bllinwood Rutherford, John K. Burr; 1848, Benjamin Kelly,
John Fort; 1849, Benjamin Kelly, Thomas S. Dederick; 1850,
George Winsor, R. B. Lockwood ; 1851, George Wineor, Isaac Trot-
ter ; 1852-53, Isaac Cross, William Copp, William H. Diokerson ; 1854,
Thomas Bawlings, O. Badgeley; 1855, Oliver Badgeley; 1856-67,
Thomas Walters ; 1858, Jacob P. Daly ;* 1859-60, William B. Blakes-
lee; 1861-62, Charles Walton ; 1863, John F. Dodd ; 1864-65, William
H. Haggerty; 1866-67, John B. Taylor; 1868-69, William H. Mc-
CormicK ; 1870-72, William C. Nelson ; 1873-75, Joseph W. Dally ;
1876-78, Ruth ; 1879-80, S. D. Doolittle.
Present officers: Trustees, William B. Housel,
William A. Schooley, James J. Willever, David P.
Cline, Farley C. Parker, Peter Hop'pock, James
Schooley; Stewards, James J. Willever, Joseph B.
Boss, Frank P. Young, James Schooley, Calvin H.
Rugg. Present membership, 200 ; value of property,
$7500. I \
* In 1858 the Bloomsbury Church was separated from Asbury, with a
young preacher, Nathan Coleman, as a supply until the Conference of 1859.
The Sunday-school was organized in 1836 by
Thomas Hilton, with only 12 scholars. From this
small beginning the school has grown to its present
size, 165 scholars, with an average attendance of
125. The officers of the school are : Superintendent,
Frank H. Young ; Assistant, Calvin H. Rugg ; Secre-
tary, William A. Schooley.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WEST END.
West End Iron-Mines was originally one of the
preaching-places on the old Asbury Circuit, which
embraced several counties in its territory. Service
was held at Joseph Smith's house, which was one of
the many " Methodist taverns," as they were latterly
called. Mr. Smith lived where his son Robert now
resides. Fifty years ago he was a class-leader, and
William R. Smith was also class-leader, exhorter, and
local preacher. Coonrad Swayze, Abram Housel,
Moses Farrow, David Chamberlain, Robert Smith,
John Hoppock, Henry Staats, and Asher Smith, to-
gether with their families, were among the members
of the class at that time.
. In 1849 the society built the present house of wor-
ship, at a cost of $800, and April 9, 1850, it was dedi-
cated by Rev. Joseph Ashbrook, assisted by Rev.
Benjamin Kelly, pastor in charge of the circuit. In
1876 it was remodeled and repaired at a cost of $800.
The preachers of the Asbury Church have served this,
as it is still connected with that church as a charge.
The church is valued at $1000, and the membership
numbers 40.
There is a flourishing Sunday-school connected
with this society, superintended by Rev. Harris and
Mr. Mathias Case, with an average attendance of 60.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHaRCH, BLOOMSBDRY.f
This church is a daughter of the old Greenwich
Church, in Warren County. It is situated in the vil-
lage of Bloomsbury, just where the New Brunswick
turnpike crosses the Musconetcong River into Hun-
terdon.
The need of a Presbyterian Church at this point
was occasioned by the impetus which the village re-
ceived from the extension of the railroad through the
Musconetcong Valley to Easton. So great was the
increase of population and resources at this point,
that it was felt to be a question of necessity that a
congregation should be organized and a church edifice
erected in the locality to accommodate the forty or
more Presbyterians who were residents of the village
and its immediate vicinity. The question received a
practical solution when, on Sept. 1, 1857, the friends
of the enterprise founded the church. A subscription
was started for the erection of a building, and soon
over $4000 were pledged.
A petition signed by 129 persons was presented to
the Newton Presbytery at its meeting, Oct. 6, 1857,
by William J. Smith and John T. Bird. The request
f By Rev. John C. Clyde, A.M., pastor.
464
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
was granted, and the following committee was ap-
pointed to organize the church : Eevs. Hugh N. Wil-
son, D.D., J. Arndt, Eiley, George C. Bush ; Ruling
Elders, Peter Winter, of Harmony, Adam R. Reese,
of Phillipshurg, and Philip Mutchler, of Asbury.
The committee convened in the Methodist Episcopal
church of Bloomsbury, on October 29th of that year,
and attended to the duties of their appointment. The
following persons joined in the organization :
John T. Bird, William J. Smith, Sarah E. Smith, John E, Smith, Sarah
C. Smith, Mary Hulsizer, Nancy Mitchell, Lydia Cochran, Sarah
Steiner, Margaret Hance, Thomas Tonng, Eebecca Ann Young,
John Hance, Catharine Hance, Jane R. Smith, Annie Parker, Abra-
ham Hance, SuBan Housel, Susan McPhereon, Penelope McPherson,
Deborah Young, Peter Hart, Mary Hart, Annie Creveling, Henry
Gardner, Elizabeth Gardner, Henry K. Kennedy, Elizabeth L. Ken-
nedy, Miriam Kay Kennedy, David F. Wean, Absalom James, Robert
I. Smith, Mary H. Smith, William S. Gardner, Rachel Tinsman, Jo-
seph 0. Smith, James Bird, Mary Bird, Emily A. Hulsizer, Abraham
W, Smith, William S. Hulsizer, and William Tinsman, forty-two in
all, among whom were twenty-six heads of families.
James Bird, Henry R. Kennedy, William J. Smith,
and William Tinsman were elected ruling elders.
Nov. 10, 1857, William S. Hulsizer, John T. Bird,
and John Hance were elected deacons, and William S.
Gardner, Abraham Hance, and Joseph W. Willever
trustees, who, under date of Nov. 16, 1857, signed and
sealed their declaration of the corporate existence of
the "First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury."*
Adam D. Runkle donated a suitable piece of land on
which to erect a house of worship, deeding the same
Nov. 19, 1857.
March 6, 1858, Mr. William E. Westervelt, a licen-
tiate of the Presbytery of Passaic, was elected the
first pastor. He was ordained and installed April 15th.
His pastoral relations continued until July 2, 1861,
during which there were 41 additions to the church.
To the lot of ground donated by Mr. Runkle an
adjoining tract was added by purchase in 1858, and a
commodious structure, 44 by 66 feet, was erected
without delay. It was of frame, neatly finished and
furnished, with a seating capacity for 700 persons.
Galleries extended around three sides of the room.
It was dedicated Oct. 14, 1858, the sermon being
preached by Rev. David X. Junkin, D.D.
Joseph S. Van Dyke, a licentiate of the Presby-
tery of Elizabethtown, was elected the second pastor.
October 10th, he preached his ordination sermon, and
was installed over the church.
In the fall of 1861 this church, with others, was
transferred from the Presbytery of Newton to that of
Raritan.
May 4th the pastoral relation between Mr. Van
Dyke and the congregation was dissolved. During
his pastorate 118 persons had been received into the
membership.
April 14, 1866, Henry V. Brittain was elected elder,
and Charles E. Williamson and Moses Robbins dea-
. * Recorded, November 17th, in the Hunterdon County records, where it
may be found, Special Deeds Folio, vol. iil. pp. 37G, 377.
July 17, 1869, Rev. H. B. Scott was called, and in
that year a commodious parsonage, 22 by 59 feet, was
built. During Mr. Scott's pastorate, in 1876, an addi-
tional elder, Moses Robbins, was elected, and 142
persons were admitted to the church.
In 1870 this church was again assigned to the Pres-
bytery of Newton, and its name was placed on the
roll of that Presbytery on June 22d.
The ."Louisa F. Kennedy Fund" was established
in 1878 for the relief of the needy in the congrega-
tion.
Rev. John C. Clyde succeeded Mr. Scott. He com-
menced his ministry July 1st. The installation took
place Oct. 14, 1879. Mr. Clyde still continues in the
pastorate, Jan. 1, 1881.
THE MUSCONBTCONG VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN GHUEOH.t
Pursuant to public notice, a number of persons con-
nected with the Mansfield congregation, and residing
in the Musconetcong Valley, met at the New Hampton
school-house, Dec. 24, 1836, to consider the propriety
of organizing a separate church. It was thought best
to first express good feeling towards those living in
the Pohatcong Valley, and, with a view of uniting the
parties, to propose erecting a new church at or near
the site of the old one, that is, near the Mansfield
graveyard. Samuel Drake and Richard Rounsavel
were appointed a committee to meet the other party
at Mansfield church, Jan. 6, 1837.
The committee reported, at an adjourned meeting
at New Hampton, Jan. 7, 1887, that the proposition
to rebuild on the old site had failed, as the decision
had been made to remove the Mansfield church to
Washington. On receiving this report it was resolved
to build a Presbyterian church between the villages
of Asbury and New Hampton.
A meeting was held February 4th, at which seven
trustees were elected : Thomas G. Stewart, William
Creveling, Richard Rounsavel, Joseph Cornish, Cor-
nelius Stewart, John Lake, and Joseph Bowlby.
Richard Riddle was chosen treasurer, and Cornelius
Stewart secretary. The same meeting decided on
location by a majority vote, and also adopted the
name of the new church, as well as a plan for the
building.
Application was made to the Presbytery of Newton,
in session at German Valley, in April, 1837, for or-
ganization into a church. The request was granted,
and the Revs. William B. Sloan, Jacob R. Castner,
and D. X. Junkin were appointed a committee for
that purpose. June 13, 1837, the committee met at
the place selected for the church and performed the
duty assigned them. On the same day Frederick
Lunger and Richard Riddle were chosen and ordained
to the ofiice of ruling elder.
Meetings for worship continued to be held during
the summer on the ground selected for the church.
t By the pastor. Rev. J. B. Kugler.
BETHLEHEM.
465
and were supplied by members of the Presbytery.
The congregation entered the new building in Sep-
tember, though it was not yet completed.
A call was made to the Eev. John McNair, and
Nov. 16, 1837, he was installed. At the same time
Joseph Carter, Samuel M. Harris, Thomas G. Stew-
art, and Christian Van Nortwick were chosen to the
office of ruling elder. Dec. 21, 1840, Dr. John Gray,
of Easton, being moderator, Samuel Drake, William
Creveling, Christian Van Nortwick, and Isaac M.
Carpenter were elected elders.
Eev. James Lewers, of the Presbytery of South
Carolina, became the next pastor, in 1841, contin-
uing until May, 1860,^a little more than nineteen
years. Feb. 2, 1850, Robert Simonton, George Smyth,
Abram Apgar, and Philip Muchler were chosen ruling
elders.
Sept. 15, 1860, a call was given to the Eev. Alfred
Yeomans, and Dec. 20th he was ordained and in-
stalled. Oct. 10, 1860, 26 persons were, at their own
request, dismissed, to be organized into a separate
church at Asbury. Dec. 30, 1860, Joseph Cornish,
Paul Marlatt, and John Mackey were chosen ruling
elders. During the pastorate of Mr. Yeomans the
comfortable parsonage was built.
Oct. 16, 1866, Eev. John B. Kugler, of Strasburg,
Lancaster Co., Pa., was elected pastor, and continues
in that position at the present time, Feb. 12, 1881.
June 12, 1868, John B. Lunger was chosen to the
office of ruling elder and duly installed ; and Jan. 28,
1872, John W. Fritts, Elijah G. Eiddle, and Joseph
Garrison were elected, and duly ordained and in-
stalled to the same office.
Present membership, 175; value of property, $10,000.
CEMBTEEIES.
There are but five burial-places in this township,
two at Bloomsbury, one near West End, one at the
Presbyterian church near Junction village, and one
in the Baptist churchyard in Junction village.
The following inscriptions from a few of the tomb-
stones are given :
Methodist Episcopal, at Bloomsbury : Bartholomew
Lott, died April 11, 1865, aged eighty ; Ann Maria
Woolever, died March 31, 1845, aged sixty-four;
Phineas Staats, born Aug. 15, 1814, died Aug. 28,
1860; James Cougle, born March 26, 1780, died
March 29, 1851 ; James L. Boss, died Dec. 25, 1855,
aged fifty-three; Henry Staats, died May 3, 1874,
aged sixty-nine ; William P. Lott, born July 4, 1818,
died Jan. 30, 1873; Electa Larison, born- May- 31y
1829; died Aug. 10, 1864 ; Martin J. Foose, died in
the Army of the Potomac, May 13, 1863, aged thirty-
two ;* Jacob Y. McElroy, First Independent Battery
New York Artillery, fell in defense of his country at
Gettysburg, Pa., July 9, 1863, aged twenty-one ; Peter
* He was a member of Co. C, Thirty-first Regiment New Jersey Vol-
iinteera.
Foose, born Sept. 6, 1802, died May 16, 1872 ; John
L. Lott, born April 4, 1782, died Aug. 6, 1873.
Presbyterian, at Bloomsbury : James Bird, born
March 6, 1797, died Dec. 13, 1876 ; Mary Bird, born
March 10, 1795, died July 20, 1872; Jesse Eunkle,
died May 6, 1861, aged fifty-eight; Abraham G.
Williams, died March 3, 1872, aged eighty-one;
William Hagerman, born Aug. 17, 1783, died May
3, 1863; John P. Smith, born Oct. 17, 1821, died
April 12, 1872; Elizabeth Gardner, born Jan. 28,
1790, died Sept. 20, 1865; William H. Creveling,
born July 31, 1801, died May 19, 1880; Mary E.
Creveling, born Feb. 22, 1808, died Aug. 3, 1880;
William M. Junkin, U.S.N., born April 8, 1811,
died in Pensacola Bay, Sept. 29, 1863, and buried
here April 8, 1864.
Fountain Grove Cemetery is located at Glen Gard-
ner, and has been occupied only since 1866. There
have been as yet but few interments, and still fewer
marble slabs mark the resting-place of the dead.
We found here the following: Eev. John McNair,
D.D., born May 28, 1808, died Jan. 27, 1867 ; James
H. Bell, died Oct. 2, 1856, aged forty-three; Moses
Gardner, born Nov. 9, 1800, died Dec. 7, 1866 ; Sarah,
wife of Eobert Seals, died Dec. 22, 1870, aged seventy-
six ; Eliza A. Hunt, born Dec. 30, 1801, died Nov. 23,
1873 ; W. A. A. Hunt, M.D., born June 6, 1796, died
Sept. 9, 1878.
In Valley Cemetery, located on the lot adjoining
the Valley Presbyterian church, near the Junction,
lie the remains of many of the early settlers in this
locality, the names of whom will be found in history
of Presbyterian Church, by Eev. Kugler.
SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS.
The Bloomsbury National Bank was organized
in 1874, and chartered as a national bank in June,
1875, with a capital of $75,000, subsequently increased
to $100,000. The bank is located in the Odd-Fellows'
building. Henry E. Kennedy was the first president,
and Jesse J. Lake the first vice-president. The offi-
cers for 1880 were : President, Henry E. Kennedy ;
Vice-President, Sylvester Probasco; Cashier, Louis
Anderson ; Teller, Frank Cline.
Bloomsbury Vigilant Society was organized June
29, 1867. Its object is " for detection of horse-thieves,
and mutually insuring horses, mules, carriages, and
harness, stolen." The first officers were: President,
William Tinsman; Vice-Presidents, William S.
Gardner, William S. Hulsizer ; Directors, William
S. Hulsizer, Willia m S. Gardner, Charles Hazard,
Wiliiam^GT^Jones, and William Tinsman; Pur-
suers, Charles Hazard, Theodore Tinsman, John M.
Bayard, Joseph Emery, Eeadon Stiner, William G.
Jones, Henry Gardner, Henry Hoif, Isaac Wolverton,
Stacey B. Fine, A. G. Smith, and William S. Hulsizer.
This society was incorporated by act of the Legisla-
ture, April 3, 1871, and William S. Gardner, William
S. Hulsizer, Charles Hazard, Daniel Williamson, and
466
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
William Tinsman were named as incorporators. The
bounds of the society form a radius of seven miles
from the village of Bloomsbury, and the pursuers are
to advance seventy-five miles, or farther if necessary.
The regular meetings of the society are held in Jan-
uary of each year.
The present officers (1880) are: President, William
S. Hulsizer ; Vice-Presidents, Joseph W. Willever
and William Dalrymple ; Treasurer, Theodore Tins-
man ; Secretary, William G. Jones ; Directors, James
Apgar, Daniel Williamson, Charles Hazard, Joseph
W. Willever, James J. Willever; Pursuers, Charles
Hazard, Wilson Metier, John Cole, Joseph Emery,
Amos Maxwell, Joseph B. Boss, William Vliet,
Albert Insley, Isaac Wolverton, John B. Smith,
Thomas Lake, Eeadon Stiner; and Theodore Tins-
man Principal Pursuer.
Touchstone Lodge, No. 156, L O. of 0. F., was
instituted at Bloomsbury, May 16, 1871, with the fol-
lowing charter members : B. E. Bowne, Henry Carter,
John S. Carter, F. K. Young, William B. Housel,
and Peter D. Eockafellow. The principal first officers
were: Noble Grand, B. E. Bowne; Vice-Grand, Henry
Carter; Eec. Sec, John S. Carter; Treas., F. K.
Young ; Warden, Peter D. Eockafellow ; Conductor,
Abram W. Smith. The successive presiding officers
have been Henry Carter, John S. Carter, S. N. Parks,
F. K. Young, W. H. Allen, Henry Carter, W. B.
Housel, W. S. Schooley, W. M. Cackender, W. C.
Cole, W. H. Foose, H. S. Apgar, J. W. Creveling,
Jacob Stone, Joseph L. Allen, Nelson Geary, and
John W. Bowlby. The sessions are held Saturday
evenings, in Odd-Fellows' building, Bloomsbury.
Present membership, 60. But one member has died
since organization, viz., George Wood, killed by ac-
cident, Jan. 21, 1875.
The principal present officers {December, 1880) are:
N. G., James P. Myers ; Vice-Grand, S. E. Dalrymple ;
Eec. Sec, Peter D. Young ; Treas., S. N. Park ; Con-
ductor, W. H. Foose ; Warden, Nelson Geary.
The Odd-Fellows' Hall Association was formed
for the purpose of investing the surplus funds of the
lodge, and was chartered by the Legislature, March
14, 1873. The first officers were : President, William
G. Jones; Vice-President, Jacob Stiner; Secretary,
F. K. Young; Treasurer, John S. Carter; Executive
Committee, S. B. Fine, John W. Bowlby, and W. B.
Housel. The hall was erected on the corner of Main
and Centre Streets. It is three stories high, with a
Mansard roof, and cost $7000.
The officers for 1880 were: President, Jesse J.
Lape ; Vice-President, Daniel Bloom ; Secretary, W.
H. Foose; Treasurer, George W. Scott; Executive
Committee, W. H. Foose, George W. Scott, and W.
E. Schooley.
H. E. Kennedy Lodge, No. 140, A. F. and A. M.,
Bloomsbury, was granted a warrant of dispensation
Sept. 7, 1874, under which it worked until Jan. 21,
1875, when it was chartered by the Grand Lodge.
The original members were John Stute, P. D. Eocka-
fellow, J. W. Bowlby, William W. Swayze, Charles
Tomlinson, M. D. Knight, Solomon W. Welder, Eobert
A. Shimer, and Theodore B. Hance. The first W. M.
was Samuel Phipps ; first secretary, S. B. Fine. The
Past Masters are Samuel Phipps, S. N. Park, William
Dalrymple, and William A. Schooley. Present mem-
bership, 52.
The principal officers for 1880 were : W. M., F. K.
Young; S. W., D. S. Stute; J. W., J. J. Lake;
Treas., W. G. Jones; Sec, S. N. Park; S. D., W. A.
Schooley; J. D., E. T. Vliet; Tiler, Jas. Boss.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The industrial pursuits are about the same as in
other townships, except that of mining, in which by
far the most capital is invested and the most men
employed.
The original mills at Bloomsbury were built prob-
ably as early as 1760. The grist-mill was, most
likely, the first of the kind in this part of the valley,
and was rebuilt about 1825, burned Feb. 6, 1878, and
again rebuilt and put in its present condition in 1878
by John Herbert, of Bound Brook. The present
owner is Thomas T. Huffman.
There have been three distilleries at Bloomsbury.
The first was built by Daniel Stires, in the bend of
the Little York Eoad, just below the arch-bridge of
the Central Eailroad. There is no trace of it left.
The next was on the site of Huffman's saw-mill, be-
low the grist-mill, and the other was built by Jona-
than Eobbins, on the farm now occupied by Moses
Eobbins, a little west of the village of Bloomsbury,
and still standing, but not used as a distillery.
The distillery below the grist-mill gave place to
cotton-factories, built in 1842 and 1843 by the Mus-
conetcong Manufacturing Company. This company
was established for the purpose of manufacturing and
finishing for market cotton, woolen, and flax goods,
and was incorporated in 1842. Enoch Green, John
G. Eichey, Adam D. Eunkle, George B. Green, and
Thomas Green were the first directors. The capital
stock was not to exceed $200,000. The factories were
located below the grist-mill at Bloomsbury, covering
the site of the present saw-mill, and were burned in
1856. The present saw-mill, on the site of the factory,
was built by John Herbert, and sold to T. T. Huff-
man, present owner.
The grist-mill at " Jugtown" (or "West End") was
built in 1825 by Joseph Cornish ; in 1849 it was pur-
chased by Sylvester H. Smith, the present owner.
The saw-mill at West End is now owned and oper-
ated by Charles Opdyke.
The first manufacturing establishment of any kind
at what is now Bloomsbury was a saw-mill and fur-
nace where " blooms" were made from the iron ore,
to which reference has already been made.
The grist-mill on the Bethlehem Creek at Asbury
was built some time previous to the Eevolution, and
PC^^-i^r-
BETHLEHEM.
467
there has been a mill at this place ever since. The
lime interest has been one of importance in this town-
ship, and at one time was extensively carried on.
WEST END IRON COMPANY.
The mines of the company are located in this town-
ship, near Bethlehem village, though the post-office is
named " "West End," to conform to the name of the
company. The ore from the Turkey Hill mines, sit-
uated about a mile and a half southwest of the vil-
lage, is delivered on board cars run on a branch from
that place on the Easton and Amboy branch of the
Lehigh Valley Eailroad. The ore from the Swayze
mines, located the same distance east of Jugtown, is
carted to the Valley station, on the Central Railroad,
a distance of two and a half miles. These mines are
producing annually large quantities of the best kind
of Bessemer iron ore.
The officers of the company are : President, F. A.
Potts ; Secretary and Treasurer, John Kean, Jr. ;
General Manager, G. M. Miller ; Superintendent, N.
H. Heft.
PHYSICIANS,
The first physician known to have located in what
" is now this township was Thomas Elder, at Blooms-
bury, between 1800 and 1810. Just how long he re-
mained here is unknown. The next was John Sloan,
who practiced in Bloomsbury from 1820 to 1822. He
was followed in 1822 by Hugh Hughes, who died here
in 1856.
Other physicians in Bloomsbury have been J. M.
Junkin, Isaac C. Stewart, Joseph Bird, Jeremiah O.
HoflF, Dr. Elder, a Scotchman, and the present prac-
ticing physician, William E. Little.
At Junction there have been four physicians, of
whom there still remain Philip G. Creveling, located
in 1866, and Robert Fenwick, the same year, and still
in practice.
H. Servis came in 1874, and T. A. Heron in 1876 ;
both still practice here.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
turned to Asbury and resumed milling business, which
he followed till the spring of 1848. In 1849 he en-
gaged in milling at Spring Mills, Alexandria town-
ship, Hunterdon Co., where he remained one year,
and in 1850 removed to his present location, his
father having purchased the mill property there.
This. mill property is situated on a mountain stream
in the village of Bethlehem, upon which there has
been a mill for more than a hundred years. Mr.
Smith purchased the property of his father in 1853,
and has rebuilt the mill, and erected two dwelling-
houses and other buildings upon the place. He is
engaged in grinding both merchant and custom flour,
and in handling and shipping grain in bulk, the
highest amount having been reached in 1864, in
which year he shipped $45,000 worth of grain in the
three months of December, January, and February,
making a large profit. Since then the amount han-
dled has not been so large, though it has steadily
amounted to a considerable trade. In 1873 and 1874,
while the tunnel on the Lehigh Valley road was
being built at this place, Mr. Smith's sales from his
mill and coal-yard averaged 12500 per month.
He is a Republican in politics, having, as he says,
been left by the Democratic party in 1856."" He "
had previously been elected justice of the peace by
the Democrats, and served for nine years, from 1851
to 1860. He was again elected justice in 1870, and
has held various other local offices in his township.
He ran at the instigation of his friends for member of
Assembly in 1855, but was defeated by a small ma-
jority. He has frequently served as a delegate to
county, congressional, and State conventions, and
was a member of the Suffrage State Convention in
1869. In 1874 he was appointed one of the lay
judges of the Court of Common Pleas, and held the
office five years. In 1879 he was nominated for sena-
tor for Hunterdon County and made a good race,
but on account of certain local issues was defeated.
Mr. Smith married, Oct. 22, 1844, Ann Elizabeth,
daughter of John and Catharine McCrea, of Bethle-
hem N. J. They have had ten children, two sons
and eight daughters ; two of the latter are deceased.
His eldest son, Simeon H., is in mercantile business
at Bethlehem; the youngest, Abraham Lincoln, is
attending school at Trenton, N. J.
SYLVESTER H. SMITH.
Sylvester H. Smith was born in Franklin township,
Warren Co., N. J., July 14, 1821. He is a son of
David and Mary (Wyckoff) Smith, the oldest of
twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, all
living.
Mr. Smith lived on a farm till he was twenty years
of age, when his father hired him to George Painter,
of Asbury, to learn the milling business. This was
in 1840. He remained at Asbury, engaged in mill-
ing till 1843, in the spring of which year he went to
Waterloo, Sussex Co., and engaged in the same occu-
pation there, remaining till the fall, when he re-
HOWARD SERVIS, M.D.
Howard Servis, M.D., was born Oct. 6, 1829, near
Ringos, N. J. His father was Gerret Servis, a promi-
nent citizen of Hunterdon County, who was for three
years sheriff, was twice elected to the New Jersey
Legislature, and for several years was postmaster at
Clinton. His mother was Susan Stout Servis, a grand-
daughter of John Hart, one of the signers of the De-
claration of Independence. Dr. Servis was educated
solely by his father. He studied medicine with Dr.
Charles C. Phillips, of Deerfield, Cumberland Co., N. J.
468
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
In 1856 lie entered the Medical Department of the
University of Pennsylvania. Being over twenty-one
years of age at the time of his matriculation, he was
required to take but two terms, and in 1858 received
his degree of Doctor of Medicine.
f-^-t^-fi^
d -^^^-^^ ^. M
He at once established himself at Fairmount, Hun-
terdon Co., N. J., and soon built up an extensive
practice. With unusual professional ardor, he deter-
mined, after having been in active practice two years,
to resume his academic studies, and he accordingly,
in the winter of 1860, attended a special course of
lectures at the University of Pennsylvania. He re-
turned to Fairmount, but at the end of a year he re-
moved to New Hampton, and succeeded to the prac-
tice of Dr. McLenahan, a prominent physician, at
â– whose request Dr. Servis made the change. With
such indorsement, he succeeded to the full practice of
Dr. McLenahan, and has since won the respect and
confidence of the community in which he resides, both
as a useful citizen and as an eminently successful phy-
sician and surgeon.
He is a member of the District Medical Society of
Hunterdon County.
He was married, June 12, 1867, to Belinda, daughter
of Philip Johnston, Esq., of Washington, N. J.
SAMUEL CRBVELING.
The late Samuel Creveliug, of Asbury, was born in
Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., Aug. 6,
1796, and died March 15, 1880. He married Abigail
Warne, Sept. 20, 1820. She was born July 27, 1800,
and died March 8, 1863. Their children were Elisha
W., born Dec. 11, 1821, married Mehitable Stryker,
Dec. 11, 1840; Jacob, born Nov. 4, 1823; Susan,
born June 19, 1826, married Charles S. Carpenter,
Got. 15, 1845 ; Samuel, born Aug. 14, 1828, married
Emma 0. Boyer, Dec. 23, 1858 ; Eachel Ann, born
Sept. 14, 1830, married William A. Young, Sept. 14,
1852; Mary Elizabeth, born July 3, 1834; Sarah
Ellen, born Sept. 2, 1837, died Jan. 8, 1867 ; Emma
W., born Feb. 29, 1840, married Dr. Frederick P.
Shepherd, Jan. 1, 1867; Jane W., born Feb. 16,
1843, married Charles W. Opdyke, Feb. 27, 1862.
Mr. Creveling was a well-known citizen. He fol-
lowed the occupation of a farmer, residing on the old
homestead near Valley Station. The latter part of
his life he lived retired in the village of Asbury, su-
perintending the interest of his farms. He was a
member of the Presbyterian Church for many years,
was a man of integrity of character and exem-
plary life, very liberal in support of churches. He
was also very strong and decided in his political
views, being a staunch Republican and a warm
friend and supporter of the principles of that party.
He lived to an advanced age, being in his eighty-
fourth year at the time of his death.
JOHN 0. WENB.
John C. Wene was born in Bethlehem township,
Hunterdon Co., N. J., Sept. 20, 1809. He is a son of
Paul and Elizabeth (Cregar) Wene. At the age of
eight years he went to live with his grandfather
Cregar ; lived there until he was thirteen ; then hired
out to Ichabod Lee, of Bethlehem, for whom he
worked till twenty years of age. The last year of his
minority his father gave him his time, and he earned
eighty-five dollars, out of which he saved forty. He
then came with his brother Conrad to the mountain,
and they together purchased the adjoining farm, where
his brother now lives. After working here one year
he was induced to relinquish his interest in this farm
and take the Bigler farm, adjoining, to work upon
shares. He has ever since lived upon this farm,
having, on the 3d of September, 1859, married a
granddaughter of Mr. Bigler, Miss Elizabeth Mat-
thews.
Mr. Wene has been an industrious and persistent
worker and a good manager, and by prudence and
economy has saved a handsome competence. From a
boy of eight years of age he has depended upon his
own exertions, and had little or no schooling except
what he procured for himself after he was twenty-one.
Yet he has achieved success, not only in a pecuniary
point of view but in the maintenance of a character
for integrity and liberality. He has been for about
forty years a member of the Bethlehem Baptist
Church, and is one of the largest contributors to
SAMUEL CEEVELING, SE.
SAMUEL CREVELING, Jr.
Samuel Creveling, Jr., son of Samuel Creve-
Img, Sr., and Abigail (Warne) Creveling, was
born in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co.,
N. J., Aug. 14, 1828, and died Aug. 19, 1875.
He was brought up to the occupation of a
farmer, and received his education at the com-
mon schools of his neighborhood. He mar-
ried, Dec. 23, 1858, Emma C, daughter of
David and Lydia (Shimer) Boyer, born in
Franklin township, Warren Co., N. J. The
fruit of this marriage has been eight children,
as follows: infant daughter, born Jan. 9, 1860;
Harry J., born April 19, 1861, died Sept. 20,
1862; Jennie, born Jan. 26, 1863; George B.,
born Jan. 23, 1865, lives at home; Julia, born
Jan. 11, 1869; Charles, born Sept. 20, 1870,
died Oct. 9, 1870; Annie, born Sept. 20, 1870;
Luie, born May 28, 1874, died Aug. 15, 1880.
Mr. Creveling was a staunch Republican,
and took an active part in the political affairs of
his party, being a frequent delegate to conven-
tions, and an earnest and indefatigable worker
in behalf of the principles he so highly valued.
He had a high reputation for honor and integ-
rity ; was a faithful and affectionate husband, a
kind and indulgent father, and a true friend.
His death was much lamented by a large circle
of friends.
The ancestors of Dr. Creveling came from Holland , and
were among the earliest settlers in the Musconetcong Val-
ley. The following is a record of the first couple who
settled there and their children: Johannes Creveling,
born Jan. 6, 1706 ; Catharine, his wife, born July 12, 1710,
married, Sept. 6, 1737, by Johannes Casprivis Everhartus,
minister in Bannioxcein. Their residence is given as
Woverlingen, Holland. Johannes Creveling died Jan.
20, 1782. The children of this couple were : William , born
Feb. 14, 1739, married, Jan. 28, 1762, to Catharine Wel-
ler, by Charles Huff, Esq. ; Mary, born April 24, 1740,
married, Jan. 28, 1762, to Henry Strader, by Charles
Huff, Esq. ; Henry, born Nov. 6, 1741, married, July 1,
1770, to Sarah Weller, by Thomas Van Home, Esq. ;
Andrew, born Feb. 28, 1743, married, June 18, 1771, to
Margaret Patrick, by Minister McHannah ; Johannes,
born Feb. 22, 1745, married, Feb. 8, 1776, to Mary
Knowles, by Mr. Stright ; Margaret, born Sept. 31,
1747, married, March 30, 1763, to David Beer, by Mr.
Rosebrook, minister ; Christiana, born Sept. 30, 1749,
married, Nov. 29, 1769, to Jacob .Weller, by Thomas
Van Home, Esq.; Peter, born Feb. 22, 1753; Jacob,
born March 25, 1755 ; Anne, born March 10, 1758, mar-
ried, Dec. 13, 1778, to John Brinkerhoff, by Joseph
Treate.
Jacob Creveling, tenth child of Johannes and Catha-
rine, was the grandfather of Dr. William S. Creveling.
His father was William H., youngest son of Jacob
Creveling, born July 31, 1801, and married Mary Bar-
ber. He lived in the Musconetcong Valley, on the farm
cleared by his grandfather Johannes, and had twelve
children, nine of whom are living; their names are as
follows: John J., now living at Bloomsbury, N. J.;
Christiana, deceased ; Jacob, residing in the city of New
York; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of John Hunt; Wil-
liam S., M.D., of West End, Bethlehem township,
Hunterdon Co. ; George, now living in Washington,
D. C. ; Francelia, wife of Dr. William Little, of
Bloomsbury, N. J. ; Charlotte V., wife of A. York
Smith, residing at Hazleton, Pa. ; and Isabella, wife of
George W. Scott, of Bloomsbury, N. J.
William Sloan Creveling was born at West End,
Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co., N. J,, Nov. 21,
1829. He was brought up on a farm and received a
good English education, reading in the classics and
studying medicine with Dr. John Blane, of Perryville,
Hunterdon Co. He commenced his medical studies in
1846, and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine at
the University of New York in 1851. After practicing
one year with his preceptor, in the spring of 1852 he
moved to the village of Stanton, Hunterdon Co., where
he remained, pursuing a successful professional career,
for twenty-two years, and attaining a high reputation
as a physician. In 1874 he removed to West End, or
Bethlehem Village, where he still follows his profession
with the same ardor and success.
Dr. Creveling is a, member of the State Medical
Society, and holds a practitioner's license from that
body. He is also a member of the District Medical
Society of Hunterdon County, of which he has several
times been president and a delegate to other important
medical bodies.
He married, Jan. 2, 1854, Thisby M., daughter of the
late John S. Britton, of Hunterdon County. They
have two children, Martha, born Sept. 8, 1855, wife
of Dr. Albert S. Shannon, successor of Dr. Creveling
at Stanton, N. J., and Mary, single and living at
home.
MAETIN H. CEEVELING.
Martin H. Creveling was born June 2, 1812, I
on the place where his life was spent, near the
village of BetHehenci, Hunterdon Co., N. J.,
where he died April 24, 1878. He was a son
of Peter and Delilah (Farrell) Creveling; was
educated at the common schools, and followed
the occupation of a farmer all his life.
He inherited a part of his father's estate, on
which he was born, and purchased a portion
from the other heirs, leaving to his- widow
and children who survive him a comfortable
competence.
He married, Dec. 24, 1840, Hannah Ann
Alpaugh, daughter of Charles Alpaugh, of
Alexandria township. They have had four
children, three sons and one daughter, all
living, viz.. Agues, James L., Alfred G., and
Charles O. All except Alfred G. reside at
home; he married Julia J. Smith, and lives at
Bloomsburj^, N. J.
Mr. Creveling was a man of upright and un-
blemished character, and a member of the Pres-
byterian Church. Although in feeble health for
some time, his death was quite unexpected. He
died suddenly, of pneumonia, in three days from
the time when he was taken seriously Ul. His
memory will be cherished by many friends
and relatives.
^-^-^ -^
BETHLEHEM.
469
its support and to missionary and other incidental
interests.
In politics he is a Democrat, and has held sev-
eral responsible offices in his township, such as a
member of the committee, collector, etc.
Mr. and Mrs. Wene have three children, one son
and two daughters, viz., Elizabeth, wife of Henry
Laity, foreman of the Swayze mines, Margaret, and
John Wene.
DAVID F. WENE.«
His grandfather, Conrad Wene, lived in Tewksbury
township, and served in the Revolutionary war. Later
in life he lived at Quakertown, where he attained the
remarkable age of one hundred and one years. He
time of his marriage to Elizabeth Dalrymple, in May,
1837. He was saving, prudent, and industrious, and
has well realized the reward of his virtues. After his
marriage he settled in Bloomsbury and bought prop-
erty largely in the village, much of which he still
owns, although he has missed few opportunities to dis-
pose of a piece of property profitably.
He followed the business of a carpenter and under-
taker till 1872, since which time he has been in the
lumber business, owning a saw-mill at Bloomsbury
and a farm near the village. He has ten acres in
Warren County which he has been fitting up for a
cemetery.
Mr. Wene has been for many years a member of the
Greenwich Presbyterian Church.
-^^^^^^^^^
was buried at LebanoiPcteriS^' His third son, Peter
Wene, father of Dar^f^- 5t^ nramed Folly De Forest,
served in the war'of^l^t^W/Sad nine children, five
sons and four datS^Mfesf, fhree of whom viz., Mary,
wife of Aaron Rofff of New Germantown; Sarah, wife
of John Stakle, of Bucks Co., Pa. : and David F., the
subject of this sketch are living.
David F. Wene was born in Lebanon township,
N. J., April 8, 1806. He went to Tewksbury town-
ship, where his mother died when he was eleven
years old, and he was bound out to Kasper B. Wyc-
kofi", in Eeadington, and remained there till he was of
age, working on a farm. After arriving at his ma-
jority, he did farm -work, made brick, etc., up to the
* Or Wean.
JOSEPH W. WILLEVBR.
Joseph W. Willever was born Nov. 20, 1820, on the
farm adjoining the place where he now resides, being
part of the original homestead, in Bethlehem town-
ship, Hunterdon Co., N. J. The estate has been more
than one hundred years in the family. It belonged
first to the Conover (originally Covenhoven) fainily,
one of whom, Sarah, married James Eckman, the
maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
His grandfather Eckman being one of the heirs, the.
property came into the Willever family partly in this
way and partly by purchase by Mr. Eckman of the
other heirs.
The Willevers from whom he is descended lived
many generations ago in Greenwich (now Franklin)
township, Warren Co., where his great-grandfather,
Adam Willever, was the original proprietor of a
large tract of land, and had also a large tract near
Jerseytown, Pa. This land was divided among his
six sons, three of whom settled on the estate in
Pennsylvania, and three viz., Joseph, Peter, and
Phillip on that in Warren Co., N. J. Joseph was
the grandfather of the subject of our sketch. He
lived and died on the old homestead in Warren
County, having married a Miss Kinneman and raised
a family of three children, two sons and one daugh-
ter, viz., Adam, Peter, and Barbara.
Peter, the second son, was the father of the present
Mr. Willever. He was born and reared in Warren
County, and Jived there till his marriage to Hannah
Eckma% daughter of James and Sarah (Conover)
Eckman, above referred to ; and after his marriage
came to live with his father-in-law on the Eckman,
now the Willever estate, in Bethlehem township. He
was active in town afiairs, especially in the militia,
in which he held at difi'erent times the positions of
captain and major. He died in 1835, leaving two
sons, Joseph W. and James; the latter now owns
the original homestettd, but resides at Bloomsbury,
N.J.
Joseph W. Willever was brought up on the old
homestead and bred to the occupation of a farmer ;
JV--*■'•^^,
470
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
received his education at the common schools ; has
been an indefatigable worker, carrying on a large
farm, remodeling everything upon the premises, and
erecting buildings which no farmer would be ashamed
to pattern after, for their appearance, convenience, and
durability. He is living in the third house erected
upon the same foundation, probably laid more than a
hundred years ago by John Beamer, a native of Ger-
many, who came here before the Conovers and erected
a stone house. That house was torn down by Mr.
Willever and a frame one erected upon the same
foundation ; the latter was burned down and another
built, which was also destroyed by fire, and was re-
placed by the present brick residence in 1859.
Mr. Willever married. May 19, 1842, Elizabeth W.,
daughter of James Horner, of Northampton, Pa.
They have had eight cliildren, five of whom are liv-
ing, viz., James H., Hannah M., deceased ; Jane
Alice, deceased ; Kobert M., George W., Willard 0.,
deceased ; Stephen A. D., and Anna E. James H.
was educated at the Delaware Literary Institute, at
Franklin, Delaware Co., N. Y. Eobert M. and George
W. were prepared for business at Eastman's Com-
mercial College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Stephen A.
D. is studying medicine in Philadelphia. Anna E.
was educated at the Moravian Seminary, in Bethle-
hem, Pa.
In politics Mr. Willever is a Democrat, and has
held several local offices of trust and responsibility,
having been justice of the peace and a member of
the Legislature for two years, 1855 and 1856. He
has been for some fifteen years a director in the
Readington Fire Insurance Company, and is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Bloomsbury.
WILLIAM TINSMAN.
The grandfather of Mr. Tinsman formerly resided
across the line from the present homestead, in Green-
wich (now Franklin) township, Warren Co., and sub-
sequently removed to Kingwood, Hunterdon Co.,
where he settled on a farm and lived there till his
death. William Tinsman, Sr., the father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born and brought up in
Franklin township, Warren Co., and in 1838 moved
across the line into Bethlehem township and settled
on the place where his son now resides. It is a beau-
tiful situation, in the rich valley between West End,
or Bethlehem village, and Bloomsbury, within sight
of both the Lehigh Valley and Central Eailroad of
New Jersey.
William Tinsman, Sr., married Mary, daughter of
John Fine, of Fineville, N. J., and had children,
John, William, Sally, Catharine, Margaret, Elizabeth,
Mary, and Emily. Only #wo "of these are living at
this writing, to wit, Elizabeth, wife of Abraham
Hance, of Blobins'bury, and William, the subject ot
our sketch.
William Tinsman was horn in Greenwich (now
Franklin) township, Warren Co., N. J., May 1, 1811.
He married, while living in Warren County, Eachel,
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Gardner, in 1839.
They have had children, as follows : Mary, wife of
Charles Alpaugh, of Bloomsbury ; Theodore, who
married Anna Smith and lives in Bloomsbuiy ; Eliz-
abeth, wife of Joseph B. Emery, living on the farm
with Mr. Tinsman ; and Margaret, wife of William S.
White, a keeper of lighthouse in Salem Co., N. J.
Mr. Tinsman inherited part of his estate from his
father and purchased the rest of the heirs. He has
been justice of the peace several years, and has held
nearly all the responsible offices in his township, has
been county collector, and was a member of the Leg-
islature in 1851-52. He was elected on the Dem-
ocratic ticket, of which party he has always been a
staunch supporter, and an active worker in many of
its conventions.
In his ecclesiastical relations he was first connected
with the Lutheran Church, and represented it in the
General Synod. Since his settlement here he has
joined the Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, in
which he is an elder. He has represented this church
m the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly, and
was elected to represent it in the Synod convened at
Bridgeton, N. J., in October, 1880, but his health
would not admit of his attending. He is a liberal
giver to charitable and church enterprises.
Xl^ ^ y^My^
ResiDLNCEor JOSEPH W. Wl LLEYFR, BethlchemJp., Hu ntekdon Co NJ
f\EsiDENCE or W.H DRAKE, Bethlehem Jp Hlntcpdon Co, N.J.
The great-grandfather of W. R. Little came
from Europe, and settled in Chester Co., Pa., in
1710. He had a son, Roger, who was a soldier in
the Revolution, although a Quaker, being forced
into the service on account of his value as a
scout. He settled after the war in Charlestown,
Chester Co., Pa. ; was twice married, and had
five children by his second wife, of whom Wil-
liam, the father of Dr. Little, was the third,
and was born in the year 1800. He lived
on the homestead property till 1857, when he
moved to East Bradford, Chester Co., where he
spent the remainder of his life, and died there,
in 1879, in his seventy-ninth year. He never
would accept any public office, although nomi-
nated for the Legislature with a good chance of
election, being a staunch Republican. He fol-
lowed farming through life. In 1833 he married
Ann Chrisman, by whom he had four children
who arrived at mature age, two sons and two
daughters, viz., George Little, who lives on
the homestead property ; Martha, wife of Samuel
Fetters, of Glenloch, Chester Co., Pa. ; Mary
J., who died in young womanhood ; and Wil-
liam R., the subject of this notice.
William R. Little was born in Charlestown
township, Chester Co., Pa., Oct. 27, 1850. He
was brought up there, and received his rudi-
mentary education at the common schools ; was
prepared for college at Litiz Academy, in Lan-
caster Co., Pa., and graduated at Lafayette
College, Easton, in 1873. Two years later he
entered the Medical Department of the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania at Pliiladelphia, and re-
ceived his degree of Doctor of Medicine in
1877. He immediately settled in Bloomsbury,
N. J., where he has remained ever since, acquir-
ing a large practice and a good reputation as a
physician. In addition to his practice he is also
proprietor of a drug-store in Bloomsbury.
He is a member of the State Medical Society
and of the District Medical Society of Hunter-
don County.
He married, April 5, 1878, Celia, daughter
of William H. Creveling, of Hunterdon County,
and has one son, William D. Little.
^^/l^uJ-^t^-Z- u^^ <^ySirtff^^,
Moses' great-grandfather, Jonathan Robins,
settled in Alexandria township, adjoining the
Old Hickory Tavern, in 1751, and bought
land of" one Widow Merrill." The original es-
tate contained two hundred and eighty-live acres
of land. He had two sons, Jonathan and Isaac,
and four daughters, the former being the grand-
father of Moses Robins. He lived and reared
a large family on the old estate. One of his
sons, Jonathan, the third of that name, was the
father of our subject. This Jonathan married
Widow Charity Lawshe, and had by her nine
children. George, James, and Ephraim, of the
sons, are deceased, and one of the daughters,
Mary, is deceased; those living are Moses,
Jonas, Sylvester, Sarah, and Elizabeth. Jonas
married Sarah Jane Case, and lives on the old
homestead in Alexandria; Sylvester married Isa-
bella Bird, and lives in Branchburg township,
Somerset Co.; Sarah married James Sidders,
and lives near Urbana, Ohio; Elizabeth mar-
ried, fir.st, Reuben R. Wright, deceased, and
second, Jonas Tharp ; they live in Union town-
ship adjoining tiie original homestead.
Jonathan Robins, the father, bought out the
heirs and owned most of the old homestead
tract; and after his marriage to Widow Lawshe
purchased the other homestead in Union town-
ship, where he died Dec. 12, 1872, and was
buried on the original place. His wife died
March 25, 1859, aged sixty-two years, ten
months, and twenty-four days.
Moses Robins was born in Bethlehem (now
Union) township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., Sept.
3, 1826. He was brought up on the place, and
lived there till twenty-three years of age. Oct.
25, 1849, he married Susan M. Kels, daughter
of Henry Kels, of Alexandria, and has had
children as follows : Lucy E., born Sept. 2,
1850, married James A. Creveling, Feb. 13,
1875; Sarah E., born May 21, 1853, died July
14, 1857; George, born Aug. 12, 1854, died
Nov. 7, 1855; Sylvester, born April 19, 1856,
lives at home; Mary A., born Nov. 22, 1857;
Charity E., born July 30, 1859; Henry K., born
July 1, 1861 ; John L., born Oct. 22, 1862,
died June 23, 1863; Anna, born Nov. 11, 1864,
died Jan. 11, 1873; Jonathan E., born Oct. 13,
1866 ; Isabella, born Aug. 2, 1870.
Mr. Robins moved to the farm he now occu-
pies in 1853. It was purchased by his father
of Adam D. Runkle. He has made great im-
provements on the place, both in buildings and
culture, and it is one of the finest farms in this
section of New Jersey.
He is a Republican, and has served his town
in several responsible offices. Was nominated
and ran as a candidate for the Legislature in
1877, but was defeated, although running ahead
of his ticket. He has been commissioner of
deeds several years, school trustee, and district
clerk. He and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, and he is
an elder in that body.
TEWKSBURY.
This townsliip is situated in the nortlieast corner
of the county, and is bounded north by Morris
County ; east by Somerset County and Keadington
township; south by Eeadington and Clinton town-
ships ; west by High Bridge and Lebanon. It com-
prises 35.82 square miles, or 22,925 acres. By the
census of 1880, it has 189 farms and a population of
2108
NATURAL FEATURES.
The township is traversed by a range of high and
rolling land called Fox Hill, after one of the early
proprietors. It constitutes a considerable portion of
its area, and ranges generally northeast and south-
west, reaching from Pottersville to Cokesburg, and
from the Morris county line to within a mile of
New Germantown. A rich limestone valley south of
this covers most of the remaining portion of the
township.
A little over half of the eastern side of the township
is washed by the Lamington River, and the northern
half of its west side by the South Branch of the Eari-
tan, both of which fiirnish splendid water-powers at
Pottersville and Califon. A small branch of the
latter cuts across the northwest corner of the township
and empties at Califon.
The north branch of the Eockaway Creek rises in the
northwestern part of the township in three branches,
which meet at Mountainville, and runs thence south-
eastwardly across the southern part of the township,
and for a distance of three miles from its southern
boundary. It furnishes water-powers at Fairmount,
Mountainville, and to a mill below Mountainville.
Cold Brook furnishes water-power for the mill at New
Oermantown.
The whole township is a fine farming region, and
most of it is in a high state of cultivation. Numerous
hme-Mlns indicate the source of fertility of the land.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The earliest settlement in Tewksbury was made
about 1700,* where New Germantown now is. It
was originally composed of English people, Ealph
Smith being the leader and becoming the most im-
portant landowner. The town was first called, after
him, "Smithfield." He resided in a house stand-
ing probably where Peter W. Melick now lives
rebuilt and known after his time as Barnet Hall. He
may have been an ancestor of the numerous Smith
femily hereabouts. He appears to have had a church
* Col. E. E. Honeyman in " Our Home," p. 117.
building erected, which he sold to the Lutheran so-
ciety in 1749. -He also sold the lots opposite the
church, on the south side of Church Street, from Main
Street east. His name appears in the managing com-
mittee of the Lamington Church in 1749.t Other
English names appear in that early time, Johnson,
Thompson, Cole, Plat, Ireland, Carlisle, but they
disappear again. James Cole appears as the purchaser
of a lot corner of Main and Church Streets in 1761,
though he came from Boston in 1734 with a family,
having left one child " buried at the east end of the
old English church in Boston in 1728." He had thir-
teen children.
Mrs. Ireland lived on the lot next north of that now
occupied by Mr. J. Bosenbury, but which was probably
owned by John Carlisle.! Thomas Holme appears as
the owner of the next lot north, and he and John Fleet
as the owners of the corner of Main and Church
Streets, where the tavern now stands. These names
all disappear, and their places are taken by those of
German settlers who came in soon after.
" It was in 1705 that a number of German Reformed
people residing between two cities in Germany, called
Wolfenbeutel and Halberstadt, driven by persecution,
fled first to Neuwird, in Ehenish Prussia, and' then
to Holland, where; two years later, in 1707, they em-
barked for New York, but by adverse winds their
frail ship was carried into Delaware Bay. Deter-
mined, however, still to reach the place for which
they were destined, to have a home among the Dutch,
they set off from Philadelphia by the overland route
to New York.g "
Following the Old York Road, they were led to
Hunterdon County, and a portion of them ultimately
to Tewksbury township, where they settled, and
where the present inhabitants are largely their de-
scendants. The old family names of Pickel, Welsh,
Apgar, Farley, Alpaugh, Philhower, Melick, Hoff-
man, Einehart, etc., come down from these.
Mindurt Farley was in all probability one of these
first immigrants. He was the first settler in Cokesburg
in the early part of the last century, and bought about
200 acres of land where Oliver W. Farley now lives.
He had five sons Caleb, Isaac, John, Mindurt, and
Joshua and two daughters, Margaret and Mary.
Margaret married Abraham Pickel ; Mary, Conrad
f Dr. W. W. Blauvelt's Bennon ou hiatory of LamiDgton Church, quoted
in " Our Home," p. 169.
t Col. Honeyman in ^' Our Home," p. 119.
g Sermon of Kev. Mr. Wack, in " Our Home," p. 389.
471
472
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Apgar. Mindurt had three children, Dr. Francis
Asbury Farley, who was a man of some peculiarities,
and lived where William Farley now lives ; Anthony,
who married a Miss McCullough ; and Barbara, who
married a Mr. Kennedy. Anthony had two sons •
William and Mindurt, the latter a lawyer of some
distinction and three daughters. Barbara Kennedy's
daughter Catharine married Rev. Mr. Brown, a Meth-
odist minister, and her son Archibald is a lawyer of
Jersey City.
Joshua Farley, born in 1769, married Miss Sutton,
daughter of Aaron Sutton, another of the first settlers,
and had ten children, Aaron, Mindurt (3), Oliver W.,
Mercy, Elizabeth, Hannah, Huldah, Mary, Charlotte,
and Barbara. Mercy married Charles Wolverton ;
Elizabeth, William Wolverton ; Hannah, David Ulp ;
Huldah, Samuel I. Houseworth ; Mary, John Wol-
verton ; Charlotte, Jesse Eeed ; Barbara, Eichard
Wolverton. The six last named removed to Penn-
sylvania. Oliver W. lives on the old homestead, and
his children, and those of Mercy and his brother's, were
brought up at Cokesburg. His wife was Anna Apgar.
Jacob Apgar (1) came from Germany, and had nine
sons, Peter, Herbert, Adam, Frederick, Caspar,
John, Jacob, Matthias, and Conrad. Jacob came to
Cokesburg, and bought land half a mile northwest of
the town. He married Charity Pickel, and had twelve
children, Anna, Sophia, Effie, Sallie, Catharine,
Frederick, Conrad, Nicholas, Adam, Jacob, Caspar,
and Matthias. Most of them lived around Cokes-
burg. Sallie and Jacob went West; Anna married
Herman Henry ; Sophia, Charles McKagin ; Effie,
John Melick ; Sallie, McCloskey Skureman ; Cath-
arine, George Cramer; Frederick, Eve Hoffman, in
1790 or 1791. Nicholas had eight children, Jacob,
Peter, Abraham, Elizabeth, Charity, Catharine, Anna,
and Martha. Jacob lived on Fox Hill, the rest about
Cokesburg.
Frederick, who married Eve Hoffman, had eight
children, Jacob (3), Conrad, Anna, Nicholas, Freder-
ick, Charity, Sallie, and Mary. Conrad, born 1800,
married Mary Apgar ; Anna, 1794, George Hoffman ;
Nicholas, 1803, Delilah Apgar; Frederick married
the Widow Apgar, once Katy Trimmer ; Sallie, Aaron
Alpaugh ; Mary, born 1818 or 1819, Elijah Apgar.
Jacob married Margaret Trimmer, and had ten
children, David, who married Charity Alpaugh, and
lives at Mountainville ; Elizabeth and Daniel, who
died young ; Sarah Ann married John Alpaugh, also
of Mountainville ; Catharine, Henry Roberts, tanner,
Fox Hill ; Mary, Arthur Seals, and afterwards Alfred
Chamberlain, Flemington ; Martha married and went
to Illinois; Edward S., Effie Swick, removed to
Philadelphia ; Wesley went to Iowa ; Margaret died
early.
Peter N. Apgar married Isabel Hoffman, and has
nine children ; Abraham married Mary Ann Apgar,
and had eight children; Elizabeth, Peter Philhower,
and had fourteen children, viz., Mary, married John
L. Hoffman ; Abraham, Thisbe Starker, then a second
wife, and went to Illinois ; Susan, George Sutton ;
Nicholas, went to Illinois; Jessie, married Jacob
Hoffman, and removed to High Bridge; Martha Ann,
Joseph Apgar, and went to Dunellen; Charity,
Morris Eick, and located in Mountainville; Katy,
Silas, Hannah, and Harmon.
Charity Apgar married Andrew Stout, and had
eleven children, Margaret, Mary Jane, John, George,
Charles, William, Frances, Charity Ann, Martha
Elizabeth, Hetty, and Amelia. Catharine Apgar
married Morris Teats, and had seven children, Asa,
Lucy, Emma, William, Mary Ann, Sarah Elizabeth,
and Jacob. Anna Apgar married Oliver W. Farley ;
their children are at Cokesburg. Martha Apgar mar-
ried William Alpaugh ; children also at Cokesburg.
David Apgar's children are about Cokesburg and
Mountainville.
This was a very numerous family, and the different
members of the same name were distinguished by
various nicknames, "Fiddler Bill," "Pony Bill,"
Tinker Jake, "Straw Creek Crackle," "Old Cross
Butler," etc.
Harmon Hoffman came from Germany, and settled
where James Stevenson now lives, between Cokes-
burg and Mountainville. His children were John,
Frederick, Harmon, Dolly, and Mary. John Hoff-
man bought 120 acres next to and after Farley's pur-
chase at Cokesburg. He married Miss Young, of
Fox Hill ; their children were Henry I, Peter I,
William I, Frederick I, John, Philip C, Ann, Mary,
Margaret, Elizabeth, and Elsie. The middle letter,
I, is not an initial but a distinctive letter, another
family being Henry H, Peter H, Frederick H, etc.,
another being "M," and another still "P," to distin-
guish the Henrys, Fredericks, etc.
Henry I Hoffman married Margaret Fritz. Their
children are John, Jacob, Philip, Henry, Mancius,
Frederick, Rachel, Eliza, Margaret, Mary Ann, and
Jemima. They are scattered in other parts of the
State and the West.
Peter I married Ellen Bauman. Their children
are Peter W., Thomas B., Noah, Philip, Jane, Eliza-
beth A., Lydia, Ellen, and Mary, of whom Peter W.
married Emily Cox; Noah, Elizabeth Teats; Jane,
Abraham N. Hunt; Lydia, John Felmley; Ellen,
George Teats; Mary, Andrew Johnson, all in the
vicinity. Peter I is still living, at the age of ninety-
eight, between Cokesburg and Califon.
William I married Ellen Hays. His children are
Peter, married Anna Eick ; Frederick, married Ann
Teeter; John, married Sedosa Brown, and lives in
Newark ; Rebecca, married Peter Post, and after-
wards D. L. Evert; Lydia, married John Voorhees,
of Elizabeth, N. J. ; Frederick I married Betsy Lowe.
His family live in High Bridge township.
John married Lydia Hays ; their children are John
H., married Harriet Cox ; Henry, Catharine Rine-
hart; Charles, Mary Flummerfelt; Thomas, Sarah.
TEWKSBURY.
473
Cole ; Lettie, John Fleet ; Elizabeth, Peter Eick ;
Lydia Ellen, Isaiah Apgar ; Mary Jane, died young.
These are in and near the township.
Philip C. died single.
Ann Hoffman married Henry Hoffman ; she was
born 1772 and died 1868, aged ninety -six.
Mary married Jacob Urts. Her children are John
TJrts, who married Mary Schuyler, and Jane, single.
Margaret, still living, maried Benjamin Eobinson.
Their children are John, married Miss Johnson ; Jo-
seph, Peninnah Jacques ; Philip, Miss Longwood ;
William, Sarah Emmons; Elizabeth, Peter (?) Hill;
Mary Ann, Peter Ely ; Sarah Ann, died early,
Elizabeth married Mr. Lomison, and, at his death,
Garrett Conover. Her children were John ; Conrad
married Miss Cramer and went West : Nancy, Adam
Hope ; Elizabeth, George Eick, and afterwards Jacob
Eeed; Margaret, Harmon Hoffman; Ellen, Crouch
Bead; Catharine, Harmon Hoffman; Garrett Cono-
ver ; and Sarah Conover, who married William Lance.
Elsie Hoffman married William Apgar (" Fiddler
Bill") ; their children are John, married, first, Han-
nah Potter, and, second, Nellie Van Houten ; Jacob,
married Katy Apgar ; George, went to Ohio with Ja-
cob ; Adam, married Mattie Fleming ; William, Miss
Beam ; Peter, Miss Eobinson, afterward a second wife;
Elizabeth, William Beam ; Barbara, Peter Schuyler ;
Margaret, John Jacques ; Anna, William Trimmer ;
Mary, Philip Trimmer; Fannie, Benjamin Eobinson;
Philip, died early.
. Frederick Hofl&nan, son of the immigrant, married,
first, Miss Schuyler, second, Mamie Hotrum, and had
nineteen children, Mary, Peter, Philip, John, by his
first wife ; George, Adam, Harmon H., Jacob, Conrad,
Annie, Effle, Elsie, Amy, Mary Ann, Charlotte, Hul-
dah, and others who died young. Annie married
John Bunn ; Effie, Jacob Eeed ; Elsie, first, William
Eeed, afterward Matthias Apgar; Charlotte, James
Buchanan ; Huldah, Peter Apgar. Adam and Har-
mon are still living, Adam near Califon, Harmon
near Cokesburg.
Harmon Hoffman, son of the immigrant, married
Anna Schuyler. He bought 160 acres where Enoch
and Philip and George B. Sutton now live, three-
quarters of a mile southwest of Farmersville. His
children were Henry M., Peter M., Philip, Lizzie,
Mary, and Ann. Henry M. married Anne Hoffman ;
Peter M. married Charity Philhower ; their children
were John, married Anna Eobinson; Mary, George
H. Lindabury ; Anna, Samuel G. Hoffman ; Frederick
P., Mary Philhower, and afterward Mary A. Canada ;
Effie, Thomas Apgar; Margaret; Philip P., Sophia
Apgar. Frederick P. is still living a mile northwest
of Fairmount. Philip married Mary Philhower and
went West. Lizzie married Michael Ehote. Mary
married Coon Wean. Ann married Henry Teats.
John Alpaugh came from Germany and bought 300
or 400 acres, a mile southward from Cokesburg. His
children were John, Peter, George, Eve, Elizabeth,
31
Ann, and Mary. Their families settled in Tewks-
bury.
Philip Philhower and his wife, Mary, came firom
Germany, with his brother George, who went to Vir- '
ginia. They settled where David Philhower now
lives. It was about 200 acres then, and has been in
the Philhower name ever since. His sons were Chris-
topher, John, Peter, Jacob, and William ; daughters,
Elizabeth, Charity, Mercy, Catharine Ann.
Christopher married Elizabeth Fox. Their children
were Christopher, George W., Catharine, Charity,
Mary, Elizabeth, and Sallie. Catharine married
Asher Morgan; Charity, Adam Philhower; Mary,
Adam Apgar ; Elizabeth, a Mr. Young.
John married Eachel Sutton, of Fox Hill. His
children were Jacob, Philip, John, Peter J., Wil-
liam, Eichard, Aaron; half-brothers, Frederick,
Isaac; Elizabeth married Andrew Schuyler; Susan,
Harmon Hoffman ; Mary, Adam Tiger ; the half-sis-
ter, Clarissa, Eobert Cox.
Peter married Elizabeth Hotrum. Their childrei»
were George, married Sophia Ann Felmley ; David,
Elijah, Mary, married Frederick P. Hofiinan; Catha-
rine, John Hofiinan ; Amy, Peter F. Hoffman, brother
of John ; Charity, Henry M. Hoffman ; Elizabeth,
Conrad Lindabury ; Mahala, Jacob Apgar ; Huldah,
and others who died young. Elizabeth, Mahala, and
David were triplets.
Jacob married Miss Cramer or Hart. Their chil-
dren were Mary, Philip, Treenie, Elizabeth, Marga-
ret, William, and Peter. In 1817, Jacob and his-
family went to Ohio. Mary was married to Philip
Hoffman, and Treenie to Peter Schuyler; the rest
married in Ohio.
William married Catharine Apgar. Their children
were Adam, married Charity Philhower, old Christo-
pher's daughter; Peter, Catharine Trellsie; Ann,
Samuel Heldebrant; Philip, first, Miss Merrill,
second, Mary Everett ; Edward ; William, Miss Hen-
dershott; Mary, Frederick Sargeant; Barbara, a Mr.
Sickel ; Elizabeth married Frederick Apgar ; Charity,
Peter M. Hoffman ; Mary, Peter Sutton ; Ann, Wil-
liam Fleming ; Catharine, died young. The brother,
George, who went to Virginia, left only two daugh-
ters, so that the name died out in his family.
Jacob Tiger came from Germany in the immigra-
tion, and bought a large farm a little south of Cokes-
burg. His children were George, Nicholas, Jacob,
Abraham, Elizabeth and other sisters. George mar-
ried Ann Teats ; Nicholas moved to Ohio. Jacob
went to Peapack. Elizabeth married Peter Sutton.
Abraham's children were Jacob, married Ann Jobs
and died aged seventy-two ; Adam, Mary Philhower,
and moved to Pennsylvania; George, Maria Lutz;
Peter, Ann Johnson; Elizabeth; Effie, Peter P.
Shurtz; Ann, Peter Teats. The last moved to Illi-
nois.
William Welsh came from Germany and settled in
Bound Valley, Lebanon township. His sons were
474
HUNTERDON COUNTY", NEW JERSEY.
Morris, Jacob, John, and William ; his daughters,
married, three.
Jacob was the first of the name in Tewksbury. He
came in 1797, and settled where David Welsh now
lives, a mile northwest of New Germantown. His
father gave him the land, willing it to his wife, to
revert to his children at his death. He married Cath-
arine Crater. His children were William, married
Margaret Drake, born 1798 ; Morris, Susanna Felm-
ley ; David, Polly Dean ; Jacob, Amanda Gulick ;
Isaac, Margaret; David Terriberry; Dorothy, John
Craig ; Esther, William Sutton ; Julia Ann, William
G. Eick.
William Welsh, Jacob's brother, married Margaret
Drake. His children were John Vandervoort, who
married Keziah L. Fisher, and Mary Ann, who mar-
ried Jeremiah H. Field.
Tunis Melick came from Germany before or about
1735. He married Miss Van Horn, of Whitehouse,
and settled where Peter W. Melick now lives, buying
about 200 acres from Ralph Smith and afterwards 400
acres two miles west of New Germantown, still in the
Melick name, owned by Peter W., and known as the
Tunis Melick property. He had only one son, Peter
(married Susan Egbert, of Readington), and several
daughters. Ellen married Abraham Vliet; Anna,
Isaac Farley ; another daughter, John Vliet; Treenie,
Mindurt Farley ; Margaret, Dennis Wyckoff ; and
another, Martin Mail.
Peter's children were Tunis, Mary, Nicholas Egbert,
James, Peter, Abraham, John V., Ellen, Susan, Eliz-
abeth. Tunis married Sarah Van Sickle. Their chil-
dren were Susan, married Jacob D. Trimmer; Andrew
V. S., Rachel McKinstry ; Peter W., Caroline Apgar,
and Emma Ray. Mary married Moses Felmley.
Nicholas Egbert married Elizabeth Backer. Their
children were Peter, married Jane Miller; Christo-
pher, Maria Cortelyou ; John W., Elizabeth Apgar ;
Susan Ann, William Krager; James, Emeline Ken-
nedy ; Edwin, Miss Dunham ; Catharine, Stephen
Wortman ; William, Elizabeth Fisher ; Elizabeth,
Samuel Sutton.
Of the rest of the emigrant's sons, James married
Lydia Van Sickle ; Peter, Ruth Leek ; Abraham,
Maria Kline ; John V., Maria Able. Their children
were Peter, married Margaret Latourette ; William T.,
Rachel Philhower ; Ernest, Fanny Hoffman ; Susan,
John Lane ; Jane, Smith Cole ; Lavinia, Austin
Clark ; John V., Margaretta Craig ; Emeline, Jacob
Specht.
Of the daughters, Ellen married Andrew Van
Sickle; Susan, Cornelius Defore; Elizabeth, Charles
Williams. Ellen and Susan went to New York State;
Elizabeth to Ohio ; Peter to Indiana ; James to Pea-
pack, and Abraham to Morris County. The rest set-
tled about New Germantown.
David Felmley was first of the name in Tewksbury.
He came near 100 years ago. He was born about
1756, and married Sophia Sidells. He owned 500
acres, and had thereon still-works and tannery. His
children were Moses, married Mary Melick ; John,
Hannah Valley ; William, Ruth Apgar ; David, Miss
Wyckoff, Miss Line, and Mrs. Ginthro, formerly Miss
Stillwill; James Parker, removed West; Margaret,
married .John Alpaugh ; Sarah, Jonathan Barkman ;
Katy, William Apgar ("Pony Bill"); Sophia Ann,
George Philhower. These all left Tewksbury except
David, Sarah, and Katy.
David lived in the old parsonage. His children
were Peter Wyckoff, married Margaret Condit ; Pohl-
man, Kate Honeyman ; Emeline, Cornelius Voor-
hees ; Margaret, Edward Barry.
Moses' children were David, married Sarah Logan ;
Susanna, Morris Welsh ; Peter M., Gertrude Smith ;
John, Ann Stothoff and Ellen Voorhees ; Anthony,
Catharine Van Dyke, Margaret Cortelyou, and Ade-
line Park ; twins who died young.
Sarah Barkman's children were David, married
Ann Crate ; Pohlman, Melinda Rinehart ; William ;
Catharine, Andrew Van Fleet ; Elizabeth, William
Shurtz.
Katy Apgar's family were David, married Katy
Alpaugh ; William, Elizabeth Hotrum ; Jacob New-
ton, 0. W. Farley's daughter ; Fanny, Cornelius
Lance ; Katy, William McOatharine ; Livia Sophia,
Charles Fritts. Sophia Ann Philhower's sons live
near Irvington, N. J.
John Van Fleet came from Holland and settled in
Readington. John, his son, lived in Lebanon. John,
son of this last, came to Tewksbury about 1800, and
married Eleanor Van Syckle. In 1809 he bought
the place where Andrew now lives. His children
were John, Andrew, Maria, Isaac, Elizabeth, Aaron,
Alfred, George, and Abraham. John married Miss
Lance; Andrew, Cath.irine Ann Barkman; Maria,
Joseph Kennedy. Nearly all went to Illinois.
Andrew Van Syckel came from Readington and
bought the place where his grandson, Andrew Van
Syckle, now lives. Of his children, Capt. James Van
Syckle married Catharine Backer, and went to Sussex
County ; John M., Christina Cramer, and went to Illi-
nois ; Andrew married Sarah Kennedy, Whitehouse ;
Sarah, Tunis Melick; Eleanor, John Van Fleet ; Ann,
Michael Shurtz, Illinois; Rachel, Samuel Crater,
Lebanon ; Lena, John Hunt, Readington.
Philip Hiler and Mary Rowe came from Baden in
1752 to New Brunswick. She was but three years
old, and was bound out, till she was eighteen, in pay
for her passage. After their marriage they came to
Tewksbury and bought the farm John Bosenbury now
owns. His children were William; Adam married
Christina Auble ; Polly, Sylvester Davis ; Lena, John
Henry ; Philip,* Margaret Young ; Jacob, Ann Yaa-
ger. His house was built 1792. Philip's children
were Mary Ann S., married Dennis Potter, and then
John Bosenbury; William Young, Sarah Rowe;
' Member of the Assembly of New Jersey.
TEWKSBURY.
i15
Eliza Nevius, George Moore. Adam was captain of
the ship "Kevenge." He was poisoned by a Tory
â– woman. He was a brave and active officer and a
pure patriot.
George (or John) Fisher came from Germany about
1790, and settled in Changewater. His son, Eev.
George Fisher, came to Tewksbury in 1797 or 1798,
and about 1815 bought 50 acres, a part of the Fox
Tract, where Charles McKagins now lives, from
James Auble. He married Hannah Hiler. Their chil-
dren were Mary, married Rev. Mr. Lee, of Denville;
John, Miss Miller ; Elizabeth, Ann Rose, of Newton ;
George, Anna Sutton ; Christopher, Margaret Groff ;
Henry, Anna Johnson ; Susan, Amos Hoagland ; Mar-
garet, Eev. Samuel Hull, of Frenchtown.
Frederick Bartles came from Germany to Philadel-
phia and married Miss Apt. He was one of the early
colonists who settled at New Germantown. He soon
engaged in the manufacture of iron at Hacklebarney,
and in 1793 went to the head-waters of the Susque-
hanna {Steuben Co., N. Y.), where he built the first
mills and was the pioneer in the use of " arks" for
transportation.* Two of his sons, Andrew and Joseph,
lived at New Germantown. Andrew married Cath-
arine Plum in 1790, and was for some time a hatter,
afterwards a farmer. His children were Charles,
Frederick, Henry, Joseph, Sarah, Julia, Ann, Eliza,
Phebe. Charles married Eliza Hart, and afterwards
Eliza Randall, and resides in Flemington ; Frederick,
Elizabeth (?) Williams, and lives in St. Louis ; Henry,
Susan Van Pelt, Fox Hill ; Joseph, Phebe Ann Hiler,
Kansas ; Eliza, Joseph Cornish, merchant and farmer,
Jugtown; Phebe, George B. Stothoff, farmer near
Flemington. The others were single. All were born
in New Germantown. Joseph was a merchant in
New Germantown. He afterwards bought from his
brother Andrew the farm on which Jacob K. Bartles
now lives, residing there till he died. His children
were Jacob K. and a brother who lives at Fleming-
ton.
Three brothers named Pickel early came irom Ger-
many together. One (Baltes) settled at Whitehouse
and one at Lebanon. George, grandson to one of
these, was the first of the name to reside in Tewks-
bury, at Pottersville. His children were Frederick,
married Mary Heldebrant ; Isaac, Margaret Gulick,
Pottersville ; Alfi-ed, Sarah Crater, Fox Hill ; Samuel,
Deborah Bartles, a farmer at Unionville; Matthias,
Maria Smith, and went West ; George, Jane Beavers,
farmer at Pottersville ; Henry, Mary Evert, Potters-
ville; Marritta, John Kowe, Pottersville; Ruth,
John Davis, Chester. Eev. Henry Eugene, now in
Kansas, is a son of Matthias.
Aaron Sutton was one of the first settlers, and kept
a store before the Revolution where Joshua A. Farley
now lives, south of Pottersville. His family were
Mary, married John McKinstry, who owned Van
• See pp. 338, 339 for a further account of rrederick Bartlea.
Dyke's mill, and a sister, who married Joshua Farley,
of Cokesburg.
Aaron's brother Richard married Miss Chidester.
Their children were Aaron, whose family went else-
where, and Samuel, married Ellen Vliet. His chil-
dren were Anna, married George Fisher, Fox Hill ;
Eleanor, John C. Moore ; William, Esther Welsh, and
afterwards Dorothy Welsh. William's children were
Catharine Ann, married William H. Vliet; Samuel,
Elizabeth Melick ; William, Emma J. Goltra.
Jacob Kline came from Germany about 1752, and
settled in Keadington. His son Jacob early settled
in New Germantown, and bought the farm on which
Benjamin Van Doren now lives. He sunk the present
tan-yard occupied by Jacob Specht. His children
were Jacob, married Lydia Quick; Mary, Richard
Field, of Bound Brook, grandfather of Dr. Field ;
Fanny, Isaac Lewis ; John, Sally Williams ; Phoebe,
Joseph Bartles, of New Germantown ; Catharine,
Aaron Dunham, Clinton; Elizabeth, Jacob Miller,
Flanders ; Letty, Benjamin Van Doren, New German-
town; Rev. David, Lutheran minister, at Spruce Run,
Jane Kirkpatrick.
Henry Miller came from Germany about 1735, and
worked for his passage after his arrival. His wife's
name was Catharine, sister of Tunis Melick. Their
children were Henry, married Miss Baird, and then
Catharine Sharp; David, Elizabeth Welsh; Jacob,
Elizabeth Sharp ; Elizabeth, Christian Kline ; Cath-
arine, Baltus Stiger. Henry's children were Jacob
B. ; Ann, married William Little (pronounced Lytle) ;
John P. Sharp, Elizabeth Lambert, and then Eliza-
beth Neighbor, daughter of David Neighbor. David's
children were Jacob W., lawyer at Morristown, Wil- ,
liam W., David W., Henry, Eliza, married Rev. John
C. Van Dervoort, of Paterson; Dorothy, Thomas
G. Talmage ; Mary, Mr. Van Pelt ; Catharine, single ;
Lydia Ann, married Moses De Witt, of Paterson.
Samuel Potter, the ancestor of the Potter family,
came from Wales about 1685 to near Elizabeth. His
son Daniel, born 1692, lived at Connecticut Farms.
Daniel's son Samuel, born 1727, was a colonel in the
Revolution, and lived at the cross-roads, a little west
of Summit.
Capt. Samuel Potter, who was the third child of
Col. Samuel, married Sarah Parsons, and lived on the
Lamington River, opposite Pottersville. His children
were Col. Jonathan Potter, married Hannah Wolver-
ton, of Canada ; Sering ; Elizabeth, married Thomas
Mulford; Sarah, Hugh Bartley; Samuel, died aged
twenty.
Col. Jonathan Potter built the house now occu-
pied by Sering's widow, and came over into Tewks-
bury township. His children are Sering, married
Elizabeth Smith ; Dennis, Mary Ann Hiler, now Mrs.
John Bosenbury; Maria, died young; Sarah, mar-
ried Col. John McKinstry; Samuel, Jane Rue;
Thankful, Benyew Dunham; Jonathan W., Gertrude
Craig ; Mary, David Dunham, brother of Benyew.
476
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Bering's children are Joseph, Jonathan, Bering,
Edmund, Harvey, Elizabeth, and Sarah.
George A. Vesceliua, "the Eed-Cheeked Doctor"
(see history of the physicians of Hunterdon County),
was the great-grandfather of the Vescelius family at
Fairmount. Andrew, his son, had children, George
Andrew, Henry, James, Theodore, Sally (married
Henry Carpenter), Helen (married Mr. Price), and a
daughter who married Joseph Fisher. These mostly
moved to New York State.
George Andrew married Gertrude Heldebrant.
Their children are John, Helen, Isaac, Andrew, Hi-
ram, Oliver, and Aaron. John married Catharine
Field. His children are scattered. Oliver carries on
the largest tannery in the county, at Fairmount.
Aaron married Mary Ann Miller. His daughters are
the singers.
Andrew Van Derbeek came from Six-Mile Run to
Tewksbury in 1800, and bought about 300 acres on
the Lamington Eiver, where J. Newton Van Derbeek
now lives. He married Altha Barcalow. His chil-
dren were Maria, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Jacques, An-
drew, Cornelius, John Barcalow, Ann, Elijah, Wil-
liam Boyd.
Maria married Joseph Craig, uncle to Robert
Craig. Their children were Altha, Andrew, went
West; Jacques, married Frederica Harrold; Susan;
John, married Ann Filbert; Ann, Henry Parker,
and afterwards Rev. Dr. John Hoffman, a Lutheran
minister ; Amanda, Lewis J. Harrold, of Reading ;
Sarah, Charles Remington, of Philadelphia; Syms
Henry, Kate Sebring.
Cornelius married Elizabeth McDowell. Their
children were Jacques, married Mary Ann Smith,
and afterwards her twin-sister Susan ; John, Emeline
Crater, now Mrs. Otis, of Somerville. After the death
of Elizabeth McDowell, Cornelius married Eliza Dun-
ham. Their children were Benyew, married Sarah J.
Van Arsdale ; William B., Elizabeth Cole ; Andrew,
Eliza Green.
John Barcalow married Catharine Longstreet.
Their children are Elizabeth, married Col. Arthur
S. Ten Eyck, of Somerville; Horace A., Mary
Duyckinck; J. Newton, Gertrude H. Blauvelt,
daughter of Dr. Blauvelt, of Lamington ; Emily L.,
William S. Potter, 'of Somerville; Anna M., Hon.
Alvah A. Clark, M.C.
The father of Jacob R. Fisher came from Clinton
township to New Germantown about 1824. His chil-
dren were Fanny, married Derrick Sutphin ; Jacob R.,
Dinah Van Doren ; William, Elizabeth Seig.
John Fox was one of the very earliest settlers
of Tewksbury township. He purchased a tract on
Fox Hill, which took its name from him. He built
or caused to be built, the first Presbyterian church of
Fox Hill, a small one inclosed with shingles for
siding. Little is known about him. He lived for a
time south of Farmersville, and afterwards above the
church, where he died.
Adam Reber was one of three brothers who came
from Germany about 1731 and settled, one at Clin-
ton, one (Adam) at Whitehouse, and one at Easton.
One of them became known as Adam Reger, an-
other as Creger, and the other as Riker. Adam
was the ancestor of the family in Tewksbury town-
ship; his descendants are now living in the south
part. He removed here before 1776, and bought 200
acres where the widow of Harmon Reger now lives.
His children were Frederick, John, Harmon, Mary,
Margaret, Kate, and Ellen.
Frederick's children were William, Jacob, Adam,
John, Isaac, David, and a daughter.
John, born 1782, married Sarah Todd. His chil-
dren were Adam, Elisha, Henrietta, John, William,
Catharine Sarah, Augustin, Job C. Adam married
Susan Ann Lambert; Elisha, Margaret Wyckofi";
Henrietta, Isaac Vosseller; John, Ann Sutphin;
William, Jane A. Hickson and Mrs. Mary Todd;
Catharine Sarah, G. V. Stryker ; Augustin, Margaret
Vosseller; Job ,C., Phebe Sutphin.
Harmon married Margaret Jobs. She is still living,
over ninety, on the homestead. Her child, Catharine
Ann, married George Carhart.
For the Smith family, see the history of the Smith
family in Bedminster ; for the Lindabury family, see
their family history in Lebanon township ; for the
Honeyman family, see in Bedminster township, Som-
erset Co. ; for the Ogden family, see the history of
the physicians of Hunterdon County, etc.
EARLY LAND TITLES.
At the time when West Jersey was divided into
hundredths, James Parker, of Perth Amboy, grand-
father of Hon. Cortlandt Parker, was one of the pro-
prietors, and got a tract of land in Tewksbury, includ-
ing that part west of the New Germantown and Fox
Hill road, and running north from Cokesburg and
New Germantown to and beyond the Morris county
line. From him all the early settlers of that part of
the township got their titles. His agent for a long
time was Andrew Parties, of New Germantown.
The Livingstons of New York were, like Parker,
proprietors east of the Fox Hill road, and until 1836
rented out their land to residents at a nominal sum.
On the south or east side of the " society line," which
passes north of Robert Craig's, being north 42° east,
James Logan was the proprietor. It was put out in
100-year leases at first, and afterwards sold.
This " society line" ran from Lamington Falls to
the top of Cushetunk Mountain, and was the bound-
ary of a section known as the " Society's Great Tract,"
which the West Jersey Society had surveyed for them
about the year 1711.* Robert Craig, near New Ger-
mantown, has a parchment deed in his possession
from James Logan to Joseph Smith, bearing date
June 1, 1740, bounding on this " society line." There
* See Mott's " First Century of Hunterdon Ckjunty," p. 12.
TEWKSBURY.
477
were several "proprietors" of West Jersey who held
lands through the township. Harvey Potter, of Pot-
tersville, has a parchment deed bearing date April
27, 1722, conveying 215 acres, part of 1100 acres
which belonged to Thomas Wetherill "by virtue of
his several shares or parts of proprieties throughout
the province of West Jersey, and was taken up by
virtue thereof by a warrant from the council of pro-
prietors, and surveyed Oct. 27, 1714." It was sold by
Thomas Wetherill to James Beck for " £100, current
silver money of West Jersey."
Paul A. Heldebrant bought from Peter E. Fisher,
of New Germantown, Livingston's agent; so did
Joseph Beavers, Christian Fisher, John Fisher, George
A. Tiger, and E. W. Iliff. Ten or twelve dollars an
acre was about the price paid by them.
BAKLT TAVERNS.
The first hotel in Tewksbury was at New German-
town. It occupied the ground where the residence
of Mr. John Specht now stands. A very old building
is remembered by the oldest citizens as " the old tav-
ern," but it was not the first one occupying this site.
It was kept by Dr. Cruzier, David Melick, and Wil-
liam Farley within the memory of men. John Far-
ley purchased it in 1788 " from the trustees of Zion
Church, the sale being a perpetual lease, or what was
termed a quit-rent."*
The present house was built by Dr. Oliver Barnet
in 1800, and was first kept by Daniel Melick. James
Honeyman, father of Dr. Honeyman, owned and kept
it from 1812 to 1824. Then Peter Fisher kept it over
twenty years. After him, Matthias Cramer, one year ;
Samuel Clark, from 1846 to 1872; James Large, one
year; John E. Clark, seven years; Austin E. Clark,
since the spring of 1880.
The hotel at Cokesburg was there over sixty years
ago. It was first built and kept by John Farley,
uncle to O. W. Farley. John Henry followed him ;
then Conrad Apgar. Jacob Apgar next kept it
twenty years; then O. W. Farley, twenty years;
Richard Hoffman, two or three; William Melick,
two ; John Baker, six or seven ; John Wickoff, one
year; William Wickoff, a few months; Benjamin
Wolverton, one year; John Messerole, six months;
Asa Alpaugh, the present occupant.
The earliest hotel at Mountainville was twenty-two
years ago ; Eichard Hoffman opened it, but Daniel
Potter had built the house long before. A. C. Snyder
kept it a year ; Eichard Hoffman came back to it a
year; Noah Hoffman kept it five or six years ; Hiram
Eittenhouse, a year; Andrew J. Potter, five years;
Jonathan Potter, now (1880) seven years.
Jacob S. Apgar built the hotel at Califon in 1860,
and was the first hotel-keeper for two years; then
James Anderson, one year ; Eichard Hoffman, three
years ; Isaac Sheetz, one year ; William Eeid, three
years ; George Beavers, three ; Morris Eick, one year ;
Charles Bowlby, six years.
Where J. V. Welsh now lives Jesse Gray kept a
hotel from 1823 to 1830. There has been none there
since. A hotel was kept from about 1888 to 1842 or
1843 at the distillery, about a mile from Fairmount,
but was then discontinued.
PHYSICIANS.
Oliver Barnet was the first physician in Tewksbury.
He came to New Germantown from Orange in 1765,
at the age of twenty-two, and began his professional
career. He soon acquired a large practice, purchased
from Tunis Melick the property long known as Barnet
Hall, ^now owned by Peter W. Melick, became the
most prominent man in the region, and died in 1809,
at the age of sixty-six.
Isaac Ogden, his brother-in-law, graduate of the
College of New Jersey in 1784 and physician at
White House, came to New Germantown about 1800,
when his family first appears in Lamington church. At
Dr. Barnet's death he took charge of his estate, which
he managed for his sister, and relinquished the prac-
tice in favor of his nephew, Oliver Wayne Ogden,
who had married a Miss Wisner, a niece of Dr. Bar-
net, and succeeded to his practice. " Dr. Wayne,"
as he was called, soon removed to Perth Amboy, but
returned to New Germantown and succeeded to the
estate of Dr. Barnet by inheritance.
His cousin, William Barnet, another nephew of Dr.
Oliver, commenced practice at New Germantown.
He died in early life.
John Honeyman was the successor of Oliver Wayne
Ogden. (For personal sketches of him and others see
chapter on " Medical Profession of Hunterdon.")
Dr. John S. Linaberry, the first physician at
Mountainville, is in practice still.
FIRST MILLS, Etc.
The first mill in the township was built by Ealph
Smith, where Peter W. Melick now lives, before 1762.
He sold it to Tunis Melick, who in turn sold to Dr.
Barnet soon after 1765. The mills on the Eockaway
now owned by John Lane were built very early and
called Thompson's mills. In 1755 they were called
Johnson's mills.f There was a distillery very early on
Dr. Dusenbury's grounds in New Germantown, built
probably near the same time. Aaron Sutton built a
mill at Califon, on the Lebanon side of the river, be-
fore 1800. Old John Sutton built the first mill at
Fairmount. It was an old mill in 1811. It was re-
built by Jacob T. Philhower in 1860. Cokesburg
Furnace was built 1754. There was also a Hackle-
barney Forge near the Falls of Lamington, now Pot-
tersville.t There was a mill on the Lamington, on the
property next to that now owned by William Sutton,
built by a Mr. Van Dyke, and called Van Dyke's
« Col. E. E. Honeyman In " Our Home," p. 117.
f " Our Home," pp. 117, 120.
t Mott'B History of Hunterdon County, p. 22.
478
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
mill, in the last century. It was torn down sixty or
sixty-five years ago, and rebuilt about three hundred
yards below as a still-house on the Somerset County
side. There were mills at Pottersville very early.
The earliest road from New Germantown to Fox
Hill was about half a mile east of the present turn-
pike, and was probably one of the first in the town-
ship. It still exists. The earliest on record is " from
Fox Hill to Hugh McCan's mill, and down the river
to the fording-plaoe," June 23, 1756.
Feb. 15, 1762, a road was relaid from Ralph Smith's
mill to the AUamatunk bridge. The first record of
the appointment of overseers is in 1757. Nov. 12,
1787, a road was laid from a corner of the field of
David Jones, adjoining the Potterstown road, through
the woods, and so down the Eockaway to James Par-
ker's saw-mill. The road up the Eockaway Creek is
probably as old as the township. There was a very
old road from Califon to Cokesburg.
In 1811 the New Germantown Turnpike Company
was chartered and organized. It was a toll-road
twelve or fifteen years, and then made over to the
township.
ORGANIZATION.
Tewksbury township was organized in 1755. In
1832 fifteen acres were set off to it from Eeadington.
In 1844 the township was set off from Hunterdon to
Somerset County. In 1845 it was reannexed to Hun-
terdon.
FIBST TOWN-MEETING.
The following minute is the first found in the town-
ship-book :
" Tewksbury, March 11, 1755.
*' Pursuant to a patent granted for the said township by His Excellency
Jonathan Belcher, Esq., our Excellent Governor, the town met at the
school-house and made choice of the following persons for town officers
for the current year, viz., Ralph Smith, Town Clerk ; Cornelius Skin-
ner and John Smith, Freeholders ; William Bay, Assessor, sworn ; Chris-
topher Beakman, Collector, sworn ; John McCarty and John Kose, Sur-
veyors of Road; Henry Smith, William Barth, Tunis Eike, William 01-
bah. Overseers of the Road; Patrick Brown and Thomas Harris, Over-
seers of the Poor ; Jonas Melick, Constable, sworn.
The town voted that they would pay the tax at three places where "
the collector should advertise to meet them ; that the assessor should be
allowed forty shillings for assessing the town ; that the patent should be
paid for out of the surplusage of the money raised on the town, if so
much shall remain after the tax shall be paid the county collector, which
was paid in the year 1756."
The following have been the principal town ofiicers :
FREEHOLDERS.
1755-56, Cornelius Skinner, John Smith ; 1757, John Smith, Thos. Harris ;
1758, Cornelius Skinner, Patrick Brown , 1759, Patrick Brown, Hugh
McCann; 17G0, John Smith, Andrew Smith; 1761, Thomas Harris,
Jos. Smith ; 1702, Ralph Smith, Robert Craig ; 1763, Patrick Brown,
Kohert Craig; 1764, Patrick Brown, John Melick; 1765, Cornelius
Skinner, Thomas Harris ; 1766, Patrick Brown, Peter Perrine ; 1767-
68, John McCarter, Robert Craig; 1769, John McCarter, Benyew
Dunham; 1770, John Mehelm, John Adams; 1771, Tunis Melick,
Wm- McLean ; 1772, Thomaa Hains, Bonyew Dunham ; 1773, Tunis
Melick, Mindurt Farley ; 1774, Benyew Dunham, Godfrey Rinehart ;
1775, Godfrey Rinehart, Fred. Bartles; 1776, Tunis Melick, Abram.
Van Dyke ; 1777-78, Godfrey Rinehart, B. Bary ; 1779, Simon Fleet,
Tunis Melick ; 1780, Simon Fleet, Anthony Melick ; 1781, Simon
Beeves, Thomas Thompson ; 1782, Thomas Thompson. Tunis Me-
lick ; 1783, Anthony Melick, Abraham Van Dyke ; 1784-85, Simon
Fleet Frederick Bartles; 1786, Thomas Thompson, John Adams;
1787 Thomas Thompson, Frederick Bartles ; 1788, Frederick Bartles,
Abraham Van Dyke ; 1789-01, Simon Fleet, Anthony Melick ; 1792-
94 Anthony Melick, Jacob Kline; 1795-97, Jacob Kline, Dennis
â– Wikotf; 1798, Abraham Wikoff, John Haase; 1799-1800, Abraham
Van Dyke, John Haase; 1801-14, Jacob Kline, John Haase; 1815-
17 Oliver W. Ogden, Jacob Kline ; 1818-19, John Haase, John Mc-
Kiustry; 1820-21, Jonathan Potter, Henry Miller; 1822-23, John
McKinsti-y, Jonathan Potter ; 1824-26, John Haase, -M. Lane ; 1827-
29, Johu Haase, John McKiustry; 1830-31, Matthew Lane, John
Crater ; 1832, Joshua Farley, Jos. Hoffman ; 1833, John McKinstry,
Joseph Hoffman ; 1834-35, Peter E. Fisher, Joseph Hoffman; 1836-
38, Nicholas W.vkoff, Frederick Apgar; 1839, Frederick Apgar, Geo.
Henry; 1840, Philip Hiler, George Henry; 1841-43, Philip Hiler,
Nicholas E. Melick ; 1844-45, Philip Hiler, Nicholas F. Apgar; 1846-
47, 0. W. Farley, John R. Brown ; 1848-49, William P. Alpaugh,
James N. Ramsey; 1850-51, John C. Eafferty, Andrew Van Sickle;
1862, John C. Kafferty; 1853, Henry J. Stevens; 1864, John C. Raf-
ferty; 1855-56, James N. Ramsey; 1857, 'William Eick; 1858-69,
Richard Hoffman ; 1860-62, Sering Potter ; 1863-64, Samuel Clark ;
1865, Sering Potter; 1866-67, David F. Apgar; 1868-69, William P.
Alpaugh; 1870-71, William Eick; 1872-73, Joseph 0. Farley ; 1874-
75, John Rinehart, Jr. ; 1876-77, George G. Alpaugh ; 1878, Jacob A.
Specht; 1879-80, Joseph 0. Farley.
TOWN CLERKS.
1765-62, Ralph Smith; 1763, John Welsh; 1764, Conrad Wilmot; 17G5,
John Forrester ; 1766-67, Daniel Castner; 1768-69, Amos Dunham;
1770, Robert Simson ; 1771-1805, Henry Miller ; 1806-17, Jacob Kline ;
1818-22, John W. Kline ; 1823-30, Joseph Bartles; 1831-32, Jacob Ap-
gar ; 1833-34, Pliilip Hiler ; 1835-37, B. M. Honeyman ; 1838^0, Jos.
Bartles; 1841, Robert M. Honeyman ; 1842^4, Philip Hiler; 18-15-46,
Joseph Bartles ; 1847-49, Andrew Van Syckle ; 1850-51, John P. S.
Miller; 1852-64, David K. Craig; 18.56-67, John P. S. Miller; 1868-
63, Peter Apgar; 1864-65, Asa S. Snyder; 1866-68, Peter Apgar;
1869-70, Joseph C. Farley ; 1871-73, Austin Eick ; 1874, Henry Comp-
ton ; 1876, Austin Eick ; 1876, John S. Skillman ; 1877-79, William
Craig ; 1880, Stephen H. Dorland.
ASSESSORS.
1755-61, William Bay ; 1762, Thomas Smith ; 1763, John Mehelm; 1764,
William Shaler ; 1765-67, John Mehelm ; 1768-69, Frederick Trepau-
gle ; 1770-76, Henry Traphagen ; 1777-78, Thomas Thompson ; 1779-
82, Henry Traphagen; 1783, Wm. Adams; 1784-85, Henry Traphagen;
1786, Johu Wikolf; 1787-97, Dennis Wikoff; 1798-1814, John Haase ;
1815-17, Peter Kline ; 1818-26, William Vliet ; 1825-30, Peter Kline;
1831-32, Henry Hoffman; 1833, Philip I. llowe; 1834r-36, Frederick
Apgar; 1836-38, Jacob Apgar; 1839-40, David Kline; 1841, Jacob
Apgar; 1342-43, Morris P. Eick; 1844, Peter Apgar; 1846, Peter
Row; 1846-47, James Todd ; 1848-49, William Sutton ; 1850-61, Con-
rad P. C. Apgar; 1852, James Todd; 1883-66, Peter Apgar; 1867,
Eichard Hoffman; 1868-60, Henry McCatharien; 1861, Jacob Van-
doren ; 1862-64, William J. Iliff ; 1866-68, George G. Alpaugh ; 1869-
70, Nicholas G. Alpaugh ; 1871-73, George N. Alpaugh ; 1874-^75, Wm.
J. Moore ; 1876, Frederick Apgar ; 1877-78, H. Eugene Parks ; 1879-
80, Manning L. McCrae.
COLLECTORS.
1766, Christopher Beekman ; 1756, Aaron Sutton ; 1757, Hugh McCann ;
1768, John Melick; 1769-60, Eichard Beard; 1761-62, James Cole;
1763, Thomas Cole ; 1764^67, James Cole ; 1768, Thomas Harris; 1769-
70, Robert Craig ; 1771-73, Peter Perrine; 1774-78, Patrick Brown;
1779-80, Benyew Dunham ; 1781, Robert Craig ; 1782, William Aden ;
1783, Robert Craig; 1784-85, John Wikoff; 1786, Abraham Van
Dike ; 1787-90, John Haase ; 1791, Thomas Harris ; 1792, Peter Mont-
ford ; 1793, Peter Melick ; 1794, Aaron Sutton ; 1796-96, Geo. Moore ;
1797-98, Matthias McKinstry; 1799-1800, Eichard Kroeser; 1801-
13, John Hoffman ; 1814, Andrew Bartles ; 1816, John Hoffman ; 1816-
17, Philip Alpaugh ; 1818-23, Philip Hiler; 1824, Peter Kline; 1825-
26, John Eodenbaugh; 1827, Simon Vliet; 1828-30, George Eick;
1831-34, John Rodeubaugh ; 1836-36, Jesse Gray; 1837-38, Morris P.
Eyck ; 1839, Nicholas E. Melick ; 1840, Frederick Apgar ; 1841, Wm.
Vliet; 1842-43, Peter Row ; 1844-46, Jacob N. Apgar ; 1846-47, Noah
Hoffman; 1848-49, Ephraim Eyck; 1860-51, WiUiam Eick; 1852-
53, Isaac Alpaugh ; 1851-55, Samuel Clark ; 1856, Geo. G. Alpaugh ;
1867-59, Jacob S. Apgar ; 1860-61 , Jacob Welsh ; 1862, Henry Crater ;
1863, Asa S. Snyder; 1804-05, John P. S. Miller; 1866-69, Isaac Al-
TEWKSBURY.
4'79-
pangh; 1870-73, George N. Alpaugh; 1874, George B. Sutton ; 1876,
George P. Sutton ; 1876, Jonathan Potter ; 1877-78, George B. Lina-
berry ; 1879-80, Frederick H. Elck.
TO'WNSHIP COMMITTEE.
1776, Henry Traphagen, Henry Miller, Patrick Brown, Benyew Dunham,
Mlndurt Farley, Frederick Bartles ; 1798, Jonathan Wolverton, Jacob
Kline, Simon Vliet, Abraham Van Dike, William Bumond; 1799-1880,
John Haaae, Matthias McKlnstiy, Ananias Mulford, John Tanderbilt,
Joshua Farley; 1801, John Haase, Matthias McKinstry, Ananias
Mulford, Simon Yliet, Joshua Farley ; 1802, John Haase, Peter Melick,
Auanias Mulford, Simon Vliet, John McKinstry ; 1803, John Haase,
Peter Melick, David Traphagen, Ananias Mulford, George Moore ;
1804-5, John Haase, Peter Melick, David Traphagen, Ananias Mul-
ford, Andrew Sutton ; 1806-9, John Haase, Ananias Mulford, Simon
Vliet, Peter Melrck, Oliver W. Ogden; 1810, John Haase, Ananias
Mulford, Simou Yliet, William Vliet, Jacob Kline ; 1811, John Haase,
Ananias Mulford, Simon Vliet, William Vliet, Andrew Bartles ; 1812-
13, Philip Albach, John Haase, Simon Vliet, William Vliet, Andrew
Bartles; 1814, Philip Albach, John Haase, Simon Vliet, William
Vliet, Henry Van Sickle ; 1815-16, Jonathan Potter, Andrew Bartles,
Oliver W. Ogden, John McKinstry, Aaron Longstreet; 1817, John
Haase, William Vliet, David Felmley, Henry Miller, Peter Kliue;
1818, John McKinstry, John Haase, David Felmley, Henry Miller,
Nicholas Hoffman ; 1819-24, John McKinstry, John Haase, David
Felmley, Henry Miller, Andrew Bartles; 1825-26, John McKinstry,
John Haase, David Felmley, John C. Salter, Andrew Bartles ; 1827,
John McKinstry, Jonathan Potter, William Vliet, John Haase,
Nicholas Wickoff ; 1828, John McKinstry, Jesse Gray, George Hoff-
man, William Vliet, Nicholas Wickoff; 1829, John Kodenbaugh,
John Haase, George Hoffman, William Vliet, Andrew Bartles; 1830,
John Kodenbaugh, John Haase, George Hoffman, William Vliet,
Jonathan Potter ; 1831, John Ramsey, Andrew Striker, George Hoff-
man, William Welsh, John Hoffman ; 1832, John Hoffman, Nicholas
Wickoff", Andrew Striker, George Hoffman, William Welsh; 1833,
Jesse Gray, Nicholas E. Melick, George A. Vescelius, Peter D. Sover-
ine, Bichard Sutton; 1834, David C. Traphagen, William Welsh,
Nicholas E. Melick, George A. Vescelius, John Sheetz; 1835, David
P. Traphagen, William Welsh, Nicholas B. Melick, John Crater, M.
P. Lane ; 1836, Frederick Apgar, John McKinstry, Nicholas E. MeUck,
George A. Vescelius, M. P. Lane; 1837, Frederick Apgar, George A.
Vescelius, John W. Kline, Capt. Richard Sutton, George Jones ; 1838-
39, William Hoffman, Frederick P. Hoffman, William C. Apgar,
Bichard Sutton, John W. Kline ; 1840, William Hoffman, Jacob N.
Apgar, John Eamsey, George Henry, Leonard N. Flomerfelt ; 1841,
William Hoffman, Jacob N. Apgar, John Bamaey. Frederick Apgar,
PhiletusCook; 1842, L. N. Flomerfelt, Frederick Apgar, William
Hoffman, J.N. Apgar, John Ramsey; 1843, John Bamsey, M. P.
Lane, Richard Sutton, Elijah W. Iliff, William Hoffman ; 1844, John
Bamsey, James Todd, Andrew Vansickle, William Vleit, Thomas
Apgar ; 1845, Frederick P. Hoffman, James Todd, Andrew Vansickle,
Frederick Apgar, Thomas Apgar; 1840, Philip P. Hoffman, Christo-
pher B. Vansickle, John McEache'm, Philip Hann, Nicholas E.
Melick; 1847, Philip P. Hoffman, John P. S. Miller, Andrew Schuy-
ler, Philip Hann, Nicholas E. Melick; 1848, Asa Tiger, John P. S.
Miller, Andrew Schuyler, Aaron Alpaugh, Nicholas E. Melick ; 18-19,
Asa Tiger, John P. S. Miller, Andrew Schuyler, Isaac Alpaugh,
Nicholas E. Melick ; 1850, William Alpaugh, Jacob Welsh, Joseph N.
Eamsey, Isaac Alpaugh, Ephraim Eick ; 1851, William Alpaugh,
William Welsh, N. B. Melick, Ephraim Eick, Andrew Vansickle;
1852, David F. Apgar, Conrad P. C. Apgar, Andrew Vansickle, N. E.
Melick, George G. Alpaugh ; 1853, William Eick, Ephraim Eick,
Andrew Vansickle, N. E. Melick, George G. Alpaugh ; 1854, John I.
Hoffman, Nicholas B. Melick, Andrew Vansickle, George G. Alpaugh,
John Dougherty ; 1855, John I. Hoffman, N. E. Melick, Andrew
Vansickle, George G. Alpaugh, John Rioehart, Frederick Apgar;
18SB, John Hoffman, Nicholas E. Melick, Jacob Welsh, Wyckoff
Stevens, Frederick Apgar ; 1857, Isaac A Ipaugh, Nicholas E. Melick,
Jacob Welsh, Andrew Vansickle, Frederick Apgar ; 1858-59, Samuel
Clark, Frederick Apgar, Robert Craig, Andrew Schuyler, Andrew
Vansickle; 1800, Samuel Clark, Conrad P. 0. Apgar, Robert Craig,
Andrew Vansickle, Andrew Schuyler; 1861, Samuel Clark, Conrad
P. C. Apgar, Robert Craig, John B. Vanderbeck, Andrew Vansickle;
1862, Asa S. Snyder, John Hann, William P. Alpaugh, John B. Van-
derbeck, Jonathan Potter; 1863, Dennis W. Stevens, Robert Craig,
John Neighbor, William P. Alpaugh, Jonathan Potter: 1864-67,
Dennis W. Stevens, Robert Craig, James Smith, Adam Ecger, John
Neighbor ; 1868, Wesley G. Henry, David Crampton, Robert Craig,-
Peter M. Felmley, Nathan T. Apgar ; 1869, Wesley G. Henry, An-
drew Vansickle, John Rinehart, Peter M. Felmley, Nathan T. Apgar ;'
1870, Wesley G. Henry, John Rinehart, Peter M. Felmley, John
Neighbor. Henry Crampton ; 1871, Matthias Dilley, Henry Cramp-
ton, Robert Craig, Peter M. Felmley, Abraham Apgar; 1872-73,
Matthias Dilley, Heni7 Crampton, Robert Craig, Peter M. Felmley,
Georges. Beavers; 1874-76, Henry C. Hoffman, Frederick H. Eick,
Charles W. Hoffman, Asa Alpaugh, Samuel Clark ; 1876-77, Robert
Craig, Peter M. Felmley, George E. Salter, Isaac Alpaugh, Nathan
T. Apgar; 1878, John P. S. Miller, Peter M. Felmley, Isaac Alpaugh,
Nathan T. Apgar, Benjamin Van Doren ; 1879, John P. S. Miller,
Philip P. Hoffman, Isaiah Wise; 1880, Philip P. Hoffman, Isaiah
Wise, Henry C. Hoffman.
The town-meetings were held at New Germantown
until 1858, originally in the school-house (probably
the academy); in 1859-60, at Mountain ville; 1861-
65, in New Germantown ; 1866-76, at Mountainville ;
1877-79, in New Germantown; 1880, at Mountain-
ville.
VILLAGES.
New Gebmantown was begun about 1700,* and
was first called Smithfield, from Ealph Smith, the
founder. It was called New Germantown about 1753,1
when the Germans had gained the ascendancy.
The first street was called " Smith's lane," the one
running east and west through the village. It was
afterwards known as the " Potterstown road," and in
the survey of Edward Wilmot, in 1755, was called
King Street. In the survey of James Honeyman, in
1818, it was called Church Street.
James Cole owned the lot southeast corner of
Church and Main Streets, having bought it from
Ealph Smith in 1761. Michael Hendershot owned
the next lot east; he bought it in 1753. Edward
Kreiter owned the next lot, and Andrew Shandler the
fourth one, having bought it in 1759. The fifth was
owned by Godfrey Kinehart, he having bought it from
Jonathan Toms. The sixth contained a one-story
stone house, now gone. All these, unless it be the
fifth, came afterwards into possession of Zion Church.
The first store after Smithfield became New Ger-
mantown was kept by Godfrey Rinehart. The town
received quite an impetus with the building of the
turnpike, soon after 1811, but the financial collapse
after the war of 1812-15 prostrated everything and
destroyed its prosperity. Land which had cost $100
an acre sold after the war for $12. New streets had
been opened, however, and built upon at that time.
It had at one time a distillery. It now consists of a
mill, a tannery, three carriage-shops, a blacksmith-
shop, two harness-shops, three stores, two churches, a
school-house, and about fifty dwellings. Its popu-
lation is 249, by the census of 1880. There was prob-
ably a post-office as early as 1739 or 1740.
PoTTEBSViLLE was first called Lamington Falls, and
afterwards Potter's Mills. The name was given when
the post-office was established there, about 1840. The
mills are very ancient. The grist-mill was burned in
* Col. E. E. Honeyman in " Our Home," 117.
f Dr. Mott's History of Hunterdon County, p. 14.
480
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1820, and rebuilt. In 1840 it was remodeled, and
again rebuilt in 1878. The feed-mill was first a fac-
tory, carding wool and weaving blankets. It was
turned into its' present use about thirty years ago.
The village consists of a store, with a post-ofiBce,
flouring-mill, feed-mill, blacksmith-shop, machine-
shop and foundry, shoe-shop, and fifteen dwellings.
It waa named after its principal citizen, Bering Potter.
Califon is a station on the High Bridge Railroad,
and, although the mills have been in existence many
years, the town is of recent growth. It waa first
called California, from Jacob Neighbor's enthusiasm
in the milling business about the time the California
gold-fever broke out. He bought corncobs and oats
chafi" to grind up with his feed, and was making a
gold mine of his mills. There are now two stores, a
hotel, two grist-mills, two saw-mills, two blacksmith-
shops, two wheelwright-shops, two shoe-shops, a har-
ness-shop, a distillery, a depot, and thirty-one dwell-
ings. Of these a grist-mill, a saw-mill, a harness-
shop, a wheelwright-shop, a blacksmith-shop, the
depot, and nineteen dwellings are on the High
Bridge side of the South Branch. The post-office is
only three years old.
CoKESBUEG is a very old place, a furnace having
been built there in 1754.* The name, it is claimed,
came from the church, still earlier. It is said to be
composed of the names of the two bishops. Coke and
Ajshury, and Cokesbury to have become Cokesburg
when the post-office was established there by a mis-
spelling of the word by the Postmaster-General.
There are a hotel, store, blacksmith-shop, wheel-
wright-shop, two churches, and fourteen dwellings.
MOUNTAINVILLE has been so called since the
school-house was built, forty or forty-five years ago.
It has a store, blacksmith-shop, wheelwright-shop,
shoe-shop, hotel, school-house, still-house, saw-mill,
two flouring-mills, and twenty-three dwellings.
Faemersville once had a blacksmith-shop, but
now a school-house and eight dwellings are all the
town consists of.
Faiemopnt has two stores, a blacksmith-shop, shoe-
shop, grist-mill, saw-mill, tannery, distillery, school-
house, and twenty-three scattered dwellings. There
axe two churches a mile or more above. The water-
powers on the branch of the Rockaway give it im-
portance. The tannery of Oliver Vescelius is the
largest in the county. The post-office was established
in 18-50. Peter T>. Emmons was postmaster two or
three years, and John Vescelius has continued since.
SCHOOLS.
School District No. 62 centres at Fairmount. The
first school held there was in an old log house in the
orchard below Fairmount. In 1812 a school-house
was first built, and in 1830 a new stone one at a cost
of $1.5.3. It was rebuilt in 1870, and cost $1,500.
Mott'a First Century of Hnnterdon County," p. 22.
Frederick P. Hoffman, Jesse Gray, Capt. and Richard
Sutton were the first trustees.
District No. 68 includes Farmersville and vicinity.
A school was originally taught, about the beginning
of the century, by a Mr. Rodgers, in a log house, in
which he also lived, at a fee of $1 to $1.50 per quarter.
A log school-house was built about 1810 near where
Adam Hoffman now lives ; John Schuyler taught in
it. When the township was struck off into districts
a school-house was built at the turn of the road. The
present house was built about forty-five years ago,
and cost $800. George Hoffman donated the site.
District No. 64 embraces Mountain ville and the
adjacent region. The first school-house stood near
the Rockaway, on a lot leased by Jacob 0. Apgar. It
cost $100. Andrew Schuyler, Jacob Philhower, and
Daniel Porter took the first action towards a school
in Mountainville in 1830 or 1840, and William Grant
was the first teacher. He afterwards kept the Yellow
Tavern at Bound Brook. The new school-house was
built on the present site in 1867 or 1858. Nathan
Schuyler, Jacob B. Saunders, and William P. Al-
paugh were the building committee.
District No. 65, known as Cokesburg, has school
property valued at $600, with 158 children of school
age, of whom 111 were enrolled in the school register
for 1879. The school-house will comfortably seat 90
pupils.
CHURCHES.
ZION LUTHEBAN CHURCH.f
in New Germantown, is one of the oldest in the town-
ship. The earliest records go back no farther than
1767, but we learn from a " History of the Lutheran
Church in America," by Rev. Dr. Hazelius, that
the Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg visited and
preached at New Germantown as early as 1745. In
1748 the Rev. John Christopher Ilartwick, founder
of Hartwick Seminary, New York, took charge of
the congregation, but remained only a short time,
when he received a call to New York City. He was
followed in 1749 by the Rev. John Albert Wygandt.
According to Dr. Hazelius, Mr. Wygandt was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Schenk, of whose labors here we have
no further information. It seems that from this time
to 1760, Father Muhlenberg exercised a sort of " pre-
siding eldership" over the infant congregation. The
next settled pastor was Rev. Paul Bryzelius, who
came in the fall of 1760. A Lutheran house of wor-
ship having been erected about this date at " Bed-
minster Town" (Pluckamin), Somerset Co., it is prob-
able that Mr. Bryzelius served both congregations.
In May, 1767, the Rev. Henry M. Muhlenberg, who
lived at Philadelphia, was called as rector of "the
united churches of Zion and St. Paul." It was under
his direction and by his influence that these churches
obtained a charter of incorporation from Governor
William Franklin, dated June 29, 1767. la the ac-
t Condeneed from a Bketch prepared by John C. Honeyman.
NATHAN SCHUTLEE.
ANDREW SCHUTLEE.
Xathan Schuyler was bom in Tewksbury,
Hunterdon Co., N. J.. Aug. 10, 1S22, and was
a son of Andi-ew and Efiiabetli (Philhower)
Schuyler.
His great-grandfather, Philip Schuyler, came
from Grermany, and settled in German Vallev,
N. J., before the Revolationary -wai. He had
sons Peter and John, the latter of whom married
Elizabeth Sutton and had sous, John, Andrew,
and Peter, and three daughters. Andrew, the
father of our subject, settled at Mountain ville,
X. J., on the Philhower farm, in 1818. He
was tlie founder of the first common school at
Mountainville, and aided in establishing the fii-st
Sunday-school, of which he was superintendent.
An Old-Line Whig in politics, he took an active
part in local affairs, holding vai-ious township
offices, and being highly respected as a citizen.
He died in 1S74.
The children of Andrew and Elizabeth Soluiy-
ler were the following named: Kachel, wife of
Peter R. Teats; Jesse, deceased; Elizabeth, wife
of Jacob B. Apgar; Richard, a farmer, residing in
Tewksbury: Xathan, the subject of this sketch;
Dorothea, wife of David Lindabuiy; Susan,
wife of John R. Apgar; Aai-on, deceased; Fanny,
wife of David Tiger.
Xathan Schuyler married Elizabeth Tiger,
Oct. 28, 1847, and had children: Elizabeth and
Amos (twins); the former married Charles B.
Alpaugh, the latter Jemima Hoffman; Rachel
Ann, wife of Peter Robinson ; Xoah S., removed
West; Fanny and Jacob T. (twins); the former
married Peter Philhower, the latter died in
infancy; Euphema Jane, single and living at
home.
His first wife died in February, 1869. June
24, 1S71, he mai-ried his present wife, Sarah
H. Mahoney, who was formerly well known
as a school-teacher in a number of districts in
this section of the country.
^Ir. Scliuvler has devoted his life to farmins.
and at present is managing two adjoining farms
in Tewksbury, near Mountainville. He is a Re-
publican in politics, yet was elected justice of
tlie peace by the Democrats in 1873, and now
holds the office. He is a member of the ^leth-
otlist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a
class-leadei" for tweuty-seveu years, and superin-
tendent of tlie Sunday-school twenty-two yeai-s;
has held the office of steward, and is at present
secretary of the board of trustees; and treasurer
of the Cokesburg Cemetery Association, of
which he was one of the founders.
TEWKSBURY.
481
ceptance of the charter by the rector, church-wardens,
and vestrymen, the two churches were styled "the
United Zion and St. Paul's Churches and Congrega-
tions, in the counties of Hunterdon, Somerset, and
Morris, of the Province of New Jersey."
In the spring of 1768, Eev. Peter Gabriel Muhlen-
berg, the eldest son of the rector, the afterward dis-
tinguished Gen. Muhlenberg of the Eevolution, was
called as assistant minister. It was not, however,
until February of the next year that he came to
settle and live among them. In June, 1770, it was
agreed by the vestries that St. Paul's Church, which
had had service every third Sunday, should thereafter
have it only every fourth Sunday, so that the mem-
bers of Zion's Church living in Eoxbury, or " Ger-
man Valley," might have preaching every fourth
Sunday. The pastorate of Peter Muhlenberg con-
tinued about three years, or until the spring of 1772,
when, having received a call to a parish in Virginia,
he resigned his charge.
At a meeting of the congregations in May, 1772, it
was "resolved that the rector, still living in Philadel-
phia, should send some assistant minister to visit the
two churches by turns until he could come himself and
live on the glebe or find another in his place." This
request seems not to have been complied with, for we
find it recorded in April, 1773, that the united cor-
porations "resolved that the rector should be desired
and requested to substitute one of his sons for his
assistant minister, who would live on the glebe, now
mended and repaired." The rector agreed to try and
do according to their request. The first mention,
however, of an assistant minister to succeed Rev.
Peter Muhlenberg appears in the church-book under
date of May, 1774, when Henry Muhlenberg, Jr., was
present at the election of vestrymen. The congrega-
tions inquired of him if he could or would officiate
any longer. He said that he had received and ac-
cepted a call from the corporation in Philadelphia to
be minister of the Lutheran Zion and St. Michael's
Churches, but that he was willing to remain among
them if they would give him a call to succeed the
present rector, and would secure him from preaching
any other language than the German, and if it could
be done by consent of Zion and St. Michael's corpor-
ations. The vestrymen agreed to this, and a com-
mittee was appointed to visit and obtain the consent
of the churches in Philadelphia. At a subsequent
meeting the committee reported the failure of their
mission. We believe, however, that the junior Muh-
lenberg continued occasionally to preach for the peo-
ple as a " supply." Thereafter the name of Muhlen-
berg disappears from the records of the churches.
In 1775, Rev. William Graaf accepted a call. Of
his early history no other information is left than that
in the inscription on his monument.
The war for independence coming on, the churches
had a difficult time to sustain themselves, and the
newly-elected pastor received but an indifierent sup-
port. The fever of emigration, too, had seized upon
the community, so that after 1800 we hear but little
of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at "Bedminster
Town."
In 1801 the Lutheran brethren at Spruce Run,
having the previous year joined with the German
Reformed people in erecting a new house of worship,
petitioned for a share in the Sunday service allotted
to New Germantown. This was agreed to, and every
fourth Sunday falling to Zion's church was given to
them.
The pastorate of " Father Graaf" continued until
his death in 1809, and during the same year a call
was extended to the Rev. Ernest Hazelius, a former
teacher in the Moravian seminary at Nazareth, Pa.,
but at this time residing in Philadelphia. Besides
preaching to three congregations, from ten to sixteen
miles apart, he successfully conducted a classical
academy. In 1815 he was elected professor of Chris-
tian theology and principal of the classical depart-
ment of Hartwick Seminary, New York, and he im-
mediately entered upon the work assigned him.
After the departure of Mr. Hazelius, the associate
churches united in calling Rev. David Hendricks, of
Saddle River, N. J. He came among them in 1816,
and remained till 1822. Not an item of information
is obtainable regarding his work in this charge. His
successor was Eev. Henry Newman Pohlman, who
remained twenty-one years. In 1828 the Spruce Run
Church withdrew from the ecclesiastical union. In
the winter of 1839-40 a remarkable revival occurred.
Over 200 were hopefully converted, of whom 140
joined the associate churches. In 1843, Rev. James
R. Keiser succeeded the Rev. Mr. Pohlman, the lat-
ter having accepted a call to a charge at Albany. In
1846 a friendly separation took place between the old
mother-church and her now flourishing daughter in
German Valley. Mr. Keiser remained nearly seven .
years, and then removed to Schoharie village, N. Y.
His successor, in 18S0, was Eev. George S. Collins,
who was followed in 1853 by Eev. Jacob C. Duy. In
1872, Eev. J. F. Diener accepted a unanimous call,
and was succeeded in 1879 by the present incumbent,
Eev. J. F. Kreechting.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHDECH OF NEW GERMANTOWN.
The disafiection which culminated in the formation
of this church occurred in 1782, when a Methodist
missionary who came to labor in New Germantown
was entertained by Mr. Tunis Melick, one of the
church-wardens, and made some converts. Mr. Henry
Miller, indignant at his wife's change of views, brought
the matter to the rector's notice in a paper which he
had prepared, and from which the rector warned the
people against him in terms which brought Mr. Tunis
Melick to his feet and Maj. Godfrey Einehart, crea-
ting a great uproar in the church, and resulting in the
disciplining of these vestrymen and their disappear-
ance from the church records as officers.
482
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
After that Methodist preachers held services in the
houses of sympathizers. Bishop Asbury preached at
the residence of Mindurt Farley, and others at
various places, till, in 1824, a society was incor-
porated and Wesleyan Chapel built, on James Street,
where the cemetery now is. Archibald Kennedy,
Nicholas E. Melick, John Melick, James Melick,
John Fine, Mindurt Farley, George Bunn, Jacob
Blain, and Anthony Farley were the trustees of Wes-
leyan Chapel, and to them this land was conveyed by
Andrew Griffith and James Honeyman.* The church
was rebuilt in 1865, when P. W. Melick, W. J. Melick,
George G. Alpaugh, Nicholas E. Melick, William
Iliff, and Herbert Murphy were trustees.
FAIBMODNT PRESBYTEEIAN CHURCH,
originally called " Fox Hill Church," is one of the
oldest in all the region around. Before 1746 there
was a church building there, an old log house, at the
foot of the hill, on the farm now owned by Mrs.
Katie Sutton. f Michael Schlatter speaks of preach-
ing in the Fox Hill church in 1746, which was doubt-
less in this house.
A new house was erected previous to 1760, on the
site of the present one, which was then called Foxen-
burg, from John Fox, a large landowner in the
neighborhood. It was also called Parkersville, or
Parker's village, from' James Parker, another exten-
sive proprietor, who gave the site on which the church
was built. This church was already standing in
1760
In 1816 the building was torn down, and a new one,
of stone, put up in its place, at a cost of 12850. It
was smaller than the former, but had galleries on
three sides. Jacob Schuyler, Jacob Miller, and
George A. Vescelius were the trustees. The next year
the church was legally incorporated, and a board of
trustees elected, under the corporate name of " The
â– President and Trustees of the Presbyterian Church
in Parker's Village or Fox Hill." Henry Miller was
president.
This building was demolished and the present one
erected, also of stone, in 1851, at a cost of $3800. It
was larger, but had but one gallery. . The trustees
were David Crater, George Salter, and Frederick Ap-
gar. It was dedicated July 25, 1852, a bell having
been previously placed in the tower, the first in the
neighborhood, except that at Chester. In 1869 the
name of the church was changed, by act of the Leg-
islature, to the First Presbyterian Church of Fair-
mount, la 1870 the church was repaired. It has a
parsonage at I'airmount.
Ecclesiastically, this church was originally German
Reformed, though the services held there previous to
1768 were frequently conducted by Rev. Mr. Graaf,
pastor of the Lutheran Church at New Germantown.
* Col, E. R. Honeyman in " Our Home," pp. 126, 129.
t This is mainly gathered from the sermon of Rev. W. Otis Ruston,
1876
In that year it was united with German Valley, Rock-
away, and Alexandria, under the pastorate of Rev.
Frederick Dalliker, whose ministry continued from
1768 to 1782, when Rev. Caspar Wack became pastor
of the churches of Lebanon, German Valley, and
Fox Hill. Preaching had been entirely in German
till his time, but he gave an occasional sermon in
English, and towards the close of his ministry alter-
nated, English in the morning and German in the
afternoon. His ministry continued from 1782 till
1809
Oct. 6, 1813, the church was connected with the
Presbytery of New Brunswick. Previous to 1835 it
had passed from this Presbytery to that of Raritan.
In 1841 it was transferred to that of Newton. In
1861 it was restored to that of Raritan, and after the
reunion it became connected with the Presbytery of
Morris and Orange. Its pastors since Mr. Wack
have been Jacob Castner, 1813-17 ; John C. Van Der-
voort, 1819-25; Mancius S. Hutton, 1828-34; James
Scott, 1835^3 ; Isaac S. Davison, 1843-47 ; Charles
M. Oakley, 1847-50; Charles Wood, 1851-65; Na-
thaniel B. Klink, 1855-59; John R. Wilcox, 1861-
73 ; Frank P. Tompkins, 1873-74 ; William 0. Rus-
ton, 1875.
MBTIIODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF FAIRMOTJNT.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Fairmount or
Fox Hill was built in 1837. The trustees were Rev.
George Fisher, Silas Walters, John Fisher, Christian
Fisher, and George Bunn. Revs. Joseph Chattle
and Joseph C. Nelson were the pastors. Previous to
that preaching had been in private houses. It had
belonged about 1800 to a large circuit, including
Trenton, New Brunswick, Fox Hill, Flanders, Bel-
videre, Newton, Easton, Freuchtown, etc. ; each place
had service only once in six weeks. There was a
church organization previous to 1837, and services
every two weeks. Among those who preached were
Bishop Asbury, Manning Force, Edward Sanders,
Ralph Arndt, Benjamin Kelly, and others. When
first erected it was called Parkersville Church, but the
name was changed to Fairmount when the present
house was built, in 1868. The trustees then were Silas
Walters, Joseph Beavers, George Fisher, Conrad P.
C. Apgar, John V. Welsh. The building committee
were Rev. J. B. Howard, George B. Linaberry, and
Silas Walters.
The present building is a beautiful structure, 45
by 80 feet, with a spire 132 feet high, and a seating
capacity of 600. It cost $13,000.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF POTTERSVILLE
is in Somerset County, and the parsonage in Hunter-
don County. It was begun in 1865. The first meeting
towards organizing a church was held Aug. 12, 1866.
The corner-stone was laid May 22, 1866, and the
building dedicated Dec. 26, 1866. The church is 44
by 62 feet; spire, 122i feet ' high. The cost was
TBWKSBUKY.
483
$8264.58; furnishing, $2881, including gifts. The
total cost was about $10,000. The building committee
were Bering Potter, Sr., Jonathan Potter, Simon W.
Vliet, Philip J. Philhower, and Peter Miller. The
pastors were Thomas W. Jones, 1867-71 ; Vernon B.
Carroll, 1871-73; John Davis, Noyember, 1873-
December, 1877 ; William H. Hoffman, Jan. 10, 1878,
present pastor. The parsonage was a gift from Sering
Potter, about 1872, and was worth $3000.
A Presbyterian church is in process of erection at
Cokesburg. The corner-stone was laid Oct. 14, 1880.
The trustees are George M. Einehart, Stephen Ap-
gar, and John Hope.
There is an old Methodist Episcopal church at
Cokesburg, but it is not in the township.
CEMETERIES.
The oldest cemetery is the Lutheran, at New Ger-
mantown, which is in the churchyard, and is prob-
ably as old as the church. The oldest date on its
headstones now decipherable is that of Charity Pickel,
which reads as follows :
" Here lies the Body of
Charity,
the wfe of
Baltes Pickel ''â– ' who "
Departed this life December the 4th, 1761,
in the 77th year of her Age.
My Glass is Run,
My grave yon see ;
Prepare for Death
And follow me."
The new cemetery dates from 1857.
There is an old private burying-ground on the es-
tate of Dr. Barnet, now in possession of Peter W.
Melick, where lie the remains of Dr. Barnet and his
wife, her widowed sister, Mrs. Haines, Dr. William
Barnet, Dr. Oliver W. Ogden, and his wife and sister.
It is a beautiful spot, 26 by 30 feet, inclosed with a
wall, now going to ruin, the iron gate being entirely
gone. A substantial slab of good marble, lying on
the ground, without reference to grave or situation,
with several pieces broken off, informs us that it is
" In memoi-y of
Dk. Olivee Bahnet, Esq.,
Who departed this life
in the 66th year of his age. "
The Methodist Episcopal cemetery at New Ger-
mantown was established in 1824. The old Methodist
Episcopal cemetery in Cokesburg is as old as the
church. There is a new one now.
The Presbyterian cemetery at Fairmount is very
old. There was an old cemetery at one time where
Veacelius' store now stands, in Fairmount. It was
free, and in the memory of the oldest inhabitants was
used for negroes and poor people. It is entirely ob-
literated.
The new cemetery of the Presbyterian Church was
made in 1878. Three acres were given by George E.
Salter, and two were purchased to add to it. A stone
wall incloses it.
The Methodist Episcopal cemetery of Fairmount
was begun in 1837. George Fisher gave the ground,
and the church was built on one corner of it. About
1866 it was enlarged from half an acre to its present
size. The grave of Rev. George Fisher is a promi-
nent one. His epitaph reads as follows :
" Rev. George Fisher,
Who departed this life May 14, 1846,
Aged 78 years 5 months and 10 days.
He obtained remission of sins and united himself with the Methodist
Episcopal Church A.D. 1806, and was licensed to preach the gospel A.D.
1810. As a preacher he was eminent for zeal and usefulness, and still
more distinguished as a Christian for sanctity of manner and deep and
iinafFected piety.
With poverty of spirit blest.
Rest happy saint in Jesus rest ;
A sinner saved, through grace forgiven.
Redeemed from earth to reign in heaven. "
PERSONS AND PLACES OF NOTE.
Among the persons of note who have gone out from
this township, or lived in it, are Alexander Adams,
who formerly resided at New Germantown, but re-
moved tt) New York and died at Morristown, being
buried at Bernardsville. He prepared an illustrated
Bible, which the Harpers published.
Rev. Mancius Smede Hutton, pastor of the Fair-
mount Presbyterian Church from 1828 to 1834, was
called from there to the South Dutch Church of New
York City, where he remained as pastor till 1875.
Rev. George Enders, of Ohio, a Lutheran minister
of prominence, once worked on a farm in Tewksbury
township in his early days. Hon. A. A. Clark, of
Somerville, a recent member of Congress and promi-
nent member of the bar, was brought up there. J.
Daggett Hunt, Esq., formerly city solicitor of New
York City, was a native of Tewksbury. Stephen B.
Ransom, of Jersey City, a lawyer of note, began the
practice of law in Tewksbury. James Honeyman,
much sought after by the judges and members of the
bar in Trenton for his brilliant witticisms and enter-
taining good humor, was a hotel-keeper at New Ger-
mantown.* His grandson, A. V. D.Honeyman, editor
of " Our Home" and The Somerset Gazette, and com-
piler of " Laws of New Jersey," was born at New Ger-
mantown.
Among the remarkable places is Hell Mountain, a
ridge near Mountainville noted for wildcats, of which
some have been shot there as late as 1870, and for the
evil reputation once had of its inhabitants, who were
noted for robberies and State's-prison offenses, a
characteristic now happily passed away. House Rock
is a remarkable and famous rock on top of this moun-
tain.
A rather remarkable fact pertaining to the locality
is the longevity of many of the people. Peter I.
Hoffman is a hale old man of ninety-eight; Joachim
Gulick is ninety-six, still vigorous ; George Fisher is
eighty-five, and very many are still living at a great
age. ;
* Col. B. E. Honeyman in " Our Home," p. 128.
484
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The main pursuit of this township is agriculture,
which is carried to a high degree of success. There
are mills at Califon, Pottersville, New Germantown,
and Mountainville, and tanneries at New German-
town and Fairmount. There are distilleries at Cokes-
burg, Fairmount, and Califon.
The distillery at Fairmount has a history worth re-
cording. It was built by John Lutz, and proved his
ruin in a few years. He and his wife died poor. His
administrators sold it to Israel Lossy, who began with
$2000. In a few years it ruined him, and he became
so poor that his son had to pay his board. Albert
Proctor purchased it for a trifling sum, and began
with a capital of $2000. He soon got to the end of
his money, and had to sell. Frederick L. Cook,
grandson of John Lutz, bought it. He had $3000,
but went through it in a few years and died. His
estate was insolvent, and his wife sold the distillery
to Henry Fleming, who is now carrying it on with
spirit. There was another distillery a quarter of a
mile east of it which was carried on for ten or twenty
years, till 1849. It was conducted by John C. Moore,
but was owned by Henry Miller.
There is a mine of iron ore on O. W. Farley's place,
near Cokesburg. It was opened by the English before
the Revolution, but the industry stopped by that war.
It was reopened by 0. W. Farley, nine or ten years
ago, and driven about a year. From 500 to 600 tons
of ore were taken out in one year and sent to Penn-
sylvania. There are mines of iron near Califon, on
Philip Hann's place ; 200 or 300 tons have been taken
out by a Pennsylvania company who have leased the
right and are now opening and exploring it. In
Nathan Schuyler's farm, and on Peter Bunnell's and
Philip P. Hoffman's also, there is an excellent quality
of ore. There is also a mine of iron near Fairmount,
on Henry Fisher's land. Dr. Mills, of Dover, bought
it and took out some. It is yet undeveloped.
Christian Fisher opened a mine of black lead near
Fairmount, but has not yet fully developed it. There
is a quarry of pudding-stone marble near New Ger-
mantown, but it is used for burning into lime.
MILITARY.
Some of the early inhabitants of this township
served in the Revolution, among them Christopher
Philhower, son of the first settler of that name. John
Mehelm, one of the members of the Provincial Con-
gress of New Jersey, and a member of the Committee
of Safety, was a prominent patriot of the Revolution.
See sketch in chapter upon " Prominent Men of Som-
erset County."
In the early part of the war of 1861, Tewksbury
township raised Co. A, Thirty-first Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers, at New Germantown, of which
R. R. Honeyman was captain ; he afterwards became
major, then lieutenant-colonel, and ultimately colonel.
At a special town-meeting held at New German-
town Aug. 3, 1864, it was ordered that $300 should
be paid to every drafted man or every man who
should put in a substitute in the three years' draft,
and $200 to those for one year's service. It was first
arranged to raise this money by a $25 tax on every
man liable to the draft, but was afterwards ordered,
in a meeting held in New Germantown, Sept. 2, 1864,
to be refunded and the whole to be raised by tax.
Under the proclamation calling for 300,000 men,
a special town-meeting was held, also at New Ger-
mantown, Jan. 2, 1865, and resolutions passed giving
to every man who should enlist or put in a substitute
the sum of $500.
At a special town-meeting, May 26, 1864, held at
New Germantown, by order of the committee, it was
ordered that twenty-three drafted men should be paid
$300 each, and that all future drafted men should be
paid the same as soon as mustered into the service.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ROBERT CRAIG.
Moses Craig, the great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, emigrated from the North of Ireland
and settled in Bedminster, Somerset Co., with the
Presbyterian colony which formed the original church
at Lamington, about 1780. The place of his settle-
ment was on the farm now owned by Simon Hageman.
The records of the Lamington congregation show that
he was a pew-holder in 1754.
He bought the homestead farm in Tewksbury of
Jacob Yan Derveer, as per deed bearing date May 2,
1757, and, for love and affection for his son Robert,
conveyed the same to him by deed bearing date Dec.
11, 1759. He died July 31, 1777, in the seventy-fifth
year of his age.
Robert Craig, the grandfather, was born Nov. 15,
1734, and married his first wife, Anna, Feb. 7, 1756.
She was born Dec. 3, 1731, and died Feb. 24, 1777,
leaving several children. He married his second wife,
Elizabeth Taylor, of Monmouth County, by whom he
had five children, four sons and one daughter. She
died Aug. 6, 1830. One of the sons, William, born in
March, 1785, was the father of the subject of this
notice, and was thirteen years and seven months old
when his father died, Oct. 6, 1797. He and his
brother Joseph bought out the other heirs when they
became of age, and, in 1822, WiUiam bought Joseph's
interest, and transmitted the estate by will to his son
Robert, the present occupant, he paying his sisters a
legacy. Thus the estate has been in the family over
one hundred and twenty-three years.
William Craig, the father, was singular in respect
to his eyes and hair, being very near-sighted, and his
hair being white and very stiff His complexion or
skin had the same white appearance. He was of
O
TEWKSBUKY.
485
medium stature, quick, stirring, and enterprising, a
skillful and shrewd manager, and successful in his
undertakings. He was particularly averse to being
put forward in any conspicuous position, and never
could be persuaded to accept an office in his township.
He devoted his energies to business, and accumulated
considerable property for the chance he had and the
times in which he lived. He was modest in his pro-
fession, and his religion consisted more of sober,
earnest conviction than of emotion or sentiment.
Eobert Craig was born March 10, 1815, on the
homestead farm, where he has always lived and pur-
sued the occupation of an agriculturist. He is a
Democrat in politics, and has held several local town-
ship offices, having been a member of the committee,
and treasurer during the war, when much money had
to be handled in paying for volunteers. In all this he
acquitted himself with credit and satisfaction to his
fellow-citizens. He has served on the township com-
mittee most of the time for the last twenty years.
He married, Jan. 9, 1840, Elizabeth, daughter of
Richard H. Field, of Lamington, N. J. They have
had nine children, four sons and five daughters, to
vpit : William, married Mary W. Dawes, and resides
on part of the homestead; Richard F., married Alice
L. Welch, daughter of David Welch, deceased ; Sarah
E., wife of Henry M. Kline, of Clinton, N. J. ; Ger-
trude P., wife of David Denham, of High Bridge
township, near Clinton; Henry F., married Mary
Wyckoflf, formerly of Lamington, now of Kansas;
Mary L., wife of William Dunham, of Pottersville,
N. J. ; the others, Margaret V., Anna B., and Robert,
are single and reside at home.
SAMUEL W. SALTER.
His grandfather, John Salter, came from West-
chester County, N. Y., and settled in Pequanock town-
ship, Morris Co., N. J. The deed for the place bears
date July 13, 1764. It was given by David Eansford
to " John Salter, Sr., of Westchester County, N. Y."
He had probably removed there from Connecticut
previously. He was a Friend or Quaker in his re-
ligious affiliations; married Sarah Charlotte Weis-
senfelt, and had one son and four daughters, viz.,
John C, Susan, Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Sarah.
Elizabeth married a Cook, and Charlotte an EUery,
of New York. John Salter, Sr., died about 1806.
John C. Salter, father of our subject, was bom Jan.
2, 1779, and died April 25, 1847. He married Beulah
Wills, of Mendham, Morris Co., Aug. 7, 1800. She
was born March 26, 1778, and died !lS[ov. 3, 1835.
John C. Salter removed from Morris County to
Tewksbury in 1808, and settled on the present home-
stead, which was given by Samuel Wills to his daugh-
ter Beulah, and purchased of Elijah Dunham, the
deed bearing date Nov. 11, 1778. This estate has
been in the family ever since.
The children of John C. and Beulah Salter were
Nancy, born May 31, 1801, married Lewis Young, of
Clarksville, N. J., Feb. 26, 1834; Samuel W., born
Sept. 14, 1802, married, first, Sophia Z. Sayre, of
Madison, Morris Co., June 16, 1836. She died June
26, 1845. He married for his second wife Hannah
M., sister of his first wife, July 28, 1846. She died
Oct. 28, 1868. He died Nov. 26, 1872, in the seventy-
first year of his age. The children of Samuel W.
Salter were George E., the successor of his father
on the homestead farm, born June 19, 1837 ; Beulah
W., born March 22, 1839, died Nov. 22, 1853; and
Martha M, born Aug. 24, 1842, died March 20, 1843.
Samuel W. Salter was a merchant in early life, and
kept store at Fairmount, Hunterdon Co., the place of
his residence. He was a prominent man in his neigh-
borhood and active in every good work, both in be-
half of the church and other public interests ; was for
many years a justice of the peace, and was a commis-
sioned officer in the militia. He was highly esteemed
for his uprightness of character, his genial and kindly
disposition, and his exemplary life. He had a rich
vein of wit and humor, and many racy and amusing
anecdotes told by him are still remembered and re-
lated by the old people. His faculty for amusing
children was great, and he was the life and soul of
every social gathering.
He was a member of the Fairmount Presbyterian
Church for many years, and in 1851, when the new
church edifice was built, he raised and collected the
subscription, amounting to about three thousand dol-
lars.
His son, George E. Salter, is his successor on the
homestead, and, in addition to his farming, carries on
a store, in partnership with his father-in-law, at
Unionville, Morris Co. He has recently given a lot
of three acres of land to the Fairmount Presbyterian
Church for a cemetery, and takes an interest in having
it properly improved during his lifetime. He was
married, first, Oct. 11, 1864, to Alletta M., of Liberty
Corner, Somerset Co., N. J. She died May 11, 1866,
leaving no issue. He married, second, Maggie A.
Pitney, of Chester, Morris Co., Jan. 20, 1869. The
children by this marriage have been as follows : Liz-
zie S., born Feb. 24, 1871, died April 26, 1872 ; Louis-
P., born April 12, 1874; Annetta W., born Jan. 6,
1880
It is a remarkable peculiarity of the Salter family
that, back as far as the generations can be traced,
there has been but one son in each family, and each
has been a justice of the peace, with the exception of
the present George E. Salter, who declined the office.
BEADINQTOISr.
SITUATION, AREA, BOUNDAEIES.
This township, one of the largest and most im-
portant in the county, has an area of nearly 45 square
miles, and contains 28,602 acres. Its situation is upon
the eastern side of the county. It is of very irregular
shape, and has but few straight lines in its boundaries.
Branchburg township, in Somerset County, bounds
it on the east, and Bedminster, in the same county,
upon the northeast; on the north Tewksbury joins
with saw-like outlines; westward lies the more re-
cent-formed township of Clinton; while upon the
south and southwest Karitan township is separated
from it by the South Branch.
LEADING PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The stream rising on the east side of the Cushetunk
Mountains, and flowing south of east across this town-
ship, is generally called (and so named on the maps)
Holland's Brook, as if after a man named Holland.
In the ancient documents it is universally given as
Hollands, or "Hollants," meaning Hollandish, the
significance of which is apparent, Hollanders having
been the first settlers in this section. Possibly, also,
there may be in it some allusion to the primary
meaning of the words, viz., " muddy" or " marshy
land."
Campbell's Brook (now Pleasant Run) was un-
doubtedly so named after John Campbell, the pro-
prietor of the lands at its mouth, which he purchased
in 1685.* Chamber's (sometimes called Smith's)
Brook and Eockaway Creek are in the north part of
the township. The latter empties into the Laming-
ton Eiver, which was formerly known as the " Ala-
matong," or Alamatunk, and forms a part of the
north line of the township.
Other streams are Leslie's Brook, so called from
being the south line of William Leslie's land, and
Van Fleet's Brook, which empties into the South
Branch below Three Bridges.
The mountain elevations of Eeadington are only
the detached spurs of the Cushetunk Mountains,
namely, Round, and Pickel's Mountain.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Eeadington was divided into four proprietory
rights, Joseph Kirkbride taking the southeast part,
Col. Daniel Coxe, of Philadelphia, the southwest
(he having purchased it of Thomas Williams in
London in 1705), Budd & Logan the northwest, and
* Historical Notes of Judge Thompson.
486
George Willocks, of Perth Amboy, the northeast.
In 1712, Coxe had his lands surveyed, and in 1720
the survey was recorded in Burlington. Kirkbride
sold, in 1712, 500 acres to Emanuel Van Etta, adjoin-
ing the Somerset county line and extending from the
Centreville school-house to Jacob Todd's present resi-
dence, having previously sold 2000 acres lying west
of the Van Etta purchase to Daniel Seabring and
Jerome Van Est. On this tract, near Campbell's
Brook, was an Indian village in the early day. When
the Indians sold their rights to these lands, they still
held as their reservation the farms now owned by
Backus Hoagland and John S. Craig. Abr. StuU
owned the farms now belonging to Peter D. Schomp
and H. Hageman; the latter afterwards sold to Isaac
Aray, a descendant of " Aray Van Geena," a negro
from Guinea.
Hollanders, either direct from the mother-country
or descendants of those who had settled on Long Is-
land, were the first to locate in the early part of the
eighteenth century. Some of these families are still
represented in this vicinity. The first actual settlers
of the township, so far as known, were Adrian Lane
and Emanuel Van Etta, the former at Eeadington
village, and the latter southwest of Centreville, on
the farm where George D. Schomp now resides. Lane
settled about 1700, and Van Etta a few years later.
The Lowes settled soon after in the southeastern part
of the township. Other settlers from 1710 to 1720
were Stull, Lott, Biggs, Schomps, Smith, Van Horn,
WyckofF, Cole, Klein, Jennings, Stevens, Johnson,
Hoagland, Fisher, Probasco, Schenck, and Voorhees,
several of whom came from Long Island.
The Wyckoflfs, Van Horns, Covenhovens, Eoelif-
sons, Johnsons, Traphagens, Van Dorens, and Ten
Eycks settled in that part of Eeadington known as
White House ; at Pleasant Eun the Devores, Schomps,
Biggs, and Coles located. The three last-named fam-
ilies came from Long Island in 1712. Between Cen-
treville and Three Bridges, Adrian Aten was one of
the first settlers, about 1725.
Frederick Van Fleet came from Esopus, N. Y., in
1725, and bought lands of Van Etta, his homestead
being the residence of the late 0. W. Van Fleet. He
soon after became owner of a large tract at what
later was known as Van Fleet's Corner. His son,
Thomas, the great-grandfather of the present vice-
chancellor, became the owner of a valuable tract of
two hundred acres, a part of which is now owned by
his great-grandson, John J. Van Fleet. John's father,
READINGTON.
487
John T. Van Fleet, known as "Old Collector," was
born and died on the same property at the age of
ninety-three. His son-in-law, Peter Schomp, is now
the owner of the homestead, south of the residence of
John J. Van Fleet, between Centreville and Three
Bridges. Col. Abraham Van Fleet, father of the vice-
chancellor, is remembered by many as one of the
brightest young men of Eeadington. He died at the
early age of thirty-five.
Of the Devore family no representative is now
found in the township.
David Schomp (whose father and grandfather bore
the same given name) now owns and lives on the old
Schomp homestead. A part of the old house is still
standing. The " old colonel," remembered by some
yet living, was a captain in the secret service of
Washington, and before his death received a pension
from the government. He carried dispatches from
Washington, at Valley Forge, to his officers at Ticon-
deroga, etc.*
Mr. Biggs, with his wife and one child, located be-
fore 1720 at the point since known as Pleasant Run
Hotel. His pioneer log hut was superseded in 1745
by a commodious (and for those days stately) man-
sion, torn down about 1850. " Blind George," son of
George Biggs, was remarkable for his acuteness of
hearing. He could travel for miles on any road he
had ever been over, without getting lost, and tell just
where he was at any point along the route. Esq.
Thompson tells of some instances, of which he was
personally cognizant, fully corroborating this, as on
one occasion he was a pilot after dark for a party
whose eyes were equal to any.
Tunis Cole came from Bergen County to Somerset
about 1700. After residing there several years he
moved westward; in order to procure more land for
his several sons. In 1727, Tunis purchased 400
acres of the Coxe tract, upon which he resided until
his death, in 1760. He left four sons, Benjamin,
David, Ezekiel, and Isaiah. The lands passed to
Benjamin, and after his death to his brother Isaiah,
whose executors sold, in 1767, the lands north of the
brook to George Biggs, the father of " Blind George."
A part of it is now owned by Abraham Smith, on
which is the " old stone house," just east of the Flem-
ington road.
The farm of Isaiah Cole, south of Campbell's
Brook, was divided between his two sons, Soyce and
Abraham ; the former sold his share, and removed to
Peapack. David Cole, Sr., son of Tunis, died 1798,
having shortly previous executed his will and ap-
pointed Eev. Peter Studdiford and Peter Schomp his
executors, devising two-thirds of his real estate to his
son David, and the remainder to his daughter Mar-
garet. David, known as " captain of the Grenadiers"
(a company which did efiective service in the Eevo-
* Hia nephew, Mjg. Henry G. Schomp, was among the volunteers to
put down the Whisky Inaurrection. Hia grandaon (son of Kobert) was
a soldier in the Rebellion from Illinois, and fell at Fort Donelson.
lution and kept up its organization for some years
after), sold the old homestead to his Uncle Ezekiel in
1800 and removed to the " lake country," where he
died at an advanced age. David, the third, died
some fifteen years or so since, leaving five sons and
several daughters.
Ezekiel Cole, one of the four sons of Tunis the elder,
was without doubt the most prominent man in the
township in his time. He was justice of the peace and
judge of the courts during the Revolution. Some of
his dockets are now in the possession of Hon. Jo-
seph Thompson. His wife was Lena Shipman. He
was buried in the graveyard of the Readington
church.f
The Coles married into the families of Voorhees,
Higgins, Hofiman, Lowe, Wyckoff, Schomp, Van
Sickle, etc.
Michael Cole was an early resident and large land-
owner, but no relation to the Tunis Cole family. He
settled on the east side of Round Mountain, where
now is the farm of John B. Sharp. He died Oct.
19, 1827, aged ninety-eight.
Evart Bergen purchased, in 1737, a tract of over
300 acres in the north part of the township. He was
a descendant of the famous Bergen family of Long
Island. John Bergen inherited his father's farm,
near White House, and died June 26, 1828. His son,
Evart, who took the farm at his death, was born in
1771, and married Ann Van Deursen. Their children
were William, died in 1861 ; Ann, married John, son of
Rev. Abram Messier ; James ; Maria, widow of James
Park; Aletta, wife of James E. Bergen, of Ricefield;
Staats, at New Germantown ; George, unmarried ; and
Jane, died in 1826. J
John Henry Schmidt, the founder of the family,
came to America from Holland in 1743, landed at New
York, and without delay settled at Stanton, Hunter-
don County. Here he remained until his death, in
1776. He was a farmer by occupation. A year or so
after he settled in Jersey he married Christina Hassel,
a German girl living in the vicinity. The pair had
seventeen children, nine sons and eight daughters,
named respectively Christopher, Martin, John, An-
drew, Joseph, Isaac, Peter, Jacob, Zachariah, Charity,
Laney, Catharine, Elizabeth, Mary, Rebecca, Sarah,
and Christina. All married and had families of chil-
dren ranging from three to thirteen.
In the time of the Revolution Caspar Berger kept
the hotel at Readington village. He became a large
landholder on the north side of Holland's Brook,
and also owner of the mill now owned by Wm. Fitch.
He had four sons John, Jasper, Aaron, and Peter
and three or more daughters. John at an early
day moved to Seneca Co., N. Y. ; Jasper died, leaving
two sons and six daughters ; Peter moved with his fam-
ily to Ohio, and died there ; Aaron, who lived and died
f Tunis, the last survivor of Esq. Cole's family, died in 1863, aged over
fourscore yeara.
t " Traditiona of our Anceatora," 1870.
488
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
on a part of the homestead farm adjoining the Eead-
ington church, left one son, John S., and one daugh-
ter. Jasper's daughters are all living in Readington
township or vicinity. The only child of John S., a
daughter named Ann, became the wife of Dr. Thomas
Johnson, residing at Readington. Caspar's daughters
married into the Ten Eyck, Lane, and Van Fleet
families.
Balthazar Pickel* purchased land of the Budd &
Logan tract prior to 1729, the exact date not being
known. It lay jiext to that of Paulus De Witt, at
the foot of Cushetunk (Pickel's) Mountain. He was
a native of Hamburg, Germany, and is said to have
been a brother of Frederick, who settled on Fox Hill,
and Conrad, who located near Everittstown. " Bal-
thus" located first on the Ridge, on the place now
occupied by Jacob Hyler, but soon sold this, and pur-
chased 1000 acres to the westward of his former loca-
tion. There his descendants for five or six generations
have lived. He was buried in the Zion Churchf grave-
yard. New Grermantown.
Near by lies the body of Charity, his wife, who
died in 1761. Two of the sons of the late Baltus A.
Pickel, who died Oct. 10, 1871, in the eighty-eighth
year of his age, reside on a part of the original pur-
chase of their ancestor, in Readington ; a grandson
occupies a part of the old Van Horn estate, with the
old stone house located thereon. A sugar-bowl of
solid silver, marked " B. -|- P., 1771," was presented
to Mrs. Adrian H. Pickel by the late Baltus A.
Pickel just before his death, when this interesting
relic was precisely one hundred j'ears old. An
earthen fruit-dish of curious workmanship, bearing
date of June 1, 1806, and said to have been made at
a pottery which used to exist on the premises, is care-
fully preserved as a memento of the past; also an
old-fashioned oaken arm-chair, in good state of pres-
ervation.t
Adrian Ten Eyck emigrated to Readington irom
Somerset County, where his family were among the
first. Among his descendants are Cornelius, of Me-
chanicsville, and Mrs. Theodore Polhemus, near
White House.
An early settler at Potterstown was a colored man
named Aray Van Genee, who acquired considerable
property. A deed now in possession of Joseph
Thompson, of Readington, is for one acre of land
which Aray sold to William Mackinney, both of
Reading ; the instrument is dated Jan. 22, 1740. Aray
owned also the Wyckofif farm at Potterstown, and
sold it to Sharpenstein, later abbreviated into Sharp.
The first representatives oT the Van Horns in Read-
ington township were Abraham, Sr., and Capt. Cor-
nelius,? supposed to have been brothers. Cornelius,
* Spelled Tariously Baltus, Balthus, Baltes, all abbreviatione of Bal-
thazar.
f Balthazar Pickel left $5000 by his will to Zion Church, also a silver
cup and plate.
J Eev. William Bailey.
g Died Feb. 12, 1744, aged forty-nine.
son of Capt. Cornelius, made his will June 3, 1783,
in which instrument four sons (and five daughters)
are named, Abraham, Simon, Cornelius, and Wil-
liam ; the last named inherited the homestead. || The
testator states in the will that he bought of his
father. William married his cousin Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Abraham Van Horn and sister of Cornelius W.
Van Horn.1[ One of the daughters of William and
Elizabeth Van Horn became the first wife of John
G. Van Houten. Descendants of the family, of the
fifth generation, now occupy the homestead, and
more than a century and a half has elapsed since the
first of that honored name came hither from Mon-
mouth Co., N. J.**
Abraham Van Horn was one of the first members,
and always a prominent one, of the Reformed Dutch
Church of Readington, and later of White House;
in his barn 'for fifteen years the congregation wor-
shiped, and in his orchard they built their first meet-
ing-house. This same barn, it is said, was used by
Mr. Van Horn during the Revolution as a place for
storage of the provisions which he, as forage-master,
collected for Washington's army encamped at Morris-
town, and in it, too, were some of the Hessian priso-
ners lodged and fed while en route from Trenton to
Easton.
Abraham Van Doren (or Van Dorn), a descendant
of the Holland emigrant. Jacobus, came to Reading-
ton from near Middlebush at an early date, and lived
and died at White House. He had four wives, whose
names were Charity Bennett, Elizabeth Bowman,
Catharine Nevius, and Rachel Babcock. Like his
father, he had seventeen children. So late as August,
1873, two of them were yet living, Joseph Van
Doren, aged eighty-one, living with his son Jacob
near White House, and Mrs. Gano, of Newark. His
aunt Alche (born Nov. 18, 1735, died Dec. 13, 1828),
married Simon Wyckoff, of Middlebush, whose sons
subsequently settled in Readington township, and
have become a numerous family. (See history of
Branchburg township, in this work, for a further ac-
count of this family, once residents of Dobie's planta-
tion.)
Many of the families of the original settlers have
become extinct in the township : thus the names of
Van Etta, Lott, Deyare, De Lamater, Purcell, and
Munfort are no longer found in Readington.
The following family histories,- embracing sketches-
of the Posts, Andersons, Wyckoffs, Atens, Bodines,
Moreheads, Thompsons, and Smocks, are kindly con-
tributed to this work by the Rev. John B. Thompson,,
of Catskill, N. Y.
THE POST rAMILT.
Abraham Post, son of Johannes.ft was born Oct. U, 1T40, and married ,
Catharine Demott, Nov. 14, 17Y6. Their children were John (1st), born
1 Now owned and occupied by the son of Abraham Pickel.
IT Died in 1862, at the advanced age of ninety-one.
** William Bailey.
ft Johannes Post was baptized at Earitan, Oct. 29, 1707. His wife was .
Altje Blaum, born June 14, 1714. In her old age her home was with her.
READINOTON.
489
Sept. 26, 1767, died Sept. 2, 1769-; John (2d), born Nov. 9, 1769, died Feb. 21,
1772 ; a daughter (name unknown), born Feb. 6, 1772, died Feb. 25, 1774 ;
Abraham, bom Aug. 27, 1774, married Mary Tuttle, and had one child,
Itf aria ; John (3d), married Catharine Kinney, and had two children, both
dying in infancy; Henry, born Dec. 7, 1782; Peter (1st), born Feb. 5,
1787, died March 15, 1788 ; Peter {2d), known as " Peter A.," or " Pieter-
om," born Sept 12, 1792, died 1877, leaving no children.
After the death of his wife, Abraham Post secured as housekeeper the
handsome widow of Simon Kinney, whom he subsequently married.
She lived to be a feeble old woman, cared for by her husband's grand-
children and great-grandchildreu, retaining her peculiarities to the last.
Abraham Post was a strong, active, impetuous man, possessed of a keen
sense of justice, and was also an ardent patriot. He was only a lieuten-
ant in the militia, when, returning from Baritan Landing, where he had
sold a load of corn, he met, near Somei'ville, six or eight men in separate
squads of two or more. Inquiring their destination, he wels informed
that they were "going to camp." The answer was ambiguous, as the
camp of the patriots was at Plainfield, and that of the British at New
Brunswick ; but, being alone, he did not think it prudent to inquire fur-
ther. It was after dEU"k when be reached " Crook's Farm" (known lat^
terly as " the McBride Place"), and by this time he had determined what
to do. He quietly stabled his horses in Crook's barn, and went to the
house and told him the fact, requesting that they should be cared for till
his return. He then borrowed a rifle and ammunition and started in pur-
suit of the men, recruiting as he went. He overtook them as they were
camping for the night in the clump of oaks which then stood just above
the village of Somerville. They were without arms, and most of them
at once acceded to his demand to surrender. Others betook themselves
to trees and hid among the branches. He first secured those who had
surrendered, and then directed each of his armed recruits to "pick his
man" in the tree-tops. Wlien this was done he again demanded that
they should surrender, and by this time they were all quite willing to
comply. He marched them to White House to deliver them to the
authorities for trial, but there were not officers enough there to hold a
court-martial, and he was ordered to conduct them to Trenton. Here
he was relieved of his charge, but was detained until his prisoners were
tried and sentenced to he confined in the log jail at AUentown, Pa., and
he had command of the squad which conducted them thither.
It was not long after this that he became a private in Capt. Coonrad
Ten Eyck's company. Second Battalion, in which he fought at the battle
of Monmouth. He was afterwards a lieutenant in the Continental army.
He possessed the farm now owned by Peter I. Voorhees and the *' Hoag-
land lot," now owned by Jacob G. Schomp, as well as the 200 acres " lying
between Leslie's Brook and John Yan Ne&t's line," which he bought of
the executors of Dr. William Leslie,* now owned by Joseph Thompson,
Aaron Hof&nan, and Ebenezer K. Smock. His land was tilled largely
by slave-labor. He lived to be nearly ninety-six years old, as is stated
upon his tombstone in the Eeadington churchyard,
Henry A. Post's descendants alone perpetuate the family of his father.
He occupied the northern half of the Leslie farm, now owned by Aarou
Hoffman, and lived in the house, still standing, built for him by his
fe-ther, in which his children were born. From his father he inherited
the patriotism, and from his mother the piety, which made him esteemed
and beloved by all who knew him. He died before his father, and his
descendants are scattered abroad.
Henry A. Post, born Dec. 7, 1782, died April 17, 1830, married, fii-st,
Jan. 13, 1803, Elizabeth (daughter of Simon Wyckoff and Jemima Ander-
son), who was born Oct. 1, 1775, and died AprU 17, 1808; second, April
23, 1809, Martha Anderson, He had eight children, viz., John Demott
Post, bom June 11, 1807, married, first, Jane Tan Cleef, of Millstone,
and second, Catharine Maria Eisler, of Flemington, by each of whom he
had three children, none of whom live in this county at this time;
Abraham, bom Feb. 11, 1810, married, first, March 12, 1834, Amy Eliza
Herbert, of Bound Brook, second, Catharine Foster, of Alexander, N. T. ;
Ann, bora Nov. 14, 1811, died Aug. 11, 1880 ; married Joseph Thompson;!
Henry, bom Feb. 13, 1816, living at South Branch, married, first, Mary
McGrady, of Peapack, and second, Eliza Stevenson, of Quakertown;
Catharine, bom March 1, 1818, married Aarou Alpaugh, with whom she
removed to Batavia, N.T., where they died, and where their descendants
still live; Elizabeth, born Feb. 19, 1821, living at North Branch, married,
first, Peter T. Melick, and second, Peter Demott, both of Peapack ;J
George Anderson, born March 13, 1822, married Marilla Smith, and lives
at North English, Iowa; Peter Quick, born June 27, 18-4, married Re-
becca Hoffman, of Potterstown, and had only William Tennent, who
died in childhood,
THE ANDERSON FAMILY.
George Andersong (the third of the name) married Anna Wyckofil
(See sketch of Wyckoff family.)
George, their eldest child, was baptized at Readington, April 30, 1777,
and probably died early.
Elizabeth, baptized May 16, 1779, married George P. Schamp, and had
Ann, who married Cornelius M. Wyckoff and died without issue ; Peter
G., who married Catharine Kline, and is living near North Branch;
George A., married Catharine Wyckoff|] (one of his daughters, Mary
Emmeline, married Andrew Thompson) ; Jacob G., had two sons, John and
Peter G., the former being the well-known lawyer of Somerville, wha
married Wilhelmina Schamp ; and John, David, and Cornelius.
Martha, born Jan. 16, 1783, died Jan. 1, 1829 ; married, April 23, 1809»
Henry A. Post.
Jemima married Jacob NefF, and had Ann, Fanny, Eliza, and Gertrude-
Ann married George D. Schamp, of Pleasant Eun.^f They had only
one son, Henry, and one daughter, Martha Ann.
THE ATEN FAMILY
was originally Scotch, but many of its members fled from persecution on^
account of their religion, first to France, and then to the Netherlancte, ,
with whose inhabitants they became identified, and with whom their de-
scendants came to America as Dutch. Thomas Aten, born in this coun^
try, and his brother John were residing near New Brunswick, N. J., in
1717
Adriaen Aten, probably a brother of these, settled on the South Branch. -
of the Raritan, on the farm between Centreville and the Three Bridges
now owned by William C. Van Doren. He was a wealthy man for that
region, and devoted himself to the care of his plantation. During the
Revolution, like most of his Dutch associates, he was an enthusiastic pa-
triot. Three of his sons were in the volunteer corps on Long Island,
where one was captured, and remained a prisoner full two years. Patriots
carrying messages to and fro between the Continental Congress and the
Northern capitals found his hospitable mansion an ever-ready resting-
place. A detachment of Washington's army, passing northward to Mor-
ristown oa a hot summer day, drank the well dry.
Adriae:* Ate n's wife was the pious Jacobje Middagh. Of tbeir nine
children, the eighth, Jude, married Joseph Morehead. Another daughter
married William Van Fleet None of the Atens remain in this town-
ship, although a few are still in the Raritan valleys.
The following is a verbatim copy of Adriaen Aten's family record, feomn
the Testament and Psalms in the possession of the Rev. Dr. John BU
Thompson, the grandson of his granddaughter, Elizabeth Morehead. No-
translation is attempted :
" In't Jaar Onses Heeren, 1C93. Den 24 Octoober is Gebooren Jacobje
Middagh.
In't Jaar 1719, Den 25 Augustus is Gebooren Antje Aten, "
"In't Jaar 1721, Den 22 Augustus is Gebooren Dirck Aten.
In't Jaar 1723, Den 3 September is Gebooren Hendrick Aten. "
*' In't Jaar 1726, Den 27 January, is Gebooren Cathalyntje Aten.
" In't Jaar 1728, Den 15 Januarius is Gebooren Mareitje Aten.
In't Jaar 1730, Den 29 July is Gebooren Cathalyntje Aten. "
" In't Jaar 1732, Den 22 December Zijn Gebooren Jan En Gerradus
Aten.
In't Jaar 1735, Den 9 July is Gebooren Judick Aten. "
*' In't Jaar 1737, Den 7 November is Gebooren Adriaen Aten.'^
son Abraham, and her worth is still fresh in the memory of his descend-
ants. Her large Dutch Bible, with the family record of three genera-
tions, is in the possession of her grandson's grandson, the Rev. Henry
Post Thompson. Johannes and Altje had five children, Geertje, mar-
ried Mathias fimock; Johannes; Maria, married Johannes Bennet;
Abraham, and Hendrick.
* Bee Hunterdon County records.
t See Thompson family.
52
X Issue by Melick only, viz., Martha Ann, married Peter Sutphen ;
James, married Sarah Ann Ten Eyck; George, died unmarried; Mary
Jane, married Lewis E. Elick, and lives in Iowa.
3 Son of Simon (and Mai-y Van Anglen) Anderson, a grandson of George,
â– who was an early settler at New Bmnswick, N. J., prior to 1717.
[| Daughter of Peter Wyckoff and Margaret Becker, and granddaughter
of John Wyckoff and Altje Lane, who kept the Potterstown tavern.
^ He was called *' Maugbty," and he and his son were distinguished as
Old Maught and "Young Maught."
490
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEV.
THE WTCKOFr FAMILY
was, and still is, numerous in this vicinity. All its branches are de-
scended from that Peter Claus "Wyckoff who came from the Nether-
lands and bought lands, upon which he settled, in Flatbush, L. I., in
1665. He Buperintended the farm and stock of Director Stuyresant
and was magistrate of the town that year, and also in 1658, 1662, and
1663. He married Grieve, daughter of Hendrick Van Ness, and had seven
eons, Claes, Hendrick, Cornelius, John, Gerrit, Martin, and Pieter.
Simon Wyckoff son of Cornelius, lived at Three-Mile Kun, where he
was ordained elder in 1734. His sons settled near White House, one of
whom was Cornelius Wyckoff.* He purchased some 600 acres, and owned
the farm since known as the " Traphagen place." His wife's name was
Elizabeth. He died of palsy, April 21, 1776, and she May 1, 1779. Their
children were Gertrude (or Elizabeth), born 1741, died about 1820, mar-
ried Abraham Van Horn, and had, at least, Abraham, William, Matthew,
Cornelius, and a daughter, who married Mr. Brodhead.
Jemima, born June 19, 1742, married John Vliet, lived north of New
Germantown, and had sons and daughters.
George, who lived on the farm now owned by J. N. Kamsey, was born
June 2, 1745, married Rebecca Van Cleef, of Millstone, and had (though
the order is conjectural) Margreta (baptized April 14, 1772), married Abra-
ham Voorhees; Mareytje (baptized March 20, 1785), married Elias W.
Voorhees; Elizabeth, married Ralph Conover; Cornelia (baptized Nov.
25, 1787), died unmarried; Johannah, died uumaiTied ; George, man-ied
Catharine Klickener; and John, died 1879, unmarried.f
Simon, born Feb. 12, 174r- (lived near Three Cornei-s, where David
Davis now resides), married Jemima Anderson, and had Elizabeth, born
1775, died 1808, married Henry A. Post; Martha, married Jacob Vroom
and died without issue ; Gitty, married Jasper Berger ; Anna, baptized
Dec. 18, 17S3 ; Gordina, married Charles Reading, and bad only Abby,
who married David 0. Hoff; Cornelia (baptized 1787), married William
Welsh and removed to Ohio; and Jemima, who married Samuel Taylor,
widower.
Cornelius, born January, 17 ; died early.
Elizabeth (or Gertrude), married William Wyckoff, and died near
Millstone.
Annae^e, baptized Nov. 12, 1752, married George Anderson.
Cornelia, born July 16, 1754, married David Traphagen, and died with-
out issue.
Cornelius (known as " Gentleman Cornelius"), born Dec. 5, 1757, in-
herited the homestead afterwards owned by David Traphagen the sec-
ond, and married, for his second wife, April 24, 1808, the youthful Sophia
Ten Eyck.by whom he had Elizabeth (born July 2, 1809), Eleanor Rue
Ten Eyck (born Feb. 26, 1813; died Aug. 28, 1813), Cornelius (born in
1814), Abraham Ten Eyck (born Sept. 18, 1816), Penelope (born March
30, 1818), and George Dennis (born Sept. 10, 1820), who removed to
Illinois. Dennis, who was a justice of the peace, judge of the courts
for many years, and an influential man, lived near Mechanicsville, on
the place now owned by J. W. Van Houten, of Philadelphia. He was
born April 17, 1760, and died Dec. 6, 1830. He married, first, Elizabeth
Ten Eyck, by whom he had three children, CorneliuB, Ann, and Ten
Eyck ; married, second, Margaret Melick, by whom he had Simon (mar-
ried Brodhead), Tunis (married Ann Vosseller), George (married
Waldron), Dennis (married Patty Lowe), Peter M. (married, in
1832, Alice Polbemus.and resided at White House), Eliza (married Abra-
ham Van Pelt), and Ellen (married, first, Henry Vroom, and, second,
John Kline, recently deceased), still hving in Somerville.
THE BODINE FAMILY
is an honored one in the history of France, but, moderate as were the
advices of Jean Bodin, the wise counselor of Henry III., his relatives
were afterwards compelled to flee, with other Huguenots, to Holland,
whence they ultimately came to Staten Island, at least as early as 1701.J
From the mouth of the Baritan they ascended to its sources. Among
the settlers of this region there were at least five of this name, all of
whom left a large number of descendants.
* Hifl Dutch Bible, with the family record, is in the possession of Rev.
Abraham Thompson. The homestead is now owned by James N. Pid-
cock, though recently modernized and remodeled.
t He was known as " Plato," a name probably given him by some
achoolmaster, from his broad shoulders. It was commonly shortened
by his associates, unacquainted with tlie Greek philosopher, to " Plate."
J The earlier history of the Bodin family has been traced by the Rev.
Dr. Charies W. Baird, of New Rochelle, N. Y., for his forthcoming work
on the Huguenots of America.
John Bodine had a plantation, early in the last century, on the west
side of the North Branch. Immediately north of it was the Ammerman
tract, and immediately north of that the Du Mont tract. This John
Bodine had a son Abraham, who married Mary Low, and had John,
baptized April 15, 1748; Judick, baptized March 31, 174:5, married Sam-
uel Willemsen; Mary, probably the Mary that married Thomas Cooper;
Cathelyntje, baptized Sept. 3, 1749; Sarah, baptized Aug. 10,1755; Cor-
nelius, baptized November, 1755, married Margaret Sutpben, of Six-Mile
Run, born 1754, and had Abraham, Peter, John, Cornelius, Gilbert,
Isaax:, Charles, and George, all deceased.
Isaac Bodine had eleven children, eight by his first wife, Cataleyn,
and three by his second wife, Jannetje. These children, with dates of
baptism, were Jan, Nov. 19, 1703 ; Jantien, April 30, 1707; Frederick,
April 26, 1709 ; Mareyken, April 25, 1711 ; Kataleyn, Aug. 8, 1713 ; Isaac,
April 5, 1715 ; Abraham, July 31 , 1717 ; Elizabeth, Oct. 31, 1719 ; Hester,
Dec. 25, 1723 ; Isaac, Aug. 16, 1730; and Jannetje, Aug. 16, 1730.
Peter Bodine had two children by his first wife and one by his second,
Margrita. Their names and dates of baptism were Jan, April 30, 1712 ;
David, April 3, 1717 ; Mareytje, Oct. 15, 1738.
Jacob Bodine's wife was named Elizabeth. They bad six children,
viz., Jan, St. Jantien, Jacob, Catharine, Cornelius, and Antje.
Abraham Bodine married Adriantje Janse, and had nine children,
among whom were Catrina, baptized April 14, 1725, and married Lode-
wyk Haydenbrook ; Peter, baptized December, 1726, and twice married
(first, Mareytje; second, Widow Williamson); John, baptized Dec. 5,1730,
married Femmetje Vorhees; Abraham, and Judick. The last named
was born March 17, 1735, and ultimately married John Thompson. (See
Thompson family.)
THE MOREHEAD FAMILY.
Ireland, as well as Scotland and 'France, contribufed to build up the
Dutch settlement and church in this vicinity.
Joseph Muir Head was born at Strabane .Ireland, in 1727, and came to
America in 1747. He served in the French and Indian war in Col. Peter
Schuyler's battalion of New Jersey volunteers. He was in the battle of
Ticonderoga, and the flint-lock musket which he carried, bearing his
initials, " J. M. H.," graven by his own hand, is still in possession of his
grandson, Joseph Thompson. He was a weaver by trade, and the carved
oaken box in which he brought to this country the fine linen products of
his handicraft is etill preserved by his great-grandson, John Ward Thomp-
son, of Oakland, Bergen Co , N. J.g
How he came to Aniwell does not appear, "but he was often in the em-
ploy of Adiiaen Aten, and in 1767 married his daughter Jude. She was
considered an heiress in her day; she was born July 9, 1735, and died
July 22, 1819. With ffSOO which he had saved he bought a house and lot
in Amwell, where his four children were born. In 1778 he bought
34 acres adjoining the pond of what are now Higgins' Mills, on the
South Branch, whence, iu 1795, he removed to the farm (150 acres, pur-
chased of Simon Wyckoff) upon which he died (April 12, 1819), at the
village of Readington, and upon which his son John, and afterwards 7iis
son John, and John the third, lived until 1876.
His daughter Sarah Ann died iu 1821, unmarried. His third child,
Elizabeth, married John Thompson,! and his fourth child, Mary, manied
John Schamp. The descendants of all three are numerous throughout
the townships of Readington and Branchburg.
The children of Joseph and Jude Morehead (as the name is now writ-
ten) were
John, horn .July 28, 1771, died Aug. 13, 1844, married first (1799) Sarah
Van Syckel, who was born Nov. 5, 1779, and died Jan. 14, 1838. He lived
and died near the head of the " Brookye." He afterwards married ( 1839)
Olive Ann Hixon, daughter of George and Hannah Hixon, and now the
wife of Aaron L. Stout, of Readington. His only child was John, born in
Readington, March 14, 1804, died Aug. 25, 1849 ; married Sophia Van Dom,
who died Nov. 14, 1864. TheyhadSarah Ann, wife of Jacob Vroom; Hetty
Maria, married John Ammerman ; Joanna (died June 30, 1853), married
Dr. A. T. B. Van Doren ; and John, married Mary, daughter of Aaron C.
Hoagland.
Sarah, born Nov. 19, 1772, died Sept. 12, 1826 ; unmarried.
Elizabeth, born July 25, 1775, died Jan. 16, 1861; married John
Thompson.
Mary, born Sept. 6, 1777 ; died at Pleasant Run, in 1870 ; married the
late John Schamp, and had Elizabeth Elisheba, Mary Ann, Peter I.,
Margaret, Joseph, and Sarah.
§ It is said that most of his children had a taste and aptness for weav-
ing, and that his daughters made carpets when over eighty years of age.
(I See sketch of the Thompson family.
KEADINaTON.
49l'
THE THOMPSON FAMILY.
No family in this region is more numerous than that which owes its
origin to the John Thompson who was born in Scotland, April 15, 1730.
He married Judick Bodine, and their only child, John, was born July
5, 1772, near White House Depot, on the farm now owned by Philip D.
Lare. Afterwards the little family, with several of their friends and
Deighbors, removed to Shemokem, Fa., and made themselves a home on
the western bank of the Loyalsock.
In 1778 they were compelled to flee for their lives. When the women
.and children were safe, John Thompson, with Peter Shufelt and William
"WyckofF, returned to bring off his cattle. They incautiously entered the
bouse, which was immediately surrounded by a band of twelve Indians.
The three men ran for the woods, the Indians firing upon them as they
ran. Shufelt was shot through the shoulder, Thompson was killed by the
second volley from the Indians, and Wyckofi was made prisoner.* "
John Thompson's widow and child returned to New Jersey, bearing
^th them as the only relic from the destruction of their wilderness
home the little Scotch Bible in which the family record was made by
Thompson's own finn hand, excepting only the last sad item, which tells
the story of his death as follows : " The 9th day of June, A.n. 1778, John
Thompson departed this life. Was killed and scalped by ye Tory and
Indians at Shemokem."t Jndah Thompson bound her boy apprentice
to Pietro Mazzini, the Italian tailor, that he might teach him the mys-
teries of his craft.
John Thompson, Sr. (as he came to be called), inherited the thrifty
virtues of both his Scotch and Dutch ancestors. Before he was twenty-
one he married, and soon after bought the farm, near Campbeirs Brook,
on which he resided during most of his- life. His credit was good, for
at that time he h^d, as he said, only " five dollars, his wife, and his
goose." He was for more than thirty years justice of the peace, and for
thirty-two years one of the judges of the Hunterdon County court.
The Rev. William I. Thompson was the ninth child of Judge John
Thompson. A paralytic stroke, at the age of four, lelt his right arm and
side to a great degree helpless. In his youth he showbd special aptness
for mathematical study. At tJie age of sixteen lie became the teacher of
& district school, and soon after determined to obtain a classical education,
a resolution most remarkable in view of the difBculties involved. Three
iqonths before gi-aduating he succeeded his former teacher in the charge
of the classical school at Somerville, his excellent scholarship allowing
him, none the less, to be graduated with his class. The surviving mem-
bers of that class are Bevs.' Talbot W. Chambers, John T. Demarest, John
H. Duryea, Harrison Heermance, and John P. Mesick. At Somerville,
as also at Millstone, where he afterii'ards taught, he gained an enviable
reputation for thoroughness, both as a scholar and as a teacher.
In 1838 he began his special preparation for the ministry, and after
graduating from the theological seminary accepted a call to the arduous
charge of Pond's and Wyckoff, in Bergen County, in which he labored ef-
ficiently for three years. He later assumed charge of the grammar-school
at New Brunswick, N. J. After eighteen years of service, with impaired
health, he returned to the friends of his youth, continuing to teach
among them, however, for four years longer.
Judge Joseph Thompson is the oldest child of Judge John Thompson
by his second wife, Elizabeth Morehrad. He was born in the old, long,
red homestead mansion, and improved the opportunities it afforded him.
He early learned both to perform and to plan the work of tlie farm. At
extra hours he wrought at the loom, and expended the proceeds of his
labor in books, which were diligently studied. In this way he mastered
land-surveying. At the age of eighteen he taught a district school at
the Ridge, after that at Pleasant Bun, to which he gave the name, and
also at Centreville, Keadington, White House, North Branch, and " The
Centre," now Cedar Grove. He married at twenty-one, and succeeded to
the charge of the farm, farming during the summer and teaching during
the winter, though often called away from both to survey lands for many
miles around. In 1837, with bis wife and four children, he removed to
the farm on which he still resides, lying partly in Somerset and partly in
Hunterdon.
His mental and physical vigor and energy were wonderful, but a stil]
* William Wyckoff was about sixteen. His father, Peter Wyckoff,
was captured on the same day. One or both of them returned after
about two years and told these details. A negro captured at the same
time was roasted alive.
> This date may be erroneous. Col. Hosterman's letter to Col. Win-
ter, dated the 10th of June, details these events as occurring " this day."
Sie Penn. Archives, vol. vl. p. 689, and Oomp. Meginnis' " History of the
West Branch," pp. 208-215, etc.
more noted characteristic was his sterling integrity. These traits caused
him, when he was but twenty-eight years of age, to be associated with
his father as judge of the Hunterdon County Orphans' Court, a position
which he held for fifteen years. Since that time he has held the same
position in the Somerset County court for thirteen years, and, though
his legal knowledge is only such as he could acquire by desultory read-
ing in the intervals of so busy a life, no decision of his as judge of
either of these courts has ever been reversed. He has done a very large
business as a writer of wills, deeds, and mortgages, as well as a master
in Chancery, and in the settlement of estates as executor and adminis-
trator. In 1856 he organized the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance As-
sociation, of which he has been secretary from the first.
Judge Thompson was a teacher in the first Sunday-school in this re-
gion. It was organized at "the Brookye" (Pleasant Run) in the year
1825, From that day to this the Sunday-school movement has had no
more faithful friend. Converted in 1830, he became at once a worker in
prayer-meetings and in the church, in which he was an officer in 1840,
and often since.
Two of his children died in infancy ; the other six are still living. The
faithful partner of his toils and blessings for more than half a centui7
has recently entered into rest.
The Rev. John Bodine Thompson, eldest child of Judge Joseph Thomp-
son, like his father, became a teacher at the early age of sixteen, and
has continued in that occupation, in some form or other, almost from
that day to this. He taught in the public schools at Pleasant Run and
Cedar Grove before going to college ; afterwards had charge, first, of a
classical school, and then of all the schools in Somerville, of a classical
school in Flemington, and was teacher of natural sciences in the Trenton
Academy. This experience fitted him to become the advisor and instruc-
tor of teachers as the agent of the New Jersey State Teachers' Associa-
tion. He was an active member of the first and second teachers' insti-
tutes held in the State, at Somerville, in 1849 and 1850. He was chiefly
instrumental in organizing the first teachers' institute in Hunterdon, in
1852. His address to the Legislature at Trenton, Feb. 9, 1854, resulted
in the establishment of teachers' institutes by law, and he became or-
ganizer and conductor of them in most of the counties of the State.
His lectures in connection with them contributed largely towards the
establishment of the New Jersey State Normal School and the organiza-
tion of the system of public schools upon its present excellent basis.
Dr. Thompson was graduated from Rutgers College in 1851, and from
the theological school at New Brunswick in 1858. His ministerial life has
been spent upon the banks of the Baritan and the Hudson. The late
Eev. Dr. Cohen-Stuart characterizes him further (in his book of travels
published in Holland in 1875) as " a large, well-developed man, and a
true American, a man who has traveled, seen, and learned a great deal ;
no stranger at all in the literature of the Old World, what an English-
man would call a well-informed man, and, what is more than all, a truly
pious and lovely Christian."
A vacation of two years enabled Dr. Thompson and family to visit the
Old World. During his first winter there he attended lectures on phil-
osophy and logic at the University of Tubingen. After that he sup-
plied the American union church in Florence. Becoming interested in
the Free Italian Church (then just organized), he identified himself with
the few evangelists of it, and, leaving his family in Europe, came to
America to cuUect funds for its work.briuging with him the well-known
patriotic orator and evangelist Alessandro Gavazzi. Their summer tour
procured contributions amounting to J30,000.
Dr. Thompson is an acceptable and instructive minister, and has been
higlily honored by his brethren. Amid the duties of a busy life he has
found time for study. For a time it was the languages (especially Ger-
man Greek, and Hebrew) that occupied his attention, and he was more
than once invited to become a college professor. Discourses published
during the last few years, however, show that all this was but prepara^
tory to the metaphysical and theological pursuits to which he is devoting
the maturity of his puwers.J The degree of Doctor of Divinity was
conferred upon him by his Alma Mater in 1870.
The Rev. Henry Post Thompson, second child of Joseph Thompson
and Ann Post, was devoted to the ministry by his parents. At an early
age he entered Rutgers College, whence he was graduated in 1854, and
from the theological seminary in 1867. He was immediately settled at
Peapack, where he continued for sixteen years. Obliged to relinquish
the duties of the pastorate in 1873, in consequence of a partial paralysis
of the lower limbs, he has since continued to edify the pubUc with pro-
ductions of his pen.g Never having married, he resides with his father.
1 See chapter on " Authors of Hunterdon County."
3 See " Authors of Somerset County," in this work.
492
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
devoting himfielf in the iutervals of literary labor to the care of his
farm.
The Eev. Abraham Thompson, third child of Judge Joseph Thompson,
was also graduated from the college and seminary at New Brunswick,
and taught in the academy at Holland, Mich. He labored also, in con-
nection with his eldest brother, as a conductor of teachers' institutes.
His first pastoral charge was at Pella, Iowa, where he organized the
English-speaking Reformed Church, remaining until it was firmly estab-
Ushed. During the year 1872, at request of Classis, he had charge of
the Reformed Church of Pekin, 111. In 1874 he accepted the appoint-
ment as rector of the college grammar-school at New Brunswick, but
resigned two years later, and in 1877 assumed charge of the Knox Me-
morial Miseion of the Collegiate Church, in New York City, where he
still remains.
Aai'on J. Tliompson, fourth child of Judge Joseph Thompson, resides
near his father, and is secretary of the Readington Mutual Life In-
surance Association, which he was chiefly instramental in organizing.
The ancestor of this large family on the borders of these two counties
was the Juhn Thompson first above mentioned. The following schedule
of his descendants will be of interest to many : *
John Thompson's only child, John, was bom July 3, 1772, and died
March 9, 1847. He married, first, Dec. 1, 1793, Hannah Van Syckle, who
was born Feb. 29, 1772, and died May 18, 1806 ;t second, May. 1807,
Elizabeth Morehead, who was bom July 25, 1775, and died Jan. 16, 1861.
He had eleven children, all of whom save one became heads of families.
Their names were
1. Andrew, bom Sept. 23, 1794, died in August, 1850 ; married, June
24, 1816, Susannah Lane, and had : 1. Hannah, married Samuel Connet,
and had Stephen, Susan Elizabeth, Eleanor Ann (married William H.
Post), Andiew Thompson J (married Joanna S. Nevius), Peter Elmer
(married Isabella Miller), William (married Martha Lane), John Lane,g
Sarah Louisa (married Peter, son of Jacob Hnyler), Charles Ellis (un-
married), resides with his parents in Readington township. 2. John A.
married Sarah Ann Ent, and had Susan Ann (married Peter Dalley), An-
drew (married Mary Emeline Schamp), William Ent (married Margaret
Dalley), John Ent (married Acsah Painter), Henrietta (married Robert
Kitchen, aud Daniel Ent (married Mary Carkhnff). 3. Jacob, married
Jane Schenck, and had Andrew, John Hardenbergh, William Henry
(married Heleua Dalley), Samuel (married Jenny Van Doren), and
Jacob. 4. Peter A., married Ann Elizabeth Nelson, and had John Henry
(married Ann Cole), Andrew (married Harriet Van Syckle), Ellen Maria
(married John Dow), Jennetta, Caroline Miller, and Edward Andereon.
6. William Van Fleet, married Maria Quick, elder sister of Rev. A. M.
Quick, and removed to Illinois. 6. Andrew A., married Sarah Reed,
who died 1874, and had John Lane, who married Lina Hill. 7. Susanna,
married Juhn A. Lane, and had Henrietta.
2. Judah, born July 17, 1796 ; married, July 20, 1820, Aaron L. Saxon,
and had only Sarah Ann, who married Joseph Linsley.
3. Jol)U, born Jan. 3, 1798, died in 1845 ; married. May 5, 1821, Sarah
Emans. and had John J., married Johanna Stout; Elizabeth J., married
Charles Roberts, and died leaving one daughter, Sarah; Andrew J.,
married Rebecca Dalley, who died in 1879 at Grundy Centre, Iowa; Peter
J.; Gilbbi-t Emane, married Margaret Tauger; and Aaron Saxon, died
unmarried.
4. Peter, born May 23, 1800, died in 1844; mariied, Feb. 11,1830, Mary
Ann Biggs, and had David, married Jennetta Bowman of South Branch ;
John P., dieil in Texas; Lemuel, married, had three children, and lives
in Utah; Mary Hannah, married John H. Case; Angustus, captain in
the Ninth Regimeut, New Jersey Volunteers, and after the war remained
in North Carolina,
* The numbered paragraphs indicate the children of John Thompson,
second.
f See the Van Sickle genealogy, p. 175,
J Andrew T. Connet, the oldest living son of Samuel and Hannah
Connet. At the age of twelve years he began clerking in a store, and
so continued in various stores in the villages of Somervillc and Flem-
ington iirit'I the civil war broke out. He then enlisted as a private with
the tliree-months' men in Company H, Third Regiment New Jersey
Volunteer-*, and later re-enlisted in the Tliiity-first New Jersey Volun-
teers. He was made first sergeant of Company D, and afterwards promoted
to second lieuiemintof the same company. After his discharge from the
service, he engaged in the mercantile business in Fleniington, and in
1876 bemme employed in the Hunterdon County National Bank, in
which lie is still engaged.
g See sketch of J. L. Connet in chapter on "Bench and Bar of Hun-
terdon Couuty."
5. Hannah, horn Aug. 1, 1802, married, Aug. 19, 1820, Garret La Toa-
rette, and had Hannah Maria, married Ezekiel Carkhuff; Andrew, mar-
ried Sarah Maria Dalley; Peter, married and resides near Baritan, HI.;
John, married Rebecca Naylor; Sarah, married Henry S. Van Doren.
6. Sarah, born June 6, 1804, married, May, 1856, Elijah Hudnot, and
had Josiah Austin, deceased ; John Thompson, died 1879, married Eliza
Cole and Anna Boss; Elizabeth, married Ely Everett ; Abraham, Mar-
garet Stout, and Peter T.
7. Mary, born May 18, 1806, died in 1806.
8. Joseph, bom Sept. 30, 1808, married, January, 1830, Ann Post (see
Post family), by whom he had John Bodine, born Oct. 14, 1830, married,
1859, Hannah Garrigues Reeve, and has William, Reeve and Henry Dal-
las; Henry Post, bom Nov. 30, 1831, unmarried; Abraham, bom Dec.
30, 1833, married Anna Westfall, and has Joseph Murice, James Westfall,
John Henry, and Hubert Wayne ; William, horn Jan. 19, 1835, died Jan,
27, 1837 ; Aaron, born December, 1837, married, first, Anna Louisa Rarick,
who died in 1878, and, second, 1880, Abby Thomas, of Metuchen; Martha
Eliza, born Nov. 30, 1839, married Aaron Hofiman ; Luther, bom Jan.
19, 1842, and died March 9, 1842; Emma, horn Jan. 30, 1843, married
Pierre Henri Bousquet, of Pella, Iowa.
9. Wilham J., bom March 8, 1812, died 1867 ; married, 1846, Sophia,
daughter of John Ward, of Wyckofi', Bergen Co., and had Kate, Bessie,
and John.
10. Aaron, born Sept. 16, 1814, married, Feb. 26, 1846, Maria, daughter
of David D. Schamp, and had Charity, married Derrick Hageman, both
deceased ; Elizabeth Ann, married William Van Doren Dalley; Sophia;
Lany, married Wellington Kline ; David, married Joanna, daughter of
Jacob Vroom ; John; Ina, died in infancy.
11. Elizabeth, born Sept. 2, 1817, married, Dec. 15, 1845, John Kee, and
had Margaret Jane, married Edward P. Conklin, and Eliza Mary, mar-
ried J. Richards, a merchant in Flemington, formerly of Philadelphia.
THE SMOCK FAMILY.
Matthias Smock (grandson of Hendrick Matthyse Smock, who came
from the Netherlemds in 1654 and settled on Long Island) married
Geertje Post and had several children, of whom Mary, born Aug. 13,
1765, married John Ditmare, who died 1804. His grave was the first in
the hurying-ground adjacent to the church at Beadington.
Another son of the original Hendrick Matthyse was Johannes Smock,
who about 1690 married Catharine Barentse. He settled first on Statea
Island, but in 1712 purchased 300 acres of land near Holmdel.
The hue of descent from Johannes, through seven generations, down
to the Rev. John H. Smock.of Readington, is as follows: Johannes, mar-
ried Catharine Barentse. His eldefet son, Hendrick, married Mary
Schenck, whose first-bom child. John, married Elizabeth Conover, whose
oldest son, Hendrick, married Sarah Lane, and his oldert son, John H.,
married Elizabeth Du Bois, and had Henry, who married Maria V.
Boice, the parents of Rev. John H., now pastor of the Reformed Church
of Readington. He was born Jan. 20, 1836, and was graduated at Rut-
gers College in 1863, and from the theological seminary at New Bruns-
wick in 18G6. He accepted a call from the Reformed Church of Oyster
Bay, L. I., and also officiated as pastor of the church at Locust Valley
and Jericho. L. I., which were organized by him. He was installed over
the Readington Church May 10, 1871.
Mr. Smock was married to Cassie V. N. Gaston, of New Brunswick,
June 12, 1866. They have had four children.
THE VAN SICKLE FAMILY.
Gerret Van Sickelen (probably a son of Comelius and Mary, the second
child of Jannetje and Reinier the first) was born on Long Island about
1712. He married Margrietie Van Leuven. They had two children bap-
tized in the Dutch Reformed church of Readington, firat, Margrietje,
July 24, 1737; and second, Gerrit, Feb. 10, 1740. Whether they had
other children is not known,
Lieut. Gerrit Van Sicklen, probably the second child and only son of
Gerrit and Margrietje (Van Leuven), was horn in Readington, Feb. 2,
1740. He married Ann Canaan, by whom he had eight children, all
bom in Readington, and most of them baptized in the Readington Dutch
Refoi-med church. He was an officer in the Revolutionary- war, and died
on tus seventieth birthday, Feb. 2, 1810. His wife, Ann, was born April
2, 1752, and died Dec. 22, 1829.
Jacobus Van Sickle, son of John and Lena, was born in 1733. He was
a farmer. By deed of date March 2, 1784, "Jacobus Van Sickle and
Sarah, his wife, of Readingtown," for £900 sold to " Peter Scamp, of Tucks-
bury," the tract of land which his father, John Van Sickle, purchased of
RynearVan Sickle by his indenture of release bearing date April 14,
1748, which is spoken of as "being butted and bounded on the northeast
READINGTON.
493
side of Hollandsbrook by tbe land Formerly Berteloes," by the " Fifty-
acre Lott" of Michael Dsmott, and by " Motforta [Monfort] line," and
embracing "also the one-half of the Mill, being the half-part which he,
the said Jacobus Vansickle, purchased of Thomas Stout, of Readingtown,"
etc. This mill was the one in Readington village built by Adrian Lane,
and the first in the township.
Adriaea Van Sicfclen (son of Rynier and Henah), born 1740, married
Hannah Schamp, and had three children, Andrew, born 1765; Hannah,
born 1772 ; and Sara, bom 1779. Andrew married Rebecca Lane, and
died June 12, 1815; Rebecca died May 21, 1838 ; Hannah married John
Thompson; and Sara married John Morehead, and died in 1838.
The reader is referred to a recently-published " Genealogy of the Van
Sickle Family" for further details.
THE THOMPSON HOMESTEAD.*
The following sketch, although written to describe
the Thompson homestead and its family life, applies
equally well to many of the other old homes in this
region :
Fifty years ago the house itself was a long, low, red building, with a
hall through the centre and a jessamine over both the frout and back
doors, a sitting-room and a bed-room on either side, and a kitchen, first
at the west, and afterwards one also at the eastern end. A room in the
immense garret was furnished with "cop-stocks" (rows of wooden pegs),
on which the family cloaks and garments for Sunday wear were hung,
where they formed themselves into ghostly shapes, to the terror of the
children who ventured to disturb the awful silence of that " spare-room."
The rafters were adorned with long, short, broad, straight, and curved
swords, and with bayonets which had seen service in mure than one war.
On its pegs in the hall hung the musket which did duty annually at gen-
eral training, and served not much more frequently in securing a rabbit,
squirrel, or partridge for the table. In a convenient drawer were laid
aside the shoe-buckles and sleeve-buttons which had gone out of fashion.
In another was the brass tinder-box, with its flint and steel ready for use.
Matches were prepared by dipping pine splinters in brimstone, which, if
the tinder chanced to be damp, could easily be hghted by a flash in the
pan of the flintrlock musket. Tablespoons and teaspoons of pewter were
made by the head of the household in a wooden mould carved by him for
that purpose.
Chocolate was a frequent breakfast-dish in this household. Tea was
seldom used, but cofiee was not uncommon. It was powdered with a
stone pestle in a wooden mortar excavated in the end of an oaken block
which was securely bound with iron hoops. Loaves of bread were usually
baked in the large brick oven at the smoke-house, but occasionally a
single loaf would be baked in the "Dutch oven," an iron pot which bad
a cluse-fltting iron lid with an elevated rim, so that it might be covered
with hot coals while hanging on a trammel over the fire in the huge
stone fireplace.
Turkeys were roasted before the fire, suspended from the mantel-
piece by a strong cord which turned and twisted continually under the
supervision of the mistress, who basted the turkey from time to time
•with the fat which trickled from it into the huge dripping-pan below.
It mattered not that the roasting required half a day and half a cord of
wood, nor that it was trying to the face and eyes of the baster, nor that
an unbelieving posterity might suppose that the fiaxen cord would be
burned off before the turkey would be roasted suflaciently : it was so
roasted. This mode gave place to the Yankee " tin oven," which was
much more economical both of the heat and of the cook. This, again,
was supplanted by the iron stove, which affords only " baked meats,*'
though a generation which has no experience of the delicious reality
still allows itself to be deceived with the name of "roast turkey."
What boots it to speak of the glories of departed goodness in the forms
of crullers and doughnuts and thick mince-pies, or of the sweet waffles
of which the only relic is the waffle-iron in the garret? The favorite
dish for the evening meal was soupaan and milk. The soupaan was
made by boiling Indian meal in water for three hours or more, the
quantity being sufficient for at least two meals. That which was not
eaten hot on the first evening was boiled as long in milk for the second.
This gave it an excellency of taste unknown to the degenerate palates
of this day.
Th& females of the house did not only the cooking, but also the spin-
ning andmnch of the weaving. They even worked in the field occasion-
* Prepared especially for this work by John B. Thompson, D.D.
ally at the light flax-pulling, which was usually a sort of a frolic. The
days of rotting, breaking, dressing, and hatcheling flax seem to have de-
parted from this land of machinery, but the process was precisely that
which may be seen among the small European farmers everywhere to
this day. The coarse "hock-tow" filled with "shives" was used for
cushions, or for foot-mats. The finer " rope-tow" was loosely twisted by
the men between the palms of the hands and the knee, during the long
winter evenings, into rope-yarn, to be made into ropes for farm use. Or
the evening employment would be varied by shelling, before the kitchen
fire, large baskets full of Indian corn, the long handle of the frying-pan
being thrust through the eai-s of the basket for this purpose. Smaller
quantities were usually shelled with a cob.
These winter evenings furnished to those who had a taste for such
things opportunities for reading and study also. Books were not numer
ous, but the few at hand were read and reread again and again. The taste
of more than one generation was formed by the books gathered in the
home here described. The list includes, of course (as first and chief and
most read), religious books, the Bible, " The Life of Christ," Josephus,
Wliitefleld's Sermons, Newton's works, " The Pilgrim's Progress," etc.,
but after these, also, "Jack Halyard," "Robinson Crusoe," "The
Arabian Nights," " Frederick Trenck," and "' Baron Munchausen ;" " Cla-
rissa Harlowe," "Charlotte Temple," and "The Sori'ows of Werther;"
Captain Cliurch's " Indian Wars ;" Bailey's Dictionary ; Posthlewaite's
Dictionary of Commerce; Father Hnet's " Treatise on the Situation
of Paradise;" and the Church histories of Eusebius, Socrates, and
EvagriuB, with Valesius' Notes, this last from the library of the colonial
Governor Reading.
In this hospitable home the Scotch and English as well as the Ameri-
can teachers always found a welcome, and ite parlors were always at the
disposal of Christian preachers of every name for public worship.
The farm-work was difficult, but there was much to cheer it also.
Carting the'grain to New Brunswick for sale was a sort of excursion.
In midwinter the poultry-box (large enough to fill the farm-wagon), well
packed, went with its owner or one of his sons to New York City. In
spring it was the duty of each member of the " clam-class" to bring clams
from New Brunswick, once for himself and his neighbors, thus furnish-
ing a weekly supply for all. In autumn the neighborhood shoemaker
would come with his kit of tools upon his back and set up his bench in
the living-room for two or three days or a week, till every member of the
family was firmly shod for the winter.
Every Sunday the farm-horses plodded patiently to church, four or five
miles away, consuming as many hours in the going and returning, and
if the younger members of the family availed themselves of this long
absence of "the united head thereof" (as the minister said when he
prayed for them at his annual visit) to rummage among the treasures in
the garret, to try philosophical experiments with lenses from old specta-
cles, or to prepare themselves a more than usually luxurious dinner of
fritlers or fiap-jacks, who could blame them severely? One thing is cer-
tain: no dangerous pistol, no wicked cards, no unhallowed fiddle, was
ever seen in this correct household.
The discipline may seem to us to have been strict and the range of
thought narrow. Nevertheless, those were the surroundings which
helped to make our fathers what they were. Not all in their cases or in
ours, but much both in their cases and in ours, is due to heredity
and environment; and, amid whatever privation, whatever simplicity
of thought or manners, they had within them that integrity of charac-
ter, that steadfastness of honest purpose, that eminent moral life, which
enabled them to leave to their descendants opportunities and capacities
for usefulness and excellence surpassed by the inhabitants of no land
beneath the sun.
HOTELS.
Keadington township, like many others, had many
inns in the early days. In the time of the Revolu-
tion there was a tavern at White House; another at
Eeadington was kept by Casper Berger, and later by
Peter Ten Brook, and was much noted as a stopping-
place for teamsters between Easton and New Bruns-
wick. Col. David Schamp kept the hotel at
*' Brookye/' now Pleasant Run ; when he gave it up
three others were established, one a mile southeast-
erly, kept for many years by his nephew, Henry G.
Schamp; one half a mile westward, by Benjamin
494
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
Yorks, and one at Barley Sheaf, by Maj. Smith; also
one at Centreville, kept by John Moore, and for many
years by his widow.
Besides the seven above named, persons still living
remember when a hotel was kept by Catharine Camp-
bell at Barley Sheaf; one by Henry S. Low where Ann
Thompson now resides ; one at the forks of Camp-
bell's Brook, by John Smith, and generally known
as " The Head of the Lake" ; and others by Capt.
Mathias Cramer, easterly of the old White House, by
John Shurts, in front of the present Eeformed church,
â– Mechanicsville, and two at White House Station.
Two taverns only are now licensed in the township,
J. P. Woollen's at White House Station, and one
recently opened at Three Bridges.
PHYSICIANS.
Abraham Bertron (Bertrand) and Jacob Jennings
were the pioneer physicians of this township, both
commencing to practice about 1784, the former being
located on the South Branch, the latter at Reading-
ton. It is impossible to say which came first. Dr.
Bertron lived in a small house on the hill, near the
late residence of Levi Mettler, deceased.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
John P. Farlee was postmaster at White House in
1838
The Jackson " committee of vigilance for the town-
ship of Eeadington," in the Presidential campaign of
1828, was Brogun Brokaw, Gilbert L. Emans, Isaac
Rpwe, Peter Berger, Cornelius Hoagland, Dennis S.
Hall, Abm. Van Fleet, Peter Vlerebome,* Sylvester
Emans,* Garret A. Conover, John G. Van Houten,*
'Apdrew Kinney, Voorhees Dilley, Henry Lowe,
Matthias Cramer, John Wortman, Martin Nevius,
Washington Skillman, John Craft, Abram A. Bro-
kaw, Cornelius A. Ten Eyck, Geo. Hall, John Hall,
Peter Emery, John Farlee, Martin Wyckoff", Jr., John
M. Wyckoff, Abm. A. Ten Eyck, Rodney T. Hyde,
John T. Van Fleet, John J. Kline, and Garret
.Strvker.
The " panther story" seems well authenticated, ac-
cording to the statements of many staid and honest old
residents, who assert that it created great excitement
at the time, particularly among the superstitious
class. Howlings were heard in the woods on all sides
after dark, and wild stories were soon afloat as to the
cause : to panthers, gorgons, and mysterious monsters
were they variously ascribed. At last the mystery
yras solved : a young man, the originator (he had
several confederates) confessed to being the cause of
the terrific noises, which were produced by whirling
rapidly a thin diamond-shaped shingle fastened to a
string. The ringleader, however, had to leave the
country.
* still living (December, 1880).
CIVIL HISTORY.
The civil history of this township dates back to about
1733, prior to which it was a part of ancient Amwell.
In the absence of township records to give the date o-f
organization, other sources of information consulted on
this subject point to about the year above given.
The first mention in the court records is in 1732, in
which it is called " the town of Reading," In volume
2, records of the court of Hunterdon County, is
given the result of the town-meeting held in March,
1733. Among the officers elected were Michael Hen-
dry and Jacob StoU, freeholders ; Lawrence HoflT,
assessor ; Garret Van Sickle, collector ; Meinhart
Johnson, clerk ; Andries Johnson and Aryon Ten
Eyck, commissioners of highways; Thomas Bowman
and Daniel Sebring, overseers of the poor.
In March, 1734, the " town of Reading" again held
its town-meeting, and elected Lawrence Hoff town
clerk, Michael Heodry and Lawrence Hoff chosen
freeholders, Peter Monfort assessor, Hendrick Lane
collector.
A change was made in 1735, the inhabitants select-
ing the following to conduct their civil affairs : Law-
rence Hoff and Jacob Stoll, freeholders ; Daniel Selr
over, collector ; Nicholas Wyckoff, assessor ; Law-
rence Hoff, clerk ; Jacques Barkelow and Peter Van
Est, commissioners of highways; Frederick Van
Fleet and Daniel Cox, overseers of the highways ;
Peter Monfort and Michael Hendry, overseers of
the poor ; and Orea Brewer, constable.
The early records of Eeadington township have
been lost or misplaced. Diligent inquiry on the part
of the present clerk, Samuel Young, and others has
failed to discover their whereabouts. The following
is the earliest record in the possession of the town-
ship clerk :
" Proceedings of the Annual town-meeting of the township of Reading-
ton, held at the house of James Sanders (depot), April 13, 1857. The
following pereoufl were elected to office for the ensuing year. Moder-
ator, Peter D. Rockafellow ; Town Clerk, John Voorhees, Jr. ; Assessor,
John Lewis ; Collector, Adrian H. Pickle ; Commissioners of Appeal,
Peter E. Voorhees, Philip D. Lare, John 0. Biggs; Surveyors of the
Highway, Henry B. Wyckoff, Peter Kline, Jr. ; freeholder, Peter G.
Schamp ; Overseers of the Poor, Ebenezer A. Connet (north side), Peter
S. Dalley (south side) ; Surplus Committee, Herman Hagaman, Tunis
V. M. Cox, David Davis ; Town Committee, William C. Van. Doren,
Aaron Thompson, David Davis, Archibald B.Johnson, Tunis V.M. Cox;
Judge of Election, David D. Schamp ; Pouudkeepers, Henry Pickle,
Michael T. Field ; Constables, John Lewis, John W. Catouch ; Town
Superintendent, George W. Vroom. "
Then follow the names of the overseers of the 36
road districts of the township, and after the passage
of sundry resolutions and motions, the town-meeting
closed.
The principal town officers since 1857, as shown by
the town records, have been as follows :t
ASSESSORS.
1858, John Lewis ; 1859-61, Peter D. Rockafellow ; 1 862-64, James Swing 5
1866, George A. Schamp; 1866-67, John W. Wert, Sr. ; 1868-69, Jacob
G. Schamp; 1870-71, John V. Berkaw; 1872, Cornelius T. Swack^
t For chosen freeholders from 1800 to 1880 see page 263.
READINGTON.
495
hamer ; 1873, Abram I. Toorhees ; 1874r-75, George A. Scbamp ; 1876
-77, David 0. Hough; 1878-79, Gilbert L. Todd; 1880, John V.
Berkaw.
COLLBOTOES.
1858, Adrian H. Pickel ; 1859-60, Ebenezer A. Connet ; 1861, John E.
Voorhees ; 1862-63, Peter Dtms; 1864, William N. Hoagland;* 1865
-66, Henry Britton ; 1867-68, Garret C. Gerhart ; 1869-70, John Ram-
sey; 1871-72, Fisher Pidcock; 1873, John R. Case ; 1874-75, C. T.
Swaokhamer ; 1876-77, Peter G. Sohamp ; 1878, Peter S. Latourette ;
1879, David Davis ; 1880, Peter S. Latourette.
TOWN CLERKS.
1858, John Voorhees, Jr.; 1859-61, William D. Quinby; 1862, David
Davis ; 1863-64, John V. Berkaw ; 1865-66, John W. Wert, Jr. ; 1867
-68, Jeremiah S. Ten Eyck ; 1869-70, Henry K. Van Doren ; 1871-72,
Jacob Hiler; 1873, William S. Thompson; 1874, Aaron K. Kline;
1875-76, James Lane ; 1877-78, Charles B. Messier ; 1879-80, Samuel
Young.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE.
1858, Wm. C. Van Dom, Aaron Thompson, Garret C. Gearbart, David
Davis, Tunis V. M. Cox ; 1859, James V. Brokaw, James Ewing, Gar-
ret C. Gearbart, C. T. Swackhamer, Tunis V. M. Cox ; 1860, James
V. Brokaw, C. T. Swackhamer, James Ewing, Alexander Force,
George A. Schamp ; 1861, James V. Brokaw, Joseph Potts, Wm. A.
Force, Andrew Lane, George A. Scbamp ; 1862, John Higgins, Ezekiel
Cole, John M. Wyckoff, T. V. M. Cox, Philip D. Lare ; 1863, John M.
Wyckoff, John Higgins, Philip D. Lare, Henry Britton, John E. Dal-
ley ; 1864, Peter S. Dalley, John E. Dalley, Henry Britton, Isaac G.
Stryker, Wm. P. Todd; 1866, Peter S. Dalley, Isaac G. Stryker, Wm.
P. Todd, George W. Vroom, John W. Wert,Sr.; 1866, John V. Ber-
kaw, Peter E. Voorhees, .tames Ewing, George W. Vroom, Wm. C.
Van Doren; 1867, Daniel Brown, Peter E. Voorhees, John V. Berkaw,
James Ewing, Wm. C. Van Doren ; 1868, Peter E. Voorhees, Daniel
Brown, John Hankinson, John Alpaugh, Peter S. Latourette ; 1S69,
John Hankinson, John Alpaugh, Peter S. Latourette, Garret C.
Gearbart, 0. T. Swackhamer; 1870, Garret C. Gearbart, C. C. Lane,
Philip D. Lare, John Higgins, Peter P. Kline ; 1871, Isaac G. Sti-yker,
John Higgins, Philip D. Lare, C. C. Lane, Peter S. Latourette ; 1872,
Jacob S. Swackhamer, Ezekiel Cole, George Stillwell, John S. Voor-
hees, Richard Sbafer ; 1873, John S. Voorhees, Jacob S. Swackhamer,
John C. Lane, Ralph Smith, John V. Hall ; 1874, Jacob Dilte, Adrian
H. Pickel, John 0. Lane, John Hankinson, John V. Hall ; 1875,
Adrian H. Pickel, Jacob Dilts, Jacob G. Scbomp, Martin Wyckoff,
Minard W. Abbott ; 1876, Jeremiah S. Ten Eyck, Jacob G. Scbomp,
Garret C. Gearbart, Martin Wyckoff, M. W. Abbott ; 1877, Jeremiah
S. Ten Eyck, Garret C. Gearbart, Lambert Smith, Jacob Hiler, Wm.
H. Sheets; 1878, Garret Conover, J. R. Swackhamer, George W. Cole,
Lambert Smith, Jacob Hiler ; 1879, George W. Cole, John E. Swack-
hamer, Garret Conover ; 1880, George W. Cole, John C. Lane, John
V. F. Wyckoff.
The disbursements made by the town committee,
and paid by Peter S. Dalley, treasurer, for volunteers
and substitutes, Jan. 19, 1861, to June 5, 1865, were
$225,960.64.
VILLAGES.
White House is situated near the confluence of
the two branches of the Eockaway. Its name is de-
rived from an old tavern located near the bridge, on
the road leading from New Brunswick to Easton, Pa.,
whose plastered walls were white. It was built by
Abraham Van Horn before the Eevolution for a
public-house, and as such was kept for a number of
years. William J. Van Horn is its present owner.
It has been called " Washington's headquarters," but
the only foundation we know of for this appellation
is the tradition that Washington stopped there for
entertainment. The Van Horn homestead, a little
farther up the stream, dates from about 1757.
• Andrew Lane elected to fill vacancy, Sept. 13, 1864.
The "White House" was a noted stopping-place
for entertainment in the early days, but now the in-
terest of the traveling community centres about the
White House station, on the Central Eailroad of New
Jersey, a little more than half a mile distant, where
a thriving village has sprung up within the last
twenty or twenty-five years.
White House is 47 miles from New York City. It
has a church of the Eeformed denomination, a school,
a mill, operated by Dalley Brothers, the store of John
V. F. Wyckoff, blacksmith -shop, etc., and about thirty
dwellings. The post-office is at the station, where
also are located three stores, a portable steam saw-
mill, a hay-press, a lumber- and coal-yard, hotel,
wheelwright-, blacksmith-, and shoe-shops, and about
forty dwellings.
Meohanicsville, about a mile eSst of White
House, is a small hamlet. It is an extension of
White House village, the two places nearly running
together. Here are found a Methodist church, a
store, a few mechanical shops, and perhaps thirty
houses. It has no post-office.
Eeadington is located on Holland's Brook, near
the centre of the east part of the township. It is a
post-village of some twenty or more houses, a grist-
and saw-mill, a Eeformed church, a store, and a few
shops of the mechanic arts. L. N. Huffman is present
postmaster.
Centreville, in the eastern part of the township,
on Campbell's Brook, has a post-office and store, the
latter owned and lately kept by C. B. Stout, who is
also postmaster, a Methodist church, blacksmith-
shop, etc. Neshanic, two miles distant, is the nearest
railroad station. The post-office was established about
1828, with Leonard Bunn as the first incumbent.
Peter B. Lowe officiated in 1838, and was engaged in
merchandising at the same time.
Three Bridges is in the south part of the town-
ship. The Easton and Amboy and South Branch
Eailroads have stations here.
This village has a church (Eeformed), a school,
two stores, hay-press, tavern, blacksmith- and wheel-
wright-shops, and twenty or twenty-five houses. John
D. Van Liew is postmaster, and Samuel Young sta-
tion-agent of the South Branch Eailroad.
Pleasant Eun was originally called " Brookye,''
but its present cognomen was bestowed about 1825 by
Joseph Thompson, Esq., when drawing up the con-
stitution for the school at that point. It is merely a
collection of farmhouses on both sides of the stream
of the same name, in the south part of the township.
It has a store, kept by Isaac E. Thatcher, a black-
smith-shop, and a post-office, John A. Cole officiating
in the latter.
Stanton has borne several names; it was once
called "Mount Pleasant," formerly was known aS
Housel's, at one time went by the name of
Wagoner's Hill, and finally was named in honor
of Lincoln's Secretary of War. One church (Ee-
496
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
formed), a store and post-office, kept by Jolm V.
Berkaw, a school-house, aud about a dozen houses
constitute the place. Stanton Station is about a mile
distant, on the Easton and Amboy Railroad.
Rowland's Mills is a post-village, one and a half
miles from Stanton, upon the South Branch. It de-
rives its name from the former owner of the mills ;
besides these, it has a blacksmith-shop and shoe-shop,
with five or six dwellings.
Deea Hook or " Three Corners" is about a mile
southwest from White House station. It was origi-
nally a Dutch settlement, as its name evidences. A
school-house, blacksmith-shop, and a dozen houses
constitute the settlement.
Babley Sheaf is a small hamlet formerly known
as Campbellsville, and at one time as Farmersville.
Its present name is indicative of its rural surround-
ings. It is located on the direct road from Flemington
to White House, one mile from Metler's (now Stover's)
mills. It had in former days a hotel, but now con-
tains only wheelwright- and blacksmith-shops, to-
gether with half a dozen farmhouses.
CHURCHES.
Prior to 1717, about which time the Readington
Church was organized, the inhabitants of this town-
ship had to go to the Raritan church (Somerville) for
public worship. But during the next quarter-century
several churches were established, not only in the ad-
joining townships, but in Readington. Tradition as-
serts that there were at least two log meeting-houses
erected and used in the vicinity of White House at
an early day.* The site of one was on the farm now
owned by David Sanderson ; the other, on lands for-
merly owned by Baltus Pickel, but now in possession
of G. 0. Gearhart.f But the first church known to
have been organized in this township was the
EEFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF READINGTON
This church was organized in the early part of the
last century. Its records begin in 1719. The first
church edifice was begun in 1718, and completed the
following year. It was a log building, and stood near
the junction of the North and South Branches, nearly
opposite the present residence of John Vosseller, in
what is now Branchburg township. The church was
then, and for many years, known as the North Branch
church. This log building was used for eighteen
years ; tradition says it was burned down. The first
sermon preached in it was Feb. 21, 1720, by Rev.
Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen,J the first settled
preacher of the four united churches of Raritan, Six-
Mile Run, Three-Mile Run, and " North Branch."
* ll. B. Houeyman, in an article on the New Germantown Church, in
Our Home, p. 118, aaya, " Long before this early date [1742] the ' High
Dutch' of the county had built them a log church near White House, the
old burying-ground of which exists. Doubtless that very ancient society
was the parent of this. There was another still, of the Lutheran denom-
ination, located at Potterstown, which was in existence prior to 1740.
t William Bailey. - -
_ X See personal sketch elsewhere in this work._
Among the original or first supporters and members
of this church were Jacob Sebring, Derrick Van
Veghten, Jan Van Sicklen, Abraham Dubois, Koen-
radt Ten Eyck, John Pursell, Daniel Sebring, Michael
Van Veghten, Alexander McDowal, Tunis Van Mid-
dlewaert, George Hall, Albert Louw, William Rosa,
Lucas Schermerhorn, Benjamin Burt, Jacob Stoll,
Paulus Bulner, Joshua Crison, and Coert Jans^n.
This is not a complete list, but, as their names fre-
quently recur in the church record, we infer that they
were among the most active, and nearly all have had
successors down to the present time. The first elders,
appointed in 1719, were Cornelius Bogart and Jan
Hendricksen ; the first deacons, Abraham De la Meter
and Andreas Ten Eyck.
The first entry in the baptismal register is of date
Feb. 21, 1720, recording the baptism of Matthew, son
of Andreas and Adriantje Ten Eyck.
In 1736 the four united congregations resolved to
get a colleague for Dominie Frelinghuysen, and a
call was prepared and sent to Holland. At the same
time Simon Van Arsdalen was appointed a " helper.''
The North Branch Church was at this time, and until
Dominie Hardenbergh was called, of the " Confer-
entie" party. J
The old log church was replaced in 1738 by a frame
building, which, with more or less repairing, was used
for ninety-five years. Joris Hall, Jan Van Sicklen,
Nicholas Wyckoff, and Martin Ryerson were the build-
ing committee. Its location was about three miles
west of the old log church, and in the township of
Readington.il The first sermon in the new church
was preached Oct. 7, 1739, by Dominie Frelinghuy-
sen.
Sept. 6, 1721, Emanuel Van Etten was elected elder,
and Jan Lou deacon, in place of Jan Hendricksen
and Abraham De la Meter. In 1722, Abraham De la
Meter was chosen elder, and Volkert Dercksen deacon,
in place of Jan Lou. In 1727, Andries Ten Eyck was
chosen elder, and Pieter Van Neste deacon, and
Emanuel Van Etten went out of office. To the fore-
going were added, as elders or deacons, up to 1736,
Thomas Bouman, Abraham Loth, Simon Van Ars-
dalen, Dirck De Mott, Jan Van Neste. The minutes
are continued regularly, and the yearly election of
elders and deacons noted, until 1744, when Jan Van
Neste, Abraham De la Meter, and Pieter Wortman
were the elders, and Nicholas Wyckoflf, Jacob Ten
Eyck, and Martin Ryerson deacons; but there is
nothing more until 1750. What occurred in those six
years we cannot know, only Dominie Frelinghuysen
died in 1748, and his son succeeded him. The latter,
Johannes Frelinghuysen, preached his first sermon in
this church Aug. 10, 1750. His ministry lasted only
g The Conferentie were not men of progress ; on the contrary, they
reprobated the idea of independence from Holland, opposed bitterly any
attempt to found an institution of learning, and would only have a min-
istry from the Fatherland. Dr. A. Messier.
1 About 1836 the name of the church was changed to " Readington."
READINGTON.
497
for thjee and a half years, â– when he died. A minister
could not be procured in Holland, and so there was
no pastor for the ensuing four years. Then the young
student of Frelinghuysen, Rev. Jacob Eutsen Har-
denbergh, took his place. During the interval, how-
ever, Dominie Fryenmoet (a fugitive minister from
Wawarsing, N. Y.) preached several times, and there
was a strong effort made to secure him as pastor of
the associate churches. Still, they could not agree,
and Dominie Fryenmoet went away.
Hardenbergh was ordaiued in 1757, and was the
first minister in the Dutch Church in America who
had not been obliged to go to Holland for study, ex-
amination, and licensure. His ministry embraced a
period of twenty-five years. In 1781 he resigned his
call and removed to Rosendale, N. Y.
In 1783, Simeon Van Arsdale was called, and in
May, 1784, he became the pastor.* His remains lie
in the Readington churchyard, and on the tablet at
the head of his grave is the following inscription :
" In raemoTy of the Eev. Simeon Van Arsdale, who departed this life
the 26th day of May, 1786, in the 33d year of his age.
Here lies entombed a servant of the Lord, "
A faithful preacher of his sacred word.
Who now with Christ in glory is set down.
Decked in white robes and honored with a crown."
He was succeeded in 1786 by the Rev. Peter Stud-
diford, who preached at Bedminster, in connection
with Readington, until 1800, and then at Readington
alone until his death. His ministry lasted about forty
years, and was marked by large accessions of mem-
bers.t He died Nov. 21, 1826, in the sixty-fourth
year of his age, and his remains lie at Readington, by
the side of those of D. Van Arsdale.
The other pastors of this church have been Rev.
John Van Liew, 1828-69; Rev. J. G. Van Slyke,
1869-70; Rev. J. H. Smock, 1870 to present time
(1880). During the forty-three years' pastorate of
Rev. Dr. Van Liew, 560 persons were welcomed to
* The following is a minute from the church records of this date ;
"Jan. 15, 1784, the Kev. Consistory of North Branch convened at the
house of Jan Simonse, and was opened with prayer.
Article I. Was presented to the Kev. Consistory an offense given to "
the church by M., who in his own house has permitted the use of im-
proper means (forbidden in God's Word), by a person bearing the name
of sorcerer, for the recovery of a child said to be tormented by witch-
craft. The said M., being present, did not, upon presentation of his accu-
sation, show a sufficient knowledge of his transgression, whereupon the
matter was postponed for consideration at the earliest meeting of Con-
sistory.
"Jan. 30, 1784, the Rev. Consistory met at the house of Edward Bnnn,
opened with prayer. Article I. Was resumed the matter concerning M.,
taken into consideration at the last held meeting of Consistory, and the
said M., being present, has' manifested a sufficient knowledge of his
transgression, and thereupon has made confession out of which the Kev.
Consistory has taken its satisfaction.
Article II. J. D., concerning whose child the above mentioned "
offense was presented, having also ignorantly fallen into the same error,
and being addressed concerning it, has also, by a hearty confession, given
complete satisfaction. His wife also has given satisfaction in this. Thus
the peeting is closed with thanksgiving.
" Testis. Simeon Van Aetsdalen,
F. D. M. a H. 8., Prmses:'
t See sketch on pages 263-54 of this work. ,
the communion of the church, and 1119 infants and
85 adults baptized. He died Oct. 18, 1869, and was
entombed in the new cemetery near his church. He
was born in 1798.
From the church records are here reproduced the
names of some of the early members : April 26, 1760,
at the house of Andreas Ten Eyck, were admitted to
the communion of the church, on confession of faith,
Petrus Van Neste, Mattheus Ten Eyck, and Maria
Van Arsdalen, wife of Dirck Sebring. Jan. 12, 1762,
on confession, Nicholas Egbort and Jannetje Corse,
wife of Edward Harrinton. Dec. 31, 1764, Derrick
Sutphin and Petrus Nevius (from Bedminster), Cath-
arine, wife of Edward Bunn, Neeltjie, wife of Abra-
ham Montfort, Catharine, wife of Peter Sutphin.
The new church at Readington was built in 1833 ;
it stood thirty-one years. It was consumed by fire
March 22, 1864, and replaced at once by the edifice
now in use, 56 by 76 feet in size. It was dedicated
July 20, 1865. Both these churches were built during
the pastorate of John Van Liew, D.D.
THE KEFOEMED DUTCH CHURCH OF KOCKAWAT
was organized Jan. 10, 1792, at the house of Abraham
Van Horn, by a committee from the Classis of New
Brunswick. Revs. John Duryea and John M. Van
Harlingen were present. This church was origi- "
nally formed out of persons who had been connected
with Readington, with a few families from Bedmin-
ster, a few from the Presbyterian Church' of Laming-
ton, and also a few from the Lutheran Church of New
Germantown. It is first spoken of in the minutes of
Synod in 1793 as a place in which religious services
were rendered, and called Potterstown. John Duryea
rendered a part-service there from 1800 to 1801, preach-
ing in the barn of Abraham Van Horn. John Schure-
man attended a catechetical class within the bounds
of this congregation while he was at Bedminster."!
This church was probably called the Potterstown
Church because of the residence there of Cornelius
Wyckoff", the first elder, whose family made up a
very important part of the congregation, and whose
earlier meetings were held at his house. The first
Consistory chosen was: Elders, Cornelius Wyckofi",
Sr., and Aaron Lane; Deacons, Henry Traphagen
and George Covenhoven.? The first members re-
ceived into the communion were Abraham Van
Horn, Matthias Lane, John Wyckoff, Cornelius Wyc-
koff", Jr., Gertrude Wyckoff, wife of A. Van Horn,
Catharine Sutten, wife of John Wyckoff; and Altie
Covenhoven, wife of Matthias Lane.
Subsequently, and previous to 1808, were received
into the church William Van Horn and Elizabeth,
his wife; Sarah Van Horn, wife of Jacob Wyckoff;
Cornelius W. Van Horn and Maria Suydam,^ his
wife; Cornelia Wyckoff; Ghaertye Wyckoff; Lydia
Barnet, wife of George Covenhoven; Abraham Ten
J Kev. Abram Messler's " Historical Notes."
g Book of Minutes.
^98
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Eyck; Abraham Van Doren and Rachel Babcock,
his wife; Eleanor Montfert, Mary Johnson, Catha-
rine Jfline, Catharine Adams, Cornelius Messier, Sr.
(father of Rev. Abram Messier, D.D.), and Roelif
'Covenhoven. Of the thirty-five received under the
ministry of Rev. Demarest, none now survive, John
.Reger being the last to depart. Among later mem-
bers we find, in addition to those before given, the
family names of Van Houten, Voorhees, Smock,
Brokaw, Space, Vescelius, Swackhamer, Nevius,
Stryker, Nefi', Quick, Van Nest, Van Deventer,
Dilley, Roelifson, Dumont, Emory, Melick, Young,
Rodenbough, Sutphin, Van Vleet, Teunison, Lowe,
Plumley, Johnson, Stillwell, Farlee; and Rebecca
Van Cleef was the one hundredth person who joined
;the church, Oct. 29, 1820.
The first minister was Rev. John Duryea, 1799-
1801 ;* Aug. 2, 1808, a call was made to Cornelius T.
Demarest; he continued until 1813. Later this church
united with the Lebanon Church, and called Jacob I.
Schultz, who was installed Nov. 26, 1816. He preached
on alternate Sabbaths in each church. His was the
longest pastorate the church has had, over eighteen
years. His successors have been Revs. Peter S. Wil-
liamson, 1835-39 ; James Otterson, 1840-45 ; Goyn Tal-
mage, 1845-51 ; Lawrence Comfort, 1852-54 ; Aaron
Lloyd, 1855-56 ; Smith Sturgis, 1857-63 ; Evert Van
Slyke, 186'^66; William Bailey, 1868, still (1881)
officiating.
For fifteen years after the organization the congre-
gation worshiped in Mr. Van Horn's barn, but in
1807 a church was commenced. The site was in Abra-
ham Van Horn's orchard, not far from the historic
barn, and midway between the old white house and
the store of J. V. P. Wyokoff. William Van Horn
deeded the land and funds were raised by subscrip-
tions, aggregating $1200. As soon as the house was
fairly inclosed its use was begun. It was not until
1819 that the " galleries were floored, seats put up,"
and the church completely finished. This house was
used for more than forty years. In 1849 a "new and
comfortable and most respectable house of worship"
was erected. It was dedicated Jan. 10, 1850. The
church has a desirable parsonage property, free from
incumbrance.
The White House Missionary Association was or-
ganized in 1824, and is still in active operation.
THE EEFOBMED DUTCH CHDECH, THHEE BRIDGES.
This church is of recent date, having been organ-
ized in 1874 ; it had no settled pastor until 1880. Pre-
viously it depended upon the ministrations of neigh-
boring preachers as stated supplies. The Rev. P. D.
lOakley, D.D., who was teaching at Neshanic from
1870 to 1876, supplied the pulpit during the last three
years of that period. Rev. Gilbert Lane officiated in
* From 1792 uBtil 1808 the church -was supplied from the Classis of New
Brunswick, and between 1801-8 the following served the church ; .lames
8. Cannon, William K. Smith, John S. Vredenburgh, and Ira Condit.
1877. Subsequently, and until quite recently, they
were supplied by Rev. M. N. Oliver, of Clover Hill.
The Rev. Edward Birdsall has been called as pastoi:
of this church. The present membership (1881) is
81, and there are 100 pupils in the Sabbath-school.
THE EEFOBMED DUTCH CHUECH OF STANTON
was formed out of families who had been accustomed
to attend divine worship at Readington, but the dis-
tance made it inconvenient and burdensome, and led
them to make an effi)rt to provide a more convenient
place for themselves. This culminated, in 1833, in
the formation of what was then called " The Dutch
Reformed Church of Mount Pleasant." Its organiza-
tion was efiected through the Classis of Philadelphia,
October 15th of that year. Its original members were '
John M. Wyckoff, Josiah Cole and wife, Abraham
and Margaret Anderson. The first Consistory was
composed of John M. Wyckoff and Josiah Cole,
elders, and Abraham Anderson, deacon. In 1834
they proceeded to build a house of worship. Revs.
G. Ludlow, John Van Liew, and Jacob Kirkpatrick
officiated at the laying of the corner-stone. The
building was completed before the close of the year
and dedicated, the same reverend gentlemen again
taking part in the services.
In June, 1835, the congregation presented a call to
the candidate Jacob R. Van Arsdale. It was ac-
cepted, and he was ordained and installed in October.
April, 1850, he resigned and removed to Tyre, N. Y.
He was followed by Rev. Horace Doolittle, who la-
bored until 1872. His successor was Rev. Edward
Cornet, who officiated until 1876, since which date
Rev. Abraham J. Martine has had charge, and is the
present incumbent.
This church from small beginnings has grown to
fair proportions, having in 1872 reported 70 families
and 140 communicants.
THE MEOHANICSVILLB METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHTJRCH.t
The first traces of Methodism in Mechanicsville
and White House take us back to the early part of
the century. The first definite knowledge of services
here dates to about 1836, when Rev. John Lenhart,
subsequently lost on the " Cumberland," in Hampton
Roads, and James 0. Rodgers, still in the work, were
appointed to the Flemington Circuit, of which this
was a part. They preached at stated intervals in a
school-house located a short distance along the ridge
east of Mechanicsville. Class-meetings were held,
and Father Mendham, now sleeping in the Mechan-
icsville cemetery, is remembered as a, class-leader in
those days. After a year or two the Germantown
Circuit was formed, with which this place was incor-
porated. About 1838, Rev. Curtis Talley preached
here. The first board of trustees consisted of Judge
Isaiah Large, George Hall, John Hall, William Iliff,
and J. S. Van Horn.
â– \ By Rev. J. A. Kingsbury.
READINGTON.
â– 49&
In 1844, Eey. Wesley Robertson traveled the cir-
cuit. He held a meeting in a grove, then standing
on the north side of the turnpike, where now is the
centre of the village. There were about forty con-
versions, including several prominent citizens who
subsequently became pillars in the church, among
whom were Thomas Applegate, Dr. Scott, and John
and Peter Ditmars. Dr. Scott furnished the society
with land, and quite a sum of money was raised on
subscription, for the new edifice.
Rev. Abraham Owens came next ; he preached at
the beginning in the upper part of a blacksmith-shop
located about where that of E. K. Ward, Esq., now
stands. He caused the erection of the first church.
The location was on the south side of the turnpike,
at the lower or eastern end of the village, where the
cemetery now stands. The building was plain, with-
out spire, and cost (including work and materials
given) about $1600.
About 1850, Rev. Benjamin Kelley was sent to the
circuit. His labors at Mechanicsville were crowned
with great success. A revival occurred, during which
about 100 were converted.
During the next few years preachers came and went
in the order of their appointment, and small revivals
occurred which gradually swelled the membership of
the church. The circuit was reduced in size until
New Germantown and Mechanicsville were alone
together, the parsonage being situated at the former
place.
Rev. W. W. Voorhies came to the charge in 1866,
and remained for only one year. A notable revival
occurred during the year, resulting in the conversion
of about 100. This large accession led to a desire for
a new and larger church. Rev. Martin Herr followed
on the charge, and through his energetic zeal the
present large and beautiful building was erected.
The old church was sold and removed, and the lot,
which had been considerably enlarged, was made into
a burial-ground. A new property somewhat farther
west and more central, on the opposite side of the
street, was purchased. The church cost about $10,500,
and was dedicated Dec. 26, 1867.
In 1869, Mechanicsville was severed from New Ger-
mantown. About 1872 the church was damaged by
a high wind to such an extent as to require $1500 for
repairs.
During the second year of the ministry of Rev. A.
Van Deusen (autumn of 1877) another large revival
occurred, and before its close about 120 professed
conversion. The present pastor. Rev. J. A. Kings-
bury, came here in the spring of 1879. The present
membership is about 250.
A Sunday-school has been in operation since the
first edifice was occupied.
The society has long been burdened with debt, but
for the past few years, through a kind legacy of $1000,
und earnest labor and economy, it has been cut down
very considerably.
THE CEKTEEVILLB METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUEOH. '
The first preaching in any way connected with this-
society was by Rev. David Walters, then stationed at
Flemington. He commenced a series of meetings in
the school-house near the village, and the result was
nearly 100 conversions. The meetings were com-
menced in the early part of March, 1869, and con-
tinued until the meeting of the Newark Conference.
Rev. Walters was returned to Flemington, and
continued to preach in the school-house, on a week-
day evening, once a week during the year. Before
leaving for Conference he had organized a society,
known as the " Centreville Methodist Episcopal So-
ciety," and appointed J. A. Craig the first class-
leader. He had also taken steps towards securing
the building of a church edifice. The land was
donated by David Van Fleet, Esq., of Flemington
(the deed bearing date of Feb. 14, 1870), along with
a subscription of $200 and the stone for the founda-
tion. Subscriptions were solicited and paid in, so
that in March the church was erected, and dedicated,
on the 10th of that month, very nearly clear of debt.
Its cost was about $3000, including furniture. The
trustees were David Van Fleet, Charles M. Ball,
Hiram Huff, William Van Fleet, Oliver H. Smith,
Peter D. Thatcher, and Jacob A. Craig. Among
those who had previously served was Eldridge
Green.
Rev. John Davis was the first preacher in charge ;
his pastorate was during 1870-71. Bro. Albert Van
Deusen supplied regularly for the following year, while
stationed at Readington and Allerton. He was fol-
lowed by Frederic Bloom, local preacher, 1873-74.
In 1875 no services were held, except prayer- and
class-meetings, until September, when Bro. James
Perkins (local) supplied the pulpit. The next spring
he was returned by the Conference, and remained
until Dec. 1, 1876, when Rev. J. A. Craig was as-
signed to this charge in connection with Mount Ziou
Church. He remained three years, leaving in the
spring of 1879. Rev. Thomas Sharp was his suc-
cessor, serving in 1879, and being returned for his
second year in the spring of 1880, but supplying the
two churches named above.
There has been a Sabbath-school in connection with
the church since its first organization. The church
started with a membership of about 60, and now num-
bers about 100. The Rev. J. A. Craig, from whom
much of the above history has been obtained, is now
a student at Drew Seminary.
THE GEOVB METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH OP EBAD-
INGTON.
This church is located near Barley Sheaf, in Read-
ington township. Of its early history it seems diffi^
cult to gather much that is definite or satisfactory.
The Rev. Mr. Weed, Rev. John Creamer, and his as-
sistant, Isaac Winner, all preachers on the Trenton
Circuit as early as 1824, officiated about that date for
this society, preaching in the old school-house at the
500
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Grove once a month.. Winner at that time was
but a youth and unmarried. Mr. Weed was a faith-
M worker, and was successful in gathering a small
flock at the Grove. To John Creamer is due, prob-
ably, the honor of really establishing this church
upon a substantial footing, for success crowned his
efforts.
Asher Atkinson, one of the first converts to Method-
ism in the township, was an active member of this
church. He gave the land upon which their first
edifice was built, and assisted materially in putting
up the first meeting-house, which was a small, one-
story structure, with a board ceiling.* It stood about
200 yards south from the present church. A few
grave-stones on the easterly side mark its site.
This church had a nominal existence very early in
this century. The Shurts and Egbert families had
preaching in their homes occasionally during the
latter part of the last century. The name of Nicholas
Egbert, and his Christian character, were fi-equently
.spoken of fifty years ago. He became a leader in
the denomination in this section.
The old church the pioneer Methodist church in
the township was replaced by a new one in 1854, as
is shown by an old book of record of its trustees.
Jacob P. Dailey was preacher in charge at that time.
July 18, 1854, it was
" Resolved, That we circulate subBcriptiooB to obtain money to build a
new church in thia place, according to a resolution of the last Quarterly
Meeting. "
October 27th the sum of $1135 was reported sub-
scribed. Proposals for the erection of the church
were received, and that of Asa R. Dilts accepted. The
church then built was 36 by 50 feet in size, 18-feet
posts, with an end gallery. Peter S. Dailey was sec-
retary of the board of trustees. He and John B.
Sharp, both now residing at Flemington, were for-
merly and for many years members of this church.
Revs. Lenhart and Ashbrook were among the early
and successful preachers of the Grove Church.
This and the Allertown Church (Clinton township)
are now united under one charge.
SCHOOLS.
The eleven school-houses of this township are val-
ued at $13,500, and will comfortably seat 800 pupils.
The number of children of school age in the town-
ship is given as 941, of whom 770 were enrolled in
the school registers during 1879, and of which num-
ber the average attendance during the time school
was kept was 350. The schools of this township were
kept open an average of nearly ten months during
1879, with four male and eight female teachers, at an
average sa,lary per nionth of $35.25 for the former, and
$31.32 for the latter! '
The amount of money received in 1879 was $4677.09
from all sources.
* Mr. Atkinson subsequently removed to AUentown, N. J., and died
â– there.
The following history of the schools of Readington
township is drawn from the manuscript " History of
Schools of Hunterdon County," by C. S. Conkling,
prepared in 1876, while officiating as county school
superintendent, and from the contributions of Judge
Joseph Thompson and others.
The first house in "Stanton" (District No. 69) was
built in 1802. Asher Stout was the first teacher.
This school was first called "Housel's Free School,"
in memory of Jacob Housel, who left $200 to the trus-
tees by will, the interest to be applied to the educa-
tion of the poor children of the neighborhood.f This
fund by some means dwindled, and in 1844 the school
was merged in the district school. In that year a
constitution was drawn for the government of the
Stanton (then Mount Pleasant) school. Feb. 19th,
an association was formed and certain articles signed
by several persons (whose names are given by the
clerk), and on April 1st the first board was elected,
viz., Peter A. Kline, William Wagner, Anthony
Harsel, James Osborn, and John Britton. In 1849
the number was changed to three. The present
building was erected in 1848^9. It is a frame, 20 by
30 feet, and will seat 60 pupils.
It appears that the present edifice is the third that
has served "Three Corners" (District No. 70). The
first two were both small frame buildings, but their
immediate locality and date of erection are not
known. The present house was built in 1866, a
frame, 24 by 34 feet, and will seat 60 pupils. The
first trustees were Bergen Davis, Jacob J. Kline, and
Peter Emory. The board in 1876 consisted of David
R. Emory, George Stillwell, and Joseph Lindsley.
The first teacher was George W. Noel ; the present
(1880) incumbent is Mary Wells.
Station (District No. 71) school is at White
House station. In 1850 a public meeting was held
with a view of securing better school accommodations,
the outgrowth of which was the erection of the
District of White House Station, being set oft
from Drea Hook and White House, which was then
known as No. 11. It was resolved to build a suitable
school-house with as little delay as possible. A lot
was donated to the district by A. L. Voorhees, to
which the people added by purchase. The building
committee consisted of B. Dumont, A. V. Evergole,
and A. Pickel. The building was speedily erected,
a small frame structure.
This district was enlarged in 1871 by additions by
the county superintendent. The present building was
erected in 1871-72, and is 28 by 40 feet, two stories
high, and one of the best in the county.
John G. Van Houten, a gentleman much advanced
in life, and who attended the first school taught in
White House (District No. 72) in 1808, kindly
furnishes the following :
t Pre-vious tb 1838 no boundary-lines of the districts were established.
The people paid their own school bills, no school taxes being levied by
READINGTON.
501
" The flist school-house was built in 180S, was 16 by 24,.10-foot posts,
ceiling 7^ feet, and cost $100. It was seated with slab benches. The
firat trustees were Beuben Guild, Dennis Wyckoff, and Nicholas Still-
well. The first teacher was Cornelius Bodine, a MaBsachosetts man. "
The above-mentioned house was used until 1835,
when another was built, 18 by 28, two stories high.
This had board desks, with slab seats, and cost $500.
The second building served until 1871, when the
house now standing was erected. It is 26 by 88, two
stories, and the two rooms are seated with the most
approved patent desks. The cost of house, lot, etc.,
was $3459.50.
The school-house which preceded the present one
in " Cold Brook" (District No. 73) was a stone build-
ing, erected in 1828, at which time the trustees were
Nicholas Wyckoff, David R. Conover, Mathias Dil-
ley, John Haas, Jr., and John Rodenbaugh. This
house stood at Cold Brook, one mile from Potters-
town. There was, however, an earlier school-house,
near the site of the one above mentioned, and the
first erected in the district. When built is not known.
The house now in use ^the third in the district
was erected in 1869, is a frame building, 22 by 82,
with a seating capacity for 50 scholars.
In " Pleasant Run" (District No. 74) the first school-
building was erected during the latter part of the
eighteenth century, and was situated about half a
mile from the present one. The next house was far-
ther south, and was built in the early part of this
century. It was small (18 by 22), and its seats were
arranged around the sides of the room.
The house now in use was built about 1838. It has
nearly fulfilled its mission, and must soon give way to
a larger and better structure.
April 2, 1831, at the request of David D. Schamp,
Jacob Q. CarkhufF, David O. Cole, T. S. La Tourette,
and Tunis Cole, trustees, Joseph Thompson drafted a
constitution, which was adopted by the inhabitants
then convened. Reuben Chamberlin was the first
teacher who subscribed to the rules, April 17, 1832 ;
Rodney T. Hyde appended his name, and was the
teacher in 1835. The school-house lot was leased to
the district, and afterwards devised by Ezekiel Cole,
Sr. His son, Ezekiel E. Cole, deeded the play-grounds,
lying between the road and the brook, to the district,
for a nominal consideration.
In "The Ridge" (District No. 75) the first house,
a frame, was located a little east of the present one.
Another house was erected near the then residence of
William Brokaw. It was vacated, and a new one
built about 1828. The present house was erected
about 1850 ; it is 24 by 32 feet in size.
In "Readington" (District No. 76) it is said there
was a school near the village, a short distance north-
west of the mill, long before the Revolution. The
earliest record existant (evidently a copy of the origi-
nal) is dated Aug. 4, 1804. When a meeting of the
employers was held, the following persons incorporated
themselves as " The Holland Brook School :" Abraljam
Post, Peter Quick, Isaac Berkaw, William Dalley, Wil-
liam Spader, Cornelius Van Horn, Abraham Smock,
Andrew Mattis, Adrian Stryker, Peter Ten Brook,
Wm. Ditmars, Derrick De Mott. Having elected five
of their number trustees, they caused their proceedings
to be recorded in " Registry of Special Deeds for the
County of Hunterdon" (vol. i. folio 95), and adopted
a constitution and laws for the government of them-
selves and the school, and defining the duties of the
teacher, who was required to sign his name to an
agreement to comply with said rules, whereby we
have the names of the teachers employed from 1806
to 1854, the first being that of Tunis Ten Eyck.*
In 1854 the practice of signing the rules was aban-
doned. The seventh rule seems strange to our ears
at this time, but may have been important then ; it
reads thus :
" It shall be the duty of the teacher to refrain from spirituous liquors
while engaged in this school, and uot to enter the school-house while
intoxicated, nor lose any time through such intemperance. "
The boundary -lines of the district were established
in May, 1838, by Isaiah P. Large, Joseph Thompson,
Washington Skillman, school committee of Reading-
ton, and R. S. Smith, T. A. Hartwell, A. Martin, of
Bridgewater. With a few alterations, the boundaries
still remain the same.
The school-house was a wooden structure 16 by 20
feet, with a low board ceiling, located at the site of the
present house, "where three highways do meet," on
the southwest side of Holland's Brook, with the play-
grounds in the roads, as at present. The house
was erected in the eighteenth century. In 1839 it
was unanimously resolved to build a new house;
Bergun Berkaw, John Morehead, Jr., and Aaron
Lane, Jr., were appointed the building committee.
The cost of erection was $754.58, a part thereof being
paid in timber and work. This house, the one now
in use, is a two-story building, of good size, but one
floor only being used for school purposes.
Jan. 10, 1840, Dr. Josiah Quimby, John C. Lane,
and Joseph Thompson were appointed a committee
to draft a new constitution, which was adopted April
6, 1840, and ordered to be recorded. In 1851, in ac-
cordance with a supplement to the school act, the
boundaries of the district were defined by Joseph
Thompson, superintendent of Readington, George
W. Vroom, of Branchburg, and Lewis Kiple, Herman
Hageman, and John S. Berger, trustees of the school,
and the name changed to " Readington School," the
boundaries of which are recorded in vol. iii. of special
deeds, Hunterdon County, pp. 130-32. A new consti-
tution was adopted June 30, 1851, and is still in force.
* The " old people" of fifty years ago used to speak of John White and
John Mehelm as excellent teachers in the school in the last century.
Among the teachers between 1818 and 1830, Harry B. ^nox and William
Armstrong were probably the best, and made a good reputation as in-
structors. Knox was a native of Connecticut, married Sarah Egbert, of
Keadington, and removed to Steuben Co., N. Y. Armstrong was a native
of Washington Co., N. J., to which place he returned.
502;
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
The present teacher is Joanna F. Wack; present
trustees, Dr. Thomas Johnson, John Van Fleet, and
Talbot C. Guliok, the last named being clerk of the
â– district.
CentreTille (District No. 77) has had three sev-
eral school-houses ; the time of the erection of the
first two is unknown. All that can be learned is that
Edward Wilmoth was an early teacher. The present
building, at Centreville, 22 by 30, a frame structure,
was erected in 1851, and repaired in 1875. There are
seating accommodations for 50 pupils.
To the Hon. Joseph Thompson, of Eeadington, we
are indebted for much of the history of the schools
of " Three Bridges" (District No. 78). He says that
in 1813, when he first went to school, "the old house
stood on the north side of the Old York Road, at the
point where the road branches towards Taylor's (now
Kershow's) Mills, and was known as the school at
Van Fleet's Corner. This house was 16 by 16 feet,
8-feet posts. The walls were lined with boards to the
height of 4 feet, and writing-tables were fastened to
them on three sides. The seats were slabs from the
saw-mill, supported by legs of hickory 2 feet in length.
All the seats were destitute of backs. The ceiling
was of unplaned oak boards, laid on beams 8 inches
thick. The teachers of that time were generally
English, Scotch, or Irish, with a few stray Yankees.
The former were good penmen, and the Irish good
arithmeticians. Grammar and geography were not
taught, except in a few instances, and for extra pay.
The teacher collected his own bills for tuition, which
were from $1 to $1.25 per scholar for a term of thirteen
weeks. Every alternate Saturday was a holiday.
The teachers boarded with their employers ^ro rata.
About 1840 a new building was erected, on the site
•of the old one. A solitary elm marks the place of the
old school-houses which have been superseded by the
beautiful and convenient edifice at Three Bridges.
Early teachers were Oliver Dunleavy, Henry B.
Mendham, William Bailey, and George Hamilton;
and early trustees were John Hoagland, George Vlere-
bome, and John T. Van Fleet, grandfather of the
present vice-chancellor.
The present building, 24 by 40 feet, is in every way
in marked contrast with the old houses. It has a com-
manding situation, and is the pride of the district.
In "The Grove" (District No. 79), a school-house
was standing on the lands of George Biggs, not far
from the site of the present building, in 1776. It is
said that Henry Mendham was an early teacher, and
George Sharp one of the oldest trustees. There are
reported to have existed within the bounds of this
district four school-houses, but the date cannot be
given. The present building is in size 18 by 30 feet.
SOCaBTIBS AND CORPORATIONS.
In 1827 a society was organized after the plan of
the one instituted at Amwell the previous year. Its
title was the " Eeadington, Tewksbury, and Lebanon
Society for the Suppression of Vice and Immorality,
and for the Promotion of Virtue and Good Morals."
In its constitution its principal object was stated to
be " to carry into full effect the salutary laws of the
State against vice and immorality by aiding the civil
authorities," and every member was pledged " to em-
ploy his infiuence and exertions to attain this object,"
but " in no cases shall legal coercion be resorted to
except those in which persuasion, admonition, and
other mild measures are found ineifectual." The first
ofiicers of the society were : President, David Tra-
phagen; Vice-President, Garret V. Stryker; Secretary,
William Johnson ; Treasurer, Lucas Voorhees ; Man-
agers, William Johnson, William Eockafellar, Abram
A. Johnson, Martin Wyckofi', Jr., Capt. Cornelius
Ten Eyck, Joseph Cratz, David M. Kline, C. Van
Nostrand, J. Mitchell, Philip Alpaugh, Esq., John
Haas, Esq., Isaac Dumont, Conrad Rarick, Henry
Miller, Jr., Nicholas Wyckoff, William J. Alpaugh,
Peter P. Schamp, Joseph Van Doren, Martin Nevius,
and John Eeger. How long this society existed is
not known.
" The Farmers' Mutual Fire Assurance Association
of New Jersey was chartered March 3, 1856, by the . "
State Legislature to insure dwelling-houses, school-
houses, churches, mechanic-shops, barns, etc., with
or without their contents, against loss or damage by
fire or lightning. Twenty-two persons were named
as the incorporators, the charter to continue at the
pleasure of the Legislature. The directors appointed
by the charter were nine : Isaac E. Srope, David
Davis, Peter E. Voorhees, Tunis V. M. Cox, John
P. Eittenhouse, and Nelson Thatcher, of Hunterdon
County; John S. Hoagland, Andrew Fleming, and
James Ten Eyck, of Somerset County. The company
commenced business April 26, 1856, with $120,000
worth of property insured. The first officers (ap-
pointed April 26, 1856) were Peter E. Voorhees,
President ; Andrew Fleming, Treasurer ; Joseph
Thompson, Secretary.
The increase has been gradual, and, from the state-
ment on file in the office of the Secretary of State at
Trenton, the company on Dec. 31, 1879, had $12,682,434
worth of property insured, extending over the counties
of Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer, Morris,
Sussex, and Warren. At the same date the losses
had been 323, vaiying in amount from $3 to $3000.
The company is out of debt, and has over $3000 in
the treasury.
The present officers are David Davis, President; T.
V. M. Cox, Vice-President ; Calvin Corle, Treasurer ;
Joseph Thompson, Secretary ; Aaron J. Thompson,
Assistant Secretary ; David Davis, T. V. M. Cox, Wm.
P. Johnson, Peter P. Quick, Henry F. Bodine, Andrew
Van Sickle, and Moses Eobbins, of Hunterdon; 0.
N. Dumont, Calvin Corle, and C. Nelson Staats, of
Somerset ; David W. Dellisher, of Morris ; William
Eamsey, of Warren ; Thomas Armstrong, of Sussex,
Dirwtors.
â– I^nqi-by AS.RitO
^oiL^ ^£^
EEADINGTON.
5031
CEMETERIES.
There are burial-places connected with all the
churches in the township except the Centreville
Methodist Episcopal, also very many family burial-
grounds, some of quite early origin. -A little to the
northeast of the Wyckoflf homestead are the relics of
the old family burying-ground, the fragments of a
few headstones alone marking the site. From these,
in 1873, it was deciphered that " Cornelius Wyckoff,
Sr., died April 4, 1796, in the 81st year of his age,"
and his wife " Elizabeth, May 1, 1799, in her 80th
year."
An important cemetery is that at Pleasant Run, on
what was formerly the Emans farm, now the prop-
erty of James N. Pidcock. It was used as a place of
interment by the people of Readington township gen-
erally, and is one of the earliest within her limits. It
is still occasionally used. In it repose the remains of
many of the Biggs, Coles, Schamp, Van Fleet, and
Emans families.
Adjoining the White House station is an ancient
ground which about 1850 was inclosed with a stone
wall by the descendants of the Van Horns, Pickels,
Covenhovens, Andersons, etc., whose ancestors were
buried there. The graves of George Anderson and a
few others are marked by red sandstone slabs with
still legible inscriptions.
The Smith burial-ground is located on the farm
first settled by John Henry Smith, at the foot of the
mountain, near the source of the Pleasant Run. In
it he and various of his descendants lie buried.
On the road from Readington to Drea Hook is the
Schamp family cemetery. Directly west, and adjoin-
ing, is a very old burial-place, now disused and ne-
glected. On the north side of the road, directly op-
posite, is the burial-lot of the De Mott, Decker, and
Vroom families. This is also in a dilapidated condi-
tion.
The burial-ground of the Readington Reformed
Church was opened in 1804. John Ditmars, Sr.,
erected the fence around it, and was the first person
buried there. His son, Capt. John, followed soon
after. Prior to 1804 the church had a cemetery about
one-quarter of a mile from the present one ; it was
located on land then owned by Casper Berger, now
the property of William Fitch. Since the opening
of the new yard the old one has not been used, and
is much neglected.
INDUSTRIAL.
Jacob Klein, the grandfather of the John who is
mentioned elsewhere in this work, was a tanner and
currier, and three of his sons carried on the business
in this township: John William, on the original
homestead; Peter, on the farm adjoining on the west;
and Aaron, near Drea Hook. Other descendants con-
tinued the business on Campbell's Brook, near Cushe-
tunk Mountain; but it has long been abandoned.
In 1828, Washington Skillman notified the public
that he would " continue the business of wool-carding
the present season, at the well-known stand of Nich-
olas Stilwell, at the White House."
William Corwine removed from Cushetunk Moun-
tain to Readington Church in 1829, and With Mr.
Cozine (firm of Cozine & Corwine) engaged in the
manufacture of " double spread, diaper, carpet, etc."
At Mechanicsville, in 1829, George Hall opened a
shop for " cabinet- and plough-making, wheelwright-
ing, blacksmithing, and painting," Ephraim Parker
a saddlery and harness-shop, and William Risler a,'
tailor-shop.
More than one hundred years ago Michael Kinney
had an apple-distillery near the middle of the town-
ship, on Holland's Brook ; his son and grandson after-
wards added a rye-distillery. There was another,
near the foot of Cushetunk Mountain, west of White
House station, and one at Centreville ; afterwards one
was erected on the farm east of White House, now
owned by Theodore Polhemus, another near Pleasant
Run store, and one north from The Grove Methodist
Episcopal church. They all did a thriving business
in their day. The only one now in operation is near
Pleasant Run post-office.
The "Readington Mining Company," which in
1847 was carrying on mining operations at the copper
mines, four miles north of Flemington, like most of
the other mining companies of this section, soon sus-
pended operations, and since has been dormant.
From 1820-25 considerable excitement was created
by the discovery of mineral springs near the source of
Campbell's Brook. Buildings were erected, grounds
improved and cleared, and it appeared for a while
that they would rival Schooley's Mountain Springs.
Though the waters were pronounced by chemists to
be of much benefit in certain diseases, the supply was
limited, and the speculation was a failure. Summer
boarders from the city, at White House and vicinity,
still visit the place and drink of the waters.
EARLY ROADS.
A road leading by the New Mills, built by Andrew
Leake, in Readington township, was laid in 1761,
" beginning at a black-oak on the main road leading
from New Germantown, and along lands of Andrew
Ten Eyck, along by a wheat-field, etc. On petition of "
James Stout, during the same year, November 6th, a
two-rod road was laid out, " beginning at a four-rod
road against Peter Rockafellow's house, running
across said Rockafellow's land as the beaten path runs
to James Stout's land, thence across Stout's land to
Stout's mill." The commissioners who laid out these
roads were Thomas Atkinson, Morris Wolverton,
Winant Vandeventer, and Isaac De Mott.*
MILITARY.
Joseph Hankinson was a soldier of the Revolution.
He subsequently was a member of the Legislature
« " Traditions of our Ancestors," 1870.
504
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
and of Congress. He died in Eeadington, Nov. 30,
1825, aged eighty-one. His descendants still live on
the homestead farm, in the southwest part of the
township.
Col. David Schamp, who was engaged in the battle
of Trenton, was the second son of Hendrick Schamp ;
he was a captain in the secret service of Gen. Wash-
ington. He lived on Pleasant Eun, in a house a part
of which is still standing, and occupied by his grand-
son, David Schamp. His wife was Helena Hoffman,
daughter of Johannes Hofiman, a large landholder
near Metler's Mills.
Other Revolutionary worthies from this township :
FuLkert Voorhees, Jacobus Aray (colored), Adrian
Johnson, Peter Latourette, and Cornelius Latourette
were in the Continental service ; in the militia were
Lieut. Abram Post, Lieut, (or Ensign) Abraham Ten
Eyck, Jacob Neff, and Capt. Cornelius Lane.
Eeadington did its fall share in sustaining the
government during the war of the Eebellion.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. JAMES N. PIDCOCE.
James Nelson Pidcock, the subject of this sketch,
was born at Mechanicsville, N. J., Feb. 8, 1836. He
is descended from an English family who settled in
New Jersey at an early date, and is a son of John G.
Pidcock, whose wife's maiden name was Eamsey.
His parents,' when he was about five years of age, re-
moved to Lebanon, Hunterdon Co., N. J., where he
was brought up till about the age of thii-teen and
attended the public schools. About this time he left
school and went to work with a corps of engineers on
the Belvidere Delaware Eailroad, where he was en-
gaged till 1851, and so profited by his experience that
he was able, upon going South, to take charge of the
construction of a section (twenty-five miles in length)
of the Mobile and Ohio Eailroad, situated in the
State of Mississippi. This work he carried on suc-
cessfully, notwithstanding the deleterious effect of the
climate, till the financial panic of 1857 so damaged
the immediate prospects of the company that he re-
signed his position and came home. He soon after
became a member of the firm of William E. Henry
& Co., and took a contract to build several miles of
the Allentown and Auburn Railroad. The financial
disaster also impeded the progress of this road, and
the company being obliged to suspend operations, he
and his partner lost heavily, but paid all their in-
debtedness.
During the remainder of that disastrous year, in-
stead of remaining idle and complaining of hard
times, he planned new enterprises, and, in company
with J. E. Voorhees and J. F. Wyckoff", engaged
largely in the purchase of clothing at forced sales in
New York, disposing of the purchases by wholesale
and at auction through the country. These operations
resulted in handsome profits. Engaging next in busi-
ness as drover and stock-dealer, his profits largely in-
creased until 1861, when, owing to the embarrassment
caused by the first stage of the war, he lost all he had
saved during the preceding prosperous years, and had
literally to commence business anew, with no other
capital than his characteristic energy and persever-
ance. He chose to remain in the stock trade, and did
so with fair success till 1865, when, in company with
J. N. Eamsey and Richard Bellis, he commenced
business in New York and Jersey City as live-stock
commission merchant. He continued in this way
till 1868, losing in the mean time eighteen thousand
dollars through the defalcation of a bookkeeper in
the employ of the firm, and then became sole pro-
prietor of the business, which, under his enterprising
and judicious management, became one of the largest
of the kind in New York and vicinity, averaging
three hundred thousand head of live-stock, sheep, and
lambs a year, and comprising, besides the large local
trade, heavy consignments from the South and West.
In 1875 he entered into copartnership with Mr.
Philip S. Kase, under the firm-name of Kase & Pid-
cock. The present headquarters of the business are
at the Central Stock-Yards of Jersey City.
In politics Mr. Pidcock is a Democrat, but previous
to 1873 took no part as a candidate for any office. In
that year he was the regular nominee of the Demo-
cratic party for the office of State senator, and was
defeated by Hon. F. A. Potts, the Republican candi-
date. He was again nominated in 1876, and elected
by a majority of sixteen hundred and seventy-five
votes. He is largely interested in real estate in the
vicinity of White House, Hunterdon Co., the place
of his famil}' residence. He has been largely instru-
mental in the improvement of the village, selling
property on time for building purposes, and advanc-
ing purchasers a large part of the money necessary to
erect buildings thereon. He was married in 1862 to-
Fanny A. Faulks, of Elizabeth, N. J.
BERIAH A. WATSON, M.D.
Beriah A. Watson, M.D., was born at Lake George,.
Warren Co., N. Y., on the 26th of March, 1836. He
is the third son of Perry and Maria (Place) Watson,
the former a native of Rhode Island and son of
Perry Watson, Sr., who participated in the battle of
Bunker Hill. In early youth he removed to Green-
wich, Washington Co., N. Y., where his wife was
born, and where he followed the occupation of a farmer
in that and the adjoining county of Warren. Here
the subject of our sketch was early made acquainted
with farm labor ; but, having a decided preference for
study, he was allowed to attend school more than J;he
Salazy J^Ji.Ca PhJAi^
^. /^ ^^(.^(.Cc^x^^ i^.^.
KEADINGTON.
505
ordinary winter months devoted to the education of
farmers' boys. He was soon placed in the family of
Jonathan Streeter, an intelligent Quaker of that lo-
cality, where he enjoyed uncommon advantages for
mental discipline and for that orderly and systematic
pursuit of knowledge which laid the foundation of
his future success as a student and medical writer.
He spent two years in this Quaker family, then
taught school to acquire the means of prosecuting his
future studies. At the age of twenty-one he entered
the office of the late Dr. James Reiley, at Suckasunny,
Morris Co., N. J., where he studied medicine, and in
the autumn of 1859 entered the Medical Department
of the University of New York, where he took his de-
gree of Doctor of Medicine in the spring of 1861.
After graduation he located at White House, N. J.,
where he practiced for a short time. In the fall of
1862 he entered the United States service as a con-
tract surgeon, after having passed an examination
before the board of examiners, appointed by the
Surgeon-General U.S.A., of which Dr. Valentine
Mott was president, and was ordered to report for
duty September 1st, at Newark, where he was en-
gaged in the army hospital service until March 26,
1863. He then received a commission from Governor
Parker as assistant .surgeon of the Fourth New Jersey
Volunteers, and reported promptly to the comman-
dant of his regiment, but very soon after was de-
tached from that command and ordered to report to
Dr. Asch, medical director of the Artillery Reserve,
and by him directed to take charge of the artillery
brigade then located at Falmouth, Va. He remained
with that command until after the battle of Gettys-
burg, when he received orders to return to his regi-
ment (the Fourth New Jersey), of which he was com-
missioned surgeon, with the rank of major, November
4th. Shortly after this he was detailed as one of the
operating surgeons to the First Brigade, First Divis-
ion of the Sixth Army Corps, stationed in front of
Petersburg, Va., at this time.
In this capacity he had served but a few months
when he was ordered to take charge of the First Di-
vision, Sixth Army Corps Hospital, and at the same
time made acting, medical purveyor of the corps. He
retained these positions, and continued to discharge
the duties until the close of the war, retiring from the
service July 10, 1865.
Returning to civil life, he made choice of Jersey
City as his future residence, and resumed the prac-
tice of his profession. Although actively engaged in
practice, he still finds time for study, and very few
men of any period of life enter into it with more ardor.
The passage of the act legalizing dissection of human
cadavera in this State was secured principally through
his efibrts and those of his friend. Dr. J. D. McGill.
The same may be said in regard to the formation of
the New Jersey Academy of Medicine.
He is a fellow of the New Jersey Academy of Med-
icine ; permanent member of the American Medical
Association ; member of the New York Neurological
Society, New York Pathological Society, New Jersey
Microscopical Society, and also of the Jersey City
Pathological Society. He has been president of the
New Jersey Academy of Medicine, and also of the
District Medical Society for the county of Hudson,
N. J. He was appointed attending surgeon to the
Jersey City Charity Hospital at the time of its organ-
ization, in 1869, and was also appointed attending
surgeon to the St. Francis Hospital in 1873, and still
continues to discharge the duties of both positions.
He has from time to time contributed essays and
reports of cases to medical journals, among which may
be mentioned the following : " A Case of Facial Neu-
ralgia treated by Extirpation of the Superior Max-
illary Nerve," The Medical Record, Oct. 16, 1871.
" A Case of Hsematoma of the Thigh Two Opera-
tions ; Death, The Medical Record, Feb. 20, 1875. "
" The Pathology and Treatment of Chronic Ulcers,''
New Yori: Medical Journal, Jnlj, 1875. A Supposed "
Case of Rabies Canina treated with Strychnia and
Woorara ; Recovery," The American Journal of Medi-
cal Science, July, 1876. " Femoral Aneurism treated
by Plugging the Sac ; Death, caused by Hemorrhage
from Deep Epigastric Artery, on the Eighteenth Day ;
Autopsy ; Remarks," The American Journal of Medi-
cal Science, October, 1876. " Stomach-Pump, Aspira-
tor, and Syringe,'' The Medical Record, New York, vol.
ii. p. 805. " Woorara in Rabies : Report of Two Cases,
with Remarks," The American Journal of the Medical
Sciences, vol. Ixxiii. p. 413. " Lever Exsection-Saw,"
The Medical Record, New York, vol. xiii. p. 38. " Dis-
cotome," Ibid., vol. xiv. p. 78. " Gunpowder Disfigure-
ments," The St. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal,
vol. XXXV. p. 145. " Pysemia and Septicaemia," JVew
York Medical Journal, vol. xxvi. pp. 367, 461. "Dis-
ease Germs : their Origin, Nature, and Relation to
Wounds," Transactions of the American Medical Asso-
ciation, vol. xxix. p. 263. Translation from German,
Woorara in Tetanus (extract from a " Contribution
to the Knowledge of Tetanus," by A. E. Kneoht,
Physician to the Prison of Waldheim, reported in
Schmidt's Jahrbiicher, band, clxxiii. ? 94), New York
Medical Journal, vol. xxvii. p. 626. "Remarks on
Treatment of Stumps after Amputation: a New
Method," London Lancet, vol. i. (1879) p. 536.
Teanslations from the French. " New Mode
of Surgical Treatment" ("Histoire de la Chirurgie
Franqaise," par le Docteur Jules Rochard, Edit. 1875,
p. 635, et seq.), St. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal,
vol. xxxvi. p. 442; vol. xxxvii. pp. 23, 439; vol.
xxxviii. p. 478 ; vol. xxxix. p. 484. " A Contribution
to the Treatment of Compound Fractures of the Skull,"
Richmond and Louisville Medical Journal, vol. xxviii.
p. 1. "Antiseptic Treatment of Wounds: Carbolic
Acid vs. Alcohol," The Medical Record, New York^
vol. xvi. p. 46. "The Proper Period for the Per-
formance of Amputation in Cases of Traumatic In-
juries," Gillard's Medical Journal, vol. xxx. p. 1 (for-
50^
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
merly the Richmond and Louisville Medical Journal').
"A Contribution to the Study of the Action of the
Carbolized Spray in the Antiseptic Treatment of
Wounds, The American Journal of the Medical Sci- "
ences, vol. Ixxx. p. 419.
JOHN KLINE.
The subject of this brief memoir was born near
New Germantown, Hunterdon Co., N. J., on the 8th
day of August, a.d. 1784. He was the grandson
of Jacob Kline, who was born in Germany, March
6, 1714, and Fraenica Gertraut Melick, born at Lan-
daflf, Wurtemberg, Germany, Dec. 9, 1727. They
emigrated to America, and settled at Keadington, on
the farm where the subject of this sketch spent eighty-
three years of his life (from 1796 to 1880). Jacob
Kline was for many years a justice of the peace of
the county of Hunterdon ; his docket, kept in the
German language, is now in the possession of Lewis
Vandoren, of Peapack, N. J. He died A.D. 1789,
and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, at New
Germantown. His widow, Fraenica Gertraut, died
A.D. 1801, at the house of her daughter, at Ger-
mantown, Pa. They had sis sons and three daugh-
ters. The sons, as well as the father, were not only
agriculturists, but tanners and curriers also. Their
eldest son, John William Kline, was born Jan. 5,
1750. He married Altje, daughter of Matthias Smock
and Geertje Post, Jan. 24, 1780. They had one daugh-
ter, Charity Kline, born Nov. 6, 1780, married Henry
Van Derveer, May 12, 1799, and had six children, two
of whom are deceased, leaving no issue, viz.. Rev.
John Van Derveer, D.D., of Easton, Pa., and Jacob
K. Van Derveer, of Flemington, late of Clover Hill.
Those still living are Peter N. Van Derveer, of Somer-
ville ; Alletta Vandoren, relict of Christianas T. Van-
doren, late of Neshanic ; Mary, relict of John C. Van
Liew, of the same place ; and Henry Van Derveer, of
North Branch. Peter has two sons and three daugh-
ters. Mary has two sons and one daughter, Henry
V. D., John J., and Anna Van Liew. Henry Van
Derveer, of North Branch, married Frances Caroline
Blackwell, of Amwell ; she died without issue, August,
1880
John Kline was born, as above stated, on what was
for many years known as "the Cole farm," half a
mile southwest from New Germantown. His father,
John William Kline, moved to Lower Valley, and
engaged in mercantile business with David Miller;
and when John was twelve years of age, he returned
with his family to the homestead at Readington, three
years before his father's death. He was a man of correct
habits and exemplary character, much respected in
the community, and so were his brothers and sisters,
and attached to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
His son, the late John Kline, married Catharine
Williamson, Oct. 27, 1804, who died a.d. 1837 ; and
for his second wife he married Ellen Wyckcff (widow
of Henry Vroom), Jan. 27, 1841, who survives him
and now resides in Somerville, N. J. Mrs. Vroom
(the youngest daughter of Dennis Wyckoflf, Esq. ) had
one daughter by her first husband, Henrietta Vroom,
born in Wayne Co., Ohio, June 27, 1836 ; was edu-
cated at the female institute in Somerville. She
married Lewis Vandoren, of Peapack, Somerset Co.,
N. J., and died January, 1875, leaving three children,
John Henry, Ellen Kline, and Henrietta Vroom.
Mr. Kline did for her in all respects as he would have
done for an only daughter, and she loved and re-
spected him as a father. The death of Mr. Kline,
which occurred Jan. 20, 1880, was deeply lamented
by the \yhole community. He was the patriarch of
that section of the country, and commanded more
than the respect of all wh(J knew him. He was hon-
ored and beloved. Speaking of his funeral at his late
residence on the homestead farm of his father and
grandfather, and where he had spent eighty-three
years of his life, the obituary notice says, " Never
had that wide-spread, hospitable roof covered a larger
company, and seldom has such a gathering been so
entirely pervaded and absorbed with affectionate rev-
erence for departed worth." Several years before his
death he selected for his funeraj text, "To live is
Christ, to die is gain." He was a man of exemplary,
devoted Christian life, genial in spirit and abundant
in hospitality; of simple, child-like faith and unos-
tentatious manners, he was yet a man of positive
strength of character, and exerted a wide-spread influ-
ence for good, being a liberal patron of the church
and a free giver to every charitable and benevolent
enterprise. From the worldly abundance with which
Providence had blessed him, and from the rich treas-
ure of his inner life, he shed a light and a benediction
upon all around him. His body lies in the Reading-
ton cemetery, near the Reformed church, of which
he was many years a member and ruling elder. A
granite monument, inclosed by an iron fence, marks
the place of burial.
DAVID M. KLINE.
Godfrey Kline and his wife Ida appear to have
been the first American ancestors of this branch of
the family, who came to this country from Germany.
Their son. Christian Kline, was born March 13, 1754;
married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Catharine
Muller (or Miller, as it is called in this country), who
was born July 12, 1758. They had children, Henry
M., David M., Jacob M., Betsy, Ida, and Maria.
Henry M. married Sally Ramsey, and lived at Klines-
ville, near Flemington, where he was a merchant, and
reared a family of eight children. David M. married
Elizabeth Hager, Dec. 28, 1805. At the age of four-
teen he was indentured to his uncle, David Miller, a
-^
y^y^^<xc ^fc?tAjL^_^
^'^.
Albert Shannon, M.D., was born near
Hope, Warren Co., N. J., Aug. 5, 1850, a son
of John and Margaret (Harris) Shannon, and
was brouglit up at Hope, receiving his prepara-
tory education at Blair Academy, Blairstown,
N. J. He received his degree of Doctor of
Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in
1872, having previously read medicine with
Dr. Thomas Bond, of Polkville, N. J. He
first settled in Chicago, with the view of re-
maining there permanently ; but his health not
being good he returned East, and settled at
Stanton, Hunterdon Co., N. J., where he suc-
ceeded to the practice of Dr. William S.
Creveling, the latter removing to Bethlehem,
N. J., to the estate of his father and grand-
father.
Dr. Shannon married, Jan. 19, 1875, Martha,
daughter of Dr. William S. Creveling, and has
one child, Mary C. Shannon, born Oct. 9, 1876.
He has quite a successful practice extending
over a rich section of country.
EBADINGTON.
507
mercliant in German Valley, Hunterdon Co., to serve
until he was twenty-one years of age, at the expira-
tion of which he was to receive a " freedom suit and
one hundred dollars in money." Having served his
time and received his freedom, with the one hundred
dollars as capital, he started in mercantile business
for himself at New Germantown, where he remained
two years. He then removed to Jacksonville (now
Lebanon), where he was remarkably successful in
business. He continued there for the rest of his life,
building up a large mercantile trade, and realizing a
handsome competency. His wife Elizabeth was a
daughter of Jacob Hager, of Morris Co., N. J. Their
children were Mary Catharine, born Feb. 15, 1807,
married William E. Smith, of Pittstown, Hunterdon
Co., May 29, 1828 ; Sophia Boeman, born April 23,
1809, married John Emery, of Lebanon, Oct. 28,
1826 (after his death she became the wife of George
S. Shurts, of Lebanon, where they now reside) ; Da-
vid Miller, born Nov. 23, 1811, married Sarah Ann
Everett, Dec. 14, 1831 (and also married a second
wife, Lydia Eobison, of Baptisttown ; they now re-
side in Fulton Co., HI.) ; Ann, born Feb. 20, 1814,
married Dr. Henry Field, of Clinton, N. J., Dec. 15,
1831 ; Oliver, born May 25, 1816, died in infancy ;
Jane, bom Dec. 2, 1817, married Jonathan Dawes,
Dec. 29, 1835 ; Lambert Boeman, born June 15, 1820 ;
John Eamsey, born Oct. 15, 1822, married Elizabeth
VanSyckel, July 23, 1844; Elizabeth, born Aug. 5,
1825, married William Childs, of Basking Eidge,
N. J. ; William, born Dec. 27, 1829, died in infancy.
Jacob M. Kline married Phebe Kuhl (Cool), and
had several children. He was for several years a
merchant at Hamden, N. J., and removed to Fair-
view, 111., where he died recently. Betsy Kline mar-
ried John Eamsey; Ida married Harmon Diltz ;
Maria married Abraham Melick.
David M. Kline died Dec. 6, 1861, aged seventy-
seven years. His wife Elizabeth died March 19, 1835.
LAMBEBT BOEMAN KLINE,
the seventh child of David M. and Elizabeth Hager
Kline, was born in Lebanon, Hunterdon Co., N. J.,
June 15, 1820; married, first, Emily Shannon, of Leb-
anon, May 26, 1841. They had children, as follows :
David M.,born May 5, 1846, died at the age of twenty-
two ; Sarah S., born Feb. 28, 1848, married George
W. Sharp, of Annandale, Hunterdon Co., March 17,
1869 ; Julia B., born Oct. 6, 1851, married Charles M.
Quimby, of Chester, Morris Co., N. J., Feb. 25, 1873 ;
William S., born March 5, 1853, died in infancy ; Ed-
gar E., born Aug. 21, 1858, married Eliza A. Mills, of
Chester, Aug. 30, 1876. Mrs. Emily Kline died Sept.
22, 1861. Mr. Kline married for his second wife Har-
riet W. Foster, of Wooster, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1862. They
have one daughter, Mary E. M. Kline, born Dec. 25,
1863. Mr. Kline grew up behind his father's counter
as clerk, where he remained till he took the store
under his own management, and continued a success-
ful mercantile career till 1863, when he removed to
the homestead farm of Christopher Eowe, at Three
Bridges, Hunterdon Co., where he now resides.
ISAAC EOWB
was a son of Christopher Eowe and Ida Vesselius,
who were the grandparents of the present Mrs. Har-
riet W. Kline, who inherited the estate, part of which
had been in the family for over a hundred years. It
was bequeathed to her by the subject of this sketch,
who died Feb. 16, 1862, and whose memory Mrs. Kline
holds in grateful esteem.
Ida Vesselius was the daughter of Dr. George An-
drew Vesselius, who was born and educated in Hol-
land or Germany, and came to this country not later
than 1749. He lived on the Old York Eoad, half a.
mile from Three Bridges, in a stone house on the top
of the hill, having an extensive and successful prac-
tice. He died in 1767, and his remains were interred
on his own land. There is no mark or monument to-
show where he lies.
Christopher Eowe was born March 1, 1756, and his
wife Ida Nov. 4, 1758. Their children were as fol-
lows : Mary, born March 15, 1782, married Jacob
Young, of Earitan township, and died without issue ;;
Jacob, born April 25, 1787, lived on the homestead
till Feb. 15, 1857, when he died ; Isaac, born Nov. 25,
1793, married Margaret Case, of Earitan township,
and died childless ; Abraham, born Sept. 12, 1795,
died in infancy. Of the entire family only two remain
at this writing, ^viz., Mrs. Harriet N. Kline and her
daughter, Mary E. M. Kline, of Three Bridges,
Hunterdon Co. . :
u N I o n;
This township was formed from the south part of
Bethlehem township by act of the Legislature, session
of 1852-53. It was brought about principally by
those who opposed the then existing school law.
Two names were proposed for the new township,
Union, the name of the furnace formerly existing
in its northeastern part, and " Eockhill," in honor of
the families who had for many years owned and re-
sided in the extreme south part of the township of
Bethlehem, embracing at this time Eobeson Eockhill,
Esq., and Edward A. Eockhill, his brother, great-
grandsons of Edward Eockhill, a large land-proprietor
(who lived here as early as 1731), and grandsons of
Dr. John Eockhill, who settled here in 1748. The
former name was selected.
It is divided from Bethlehem by a line commencing
at a stone in the boundary of Alexandria, in the road
leading from Bloomsbury to the Hickory farm, on
the top of the hill north of the Hickory, and running
in an easterly direction about four miles to the Union
Methodist Episcopal church at the mines (Norton),
and thence, in the same direction, until it strikes
Spruce Eun, which for about three and a half miles
divides it from High Bridge, formerly Lebanon town-
ship.
The territory is sufficiently undulating to need but
very little artificial drainage. There is no marsh-
land in the township, and, except the two small mill-
ponds of Pattenburg and Cole's Mill, scarcely two
successive acres that could not be tilled. It is drained
principally by the " Big Brook," known on maps by
the names of " Albertson's Brook," " Albertson's
Branch,'' and called by the aborigines " Monselaugh-
away" (said to mean big brook), which empties into
Spruce Eun, that discharges its waters into the South
Branch of the Earitan. There are also several spring
runs in the south of the township, all making their
way to the Capoolon -and the South Branch of the
Earitan. These springs, without exception, supply
pure water.
The land, when properly tilled, produces good
crops of grass, corn, wheat, and other grains. At
Clinton, and thence up Spruce Eun and the Big
Brook, there is an abundance of good limestone, of
which considerable has been burned and distributed
in the vicinity as a fertilizer ; its effects are plainly
visible in the increased produce of the farms where
used. The soil along the northern boundary is in
some instances gravelly, as is also the western border,
508
* By John Blano, M.D.
being formed by the eastern slope of the so-called
Barrens Eidge; the other parts are loam and clay,
with some little red shale.
The township has, according to the report of the
comptroller of the treasury, in 1879, 13,110 acres of
land, valued at $786,550 ; and personal property valued
at $244,600; 272 polls paid a tax of $258. The school
tax is $1911.11 ; county tax, $3136.69 ; road tax, $1000 ;
poor tax, $800.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Ferdinand Srope came from France about 1750 and
settled in what was then the township of Amwell,
afterwards Bethlehem, and now Union township,
near where Norton post-office is now located. Here
his son, Christopher Srope, was born, Nov. 2, 1761.
Christopher married Thankful Penwell, Nov. 24, 1785.
They raised a large family of children. Christopher
died in Union township, Sept. 19, 1848, and his widow
in Kingwood township, at Baptisttown, June 19, 1852,
aged eighty-eight.
John Srope, oldest son of Christopher, was a black-
smith, and at an early age married Charity Smith and
raised a large family, of whom Eev. William B. Srope,
formerly pastor of the Baptist Church in Lambert-
ville, is one.
David P. Srope, second son of Christopher, was
born Nov. 1, 1787. At that time the then township
of Bethlehem was but sparsely settled, his father
having, after his discharge from the army, purchased
a small lot of land when his young wife and infant
children were nearly his only companions. Up to
the age of fifteen he had lived and labored within
five miles of his birthplace, but a proposition being
made to him to assist in the settling of an estate in
the territory of Orleans, now the State of Louisiana,
he concluded to undertake the journey. At that
time there were only a few lumbering stage-coaches
to carry passengers from place to place. With all
the disadvantages of that kind of travel, Mr. Srope
determined to undertake the hazardous journey to
Pittsburgh, Pa., in a sulky, and then go by water to
New Orleans. At that time much of the distance lay
through an almost trackless wilderness, with scarcely
a habitation within a day's ride. In spite of the
dangers incident to the journey, Mr. Srope started
out, and after several weeks spent upon the road
arrived at Pittsburgh ; then, taking passage on board
of an " ark," he commenced the descent of the Ohio
Eiver, and thence down the Mississippi to New Or-
leans. On the Mississippi the ark passed, at Mem-
UNION.
509
phis, the first steamboat that ever plied on those
waters. Arriving at his destination, he spent several
months in settling up the estate, and then returned
home.
Jan. 17, 1817, Mr. Srope married Miss Eliza An-
derson, of Andersontown, Warren Co., N. J. ; she bore
him four children, of whom Joseph A. Srope, justice
of the peace, residing at Washington, Warren Co., is
one. Mrs. Srope died Dec. 7, 1848.
After Mr. Srope's marriage he settled in Lebanon
township, about 1830, and was elected a judge of the
Gourt of Common Pleas of Hunterdon County, which
position he held for ten years; he was also a justice of
the peace for twenty years.
In 1849, Mr. Srope moved to Washington, Warren
Co., where he resided with his son, Joseph A., till
March 29, 1876, the day of his death; his remains
were interred in the Mansfield Cemetery, near Wash-
ington.
Isaac R. Srope, another son of Christopher, was born
May 4, 1802, and was a blacksmith, but his life was
mostly spent in filling public trusts. He was mar-
ried, Dec. 25, 1828, to Sarah Eoelofson, by whom he
had eight children, five of whom are still living. The
oldest, William T., resides in Frenchtown and is en-
gaged in public business, being a justice of the peace,
notary public, and a master in Chancery.
In 1830, Isaac R. Srope was appointed deputy
sherifi' of Hunterdon County, which ofSce he filled
for three years. In 1837 he moved from Bethle-
hem township to Baptisttown, in Kingwood town-
ship. He was assessor several years both in Beth-
lehem and in Kingwood. In 1841 he was elected to
the Assembly from Hunterdon County without op-
position, and was re-elected the following year.
He served again in 1846-47, and the latter year was
the leader of the Democratic party in the Legislature.
In 1854 he was appointed a judge of the Court of
Common Pleas. He served three years as chosen
freeholder fi-om Kingwood township. In 1861 he
moved to Frenchtown, and was elected a justice of the
peace, which office he held at the time of his decease,
April 12, 1862.
Samuel P. Srope, youngest son of Christopher, was
born Oct. 3, 1805. He emigrated to Ohio in 1836,
and resided there until his death, Sept. 20, 1866. He
married Elizabeth H. Lewis, Sept. 25, 1834.
Sarah Srope, one of the daughters, married James
McClouglin, who died at the residence of his son,
David McClouglin, in Clinton township, Hunterdon
Co., at the advanced age of over one hundred years.
Rebecca Srope, another daughter, married Mor-
decai Roberts, and her two sons, Charles and John
H., have resided in Lambertville for several years.
Catharine Srope, another daughter, married John
Hough, and Joseph H. Hough, who has been for
more than forty years Grand Secretary of the Grand
Lodge of Masons of New Jersey, is her oldest son.
Isaac Passam was an Englishman by birth. A
bachelor of both means and leisure, he came to this
country in the latter part of the last century and re-
sided in Flemington. Liking the country, he wrote
for some of his nephews and nieces to come here.
But one accepted the ofier, Sarah, daughter of John
and Hannah Clark, who was born in Leicestershire,
England, March 11, 1776. After arriving here she con-
tinued with the Capner family, with whom she had
crossed the ocean, until 1799, when she married Dan-
iel, son of Philip Case, more commonly known at
that time by the name of Tanner Case ; his father
was a German.
In 1804, Isaac Passam and Daniel Case and family
moved on a farm they had purchased of the Cou-
gle family, in Bethlehem, and erected a new stone
house and iirame barn, still standing and in good
condition, and went to farming. The old buildings
were of logs and very uncomfortable. Daniel was
very fond of blooded stock. He brought the first
English sheep into this part of the country, obtain-
ing them from Capt. George Farmer, of Middle|ex
County; they were part of the stock that William
Talbot was accused of smuggling into this country.
The country was new, and that kind of farming
did not pay well at that time. Others, who came on
later, fared better, and even to this day we see and
feel what public-spirited individuals did for us by
such improvement in domestic animals. Isaac Pas-
sam and Daniel Case both died in 1826, and their land
is now in the possession of the fourth and fifth gen-
erations.
Mrs. Sarah Clark Case was a woman of good com-
mon sense, and as a nurse in sickness could hardly be
equaled. When they moved into this neighborhood
medical help was scarce and distant. The nearest was
at Pittstown, and Dr. Forman dying very soon after
made the want more felt. Her good success in nurs-
ing caused her to be called on to prescribe, which she
did with such success that she devoted nearly all her
time to it ; she was also in much request as an ac-
coucheuse. In 1816 the Legislature of New Jersey
passed a law declaring as licensed all persons who
were of good standing as physicians. Thus she be-
came perhaps the first female practitioner in the
State, certainly in the county. She practiced until
age and increased medical facilities compelled her
to retire.
She always wished to have a physician in the fam-
ily. She had but one son, John H. ; he had no rel-
ish for the profession, so she had to wait for another
generation. John married Miss Elizabeth Bennett,
and when their sons, Isaac and Daniel, were born,
there seemed to be reasons why they should not be
educated for professional life. But when their third
son, Nathan, was born he was immediately dedicated
to the profession of medicine. She did not see the
fruition of her hopes, as she died in 1859.
On the west of the Passam and Case farm is what .
was known as the Lompkin and Lawshe farm since
510
HUNTERDON COUNTr, NEW JERSEY.
owned by Jonathan Eobins and now in the hands of
his descendants and the Hickory farm, part of which
was acquired from the Passam farm; on the south
the land was owned by Henry Carter and called
the Carter farm, and the location east of this was
owned and occupied by John Clifford.
Progressing east, we come to the late residence of
William L. King, Esq., deceased, now owned by Miss
Anna King, his daughter. There are several dwell-
ings besides the homestead now occupied by Miss
Anna and Joseph King, occupied mostly by me-
chanics and the employees of Joseph King, who has
been in business here for several years.
Joseph King, father of William L., purchased this
property of Thomas Twining in 1810, and he (Twin-
ing) purchased it of James Parker and Gertrude his
wife, then of Perth Amboy, Middlesex Co., July 3,
1793, for £388. It was on farm No. 119 of the so-
ciety's map of division. Mr. Twining was a Quaker,
and ran a fulling-mill and cloth-dressing establish-
ment. It was later operated by Jacob Plain, son of
Jacob Plain, of Rocky Hill, Somerset Co., who during
his stay married Miss Ann, daughter of J. Youel or
Yewel, a Scotchman. From this union came several
children, among them Eevs. John D. Plain and
Joseph Plain, ministers in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and Jacob Plain, the present mail-carrier.
Farther east is the Grove farm, from 1775 to 1783
the residence of James Parker. He was son of John
Parker and grandson of Elisha Parker, who settled at
Woodbridge in 1765. James was the grandfather of
the Hon. Cortlandt Parker.
After Mr. Parker left Hunterdon, Hugh Exton
bought the Grove property, lived there some time, and
sold out and bought the " Union farm." It was on
this farm that the Union Furnace stood. The ruins
of the stack are still there, and bring to mind many
legends, particularly those of the French and Indian
war in 1755-65. When raids were made by the In-
dians, or when tlie whites anticipated one, the inhab-
itants for many miles around, particularly from that
part of Warren County lying between this and the
Blue Mountains, used to take shelter within the strong
walls of the buildings, which were mostly of stone.
Here the women and children would remain until
danger was over, the men daily scouring the woods
and, as far as they could, looking after their stock, and
coming in from miles around to sleep at night. This
Union farm is mostly owned by the descendants of
Hugh Exton in the third and fourth generations.
Some fifty years ago it was used as a dairy-farm.
Going back to the south border of the township,
we have the Crawford and Wilson farm. The house,
a stone building, is in good repair ; it was built in
1765 by John Crawford, a vestryman in St. Thomas'
Episcopal Church, in Alexandria, previous to 1764.
Here he kept a store and tavern. He gave that part
of the original Presbyterian church lot that is on the
west side of the Kirkbride line, and John Chamber-
lin, living on the east side (a Baptist), the other part.
This yard was afterwards enlarged by purchase from
the Wilson farm, now so called from two of Mr. Craw-
ford's daughters marrying brothers, James and An-
drew Wilson, in the hands of whose descendants it
has ever since been. The present occupant is Mrs.
Catharine Hibler.
From this place we have running in a northwest-
erly direction the Lehigh Valley Railroad, more
familiarly known as the Easton and Amboy, a dis-
tance of five miles, having as stations Midvale and
Pattenburg, between which (while the road was build-
ing), Sept. 22, 1872, occurred what was called the
Pattenburg Riot, and which caused a great excite-
ment at the time. It appears that late on Saturday
night or early on Sunday morning a white man, said
to be named Thomas Call, was found dead near the
mouth of the tunnel, whereupon there was a general
rising of the white workmen, who burned the log
shanty of the negro workmen, near the mouth of the
tunnel, and followed the fleeing inmates through Pat-
tenburg to another shanty, about a mile east, between
6 and 7 o'clock, and killed first, by the side of the
road, Dennis Powell, then Penjamin Dishmal, under
a porch of a dwelling-house, and then Oscar Bruce, in
the public highway. They were buried the next day
on land belonging to the railroad company, about 800
yards north from the Midvale station. They were
exemplary men, truthful and honest, and the negroes
all loved, honored, and revered their " Daddy" Dish-
mal.
Thomas Twining, when running his fulling-mill
and cloth-dressing establishment, employed one John
Porter, a son of an Episcopal clergyman who was a
chaplain in the British army. He was a good scholar,
an excellent linguist, and in epistolary writing had
few equals in either language, description, or senti-
ment. When he came to this country or where he
learned his trade is not known ; but he was a good
workman. He was a monomaniac. On hearing a
lady spoken of as handsome or attractive in manners,
he avoided every chance of meeting or seeing her, for
fear of being fascinated and drawn into love. He
claimed to own all the good farms within his knowl-
edge, having been forced to buy them. Through an
agent he had received a yearly legacy of 19 guineas
annually from his father's estate, sent to him by his
sister, who was executrix of her father's will. The
agent left Twining's, went into Morris County or
upper part of German Valley, and then the yearly
stipend ceased. This loss is said to have been the
cause of his unsettled mind.
After leaving these parts he was in Morris County
some time, but returned. At length it became neces-
sary that the town should help him, but he could not
and would not be removed to the poor-house. After
some two or three years' resistance he was taken there
under the plea that he might be convenient to his
farms around there, and under a bargain that he
UNION.
511
â– was a boarder, and not a pauper. He was over six-
feet in height.
John Head made his appearance in this township
shortly after the Revolution ; he said he had come
from Maryland and wished to teach school. He
soon found one, and commenced teaching. He was
apparently about thirty years of age. He soon courted
and married a widow old enough to be his grand-
mother, ^Mrs. Martin, the mother of Leonard Martin,
a soldier in the Revolution. There were a great many
of the past generation who received instruction from
Mm. He lost his wife, and, like many other widowers,
he married again,^another widow; and when too
old to keep school they went to Easton and kept a
shop. But, she dying in 1831 or 1832, he sold out
and returned to his old friends. In the mean time he
applied for and received two pensions, one from the
State of Maryland for two years' service in the Mary-
land line in the Revolution, and one from the United
States for five years' service in the army during the
same. He received a severe sabre-wound in the head
while in the service, which may have caused or in-
creased his obliquity of mind. He was particularly
reticent in regard to his former history, but it was
gathered that his father was an oflBcer in the city of
London, his mother dying when he was born. He
was boarded out and kept at school until a young
man, when word came to him that his father was
deadj he was persuaded to run away and come to
America just as the Revolution was brewing. He
landed in Baltimore, and soon went into the army,'
serving in the Maryland line for two years, and when
honorably discharged re-enlisted in the Continental
army for five years, served his time, got his honorable
#NAME?
business in writing for a milling establishment. He
soon married a Quakeress. They had one child, a
daughter. They differed ; she drove him away and
he came here. He was afi'able and easily suited. If
he entered a house that was a little out of order, and
the good woman would apologize, Mr. Head had his
couplet ready :
" Poor woman's work is never done
Until the jndgment-day conies on. : "
He was simple and childlike in manner, but very
â– determined when his mind was made up.
The territory of this township, and some imme-
diately adjacent, was once famous for distilleries of
apple-whisky. Since 1828 there was near the Hick-
ory Tavern Mr. Jonathan Robins ; at the Cross-roads,-
George Stires, Thomas Stires, and John Sutphin; at
Pattenburg, Tunis Stires and Thomas Stires ; at Pitts-
town, Henry Stires, Henry Snyder, and Jacob Stires;
at Barrens, William Maxwell and Josias Maxwell ; at
Little's, Maj. John Little; at Taylor's, William Tay-
lor ; and near Van Syckelville, Henry Carter, Charles
Robins, Ezekiel Cole, and Lewis Humphrey. These
#NAME?
located, at Sigler's, Judge P. Sigler, and Michael
Haggerty at Clinton, eight on the soil of the town-
ship, and two others deriving each much of their
support from it. A patent having been granted by
the Patent Office for distilling spirits from grain early
in this century, there were a great many patent dis-
tilleries erected in different parts of the country.
Luther Calvin, one of our early settlers, had built his
grist- and saw-mill a decade or two before ; it proved
a great convenience to the neighborhood, as there were
no mill accommodations for a great distance around.
It wag, of course, called Calvin's Mills. Here Sam-
uel Cummings and a Mr. Dolphin, in or about 1812,
commenced making rye whisky according to the pat-
ent. It was afterwards run by Adam D. Bunkle and
Samuel Stevenson. This gave importance to the place,
which must needs have a better name than either
Calvin's or Case's Mills, and, at the suggestion of
Henry Carcuff, it was named Pattenburg, in honor of
the patent distillery.
Much of this liquor was carted to Trenton and
Philadelphia, and there sold at from twenty-five to
thirty-five cents per gallon. From various causes
this business has gone down ; there is not at this time
a single distillery in the township. Although there
was so much liquor made, yet the people generally
were about as temperate in the use of it as those of
any other township in the county.
At the time of the birth of this township there were
four taverns. One was at Van Syckelville, with a
stone in the south-southwest corner of the building
marked " D. R. 1763." David Reynolds kept it some
time, and afterwards moved into Morris County. A
Mr. Buskirk kept it several years in the latter part of
the last century, and the Messrs. Van Syckel in this
century up to about the middle, when it ceased to be
a public-house. It was for many years very exten-
sively patronized by the raftsmen of the Delaware,
who, after selling their rafts down the river, would
make their way back on foot (there being no stage-
lines, railroads, or canals in those days in this part of
the country), carrying with them the proceeds of their
adventure. They went in companies and squads of
different sizes. They were an honest, free-hearted
class of men, good citizens, and generally welcome
customers. The house is still in a good state of pres-
ervation.
The Bonnell tavern, established in 1767,* was at
one time very noted, that and Bingo's being the
places for holding the elections, one day in each, in
what at that time constituted Amwell township. It
was kept by members of the Bonnell family nearly a
hundred years, and when the New Jersey turnpike
was built, in 1812-13, was one of about forty that ad-
ministered to the wants of travelers on that road, an
average of nearly one for every mile from New Bruns-
wick to Easton. The signs were generally the like-
* See Mott's "First Century of Hunterdon.'
512
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
nesses of military or naval heroes, as Perry, Pike,
Bainbridge, Jackson, and Lawrence.
Another tavern was one that was built by Cornelius
Carhart, along whose lands the New Jersey turnpike
ran. It was built of brick, and is sometimes called
the Brick Tavern. It was erected in September, 1813,
at the time of Com. Perry's victory on Lake Erie, the
news of which was received through a courier as the
workmen were putting on the last tier of joists, who
were so overjoyed at hearing of the victory that when
they put up the last pair of rafters and nailed the
bush on the peak, as was the custom of the day, and
poured some whisky out of a bottle on it, they unani-
mously called it Perryville, which name it still re-
tains as a post-town. But it has not grown much
since that day, only one dwelling and a blacksmith-
shop having been added to the tavern. It was a place
that for many years (until the time of railroads) en-
tertained drovers and droves, more than any one
hotel in all this section of country, thousands of cattle
and sheep annually changing hands here. Kailroad
facilities have in a great measure broken up the traffic.
James Hope for several years kept a tavern on the
New Jersey turnpike, close to the bridge that spans
the Baritan at Clinton. It had a military sign, and
was one of the above-mentioned forty-odd inns. This
one was lost by the formation of the town of Clinton.
All knowledge of the origin of the Mechlin tavern
seems to be " gone, buried beneath the dusky mantle of
obscurity." One Hartpense kept it in the early part
of this century. It, no doubt, was built before the
Revolution, and, with the " Hickory" tavern, helped
to quench the thirst of those who carted iron from
Bloomsbury to Pittstown. Its architecture was far in
advance of that of any other buildings of the same
age in the neighborhood. It was kept by Peter
Mechlin, Sr., for forty years, and by his son William
twenty years, and then the sign was down at least
twelve years before the buildings were all replaced
by new ones by William Mechlin. The farm is now
conducted by his son Hiram.
Hickory (tavern), when first built, was of logs and
was in this township, but when rebuilt by Mr. Peter
Van Syckel, early in the present century, it was
placed on the west side of the line, in Alexandria.
In its early days it was called the " Half-way House,"
and was much patronized by the teamsters who carted
iron from Bloomsbury to Pittstown. (It is said to
have derived its name, not from any hickory that
grew there, but from the scarcity of it. It is on the
dividing line of the water-shed. The water from the
shed as it then was went from the one side to the
^Delaware, and from the other to the Earitan.) In
after-years it was famous for its balls and dances.
Some years since Garret Conover purchased the prop-
erty and took down the sign and sheds, and it is now
a productive farm.
The tavern in Van Syckelville was built in 1763,
and, as the Union Iron- Works were at this time under
headway, it is very probable that the Mechlin and the
Hickory were erected about the same time.
There was a tavern for several years at Midvale, on
the property now owned by the Eastou and Amboy
Railroad Company. The present house is in good
condition, though built early in this century ; it has
not been used for a tavern for fifty years. The old
one stood near where is now Andrew Van Syckel's
store, and was on the road as it ran at that time from
New Hampton to Trenton.
John Crawford, in his stone house, built in 1765,
near the Bethlehem Presbyterian church, for several
years kept both store and tavern ; the house is in good
condition still.
During the building of the Easton and Amboy Rail-
road Lewis Humphrey built a commodious tavern in
Pattenburg, now occupied by William Sinclair. This
and the Perryville one, now kept by William Mettler,
late of Milford, are the present taverns.
Early in this century Aaron Van Syckel, Sr., pur-
chased a large farm, and, in addition to the tavern,
erected a store-house thereon, where for about forty
years was kept by himself and son, and later by his
grandson, one of the best stores in the county.
At that time (1827-28) a store was opened and kept
at Pattenburg by John and Andrew Race. Several
have kept there since, viz, David Bowman, William
P. Smith, Jacob Apgar, Srope & Roberts (in 1855),
Ira Anderson, Edward Dolton, John Conover, Mar-
tenis & Weaver, Martenis, Barker & Brother, George
Barker, and on the building of the railroad Peter
B. Srope opened a store and established a coal-yard,
the store being now kept by Srope & Maxwell. In
1846, Peter B. Srope, then living at what is now called
Norton, built a store-house which is now in the hands
of Messrs. Gano.
At Midvale Peter Stires erected a store-house on
the completion of the railroad, now occupied by
Andrew Van Syckel.
CIVIL HISTORY.
The township of Union took its stand among the
townships of the county of Hunterdon, April 11,
1853, by holding its first town-meeting at Perryville,
at the house of Henry Eockafellow,* who kept the
tavern at that time. The township officers have
been as follows :
MOBBBATOES.
1863-56, A. W. Dunham ; 1866-58, Oliver Huffman ; 1859-65, George W.
Eea ; 1860, Sylvester Taylor ; 1867-68, George W. Eea ; 1869-70, Syl-
vester Taylor j 1871, George W. Eea; 1872, Joseph Van Syckel; 1873-
80, George W. Kea.
TOWN CLEEKS.
1853-69, John H. Case ; 1869-76, Asber S. Housel, Esq. ; 1875-76, George
B. Srope ; 1876-78, Joseph S. Taylor; 1878 to the present time, Alfred
Cook.
JUDGES OF ELECTION.
1853-65, John Carhart; 1865-69, Peter Mechling; 1860-66, George W.
Eea ; 1866-67, Peter E. Williamson ; 1868-69, Mahlon Swarer ; 1870-
73, George W. Eea ; 1874-80, Cornelius B. Sheets.
* Every subsequent town-meeting has been held in the same place.
UNION.
513
SUPERINTENDENT OF PTTBLIO SCHOOLS.
185a-57, 1862-64, John Blane; 1865, â– William Bonnel] ; 1866, Enoch Abel.
[For Chosen Freeholders see page 264 of this work.]
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1853, William Maxwell, Peter Melich, Peter Bodine, Joseph Taylor, John
Blane ; 1854, William Maxwell, William B. Labaw, Joseph Taylor,
John Worthington, John Blane ; 1855, John H. Koberts, William B.
Labaw, Jos. Taylor, John Worthington, Oliver H. Huffman; 1856,
George W. Bea, HoUoway Housel, Joseph Taylor, William Egbert,
Oliver H. Hufiman ; 1857-58, John P. lair, William Bonnell, Joseph
Taylor, William Egbert, Abraham H. Housel ; 1859, William Max-
well, William Egbert, Abraham H. Honsel, John P. Lair, William
Bonnell ; 1860, William Maxwell, William Egbert, Joseph Taylor,
John P. Lair, WilUam Bonnell; 1861, Asher S. Housel, William
Egbert, Joseph Taylor, John P. Lair, William Bonnell; 1862-63,
Hiram Huffman, Joseph. Taylor, William Bonnell, William Taylor,
Mahlon Swarer ; 1864, â– Hiram Huffman, William Bonnell, Wil-
liam M. Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Joseph Van Syckel ; 1865, Hiram
Huffman, A. S. Housel, John P. Lair, Joseph Taylor, Joseph Tan
Syckel: 1866, Clement Bonnell, A. S. Housel, John P. Xair, Joseph
Taylor, William Mechlin ; 1867, Clement Bonnell, A. S. Housel, John
P. Lair, George Yonng, Joseph Taylor ; 1868, Clement Bonnell, A,
S. Housel, John P. Lair, Sylvester Taylor, Joseph Taylor; 1869, G.
G. Lunger, A. B. Housel, John P. Lair, Sylvester Taylor, Joseph
Taylor; 1870-71, G. G. Lunger, Clement H. Bonnell, John P. Lair,
George W. Kea, Joseph Van Syckel ; 1872-73, G. G. Lunger, Clement
Bonnell, Joseph Gano, George W. Rea, Joseph Van Syckel ; 1874, G.
G. Lunger, Gardner Housel, C. H. Bonnell, Joseph Van Syckel, Jos.
Gano; 1875, G. G. Lunger, Joseph Van Syckel, Gardner Housel, 0.
V. Hall ; 1876-77, Samuel H. Smith, G. G. Lunger, C. E. Barker, W.
Dunham, S. C. Hawk ; 1878, G. G. Lunger, Samuel H. Smith, Charles
E. Barker, P. B. Srope, Joseph Tan Syckel ; 1879-80, Jos. H. Exton,
Silas C. Hawk, C. W. Carhart.
ASSESSORS.
1853-55, Nathan Wyckoff ; 1856-60, John Worthington ; 1861, Ira C. An-
derson; 1862, Luther Opdycke; 1863, A. W. Dunham;* 1863-79,
Enoch Abel ; 1880, Wholston Stockton.
COLLECTORS.
1853, Thomas J. Stires ; 1854-55, George W. Rea; 1856-58, Holloway H.
Smith; 1859, Aaron Groff; 1860-61, David W. Stires; 1862-65, Geo.
W. Eea; 1886-68, Nicholas Sine ; 1869-71, John S. Shafer ; 1872-74,
George L. Gano ; 1875-77, John S. Shafer ; 1878, Enoch Williamson ;
1879-80, Samuel H. Smith.
SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS.
1853, Joseph Taylor, John Srope ; 1854-58, John Srope, Joseph Taylor ;
1859, Geo. W. Bea, Asher S. Housel ; 1860-62, Geo. W. Rea, Asher S.
Honsel; 1863-64, Geo. W. Bea, Peter H.Anderson; 1865, G. W.
Bea, Isaac K. Demott ; 1866-67, Geo. W. Bea, Clement Bonnell ;
1868, Sylvester Taylor, Clement Bonnell; 1869-70, Sylvester Taylor,
Mahlon Swarer ; 1871-74, Sylvester Taylor, Wm. Maxwell ; 1875,
Enoch Williamson, Enoch Abel ; 1876-77, Wm. Sinclair, Enoch Wil-
liamson ; 1878, David Dalrymple, John Q. Clickinger ; 1879, Wm.
H. Gardner, David Dalrymple ; 1880, George Rinehart, Peter Stires.
COMMISSIONERS OF APPEALS.
1853-84, Thomas Mechling, Cornelius B. Sheets, Wm. Maxwell; 1855,
Cornelius B. Sheets, Thomas Mechlin, A. S. Housel; 1856-58, Robe-
son Rockhill, Wm. Egbert, A. S. Housel; 1869-62, Isaac K. Demott,
Wm.Bgbert, Asher S. Housel; 1863-67, Morris Rodenbough, Peter
B. Williamson, Asher Housel ; 1868, Clement Bonnell, Peter B. Wil-
liamson, Asher S. Honsel ; 1869-70, Isaac Huffman, Peter B. Wil-
liamson, Asher S. Housel; 1871-73, Jos. Gano, Peter B. Williamson,
Asher S. Honsel ; 1874, Henry Johnson, Jos. Gano, Asher S. Housel ;
1875, Daniel Saunders, George L. Boss ; 1876, Henry Johnson, George
L. Boss, Peter H. Anderson ; 1877-80, George L. Boss, Henry John-
son, C. W. Carhart.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.*
1835, Daniel Stires; 1844, Wm. Egbert; 1850, Bobeson Rockhill, Asher
S. Honsel; 1865, Robeson Rockhill, William Egbert; 1860, Jacob
» Until his death, 13th of July, 1863.
f Enoch Clifford waa first justice, serving for many years.
Stires, William Egbert; 1865, Enoch Abel, William Egbert; 1870,
Enoch Abel, Peter H. Anderson ; 1875, Enoch Abel, Matthias MoCrea;
1880, Enoch Abel, John Williamson (did not comply).
OVEBSEERS OF BOADS AND APPROPRIATIONS.
1853. Nicholas Sine, Jacob Apgar, Adrian Kinney, Joseph Boss, Edward
A. Rockhill, William Maxwell, Peter H. Anderson, Joseph Ev-
erett, John R. Larison, and Edgar Lance. Appropriation, $525.
1854. Nicholaa Sine, Jacob P. Apgar, Adrian Kinney, George Gulick,
Joseph Taylor, Isaac Kels, Peter H. Anderson, Joesph Everett,
John R. Larison, Nathan Wyckoff. Appropriation, $525.
1855. Nicholas Sine, Adrian Kinney, Joseph Taylor, Henry Maxwell,
Henry Johnson, Peter H. Anderson, Isaac Kels, Joseph Everett,
Joseph Van Syckel, Gardner Housel. Appropriation, 8S77.
1856. Adrian Kinney, Nicholas Sine, Isaac Kels, Henry Johnson, Wil-
liam Martin, John Larison, Henry Maxwell, Joseph Taylor,
Gardner Housel, James S. Kels. Appropriation, S593.
1867. James S. Kels, Wesley Bird, Joseph Taylor, John Tiger, Isaac
Kels, John Srope, Nicholas Sine, Jacob Lesher, Henry Johnson,
Jacob Fine. Appropriation, $593.
1858. John Tiger, John Cooley, Samuel Bonnell, Wesley Bird, Mahlon
Swarer, Nicholas Sine, George W. Eea, Henry Bockafellow, Wil-
liam C. Young, John Srope. Appropriation, $593.
1859. Elisha Weene, John H. Cooley, John Tiger, Nicholas Sine, Joseph
Taylor, Henry Bockafellow, Samuel Bonnell, James Stockton^
Wesley Bird, William Young. Appropriation, $600.
1860. ^Elisha Weene, .Toseph Taylor, William C. Young, Nicholas Sine,
Joseph Maxwell, Asher S. Housel, John Tiger, Lewis Young,
Whitfield Carhart, Henry Bockafellow. Appropriation, $615.
1861. Joseph Taylor, John Tiger, Nicholas Sine, Whitfield Carhart,
Lewis Young, Asher S. Honsel, Elisha Weene, Johnson Hum-
mer, Thomas Bowlsby, William Martin, Henry Bockafellow.
Appropriation, $620.
1862. Joseph Taylor, John Tiger, Nicholas Sine, C. W. Carhart, Lewis
Young, William Bellis, Elisha Weene, Johnson Hummer, Hiram
Huffman, Peter H. Anderson, Henry Bockafellow. Appropria-
tion, $640.
1863. Elisha Weene, Johnson Hummer, C. W. Carhart, William Bellis,
Nathan Wyckoff, Nicholas Sine, Joseph Taylor, James S. Kels,
Lewis Young, Hiram Huffmann, Peter H. Anderson. Appropri-
ation, $640.
1864. Wesley Bird, Nicholas Sine, Henry Johnson, Lewis Young, Cor-
nelius Tunison, Elisha Weene, Henry Maxwell, Joseph Taylor,
William Mechling, Godfrey Lett, John Blane, Hiram Huffman.
Appropriation, $794.
1865. Wesley Bird, Henry Johnson, Elisba Weene, C. B. Sheets, Godfrey
Lott, Joseph Gano, Cornelius Tunison, Henry Maxwell, William
Mechlin, Thomas Warner. Appropriation, $765.
1866. Henry Johnson, Henry Maxwell, Thomas Warner, John H. Cooley,
John Conover, Joseph Carhart, Joseph Taylor, Christopher
Srope, James S. Kels, Cornelius Tunison. Appropriation, $780.
] 867. Cornelius Tunison, John Butler, Henry Johnson, Thomas Warner,
Clement H. Bonnell, John Conover, Peter Hoppook, C. B. Sheets,
Christopher Srope, John H. Cooley. Appropriation, $920.
1 868. George L. Gano, G. G. Lunger, A. H. Housel, John Conover, Cor-
nelius Tunison, Jacob P. Apgar, Lambert H. Smith, 0. H. Bon-
nell, C. B. Sheets, Henry Bockafellow, John P. Lair. Appro-
priation, $930.
1869. Henry Hoppock, Henry Johnson, James W. Stockton, G. G.
Lunger, John P. Lair, Joseph Gano, Cornelius Tunison, William
H. Cole, George L. Gano, Cornelius B. Sheets, William Mech-
ling. Appropriation, $1021.
1870. Wesley Bird, William Sinclair, George L. Gano, John H. Cooley,
John P. Lair, Joseph Gano, John R. Williamson, Silas C. Hawk,
William Cole, William Taylor, Henry Johnson, Cornelius B.
Sheets. Appropriation, $1021.
1871. Lewis Humphrey, William Sinclair, Joseph Gano, Henry Johnson.
Peter R. Williamson, William M. Taylor, Cornelius B. Sheets,
William Storr, Wesley Bird, John H. Cooley, WilUam Cole, Silas
Hawk. Appropriation, $1006.
1872. William Sinclair, Cornelius B. Sheets, Joseph Van Syckel, Charles
' Sine, Joseph Gano, John H. Cooley, William H. Cole, Silas C.
Hawk, George W. Bea, Henry Johnson, Clement Bonnell, Syl-
vester Taylor, Isaac Huffman. Appropriation, $1016.
1873. Wm. Sinclair, Lambert K. Smith, Wm. H. Cole, Henry Everett
George L. Gano, Corn. B. Sheets, George W. Bea, Henry John-
514
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
son, John H. Cooley, Joseph Gano, Joseph Tan Syckel, Syl-
vester Taylor, Edward Melicfc. Appropriation, SI 016.
1874. Georgre L. Gano, Daniel Bellis, Lambert K. Smith, Jacob A. Leigh,
Henry Johnson, Henry Maxwell, Sylvester Taylor, George G.
Lunger, Wm. Sinclair, Wm. C. jToung, John Q. Clickinger,
Joseph Gano, Henry Everett. Appropriation, 81010.
1875. Wm. H. Cole, C. B. Melick, G. G. Lunger, Henry Maxwell, John
H. Cooley, Christ. Srope, Joseph H. Exton, Wm. W. Biid, Syl-
vester Taylor, John Q. Clickinger, Henry Hoppock, Charles
Line. Appropriation, $1016.
1876. C. B. Melick, Asher Smith, George L. Bobs, G. G. Lunger, John Q.
Clickinger, D. W. Stires, John H. Cooley, William Cole, Henry
Johnson, Joseph Exton, Henry A. Hoppock, Peter Hummer,
Wesley Bird. Appropriation, $1015.
1877. Wm. Gardner, Wm. Cole, Wesley Bird, G. G. Lunger, Pater H.
Anderson, D. W. Stires, Peter Hummer, John Smith, Peter T.
Young, George L. Boss, C. B. Melick, Sylvester Hyde, C. B.
Sheets. Appropriation, $1016.
1878. Wm. Gardner, Nathan Conc^ver, Wesley Bird, G. G. Lunger, John
H. Opdycke, David W. Stires, Peter Hummer, Henry Everett,
Wm. Mechling, George L. Boss, C. B. Melick, Sylvester Hyde,
Com. B. Sheets. Appropriation, $080.
1879. Wm. H. Gardner, Nathan Conover, Aaron Van Syckel, Joseph H.
Painter, Joseph B. Carhart, David W. Stires, Peter Hummer,
Henry Everett, David Dalrymple, diaries Emery, C. B. Melick,
Sylvester Hyde, C. B. Sheets. Appropriation, $980.
1680. Overseers not recorded.
These overseers have had charge of all the puhlic
roads in this township, and also of the bordering
roads. The whole may be estimated at forty-five miles,
a,nd may be described, as to situation, as follows :
No. 1, from Hickory, via Pattenburg, to the New Jersey turnpike ; No. 2,
from Hickoj-y, at Pittstuwn road, to Pattenburg ; Nu. 3, from G. W.
Kea's corner to the Baptist church, and extending to ttiwnship's
north line ; No. 4, from Mechling's tavern to Hensfoot and Perry ville ;
No. 5, a branch from John Cooley's to Midvale; No. 6, from Thomas
Mechling's, vta Cook's Cross-Roads, to the road from Pittstown to Clin-
ton ; No. 7, new road from Pittstown to Midvale ; No. 8, the old great
highway from the north part of the State to Burlington ; No. 9, see
No. 6 ; No. 10, from Bethlehem Church to Midvale ; No. 11, from
Bethlehem Church to Bonnell's Corner ; No. 12, the late New Jersey
turnpike from Bonnell's west to Bethlehem township-line ;* No. 13,
from Bonnell's Corner, via old road, to the turnpike at Sever's Cor-
ner ; No. 14, from corner of town of Clinton to the eight square
school-house ; No. 15, from the eight-square school-house to the north
and east township lines ; No. 16, from McClenahan's corner, via Van
Syckelville, and thence to Pattenburg.
These roads give ingress and egress to nearly every
farm and lot of land in the township.
The State Legislature enacted April 5, 1865 :
" That all that part of Union township lying and being to the right
hand, or east and south, of the following line, shall be and constitute
henceforth part of the town of Clinton, namely, beginning at a stake
standing in the line between the townships of Franklin and Union, in
late New Jersey turnpike road, at the place where the public road lead-
ing from Bonnell's tavern to the Union intersects said turnpike road, and
running thence along the line of said road leading to the Union in a
northej-ly direction to a stake in said road, a corner to lands of A. W.
Dunham, deceased, and in a line of land late of Godfrey Case, deceased ;
thence running along lands of said Dunham and said Case due east to
the southwest corner of lands of William S. Wyckoff ; thence in a north-
erly direction along the western line of lands of said Wyckoff to the line
of lands of Garret Conover ; thence in an easterly direction along the
north line of said WyckofTs lands to the township line between the
townships of Union and Clinton. "
This took from Union a mill once famed for making
flaxseed oil, a tavern, the extensive limestone-quar-
ries and lime-kilns, and about twenty dwellings.
* The company owning this road in 1837 gave up its chartered rights
to the townships through which it ran.
April 13, 1863, $5600 was raised to pay volunteers
for the war. Feb. 7, 1864, the committee paid $28,-
354.75 for the same purpose. April 11, 1864, raised
$7000 to pay war bonds. The township war debt has
all been paid.
POST-OFFICES, TOWNS, AND HAMLETS.
Van Syckel post-office is the earliest establishment
of the kind of which any account can be found. It
supplied much of the township with mail facilities from
very early in the present century up to the time the
Central Railroad caused a change in many of the
offices in the county.
Perryville was made a post-town in 1818, and was
supplied by stages, two lines sometimes running on
the road (the New Jersey turnpike) at the same time.
The New Jersey turnpike became one of the great
thoroughfares from the East to the West through the
State, and so continued until the building of the New
Jersey Central Railroad, since which time Perryville
has been supplied with mail three times a week
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday by a mail-messen-
ger from Annandale and Clinton. The delivery has
been for the last five years at Midvale. Elijah E.
Robeson has been postmaster during that time.
Pattenburg became a post-town in or about 1857,
with three mails a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and
Saturday, with Ira Anderson for postmaster in 1862.
Henry Aiken followed, and May 30, 1863, the office
passed into the hands of Andrew Streeter, who still
continues.
Since 1878 the mail has been daily supplied by
mail-messenger Jacob Blain from West End, for-
merly Bethlehem. The village has about forty dwell-
ings and 250 inhabitants. It has a Methodist Episco-
pal church, a large stone school-house, a grist-mill, a
steam saw-mill, two stores, a blacksmith-shop and
wheelwright-shop, a milliner-shop, a boot-and-shoe-
shop, a tavern, and a coal-yard.
Norton became a post-town in 1877, with a mail
three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Satur-
day, supplied by the Pattenburg messenger. Con-
rad W. Gano is postmaster. It took its name from
the ruins of the Norton Furnace, which stands about
a quarter of a mile north. How the furnace got the
name is uncertain, most likely after some proprietor.
A map published in 1777 shows it.
Pittstown derived its name from the great English
statesman William Pitt. That part of it lying within
this township was the residence of the earliest physi-
cians. Here, on a gentle elevation, about midway be-
tween the houses of Frederick A. Potts and Wil-
liam P. Rockhill, a short distance from the road, stood
the mansion and office occupied by Dr. John Hanna,
which he sold to Dr. John Rockhill, April 17, 1873,
who settled here in 1848, and is believed to have been
the first regular physician in the county. Here, too,
in a log house on the west side of the brook where it
crosses the road at William P. Rockhill's, lived Con-
UNION.
515
stantine O'Neill, a blacksmith, a vestryman in St.
Thomas' Episcopal Church, in Alexandria, prior to
1764
In 1731, Edward Eockhill is quoted as being of the
township of Bethlehem ; he owned two tracts of land
(846 acres) in this vicinity. He was the father of Dr.
John Rockhill, who was the father of Robeson Eock-
hill and Edward Rockhill, both lately deceased. This
Edward Rockhill was father of the present Capt. Wil-
liam P. Rockhill, his children being the sixth genera-
tion on the same land. The elder Edward Rockhill
died here about 1748. James Parker was his executor,
and sold land under the will in 1749.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. John Blane settled in Perryville in April, 1831,
and has remained there to the present time (1881) ;
Dr. N. B. Boileau in 1868, and is still practicing
there. [See sketches of the above on pages 224 and
524 of this work.]
Nathan Case, son of John H. and his wife, Eliza-
beth Bennett, was born March 17, 1845, in the town-
ship of Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J. The train-
ing of his childhood and up to his grandmother's
death was all in accordance with her wishes. After
her decease he spent some time in the classical insti-
tution of Rev. William J. Thompson, Readington,
and afterwards in the model school at Trenton and
other seminaries of learning, and in 1864 entered the
office of Dr. John Blane. He attended the medical
lectures of the University of the City of New York
and graduated there in the spring of 1868, from which
to 1869 he practiced with his preceptor ; then opened
an ofSce in Asbury, continuing there until Jan. 16,
1871, when he moved to Riegelsville, where he has
charge of and manages a very extensive practice.
Nov. 8, 1870, he married Miss Mary W. Blane, daugh-
ter of his former preceptor. They have children,
John B. and Harriet C.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The church lot and graveyard, as at first consti-
tuted, was first inclosed by a stone wall in 1793
(before that by a post-and-rail fence) by Jacob Ander-
son, a captain in the Revolution, to which he con-
tributed very liberally in both time and money. On
this church lot the Presbyterian congregation erected
a house of worship, said to have been of logs, and
afterwards, about 1760, replaced by a wooden build-
ing known as the frame. After the building of a
frame church in Alexandria this was known as the
Old Frame. It stood until 1830, and was succeeded
by a stone building, not in the graveyard, but in a
grove east of it, purchased by the trustees of Joseph
Boss, where the present church, built in 1870, stands.
The Bethlehem (Presbyterian) Church is said to
have been organized in 1730. Its first called pastor was
the Rev. James McCrea, afterwards minister at Lam-
ington; he was the father of Miss Jane McCrea,
butchered by savages belonging to Burgoyne's army.
He supplied the pulpit, but did not settle as pastor,
and next the Rev. Thomas Lewis,* who was installed
in October, 1747; he served fourteen years, and in
1761 was succeeded by Rev. John Hanna, who in
1762 married the Rev. James McCrea's daughter
Mary, and died in charge, Nov. 4, 1801. f His succes-
sor was Rev. Holloway Whitfield Hunt, who con-
tinued till 1842, when he resigned and was followed
by Rev. Robert W. Landis, who served until 1849,
when the congregation called the Rev. Jos. G. Wil-
liamson, the present pastor. The elders at present
are Wesley Bird, James Hummer, Joseph King, Dr.
Henry Race, John L. K. Watters, William 8. Wyckoff
(Asher S. Housel died July 28, 1880).
The trustees are James P. Huffman (president),
Jonathan Butler, David Hufl&nan, James Boss, Jo-
seph Carhart.
The Rev. Holloway W. Hunt, who was always very
fond of agricultural pursuits, after resigning his
charge, in 1842, still lived on and managed his farm,
three-fourths of a mile southwest from Midvale Sta-
tion. He was the first to use lime in this neighbor-
hood to any extent as a fertilizer, by which means he
brought his farm of 150 acres not naturally of the
best quality to a high state of cultivation. His
example in this direction is still followed by the best
farmers. He was a native of Orange Co., N. Y., born
1769, came to New Jersey the latter part of last cen-
tury, and died Jan. 17, 1858. The same plot contains
the remains of wife, daughter, and son. He left two
sons, Dr. W. A. A. Hunt, of Clarksville, and Rev.
Holloway W. Hunt, Jr., of Schooley's Mountain,
New Jersey ; both are since deceased.
The Rev. Robert W. Landis is still living in Ken-
tucky. He was a man of commanding appearance,
neat in dress, easy in manners and address, and a not-
able man in mixed company. His pastorate was at-
tended with one of the greatest accessions of members
the church ever had at one time. The old stone edi-
fice was enlarged at that time. He had a fine voice
and good control of it, and was an excellent singer.
The church had no bell,. and the congregation were
often engaged in conversation in small squads ; when
the hour arrived for service to begin, he, in the pul-
pit, would strike up a hymn, which very soon would
bring them into the sanctuary.
Here, on the east of the church, is the Bethlehem
Cemetery. The company was organized Oct. 12, 1858.
The ground is handsomely laid out, the shrubbery kept
well trimmed, and its affairs are well managed. It
contains several handsome specimens of sculpture
commemorative of our once acquaintances, friends,
neighbors, rel atives. The present officers of the
» The Bev. Thomas Lewis was at Mendham, Morris Co., in 1769.
t The EeT. John Hanna left throe sons, James, John AndrS, and
William R. He was a very active man, and in addition to the duties of
pastor of three congregations Bethlehem, Kingwood, aad Alexandria-
practiced medicine quite extensively. He also managed a large farm,
for many years ; it lies in Alexandria.
516
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
association are Joseph King, President ; William
Wyckoff, Secretary ; James P. Huffman, Treasurer.
There is on the north of the old churchyard a
heautiful piece of ground, well inclosed with a wooden
fence, which several families use as a burial-place.
The old churchyard, although it contains the names
of a " multitude of those who have gone before," has
not so many inscribed monuments as we might sup-
pose it would have, owing, no doubt, to the incon-
venience of getting them in the early day, when
the roads were few and poor. The oldest bears
date 1762. Here we find the names of two former
pastors, Revs. H. W. Hunt and John Hanna. The
latter died Nov. 4, 1801, aged seventy years. His
wife has nothing to mark her resting-place. Fifty
years ago it was asserted by old people that she died
with the smallpox, caught from her husband's clothes
while he was attending patients who had the disease,
and was buried in a burying-ground on their own
farm in Alexandria. Among the older inscriptions
are those of John Hacket, died 1766 ; Col. Abram
Bonnell, 1797 ; Thomas Exton, 1857, aged fifty-nine ;
Baltes Stiger, 1830, aged sixty-eight; Joseph Bird,
1830, aged sixty ; Adam Hope, 1821, aged eighty-one ;
Jonathan Williams, 1780; John Bray, 1806, aged
sixty-eight ; Robert Johnson, 1821, aged eighty-
eight ; John Wilson, 1830, aged seventy-six ; John
Crawford, 1815, aged eighty- eight ; Robert Taylor,
1821, aged eighty ; and Jacob Anderson, 1837, aged
eighty-three.
THE BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH.*
The Bethlehem Baptist church is located on the
south side of the New Jersey turnpike road, in the
northwest part of Union township. The meeting-
house was erected in 1837, on land given by Aaron
Van Syckel, and the parsonage in 1876, on land
donated by his daughter, Alice Killgore.
The church was raised up and established under
the faithful labors of Rev. Thomas E. Barrass, who
commenced his labors in April, 1831. Previous to this
there had been preaching in the neighborhood by other
Baptist ministers, but without much apparent success.
Oct. 31, 1837, the church was regularly constituted
with 14 members. The Rev. T. E. Barrass was chosen
pastor, and continued to labor until April, 1850, making
nineteen successive years. He was a man of fine abil-
ity, and the church increased under his ministrations.
He received 125 members into fellowship during his
pastorate.
He was succeeded by the Rev. E. M. Barker, who
commenced his work May, 1850, and continued for
three years, receiving 24 into the church. It was
then supplied by Rev. Marshall and other ministers
until March, 1854, when the Rev. J. J. Baker became
pastor. He continued his labors amid difficulties
until July, 1858, having received 24 into fellow-
ship. The church was then dependent on supplies
* By the present pastor, Rev. A. B. Still.
until April, 1869, when the Rev. William Archer was
called. Through his efforts peace and prosperity were
restored, and an extensive revival was enjoyed, which
resulted in many valuable additions to the church.
He continued his labors until April, 1864, having
received 81.
After being destitute of a pastor for some time, the
Rev. George Young was called in 1865 ; he continued
until October, 1867. At the close of his labors the
Rev. Henry Westcot succeeded. In January, 1868,
19 were dismissed to constitute the New Hampton
Baptist Church, and in January, 1872, 25 to form the
Clinton Baptist Church. In April, 1872, Brother
Westcot closed his labors. The church, being much
reduced by dismissions and other causes, was then
supplied by different ministers until April, 1874,
when J. W. Porter became pastor, and continued
until July, 1875, when he was excluded from fellow-
ship. The church, being greatly depressed, was then
dependent on supplies until April, 1876, when Rev.
T. C. Young was called. During this year the par-
sonage was built. He remained until April, 1878,
when the church called the Rev. A. B. Still, who
continues at this time.
There is a cemetery attached which contains the
remains of, and an obelisk monument to the memory
of, Aaron Van Syckel and his wife. He contributed
largely to all the improvements, and left funds to
keep them up. Also to the memory of his daughter
Alice, late the wife of Robert Killgore, through whose
liberality much has been done to erect a parsonage.
Here lie the remains of Dr. R. M. McLenahan and
his wife Christiana, daughter of Aaron Van Syckel,
and of three other of his daughters, Mercy, Fanny,
and iJmily.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT NORTON.
The church of this religious society was built
in 1828, and rebuilt in 1855, on land donated by
George Garrison, owing at the time much of its suc-
cess to the exertions of a local preacher and former
class-leader, Abraham Housel, who died Oct. 19,
1848, in his forty-ninth year. His remains were in-
terred in the burying-ground attached to this church,
as were also those of John P. Lair, born Feb. 3, 1813,
died Nov. 24, 1871. In 1868-69 he was member of
the General Assembly.
Rev. A. Van Deusen, present minister in charge,
has kindly furnished the following in regard to Union
charge :
" I may not be able to give much information as to its early history, as
it stood connected with various circuits at different times. Asbury Cir-
cuit was formed as early as 1806, and occupied a large territory. In 1836
-37 it stood in connection with Flanders Circuit, E. Sanderson and C. S.
Vancleve, preachers; in 1838 it was united with Flemington Circuit,
Revs. Jacob Hevener and James M. Tuttle, preachers ; had a revival,
and about 40 were added. In 1843, Clinton Circuit was formed, Wes-
ley Roberts and J. W. Barrett, preachers: 1844, Edward Page and
S. B. Post, preachers ; 1846, Manning Torce and S. B. Badgley, con-
tinued in 1846; 1848, Clinton Circuit, John Fort and George Banghart;
1849, Quakertown Circuit, T.T. Cwupfield andS.W. Decker; 1858, Union
UNION.
517
with Pattenburg, C. K Walton, for two years ; 1861, S. M. Stiles ; 1862,
J. F. Dodd, superseded in 1863 by S. M. Fogg; 1864, S. J. Hayter; 1866-
66, Da-rid Walters, connection with Clarksville ; 1867-68, 0. C. Winans;
1870, A. Craig; 1871-72, Union and Pattenburg, T. T. Campfleld; 1873,
supplied by J. TJ. Kamsey; 1874, M. F. Warner; 1875-76, D. Halleron;
1877-78, J. Mead ; 1879-80, A. Van Deusen, present minister in charge. "
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT PATTEN-
BURG
was built in 1853, on land donated in 1852 to Trustees
John H. Case, Joseph Gano, Aaron Streeter, Godfrey
Case, and Jacob P. Apgar. Ministers officiating
there since, John P. McCormick, John N. Crane,
David Graves, Charles E. Walton, Norman L. Hig-
bee, Charles Miller, M. N. Fogg, John F. Dodd,
Jonathan Eward, Thomas Campfield, James N. Ram-
say, Daniel Halleron, Joshua Mead, A. Van Deusen.
Bevs. Brown, Stiles, Swain, and Galloway also served.
The present trustees are Johnson Hummer, John
Bowlby, Henry Merrill, Sidney Sweery, George Bar-
ber, Gardner Housel, Charles Williams.
There is a beautiful cemetery attached ; it contains
the grave of Peter Hardy, who died March 8, 1861,
aged eighty-one ; the remains and monument, an
obelisk, of William Mcllroy, born May 22, 1784, died
Aug. 7, 1860:
" He was the friend and benefactor of this congregation, and by it be,
being dead, yet speaketh ;'*
John H. Case, born Nov. 7, 1807, died Aug. 18, 1869.
He was first town clerk, and had been eleven years
before the division of the township.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
Old people used to say fifty years ago that not long
before then the ruins of an old log building and evi-
dences of a graveyard were visible a short distance
from there, and Samuel Leigh the elder stated it was
a Baptist institution, but did not know its history.
There was a burying-ground of some extent on the
farm once owned by Meshack Hull, but we have no
further knowledge of it.
It is traditional that there was once an old Baptist
church in that neighborhood. Mrs. Abigail Johnson
states that when she was a little girl she had often
visited the spot where their baptisms were performed;
it was in her father's field, and known in the family
by the name of the dipping-pool,"" and close by were "
the remains of old timber, supposed at that time to
be the ruins of the church, but she has no knowledge
of any graveyard in the immediate vicinity. The
one just mentioned was about 600 yards westward
from the pool, and there was another in a northerly
direction, on lands since owned by Thomas Exton.
Since writing the above my friend arid co-laborer
in this work. Dr. Henry Race, informs me that " in
the year 1738, Eev. Thomas Curtis began a settle-
ment on the point of land which lies in the fork of
Spruce Run and Smalley Creek, and the next year
removed his family there." In the "Minutes of the
Central New Jersey Baptist Association for 1875,"
there is a " Historical Sketch of the Baptist Church
of Kingwood, N. J."
There is just north of Cole's Mill, formerly Beaver's
Mill, and still earlier Albertson's Mill, on the left-
hand side of the road leading to the Union and on
the left bank of the Monselaughaway, an old grave-
yard containing many graves. The occupants were
probably operatives in the furnace and their families,
as iron plates one with letters on it were visible not
long since.* They were used as headstones. Adam
Creager's child was the last one buried there, about
fifty years ago.
We have not been able to ascertain at what time
Allen and Turner, of Philadelphia, purchased their
Union tract, or when the furnace was built. See Dr.
Mott's "First Century of Hunterdon County," pp. 23
and 40.
John Clifi'ord, first lieutenant in Capt. Carhait's
company, Second Regiment, Hunterdon, who lived
many years in this township, on the farm on which
his great-grandson, Joseph Williamson, now resides,
has said that Gen. William Maxwell, during the Rev-
olution, was very frequently at the Union furnace,
and when there any sick person in want of a little good
tea could get some without paying for it by sending
to him. It was a mystery that none outside could
solve ; some not friendly to him thought of accusing
him of disloyalty, but dare not do it.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
The township is so divided that it contains but one
whole school district, that at Cook's Cross-Roads, a
small one. The other districts are fractional. In the
township outside the whole district there are five
other school-houses, namely Pattenburg, Norton,
the Eight-square, one at Bethlehem Church, and one
* Since penning the above 1 have been informed that Mrs. Abigail
Johnson (widow of Edward Johnson, and daughter of George Beavers
and his wife, Sarah Lanning, and granddaughter of Col. Joseph Beavers,
of Eevolutionary memory) had frequently, with other children, played
there, and always had a strong desire to know what the lettering of that
iron plate was; she made this wish known to a grandnephew, A. S.
Carhart, who visited the graveyard and made a drawing of the iron
headstone, a copy of which is here presented:
a-5C^"c;^
This IB tbe last tombstone standing, where so many people have been
buried.
518
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
at Maxwell's, all supplied in part with scholars from
other adjoiniug townships, and in return send their
scholars to Clinton, Franklin, and Alexandria.
School money has heen raised as follows : 1853, $2
per scholar; 1854, $2.50; 1855-60, none; 1861, $1;
1862-66, none; 1867-68, $2; 1869, none; 1870, $2;
1871-73, no vote ; 187^75, none.
The first school-houses in this township were huilt of
logs. One, at the foot of the hill east of the Hickory
tavern, was worn out in the service ; for most of the
time John Head taught in it. It gave place to a frame
at Pattenburg in 1804, which yielded to a stone one on
the same spot, enlarged and rebuilt in 1868. It is 22
by 34 feet, and will seat 60 scholars.
At Norton a log house stood east of the road ; it
served its day and went down, and Hensfoot took its
place (a long time occupied by John Head as teacher),
but, becoming worn out, was closed for several years.
It was succeeded by one at Sever's, about 1830 ; here
Jeremiah Daily, William Loder, Sr., Asher S. Housel,
John Wheeler, John Wilson, and others officiated as
teachers.
One near the Union was succeeded in 1837, or about
that time, by the Eight-square, the present house,
which is 24 feet square. It stands on a lot deeded by
Hugh Exton to Daniel H. Anderson, Charles Bon-
nell, and Wesley Bird ; it was thoroughly repaired in
1873. Its seating capacity is 44 pupils. The first
teacher in this house was a Mr. Carr, of Easton, Pa.
The trustees now serving (1880) are Lewis Exton
(clerk), Lambert Smith, Michael Banghart.
The one at Bellis' succeeded a log house over in
Alexandria in 1833. Of a later date (1836) was a
stone house on the road near Joseph Carhart's, still
standing, but not used as a school-house; and the
basement of the union church at Norton was for some
time used as a school-room, but was abandoned, it
was alleged, on account of being unhealthy. They
have a good house there now, built in 1872. These
different structures in their several times gave accom-
modations to the teachers and pupils and turned out
scholars who would do credit to circles of greater
opportunities. The first board of trustees (1833) were
Peter Mechlin, William Maxwell, and William Stout;
Peter M. Mechlin is now teacher, and for several
years has taught the school very acceptably to the
district; trustees, Hiram Stout (clerk), Peter M.
Taylor, Edward Cooley.
In 1847 the Hensfoot was rebuilt, and for seven
years was under the charge and care of ten different
instructors, Miss A. E. Lesher, Joseph Collier, 1848 ;
A. J. Opdycke, 1848; Mr. EUicott, 1849; Eichard
Barker, 1850; John Hackett, 1851; George Cook,
1852 ; A. Craig, a graduate of Union College, Schen-
ectady, Miss M. Fine, 1853; M. Abel, 1854. During
the latter part of this term some vandals broke the
windows and so damaged the house that it was given
up as a school-house.
In 1855-56, Oliver H. Huffman, a graduate of Kut-
gers College, taught a select school in the house of
Dr. John Blane. In 1858, John C. Bergner com-
menced in the same place a class in miisic, which he
continued four years.
The present trustees of the Norton school (1880)
are Godfrey Lott (clerk), Conrad Creager, and Dr. N.
B. Boileau, and the officiating teacher, Servis.
The first trustees of the Pattenburg school were Tunis
Stires, George Gano, and Benjamin Egbert, and John
Head, the first teacher, remaining for many years.
Present trustees (1880), J. Smith Hummer (clerk),
John R. Williamson, and Johnson J. Martin, and
teacher, Lewis Streeter.
Cook's Cross-Eoads, a new site, has a frame build-
ing, erected in. 1852, which will seat 40 pupils ; its
first board of trustees were Jacob Cook, Cornelius B.
Sheets, and Isaac H. Demot; present trustees, Al-
fred Cook (clqrk), Sylvester Hyde, Thomas Stires.
The present teacher is George L. Albright.
The first school-house at the Bethlehem Presbyterian
Church is said to have been of logs, which no doubt
it was, and to have stood in the southwest corner of
the graveyard. When it was erected is not known.
Its successor, which stood northeast at the then grave-
yard, was erected in 1813. The trustees at that time
were Peter Young, Gideon Chamberlin, and Thomas
Foster. Francis Finigan was the first teacher, fol-
lowed by David B. Huffman and Stephen Albrough
in succession. This house was in use until 1838-39,
when an octagonal stone building, on the opposite or
east side of the road, took its place. The lease was
given by the trustees of the Bethlehem Presbyterian
Church to the triistees of the district school, and
bears date Sept. 1, 1838.' The school trustees at that
time were Joseph Boss, John Butler, and Daniel
Carhart; Elwood S. Alpaugh was teacher in 1876.
Since then the old octagonal stone building has given
way to a moje modern wooden structure, built on the
same ground, which will comfortably seat 40 scholars,
and is more in keeping with the surroundings than
the old one. The present trustees are Martin Frace,
clerk, Wesley Meliek, Henry De Mott ; the present
teacher. Miss Clara Bonham.
The value of school property in the township (1880)
is $3850. Number of teachers employed, males, 4;
females, 2 ; annual amount expended on schools, about
$2000 ; number of children of school age in the town-
ship, a little less than 400.
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
Jacob Anderson, lieutenant (afterwards captain) in
the militia.
Abraham Bonnell, lieutenant-colonel in the Second
Eegiment Hunterdon County. His land is still occu-
pied by his descendants.
John Clifford, first lieutenant in Capt. Carhart's-
company, Second Eegiment Hunterdon County. His
land is now in the possession of the fifth and sixths
generations of his descendants.
^.
c^
, c^
UNION.
519
"William Hackett went into the battle at Monmouth,
and has never since been heard of.
Richard Mills, member of Capt. Bowman's com-
pany, Continental army. He was an Englishman by
birth, and was said to be very skillful in doctoring all
kinds of domestic animals, by which and the proceeds
of a cake-and-beer saloon kept by Mrs. Sally Mills
they made a living. He received a pension, which
was in part extended to his widow. Some of their
descendants are living in adjacent neighborhoods.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and was
buried at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Alexan-
dria ; nothing but memory marks the spot where he
lies. It is said there are several other old patriots
lying in the same row.
Amos Smith was a soldier in the Revolution, and
the captain of a company sent by New Jersey in sup-
port of the government in the insurrection in Penn-
sylvania in 1798 commonly called the Whisky In-
surrection.
Samuel Leigh was a soldier in the Revolution. He
moved into this township from near Princeton.
Leonard Martin was a soldier in the same, and re-
ceived a pension.
Christopher Srope was engaged in the army some
time.
Jacob Johnson, a soldier of the Revolution, at that
time of Middlesex County, but mqy.ed hereand raised
a large family, many of whose descendants are in this
and adjacent neighborhoods. He and Ms wife both
lived to be very old. He received a. pension and
back-pay. in his later days. J ,
Capt. Carhart commanded a, company in the Second
Regiment Hunterdon County', commanded by Lieut.-
Col. Abraham Bonnell, but it does not appear that he
lived in the township, but in Malhsfield, then Sussex
County.* • '',,
Matthias Abel, notable in hife day as a vendue-
cryer, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. .He
was a native of Union township, then Bethlehem, in
the county of Hunterdon. He died in 1837, aged
eighty-three. He entered the army as a private in
1775 ; was in the battle of Long Island ; was with
Washington in his retreat over the Jerseys in the
summer and fall of 1776. His enlistment expired the
day before the battle of Monmouth ; was out with a
scouting-party all night before the battle ; lay in sight
of the battle during the day with his company, but
was not in it. After the war he lived in Union town-
ship until his death.
Benjamin Egbert, son of Abraham Egbert and his
wife, Elizabeth Garrison, was born on Staten Island,
N. Y., Aug. 25, 1768. At the usual age he was ap-
* An acoouDt of the Carhart family in Hunterdon County, and partic-
ularly in Union township, will he found In a well-written and very in-
geniously arranged Genealogical Record of the DeBcendanta of Thomas "
Carhart, of Cornwall, England, compiled from ofBcial records and private
manuscripts, with an appendix of notes. By Mary E. (Carhart) Dusen-
bury," and lifeewise of the Dunham family, so far as any of their descen-
dants are at this time living in the towTisliip.
prehticed to his uncle, Nicholas Egbert, to learn the
trade of tanner and currier, with the accompanying
branches. Having served his time, he married Re-
becca Carkhuff and settled in the then township of
Bethlehem {now Union) in 1800. His ancestors emi-
grated from England in about 1660 and settled in
Staten Island ; he was brought up in the Episcopal
Church. He was for many years a judge of the
County Court, and a justice of the peace at the same
time, and was noted for decision and soundness of
judgment. It was remarked by a member of the
Hunterdon County bar (Col. N. Saxton) that his
judgments were seldom appealed from, and the ap-
peals still more seldom sustained. He was a man of
independent mind and sterling integrity.
Of State and county officers we have had judges:
Benjamin Egbert and William Egbert. State Senator :
Aaron Van Syckel, Sr., John Blane, and Frederick A.
Potts. Assemblymen: Enoch Cliffijrd, John Blane,
Joseph Exton, John H. Case, Cornelius B. Sheets,
and John P. Lair. Sheriff: Aaron Van Syckel, Sr. ;
he officiated at the execution of the colored man
Brom. Jacob Anderson is said to have been sheriff",
but no record could be found as to the time.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
; FRBDBKIC A. POTTS.
FredOTC A. Potts was born at Pottsville, Pa., in
April, 1836, during the temporary residence of his
parents' in that city. Soon after his birth his father
returned to his former home at Pittston, Hunterdon
Co., and there the subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood, and there he still resides. His an cestry was Rev-
olutionary, and his Quaker great-grandfather served
with distinction in the Continental Congress, after-
wards devoting himself to the improvement of a vast
tract of land in New Jersey, on part of which the
residence of Frederic A. Potts now stands. A son of
his ancestor served in the war of 1812, and the father
of Mr. Potts is still living and in active business life
as president of the Park National Bank of New York
City.
Frederic A. Potts entered business life at an early
age as a clerk with Audenreid & Co., wholesale coal
merchants in New York. With a cool head, remark-
able business energy, executive ability, and honesty,
he soon occupied a prominent position, and in time
succeeded his employers in the business. His manage-
ment has been so successful that be is known as being
one of the largest individual dealers in the trade.
In 1874 Mr. Potts was pressed to accept the nomi-
nation for State senator in the county of Hunterdon,
and, acquiescing to the wishes of his friends, was
elected against heavy Democratic odds by a majority
of two hundred and eighty-six. During his term of
520
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
service lie was chairman of the committee on finance,
sinking fund, and revision of the constitution, and a
number of other important committees. He intro-
duced the bill on the equalization of taxes, which
would have much relieved certain sections of the un-
just taxes now imposed on them, and especially dis-
tinguished himself for his independence of action,
freedom from cliques, devotion to the benevolent in-
stitutions of the State, and active participation in all
measures for bettering and reforming State affairs.
In 1878 Mr. Potts accepted the Republican nomi-
tion for Congress in the Fourth New Jersey District,
and was defeated by fifteen hundred votes, a gain of
four thousand five hundred over the Republican vote
of 1876, when Mr. Tilden had over six thousand major-
ity in the district. For several years the Republican
party made use of his distinguished executive ability
as chairman of the State executive committee. On
Aug. 18, 1880, Mr. Potts received the Republican nom-
ination for Governor by acclamation, at one of the
largest and most enthusiastic Republican conventions
ever held. The nomination was as spontaneous as it
was unsought, and was as popular with Republicans
as disheartening to Democrats. After a most excited
campaign Mr. Potts was defeated only by the exer-
tions of a powerful corporation which, on the Satur-
day before the election, instructed their employees to
vote for the Democratic nominee. His defeat, how-
ever, was tantamount to a victory, as he was beaten
by about six hundred votes only, and this in a Dem-
ocratic State in a presidential year, when party lines
are most strictly drawn. Mr. Potts as candidate for
Governor, it is universally conceded, was the cause of
great help to the electoral ticket in New Jersey, and
by his personal popularity he reduced the Democratic
majority from thirteen thousand given to Gen. Mc-
Clellan to six hundred for Mr. Ludlow.
Mr. Potts' great business capacity, intelligence, and
foresight cause him to be most eagerly sought for to
fill positions of trust and responsibility. He is pres-
ident of the West End Iron Company, director in the
Central and Midland Railroad Companies of New
Jersey, the Jersey City and Albany Railway Com-
pany, the Lehigh and Hudson River Railroad Com-
pany, the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, the
Connellsville Coke and Iron Company, the Carbon
and Iron Pipe Company, the Tide-Water Pipe Com-
pany, the National Park Bank of New York, and the
Clinton Bank in New Jersey^ and prominently iden-
tified with many charitable and religious institutions.
Personally Mr. Potts is a man of magnificent
physique and splendid presence, and his manner is
most courteous and pleasing. In short, none of Hun-
terdon's sons does greater honor to the State of his
ancestry and adoption than the Hon. Frederic A.
Potts.
WILLIAM EGBERT.
The original ancestor of the Egbert family in this
country was Govert Egbert, who came over in the
ship " Spotted Cow," in the year 1660. His descend-
ants mostly settled on Staten Island, N. Y.
Abraham Egbert, a descendant, married Elizabeth
Garison, and had children, among whom was Benja-
min, the father of our subject, born Aug. 25, 1768.
He lived with his parents, assisting on the farm, until
he had attained the age of about fifteen, when he
left Staten Island and went to Readington, Hunter-
don Co., N. J., and was bound an apprentice to his
uncle, Nicholas Egbert, to learn the different trades
of tanning, currying, and shoemaking. After serving
his term of apprenticeship, he married Rebecca Cark-
huff", and settled in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon
Co., N. J., where he pursued the different branches
of his trade, together with farming, until the weight
of years warned him that it was time to lay aside the
active duties of a busy life. He died March 28, 1848.
His widow survived him, and died Oct. 14, 1860, aged
eighty-eight years, four months, and one day.
Benjamin Egbert was truly a representative man.
Embracing Democratic principles, he advocated them
to the best of his abilities, and held various offices
and positions of trust. In religious faith he was an
Episcopalian. ' s
UNION.
521
William Egbert, the subject of this brief notice,
was born in the township of Bethlehem (now Union),
county of Hunterdon, N. J., May 5, 1802. He re-
ceived a good common-school education, in addition
to which he had the benefit of one term at writing-
school. Being studious, fond of reading, and of rather
a literary turn, he added much to his original stock
of learning. He has held various positions of trust,
both military and civil. At the age of eighteen he
was appointed paymaster of the First Battalion,
Second Regiment of the Hunterdon Brigade. In 1836
he was appointed major in the same battalion. He
was appointed justice of the peace, and served five
different terms, thus holding the ofSce twenty-five
years. He was a judge in the Court of Common Pleas
two terms under the old and one under the new con-
stitution, discharging in connection with the office,
and that of justice of the peace, a large amount of
careful and well-executed work. He was also efficient
in many other ways : in settling estates, serving on
arbitrations, grand juries, delegations, guardianships,
etc. ; was township clerk many years ; was elected to
a seat in the first board of directors of the Clinton
Bank (now National Bank), organized in the year 1856,
which place he still retains. He has ever been active
in behalf of the interests of education, discharging
the duties of trustee of common schools, and Sabbath-
school work, as town secretary ; and in the writing of
wills, deeds, agreements, and other documents, was
widely useful to his neighbors and fellow-citizens.
He has ever been an active and cheerful helper, and
a wise and reliable counselor.
. Judge Egbert succeeded his father in the tanning
and currying and farming business, carrying on all
these branches till the year 1876, when he abandoned
the two former, and has since continued farming on
the old homestead occupied by his father, near Pat-
tenburg, formerly "Calvin's Mills," Union town-
ship, Hunterdon Co., N. J. He has resided on the
same premises all his life (seventy-eight years), with
the exception of eight years' residence at Little York,
N. J., where he added to his other occupations those
of store- and hotel-keeping.
He was brought up in the Democratic faith, and
has seen no good reason to change his political
opinions.
He has been twice married : first, in the year 1829,
to Eliza Baily Kitchen, daughter of Thomas and Jane
Baily Kitchen. She died in 1834, leaving two chil-
dren, Thomas K. and Isabella. The latter died in
1847, aged fifteen years. Thomas K. Egbert still
survives, is a merchant in the city of New York, and
resides in Jersey City. He married. May 22, 1855,
Sarah J. Shimer, but has had no children. The
second wife of Judge Egbert was Elizabeth Calvin
Van Syckel, daughter of John and Mary (Calvin)
Van Syckel, whom he married June 2, 1836. This
union has been blessed with the following-named
children: Samuel V., who died in Flemington in
34
1863 ; Lizzie S., wife of Wilson Thomas, merchant,
miller, and lumber- and coal-dealer atMilford, N. J.,
married Oct. 11, 1860, and have one son ; Mary V.,
wife of John B. Emery, residing at Metuchen, N. J.,
and doing business in New York, married May 30,
1865, and have three children ; Julia E., wife of
Sigler Hoffman, merchant at Bayonne, N. J., married
Oct. 15, 1868, and have one child, a son ; Emily M.,
wife of Eienzi Cadugan, merchant at Bayonne, mar-
ried June 10, 1869 ; Alice V. and Laura E., single,
and residing at home.
The parents united with the Presbyterian Church
about the year 1842.
EDWARD A. ROCKHILL.
Edward A. Rockhill, son of John C. and Gaynor
(Potts) Rockhill, was born June 4, 1804, in Pittstown,
N. J., on the place now owned by Hon. Frederic A.
Potts. Robert Rockhill, to whom he was able to trace
his ancestry, lived in Lincolnshire, England, in the
year 1600. In 1640, during the civil war, Edward
Rockhill, probably a son of Robert, was imprisoned
for his religious sentiments, being a Friend or Quaker,
EDWARD A. EOCKHILL.
of which persuasion were all the descendants in this
country. Edward Rockhill, a son of the first-men-
tioned Edward, came from England and settled in
Burlington, N. J., in the year 1680, or near that date.
His son Edward removed from there and bought the
estate at Pittstown above referred to, including the
adjoining farm on which Capt. William P. Rockhill
now lives, in the year 1740. It was then in a wilder-
ness, with few settlers in the immediate vicinity.
/
i
522
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
John Kockhill, the grandfather of the subject of
our sketch, was a son of the last-mentioned Edward,
and married Mary Cook. He was a deputy-surveyor
for the Western division of New Jersey, was also a
prominent physician, and had an extensive practice,
having studied medicine under Dr. Cadwalader, after
whom he named his son, John C, the father of Ed-
ward A. Rockhill. The children of John C. Kockhill
and Gaynor Potts were Thomas C. Rockhill, a mer-
chant in Philadelphia ; Robeson Rockhill, a farmer
and justice of the peace, who resided on that part of
the Rockhill estate now the home of Hon. F. A.
Potts, and died in 1867 ; Edward A., born June 4,
1804, and died March 17, 1872 ; John and Lukens,
who died young ; William, a merchant with his
brother in Philadelphia, married Miss Shivers, and
had one son, William ; died in 1864.
Edward A. Rockhill married, in 1829, Eliza,
daughter of Hugh Potts, of Carlisle, Pa., an officer
in the regular army in the war of 1812-14. They
had four children, two sons and two daughters, all
deceased except one son, William P. Rockhill. Ed-
ward A. Rockhill, as we have said, died March 17,
1872 ; his wife Eliza died in June, 1864. He was a
man of upright and exemplary character, modest and
retiring, yet of firm and resolute convictions. He
never desired nor accepted places of public trust or
emolument, but was content to follow his favorite
occupation, that of husbandry, which he pursued
through life.
William P. Rockhill, his son and successor on the
estate, was born Aug. 81, 1836, married, Oct. 10, 1866,
Harriet Potts, of Philadelphia, and has two children,
â– a son and a daughter, Edward P. and Anna.
In February, 1858, he went as assistant in his uncle
William's wholesale store in Philadelphia, where he
remained till shortly before the breaking out of the
Rebellion. When the war began he enlisted as a pri-
vate in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was
in the service about two years. He went through
every grade of promotion from corporal to captain,
was shot through the thigh by a musket-ball at the
battle of Stone River, Dec. 29, 1863, resigned in con-
sequence of sickness in July, 1864, and returned
home, changing the sword for the implements of hus-
bandry. Since the war he has devoted himself ex-
clusively to agricultural pursuits.
CHARLES CARHAET.
Charles Carhart was born in Bethlehem (now
Union) township, Plunterdon Co., N. J., April 22,
1813. He is a son of John and Mary (Beavers)
Carhart, both of Revolutionary stock.
Cornelius Carhart, grandfather of John, was a
captain in the Third Regiment Hunterdon militia,
and second major in the Second Regiment of the
same county, in the Revolutionary war. Joseph
Beavers, grandfather of Mary, was a colonel in the
Second Regiment of Hunterdon militia during the
same memorable struggle for independence.
The subject of this sketch, being a bright, intelli-
gent boy, and manifesting a business and trustworthy
disposition, was designed by his parents for the mer-
cantile business, to which end he had received as good
an education as the schools in the vicinity afforded,
and was preparing to enter as an assistant a firm in
which his brother was engaged when a sad affliction
befell him in the loss of his hearing, from the eflfects
of scarlet fever, probably paralysis of the nerve of
hearing. This turned the course of all his parents'
expectations : he had to stay at home, and a younger
brother subsequently took his place.
The means of acquiring instruction and knowledge
were scarce at that time, and he appeared to be cut
off from their acquisition; but his inquisitive mind
soon found books to suit his taste, and he soon be-
came a great reader, and was assisted by friends in
the selection of books suitable for his purpose and
situation, while at the same time he industriously
worked on his father's farm ; he became a good ob-
server of men and business, kept himself well posted
in most of the affairs of life, and was better calcu-
lated to transact his business profitably than most
young men of his age.
On the 4th of May, 1843, he married Miss Matilda
Stiger, daughter of Adam Stiger, Esq. She died July
22, 1864. They had several children, but one of whom
survived her, viz., Mary E., wife of Randolph Ken-
yon, a practical machinist and manufacturer at Rari-
tan, Somerset Co., N. J. On the 22d of November, /
1866, he married Emily Bunting Matison, granddaugh-
ter of Col. John Coursen, of the war of 1812, who
owned a fine estate in Sussex Co., N. J. There are no
children by this marriage.
Mr. Carhart's life, so far, has been that of a good
citizen and a practical farmer. He has eminently
sustained the character of a reading, reflecting, observ-
ing farmer, comparing efiects with causes and acting
accordingly ; and has brought his farm from a condi-
tion of comparative poverty to a high state of culti-
vation, so that it is, in fact, the " model farm of the
township." His stock, of which he is a good judge,
is always early in market and brings the highest
price. An appreciative neighbor of his remarks,
" Men whose opportunities have been much greater
than his might be profited by examining and study-
ing his methods and practicing them. He is not only
the model farmer of our township, and I might safely
say, I believe, of our county, but is a substantial and
useful citizen, ever ready to contribute to all objects
of an elevating and Christianizing character, and
highly respected for his integrity and uprightness.
He is a consistent Christian, a member and supporter
of the Presbyterian Church. "
CHAKLES CAKHAET.
UNION.
523
JOSEPH KING.
Josepli[Kiiig, of Union township, traces his ances-
try back to Harmanus King, who came, with a colony
of Friends, from Holland to Burlington, West Jersey,
in or near the lyear 1676. The family name comes
firom England, and has been represented in that
country by men of considerable prominence. Several
branches of the original English family have at dif-
ferent times emigrated to this country and settled.
Harmanus King was undoubtedly a native of Eng-
land, and went, with many others of his religious sect,
to Holland to escape from the tyrannical bigotry and
persecutions which followed the period of the Resto-
ration. At what place in Burlington County he lived
the family record does not inform us. He had two
sons, Joseph and John.
Joseph King, son of Harmanus and Marciahis wife,
came to Hunterdon County. We learn from old deeds
that in 1729 he bought nine hundred and fifty-four
acres of land of Mary Tomkins, of Chester Co., Pa.,
lying in Franklin, at that time a part of Amwell, town-
ship. This tract was situated on the west side of the
South Branch of the Earitan, between that stream and
Cherryville, and included the present site of Sunny-
side. Mary Tomkins had purchased this land of
Abraham Godown, " of Spittsfield, in the Parish of
Stepney,'' and it was his share of a dividend " of one
full, equal, and undivided Propriety," sold by Edward
Billings and trustees, in 1678, to a land company of
seven persons, including Godown. Joseph King built
a grist-mill on this property, at the same place the
present one occupies at Sunnyside. In Burlington
County he had been a farmer. In 1733, and for sev-
eral years thereafter, he was a trustee of the Friends'
meeting-house at Quakertown. In this office he was
associated with Edward Rockhill, John Stevenson,
Samuel Wilson, and Samuel Large. In 1738 we find
his name recorded in a manuscript poll-list as a voter
for members of the Colonial Assembly. He and his
wife Marcia had two sons Joseph, who was born
March 9, 1712, and William, born April 1, 1714
and one daughter, Hannah, born Nov. 7, 1717. Jo-
seph married and lived for some time in Bucks Co.,
Pa., then returned to this State and settled at Piscat-
away, in Middlesex County.
William King, son of Joseph, married Abigail,
daughter of Jacob and Amy Doughty, who was born
Oct. 8, 1716. They had three daughters and one son,
Marcia, who was born June 4, 1738 ; Amy, born
Oct. 12, 1739; Anne, born Feb. 29, 1740 ; and Joseph,
born April 20, 1746, 0. S. These were all members
of the Society of Friends.
Joseph King, son of William and Abigail, married
three times. His first wife was a daughter of Dr.
James Willson, a practicing physician and member
of the Society of Friends. He lived at the Willson
homestead, near Quakertown. His second wife was
Anne, daughter of Jacob Large, and, at the time of
her marriage to King, the widow of Isaac Lundy.
His third wife was Sarah Scott, widow of Doughty
Stockton. He had one son, William L., by his second
wife. He was a chosen freeholder from Kingwood
township from 1790 to 1797.
William Large King, son of Joseph and Anne, was
born Feb. 12, 1789. His father purchased the present
King homestead and mill-property, one mile east of
Pittstown, of Thomas Twining in 1811, and he and
his son removed there the same year. The following
year, 1812, William L. erected an oil-mill on this
property, and commenced the manufacture of flax-
seed oil. He built another oil-mill in 1827, and con-
ducted both, doing a heavy and profitable business in
that branch of industry. He retired from it in 1846.
He died in May, 1869. He was a man of very active
life, strict integrity, and excellent business qualifica-
tions, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of a
large circle of friends and acquaintances.
William L. King was married Dec. 2, 1810, to
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Large, who was born
July 28, 1789, and died Oct. 2, 1862. She was kind,
affectionate, generous, and amiable ; and their house
was the ever-welcome resort of many friends and rela-
tives.
William L. and Elizabeth King had five children,
Anne King; Mary L., widow of Maj.-Gen. George
W. Taylor ; Joseph King ; Sarah Schenok King, wife
/ I
524
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
of Barzillai Williams; and Eliza P. King, wife of
Judge James P. HoflFman. They are all living but
Sarah, who died Jan. 26, 1856, much lamented by
very many friends.
Joseph King succeeded his father in the manufac-
turing business in 1846, in which he is still engaged.
He is noted for integrity, affability, and generous kind-
ness.
In 1850 he was elected a ruling elder in Bethlehem
Presbyterian Church.
He and his sister Anne reside at the King home-
stead, near Pittstown.
JOSEPH B. PROBASCO.
Joseph B. Probasco was born at Quakertown, Hun-
terdon Co., N. J., Aug. 1, 1819. He is a son of
William and Rachel (Scott) Probasco. His ancestors
J. B. PROBASCO.
came from Holland, and settled near Pluckamin,
Somerset Co., N. J. The family is now numerous
and widely scattered.
His father was born in Warren County, and came
to Pittstown, where he was a miller several years ; he
then bought property in Quakertown, upon which he
settled and spent the remainder of his life, pursuing
the occupation of a cabinet-maker. He married
Kachel, daughter of Israel Scott, of Mercer County,
near Trenton, where she was born and reared. He
was the father of twelve children ; two died in in-
fancy ; the others were Theodore, Elizabeth, Mary,
Sarah Ann, Joseph B., William, John, Rynear,
Elisha, and Sylvester. The only survivors are, at
this writing, Theodore, who resides at Quakertown ;
Sarah Ann, wife of Theodore Holcombe, of the same
place; and the subject of this sketch, who lives in
Union township, on the road leading from Pittstown
to Clinton.
He served an apprenticeship at cabinet-making
with his brother in Quakertown, and worked at the
trade about eight years, until his marriage to Eliza-
beth Teeple, which occurred March 20, 1844. He
then went to farming near Little's Mills, where he
remained nineteen years, when he bought the old
homestead in Quakertown, built a residence upon it,
and lived there, retired, till he came to his present
place, in 1873. He has here a fine farm of 140 acres,
well improved, and still owns the old place in Quaker-
town.
By the first marriage, above referred to, he had two
children ; one died in infancy, the other at Quaker-
town, Oct. 21, 1872, where also her mother died, Jan.
29, 1871. He married for his second wife Selinda H.
Hice, June 11, 1872. Three children are the fruit of
this union, one son and two daughters.
In political affiliations Mr. Probasco is a Democrat.
He has held several township offices. He is a self-
made man, having obtained all he has, and all he is,
in a certain sense, by his own exertions. Besides the
knowledge and experience he has attained, he has
gained a competence of worldly goods from a very
humble and unpromising beginning. He is a mem-
ber of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church of his
neighborhood.
NATHANIEL BRITTON BOILEAU.
Nathaniel Britton Boileau was born in Tinicum
township, Bucks Co., Pa., 26th June, A.D. 1833. He
is the son of Daniel Boileau and his wife, Jane Ruck-
man, who was the daughter of James Ruckman, Esq.
His father was a farmer, and at different times held
the offices of justice of the peace, member of the
Legislature, county treasurer, colonel of the militia,
and notary public.
James R. Boileau, his brother, represented Bucks
County in the Legislature, and was county treasurer
of Bucks County.
At a later period Samuel Boileau, his brother, was
a member of the Legislature for Northampton Co., Pa.
He was named for his great-uncle, Nathaniel B.
Boileau, who was secretary of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania from Dec. 20, 1808, until Dec. 16, 1817.
Simon Snyder was Governor during these nine years.
He received his preliminary education in the schools
of his neighborhood and Doylestown and Franklin In-
stitute, Franklin, Delaware Co., N. Y.
He then, in 1855, became the student of Dr. Charles
C. Jennings, of Easton, Pa., and attended the lectures
of the medical department of the University of Penn-
sylvania, 1856-57 and 1857-58, and graduated there,
the subject of his thesis being cholera infantum.
HIGH BRIDGE.
525
Dr. Henry 110100111136, of Everittstown, Hunterdon
Co., N. J., having died April 7, 1858, lie immediately
settled there in a large and good field for practice,
where he remained until April, 1868, when he removed
to Perryville, where he has resided ever since.
During his residence in Everittstown he was four
years superintendent of public schools of Alexandria
township, Hunterdon Co.
He became a member of the District Medical So-
ciety of the county of Hunterdon, May 10, 1859, and
was its president in 1866. April 13, 1871, he reported
as chairman of the section on obstetrics (which was
printed), of which he continues at the head to the
present time. In 1864 he was a delegate to the Amer-
ican Medical Association. March 17, 1863, he mar-
ried Miss Nancy Smith Blane, daughter of Dr. John
Blane. They have three children, ^Mary B., Caro-
line T., Eleanor.
HIGH BRIDGE.
High Bridge, one of the smallest of Hunterdon's
townships, contains a population of 2210 and includes
ninety-eight farms. It is bounded north by Lebanon ;
south by Clinton ; east by Tewksbury ; west by Beth-
lehem and Union. The South Branch of the Rari-
tan flows diagonally through the town from northeast
to southwest, and in its course provides fine mill-
power, especially at the village of High Bridge, where
it drives the powerful machinery of the great Taylor
Iron-Works.
High Bridge is a station on the New Jersey Central
Railroad, and one of the termini, also, of the High
Bridge Railway, reaching from the latter point to
Port Oram, with a branch from German Valley to
Chester. The high bridge, from which the locality
took its name, was a massive and costly structure
thrown by the Central Railroad Company across the
South Branch of the Raritan and contiguous valley
at High Bridge village during the construction of the
railway route previous to 1852. The bridge was re-
garded as a model of its kind, and, costing upwards
of $200,000, the supposition was that it would endure
for a long while. This conclusion was, however, a
mistaken one, for the great length of the bridge
1300 feet operated against durability, and in 1859 it
was determined that some more substantial work
must be substituted. There was some agitation in
favor of a solid stone bridge, but the decision was
eventually for the filling up of the space with an
earthen embankment, through which the river was to
have passage by means of a double-arch culvert.
The task of constructing the embankment was accord-
ingly begun in 1859. Five years were required to
complete it, and it cost fully $500,000, the stone
arches alone costing $80,000. As to the bridge, the
declaration is made that the engineers were compelled
to bury in the embankment $60,000 worth of iron
that could not possibly be recovered. The embank-
ment is about 1300 feet long, and 112 feet fi:om the
road-bed perpendicularly down to the river.
High Bridge township, near the village, was once
rich in iron-mines which are still valuable, although
not worked at present to a very great extent. Plum-
bago ore has long been known to exist, but it has
been only lately utilized.
EARLY TIMES.
The history of High Bridge township, so far as con-
cerns the whites, began about 1700, near the present
village of High Bridge, and on the land occupied by
the Taylor Iron- Works. Upon that spot, in 1700, or
at all events not far fi-om it, Allan & Turner, of Phila-
delphia, established the first iron-works known to
what are now called the United States. They owned
10,000 acres in the neighborhood of High Bridge and
17,000 near Andover, where they had a furnace, and
thence to the forge at High Bridge they caused the
pig-metal to be conveyed by means of pack-horses or
mules, for in that day wagons could not be employed,
since there were no wagon-roads except in populous
localities. Of course, under the circumstances, there
could not be other than a limited amount of iron-
working carried on at the High Bridge forge.
Including the present one, five forges have stood
upon nearly the same ground. The first, a one-fire
bloom-forge, was situated about 100 yards west of the
present one ; the second near the embankment of the
dam; the third about 200 yards above; the fourth
(known to have been in use during the Revolution),
on the site of the one now used.
The history of the iron-works, or, properly speak-
ing, the forge, between 1700 and 1758, can be but
briefly alluded to. The product, at first small, as
means of travel began to grow better, increased, being
at no time, however, of great importance. Although
not before mentioned, the fact has, of course, been
understood, that the occasion of the establishment by
Allan & Turner of the High Bridge forge and flirnace
at Andover, Cokesburg, and near High Bridge was
the presence on their lands of iron ore in considerable
526
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JEESET.
quantities. The available ore in the mines is still
plentiful, and, although not used for the works, is
mined for distant iron interests.
In 1758, Kobert Taylor, grandfather to Lewis H.
Taylor (now the head of the iron-works, and always
a resident there, as was his father before him), came
upon the scene as an active participant in the enter-
prise. He was born in Ireland, and, being the young-
est son, determined at an early age to carve out his
own fortune. In 1758, therefore, at the age of seven-
teen, he embarked for America with but a few guineas
in his pocket, bound to make his way by force of his
school education, which happened to be a valuable
one. Directly upon landing he got an engagement to
teach school in the township of Kingwood, in Hun-
terdon Co., N. J. Col. Hackett, then superintendent
at the iron-works, and a man of local importance,
was made acquainted with young Taylor's capacity,
and engaged him as chief bookkeeper towards the
close of 1758. Eobert went to live with Col. Hack-
ett in a house now a portion of the Taylor man-
sion, and still occupying the spot upon which it was
first erected, as early, doubtless, as 1725, and perhaps
before.
Mr. Taylor continued as Allan & Turner's book-
keeper until 1775, when. Col. Hackett dying, he was
chosen superintendent and given charge of the busi-
ness at Audover as well as at High Bridge. Although
slave labor was chiefly employed at the works, there
were also paid laborers, as is evidenced by the exist-
ence, within Mr. Lewis H. Taylor's knowledge, ot
account-books dated as early as 1729. From those
and others (the latter going back only to 1770) there
appears to have been a supply-store at the works, and
there, too, it is likely, farmers living in the neighbor-
hood did their trading. During the Revolution, Mr.
Taylor cast cannon-balls for the American army and
sent them in wagons to Trenton, New Brunswick, and
Philadelphia.
There were, besides the Andover Furnace, two
other furnaces connected with the iron- works. There
was one on Beaver Brook, called the Amesbury (built,
so the date-mark on the ruins says, in 1764), and the
second on the Union farm (supposed to have been
built about 1725), where Col. Charles Stewart once
lived, but since 1811 owned by the Exton family.
The ruins of that furnace may yet be seen near the
residence of Mr. Jos. H. Exton.
The old homestead of the Taylors, built, as already
recorded, about 1725, still forms a portion of the Tay-
lor mansion. One room therein is substantially the
same as it was at the beginning. It is moreover an
apartment replete with historic interest, for it was not
only the scene of the birth as well as the death of
Archibald S. Taylor, father of Lewis H. Taylor
(seventy-nine years elapsing between the two periods),
but it was also the abode for six months, during the
Revolutionary era, of John Penn, the last colonial
Governor of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Chew, his attorney-
general. Penn and Chew were sent thither by the
Federal government as prisoners of war, and their
safe-keeping charged upon Robert Taylor.
Although Mr. Taylor was an ardent patriot, and
caused the forges to be known far and near as the
Union Forge, Allan & Turner, the owners, were
far from being devoted to the Federal government.
Policy, however, kept them from manifesting their
sentiments in a way likely to bring confiscation upon
their property, although such a result did eventually
overtake them.
Mr. Taylor's patriotism was well known and trusted,
and he remained for six months the custodian of the
prisoners at " Solitude," as the Taylor mansion was
called. Penn and Chew were not especially miser-
able during their imprisonment, for they were allowed
not only to roam at will to any point within six miles
of " Solitude," but had among their servants an Italian
fiddler who ever and anon cheered with his music the
souls of Penn and his friend. Mr. Penn marked his
respect for Mr. Taylor by presenting to him a copy of
"The Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland fi-om the
dissolution of the last Parliament of Charles II. until
the sea-battle of La Hogue, by Sir John Dalrymple,
Bart. Upon the fly-leaf appears Governor Penn's "
autograph and the inscription, " Presented to Robert
Taylor by John Penn, the last Colonial Governor of
Pennsylvania, while a prisoner on parole at Union
forge." The book is still in possession of Lewis H.
Taylor.
Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia once paid
a visit to Union forge, and remained for some time
the guests of Mr. Robert Taylor, and there were also
many other distinguished occasional visitors, among
whom were Brig.-Gen. Maxwell, of the Revolutionary
army, and Col. Charles Stewart, Washington's com-
missary-general.
Shortly after the close of the Revolution the works
were abandoned because of the exhaustion of the
wood-supply, the near presence of coal being then
not known. The forty slaves who had been em-
ployed there were prepared for transportation to
Virginia, but in the interim one, Mingo by name,
escaped. An old darkey called Peter, too feeble to
endure the prospective journey, was allowed to re-
main behind, and served afterwards as a servant in
the Taylor family.
Not long after the abandonment of the works the
landed and other interests of Allan & Turner were
sold (presumably under confiscation), and Mr. Taylor,
by reason of his long connection therewith, was chosen
one of the commissioners to divide and sell the prop-
erty. In the division he purchased the forge and lands
adjacent thereto, aggregating 366 acres, for which he
paid £800.
After the sale of the property and abandonment
of the works there was no hum of busy industry
in that locality for many a year. Lack of transpor-
tational facilities made the water-power and mines.
HIGH BEIDGE.
527-
valueless as motives to iron manufacture, and they lay
dormant until the New Jersey Central Railway
opened communication between that region and the
outer world. In 1851 the works were restored by Mr.
Lewis H. Taylor. Their history since then will be
found in another article, treating of the town's in-
dustries.
Since 1758 the Taylors have been closely identified
with the locality and especially with the iron-woris.
Robert's son, Archibald, was born and died in the old
mansion in which his son, Lewis H., was born, and
where he still lives. Gen. George W. Taylor, a son
to Archibald Taylor, served in the Mexican war, and,
entering the Federal service at the outbreak of the
Eebellion, was killed at the battle of Manassas in
1862, while in command of the First New Jersey Bri-
gade.
Judge Johnston once owned the Union farm, and
his daughter Mary, whom Col. Stewart married, was
considered in her day one of the best-read women in
the country. Robert Taylor lived on Union farm at
one time.
Col. Charles Stewart was prominent in the Revolu-
tionary struggle, and from 1776 to the close of the
war was attached to Washington's staff as commissary-
general. His residence on Union farm was but brief.
He lived chiefly during his later life at Lansdown
and Flemington. The Union farm passed from Allan
& Turner into the temporary possession of more than
one person, but in each case the property reverted to
Allan & Turner (through inability of purchasers to
complete promised payments), until Hugh Exton
came along in 1811, and, buying the thousand acres
for about $30,000, paid the money down in gold, much
to the surprise of Mr. Taylor, Allan & Turner's
agent. Hugh Exton came to America from England
about 1790, and, according to documents now in pos-
session of a descendant, was naturalized in 1802. He
lived at Pittstown until he became the owner of the
Union farm. At his death he divided the farm be-
tween his four spns, Thomas, Joseph, John, and
Hugh. All but John, who located in Delaware, oc-
cupied their possessions, and on them their sons
Joseph H., Joseph C, and Lewis now reside. Joseph
H. lives in the old homestead, now somewhat changed,
but yet containing the structure once the home of
Col. Stewart, in his time a one-story house with a
thatched roof so low in front as to leave barely room
for entrance at the doorway. It is said that Col.
Stewart, coming to his home on a furlough during the
Revolution, was compelled to make his escape hur-
riedly upon receipt of information that a band of
Tories was then en route toward him, intent upon his
capture. He got away safely, but his family suffered
indignity at the hands of the baffled Tories, who, en-
raged at the escape of their prey, visited their spite
upon the heads of wife and children.
Although the older portion of the house must be
more than 120 years old, the floors, of yellow pine, are
just as sound and solid as they were the day they
were laid. A carriage-house on the place contains
the most of the material once in a store-house that
stood near the house until 1864, and was supposed to
have been the supply-store kept by Allan & Turner
as early as 1757 in connection with their forge at
High Bridge. The ruins of the furnace stand on
Joseph H. Exton's farm, and near them the old black-
smith's shop does present duty as a sheep-house. Upon
the walls of the shop appear the date-mark of 1757
and a word whose characters cannot now be defined.
Near the furnace are traces of the presence of an old
burial-place in the long ago. Among the broken
headstones the only one bearing a legible inscrip-
tion is of cast iron, upon which appear the characters
N. L, 1717.
On the creek near there Hugh Exton built a saw-
mill, but long before his time there must have been
a grist-mill there, as relics found by him proved.
About a mile to the northward was an old tavern,
built no one knows how long ago. Gabriel Kane
was its landlord about 1800, and after him Thomas
Banghart and his son Thomas presided over it. The
Bangharts were among the earliest comers to that
neighborhood. So was Daniel Starker, who kept a.
blacksmith's shop at the place now known as Tuni-
son's Corners. Starker sold out to William Alpaugh
and moved to Warren County, where he died.
Over at Cokesburg (or Cokesbury, as it used to be
called) the Apgars, the Huffmans, and the Alpaugha
were among the pioneers as early as 1760, and prob-
ably before. Caspar Apgar, now aged ninety-three,
living just west of Cokesburg, says he was born near
there, and that the first of the Apgars in that locality
was his grandfather Glasgow, who, with his wife,
came from Germany about 1760 and settled on a farm
bought of Allan & Turner. Eleven children ten
boys and one girl were born to them. The girl mar-
ried John Emery, one of High Bridge's early settlers.
Among the boys were Henry, Peter, Conrad, William,
Herbert, and Jacob. Jacob had eleven children, of
whom the only one now living is Caspar, above men-
tioned. The Apgars, Huffmans, and Alpaughs may
be found in abundance in Hunterdon County. In
1850 it was estimated that there were in this country,
or had been, sixteen hundred Apgars who had de-
scended from old Glasgow Apgar and wife.
John Huffman, who came to the Cokesburg neigh-
borhood about the time Glasgow Apgar made his ap-
pearance, was the ancestor of a long line of Huff-
mans. One of his grandsons, Peter I. by name, lives
now in Tewksbury, and, although in his hundredth
year, is quite active and hearty. When Huffman,
Apgar, and Alpaugh began their lives in the New
World they found pioneer existence in America full
of rough places, and as late as 1808, when Caspar
Apgar married and settled on the farm now occupied
by his son Andrew, he lived in a log house in the
dense forest, without even a road to convenience him.
528
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
John Seale, an English school-teacher, came to
America, perhaps in 1760, and soon afterwards settled
in the neighborhood of the old Taylor forge, where
he rented a lot of Allan & Turner, and devoted him-
self to school-teaching, but his grandson Daniel can-
not say where. John's son Daniel, horn near "Soli-
tude," became a charcoal-burner under the tuition of
his uncle, Philip Locke, and lived near where Mr. J.
Seale now resides. Charcoal-burning was an almost
universal occupation with the High Bridge settlers at
an early day, for at the works of Allan & Turner
there was constant demand and pay ready at hand
for charcoal. The only child of Daniel Seale the
collier, now in High Bridge, is his son Daniel.
About or before 1800, John W. Sharp lived in Clin-
ton township, near Lebanon, and pretty soon moved
to a place in High Bridge township now occupied
by his grandson, David. David, son to John W.
Sharp, married a daughter of Morris Sharp, living
on Bray's Hill, in Clinton, but of no known kin to
John W. Sharp. The grandsons of John W. Sharp
now living in High Bridge are David, Morris, and
John W. The former two live on land owned
by their grandfather, the latter on a farm originally
occupied by Henry Emery. Peter Hoppock, who
lived in 1800, or earlier, on the farm now occupied
by William Hackett, inherited the place from his
father, Peter Hoppock, of Flemington, who at his
death left a hundred-acre farm to each of his four
sons and daughters. Peter Hoppock, the son, died
in Clinton in 1850, aged eighty, leaving seven sons,
all of whom but one are dead. Of the daughters of
Peter Hoppock, the elder married John Cregar, Jr.
(near whom, west of William Yauger's present place,
lived his. father, an old Revolutionary soldier) ;
another married Barnet Fox, of Clinton ; and a third
William Hann, with whom William Yauger took
service in 1816, remaining until 1832 ; in 1833, him-
self occupying the place as a settler, he has resided
upon it to the present day.
The Cregars are numerous in High Bridge, and
rank high among the worthiest and most intelligent
citizens, but they do not prevail so plentifully in that
locality as in Clinton and other townships.
There are also among the descendants of early set-
tlers the families of Fritts, Beavers, Lances, and Phil-
howers.
ORGANIZATION.
High Bridge was not organized until 1871, previous
to which its territory occupied portions of Clinton and
Lebanon townships. The act creating it is numbered
386, and was approved March 29, 1871. The region
set apart was described as follows :
" All that 'part of the townships of Clinton and Lehanon contained
within the following bounds : Beginning at a point in the middle of
Spruce Bun Brook, a corner of Clinton and Lebanon townships, and in
the line of Union townships ; thence, first, in a southerly course down
the middle of said brook, the several courses thereof to the boundary
line of Clinton borough ; thence, second, along the line of said borough
in an easterly course to the northeast corner of said borough • thence
third, in a direct line, to a stone bridge over the Beaver Brook, near the
residence of David Sharp ; thence, fourth, in a direct line to a plank
bridge south of the residence of Emanuel Sutton ; thence, fifth, in a
direct line to a point in the middle of the road leading from the village
of Lebanon to the village of Cokesburg where it is intersected by the
road leading from Fairview school-house to said road ; thence on the
same course until it intereects the westerly boundary of Tewksbury
township; thence, sixth, along the line of said Tewksbury township in
a northerly course to a corner of Tewksbury and Lebanon townships in
the middle of the south branch of the Earitan Eiver at the village of
California; thence, seventh, along the road leading from California to
the Puddle Hotel to a corner in the road near the residence of Jacob M.
Trimmer ; thence, eighth, in a direct line to a point in the public road
leading from the village of High Bridge to the village of White Hall,
fifty feet north of Philip Terreberry's dwelling-house ; thence, ninth, in
a direct line to a point in the line of Lebanon and Bethlehem townships
where the public road leading from the village of High Bridge to Clarks-
ville first intersects the same ; thence, tenth, in a southerly course along
the dividing line between the townships of Lebanon, Bethlehem, and
Union to the place of beginning. "
Peter A. Beavers, George W. Honness, and Am-
brose Fritts were appointed judges' of election, and
Isaac Hummer town clerk.
At the first election, held at the American Hotel,
in the village of High Bridge, April 10, 1871, the total
votes cast numbered 355. The officials chosen were as
follows : Town Clerk, William C. Beavers ; Judge of
Election, L. H. Taylor ; Assessor, Ambrose Fritts ;
Collector, Oliver Bunn; Freeholder, Peter A. Beavers;
Overseer of the Poor, Thomas Banghart ; Town Com-
mittee, A. S. Banghart, J. T. Conover, Harrison Apgar,
Edgar Lance, and Nelson Bennett ; Commissioners,
John T. Lance, William J. Taylor, J. D. Cregar ;
Surveyors, Jacob Hackett, Peter Cregar; Justices
of the Peace, Eleazur Smith, J. P. Bailey, Thomas
B. Apgar; Poundkeepers, Thomas Banghart, Mark
Devlin; Constables, A. S. Farley, J. B. Cramer,
Silas Hockenbury; Overseers of Highways, J. C,
Sager, Frederick Fritts, Abraham Crozatt, George
P. Apgar, Oliver Bunn, George Flomerfelt, Richard
Philhower, William Robinson, William Hildebrant,
D. E. Conover, David Alpaugh, Daniel Hartman,
D. L. Everett, Isaac Cramer, J. R. Apgar, Harrison
Apgar, J. M. Apgar, Isaiah Apgar, 0. W. Hofiman,
William Lance, Thomas B. Apgar.
Those who have been annually chosen as judges of
election, town clerks, freeholders, and collectors from
1872 to 1880, are named as follows :
JUDGES OF ELECTION.
1872, D. Neighbour; 1873, no record; 1874r-76, P. A. Beavers; 1877-78,
J. Tox ; 1879-80, D. B. Alpaugh.
TOWN CLBEKS.
1872, B. Terreberry ; 1873, no record; 1874r-76, 0. W. Chrystie; 1877-78,
I. Hummer; 1879, E. C. Farley; 1880, J. A. Apgar.
TBEEHOLDEBS.
1872-73, P. A. Beavers; 1874^76, A. A. Apgar; 1876-77, J. T. lance;
1878-80, J. T. Doriand.
COLLECTOES.
1872, 0. Bunn ; 1873, no record ; 1874, J. T. Lance ; 1876-76, W. K. Tay-
lor; 1877-78, B. Apgar; 1879-80, J.E.Sharp.
HIGH BRIDGE VILLAGE.
Although the New Jersey Central Railroad was
completed in 1852, there was no station at what is
HIGH BRIDGE.
529
now High Bridge village until 1856, in which year
the Taylor Iron-Works began to widen and develop
in enterprise. Beginning with 1851, when Lewis H.
Taylor restored the works, a village began to grow
about them, but slowly at first. In 1856 there was an
enlargement of the works, and consequently of the
village. Previous to that there had been a supply-
store at the works, but in that year a store was built
by L. H. Taylor & Co., near the railway station, and
opened as the " company's store," with Isaac Hum-
mer as manager, and William Lance and John Mc-
Cloughen as clerks. The store was the third building
put up on the present site of the village, the first
iaving been a dwelling-house occupied by Isaac
Zeek, a collier, and the second, a grain-house, near
the track, built by Peter A. Beavers. In 1856, John
Anderson built a tavern, and in 1854 a post-oflBce was
established, with D. L. Everett as postmaster, and
W. J. Taylor, son of L. H. Taylor, as deputy; he
acted as postmaster till .the latter part of 1856, when
he removed to Philadelphia.
The "company's store" was the only one in the
•village until 1860, when Johnson & Lance embarked
in trade, and in the same year the " company's store"
passed into the possession of Nicholas Emery.
High Bridge village contained, in 1880, a population
of 1034. The business carried on by the Taylor Iron-
Works, in which nearly 200 men are employed, makes
the village a stirring place, and of itself contributes
greatly toward sustaining the village interests, while
two extensive plumbago-manufacturing establish-
ments close at hand, and the support furnished by
the adjacent rich agricultural region, render valuable
assistance in encouraging a prosperous growth.
Besides being a station on the New Jersey Central
Railroad, High Bridge is connected with Port Oram
and Chester on the northeast by a branch of the Cen-
tral Eailroad, known as the High Bridge Eailroad.
This was opened in 1876, and in the fall of 1880 was
being extended toward Dover and Eockaway.
Eeferring to the post-ofSce succession, it may be
briefly stated that William Lance succeeded D. L.
Everett in 1865, and was in turn followed by William
K. Taylor and Elias Terreberry, the latter being the
j)resent incumbent.
High Bridge's first physician was William 0. Al-
paugh, also the first resident physician at Cokesburg.
He was in the latter place from 1868 to 1869, and has
been in High Bridge from 1869 to the present. Wil-
liam Hackett was a physician in High Bridge from,
1869 to 1872, and Alfred Walton from 1879 to 1880.
CHURCHES.
HIGH BEIDGE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHTTROH.
There was a Methodist Episcopal class in High
Bridge as early as the year 1854, at which time the
preacher in charge on the Clinton Circuit held ser-
vices in the Albright Methodist church, built in High
.Bridge in 1854. This, the first church edifice erected
in High Bridge, was built by the Albright Methodists,
but they failing to prosper, were compelled to dis-
solve their organization, and gave up the property,
which was for a few years used in common by the
Presbyterians, Baptists, Lutherans, and Dutch Ee-
formed congregations, and called a union church. As
recollection serves now, it recalls the members of the
High Bridge class in 1854 to have included J. E.
Bowns, Thomas Day, Amy Hustleton, Mrs. Mary
Philhower, Barney Philhower, Maria Dilts, J. A.
Cregar, William S. Apgar; J. E. Bowns' being the
leader.
In 1869 the High Bridge Methodist Episcopal
Church was established, at which time the member-
ship was about 80. Eev. William S. Searls was then
the pastor, and succeeding him to 1880 came Eevs.
Theodore D. Frazee, John Faull, and Jacob Tindall.
In 1873 the erection of the present house of wor-
ship, costing $7000, was begun and completed, so that
the basement was used for meetings in 1874, but not
fully finished until 1879. The membership is now
claimed to be 200, and church afiairs are in a pros-
perous condition. Eev. Jacob Tindall is the pastor ;
George Simpson, William G. Simpson, Wesley Ap-
gar, and C. S. Hummel are the class-leaders; John
Strobel, John W. Hummer, Nicholas Conover,
Jerome B. McLean, E. J. Cregar, and Matthias
Agen, the trustees ; and William G. Simpson, super-
intendent of the Sabbath-school, in which the attend-
ance averages 160.
THE REFORMED CHURCH IN HIGH BRIDGE.
Members of the Eeformed Church living in High
Bridge and vicinity prepared a petition, Jan. 24, 1866,
and transmitted it to the Classis of Earitan, asking to
be organized as a Eeformed Dutch Church, the peti-
tioners reciting that there had been Eeformed Dutch
preaching in the vicinity " for the past twenty-five
years." Those who signed the petition were D. L.
Everett, Edward Johnston, Isaac Hummer, Charles
Fox, Nicholas Emery, W. C. Beavers, W. J. Hoff-
man, A. V. Cregar, Samuel Carhart, Jacob Cregar, P.
A. Beavers, Henry Eockafellow, J. G. Scale, J. J.
Tunison, C. S. Hummel, William Hackett, Benjamin
Cole, J. H. Cregar, Jacob Cole, Charles Conover,
Newton Hoffman, J. H. Bennett, William Lance,
Andrew Cregar, Nelson Bennett, Parish Apgar, Mrs.
Jane Hoffman, Thomas Conover, Jacob Hackett.
In accordance with the petition, the church was or-
ganized Feb. 13, 1866, Eev. P. M. Doolittle, president
of the Classis of Earitan, presiding. Charles Conover
and Isaac Hummer were chosen elders, and John G.
Scale and J. H. Bennett deacons. Eev. Eobert Van
Amburgh preached a while for the church, and May
27 1866, Eev. Cornelius Wyckoff commenced his
labors as stated pastor. In 1869, Eev. Eobert Van
Amburgh became pastor, and in 1870 a church and
parsonage were built, worship having previously been
held in the church built in 1854 by the Albright
530
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JEKSET.
Methodists and sold to the Keformed Dutch congre-
gation some years after. In 1871, Eev. Jacob Fehr-
man took charge, and remained in the pastorate until
his death, March 1, 1874. At that time the member-
ship was 78. In 1875, Eev. Artemas Dean, the present
pastor, began his labors.
November, 1880, the elders were Charles Conover,
David Neighbour, James H. Walker, and David
Apgar; the deacons, Thomas Richards, Frederick
Apgar, William H. Day, and John Alpaugh. The
superintendent of the Sunday-school is James H.
Walker. In the church the membership is 107 ; in
the school the attendance is 125.
ST. JOSEPH'S (EOMAN CATHOLIC) CHUECH.
There was no Roman Catholic preaching at High
Bridge until 1876, when Rev. Francis O'Neil, sta-
tioned at the Junction, began to hold occasional ser-
vices, and for six months preached once a month or
so in a public hall and in the old Methodist Episcopal
church building. After his departure no regular ser-
vices were held until Eev. J. F. Brady took charge of
the congregation at Clinton in the summer of 1879.
At that time he began to preach at High Bridge also,
and, the congregation purchasing the old Albright
Methodist church building, remodeled and made of it
a neat house of worship, which they dedicated Nov.
25, 1880. Regular services are now held three times
each month. In November, 1880, St. Joseph's con-
gregation included forty-six families.
SOCIETIES.
Eialto Lodge, No. 161, I. O. O. F; was chartered
Nov. 8, 1871, with six members, as follows : N. G.,
Henry Eockafellow; V. G., Theodore Perry; Sec,
J. B. Everett ; Treas., J. B. Cronce ; Allen Apgar
and A. B. Valentine. Among those who have served
the lodge as Noble Grands since 1871 have been
Henry Rockafellow, Thomas Perry, Thomas Rich-
ards, William P. Frey, C. C. Apgar, William J. Iliflf,
A. B. Valentine, Henry K. McLean, J. B. Everett, J.
K. Naughright, T. H. Dunn, D. L. Apgar. In No-
vember, 1880, the membership was 60 and the officers
D. L. Apgar, N. G. ; George Simpson, Y. G. ; J. B.
Everett, R. Sec. ; F. A. Apgar, P. Sec. ; J. T. Dor-
land, Treas.
VILLAGES.
East High Bridge. On the south side of the
South Branch of the Raritan is a hamlet known as
Everettstown or East High Bridge, but, properly con-
sidered, a portion of High Bridge village. D. L.
Everett made the first improvement there in 1838,
when he erected a dwelling and wagon-shop. Mr.
Everett has since lived there, pursuing his business
of wagon-making, and, as a village began to cluster
about him, he was naturally looked upon as its father,
and so it came to be known as Evqrettstown.
CoKESBUEG has long been a hamlet. It lies upon
both sides of the eastern town line of High Bridge,
with but a meagre village showing in the latter town-
ship. In the Tewksbury portion there are two
church^!, a school, a store, wagon-shop, etc.
SCHOOLS.
In School District No. 60, known as " Silverthorn"
(after a family of that name early in the neighbor-
hood of the school-house), there was a school-house
in 1825 near the locality now called Tunison's Cor-
ners. How long the school had existed there cannot
be told. Daniel Scale went to school there and re-
members that Benjamin Lloyd was his teacher, and
that among the scholars were children of the Birds,
Hildebrants, Crozats, Rolands, Cregars, and Apgars.
Charles Q. Phillips and a Mr. Armstrong were
teachers, and Obadiah Evans taught there in 1836.
In 1848 the school lot became the property of Caleb
Halstead, of New York, who donated the present
site, conditioned that a stone school-house be erected
thereon. That house was acpordingly built, and in
1875 replaced by the present frame structure, 22 by
32 feet, and possessing a seating capacity for 100
scholars. In November, 1880, the teacher was James
White, and the trustees George N. Cregar, James
McKerren, and Edgar I. Cregar.
The present school-house in District No. 59, called
Eocky Eun, was built in 1870. Moses Gardner
was the first teacher, and Thomas Banghart, Sr., Con-
rad Honness, and George Eodenbough the first trus-
tees. In the High Bridge district school was taught
at a very early period. John Scale, a school-teacher,
lived at the iron-works long before 1800, and, as it is
certain he taught school, the inference is that he
taught in his home locality. A school-house was
built in 1846 in East High Bridge, in which the first
teacher was Philip Creveling. The present school-
house, a two-story frame, standing in East High
Bridge, was built iii IBB4. It will seat 170 and has
an average attenda^nce of 130. I. P. Bailey is the
principal ; Lizzie Henry and Emma Cook the assist-
ants. Isaac Hoffman, Henry Estes, and Thomas
Richards were the trustees in 1880.
INDUSTRIES.
The iron-works at High Bridge, lying motionless
from the time when Allan & Turner's property was .sold
(about 1783) until 1851, were in that year restored to
activity by Mr. Lewis H. Taylor, although not carried
on at first in a very extensive way. The building of
the New Jersey Central Railroad, in 1851, was the in-
centive to the revival of the industry, just as the lack
of transportation had caused its cessation years before
and kept it quiet until then.
In 1851 these works consisted of a bloomery-forge
with one hammer and one fire, making about one and
a quarter tons of bar-iron per week. In 1852 another
fire was added, doubling the production. In 1853 the
manufacture of wagon-axles, in addition to bar-iron,
was commenced. In 1854 a scrap-furnace and ham-
JACOB CREQAR.
HIGH BRIDGE.
531
mer were added, and the production from tHs time
to 1858 was mainly wagon-axles.
About 1856 tlie manufacture of car-axles began, but
they were not made in any quantity until the third
hammer and second scrap-furnace were built, in 1863.
In 1866, W. J. Taylor, son of L. H. Taylor, re-
turned to High Bridge, became interested with his
father, took charge of the business and began extend-
ing the works. The first addition under his manage-
ment was a car -wheel foundry in the same year.
In 1868, Mr. Taylor, in connection with his father,
formed a stock company under the corporate title of
Taylor Iron-Works, with an authorized capital of
$500,000. His father was made president and he the
general manager and treasurer, with many of the
representative men of the Central Eailroad Company
of New Jersey as stockholders. During the next four
years many improvements were made, the most im-
portant of which were the building of the dam and
the railroad connecting the works with the Central
Bailroad. The dam is twenty-six feet high, and its
erection employed one hundred men'for about a year.
In 1874, Mr. Taylor retired from the management,
and was succeeded by Mr. J. H. Walker as secretary
and treasurer, L. H. Taylor remaining president.
The force of men under regular employment reaches
185. The departments of the works are a forge,
foundry, and machine-shop. The company owns
about two miles of railway -track, locomotive, cars,
etc., and a landed territory, in connection with the
works, of 130 acres. The motive-power is furnished
by the South Branch of the Earitan, and is claimed
to equal the power of 473 horses the total fall being
38 feet.
The directors of Taylor's iron-works for 1880 were
John Brown and Jesse Lines, of Easton ; William J.
Taylor, of Chester ; Lewis H. Taylor, of High Bridge;
James Moore, of Elizabeth. S. P. Eaber, the super-
intendent, has been such since 1872.
The iron mines once the supply of the works have
not contributed towards their support for many years.
They were sold years ago by Mr. L. H. Taylor to the
Thomas Iron Company, a Pennsylvania corporation.
" The American Chemical, Mining, and Manufac-
turing Company'' was formed for the manufacture of
plumbago from ore found in considerable quantities
near High Bridge. The company's works are located
just north of High Bridge village, where they have
six and a half acres of land, upon which there is a
vein of ore 512 yards in length and from 8 to 20 feet
in width on the surface. The capital invested in the
enterprise is represented to be $30,000.
South of High Bridge village, the Phoenix Plum- "
bago Company," composed of Thomas Brown, of Phil-
adelphia, James Cope and J. L. Moyer, of Beading,
began the manufacture of plumbago in November,
1880. They occupy a four-story frame building, with
an invested capital of $30,000, and have five acres of
land, upon which the ore- vein measures from 3 to 13
feet in width. From 30 to 35 men are employed..
The superintendent is John Hackett.
IRON ORB.
There is yet considerable ore in the iron mines of
High Bridge, and, although the Thomas Iron Com-
pany, controlling the greater share of them, are not
working them at present, various parties are getting
out ore at various places, the most extensive work
being done by a New York firm near High Bridge
village.
' *»» â–
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JACOB ORE GAR..
Jacob Cregar was born in Lebanon (now High
Bridge) township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., March 29,.
1821. He is a son of Andrew and Charity (Voorhees)
Cregar. His grandfather, John Cregar, was an early
JACOB CREGAR.
settler in the vicinity of High Bridge, where he owned
several farms. He died on the place now owned by
Mr. Conover, adjoining the borough of Clinton, leav-
ing sons John, William, Andrew, and Peter and
daughters, Polly, Elizabeth, and Catharine.
Andrew Cregar, the father of Jacob, was born near
Clinton, and resided there with his father till after
his marriage, when he bought the farm where Jacob
now resides near the village of High Bridge. He had
a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four
daughters, five of whom (four sons and one daughter)
are living, to wit, Peter, Andrew, Elias V., Jacob,
and Eliza Ann, wife of Dennis Balbey, of Indiana.
Jacob Cregar was born and brought up on the farm
532
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
where lie now resides. He married Mary Catharine,
daughter of George Neighbour, of Lower Valley, Leb-
anon township, and has had six children, three sons
and three daughters, four of whom are living, viz.,
George N., who married Emily Ann Haver, and lives
on the homestead farm ; Mary Elizabeth, who mar-
ried Oliver Fritts, farmer near Hamden ; Isaac L.,
who married Susan Hummer, of High Bridge ; and
Susan E., wife of Cyrus Bird, of Union township.
Mr. Cregar followed farming from boyhood till the
spring of 1877, when he transferred the farm to his
sons, still keeping a general oversight of the business.
Besides the farm on which he lives, he bought another,
where his son Isaac now lives, in 1878. He has now
three farms, including two hundred and sixty-five
acres, under a good state of improvement and culti-
vation. Since retiring from active farming, Mr. Cre-
gar occupies his time chiefly in looking after his in-
vestments and other business interests., He is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a
Republican, though he has neither sought nor held
office.
DAVID NEIGHBOUR, ESQ.
In the year 1705 a colony, having left their native
home in Saxony, "between Wolfenbottle and Halber-
stadt," fleeing from oppression, in 1707, sailed from
Holland to America. By adverse \vinds they were
driven south, and entered the Dfelaware Bay and
landed at Philadelphia. Determined not to relin-
quish their original purpose, to join the Dutch at
New Amsterdam (New York City), they set out on a
land journey across the then wilderness of New Jer-
sey, and fell upon the goodly land known as German
Valley, where they resolved to settle.
Among these pilgrims were Leonhard Nachbar and
his future wife, Miria Margareta, the great-grand-
parents of David Neighbour, Esq.
From tombstones in the old churchyard in German
Valley we take the following record :
" Leonhard Nachbar, who departed this life August
the 26th, 1766, Aged 68 years and 3 months. "
"Miria Margareta, the wife of L. N., who died No-
vember the 17th, 1770, aged 72 years and 3 months. "
These were the parents of Leonhard Nachbar, who
died in 1805. This Leonhard was the father of Leon-
hard, Jr., who died in 1854, and was the father of
David. David was born in German Valley, on the
farm now owned by his son Silas, Nov. 25, 1797, and
is the fifth in a family of six sons and four daughters.
At the age of twelve he entered the store of Welsh
& Dellicker, on Schooley's Mountain, as clerk, and
at twenty-one became partner with Mr. Dellicker,
where he remained until 1823.
In 1823 he removed to Lower Valley, Hunterdon
Co., where he established a store and carried on the
mercantile business, in connection with his farm, until
1852. In the latter year he quit the store, continuing
on the farm till 1859, when he went to New York
City, where he spent eight years, and then returned
to the old homestead, where he now resides.
He was married thrice : in 1820 to Miss Ann
Hance, of Schooley's Mountain ; the second wife
was Mrs. Elizabeth Trimmer, of German Valley, who
died in 1857 ; tod the third was Mrs. Elizabeth Chi-
chester, of New York. The first marriage was blessed
with six sons and one daughter, and all except one
are living.
The esteem in which he is held has been frequently
evinced. In 1837 and 1838 he was elected to the As-
sembly, and in 1844 a member of the convention from
Hunterdon County to frame the new constitution for
New Jersey, and for thirteen years held the office of
town treasurer.
In the church, the Presbytery of Newton elected
him in 1846 and in 1859 to represent it in the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at its sessions
in Philadelphia and Indianapolis, Tnd. He always
was a faithful elder in attendance on the sessions of
Presbytery and Synod. His sterling character is
known and read of all acquaintances and friends.
Of the advantages of early education he says, " It
was after the A, B, C character, the simplest kind ;
almost next to nothing." One fact is worth recording
for general history, as it marks the changes : at the
close of each quarter of school, custom demanded
that the schoolmaster treat the scholars to a quart of
whisky and sugar, or be barred out or smoked in. In
his school-days this law was executed.
David, being blessed with superior natural gifts,
however, and by diligence and improving every op-
portunity, qualified himself to discharge the private
and public duties and trusts reposed in him.
For about fifty years he was a constant supporter
of the German Valley Presbyterian Church, and for
over forty of these years scarcely ever missed a
Sabbath from the sanctuary, although he lived six
miles from the church. Stormy Sabbaths were un-
known days to him and his family. As a pillar in the
church, the pastors found in him a man on whom they
could rely. Through his energy, wise counsels, and
Christian spirit, the neat and commodious Presby-
terian church and manse of Lower Valley were
erected. In every good work his Christian liberality
has abounded.
In the autumn of 1877 children and grandchildren,
neighbors, and friends gathered at the old homestead,
and appropriately celebrated the completion of his
fourscore years.
Had those native talents received an academic
training, he would have been a marked man in the
world. But it was not so ordered. By fidelity and
perseverance he carved out for himself a life which
has borne good fruit for his family, the church of
God, and the commonwealth. He now enjoys vigor
of body and mind remarkablfe for men of his age.
Although in his eighty-fourth year, his "eye is not
dim nor his natural force abated."
c^^JSy/U^'^^^ y/Cj;-^x^l^^!><:^/i^
o L I isr T o ]sr.
The township of Clinton, lying a little to the north-
east of the centre of Hunterdon County, contained in
1880 a population of 2133 and had within its limits
170 farms. Its boundaries are High Bridge and
Tewksbury on the north, Earitan and Eeadington on
the south, Eeadington on the east, Clinton village and
Franklin township on the west, the South Branch of
the Earitan separating it from the latter.
Clinton is traversed through its northern part
by the New Jersey Central Eailroad, and touched on
the west by the Easton and Amboy Eailroad. An-
nandale and- Lebanon are small villages and stations
on the line of the Central, but two miles apart. Lime-
stone deposits of value abound, and lime-burning is a
consequent industry.
Bound Valley is a marked feature in the land-
scape. Passing southward from Lebanon station, the
traveler enters it after a journey of perhaps a mile,
and sees before him a spot famous in a traditionary
and natural way. The valley, shut in on every side
by hills, occupies a nearly circular space, measuring
about three miles in one direction and two in another,
and containing upwards of 3000 acres. Pickel's and
Cushetunk Mountains are at the northern and eastern
boundaries, on the west is a chain of low hills, and
on the south Eound Mountain.
Although Clinton is richly agricultural and pro-
duces largely of wheat and corn, much dependence is
fixed upon stock-raising and the production of milk.
EARLY HISTORY.
According to the best obtainable authorities, the
township was first peopled in the vicinity of Lebanon
and at Eound Valley, and it would appear that Ger-
mans were among the earliest, if not themselves the
first, settlers. The German Valley, which spreads
over the territory now occupied by Lebanon, was en-
tered by a colony of Germans as early as 1707, who
soon spread up and down the valleys of northern Hun-
terdon, but congregated most thickly, doubtless, in
German Valley, wherefore the name. Many gathered
about Lebanon, but to-day their descendants are scat-
tered, and just who were the earliest settlers at that
place cannot be positively stated, although between
1768 and 1771 the inhabitants of that region included
the families of Peter Elscher, John Eodenbough (then
written Eothenbach), Peter Huffman, Peter Sharp-
stein, John Huffman, the Pickels, Hummers, Beckers,
Kas, Luneburgs, Hinderscheits (written now Hender-
schott), Epschers, Laus, Diltz, Schurtz, Ten Eycks,
Kramers, Ohlbachs, Schencks, Meyers, Eichs, Van
Horns, Gerhards, Humerichs, Schumachers, Enders,
Withauers, Hebers, Hochstenbachs, Schaffers, Belers,
Fishers, Wetters, Mils, Eeits, Kleins, Dufurs, Kru-
gers, Kribs, Eckers, Bittesfelds, Philips, Papetchers,
Stadels, and Schneiders.
From a deed now in the possession of A. E. Sander-
son, of Flemington, it appears that in 1711 the West
New Jersey Society caused to be surveyed certain ter-
ritory in Hunterdon County, N. J., since known as the
society's great tract. Of this tract James Alexander
purchased 10,000 acres in 1744, his purchase including
the whole of the Eound Valley and surrounding moun-
tains, reaching northward beyond Lebanon village,
westward to Bray's Hill, and eastward well-nigh to
White House. About Lebanon his purchases aggre-
gated 2000 acres, which he was to hold in trust for
Anthony White, to whom Alexander's heirs conveyed
it upon Alexander's death, in 1755. Alexander's
heirs were William, Lord Stirling, Peter Van Brug
Livingston and Mary, his wife, Walter Eutherford
and Catharine, his wife, John Stevens and Elizabeth,
his wife, and Susanna Alexander.*
The Alexander mansion stood upon portion of the
farm now owned by Peter T. Haver. It had a fine
location, and to it the patriotic members of the fam-
ilies of Stirling, Livingston, Eutherford, and Stevens
hastened for refuge when hard pressed by British
enemies. In that mansion Edwin A. Stevens, the
New Jersey railway pioneer, was born, and there
also, says tradition, Livingston, the associate of Eob-
ert Fulton, was a frequent visitor. In the Provincial
Congress of New Jersey, held August, 1775, the repre-
sentatives included EalphHart, Jacob Jennings, Eich-
ard Stevens, and John Stevens, Jr., of Eound Valley.
Among the earliest settlers were Peter Haver, William
Eick, Morris Welch, and Abraham Voorhees. The
name of Eick does not present itself among those now
resident in the valley, but there one may still find
numerous descendants of the Haver, Welch, and
Voorhees families.
The Cregars were, and still are, a famous family.
John Cregar was the first of his name to locate in
Clinton, and since his day the Cregars have greatly
multiplied not only in Clinton, but in all Hunterdon.
Five of his granddaughters are still living in Hun-
terdon County whose combined ages reach the sum
of upward of 400 years. Their names are Mrs. Wil-
liam Yauger, Mrs. J. S. Cramer, Mrs. Archibald
* " First Century of Hunterdon County,
' George S. Mott, D.D.
533
534
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
HufiFman, Mrs. P. H. Huffman, and Mrs. William
Hackett.
Among the early settlers in the vicinity of the
valley were two brothers, Abram and John Shurts.
A deed still extant testifies that Abram Shurts bought
from William Coxe, of Philadelphia, in 1761, a piece
of land on the South Branch of the Raritan, and his
brother John owned a place adjoining. Part of the
old Abram Shurts farm is now owned and occupied
by Emanuel Fritts. John Shurts willed his property
to his son, known as "Big" Michael Shurts, who built
the first grist-mill near the Round Valley. It stood
on Prescott Brook, and near there he had also a dis-
tillery. " Little" Michael Shurts, a distant relative,
owned a farm adjoining him, and also a distillery.
John Dawes, a Quaker, had a mill on Prescott Brook
near where Jonathan Dawes now lives. Old John
Dawes was famous in his day as a mediator between
disputants and as an esteemed authority.
Just above Dawes was Benjamin Lowe, an elder
and trustee of the Bethlehem Church. Years before
that, even, John Lowe came to the valley from Ger-
many.
Mr. J. A. Young, of Clinton village, says that his
great-grandfather, George Young, came from Ger-
many and settled in the Round Valley at a time when
there was no grist-mill nearer to him than on the
Raritan, six miles west of New Brunswick. There
were then no roads for wagons, but only trails through
the woods.
One of the most widely known of the families early
in Clinton township was the Grandin family, of whom
Philip was the head. Probably in 1760, or mayhap
before, Philip and his brother John purchased a tract
of about 1000 acres lying on the South Branch of the
Raritan and reaching eastward. It covered the site
of the village of Hamden, and was long known as
the Hamden tract. The brothers Grandin built on
the river a grist-mill and a fulling-mill, and opened a
store, all at the place now called Hamden. They
lived in the same house, on the place latterly occu-
pied by Joseph Fritts. At his death Philip's prop-
erty passed to his two sons, Philip and John F. The
former acquired the mills and the homestead, and in
a little while (about 1790) induced a man named Ab-
bott to open a tavern there. The place, which was
known as Grandin's Mills and Grandin's Town, was
on a route of considerable travel, and " Grandin's
Tavern" came to be recognized as an excellent halt-
ing place.
John Grandin about 1775 built the house now oc-
cupied by his son John. It was considered a great
house in those days. The lumber used was pitch pine
and came from Monmouth County. This mansion
was noted for its inviting and cheering welcome, and
social reunions were frequent within its hospitable
walls. Dr. Grandin was likewise a famous physician,
and from 1783 to 1811 (the period of his death) he rode
over Hunterdon's hills for twenty-eight years. Dr.
H. B. Poole was his successor as the Hamden phy-
sician, although he tarried only from 1823 to 1826.
In 1862, John F. Grandin, son to John Grandin and
grandson to the first Dr. John, entered upon medical
practice at Hamden, and remains in practice there to
this day.*
John Van Fleet and John Smith were early settlers
in the Grandin neighborhood, and just east of there
Peter Aller gave to the locality of his settlement the
name of Allertown, by which it is still known. Peter
AUer's son Henry was justice of the peace.
Mathias Cramer, the first of his name to settle in
Clinton township, located before the Revolution upon
the farm now occupied by his grandson, John S. Cra-
mer. Mathias was taken one day during the Revo-
lution from his home to Jones' tavern by Adam Run-
kel and Peter Aller, who sought to induce him to
enter the Federal service. Mr. Cramer, however, was
enfeebled with consumption, and, that fact becoming
speedily apparent to an army surgeon, he ordered
Cramer's release. From that time forward he declined
rapidly in health, and died in 1783.
Tunis Cramer lived before 1800 in an old log house
now standing on what is known as the Runkel place,
just south of J. S. Cramer's, and in that log house
Adam Runkel made his home at an early day. John
Emery (a distiller), John W. Sharp, Henry Huffman,
and Hugh Martin lived early in that vicinity, but the
information to be gleaned touching them is at this
late day exceedingly meagre.
TURNPIKE, TAVERNS, MILLS, Etc.
The Easton and New Brunswick turnpike (some-
times called the New Jersey pike), passing through
Clinton towship, via Clinton village and Lebanon,
was in its day a famous thoroughfare. Although the
route was made a turnpike under a charter in 1812,
there was a road over essentially the course now occu-
pied by the old pike long before that time, and there
were taverns and other signs of busy life upon it.
John S. Cramer remembers that in 1812, when he was
a lad of fourteen, he assisted in "working" the portion
of that road passing through the neighborhood of
what is now the village of Annandale. He recalls
also having been told that that road was considerably
traveled as early as 1776, and that in that year the
stone house now occupied by Elijah Stout was built,
as was also the house now owned by John Race.
The Stout house was opened in 1776 as a tavern by a
Mr. Jones.
Before or about 1812, George Henry was landlord,
and in 1812 took a contract to gravel the road between
Beaver Brook and Hunt's Mills. Peter Fisher suc-
ceeded Henry in 1816, and Gen. Hope took it, in 1830,
to turn it over, however, in 1831, to John C. Wert,
its last landlord, who continued to conduct its fortunes
until the completion of the Central Railroad, in 1852,
put a veto upon the glory of the pike.
* See biographical Aetches at close of this township history.
CLINTON.
535
In 1816 or 1817, Henry Miller and Nathan Stiger
opened a store on the pike where Mr. Boyd now lives.
Farther along to the eastward, David Fraser (an Irish-
man and surveyor) kept a store in 1798, near the present
John Fulkerson place, and across the way Richard (or
â– "Derrick") Anderson had a little shop. John Ful-
kerson, who learned his trade at Somerville, started
a blacksmith-shop on the pike in 1821 near Beaver
Brook. There was an old blacksmith-shop near Peter
Huffman's, on the road to Allertown, in which Wil-
liam Jewett was the smith. "William Johnson suc-
ceeded Fraser in the latter's store, and, after him,
Peter Ten Eyck (who married Fraser's widow) carried
on the business as long as the store lasted.
Wm. Johnson built a store on Bray's Hill, and
kept post-office there as early as 1820. Before that
Andrew Bray had a tannery there, and afterward J.
W. Bray a distillery. Soon after 1820, John Henry
opened a tavern east of Johnson's store.
Gen. Hope was at one time concerned in the own-
ership and management of the stage-line, and, among
others, his son William was one of the most famous
whips known to the road. On the pike in Clinton
there were the Hope tavern, at Clinton village, and
the Ramsey tavern, at Potterstown, where a Ramsey
kept also a store. The store- and tavern have been
from the outset in possession of the Ramseys. James
Ramsey, the first of that family in Hunterdon County,
settled in Readington about 1790, at which time An-
drew Van Syckel settled at Potterstown. In 1800,
James Ramsey, Jr., son to James, located in Clinton,
adjoining another son, Alexander. On the Alexander
Ramsey farm now lives Nelson Ramsey, son to the
James Ramsey last mentioned. On the pike just
east of Lebanon was a grist-mill, owned in 1812 by
Peter Huffman, who bought it of "Big" Michael
Shurts, doubtless the builder. Peter Huffman owned
also, in 1812, a mill on Beaver Brook, near where
Annandale now is, and shortly afterwards bought
Michael Shurts' Prescott Brook mill. Peter Huffman
owned these three mills at one time.
On and near the pike, close to Clinton village,
William Yauger settled in 1823, John Race in 1823,
David Miller in 1826, and Adam Stiger in 1833.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
Clinton township was organized by act of Legisla-
ture, dated March 11, 1841, from a portion of Leba-
non township, as will more fully appear by reference
to a copy of the act, which appears below. Clearly,
the township was called after Clinton village, which
lay within the limits of the township, and which
began its existence in 1828. To whom belongs the
honor of having suggested the name cannot now be
said, nor is it, perhaps, historically important to know.
Under act approved March 29, 1871, a portion of
Clinton was set off to High Bridge, and by act ap-
proved the same day, "that portion of the township of
Tewksbury lying and being southeast from where
a straight line running from the point where the
townships of Tewksbury and High Bridge intersect
each other, at the end of the fifth course in, the act
creating the township of High Bridge, to an arch
bridge over Cold Brook, in a line between the town-
ships of Tewksbury and Readington," was annexed
to the township of Clinton.
The act organizing Clinton is as follows :
" An ^ctio set off from the township of Lebanon, in the county of Kunterdonf
a new township, to be called the township of Clinton.
Section 1. Be it enacted, That all that part of the township of Leba- "
non, in the county of Hunterdon, lying to the southward of the following
line, to wit, beginning on the north Bide of a certain bridge over
Spruce Run, near the buildings of William Alpaugh, and at a point
where said bridge is crossed by the line dividing the township of Lebanon
from the townsliip of Bethlehem, and running thence on a northeasterly
course, and in a direct line, across the said township of Lebanon to the
southeasterly corner of a school-house, situate on the lands of Frederick
I. Huffman, near the Tewksbui-y line, and thence, continuing on the same
course, to the line dividing the township of Lebanon from the township
of Tewksbury, and to end there, shall be, and the same is hereby, set off
from said township of Lebanon, and established as a separate township,
to be called the township of Clinton."
Section 2, of the above act, gave to the " inhabitants
of the township of Clinton all the powers and privileges
enjoyed by the other townships of the county." Sec-
tion 3 provided that the first annual town-meeting
should be held at the inn of John C. Wert. Section
4, that the town committees of the two townships
should allot and divide all property and moneys on
hand or due between the townships of Lebanon and
Clinton " in proportion to the taxable property and
ratables" of each ; Section 5 relates to the support of
paupers ; and Section 6 declares " that this act shall
take effect on the second Monday in April next, and
not before."
In conformity with the provisions of the act, the in-
habitants of the township met at the inn of John C.
Wert, the second Monday in April, 1841, and then
and there elected the following officers : Moderator,
John Rockafellow ; Town Clerk, David B. Huffman ;
Assessor, Lucas Voorhees ; Collector, John Lowe ;
Commissioners of Appeal, Peter H. Huffman, John
Rockafellow, and Michael Shurts ; Freeholders, Peter
H. Huffman and John Rockafellow ; Highway Sur-
veyors, Thomas B. Apgar and David M. Kline ; Town
Committee, Peter H. Huffman, John Rockafellow,
George Alpaugh, and John H. Huffman ; Overseers
of the Poor, John H. Cregar and Lucas Voorhees ;
Constable, Mahlon Smith; Poundkeepers, John C.
Wert, Charles Menau, and Joseph Cougle; School
Committee, William G. Alpaugh, Peter Haver, Peter
Emery.
It was voted to raise $800 road-tax, $600 poor-tax,
and that the roads be worked by tax. Overseers of
highways were appointed as follows : John A. Apgar,
John H. Huffman, Aaron Groff, George S. Shurts,
Henry Rockafellow, Godfrey Emery, Simon Kinny,
Peter Apgar, Sr., Henry Stiger, John Demott, Wil-
liam Butler, John H. Cregar, Lucas Voorhees, John
T. Huffman, John A. Quick, Nelson Bennett, Peter
536
HUNTEKDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Yauger, William Hackett. At a meeting of the town
committee, April 17, 1841, at the inn of Charles
Menau,. John Rockafellow was elected treasurer.
The persons chosen annually from 1842 to 1880 to
be moderators, town clerks, assessors, and collectors
are named in the following :*
MODERATOES.
1842-44, J. Eockafellow; ] 845-48, J. H. Huffman; 1849, W. Emery;
1850-63, J. H. Huffman ; 1864^55, J. R. Kline ; 1856-62, T. H. Eis-
ler; 1863, P. A. Beavers; 1864,t P. F. Hoffman ; 1865-68, W. Cregar;
1869, I. Hummer; 1870, P. P. Hoffman; 1871-73, L, L. Grippen;
1874, J. Pritts; 1875-77, L. L. Grippen ; 1878-79, S. Kadley; 1880, A.
"W. Lowe.
CLERKS.
1842-43, D. B, Huffman ; 1844-46, W. Emery ; 1847-49, M. Shnrts ; 1850-
53, J. H. Rockafeller ; 1854^61, P. A. Beavers ; 1862-66, A. E. Sander-
son; 1867-69, J. S. Clark; 1870, P. T. Haver; 1871-73, B. B. Tine;
1874-76, J. Shurts ; 1877-78, N. W. Hoffman ; 1879-80, P. Eocka-
fellow.
ASSESSOES.
1842-43, A. BelliB ; 1844-45, P. P. Huffman ; 1846-47, J. M. Webster ;
1848-49, T. Eisler; 1850-51, M. Shurts; 1862-53, P. P. Huffman;
1854, A. McCoy ; 1855-56, J. H. Eockafellow ; 1857-58, N, Hoffman ;
1859-60, S. Carhart; 1861-02, D.K.Hoffman; 1863-65, M. Shurts;
1866-67, G. N. Apgar; 1868-09, M. Shurts; 1870, W. Lance; 1871,
D. E. Potts; 1872-73, J. B. Cougle ; 1874-75, B. B. Tine; 1876, N. "
Hoflinan ; 1877-80, G. N. Apgar.
COLLECTORS.
1842-43, J. P. Tauger; 1844, G. R. Emery; 1845-48, G. A. Apgar; 1849-
50, W. S. Welsh ; 1851-52, P. Eockafellow ; 1853-54, P. Fritts ; 1855-
67, J. N. Stoor; 1858-69, J. Cox ; 1860-61, J. Mcaoughen; 1862-64
G. A. Apgar ; 1865-60, P. Rockafellow ; 1867-68, D. E. Potts; 1869-^
70, W. Cregar ; 1871-72, J. S. Clark ; 1873-74, A. Van Syckel ; 1875-
76, S. H. Leigh; 1877-80, N. Hilderbrant.
LEBANON VILLAGE.
As early as 1820 or thereabout there was on Bray's
HiU a post-office named Lebanon, of which the post-
master was William Johnson, who also kept a store.
Southeast from there something more than a mile is
now the village of Lebanon, then occupied by "a
commons," according to the language of a present
dweller in Lebanon then familiar with that locality.
William Huffman was then living in a log house on
the site of Eev. Robert Van Amburgh's residence,
and about that time, or perhaps shortly thereafter,
one John Tway had a blacksmith-shop near the
brook just west of the old graveyard at Lebanon.
The Easton and New Brunswick turnpike then tra-
versed the route now followed by Church Street, and
on that road, about 1825, David M. Kline opened a
store near where the Dutch Reformed church now
stands. There was a brick church in the old grave-
yard, and there, also, was the house of Jacob Corson,
a tailor.
About 1827, William Johnson, the storekeeper and
postmaster on Bray's Hill, died, and, no one succeed-
ing to his business, the post-office was transferred to
David M. Kline. In that year the Easton and New
Brunswick turnpike was straightened at Lebanon,
and Kline moved his store over to the line of the
* For Chosen Freeholders see page 264 of this work,
t Office of Judge of Elections substituted.
road, upon the site now occupied by S. J. Shurts'
store, which contains the original structure built by
Kline. Tway, the blacksmith, had also built a stone
house upon the new road, and near it a stone smithy.
The house he converted into a tavern, and, being a
staunch admirer of Gen. Jackson, not only called his
tavern the Jacksonville Hotel, but christened the
place by that name, and tried hard to have the post-
office title changed to suit the case, but, as there was
a Jacksonville in Burlington County, the scheme
miscarried, and Lebanon after a time replaced Jack-
sonville as the village name, that territory being then
in Lebanon township. The tavern opened by Tway
still standing opposite the present village inn was
kept by him until 1830; then, transferring its pos-
session to Austin Clark, he opened a store, the
second in the village.
To follow the post-office succession, it may be
briefly stated that Kline was succeeded by John
Tway, after whom came Adam Bellis, the harness-
maker ; Samuel Clark, storekeeper ; Henry Dilley,
the shoemaker; and David K. Hoffman, the present
incumbent. Mail was from the first received daily
by stages over the Easton and New Brunswick pike.
Lebanon of the present is located upon the New
Jersey Central Railroad, and contained in July, 1880,
a population of 314. It boasts of two fine churches,
an excellent public school, and many pleasant-looking
homes. Lebanon station is a milk-shipping point for
a large dairying district.
LEBANON DUTCH REFORMED CHDEOH.
The history of the Dutch Reformed Church of Leb-
anon goes back farther than recorded testimony takes
it, but just how much farther is pure conjecture. The
oldest church records extant begin with 1769, while
other documentary evidence, traveling back to 1747,
cites the fact that in that year there was a church at
Lebanon. The presumption is that the early settlers
in Bound Valley and at Lebanon set up a temple as
early as 1740, and conducted worship according to the
forms of the German Reformed Church. They built a
log church, and presently laid out about it a church-
yard or burial-place. The old graveyard still marks
the spot, but no church stands there. The old log
house was replaced by a frame edifice in 1780, and in
1817 a large brick church was reared upon the site. Its
foundation-walls are still there, but the structure it-
self parted company with the graveyard in 1854, in
which year the present roomy and handsome temple
was erected at a cost of $6000.
In 1746 the Church of Holland appointed a Swiss
minister to visit America as an exploring and super-
intending missionary to look after the numerous
Dutch Reformed Churches and supply them with
ministers, Bibles, and such help as they needed gen-
erally. His name was Michael Schlatter, and, fortu-
nately for the historian, he kept a journal of his
American experience. In it he wrote:
CLINTON.
537
" On the 3d of July, 1747, 1 received a very earnest letter from the con-
gregations at Rockaway (Lebanon), Fox Hill, and Amwell, in the region
of the Baritan, distant abont 70 miles from Philadelphia.'*' They urge
me with the strongest motives yea, they pray me for God's salce to pay
them a visit, that I may administer to them the Lord's Supper, and by
baptism incorporate their children with the church, who have already,
during three or more years, remained without baptism. November 13th
of that year I undertook a journey to those congregations, and on the
14th came to Rockaway (Lebanon). Here I received twenty young
persons into the church after they had made a profession of the faith,
preached a preparatory sermon on the 15th, and on the following day ad-
rainistered the Holy Supper in a small church to an attentive and reverent
assembly. "
Schlatter repeated these visits twice during 1748,
once in 1749, and once in 1750. In the latter year he
wrote to the Church of Holland respecting the con-
gregations at Fox Hill and Lebanon that " these im-
plore earnestly that God may at length send forth a
faithfiil laborer into this harvest." In response to
that request, John Conrad Wirtz, who had been
preaching in the neighborhood of Easton, was sent to
take charge of the churches at Lebanon and in the
German Valley, and served them continuously for
eleven years. In 1761 he was succeeded by Rev. Cas-
par Michael Stapfel. He remained only a year, but
left behind him a remarkably excellent impression.
For a period of nine years after Mr. Stapfel's re-
tirement, the Lebanon Church was dependent upon
irregular and uncertain services, and did not have
regular worship until 1770, when Rev. Frederick Del-
licker, who had for some time been laboring at Am-
well, took charge of the churches at Lebanon, Ger-
man VaUey, Fox Hill, and Alexandria, and remained
with them until 1782. His successor was Rev. Cas-
par Wack, who began his labors in 1782 and closed
them in 1812. To the close of Mr. Wack's pastor-
ate these churches were German Reformed, and in
them the preaching had nearly always been con-
ducted in the German language save towards the close
of it, when he spoke mostly in English. Upon his
departure the churches named were neglected by the
German Synod, and in a brief time were absorbed by
other denominations, the Lebanon Church becoming
Dutch Reformed and the others Presbyterian.
The records of the Lebanon Church make no men-
tion of members' names previous to 1817, although
they do observe the organization of the church to
have taken place in 1762. Nevertheless, no further
observation takes place therein until the first record
of births and baptisms, under date of 1768. In 1817,
as gleaned from the records, the church members
were 52 in number, and of these 25 were females.
The names of the 27 male members were John Lowe,
John W. Alpaugh, George Cramer, George Apgar,
Henry Aller, John I. Alpaugh, Peter Huffman, Chris-
topher Baker, Jacob Nitzer, Peter Apgar, John Huff-
man, John Alpaugh, Herman Lance, George Young,
Caspar Backer, Morris Sharp, Cornelius J. Lowe,
* Schlatter was then in charge of the old German Reformed Church
at Philadelphia.
36
Caspar Lunenburg, Frederick J. Huffman, William
Alpaugh, David M. Kline, William Yauger, John
Haas, Andrew Van Syckel, Nicholas Wyckoff, David
Canfield, Abram Blue.
Since 1812 the pastors of the church have been
Rev. Jacob I. Shultz, 1816-32; Rev. C. P. Wack,
1833-iO ; Rev. Robert Van Amburgh, 1840-48 ; Rev.
John Steele, 1848-53 ; Rev. Robert Van Amburgh,
1853-70 ; Rev. W. B. Van Benchoten, 1870-73 ; Rev.
Joseph B. Campbell, 1873-75 ; Rev. S. W. Roe, D.D.,
1875 to the present time (1881). The church has now
a membership of 347, representing 200 families.
There are four Sabbath-schools in connection with
the church, aggregating a membership of upwards of
200, and located at four different points in the town-
ship. The school at Lebanon employs 12 teachers,
and is in charge of J. N. Groendycke. The church
elders are James Ramsey, Moses Felmy, John A. Ap-
gar, Jr., and James Van Syckel. The deacons are
Morris Conover, George Winters, Jackson Cramer,
and David Rhinehart.
LEBANON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1870, Rev. Mr. Fort organized a Methodist Epis-
copal Class in the Bray's Hill school-house with about
a dozen members, of whom John E. Tiger was the
class-leader. In 1872 the locale was changed to Leb-
anon, and there a house of worship was built, the cost
being about $6000. Since removing to Lebanon the
church has been served in the pastorate by Revs.
Searles, Taylor, Van Zandt, Fall, and Tyndall. The
class-leaders have been John E. Tiger and George
Stout. The Sunday-school superintendent is J. C.
Cramer.
PHYSICIANS OF LEBANON.
Henry Field, the first physician recorded as haviiig
located at Lebanon, lived there only during 1832,
when, removing to Clinton, he practiced there until
his death. George Trumpore was at Lebanon from
1842 to 1845, and, removing to Essex, remained away
until 1856. He tarried in Lebanon two years after
that, and disappeared. J. W. Blackfan, residing a
little way out of the village, began to practice in
1845, and to the present day has continued steadily to
pursue his professional labors. Robert Fenwick was
a physician at Lebanon, 1856-58 ; Byron Thornton,
1857-59 ; Henry Salter, between 1850 and 1860 ;' and
Aaron Burgess, 1859-61. Fenwick moved to New
York, Thornton to Germantown, Salter to Iowa, and
Burgess to Pennsylvania. Alexander Barclay occu-
pied the field from 1862 to 1866, and J. R. Todd from
1866 to 1871. Todd came back in 1872 and remained
until his death, in 1876. William Knight was at Leb-
anon from 1871 to 1872, and Sanford Roe from 1877
to 1879, his present field being in Schoharie Co., N. Y.
Lebanon's only resident physician in November,
1880, was Abram Jones, who had been in the village
since 1876.
538
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
VILLAGE OF ANNANDALE.
Annandale, containing in July, 1880, a population
of 380, is a station on the New Jersey Central Eail-
road, and consequently a place of more or less activity.
Eighteen passenger-trains stop each twenty-four
hours, while the freight- and coal-trains are innumer-
able. Lime-kilns in the vicinity supply the country
round about and furnish annually 200 cars of lime.
The railway shipments of milk average annually
eighty cans per day, while the receipts by rail of lum-
ber, coal, and malt amount to a handsome exhibit.
The village took its rise simultaneously with the
completion of the New Jersey Central Railroad, June
20, 1852. N. N. Boeman, a tavern-keeper at White
House, George M. Freeh, the station-agent at that
point, Jacob Young, a merchant, and James Kenna
and Thomas Kinney, railway employees, moved from
White House to occupy Clinton Station (as Annan-
dale was called). Freeh was transferred to that point
to be the station-agent, Boeman went there to put up
a tavern, Young to build a store and begin trading,
Kinney and Kenna to work for the railway company.
Upon their arrival they found the present site occu-
pied by the farms of the widow of Peter Young, the
widow Jane Huffman, and John H. Cregar. Boeman
purchased the first village lot, and built thereon the
present village tavern, of which he was the landlord
from 1852 to 1879. Freeh, the railroad agent, lived
in the station-building erected in 1852, and Jacob
Young, losing no time, built a store and grain ware-
house. July 4, 1852, the first through-train for pas-
sengers from New York to Easton passed Clinton
Station.
The village bore the name of Clinton Station until
1873, when the then president of the Central Eailroad,
John T. Johnston, suggested the present name upon
being requested to re-christen the place. The pre-
sumption seems to be that he called it after a town in
his own native Scotland. The only resident physician
the town ever had was William Knight, now of Clin-
ton, who practiced from 1872 to 1878. Theodore
Eisler was the first village postmaster, and was suc-
ceeded in turn by Josiah Cole and John Lair. Be-
sides the ordinary village enterprises, Annandale has
a sash-and-blind-factory, whose proprietors, B. E.
Young & Co., carry on also a large lumber trade.
THE EEFOEMBD PEOTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH.
Annandale has had but one church organization,
and that has continued to flourish. There was a meet-
ing of the people of the village, June 1, 1866, to nomi-
nate oficers of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church
to be formed at Clinton Station. Rev. Robert Van
Amburgh presided and George M. Freeh was chosen
clerk, whereupon Archibald Huffman and John H.
Cregar were chosen elders and George M. Freeh and
George H. Rowland deacons. June 28, 1866, Revs.
James Le Fever, Robert Van Amburgh, and P. P. M.
Doolittle, with Elders Frederick Frelinghuysen and
John A. Apgar, met to organize the church. On that
occasion Archibald Huffman, Mary Huffman, John
H. Cregar, Anna Cregar, George H. Rowland, Mercy
Rowland, George M. Freeh, and Barbara Freeh pre-
sented certificates of dismission from the Reformed
Protestant Dutch Church of Lebanon, and were or-
ganized as the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of
Clinton Station. April 20, 1867, an addition of sev-
enteen was made to the membership, and in 1868 the
present house of worship was built.
Rev. J. A. Van Dorn, who preached as supply at
the first, was on Sept. 9, 1869, called to be the stated
pastor. He resigned April 8, 1873, and was succeeded
by Rev. Robert Van Amburgh, to whom, Nov. 12,
1877, followed Rev. George H. Cleaveland, the present
pastor.
The church membership, November, 1880, was 111.
The deacons were Andrew B. Lare, John Prugh, J.
S. Wyckoff, and Millard Prugh ; the elders, William
B. Lare, I. C. Harvey, N. P. Wyckoff, and William H.
Yauger; superintendent of Sunday-school, B. E.
Young.
ALLERTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Methodist Episcopal services were doubtless held
at Alleirtown early in the nineteenth century, but his-
torical recollections are meagre for want of testimony.
It is known, however, that a Methodist church was
built at AUertown in 1822, upon land donated by
Henry Aller, and that in 1830 or thereabouts Revs.
Winner and Atwood were preachers. There was no
Methodist Sunday-school there then, but there was
one conducted by the Presbyterians, which, in charge
of John Lowe, had weekly sessions in the AUertown
school-house. In 1875 the old church edifice was re-
placed with the fine structure now standing upon its
site. Since the beginning the church organization
has steadily prospered, and has now a membership ot
about 200. The pastor is Rev. Mr. Mead, who holds
weekly services. The Sunday-school superintendent
is Benjamin Fritts. Referring briefly to the old
church built in 1822, it may be of interest to observe
that it was constructed mainly by the contributions
in labor and material furnished by the members,
and that among those most prominent in church
affairs then were Jeremiah Huff, Nathaniel Atchley,
George Alpaugh, and John Green.
BURIAL-PLACES.
Doubtless the oldest graves to be found in Clinton
township are in the old graveyard at Lebanon, but no
evidence remains to prove the assertion, since many of
those oldest graves are without headstones, while such
as are thus marked boast no legible legends. There is
an old burial-place on the John Fulkerson place, near
Annandale, but, save in the cases of two graves that
have been especially cared for, the resting-places of
the dead in that spot are unmarked except by here
and there a fragment of a headstone. The two graves
CLINTON.
539
alluded to are those of Hugh Martin and Martha, his
brother's wife. About these graves David Fraser
years ago built a stone wall, which fronts the high-
way. Martha Martin's grave is designated by a plain
slab, upon which is written :
" Here lies the body of Martha, 'wife of Alexander Martin, who died
May 11, 1753, aged 74. "
Over flugh Martin's grave is a white marble tablet,
upon which appears in plainly traceable characters
the following story :
" Here lie the remains of Hugh Martin, who lived in this vicinity
many years, during which, possessing the confidence of his government
and his fellow^citizens, he diecharged the duties of several ofBces of profit
and trust with integrity and honesty. In the practice of the private
and public virtues, eminent ; as husband, father, relative, and friend, be-
loved ; as a magistrate, revered. To religion a support, to science a
patron, and to the poor, a friend. He waa born in Ireland, County Ty-
rone, and died March 7, 1761, aged 63.
Let sculptured marble vainly boast, "
And birth and titles scan ;
God's noblest work, of value most.
Here lies an ttonest man.
" His weeping sons in North Carolina pay this tribute to his memory.
Go, traveler, and imitate his virtues. "
The oldest record in the old Lebanon cemetery is
that which tells of the death of Matthias Cramer,
March 24, 1783, aged forty-six. One old headstone is
marked " A. H. D., 1787," and no more. Among the
oldest inscriptions besides, are those of Philip Eyck,
Sr., 1788 ; Eve, his wife, 1792 ; Charlotte Huffman,
John Huffman, and Mary Huffman, 1801 ; Eve Eick
and Mary Eodenbough, 1803 ; Mary Sharp, 1804 ; C.
Huffman, 1805; John Wyckoff, 1806; Anna Huff-
man, John Van Campen, 1809 ; Sarah Huffman,
1810 ; Jacob Huffman, Margaret Eike, Jacob Eisler,
Jacob Huffman, 1811; Mary Huffman, 1813; John
S. Alpaugh, Jacob Apgar, Catharine Lindaberry,
Maria Wack, Samuel Jones, 1815 ; and E. Huffman,
1816. A single tablet recites the sorrowful story of
the deaths, between Jan. 6 and 29, 1830, of Timothy
L. Porter and his four children, Cornelia, William,
John, and Amy, all with a malignant fever.
TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS.
The school districts in Clinton township are num-
bered 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58, and named respectively
Annandale, Bray's Hill, Lebanon, Bound Valley, and
Hamden. Mr. John S. Cramer recollects attending
school -in the Annandale District as early as 1803, in
a log school-house that stood near Peter H. Huff-
man's. The teacher was Sallie Price, and among the
scholars were John Aller, John and Peter Huffman,
and Ann Huffman. A second log school-house was
built pretty soon after that, just north of the present
Stout place, and to that school went John S. Cramer,
John Grandin, Mary and Sallie Fox, Ann and Betsey
Cregar, William Hunt, Ishe Hunt, and Philip Gran-
din. Of course there were other scholars, but their
names cannot be recalled. There had to be twenty-
five scholars to make a school, and some of them had
to come a long way. The teacher in that second log
school-house was William Thatcher. Not many of
the pupils are left. Thatcher was also a teacher in
the red school-house, near the Stout place, and third
in the list of remembered school-buildings. The
second teacher in the red school-house (next follow-
ing Thatcher) was Charles Q. Phillips. The fourth
school-house was built in 1836, and occupied a site
about opposite the Dutch Reformed church. The
building now occupied by the district school in An-
nandale was erected in 1865 for a public hall, and
since 1869 has been the property of the district. It
is a three-story frame structure, with seating capacity
for about 250, although the average attendance does
not reach beyond 100. E. C. Harvey is the principal,
and Maggie Eockhill the assistant. The trustees are
William A. Young, George Creveling, and J. H.
Miller.
As to the Bray's Hill school, it can only be stated
that there was a school there as early as 1810, and
perhaps before. It is at all events certain that the
early dwellers in the Lebanon District sent children
there, for in the latter district there was no school
until as late as 1842. The present Bray's Hill school-
house was built in 1845. It is a frame structure, 24
by 30, and in it the average attendance reaches 40.
The trustees for 1880 were William Beavers, John D.
Cregar, and Noah Tiger.
The first school-house built in the Lebanon District
was a frame, 24 by 30, erected in 1842 at a point
about a quarter of a mile north of the village. The
first trustees were William H. Huffman, Henry A.
Apgar, and Samuel Clark ; the first teacher, Garrett
Servis. The present house, a two-story frame, was
built in 1869, and cost $3500. There are two de-
partments, with an aggregate attendance of about 80.
The principal is 0. H. Huffman, and the assistant
Laura Huffman. The trustees for 1880 were James
Van Syckel, L. L. Grippin, and G. N. Apgar.
The first school-house known to Eound Valley is
said to have been built in 1785, upon a spot but 200
yards removed from the present house. It was a
framed house covered with pine shingles, and meas-
ured 18 by 20. The first teacher was a Mr. Blue, but
tradition tells that there was a teacher and a school-
house in the Valley even before Blue's time. David
Haver has an arithmetic that was written in 1778 by
J. S. Cramer, who is vaguely mentioned as having
taught about that time in a log school-house " one
mile down the Valley." The district has had five
school-houses, of which the present, standing at the
upper end of the Valley, is a two-story frame, 30 by
40, cost $3500, and was built in 1872. The principal
is Henry Allen; the trustees are William Johnson,
David Sharp, and John Eockafellow.
In the Hamden District school was first kept at
Allertown in 1814, in a house that had previously
served as the residence of "Daddy" Butler, the
cooper. The first teacher was a Mr. Cumback. A
I
540
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
stone school-house is said to have been erected in
1826 near where the present house stands. The trus-
tees in 1826 were John Grandin, Elias Hoagland,
and Jacob McLain. The present house was built in
1849. It is a frame, 24 by 28, and can seat 40. The
trustees for 1880 were Emanuel Fritts, Charles Cane,
and George W. Shafer.
The only information to be gleaned from the town-
ship records touching the condition of the public
schools previous to 1850 stands under the head of
School Report for 1849, from which it appears that
in that year the State fund due the township amounted
to 1206.27, and that the amount of school tax wa«
$400, the whole divided between nine districts. It is
further learned that in 1863 the township contained
fourteen school districts, with a total of 964 school
children.
CLINTON IN THE EEBELLION.
The first town-meeting in Clinton to consider the
question of raising soldiers for service in the Rebellion
was held Aug. 23, ]862, the object being to consider
the propriety of raising a bounty-fund sufficient to
avoid a draft for the nine months' service. On that
occasion a r«-;olution was adopted to raise ?jy tax a
sum sufficient to pay $100 each for all men assigned
as the township's quota under the nine months' call.
At the same meeting it was reported that the town-
ship had already in the service .58 men.
Aug. 29, 1862, the township treasurer paid to 106
men the sum of $100 each as bounty, under resolution
j/a-ssed Aug. 29, 1862.
Dec. 23, 1863, a town-meeting was held to raise
?jounties for men to serve under the two calls recently
issued by the general government, when it was voted
to pay $350 each for volunteers to the number of 98,
but only >'300 per man drafted, in case a draft became
necessary, and that every man in the town between
the ages of twenty and forty-five liable to the draft
should pay to the town committee the sum of .^25 on
or before .Jan. 3, 1864, or, in defeult, forfeit all claim
to the $300 appropriated for drafted men. Dec. 30,
1863, this assessment was paid by 290 men, aggre-
gating $.5.500.
Under the calb 82 men volunteered and received a
bounty of $28,700, the town borrowing $15,000 at
sixty flays, and $75'>0 at thirty days. The same year
$17,000 was paid out to volunteer-- and for sub-ititutes
for those who had paid assessments to be insured
against the draft.
L'nder the President's call of .luly, 1864, for 500,000
men, Clinton was to furnish 79 ; 56 volunteered, and
received bounties of from $500 to $675, or a total of
$36,650 ; 23 substitutes were purchased at $600 each, so
that for the 79 men the town paid out $50,450. Inci-
dental to raising the money for this expenditure there
was an additional expense of $1371.29 for interest,
etc. Under tlie call of Deeernber, 1864, the town paid
for substitutes and volunteers the sum of $47,610, 79
men being furnished.
Of those who entered the military service from
Clinton during the war of 181 2 the names are recalled
of .John AUer, from Sussex County, Doolittle,
Saul Hoppock, Peter Hoppock, and Peter Lance.
Lance went out as a substitute for David Sharp.
Benjamin Fritts was drafted, and hired .John Loomi-
son as a substitute ; but, luckily enough for Loomison,
the war closed before he got started, although not
before he had got his hire of Fritts. John Aller, the
last of the survivors, died in 187-5, at the age of eighty-
five.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EEV. EGBERT VAN A.MBrRf>H.
Rev. Pi«bert Van Amburgh was bom .Ian. 9, 1809,
about six miles south of Poughkeepsie, in the south-
em i)art of Dutchess Co., N. Y., and is of both Hol-
land and French descent, iim early occupation
was that of hu.sbandry, and in all the varieties of ag-
ricultural pursuits he was among the first in labor and
success; even at ten years of age he could handle a
scTthe with the same ease and agility as any older
laborer.
His first twenty years were passed in the usual
routine of a farmer's life, receiving such education
an the common schook of his neighborhood af-
forded. When he had nearly attained his majority,
he received a decided religious impres-sion, accom-
fianied by a strong sense of Divine responsibility that
he should devote himself exclusively to the service of
the Lord. He at once began to prepare himself under
the tutelage of the Rev. Eliphalet Price, a very able
and worthy Presbyterian mininter, of Hughjsonville,
N. Y., and from thence be repaired to Whitesboro', in
the same State. In 1834 he entered Rutgers College,
at New Bninswick, from which institution he gradu-
ated in the class of 1837. He subsfyjuently matricu-
lated in the theological seminary in the same city, and
took his degree in 1840. Jn both institutions the
highest honors were conceded to him.
When he entered the public ministry, bis preaching
was so pop'ular and so significantly successful that he
wa« tendered a call in almost ever\' vacant church
where he ministered. He accepted a call to the Re-
formed Church of Lebanon, N. J., and in a compara-
tively brief period the congregation grew until the
church was filled to its utmost capacity. The field of
his labors embraced a rich, rural country, thickly -et-
tled, about ten or twelve miles square. The calls to
duty were frequent, and the duties thernselvis multi-
form and various. His labors were numerous, olUiO.
burdensome, and little time was left him for study or
recreation. Years glided by, with scarcely any cessa-
tion or rest, until August, 1837, when he res)gn<:/l his
charge and went to Fordham, X. Y., where he be^;ar/je
pastor of an old church. The congregation there had
i tJlr o~i^-i y^^ /z^u
/
^^^^^^v ^^^^^^^'^
CLINTON.
541
been for years agitating the expediency of erecting a
new edifice ; but internal and external strength was
apparently paralyzed, and their efibrts resulted in
nothing, notwithstanding for seventeen years they
had been striving to attain their object. In this state
of lethargy he came among them, and instilled new
life into the fold. The old dilapidated structure was
filled to overflowing during the first year of his min-
istry, and in February, 1838, a meeting was called to
take measures for the erection of a new edifice. In
August following a beautiful brick building was dedi-
cated, free of debt, with the exception of about twelve
hundred dollars; This building was soon filled with
an interested worshiping assembly, and his salary was
largely increased from the pew-rents.
From Fordham he removed to Hughsonville, N. Y.,
after the former charge became independent. He was
recalled to Lebanon in August, 1853, and almost im-
mediately the old brick church was converted into a
new, convenient, and elegant frame structure, not sur-
passed by any church edifice at that time in Hunter-
don County. Here also his labors were crowned with
remarkable success. Great numbers of the middle-
aged, as also of the young and old, were added to the
church, and from the adjoining counties the popula-
tion flocked to this church, insomuch that all could
not obtain sittings, even on ordinary occasions, and it
became the largest assemblage of any country con-
gregation in the State.
In 1869 he accepted a call to High Bridge, a church
of his own organizing, it having grown under his care
from a very few worshipers in an obscure school-house
to a fairly-sustaining congregation with a church edi-
fice. When he had become settled as their permanent
pastor, the building was found to be too small to ac-
commodate the necessary congregation, whereupon he
immediately agitated the question of building a new
edifice, and in the face of strenuous opposition he
pushed the matter forward, and soon had the corner-
stone laid, obtained the means, and speedily there was
completed one of the finest specimens of Gothic ar-
chitecture in the State, which now lifts its spire
heavenward, as if indicating its future prosperity and
the moral elevation of the surrounding inhabitants.
He next took charge of the Presbyterian Church at
Lower German Valley. This also was an infant con-
gregation, and under his ministry it rapidly advanced
in strength and devotion. At the close of his pastor-
ate at Lower German Valley he settled over a congre-
gation he had previously organized at Annandale,
N; J. At this point a large debt had been nearly
liquidated in about two years, and the number of at-
tendants nearly doubled. He remained their pastor
till November, 1878.
He is now in the seventieth year of his age, and is
yet as vivacious in spirit, active in labor, and as per-
severing in his efibrts as he was in his youth. He
possesses a warm temperament, with great decision
of character, accompanied by an energetic spirit, that
contends earnestly for victory, in the battle of life.
He is a benevolent and generous giver, and his house
is where the needy and afflicted are wont to gather.
Mr. Van Amburgh is not at present in charge of
any congregation, but his time is occupied with occa-
sional preaching and his various business interests, in
connection with his farm and property in the village
of Lebanon.
JONATHAN DAWES.
Jonathan Dawes, son of John and Catharine (Por-
ter) Dawes, was born in Lebanon (now Clinton) town-
ship, in the same house where his ancestors for sev-
eral generations lived and died. His great-grand-
father, Adrian Dawes, came from White Marsh, near
Valley Forge, where he lived when Washington's
army lay there during that memorable winter of the
Eevolutionary struggle. He was a member of the
Society of Friends, and was born in Wales, whence
he immigrated to this country.
John Dawes, son of the above, and grandfather of
our subject, settled on the present homestead in 1775.
He married Alice Janney, of Bucks Co., Pa., a
daughter of Thomas and Margery Janney, of Cheshire,
England, who settled in Bucks County in 1683. He
(Thomas Janney) died Dec. 12, 1696. John and
Alice Dawes had six children, two sons and four
daughters. The father of Jonathan Dawes was the
youngest of the family, and was born Feb. 10, 1787 ;
he married Catharine Porter, May 3, 1807 ; they had
four children, of whom Jonathan Dawes was the only
son, born Feb. 9, 1808, and brought up on the farm
where he now resides. The house where he lives was
built by his grandfather, in 1787.
He was a member of the Legislature two years,
1841 and 1842, elected on the Democratic ticket,
with which party he has always voted. He married
Jane Kline, daughter of David M. Kline, Sr., Dec.
29, 1835. She was born Dec. 2, 1817, in Clinton
township, Hunterdon Co. They have had four chil-
dren, whose record we give as follows :
Martha, V., born March 6, 1837, married George
T. Stryker, of Clinton township ; Elizabeth, bom â–
July 9, 1840, died Aug. 9, 1841 ; Mary W., born May
30, 1844, married William Craig, residing near New
Germantown; John, born Nov. 23, 1847, married'
Laura Sharp, of Clinton township, Dec. 24, 1879.
542
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
JOHN r. QRANDIN, M.D.
JOHN GFANDIN
JOHN F. GRANDIN, M.D.
Daniel Grandin and Mary, his wife, came from
France and settled in Monmouth Co., N. J. Their
sons, John and Philip, both came to Hunterdon and
purchased one thousand acres of land on the South
Branch, being a part of the five thousand acre tract
of Daniel Coxe. They called this the Hamden tract.
They did not buy it all at one time, but built their
mills when they came from Monmouth. The original
deed was destroyed by fire when the old Grandin
house, which stood near the late residence of Joseph
Fritts, was burned. They owned the mill property
as far back as 1759, and probably several years earlier.
The water-right, still owned by Jacob M. Johnson,
at the mills was given in 1752, and transferred to the
Grandius in 1759, at which latter date they appear to
have been established for some time at the mills.
The land where Dr. Grandin and family now live at
Hamden was sold in 1763 by Samuel Eogers to Sam-
uel Lippincott, and, in 1772, Samuel Lippincott and
wife sold it to John and Philip Grandin. John mar-
ried Abigail Lippincott ; they had no issue. Philip
was the progenitor of the Grandin family. He mar-
ried Eleanor Forman, and was a fuller, dyer, and
miller. John attended to the store and farm, and was
a justice of the peace, but both lived in the same
house, the one burnt near the Fritts residence. Philip
and Eleanor (Forman) Grandin had two sons and five
daughters, viz., Dr. John Forman Grandin, Philip,
Mary, Jane, Abigail, Eleanor, and Rachel.
John Grandin, born in Monmouth, April 28, 1721,
died Aug. 5, 1777. His wife, Abigail Lippincott, died
March 18, 1788. They were both buried in the
Friends' burying-ground at Kingwood, now Quaker-
town. Philip died Feb. 23, 1791 ; Eleanor, his wife,
died March 1st of the same year, just six days after,
and both were buried in the same grave, at the King-
wood Friends' burying-ground.
Philip, son of the first Philip, and brother of Dr.
John Grandin, married Mercy Gray ; they died with-
out issue, and were buried at Kingwood.
Dr. John F. Grandin's wife, Mary Newell, was a
first cousin of that gallant hero, Capt. Lawrence,
whose dying words have thrilled the world with their
eloquent import, whose name is upon every school-
boy's lips, whose last utterance we might well take as
a precept in all our struggles through life, " Don't
give up the ship !" Dr. John F. Grandin and Mary,
his wife, had six children, to wit, Elizabeth, born
April 18, 1785, married Dr. Benjamin Hunt, son of
Daniel Hunt, of Hunt's Mills, now Clinton ; both re-
moved to Ohio and lived there. Eleanor, born Sept.
15, 1786, married the late Joseph Reading, near Flem-
ington ; she died in Philadelphia. Mary, born Feb.
3, 1788, married John W. Bray, of Clinton; after-
wards removed to California, where they both died.
Lucy, born April 2, 1790, married Elmore Williams,
of Cincinnati, who built the first brick house ever
erected in that city, where he died, leaving an estate
of over a million of dollars. John, born May 28,
1792, married Elizabeth H., daughter of the late
Daniel Reading, who lived on the farm at Flemington
now known as the Fair Ground. This family of
Readings were descendants of Hon. John Reading,
well known as a very useful and highly-esteemed
CLINTON.
543
man, once temporary Governor of New Jersey, and
always prominent in the early history of the State. '
Philip Grandin, the youngest son of Dr. John For-
man Grandin, was born Feb. 11, 1794 ; he married
Hannah Piatt, removed to Ohio, and died there,
leaving a large fortune. His widow and children
still live in Kentucky and Ohio, near Cincinnati.
Elizabeth H. Grandin died Oct. 14, 1842, and was
buried in Bethlehem.
John and Elizabeth H. Grandin had five children,
Daniel Reading Grandin, Mary Newell, Elizabeth,
Dr. John Forman Grandin, and Jane Elizabeth.
The third child died June 10, 1832. Mary N. mar-
ried George F. Slocum, of Wilkesbarre, a son of
Joseph Slocum, Esq., who was a brother of Frances
Slocum, who was carried off from her father's house
Nov. 2, 1778, by the Indians.
Dr. John Forman Grandin, the elder, was the
father of John Grandin, born on the homestead. May
28, 1792, and who still resides there at the advanced
age of nearly eighty-nine years. The former studied
medicine with Dr. Newell, of AUentown, N. J., whose
daughter Mary he married, and reared a family of two
sons and four daughters, of whom John only survives.
Dr. Grandin practiced medicine all his life at Ham-
den, and had a very large and successful practice.
He died in 1811 ; his wife died in Cincinnati, in 1849,
aged eighty-seven years.
For three generations there were but two sons in
the Grandin family, and they bore the names of John
and Philip. The present family of John Grandin and
Elizabeth Beading is an exception, there being two
sons, Daniel Reading and Dr. John Forman Grandin,
both living on the old homestead near Hamden.
John Foreman Grandin, M.D., was prepared for
college under the instruction of Rev. John Van Der-
veer, deceased, at Easton, Pa. ; entered Lafayette Col-
lege, where he spent the freshman and sophomore
years, and completed the junior and senior years at
Union College, graduating from the latter in 1849.
He studied medicine with the Hon. John Manners,
M.D., at Clinton, N. J., and received his degree at the
University of Pennsylvania in 1852. He has prac-
ticed his profession ever since where he now resides.
He was married, Oct. 13, 1880, to Fannie Todd, of
Lebanon, N. J.
David McCloughan ; Susan, who married, first,
George Larue, and, second, David B. Huffman ;
Henry, who died in infancy ; Arzilla, deceased, wife
of George V. Creveling; Joseph A., farmer, near
JOSEPH FRITTS.
Joseph Fritts was born in Lebanon (now Clinton)
township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., Oct. 14, 1802, and
died March 2, 1879. He was a son of Charles and
Susan (White) Fritts. His brothers were Peter,
Charles, and Benjamin, and his sisters Maria, Chris-
tiana, Sally, Laney, and Elizabeth. Six of the fam-
ily are living at this writing.
Joseph Fritts married Anna, daughter of Henry
Aller, Esq., and had nine children, six sons and three
daughters, viz.: Charles, deceased; Mary, wife of
JOSEPH TRirTS.
Lebanon, who married Susan Huffman ; Stires, man-
ufacturer of flax, etc., in Clinton township, who mar-
ried Margaret Probasco ; Emanuel, farmer, in Clinton
township, who married Mary Elizabeth Kuhl ; Oliver,
farmer, in Clinton township, who married Elizabeth
Cregar, of High Bridge.
Mr. Fritts followed farming all his life, and was a
well-known and enterprising citizen. He started in
life poor, married young, and four or five years lived
on rented farms, saving about two hundred dollars.
Putting this with five hundred dollars borrowed
money, he purchased a farm of one hundred and
forty acres near Allertown, paying therefor, in eleven
annual installments, sixteen dollars an acre, and
meeting all his obligations for six years, when he sold
the place for thirty-two dollars an acre. This was his
start in a series of land-operations which he carried
on largely and profitably during most of his life.
With the proceeds thus acquired he bought the farm
commonly called the Shirts farm, which he owned at
his death. He afterwards bought the farm of eighty
acres on which his son-in-law, Mr. McCloughan,
lives ; he then bought the old homestead farm of his
father and brother, consisting of one hundred and
thirty-three acres, upon which he erected new build-
ings, as also upon the Shirts farm ; at the same time
he bought a lot of twenty-three acres at Lebanon
Depot, for which he paid three thousand six hundred
dollars; he bought also for his son-in-law, George
\
4
544'
HUNTEKDOX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Larue, a lot and shops near Dawestown, and pur-
chased a farm of eighty-six acres adjoining the Shirts
farm, of John Fine ; he next bought of A. K. Kinney
a farm of ninety-seven acres at Hamden, paying for
the same thirteen thousand dollars ; at the same time
he purchased of Mr. Kinney the flax-mill and lot at
Hamden. These are hut a portion of his real estate
operations ; he bought also a farm near Young's Mills
containing one hundred and twenty-two acres, for
â– which he paid eighty-one dollars an acre ; and about
two years before he died he bought a mill-property
at Annandale for which he paid nine thousand four
hundred and fifty dollars. Much of this property, of
course, he bought and sold, so that at the time of his
decease he owned four farms, two mill-properties, and
considerable wood-land.
These facts are given not to make a parade of his
possessions, but to show how fortune sometimes at-
tends the earnest efforts of a man who begins the
struggle of life single-handed and without capital,
save his own energy and industry. Mr. Fritts was a
man of great firmness and excellent judgment; he
read and kept himself well informed on current topics
and matters of general occurrence ; his judgment was
frequently sought in matters of importance, and was
usually found correct ; he was calm and deliberate in
coming to a decision, but when he made up his mind
he was not easily moved. He was highly esteemed
for his uprightness and integrity as a man and a citi-
zen, and was called to settle a number of estates and
to fill several of the responsible ofiices of his town-
ship. He was freeholder and justice of the peace
several years, and was a member of the Legislature
for two terms, 1845 and 1846.
OLIISTTON VILLAGE.
Clinton Village or Clinton borough, as it is
commonly known is picturesquely located upon the
South Branch of the Earitan Elver (which divides
it), distant 54 miles from New York City. It includes
within its limits eight farms, and had, in July, 1880,
a population of 842. There is at this point on the
Earitan's branch a fine water-power that has been
utilized from time immemorial, and now drives two
large grist-mills.
By an unfortunate chance Clinton has no imme-
diate railway facilities, although upon the south the
Easton and Amboy Eailroad passes within two miles
of the town, and upon the east, an equal distance re-
moved, is the line of the New Jersey Central Eailroad.
Annandale, a station upon the latter, is the point
chiefly in demand by travelers to and from Clinton,
stage connection between the two places giving fre-
quent and easy communication. Despite the lack of
railway transportation, Clinton is and must remain a
flourishing town, by reason not only of its milling in-
terests, but also because it is the centre of a rich agri-
cultural district, and the locale, also, of well-nigh
inexhaustible limestone -quarries. The village is
handsomely laid out, carries on a mercantile trade
of considerable importance, maintains two banks, two
hotels, and a newspaper, and among its architectural
features boasts four churches and a fine public school.
EARLY HISTOEY.
During the Eevolution, or perhaps sooner, Daniel
Hunt, a Jerseyman, bought a considerable tract of land
adjacent to the spot where Spruce Eun enters the South
Branch of the Earitan, and with it a grist-mill, " rudely
built of stone," that stood upon the site now occupied
by the Parry mill. How long that mill had stood
there or who erected it no man can now say, although
it is supposed to have been an old mill when Mr. Hunt
came into possession of it. At the death of Daniel
Hunt the mill-property passed to his son Ealph. He
probably succeeded to the property in 1810, and two
years afterwards erected upon the opposite side of the
stream a woolen-mill, which, slightly enlarged, is now
Philip Gulick's grist-mill.
Before the Hunts came to the place, however, Ne-
hemiah Dunham, a famous character in his day, was
a resident on the west side of the river. In 1760 he
bought 600 acres (about one-third of the tract being
now within the limits of the borough) of the great-
grandfather of Secor Eobeson, and in that year made
his home there, his previous residence having been in
Middlesex County. Mr. Durham was a great cattle-
raiser and dealer, and during the Eevolution supplied
the Federal army with vast quantities of beef. The.
greater portion of his estate is still in possession of his
heirs.
Capt. Adam Hope, who came to Union township
in 1765 fi:om "the forks of the Delaware," located at
a date not long after upon a place about 200 yards
west of Corson's tavern.
As to other early inhabitants, history will in this
instance fix a point at 1818 and say what the village
was then and what it became afterwards. The narra-
tive touching the days of 1818 and immediately
thereafter has been gleaned from the recollections ol
Judge Eobert Foster, a native of Hunterdon County,
and a resident in Clinton village since then. In that
CLINTON VILLAGE.
545
year Mr. Foster, then a lad of eighteen, came from
what is now Union township (where his grandfather
settled in 1760) to Hunt's Mills (as the present village
was then and had long been known) for the purpose
of learning how to make spinning-wheels at the shop
of Gen. James W. Hope, who was manufacturing
spinning-wheels, burning lime, trading horses, and
farming, on the west side of the river. William A.
Hope, his son, now living near the old place, was in
his time considered the greatest horseman and Jehu
in those parts.
In 1818 there were also on the west side of the
river John and James Dunham, farmers, and sons to
Nehemiah Dunham, already named. John moved
to Ohio that year, and James died on his farm two
years afterwards. Aaron, his son, lives now in Clin-
ton. There was a blacksmith-shop very near, where
John Case has a shop. Ralph Hunt owned it, and
hired John Green to work it for him. In 1819, Green
married, rented the shop, and carried it on himself
until 1843, when he moved to " Headquarters," near
Flemington, where he died a few years ago. Edward
Hagan, a cooper, and John Hagan, a tailor, had
shops nearly opposite the present Democrat office.
John was a bachelor, and boarded with his brother.
They remained in the village but a brief time after
1818. Michael Haggerty, a miller in the employ of
Ealph Hunt, lived in a house just west of Green's
blacksmith-shop. Elisha Hummer, a farmer, lived in
a house now occupied by Jacob Fox, and Dr. Benja-
min Hunt, who had been at Hunt's Mills from 1810
or before, was living in the house now occupied by
James E. Kline. In 1818 he moved to Ohio, and
following him as the village physicians came William
P. Clarke and John D. Manners. Ralph Hunt, the
miller, lived in a house on the site now occupied by
Samuel Parry's house. All his mill-employees ex-
cept Haggerty were single men and boarded at his
house. Hunt had a grist-mill on the east side of the
river and near at hand had also a fiilling-mill. On
the other side of the stream, directly opposite, in
what is now known as Gulick's Mill, he carried on a
flaxseed-oil mill, a plaster-mill, and a woolen-mill.
Close by he had a saw-mill, while he did something
also in the way of lime-burning.
Tradition relates that in 1798 three brothers named
La Tourette rented the mills and opened a store at
Hunt's Mills in the house subsequently the dwelling
of Ralph Hunt, keeping it four years. Ralph Hunt
kept store in the same building, but gave up the un-
dertaking previous to 1818. In 1817, Abraham Bonnell
established a small store about half a mile west of
Green's smithy, but closed it within a twelvemonth.
In that building, in 1818, Jesse Warne opened a sad-
dler's shop. It would appear accordingly, from what
has been written, that Hunt's Mills was not in those
early days a lucrative field for the trader. In 1825,
however, when J. W. Bray came in and reopened
the old Ralph Hunt store, a new liiercantile era ap-
peared to dawn. Bray was successful, and since 1825
the business history of Clinton has hadno break. In
1818 a post-office was established at Hunt's Mills, and
Ishe Hunt (son to Ealph Hunt) was appointed post-
master. Mail was received once a week by sulky ex-
press, which traveled a mail-route from Trenton via
Hunt's Mills to Frenchtown, and so on. Ishe Hunt
was the Hunt's Mills postmaster until his removal
from the town, in 1828.
THE NEW VILLAGE.
The year 1828 brought about a marked change in
the condition of affairs at Hunt's Mills. Ralph Hunt
and his sons, who up to that time had carried on the
mills, succumbed to financial embarrassments, and,
relinquishing the property to their creditors, removed
in a little while to Ohio. Not one of the family now
remains in or near Clinton. Archibald Taylor bought
the mills and considerable adjacent property, and en-
trusted the management thereof to his son, John B.,
and J. W. Bray, both of whom had for a time been
associated in the distillery business near Hunt's Mills.
In 1828, Bray & Taylor took hold of the mills, im-
proved them and their surroundings, became partners
in the store opened in 1825 by J. W. Bray, and, sur-
veying a number of village lots on the east side of
the river, re-christened the place Clinton as a mark
of honor to De Witt Clinton, Governor of New York,
who died about that time.
In 1828, Enoch Stevenson, a saddler and harness-
maker, set up a shop in the village (dying after a few
years), and Israel Smith opened a tavern in 1830 in a
building previously erected by Bray & Taylor, and
still kept as a tavern by John Corson. The same year
Gen. Hope opened a tavern on the turnpike, about a
mile east of the village, in a house now occupied by
Elijah Stout. He remained there a year, when, re-
turning to the village, he bought out landlord Smith,
whose old tavern-stand he kept for twenty-five years
afterwards, and then left it to his son, William A.,
who was the landlord for some little time. Hope's
successor was John C. Wert, who is remembered to
have had in front of his tavern a sign bearing a
picture of Gen. Pike. When Israel Smith sold his
tavern business to Gen. Hope he crossed the river and
built the brick tavern now known as Weller's Hotel,
which he opened in 1832, kept it a dozen years or so,
and sold to Jacob Corson, from whom John B. Weller
& Brother got it.
In 1830 or 1831, Bray & Taylor disposed of their
store business to James R. Dunham and George W.
Taylor, and in 1834 financial misfortunes forced them
to abandon their mill business. Dunham & Taylor
thereupon became possessed of the mill on the east
bank, and John W. Snider of the west side mill,
Snider also opening a store on the west side in 1834.
In 1836, Dunham & Taylor's mill was burned, but
was rebuilt in the same year by Charles and James
R. Dunham, who carried it]on after^that. It is now
546
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
known as the Parry mill. In 1832, Morris S. Stiger
and Jolin Race opened a store in the building now
the residence of David Crotsley. Two years before
that A. V. Bonnell and A. W. Dunham engaged in
trading on the west side of the river. Morris S.
Stiger and his father, Adam, soon built the store now
occupied by J. A. Young, and for fully thirty years
the former continued to be one of Clinton's leading
merchants. '
In 1839, James P. Huffman & Co. commenced busi-
ness as traders on the west side of the river. The
firm was composed of James P. Huffman (who in
1830 entered Bray & Taylor's employment as clerk),
John A. Young, and Robert Foster (the latter of whom
had been from 1818 engaged on the west side of the
river in making spinning-wheels, chairs, coffins, etc.).
Robert Foster is now one of Clinton's capitalists, J.
A. Young is still in business in the village, while
James P. Huffman has long been a well-known jurist.
After a stay of nine months on the west side of the
river, Messrs. Huffman & Co. removed to the stone
store now standing on the east side of the river, built
in 1829 by Bray & Taylor. In 1839, Augustus Kline
commenced to trade in the building now occupied by
Henry M. Kline, and after that John T. Leigh be-
came a village merchant, although poor health forced
him to retire from the business in a short time. With
the statement that Jacob Corson built in 1856 the
store-building now occupied by Mr. Shipman closes
the reference to the growth of the business portion of
Clinton.
As to the history of the Clinton post-office, J. W.
Bray took it from Ishe Hunt in 1828 and kept it until
1834. The postmasters after that to the present have
been Adam Stiger, Jas. P. Huffman, Adam Stiger
(second term), Peter Van Pelt, Garret Servis, Peter
Van Pelt (second term), Wm. H. Baker, and Charles
W. Altemus, the latter since 1869.
VILLAGE INCORPORATION.
The town of Clinton was incorporated by act ap-
proved April 5, 1865, which provided as follows :
" All that part of the townships Of Clinton, Franklin, and Union in
the county of Hunterdon, contained within the following limits, to wit,
Beginning at a stake standing in the line between the said townships of
Franklin and Union, in the road formerly known as the New Jersey
turnpike, at the place where the public road leading from Bonnell's tav-
ern to the Union intersects said road foraaerly known as the New Jersey
turnpike, running from thence along the line of said road leading from
said tavern to the Union in a northerly direction to a stake in said road,
a corner to lands late of A. W, Dunham, deceased, and in a line of lands
late of Godfrey Case, deceased ; thence running along lands late of said
Dunham and said Case due east to the southwest corner of lands of Wm.
S, Wyckoff; thence in a northerly direction along the western line of
the lands of said Wyckoff to the line of lands of Garrett Conover; thence
in an easterly direction along the north line of said Wyckoff'e lands to
the northwest corner of lands of the late Caleb G. Halstead, deceased ;
thence along the north line of the last-named tract and lands of Henry
Fields, including the same, to a corner in a straight line with the north
line of said Henry Fields' lands, on the lands of John Race, and four
hundred feet from the line between said Fields and said Raee ; thence in
a southerly direction to the northeast corner of Oliver Kline's lot ; thence
along the eaat line of said Kline's lot and lands of Wm. S. King in a
southerly direction to the line of Isaac Aller's land ; tbence along said
AUer's line to the east line of John Macklin's land ; thence along the
line of said Aller in a southerly direction to the road between said Aller
and Jacob D. Fritts ; thence along said road in a westerly direction to a
comer in the great road leading from Clinton to Flemington ; thence
alongsaid road in a southerly direction to the southeast corner of James
P. Huffman's land ; thence along the line of said Jas. P. Huffman's land
in a westerly direction to a corner in the South Branch of the Karitan
Biver; thence due west to a corner in line of lands belonging to George
Jones and Nehemiah Dunham ; thence along said line in a northerly
direction to the northeast corner of said Jones' land ; ftom thence in a.
northwesterly direction to the place of beginning, shall be, and hereby
is, erected into a borough or town corporate, which shall be called and
known by the name of ' The Town of Clinton ;' and the inhabitants
thereof shall be, and hereby are, incorporated by the name of ' The In-
habitants of the town of Clinton.' "
The first town-meeting was held at John B. Wel-
ler's hotel, in Clinton, on the second Monday in
April, 1865, when the following officers were chosen :
Morris S. Stiger, Mayor; John B. Weller, EK Bosen- .
berry, John T. Leigh, James P. Huffman, John A.
Young, and Lemuel Madison, Councilmen ; John C.
Besson, Clerk. The iirst meeting of the council was
held April 19, 1865, when William Skinner was ap-
pointed town treasurer, at a salary of $25 per annum,
and John T. Leigh and Jas. P. Huffman street com-
missioners. Herewith is given a list of the names of
those who have served as mayors, councilmen, clerks,
and treasurers from 1866 to 1880, inclusive :
1866. Mayor, Morris S. Stiger ; Councilmen, John B. Weller, John T.
Leigh, John A, Young, Eli Bo8enberr.y, James P. Huffman, and
Lemuel W. Madison ; Clerk, John C. Besson ; Treasurer, N. W.
Voorhees.
1867. Mayor, John T. Leigh ; Councilmen, Lambert Humphrey, John
S. Madison, Sylvester Van Syckel, Nathaniel W. Voorhees, Wil-
liam C. Beeves, and Charles W. Altemus; Clerk, Theodore J.
Hoffman ; Treasurer, Nathaniel W. Voorhees.
1868. Mayor, C. W. Altemus ; Councilmen, N. W. Voorhees, J. S. Madi-
son, H. C. Belden, John W. Probasco, S. Van Syckel, W. C.
Beeves ; Clerk, P. Van Pelt ; Treasurer, N. W. Voorhees.
1869. Mayor, John T. Leigh; Councilmen, John B. Weller, Heber C.
Belden, John H. Low, John Case, Oliver Kline, Bloomfield
Leigh ; Clerk, P. Van Pelt ; Treasurer, Nathaniel W. Voorhees.
1870. Mayor, John A. Young; Councilmen, John H. Low, John Case,
James P. Huffman, Nathaniel W. Voorhees, John B. Weller,
Bloomfield Leigh ; Clerk, P. Van Pelt ; Treasurer, Nathaniel W.
Voorhees.
1871. Mayor, John Carpenter, Jr. ; Councilmen, Eobert Foster, Charles
W. Altemus, John B. Weller, Bloomfield Leigh, Oliver Kline,
William L. Rodenbough ; Clerk, Theodore J. Hoffman ; Treas-
urer, N. W. Voorhees.
1872. Mayor, C. W. Alt«mus ; Councilmen, John B. Weller, H. C. Bel-
den, Bloomfield Leigh, Samuel Smith, Jonathan B. Allen, Wil-
liam L. Bodenbough ; Clerk, Theodore J. Hoffman ; Treasurer,
Nathaniel W. Voorhees.
1873. Mayor, Eli Bosenberry ; Councilmen, J. B. Weller, H. C. Belden,
J. E. Emery, S. M. Smith, Oliver Kline, and Jonathan B. Allen ;
Clerk, Theodore J. Hoffman; Treasurer, N. W. Voorhees.
1874. Mayor, Eli Bosenberry ; Councilmen, George Gnlick, Blisha Wene,
S. Van Syckel, Wm. C. Reeves, John Lunger, Jacob Sweazy;
I Clerk, W. H. Baker ; Treasurer, N. D. Stiger.
1875. Mayor, H. C. Belden; Councilmen, S. Van Syckel, Charles W.
Altemus, George Gulick, N. D. Stiger, and Jonathan E. Allen;
Clerk, V- H. Baker; Treasurer, N. D. Stiger.
1876. Mayor, H. C. Belden ; Councilmen, g. Van Syckel, N. D. Stiger,
Jacob Sweazy, Bloomfield Leigh, M. C. Mulligan, and George
Gulick ; Clerk, D. M. Gulick ; Treasurer, N. D. Stiger.
1877. Mayor, Charles Baylor ; Councilmen, Geo. Gulick, Philip Gulick,
John Lunger, Lambert Humphrey, Bloomfield Leigh, and John
Case; Clerk, D. M. Gulick; Treasurer, Theodore J. Hoffman.
1878. Mayor, Erastus Bunyau; Cnuucilmen, John S. Madison, Robert
Foster, John W. Hulsizer, Cliarles Bowlsby, Samuel Smith, and
CLINTON TILLAGE.
547
M. 0. Mulligan ; Clerk, D. M. Gulick ; Treasurer, Theodore J.
Hoffman.
1879. ^Mayor, Wm, H. Carpenter ; Councilmen, Holiert Foster, John W.
Hnlsizer, Charles Bowlsby, Philip Gulick, John Case, A. S.
Leatherman; Clerk, Thomas Bodenhough ; Treasurer, Samuel
L. Voorhees.
1880. Mayor, Erastus Eiinyan; Councilmen, N. "W. Voorhees, John A.
Young, L. B. Baker, A. L. Leatherman, S. Van Syckel, Watson
Corson ; Clerk, Thomas Rodenbough ; Treasurer, Samuel L.
Voorhees.
From tlie anmial report of the finances of the town
issued March 31, 1880, it is learned that during the
fiscal year the collector received $6869, paid out
$6482.68, and had on hand (including balance received
from former collector) $1125.24. The amount of un-
paid taxes aggregated $69.63. The treasurer's report
showed receipts of $2162.35, and payments of $1886.47,
with balance on hand of $275.88.
SCHOOLS.
As far as present recollection goes, the first school
taught in what is now Clinton village was a subscrip-
tion school, by Nathan Wakefield, in 1817, in an old
building formerly used as a currying-shop on an old
tan-yard about 100 yards east of the Clinton National
Bank. The existence of that tan-yard dated back
some years at that time, for it was then and had long
been abandoned, the last proprietors having been
Thomas Parish and Henry Stiger. Wakefield was
teacher there but one term, although he taught in the
neighborhood a long time.
The first district school-house in the borough limits
was a stone structure, 20 feet square, built in 1827
(upon ground donated by David Miller), and stood at
the corner of Centre and New Streets. The first
teacher therein was Eeuben Frame. Feb. 22, 1869,
the borough voted, by 61 to 11, to have a new school-
house, and appropriated $10,000 therefor. It is a
handsome irame edifice, two stories in height, and oc-
cupies a commanding site. There are four depart-
ments, although but three are occupied. The school
enumeration is 242. Principal, George Fleming;
Assistants, the Misses Walton and Eutan. The trus-
tees of the district (numbered 53) are J. S. Madison,
Erastus Eunyan, and Alfred Tritts.
CHURCHES.
THE PEESBTTEKIAN CHURCH OP CLINTON.
Previous to 1829 there was no public preaching in
the borough, although a Sunday-school, started in
1825 in a school-house near the present residence of
Elijah Stout, was transferred to Gen. Hope's spinning-
wheel factory in 1826, and in 1827 was held in the
village school-house, just then erected. The demand
for church services at home was not over-urgent, for
the reasons that the population was meagre and
churches near by, at Bethlehem' and Lebanon. When
Clinton village began to expand, however, church
conveniences began to assume the form of a pressing
demand, and in response thereto' the New Jersey Mis-
sionary Society, at the recommendation of Dr. Archi-
bald Alexander, sent William Millar Carmichael, a
graduate of Hamilton College and Princeton Theo-
logical Seminary, and a licentiate of the Presbytery
of Albany. His first sermon was preached in May or
June, 1829, in the village school-house. He con-
tinued his labors six weeks, and, returning to Prince-
ton to graduate, came again to Clinton in the follow-
ing November, and remained until March, 1830, when
he passed to other fields. In 1829 the Presbytery
of Newton sent also occasional supplies to Clinton,
and for two years after Carmichael's departure pro-
vided preaching about two Sabbaths each month.
Among these supplies were Eevs. Hutton, Campbell,
Kirkpatrick, Clark, Van Dervoort, Blauvelt, and
Gray.
During the winter of 1829-30 an agitation in favor
of the erection of a Presbyterian church took shape,
and at a meeting in which A. C. Dunham, J. W. Bray,
J. B. Taylor, Nehemiah Dunham, A. W. Dunham,
A. S. Taylor, aiid others participated it was resolved
to build a house of worship iipon a lot dbnated by
Bray & Taylor, and the work of construction, being
commenced in May, 1830, was completed the same
year, in which the ' edifice was also dedicated. Al-
though a chur'cii was built in 1830, a churcli organi-
zation was not effected until June, 1831, when the
work was accomplished by a committee of the Pres-
bytery of Newton, consisting of Drs. Kirkpatrick,
Campbell, and Gray. The number of communicants
at organization was 10, to wit, William H. Yauger,
Sr., Mrs. Yauger, John Race and wife, Nehemiah
Dunham and wife, John H. Eodenbough and wife,
Mary Ann Emery, and A. W. Dunham.
The elders ordained on that occasion were Nehe-
miah Dunham, William H. Yauger, and John Eace.
The first pastor provided for the church was Alexan-
der Macklin. He was sent as stated supply in April,
1832, and in 1833 was ordained. During his first year
he increased the' membership from 13 to 56, and at
the close of his second year to 76. Oct. 6, 1833, the
Ladies' Missionary Society, still active, was formed.
The officers were Mrs. Mary Bray, Directress ; Mrs.
Elizabeth Miller, Treasurer; Mrs. Lydia A. Miller,
Secretary ; Mrs. Adaline Taylor and Mrs. Ann Field,
Managers.
Mr. Macklin severed his connection with the church
in the fall of 1835, and to him, in June, 1836, suc-
ceeded Eev. Arthur B. Bradford, who remained a
little more than two years. Eev. Albert Williams
preached as 'stated supply from December, 1838, to
May, 1839, was then installed as pastor, and re-
mained until November, 1848. During his pastorate
the church building was burned (Sept, 22, 1845), but
rebuilding was at once commenced', and in Novem-
ber 1846, the new house was dedicated. The next
pastor, Eev. James C. Watson, was installed in No-
vember, 1849, but remained only a year, and after
that dependence was had upon supplies until Novem-
ber, 1851, when Eev. John McNair was installed.
548
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
He remained twelve years, and in May, 1864, was
succeeded by Rev. I. A. Blauvelt, during whose term
of four years the churcli building was reconstructed
at a cost of $6800. In 1868 a parsonage was built.
In October, 1869, the present pastor, Eev. John
Ewing, was installed. From the beginning to the
present, 540 persons have been received into mem-
bership, and of these 200 remain (November, 1880).
Mention having been made that a Sunday-school
was organized near Clinton (or Hunt's Mills) in 1825,
it remains to be said that the same school is known
as the Presbyterian Sunday-school. Mr. Henry Miller
was the moving spirit in its organization, and in suc-
cession to the present as superintendents may be
named David Miller, Adam Stiger, A. W. Dunham,
Morris S. Stiger, Eli Bosenbury, Peter Van Pelt,
Eev. John Ewing, N. D. Stiger, and William H.
Baker.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUBCH.
A Protestant Episcopal Church was established in
Clinton in 1837, and in 1838 a house of worship was
built. The first rector was Eev. William C. Crane ;
the second, Eev. James Adams. AVith the close of
the latter's labors, about 1846, the organization ceased.
The church building was afterwards used for private
school purposes, and is still known as the " Acad-
emy."
CLINTON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH.
Just when Methodist meetings were first held in
Clinton village cannot be positively stated, although
it may be estimated that the first class was formed
at that point about 1830. Certain it is that there
was a Methodist Episcopal Church at Allertown
before there was one at Clinton (or Hunt's Mills),
for in 1822, when the first Methodist Episcopal
church edifice was built at Allertown, John Green,
the Hunt's Mills blacksmith, was a leading member of
the organization, and the inference is fair that he went
down there to church because there was none at his
home. Probably about 1830, Methodist meetings
were held in the stone school-house, and in 1839 a
building was put up, at which time a Eev. Mr. Wig-
gins was the preacher in charge, and Nehemiah Clin-
tan leader of the Clinton class. In 1842, Nathaniel
Megronnigall was the class-leader at Clinton, Walter
Burrows presiding elder, George Banghart preacher
in charge, and Eichard Van Horn junior preacher.
In 1844 the Clinton charge included Clinton, Aller-
town, Cokesburg, Lebanon, Lebanonville, Mount
Lebanon, Clarksville, Bethlehem, and Mountainville.
In that year the preachers in charge were Eevs. Ed-
ward Page and Samuel E. Post ; from 1845 to 1855,
Eevs. Manning Force, John Fort, George Banghart,
E. H. Stokes, J. P. McCormick, Eodney Winans, and
J. N. Crane. In 1863 the house of worship now in
use was erected.
November, 1880, Annandale and Clinton were in
the charge and included 162 members. The class-
leaders were George Fleming, Jacob D. Fritts, and
James Astle. The trustees were C. B. Melick, Ed-
mund Melick, Theodore Melick, Isaiah Fritts, N. S,
Wyckoflf, B. 0. Smith, and Christopher Starner. The
Sunday-school, at Clinton, in charge of J. H. Low
and eighteen teachers, had an average attendance of
of 110.
BAPTIST CHUBCH OF CLINTON.
Until May, 1870, the Baptists residing at Clinton
worshiped at the Bethlehem Baptist church, but on
May 22d of that year six persons, led by Eev. Henry
Westcott, formed a branch church at Clinton.
It was resolved straightway to build a church, and,
J. T. Leigh, J. D. Cregar, and Elisha Wene being
chosen a building committee, ground was broken in
the summer of 1871 ; October 25th the corner-stone
was laid, Eevs. E. A. Woods, of Flemington, Andrew
Armstrong, of Easton, and Henry Westcott officiating.
In February, 1872, the Bethlehem Church resolved
that the church at Clinton should be an independent
organization, and accordingly, March 2, 1872, letters
were granted to 25 persons, who, with 12 others, united
in forming the Clinton Church. The names of the 37
constituent members were Eev. Henry Westcott, Mary
M. Westcott, Hattie E. Westcott, J. F. Westcott, John
T. Leigh, Mary Leigh, Emily Leigh, Samuel and Mary
Leigh, J. D. Cregar, Mary E. Cregar, Elizabeth Cregar,
A. C. Cregar, Zilpah Cregar, Henry and Ann Eocka-
fellow, William and Mary E. Chamberlain, Mary
K. Chamberlain, Edward and Mary Ann Barrass,
Sarah G. Barrass, Elisha and Mary A. Wene, Sarah
Ann Yauger, Mary C. Wagner, Hettie Bodine, David
Brown, John Hulsizer, Eachel Prall, Mrs. Wm. Briggs,
Ellen Volk, Ann E. Case, Julia Stewart, Mrs. Dilts,
W. D. L. Bobbins, Amelia M. Eobbins.
The church was recognized March 20, 1872, and
the edifice dedicated Aug. 1, 1872. The deacons first
chosen were Edward Barrass, John T. Leigh, J. D.
Cregar, and W. D. L. Eobbins, who was appointed
clerk, and J. T. Leigh treasurer. Eev. Henry West-
cott, who was engaged as the first pastor, served to
Feb. 2, 1873. Eev. W. H. Shermer succeeded him
April 13, 1873, resigned Feb. 11, 1877, and in March
of the latter year was followed by Eev. G. B. Young.
Mr. Young retired in June, 1879, and then came Eev.
H. D. Doolittle, who served until his death, June 23,
1880
The church is now in a flourishing condition, with
an active membership of 66. The pulpit is temporarily
supplied at present.
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (ROMAN
CATHOLIC).
Eeligious services were held by Catholic priests in
Clinton village as early as 1840, perhaps before. The
priests came from Easton and preached in houses of
professors of the faith, although the preaching was
not very frequent, not oftener than once in two
months or maybe less. In 1850, Father Eearidon,
of Easton (still a priest there), visited Clinton once
CLINTON VILLAGE.
54»
in six weeks or two months, and held services in the
residence of Francis Mulligan. At the commence-
ment of his labors his congregation included some-
thing like eighteen families, for whom he preached
several years. About 1860, Francis Mulligan's barn
was fitted up as a church, and meetings were held in
that until the completion of the present house of
worship, in 1879. The successive pastors after Father
Hearidon were Revs. Jago, Rolland, Leonard O'Neil,
and Brady, the priest now in charge. November,
1880, the congregation represented forty families, the
trustees then being James Mulligan and Barney Carr.
PHYSICIANS.
The first physician resident in what is now the
village of Clinton was doubtless Benjamin Van Cleve
Hunt, brother to Ealph Hunt, proprietor of Hunt's
Mills. Dr. Hunt made his home at Hunt's Mills
before 1810, in the house now occupied by James R.
Kline. In 1818, Dr. Hunt removed to Ohio.
In the same year William P. Clarke occupied the
field at Hunt's Mills, and remained until 1825. John
Manners located in 1818, and practiced until his
death, in 1853. Drs. C. Crawford, Henry Field, and
Moore were village doctors from 1829 to 1850, and in
1851 came Sylvester Van Syckel, yet in practice. In
1866, Joseph B. Bird became a partner with Dr. Van
Syckel, and remained until 1873. Dr. James, who
came in 1877, remained but a short time. Wm.
Knight and J. M. Frace came in 1878, and, with Dr.
Van Syckel, comprised the list in November, 1880.
BANKING.
CLINTON NATIONAL BANK.
This, the oldest banking institution in Clinton, was
founded in 1856, under the general banking law, as
the Clinton Bank, with a capital of $100,000, of which
$80,000 was paid in. There were thirteen directors,
Robert Foster, James P. Hufiinan, J. T. Leigh, J. A.
Young, Wm. Egbert, E. A. Rockhill, J. H. Hufi'man,
Jos. Boss, Peter Melick, Peter Sigler, N. S. Cramer,
Bennet Van Syckel, and Whitfield Dunham, of
whom Robert Foster was chosen president and N. W.
Voorhees cashier. Business was commenced in a
building standing just west of the post-office, but
about 1860 the present banking-house was occupied.
In July, 1865, the institution was reorganized as " The
Clinton National Bank," with a capital of $100,000.
In 1874, Mr. Voorhees was succeeded as cashier by
B. V. Leigh, and in January, 1875, Mr. Foster re-
tired from the presidency, when Joseph Van Syckel
was chosen to succeed him. Messrs. Van Syckel and
Leigh are still respectively president and cashier, and
John T. Leigh vice-president. The directors for
1880 were J. H. Rockafellow, J. N. Ramsey, N. Boyd,
T. E. Hunt, Edward Humphrey, Wm. Egbert, Elijah
Stout, S. Van Syckel, J. Van Syckel, John T. Leigh,
A. J. Reeves, Fisher Pidcock, and Sydney Yard.
riEST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National Bank of Clinton was incorpo-
rated Jan. 29, 1875, with a capital of $100,000. The
subscribers to the stock at the first meeting, held in
Weller's Hotel, numbered twenty -five, of whom Rob-
ert Foster, John A. Young, Samuel Parry, James R.
Kline, Whitfield Dunham, F. A. Potts, John F. Gran-
din, Wm. Johnson, Benjamin E. Young, Jacob R.
Fisher, Peter A. Beavers, Peter Cramer, and Martin
Wyckofi" were chosen directors. Robert Foster was
elected president and N. W. Voorhees cashier.
Under authorization, the bank commenced business
April 8, 1875. From the published report dated Oct.
1, 1880, it appears that at that time the loans and dis-
counts aggregated $158,780 ; that there were due from
approved reserve agents $55,410, and from other na-
tional banks $4363 ; value of real estate held by the
bank, $2300; outstanding currency, $90,000; undi-
vided profits, $5304.60 ; deposits, $145,870 ; due other
national banks, $6055.76. Robert Foster has been the
president and N. W. Voorhees the cashier since 1875.
The directors for 1880 were Robert Foster, Peter A.
Beavers, Peter Cramer, Whitfield Dunham, J. R.
Fisher, J. F. Grandin, Wm. Johnson, J. R. Kline,
F. A. Potts, Samuel Parry, Martin Wyckofi", B. E.
Young, J. A. Young.
LIME-BURNING.
There were lime-burners in and near the present
village perhaps before the Revolution, and likely
enough among the first of them were the Hunts.
Peter Young, father of John A., of Clinton, burned
lime in 1816 upon a field within the present borough,
where the same had been done long before. Gen.
Hope was a lime-burner, and, indeed, so were many
of the early comers. The lime-cliffs rising abruptly
upon the west bank of the river within the village
limits, and extending about two miles up Spruce Run,
were not much quarried before 1840, but since then
have been steadily worked. In the borough limits
the limestone hills are estimated to cover about 640-
acres. Although now the amount burned annually
aggregates 60,000 bushels, there is less done than
there was a few years ago.
VILLAGE GRAVEYARDS.
There was no village cemetery in Clinton until
1830, when the burial-ground at the Presbyterian
church was laid out. The oldest grave there is said to-
be that of Midshipman Robert Taylor, who died in th&
naval service of the United States at Port Rogers in
the West Indies, Sept. 14, 1823, and in 1830 was-
brought to Clinton and laid to rest in the new ceme-
tery. In that burial-place the striking architectural
features are two handsome granite shafts. One com-
memorates the death of Brig.-Gen. Geo. W. Taylor,
wounded at the battle of Manassas, Aug. 27, 1862,
and died at Alexandria, Sept. 1, 1862. The second
records the death of Capt. Archibald Taylor, of the
550
HUNTEEDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Third Regiment New Jersey Infantry, who fell at
Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863, aged twenty.
Just nortli of the village there is a tastefully laid
out cemetery belonging to the Methodist Episcopal
church, and a third burial-ground at the Catholic
church.
SOCIETIES.
Stewart Lodge, No. 34, F. and A. M., named in
honor of E. Stewart, then M. W. G. M., was organ-
ized Dec. 1, 1854, at White House, in Eeadington
township. Present at the first meeting were J. C.
Eafferty, W. M. ; E. E. Hall, S. W. ; G. T. Blake, J.
W. ; J. A. Apgar, Treas. ; M. D. Trefren, Sec. ; J. E.
Kline, S. D. ; S. Clark, J. D. ; P. Cook, Tiler. Jan.
10, 1855, a charter was issued to the lodge. In 1865
its quarters were removed to Annandale (then called
Clinton Station), and in 1873 a second removal was
made, to Clinton. The Masters of the lodge since
1854 have been J. C. Eafferty, M. D. Trefren, A. E.
Sanderson, Joel Bryant, J. E. Ewing, E. H. Gano,
W. E. Hoffman, H. Altemus, W. D. L. Bobbins, and
W. H. Baker. The membership, November, 1880,
was 90, when the officers were William H. Baker, W.
M. ; James R. Kline, S. W. ; John Lunger, J. W. ; J.
B. Weller, Treas. ; E. Laquay, Sec. ; Herman Alte-
mus, S. D. ; Watson Corson, J. D. ; H. Crampton,
Tiler.
Clinton Lodge, United American Mechanics,
was organized July 8, 1869, with the following as
members : John Bosenbury, Samuel W. Smith, John
Manning, Daniel Stires, Whitfield Sweazey, Emanuel
Manning, J. E. Van Syckel, Eobert S. Eodenbough,
J. H. Lowe, T. T. Bosenbury, Frederick Lunger, A.
G. Manning, J. E. Allen, H. Altemus, Samuel Man-
ning, Jesse Teats, Theodore Madison, E. P. Holeman,
William C. Eeeves, Alfred Fritts. The first coun-
cilor was J. H. Lowe. After him the councilors to
1880 have been T. T. Bosenbury, J. E. Allen, J. Bo-
senbury, E. H. Eodenbough, William L. Eodenbough,
William H. Waldron, A. D. Manning, Samuel Man-
ning, Charles H. Matthews, E. H. Eodenbough. Al-
though the lodge has had as many as 111 members at
one time, the number has now fallen to 38. The offi-
cers in November, 1880, were R. H. Eodenbough, C. ;
John Bosenbury, V. C. ; A. M. Trimmer, Sec. ; T. T.
Bosenbury, A. Sec. ; W. H. Waldron, F. Sec. ; B. C.
Smith, Treas. ; O. Urich, Inductor ; James Altemus,
Ex. ; Jacob Eike, J. P. ; A. D. Manning, O. P.
Capoolong Lodge, No. 185, I. 0. 0. F., was or-
ganized June 29, 1875, with the following members :
William Knight, N. G. ; Daniel Cowel, V. G. ; A. V.
Lunger, E. S. ; J. J. AUer, P. S. ; E. E. Hartpence,
Treas. The membership is now 45. The officers are
E. V. Blue, N. G. ; A. Bunn, V. G. ; William Hum-
mer, R. Sec. ; P. Wagner, P. Sec. ; J. H. Lowe, Treas.
The Noble Grands of the lodge since 1875 have been
William Knight, L. B. Baker, A. V. Lunger, E. R.
Hartpence, G. W. Gebhardt, M. F. Proof, William
Lunger, E. Laquay, and E. V. Blue.
Independent Gospel Temperance Union was or-
ganized June 21, 1878, in Dr. Everett's office. Gospel
temperance meetings are held monthly in the Clinton
churches and in the Stone church at Bethlehem.
The officers are Eev. J. E. Ewing, President ; Eev. J.
H. Euth, I. G. Williamson, and J. T. Leigh, Vice-
Presidents; George Fleming, Eecording Secretary;
G. W. Everett, Corresponding Secretary ; Peter Case,
Treasurer.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL INSTITUTE.
At a county Sunday-school convention held in
Bloomsbury, Oct. 15, 1873, the county was divided
into three Sunday-school districts, of which No. 1
was to be the townships of Bethlehem, Lebanon,
High Bridge, Tewksbury, Clinton, and Union, and
the borough of Clinton. The first president of No. 1
was B. E. Young, and the first secretary Rev. T. D.
Frazee, chosen at the first meeting of the institute,
May 26, 1874. The officers in November, 1880, were
Eev. S. W. Eoe, D.D., of Lebanon, President; Wil-
liam S. Wyckoff, of Clinton, Vice-President ; William
H. Baker, of Clinton borough, Secretary and Treas-
urer. The present representation in the institute in-
cludes forty-four Sunday-schools.
HISTORY OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
CHAPTEE I.
THE PHYSICJAL FEATURES OP SOMEBSET
COUNTY.*
Ijocation Extent Boundaries Physical Features Geological Forma-
tions The Red Sandstone, Red Shale, Limestone, Trap, and other
Boc]£B Minerals and Mines, etc.
EXTENT AND BOUNDARIES.
Somerset Cottn'ty is situated very nearly in the
geographical centre of the State, lying between 40°
22' and 40° 45' north latitude, and extending from
74° 27' westward to 74° 47' west of Greenwich. Its
central latitude is 40° 34'. Its climate is mild and
healthful. It contains nearly one hundred and ninety-
six thousand acres, or three hundred and six square
miles, of surface. It is bounded on the north by
Morris and Union Counties, on the east by Union and
Middlesex, on the south by Middlesex and Mercer,
and on the west by Mercer and Hunterdon Counties.
TOPOGRAPHY, Etc.
The predominant aspect of the surface is that of a
soft and gentle pastoral landscape, except in its
northern part, where its hills, in graceful outlines,
harmoniously blend with the woodlands, meadows,
and fields of its central and southern portions. No
towering mountains or steep acclivities are here to be
found; yet from many an eminence views are obtained
as fine and as wide-spreading as can be had in some
localities only from mountain-tops.
The surface in the larger part of the county is roll-
ing or undulating, neither flat nor hilly, but so com-
posed of hill and dale as to insure proper drainage,
and yet present no obstacle to agriculture and tillage.
Its mountains, so called, rise to an altitude of from
only one hundred and fifty to three hundred feet.
They are of the trap formation, but it nowhere as-
sumes the columnar form.
The South Branch of the Earitan, rising in Brook-
lyn Pond, in Morris County, a few miles north of
Drakesville, courses along the western base of Fox
Hill, receives the waters of Budd's Lake, and drains
the German Valley ; it then passes west of Eound
Mountain and enters upon the red-shale district, flow-
ing to the northward of Flemington, thence nearly
eastward to Neshanic, where it changes its course, its
direction being nearly northeasterly to the point where
it joins the North Branch in forming the Earitan
* By Rev. Abram Messier, D.D.
Eiver, through which its waters are discharged into
the bay at Amboy.
The North Branch has its head near Calais, in
Morris County, not far from the source of the South
Branch ; but this stream is not diverted by the range
of Fox Hill, and therefore naturally finds a channel
more directly towards the red-shale district, and, flow-
ing nearly southerly, meets the South Branch and
sends its waters oceanward by the same channel. It
has a larger branch, and a longer, called, first. Black
Eiver, then the Lamington, which first receives the
waters of the North and South Eockaway. These
principal streams discharge almost all the waters of
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties. They all flow
through broad valleys, whose rich alluvial soils afibrd
a sure reward to the husbandman's labor. The South
Branch is the westernmost stream in New Jersey
which finds its way to the Atlantic.
The valley of the Earitan forms a prominent fea-
ture in the topography of Somerset County. The
river of that name has only one principal branch,
coming into it from the south, the Millstone with its
several affluents. When the first settlers came to
the vicinity of Somerville, its broad alluvial lands
were found without trees, with extensive meadows
rich in pasture and ready for the hand of the agri-
culturist. The Indians had used them long before as
corn-lands. It is this broad valley, with its contiguous
table-lands, which gives to Somerset the title of " the
garden of the State."
The hills in the north part of the county can hardly
be called mountains, yet they give variety to the
scenery. In the trap range north of Somerville is a
romantic gorge which has become quite celebrated as
a resort for pleasure-parties. It forms the passage
through which Middle Brook (called by the Indians
Eaweighweros ) finds its way to the Earitan. En-
tering the gorge from the south, a narrow dell is seen,
on the west side of which the Eound Top rises nearly
three hundred feet ; on the east the wall of trap is
nearly perpendicular, and upon it rests a rock about
twelve feet in height and five or six square, resem-
bling an old broken stone chimney. This is the
famed " Chimney Eock.'' A short distance beyond
is a precipice nearly as high as that upon the east
side. Here the two branches of the little stream
unite. Just above, upon the right-hand branch, is a
beautiful cascade, known as " Buttermilk Falls.'' The
left-hand stream winds around the precipice and leads
551
552
SOMBKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
the romantic visitor into Washington Valley, around
which cluster memories of the Eevolution. This
gorge was protected by cannon, and formed the
avenue of communication from the north to the
south side of the mountain during that exciting
period.
The woodland in the north part of the county is
yet abundant and , increasing ; it consists principally
of the oak in all its varieties, ash, maple, elm, hickory,
and chestnut. In the red-shale district of the county
especially the foliage has a vivid brightness due,
perhaps, to the peculiar soil which has caused it to
be designated "the greenest place" in New Jersey.
Whatever the cause, this brightness and freshness of
foliage is often remarked. It is a natural beauty for
which Somerset is distinguished.
GEOLOGICAL.
Geologically considered, the area of Somerset County
is made up almost entirely of five distinct formations.
The first and the largest is the argillaceous sandstone,
or red shale, one of the most extensive of the Triassic
formations. The second is the variegated conglomer-
ate, upon which the red shale rests along its northwest
line in an unconformable manner. The third em-
braces the trap ranges protruded from it ; and fourth
the older gneiss rocks, upon which the conglomerate
rests. This, as a formation of the Azoic Age, occu-
pies a position next to the primitive granite. Asso-
ciated with this rock is, fifth, the blue limestone, which
crops out in a few places only within the boundaries
of the county, but which is of great economic value
when it is used in architecture and in agriculture.
These several formations will be treated in the order
indicated above.
THE BED SANDSTONE AND KED SHALE.
This formation presents to view commonly a dull-
red, highly-argillaceous sandstone, in which, when
the proportion of the clay is in excess, the rock as-
sumes a slaty texture and fracture ; in other instances
the sandy particles are more predominant, though
very fine, and then it assumes a massive form. Then,
again, it appears in a condition in which it has em-
bodied a small quantity of mica, which modifies its
form, and it can be broken up in masses for building
purposes or split into flagstones. Several beds of the
series, especially low down in the mass of the strata,
resemble somewhat a coarse conglomerate, showing
that they have been formed from the rocks of an
older class and assuming a yellowish hue. Eanges of
this form of the rock are seen almost everywhere in
Somerset County, and when denuded or exposed near
the surface are employed extensively in agriculture
and masonry.
The prevailing red hue of the strata is obviously
due to the fact that they contain a portion of the red
oxide of iron. Some of the beds of the shale and
fine-grained sandstone, from local causes, have a
bluish-green hue, while other large tracts have a dull-
brown color, the eifect of the heat of the adjacent
trap rocks, and in some localities they have been so
baked that they have a ringing sound when struck
like clink-stone. We give an analysis of the red
shale in the vicinity of New Brunswick, which will
show all the materials of which it is composed. In 100
parts, 73 are silicic acid and quartz ; peroxide of iron,
10 ; alumina, 3.20 ; lime, 4.93 ; magnesia, 0.98 ; potash,
0.73 ; soda, 0.97, with a trace of sulphuric and car-
bonic acid and water. The soil of a large part of
Somerset County is made up of this compound mass,
and its value is sufficiently evident from these com-
ponent parts. The lime, iron, potash, soda, and mag-
nesia are specially noticeable as valuable ingredients.
In the vicinity of New Brunswick, from thence
northwest to Bound Brook, and perhaps even as far
as the vicinity of New Germantown, the red sand-
stone and shale are of a soft and argillaceous char-
acter, decomposing rapidly when exposed to the
action of the atmosphere. There are only a few
layers scattered through it which furnish a stone that
is of any value. The soil resting on the top of it
always presents a tinge of color which has been de-
rived from its decomposition. In many places it
comes up so near the surface that the growth of trees
is rendered difficult and uncertain, and the vegetation
produced on it is peculiarly liable to injury from
drought ; yet in a good season it yields the farmer a
profitable remuneration for his labor, and when it has
been treated with lime, which absorbs and preserves,
in time of drought, the moisture of the atmosphere, it
claims to be called fertile land. There are only two
portions of the State of New Jersey which are more
desirable as agricultural lands, the valleys of the
Musconetcong and Paulinskill, in Sussex and Warren
Counties, and the marl district in Monmouth.
The rocks of the red sandstone and shale are all
regularly stratified and have a uniform dip to the
northwest, except when they have been subjected to
some disturbance from the upheavel or protrusion of
other formations. This dip varies from five to twenty
degrees.
The thickness of the red sandstone and shale for-
mation of this vicinity, according to Prof. Cook, is
twenty-seven thousand feet, or more than five miles.
*' If the mode of computation is right, the result must he accepted.
Those who think the strata were once horizontal, and were thrown into
their present inclined position at some later period, adopt this conclusion,
others, who think the strata were deposited on a slope, as we now lind
them, do not consider the above as being the true thickness. They suppose
that the strata on the southeast border were first deposited on this north-
west slope, and then that the upper edges were worn off and the material
carried farther northwest, to be again deposited and form new strata
upon the lower parts of those already deposited. Without any addition
of material there would then he, in this way, a multiplication of strata
all having the same dip; and such a process could go on until the forma-
tion had widened out to its present extent. Such a mode of formation
would not require that the whole series of strata should be more than a
few hundred or possibly a thousand feet in thickness."*
* Geology of New Jersey, page 175.
THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
553
We will not decide the question of right between
the two modes of calculation, except to say that a
well in New Brunswick has been sunk four hundred
and fifty feet, several in Newark four hundred and
six hundred feet, and one in Paterson thirteen hun-
dred feet, all in the red sandstone and shale. Perhaps
some future observations may determine the question
at present in dispute ; until then we will have to wait
patiently.
All observations unite in showing that the red sand-
stone and shale of New Jersey are of a sedimentary
character. The materials composing them must have
been deposited in water during the progress of many
ages ; and, since an analysis shows so little trace of
any of the ingredients of the salt water of the ocean,
we add, deposited in fresh water.
In what period of geological history this widely-
diffiised series of sedimentary strata originated we
are not able to determine, but some data may afford
an approximation. The organic remains in them are
but few. They are certainly not so recent as the
green sand, as is proved by their passing unconform-
ably beneath that formation ; and that they are more
modern than the coal is not less conclusively shown
by their reposing unconformably and without signs
of disturbance upon the lower members of the Appa-
lachian rocks in districts of the country where the
uplifting of these and of the carboniferous strata at
the top of the same series has obviously been cotem-
poraneous. The vast space of time during which
the depositions were being made may be imagined by
the thickness of the strata, which, as we have said,
has only been imperfectly ascertained, but must evi-
dently be very great.
Some indications of the period of the formation of
the red shale and sandstone formation in New Jersey
are also found in the fossils which they contain. There
are no marine shells at all, proving that these strata
are not upheavals from any primitive ocean. But there
are remains of plants, footprints of birds, and fossil
fish found in many different places. We are confined
to our own small field, and therefore begin by saying
that the plants seem to be of the Lepidodendron class,
belonging to the lower series of the Devonian period,
and cotemporary with the Pittsburgh coal. The fossil
plants found in our district, however, are not well
defined, and it would be unsafe to place much depend-
ence upon any inferences as to the age of the strata
made from them, at least at present.
Fossil fishes have been found in the debris thrown
out of the copper mines in Washington Valley, and
in several places in the shales at the west foot of the
mountain between Bound Brook and Pluckamin.
Several specimens of these are to be seen among the
collection of the Geological Survey at Trenton.
There is also an extensive collection in the museum
of Columbia College, New York. Footprints of dif-
ferent three-toed animals or reptiles have also been
found.
In Washington Valley, in a grayish flagstone, there
are marks which resemble the bed which the sunfish
[Ichthyosaurus orthagoniscus) makes preparatory to
depositing his spawn. It is in the form of a circle
from twelve to twenty inches in diameter. The im-
pressions are so plain that no one who has ever
noticed a sunfish-bed in a clear fresh-water stream
can possibly mistake it. It is another instance in
proof of the conclusion above indicated, that the
strata of the red shale and sandstone were deposited
in fresh water. There are many other places outside
of our district in which the fossil fish and focitmarks
have been found.
The sandstone variety of the Triassio formation in
Somerset County, as distinct from the red shale, has
not yet attracted the attention which its value for
economic purposes warrants us in saying that it will
attain. It is easily formed into any required shape ;
it is durable, resisting the action of the atmosphere
in a remarkable degree ; it is abundant in almost all
the neighborhoods of this county ; it is not generally
deeply imbedded, so that little labor is required to ob-
tain it ; and it can be had in almost all the districts at
a comparatively small expense. The brown and yel-
lowish varieties are seen in several important edifices
in the State. Rutgers College, the Newark court-
house, State-House at Trenton, and Trinity Church
in New York City are all built of it.
There remains only one more circumstance of im-
portance to be mentioned respecting the red shale
and sandstone. It seems to have been subjected, at
some period after its deposition, to a process of denu-
dation, by which the upper surface of the strata or
the outcrop has been abraded and worn away, ex-
posing them almost naked to the action of the
weather. In some localities are found sand-hills,
identical in their character with the mass of the
same material which forms the surface of a large dis-
trict of country southeast of South River, in Middle-
sex County, and on the borders of Monmouth. Can
this sand have come from our district? There are
also many evidences of a violent and powerful move-
ment from the northward. Large rocks of gran-
itic gneiss are found lying on the surface of the soil
in many places within our district, which must have
been transported from the gneiss hills or gneiss forma-
tions in Morris and Sussex Counties. Some of these
rocks must weigh at least twenty tons, or more. Sev-
eral pieces of the variegated conglomerate which is
in place on the east side of Greenwood Lake have
been found on the trap ranges north of Somerville.
THE TRAP FORMATION.
All authorities unite in affirming that trap is of
igneous or volcanic origin. Ordinarily, it is of a
greenish gray color, and its aspect varies from that of
a fine-grained, compact basalt to that of a coarsely-
crystallized greenstone. It contains, in difierent lo-
calities, besides its more essential components, horn-
554
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
blend, feldspar, augite, and titaniferous oxide of iron,
various other minerals of more rare occurrence, such
as epidote, prehnite, zeolite, stilbite, an alcime, and
datholite.
Trap consists, in its purer state, mostly of feldspar.
When united with hornblend it belongs to the variety
classed as greenstone. When associated with augite it
is called doleriie. When it consists of feldspar, au-
gite, and the titaniferous oxide of iron, it is properly
called a basalt. A fourth variety is called loadstone,
an amygdaloidal rock composed of a vesicular cement
or paste, usually a fine-grained and rather earthy ba-
salt containing small spherical cavities occupied by
extraneous minerals. The crystalline structure of
the trappean rooks is no less various than their com-
position. It presents every gradation from that of a
homogeneous paste, in which all trace of a distinct
grain disappears, to a coarsely-granular aspect, in
which we may easily detect the several other constit-
uent minerals.
The structural appearance of the trap rocks is usu-
ally that of an amorphous or massive character, des-
titute of any greater regularity in its joints than a
tendency to a cubical or trapezoidal form in the blocks
into which it naturally separates. But in some in-
stances it displays a tendency to a bedded form, as if
while in a fluid state layer after layer had flowed one
over another in forming the mass which was thrown
up. In only a few places in this section does it as-
sume the true basaltic character, separating into reg-
ularly-formed prismatic columns.
Almost every relation which igneous rocks ever pre-
sent to the strata intersected by them is seen in the
several positions of the red sandstone and trap in Som-
erset and Hunterdon Counties. The usual mode is
where it reposes unconformably upon the secondary
strata. A very striking instance of this is seen in the
gorge of Chimney Eock, near Middlebrook. There
may be traced the trap above the red shale from the
south side of the mass, which at a distance looks like
an old dilapidated chimney resting on the shale and
conforming to its dip for a hundred and fifty yards,
until the falls of the east branch of the Middle
Brook are reached, at which point the trap protruded
upwards through the red shale, and, being in a semi-
fluid state, gradually settled over in a southward
direction until it became solid, and so it has remained
ever since. A little to the northwest perhaps five
hundred yards some years since a pit was dug in
order to obtain the red shale in a pure form for the
purpose of grinding it into paint, and huge broken
masses were uncovered, looking as if they had been
thrown ofi" in a confused heap when the trap was
forced through the strata, previously lying in a per-
fectly conformable position as they were originally
deposited.
This, with many other facts, appears to us to be
conclusive evidence that the trap is, geologically,
more recent than the sandstone, but does not point
out the precise period when it was protruded; nor
can we determine decisively whether the different
trap ridges in Somerset were all upheaved at the same
time or at different periods in the Triassic Age of
geological science. Evidences of the intense volcanic
heat embodied in it when it was extruded to the surface
are numerous.
A broad ridge of trap extends from near Neshanic
church southwestward until it crosses the river into
Pennsylvania. It has an elevation varying from three
to five hundred feet. Its length is about seventeen
miles, and the average breadth about two miles. The
range has a narrow core or dyke of trap rock in its
centre flanked on each side by dark indurated argil-
laceous shale. At the end near Flaggtown it is so
changed in color and baked by heat that it rings like
clink-stone when struck with a hammer.
The outcropping trap is seen at Mount Airy, near
Rock Mill, and at the northeastern terminus of the
range, near Flaggtown. About a mile south of this
terminus, on the southeast side of the ridge, there is
a remarkable indentation, formed, apparently, by the
wash of a small stream of water making its way down
to the level land, in which are great masses of rock
lying in confusion, one upon another, touching only
at the point of contact, and which has been called
expressively "The Devil's Half- Acre." A mile
farther south a huge mass of rock standing alone
is called "Fort Hans;" and still another farther
south, similar to the first, is known as the " Roaring
Rocks." These localities are favorite resorts for pic-
nic parties, and are considered great curiosities by
many intelligent people, who, however, have no con-
ception of their geological relations and origin.
Looking from the Neshanic Mountain to the south-
east, we see Rocky Hill culminating in Mount Rose,
rising to the height of four hundred and thirteen feet,
and terminating west of Hopewell. The trend of the
mountain is west-southwest from the Millstone River,
and it extends about nine miles to Mount Rose. Here
it changes to a northwest course, which is preserved
until its termination is reached. Neither of the slopes
are very steep, yet there is a difference between them.
That towards Blawenburg and Hopewell is very
much more gradual than that on the south side of the
ridge. The outcrop of the trap is only seen near the
Millstone, about Mount Rose, and south of Hopewell.
Loose rocks and yellow trap soil are characteristic of
the whole range. On each side, between the trap and
the red shale, may be observed a bluish shale indu-
rated and changed in its color by contact with the ig-
neous rock, proving, as elsewhere, the heated state
of the trap when it was protruded from below.
There is another ridge on a line connecting Rocky
Hill and what is called Bald Pate Mountain, known
also as Pennington Mountain. It is isolated from the
former merely by an interval of shale, and is about
two miles long and half a mile wide. Its south face
is very steep and rocky, and rises to the height of two
THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
555
hundred feet. Its general direction is northeast and
southwest. It is not unlike the other trap formations
in this vicinity, and therefore demands no further
notice.
On the east side of the Millstone Eiver is a range
of trap elevations which must be regarded as a con-
tinuation of Rocky Hill in its eastern direction. In
some places it is covered deeply with drift and but
imperfectly visible, yet no one passing over the
country can well fail to see how the trap at Green's
Pond and at Ten-Mile Run is an integral part of
Rocky Hill. Professor Rodgers says of this forma-
tion,
" CbmmeQcing at its eastern termination, near Lawrence's Brook, we
observe the shale on both sides of the dyke a£snming a bluish tint or color
and an extremely compact stnictnre. In the southern declivity it is
purplish or chocolate color in its tints and excessively hard and tough.
It is studded throughout with small spherical knobs or crystalline nodules,
consisting of the minerals known as epidote and homblend in u state of
imperfect crystallization. This belt of altered shale extends from a point
half a mile southeast of the straight turnpike to the Millstone River, near
Kingston. The changes induced in the whole lithoid character and
stmcture of the shale by the intinided igneous rock are finely exhibited
along the canal at both the southern and northern bases of the Rocky
Hill dyke, evincing a curious gradation in the crystalline action as we
approach the trap. "
Large blocks of this altered shale are to be seen
along the Millstone as far north as Weston, but in
places so rem.ote from the river and so high above its
present current as to show some action of flood and
ice in former ages not now existing.
East of Neshanic Mountain and not far from Plain-
ville, about half-way towards the Millstone River,
there is a small outcrop of trap, made evident by the
broken fragments which completely cover the ground
for a circular space of a hundred or more feet in di-
ameter. On the bank of the Raritan and Delaware
Canal, also, below Blackwell's Mills, another small
outcrop, not more than six or eight feet in width, ap-
pears. It seems to have burst out from below through
a fissure of the red shale and remained there, standing
alone and producing but little visible effect of any
kind except the small blocks which lie on the surface
around it, covering a space of several square yards.
In excavating the Raritan Canal the hill was so cut
away as to expose this little pillar for thirty feet in
perpendicular height.
We are now brought to the most prominent of the
trap ranges in our district, viz., the two parallel
ranges north of Somerville : perhaps we might more
accurately say three. The first range begins near
Pluckamin and has a southeastern and eastern direc-
tion until it reaches the gorge at Middle Brook ; thence
it tends east and northeast until it reaches Paterson.
At Milburn there is a broad gap, and at Plainfield a
narrow passage, through which a branch of Green
Brook finds its way out towards the Raritan. Be-
tween its inner and outer slopes there is a great dif-
ference. The inner is gentle; the outer steep, and
often precipitous. North of Somerville the red shale
in some places rises up almost to the top of the dyke
of trap, in fact, is immediately contiguous to it. At
other places the debris of the trap rests upon it and
overlies it, so as to hide it from sight. Always the
fact of protrusion is so visibly present as to indicate
impressively its origin. The height of the whole
ridge is remarkably uniform, ranging from three
hundred to six hundred and fifty feet above the sea-
level. Washington Rock, near Plainfield, is five hun-
dred and eleven feet in height. The top of the range
is never broad, in many places is, in fact, less than
a mile in width.
Parallel to this first range is a second, beginning
near Bernardsville and running first southwest, then
south-southeast and south, following closely the trend
of the first. It is more than double the width of the
first range until it has passed beyond the limits of
Somerset County. Its height is much more variable
than that of the first, and its slope more gentle. In
fact, the abrupt dyke is seldom visible. Between
these two ranges there is an elevated valley known as
Washington Valley.
Beyond this second mountain there is still another
trap range, or Third Mountain. Long Hill and Bask-
ing Ridge are parts of it. Both these formations are
less elevated than the other two, and they are narrow
and level-topped, with the red shale rising up nearly
to the apex of the elevation. Their average height is
not more than two hundred feet. Their general
aspect indicates that the protruding force had in a
measure subsided when the eruption took place, or,
perhaps, being farther from the centre of action, had
less power to overcome the resistance opposed to it,
and so not only threw up less material, but also less
in elevation.
The age of the great geological formation in Som-
erset County we do not pretend to fix.* It may
have been not only more recent than those which
remain to be noticed, but perhaps the most recent of
all. It is evidently the result of some great volcanic
action which either then expended itself entirely or
has since remained dormant.
The next formation to be considered is what Prof.
Rodgers calls "the variegated calcareous conglom-
erate," forming the northwestern boundary of the
red shale and sandstone strata so extensively spread
out in our district. Conglomerate, says Dr. Cook,
is a rock composed of fragments or pebbles of other
rocks. The pebbles may be of quartz, limestone,
slate, or other substances, and they may vary in size
from a buckshot to the bowlder of a foot or more in
diameter. The cementing material may be oxide of
iron, carbonate of lime, or other fine substances, and
the color may depend upon the cementing paste or
upon the pebbles themselves inclosed in it.
* We have no historical records of these remote times. Man had not
then found a habitation upon the surface of this mundane sphere ; and
there is nothing by which we can calculate passing events. We only
know that some things must have been first and others last in the con-
solidation of the crust of the globe.
556
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
The theory of the formation of the conglomerate is
given in Eodgers' report. It overlies the red sandstone
and shale, and therefore is of a later origin. There
is but little difficulty in explaining both its source and
the character of the circumstances attending its form-
ation. The fragmentary materials of which it consists
can be traced, in every instance, to the older rocks of
the neighboring hills, immediately bordering on the
conglomerate on the northwest ; and we can also dis-
cover a relation between the amount of the several
kinds of pebbles and that of the strata along the
flanks of the formation itself
In order to account for the violent denudation which
has taken place along the range of the old gneiss and
granite rocks, we have only to advert to the state of
things attendant upon the outburst of the trap ranges.
This rock, intersecting and overlying all portions of
the red shale and sandstone, as well its earliest as its
latest formed beds, was manifestly of simultaneous
date through the entire region of our district not only,
but of the whole continent. The violent agitation
of this whole belt of countiy, and the vertical rising
of the red shale depositions to a higher level, would
necessarily set in violent motion the entire body of
the waters in the whole basin. These, rushing im-
petuously over the shattered strata along the base of
the hills, confining the current on the northwest,
would quickly roll their fragments into that confused
mass of coarse heterogeneous pebbles which we see,
and strew them into the detached beds where we now
find them. The protrusion of the trap, the deposition
and formation of the conglomerate, and the elevation
and final draining of the whole red sandstone basin
can only be considered to have been consecutive phe-
nomena. The whole time occupied by these stupen-
dous changes must have been comparatively brief
compared with the period which produced the mate-
rials of the basin so extensive in range and so vast in
depth : we mean the red shales and sandstone of New
Jersey and the other States.
In attempting to describe the calcareous conglom-
erate, its range and principal localities within the
limits of our district, we may say that it constitutes
the uppermost member of the middle secondary se-
ries. It overlies the red shale along its northwestern
margin, not in a continuous belt, but rather in several
insulated patches, which range in one general line
near the foot of the primary or older formations. In
almost every portion of its range its materials are
very heterogeneous, consisting of pebbles or water-
worn bits of rock of all sizes belonging to most of
the older formations existing in the region where it
is found. A portion of the motley mass is made up
of variously colored sandstone pebbles. Sometimes
there is a considerable mixture of small pieces of the
primary rocks, and in certain places of the range the
strata, throughout nearly the whole thickness, are
made up of pebbles of limestone cemented by a lime-
stone paste. Usually the cement or imbedding paste
contains a prevailing portion of the red argillaceous
shale of the underlying strata. This admixture of
red matter in the formation in New Jersey is easily
explained. The harder sandstones and limestone
have retained their fragmentary state, while the soft
red shale has been reduced to powder or mud by the
violent action which brought together the mass of
water-worn materials, and so became mixed up with
them. That they are water-worn is placed beyond a
doubt by the form in which they appear in the mass
of the conglomerate : nothing else could have ab-
raded all the angles which these bits of rock must
have had when broken off from their original strata
except the friction and wear of water.
A large portion of the conglomerate, in its course
through New Jersey, exhibits all the characteristics
of the rock from which the pillars of the Hall of
Representatives in Washington are made, known as
Potomac marble.
The relation of the red shale to the conglomerate
as underlying strata is also clearly seen on the road
to Peapack, east of Lamington River. The rock is
generally of a silicious character in this locality, re-
sembling a coarse arenaceous sandstone, and the shale
dips to the northwest. At New Germantown the red
shale has been changed near the brook to a greenish
gray color by the vicinity of the trap cropping up
here in a narrow dyke.
COPPEB.
It is found in the red shale and sandstone of
New Jersey, and has been known to exist there since
the earliest settlement of the country. Mines were
opened before the Revolution at Belville and New
Brunswick. We confine our notice to Somerset
County. It exists in almost a pure native form as a
red oxide, as a basilicate, as a gray sulphuret, and as
pyrites or yellow copper ore.
Native Copper has been found in the vicinity of
Somerville in several places. Notably one large
piece, nearly all pure, weighing seventy-eight pounds,
was taken out of a small ravine three or four feet in
depth on the north side of the First Mountain, about
twenty -five years since, by a farmer, and was in pos-
session of Albert Camman. It had the appearance
of having been acted upon by heat, was mixed with
the gray oxide in a part of it, and incrusted with the
green carbonate in some other parts.
Red Oxide, as it is found near Somerville, in the
Bridgewater mine, varies in color from purple to
brick-red, has a compact structure, and is nearly des-
titute of lustre. It occurs mostly in the altered red
shale immediately in contact with the trap rock, as if
it had been diffused by its upheaval and heat, and
suggests the idea of having come up with the trap
from a lower depth.
There is also a compound of the carbon and oxide
of copper found near New Brunswick associated with
the red oxide. It resembles some dark earthy sub-
THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF SOMEESET COUNTY.
557
stance, and is easily crushed between the fingers. On
examination with a microscope small black shining
particles were discerned diffused through the mass,
found to 'be carbon, probably anthracite. Heated in
the flame of an alcohol-lamp, it burned and continued
in a red-hot state until the carbon was consumed.
Heated to three hundred degrees, it loses seventeen per
cent, of its weight. When treated with nitric acid,
after being ignited, a residuum of twenty-five per cent,
was found to be silica. It is an important fact that
so large a portion of carbon 35.50 should be asso-
ciated with this copper ore. This is unusual.
Carbonates of Copper. Some of the native copper
ores are incrusted with the blue and green carbonates.
A locality of this ore has been found on the banks of
the Delaware and Earitan Canal, about a mile north-
west of New Brunswick. The strata of shale where
it occurs are' all nearly horizontal, and alternate with
a. gray shale containing particles of mica. In the
cleavage and fissures of this shale the blue carbonate
is found in the form of crystalline incrustation. The
locality is near the bed of a ravine, and when it is re-
membered that the red oxide is common in the
vicinity, it will not be difficult to account for the for-
mation of these carbonates, which seems to be con-
tinually going on. Water charged with carbonic
acid dissolves a portion of this oxide, and whenever
circumstances favor the escape of the excess of the
carbonic acid these salts, as a residuum, are deposited.
The mineral is manifestly the product of precipitation
fi-om an aqueous solution, and to find the above result
it is only necessary to admit that the carbonates of
copper are rendered soluble by an excess of carbonic
acid. The color varies from a light to a bluish green.
It can be scratched with a knife, and is easily broken.
The fracture is uneven and slightly conchoidal. In
structure usually it is opaque, but sometimes translu-
cent and having a vitreous lustre.
Oray Sulphuret of Copper is massive, sectile, has a
•dark lead-gray color, and is seen sometimes in the
form of roundish grains in the altered shale rock.
Copper Pyrites is found also ; it is massive, of a
bright yellow color, and is a mixture of the sulphurets
of copper and iron.
Copper has likewise been found in the First Moun-
tain, in the gorge at Chimney Rock, at the old Bridge-
water copper mine, southeast of Martinville, at the
north end of the First Mountain, south of Plucka-
min, and in other localitias. Deep shafts have been
sunk at some of these places, but hitherto without
success or profit enough to encourage operations.
Eecently it is claimed that a new method of sepa-
rating the ore has been discovered, by which the silver
which it contains is preserved and is sufficient to pay
all expenses, leaving the copper which it contains as
a clear profit. This is particularly said to be true of
the copper ore in the neighborhood of Plainfield. We
can only add, if it should, after sufficient trial, prove
to be true, it may bring into operation a new industry
in our vicinity, and render the treasures which have
long been claimed to be hid in our mountains avail-
able for economic purposes. There are so many lo-
calities in our counties where these ores exist that
success in mining them will certainly prove to be an
extensive source of wealth.
IRON ORES.
The ores of iron are not so abundant in this district
as in the more northern counties of the State : the
formations are not of such a character as to admit of
it. Iron is found only in Azoic or primitive rock,
and as these are found only in a small part of Som-
erset, large beds of ore are not to be expected. On
the geological map of the State, only one spot in
Somerset is marked as having an iron mine. It is in
Bernard township, north of Madisonville, on the
line of Morris County.
The ore is a black oxide of iron, and is more or less
magnetic. When quite pure it contains 74.4 per cent,
of iron and 24.6 of oxygen. Its color is black in
mass, and also in ppwder; it gives a black streak
when scratched, and has a metallic lustre. Its crystal-
line form is a regular octohedron ; but, as found most
commonly, it consists either of irregular grains or of
compact masses.
The iron mine in Bernard township, on the south
end of Mine Mountain, was opened many years since.
It is located on the extreme border of the gneiss. It
has never been much operated, and is at present in
ruins. It is principally remarkable as being the only
iron mine in Somerset County.
OTHEE MINBEALS.
The sulphate of barytes has been found a mile west
of New Brunswick ; perhaps this is not in Somerset,
but it once was. The specimens are opaque, having
a yellowish color and a foliated structure, but others
exhibit crystals which are translucent and have a
bluish tint. It is much sought after by persons who
deal in paints, and is valuable in commerce.
Plumbago or graphite occurs about a mile and a
half east of Peapack. It is found generally in thin
laminae, in the granite gneiss and crystalline lime-
stone. On the farm of Elias Engleman a bed four
or five feet thick occurs in the gneiss rock, forming
the southeast bank of a deep ravine, but it is not pure,
and has not been made available.
MAGNESIAN LIMESTONE.
By these terms we designate the common blue lime-
stone of New Jersey. When free from other sub-
stances it contains fifty-four per cent, of carbonate of
lime and forty-six per cent, of the carbonate of mag-
nesia, and may be, therefore, properly characterized
as magnesian limestone. The age of this rock is de-
termined by its position above the Potsdam sandstone
and beneath the fossiliferous Trenton limestone. In
New Jersey it is destitute of any fossiliferous remains
and lies near the gneiss, and, so far as it has been ob-
558
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
served, is separated from it only by a thin layer of
sandstone. It is fine-grained and not at all crystal-
line, and its lustre is somewhat vitreous. It varies in
color from a drab to pale blue, and in some instances
is almost black. It is comparatively soft, and effer-
vesces when any strong acid is applied to it. In some
localities it is almost a pure dolomite, from the large
amount of magnesia which it contains, and in still
other localities quartz crystals have been found in it.
It ordinarily occurs in beds of from six or eight inches
to two feet in thickness, and between these it is not
uncommon to find thin layers of calcareous slate or
shale, while in others it is so intermixed with extra-
neous substances that it will not slack when burned.
It occurs in New Jersey in a long narrow series of
parallel belts extending from the northeast to the
southwest. The strata are not horizontal, but are
folded or doubled up about certain lines or axes which
correspond with their longest direction.
In some cases these strata are folded upwards, and
again, in others, downwards. It does not occur by
itself, but is found separated froto, and yet surrounded
by, other rocks.
At Peapack there is a bed of this limestone, ex-
tending into Morris County, in length about fourteen
miles, and varying in breadth from an eighth to a
quarter of a mile. It has been extensively used for
burning into quicklime. It is employed in making
mortar, but its most extensive use has been in agri-
culture. In fact, the use of it has changed the face
of the country for miles around Peapack, and added
largely to its agricultural productiveness.
It belongs to the magnesian limestone, and ap-
proaches to a true dolomite in its composition, as we
have said. As a stone it is fine-grained generally, but
in some places assumes a sub-crystalline form. In
one place it appears as a calcareous conglomerate,
consisting of quite large, rounded masses of limestone
in a calcareous paste. In some of the quarries there
are shaly beds interposed between the strata, and it
has a variety of color, passing from a drab to a red
and dark gray. In one place there is at the bottom
of the quarry eight feet of dark sub-crystalline rock
overlaid by about tliirty feet of a light-gray, fine-
grained limestone. In another the reddish layers seem
to alternate with the paler varieties. The burning of
lime has been one of the most active industries in the
vicinity of Peapack, and has been prosecuted actively
for a long time. The drab-colored and reddish beds
were used with full success for water-lime in building
the Morris Canal.
At Pottersville, east of the Lamington River, there
is an outcrop of limestone of a light color. It is also
found to extend on the west side of the stream, and is
reached there in sinking wells. Its area is evidently
contracted, for the red shale and gneiss leave but a
small space unoccupied by rock exposure. In this
locality it is a dolomite limestone with a slight admix-
ture of foreign matters.
AZOIC PEEIOD.
It only remains now briefly to describe that part of
the primitive or Azoic formation which finds a loca-
tion within the bounds of this county. Properly
speaking, there is no granite within its borders. The
formation is what is denominated gneiss, and dis-
tinctively consists of quartz, feldspar, and mica, but
having these materials, especially the mica, arranged
in planes, so that it breaks rather easily into slabs or
flags. In some places hornblend takes the place of
the mica, and \h&[i, properly, it is aienite or sienitic
gneiss. On the other hand, granite is an unstratified
crystalline rock, of a gray or fleshy-red color. It dif-
fers from gneiss in not having the mica in planes and
in having the granular form. The varieties are gnds-
soid granite, in which the mica has traces of regular
arrangement; graphic granite, having quartz and
feldspar without mica, and having the particles so
arranged as to resemble hieroglyphic characters ; por-
phyritic granite, having the feldspar in distinct crys-
tals ; and sienitic granite, containing both hornblend
and mica.
Granite is regarded as the oldest rock, having been
formed into masses while the earth was passing from
a semi-fluid to a solid state, before any living thing,
plant or animal, had begun to exist upon its surface.
When it is found upon the surface of our globe it has
evidently been protruded from its lower place by some
tremendous force, bearing up with it the strata which
had been formed over it, and raising them, in some
places, almost to a vertical position ; so that they seem
to stand on their edges, leaning against the granite
by which they have been lifted up. Hence it is found
on the apex of all our primitive mountains, notably
the great Appalachian range, which extends north-
east and southwest throughout our whole continent
from near the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland. In
our district it is found only in those portions which
approach the primitive Appalachian range, and it
appears in such a position as to demonstrate the fact
of its precedence of all other rocks in age. It seems to
come out from under them in some places ; in others
they lie up against it ; or again, in others, they butt
up against its steeply-inclined strata, as against a per-
pendicular wall.
Its composition gives us quite a variety of different
forms. In some places feldspar makes up from two-
thirds to three-fourths of its material, and the rest a
mainly pure quartz. Sometimes hornblend is found
in such quantity as to give it its color ; at others it
makes up the largest portion of its mass. This, how-
ever, is not common. The quartz is generally in grains,
which are flattened in the direction of the stratification,
and range in size from a sixteenth to an eighth of an
inch in thickness. In some coarse-grained specimens
the grains of quartz are quite large and not so much
flattened. The feldspar also varies in its color and in
the ease of decomposition, and gives character to the
rock. It is often so hard and unchangeable that it
LAND PURCHASES AND SETTLEMENTS.
559
miglit be taken for quartz. In some instances it is
opaque and harsh to the touch, crumbling easily, while
in others still it is entirely decomposed, forming a
mass of soft earth, with the quartz grains giving it
still a form of stratification. Its color varies from
bluish flesh-color to white and opaque, with a few
specimens which display a greenish tinge. In a word,
the gneiss in our district, while it preserves its
distinguishing characteristics, displays the greatest
variety in form in its appearance and composition.
The Azoic formations in this county are not the
most extensive, and yet they occupy an important
space. Bernard township, north of Mine Brook, is
composed entirely of gneiss, and it extends westward
to the Peapack Valley, where the blue limestone
crops out from under it east of the brook.
The soil formed by the decomposition of the gneiss
rocks is not so rich in vegetable matter as the alluvial
formations of the river-valleys, and not equal in pro-
ductiveness even to the limestone soils, but still they
are capable of being improved by fertilizers, and they
then yield a generous return for the labor of culture
bestowed on them. A large portion of these soils re-
mains still in wood, and, where the hills are steep
and mountainous, are likely to continue so for years
to come. The gneiss hills hold in reserve the timber,
which certainly is one of the most important and
essential productions of our soil. So it becomes evi-
dent on reflection that in the economy of Providence
everything has its own place, and what is first sought
is not always the most important and valuable. In
times to come the woodlands of our district will, we
opine, have a value second to no other part of it.
CHAPTER II.
IiAITD PTTKCHASES AND SETTLEMElfTS.
Indian Tribute to Jersey's Honorable Dealings First and Second In-
dian Purchases Early Settlements The Scotch Early Dutch Set-
tlers, their Ways and Customs, Style of Building, etc. List of
Persons who purchased Land in Somerset County north of the
Baritan.
" It is a proud fact in the history of New Jersey
that every foot of her soil has been obtained from the
Indians by fair and voluntary purchase and trans-
fer, a fact that no other State of the Union, not even
the land which bears the name of Penn, can boast of. "
These words were uttered by the Hon. Samuel L.
Southard, of Somerset County, before the Legislature
of New Jersey, on the occasion of the purchase of the
last remaining rights owned by the Delaware Indians
in this State in 1832. On the same occasion, Shawus-
kukhkung, an educated Delaware, who had been
chosen by his people to present their claims and peti-
tion, said, in an address to the Legislature,
" Not a drop of our blood have you spilled in battle ; not an acre of our
land have yon taken but by our consent. These facta speak for themselTes;
and need no comment. They place the character of New Jersey in bold
relief and bright example to those States within whose territorial limits
our brethren still remain. Nothing save benisonscaufall upon her from
the lips of a Lenni Lenap6. "
These words were true ; the tribute which they ex-
press is deserved. It was ever the policy of the pro-
prietors, as of the provincial and State authorities, to
recognize the possessory title of the Indian tribes to
the lands of which they were found in occupation, and
it was an established principle that no title to lands
could be perfect unless based on a purchase from the
aborigines of their rights in the same. Of course
this principle was acted on in Somerset County, as in
all other parts of New Jersey.
The territory of Somerset County was embraced in
several purchases, the principal of which are here
mentioned. The first Indian purchase within the
boundaries of this county was made May 4, 1681,
from two Earitan Indians (presumed to have been
chiefs) named Konackama and Qureromak, of a tract
extending from the mouth of the stream now known as
Bound Brook (called by the Indians Sacunk), thence
along the Earitan River on the north side to a brook
called Raweighweros (now Middle Brook), and thence
northward to a certain Stony Hill ; thence easterly to
Metape's wigwam, at the mouth of Cedar Brook,
where it unites with Green Brook, and thence south-
erly along Bound Brook to the place of beginning.
This tract called by the natives Bakahova-walaby
included the site of the present village of Bound
Brook, thence west to Middlebrook, and north to the
mountain. The price paid to the Indians was one
hundred pounds in goods. The purchasers named in
the deed were Philip Carteret, John Palmer, of Staten
Island, Gent., Gabriel Minville, Thomas Codrington,
John White, John Delaville, Richard Hall, and John
Royce, of the City of New York. The tract thus
purchased "was divided into five portions. John
Royce had eight hundred and seventy -seven acres;
Thomas Codrington, eight hundred and seventy-seven
acres next to him; the proprietors, eleven hundred
and seventy acres next to Bound Brook; Thomas
Codrington, one thousand acres on the rear next to
Chimney Rock and the mountain. The remainder,
north of the plot belonging to the proprietors, was
not surveyed immediately."*
The date of the second purchase from Indians of
lands in Somerset County is Sept. 12, 1681. The'
names of the Indian granters were Machote alias Ke-
neckome, Negacape, Awips, and Pamascome, who, for
a consideration of one hundred and twenty pounds,-
sold to James Graham, Cornelius Corsen, and Samuel
Winder a tract as follows :
" Extending from Kaweighweros (Middle Brook), on both sides of the
Earitan, to a place called Backahackawac (apparently according to an
• Kev. Dr. Abraham Messler's Centennial History of Somerset "
County," from which all extracts in this chapter having reference to
land titles and settlements are taken, unless otherwise credited. •
560
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY,
ancient map), the line between Caleb Miller and the late John M. Maun,
and running on this line north until it leacbes the mountain, and along
the mountain until it reaches Middle Brook, and do\vn said brook to the
place of beginning. It included three plots based on the river, and at
least five north of them along the mountain. The first of these west of
Middle Brook was assigned to John Palmer, and contained eight hundred
and seventy-seven acres. The second belonged to John White, contain-
ing also eight hundred and seventy-seven acres. The third remained
unappropriated; and on the north R. L. Hooper, Alexander McDowell,
James Hooper, and ' the heirs of Hooper' had large possessions. The
exact amount included in this purchase is not stated, but it contained
many broad acres, and would now be a princely inheritance. Somerville
stands on it; and, besides this, more than thirty farma whose fertility is
unsurpassed by any portion of the county of Somerset were included in
its wide extent."
On the 19th of November in the same year two
Indians named Pawark and Manansamit sold to
Robert Vauquellen* a large tract,
" extending from the west line of the former plot that is, from the
eadt aide of the land formerly owned by John M. Mann to the foot of the
mountain at Pluckamin, and on the Baritan the weat line was the west
point of the island, in front of E. H. Veghte's property ; thence runuing
north until it intersected a west line from the point of the mountain,
where the east line terminated. It embraced all the land between Caleb
Miller'a property on the east and the old Paterson farm on the west, and
extended north nearly up to the village of Pluckamin, a broad and val-
uable tract, including some of the most beautiful farms in the vicinity,
and on it, on Peter's Brook, stood the old Van Nest mansion, in which
'Prince George' lived and died, but which has since been demolished.
The tract included the island, before mentioned, which was known by the
Indian name of Matanique. The whole splendid plat of rich land when
surveyed was divided into six portions. On the east side, joining the
river, Graham and Winder had nineteen hundred acres ; north of them,
Samuel Winder had five hundred ; north of this, D. B, Dunstar owned
eeven hundred and sixty acres. Returning again to the river, John Rob-
inson had six hundred and sixty, Archibald Riddle three hundred ; north
of this plat. Sir John Dalrymplefive hundred, leaving a large plat north
of it still unappropriated. "
On the same date as that of the last-mentioned
purchase, John Robinson, William Pinhorn, Richard
Jones, and Matthew Taylor bought, for the consid-
eration of " certain goods named in the deed," from
the Indians Pawark, Cowalanuck, Manansamit, and
Agnamapamund, a tract as follows :
" Extending from the western boundary of the last-mentioned plat up
to the junction of the North and South Branches. This place was called
by the natives Tuck-a-rama-hacking. From this point the line ran east
of north to a place nearly equidistant between the North Branch and
Lamington River, at or near what was the late turnpike-bridge above
Burnt Mills; thence due east until itmetthe line of the former purchase,
and thence south to the place of beginning. . , . This plat was afterwards
surveyed and divided as follows: William Pinhorn had deeded to him,
March 8, 1697, five hundred acres on the east side and one hundred and
sixty on the river; Lord Neill Campbell, Jan. 9, 1685, had one thousand
six hundred and fifty acres, embracing all the land between Pinhorn and
the junction of the two branches, and extending north as far as Pinhorn's
grant extended. Immediately north of these two grants, and including
all that remained on the east side of North Branch, William Ackman had
four hundred acres, Archibald Riddle three hundred, and Sir John Dal-
rymple five hundred acres. The land on fhe west aide was taken by John
Johnson, while Lord Neill appropriated to himself another one thousand
acres, and other smaller proprietors, whose deeds extended west and em-
braced land beyond the western line of the Indian grant and reached the
present boundary of Branchburg townahip, took the balance. Their
names were Michael Hawden, George Willocks, Miles Foster, and
Thomas Gordon, and their deeds all bear the date of 1703. "
* This name is found differently spoiled in the old records, as Vau-
quillen, Voquillen, Voquillin, Vanquellin, Vanquillin. In Daily's
•' Woodbridge and Vicinity," p. 38, it is mentioned as Voquilin, aliaa,
Vocklin, alioB Vanquuillen, alias Liprary, alias Laprairie, etc.
In regard to the early settlements in what is now
Somerset County, the authority above quoted (Kev,
Dr. Messier) says the first was made in 1681:
" On the first day of November in that year John Inians & Co. secured
a title for two lots, embracing the land on which the city of New Bruns-
wick now stands, having a mile of river front and two miles in depth.
From the north of Inians & Co. to Bound Brook there were laid out
nineteen lots, having a little less than one-half a mile on the river and
extending two miles in depth. The last of these lots, with an adjoining
plot on the south side, was owned by William Dockwra and contained
nine hundred acres. Behind these, facing the Millstone, were two other
lots, the lower containing eight hundred acres and belonging to George
Willox ; and the upper, containing five hundred acres, was the property
of Dockwra. From the mouth of the Millstone three and a half miles
to an island in the Raritan River (in front of R. H. Veghte'a resi-
dence), thence south by west two miles, and east two milea to Millstone
River, containing three thousand acrea, exclusive of two hundred and
fifty acrea of meadow, had been previously deeded to Capt. Anthony
BrockhoUs, William Pinhorn, John Robinson, Mathew Nichols, and
Samuel Edsall. The land was sold to John Royce & Co., of New York,
in 1685, and was to be known in future as Roycefield. The bounds as
given in the deed of transfer were ' beginning at a place called Hunter's
Wigwam, on Millstone River, thence north by east and northeast to the
Raritan River, opposite th6 west end of a small island formerly belonging
to Robert Vauquellen, and thence down the Raritan three and a half
miles and up the Millstone to the place of beginning. Farther up the
Millstone were twelve plata of twelve thousand acres owned , by Polhemus
Gortleyou. Lott and others located in 1701. John Harrison and Wil-
liam, hia father, owned land at Rocky Hill. "
Upon the tract first mentioned as having been pur-
chased from the Indians (May 4, 1681), two of the
purchasers Thomas Codrington and John Eoyce
became settlers :
'* Codrington settled on the west side of the plot, of which he was part
owner, on the banks of Middle Brook, and became a man of extensive
influence in the county. His name is still borne by some of the inhab-
itants of Somerset. The location of his habitation, caUed Racawacahana,
may be indicated by saying it was recently owned by Dr. Samuel Swan ;
it passed, soon after the Revolution, into the hands of John Campbell,
nephew of Lord Neill Campbell, at one time Deputy or Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor of East Jersey, and aubaequently into others, and finally into pos-
session of its present owners. It is one of the first three homesteads
formed in the county. Royce lived first at Piscataway, and then in what
has since been known as Roycefield, near the late residence of John J.
Staata. He was a merchant in New York, but came to Somerset County
probably soon after the date of this Indian purchase. He owned, or
claimed to own, a tract ot twenty thousand acres on the south side of
the Raritan, about which some dispute existed. Andrew Hamilton, the
Governor, writes of him in 1700 that 'he had an old patent which con-
tains 20,000 acrea, but because the stations were uncertain and the
boundaries would not meet he addressed the proprietors at home for a
new patent, which he had, and obtained about six thousand acres, fur
which be was to pay five pounds a year for the whole, instead of one-
half per acre, and the proprietors, forgetting to make him surrender his
old patent, he now claims twenty thousand by it, and so takes away upon
Millstone River from Mr. Hart, and on the Raiitan from Mr. Plumstead
and Mr. Barker, considerable tracts of land ; so that he uses both patents,
the old one if he can, and the new one if the old fail him ; it was a
great oversight. He is the very leader of the troublesome sort of thff
people, and it is he that infuses the motive in them of holding to their
Indian titles.' This is not favorable altogether to Mr. Royce. He, how-
ever, managed to maintain his position and influence, and was choaen
the same year one of the representatives of New Jersey in the colonial
Legislature.'*
Of the persons named as purchasers of the second
Indian tract before mentioned, it is not known that
any became settlers upon it, though two of them,
James Graham and Samuel Winder, came to live in
the province. Other settlers, however, were very
soon attracted to the rich lands embraced in the pur-.
chase :
LAND PURCHASES AND SETTLEMENTS.
561
" The earliest permanent settlements along this part of the Haritan
â– were formed on it. According to the declaration of John Worth, of "
Elizabethtown, Codrington, Royce, White, Peter Van Nest, Jerome Van
Nest, the Tunisona, and Graham came and located here sixty years pre-
â– vious to 1741, or in 1681, the very year this land was bought. The resi-
dences of Bo3*ce and Codrington have already been designated. The
Van Nest house was, it is said, on the very spot now occupied by D. Fre-
linghuysen's residence, and the Tunisons located where John C. Gan*et-
eon now resides. But the residence of Graham has not been ascertained.
He was a prominent man in the province, more than once of the execu-
tive council, and he resided in the county somewhere on the river. He
was a man of influence in those days, and yet he may not have remained
any length of time on the Earitan. . . . Jerome Van Nest and Peter
settled permanently on the Karitan, and their descendants are yet among
our most respectable citizens. But the original farm on which they iirst
located has now for many years been in other possessors' hands. The
Tunisons, Cornelius and John, came here from Fort Orange, now Albany,
aud were originally from the vicinity of Utrecht, in Holland. The name
is found early in colonial annals, and was prominent in more than one
way ; and it has become widely extended in the State."
Neither the names of the first settlers nor the date
of the earliest settlement on the Vauquellen tract
(purchased Nov. 19, 1681) are known. On the other
Indian purchase of the same date, none of the orig-
inal grantees, or of the persons to whom the subdivi-
sions were allotted, became actual residents, except
Lord Neill Campbell, who was a brother of the Duke
of Argyle.
" He was appointed Deputy Governor by the proprietors of East New
Jersey for two years on the 4th of June, 1685, and reached the province
in the ensuing October. His residence was on his plantation on the banks
of the Raritan ; the property is now owned by George McBride. He had
sent sixty-five servants to settle on it previous to his coming. He must
have arrived in September. On the 5th of October his commission was
read, and on the 18th his council named. "
But his stay was very short. On the 10th of De-
cember he appointed Anthony Hamilton to fill his
official place, and soon after sailed for Scotland,
whence he never returned.
Says Dr. Messier, â–
" It will be seen by adverting to the names of the original owners of
land by Indian purchases along the Earitan that they appear to have
been nearly all Scotchmen, and that none of them really became per-
manent residents. The explanation is this. The principal and most active
proprietors of East New Jersey were inhabitants of Scotland, and their
efforts to induce emigration and settlements upon their lands were made
in their native country. As the effect of this, Amboy was fixed upon as
a site for a town, and was named New Perth, and from thence settle-
ments of people from Scotland and England spread out northwest and
west as far as Scotch Plains, Plainfleld, and Bound Brook, and single
families even farther. From this immigration the churches of Bound
Brook, Basking Bidge, and Lamiugton proceeded. It was an influx
coming almost entirely direct from Scotland, and the first pastors of
these churches were all native Scotchmen, Scotch Presbyterians of the
Knox, Rutherford, and Erskine stamp. Besides this, there were several
families of German origin and of the Lutheran Church who settled
about Pluckamin, , . ,
From 1624, when the Dutch began to colonize at first,* until 1681, "
May 4th, when the first land titlet is dated, a period of fifty-seven years,
no one seems to have seen or been attracted by the beauty and fertility
of this wide-spreading valley, or ventured to endeavor to reclaim it from
its wild, untrodden wilderness state. Its primitive inhabitants even had
deserted it almost entirely and gone towards the sea-shore, attracted by
the abundant food, and only bird and beast claimed it as their home.
But the time came when a different state of things began to exist. The
titles for the fertile lands had been secured, and settlers came to occupy
them. Some of these have been already mentioned, and we find that
from 1681 to 1699 there had arrived from Long Island the following
* In the neighborhood of Karitan Bay.
â– f In the territory of Somerset County.
heads of families, mostly of Dutch extraction; Coers Vroom, Michael
Hanson, Andrew AUyn, Michael Van Veghten, Dirk Middagh, Frederick
Garretson, John Woi-tman, Peter Van Nest, Jeronemus Van Nest, Jacob
Sebring, Isaac Bodine, Edward Drinkwater, James Tunison, Cornelius
Tunison, Pieter Dumont, Maurice Maurison, Johannes Dameld, John
Roelefson, Hendrick Rynierson, Thomas Possell, Cornelius Powelson,
Jan Hans Coeverden, Folkerd Hendrik Harris, Josias Merlet, Andrew
Anderson, Elton Nyssen, William Olden, William Clausen, Lawrence
Opdyke, William Mouersen, Reuben Jansen, Gabriel Leberstein, Folkerd
Hendricksen,
"At North and South Branch, Andreas Ten Eyck, Abraham Dubois,
John Pnssell, Josias Claesen, Jan Hendricksen, Dauiel Sebring, Coenrad
Ten Eyck, Derick Van Veghten, Alexander McDowel, Jan Van Sieklen,
Benjamin Bart, Jacob Stoll, Teunis Van Middleswoith, George Hall, Al-
bert Louw, William Rosa, Paulus Bulner, Lucus Schernierhorn, Pieter
Van Nest, Emanuel Van Etten, Johanes Grauw, John Emeus, Coert Jan-
sen, George Dildine, John Reading, Garret Van Vleet, William Brown,
John Cook, Hendrick Boesenboom, Frans Waldron, Godfried Peters,
David Busum, David Subair, Abram Broca, Jacob Rayuierse, Garret
Smock, In the vicinity of New Brunswick were Adrian Bennet, Aert
Artsen, Roelif Sebring, Johanes Folkerson, Hendrick Bries, Roelif Voor-
hees, Lawreus Willimse, Roelif Nevius, Jan Van Voorhees, Jacob Ouke,
Johanes Stoothoff, Jaqes Fonteyn, Jacobus Buys, Thomas Auten, Thomas
Davidts, William Klassen, Johanes Coevert, Hendrick Bries, Andrias
Wortman, Bernardus Kuetor, Christopher Van Arsdalen, Jacob Corse,
Cornelius Suydam, Jons Andersen, Martin Vanderhoeve, Johanes Met-
selaer, Samuel Montfort, Jan Aten, William Moore,' Nicklas Bason,
At Three-Mile Bun, Hendrick Bries, Boelf Lucas, Jan Voorhees, "
Aert Aertsen, Isaac Van Dyke, Johanes Folkeisen, Jan Aeten, Laurens
Willimse, Roelif Nevius, Charles Fonteyn, Hans Stoothoff, Thomas
Bouwman, Derek Volkerse, Garret Bnlmer, Jan Lavor, Simon Wickoff,
Pieter Hoff, Garret Doriand, Andries Boat, ,Tan Broca, James Fonteyn,
Adrian MoUenar, Jacob Rapleyea, Joris Hael, Jan Laeten, William
Lambers, Peter Kinne, Hendrick Trapbagen, Luycus Schermerhorn,
Jans Van Middlesworth, Johannes Fisher, Joeremias Field, Luycas Wea-
sels, Jacob Koersen, Nicholas Hayman, Cornelius Jan Onwegen, William
Harrise, Andreas Ten Eyck, William Dey, Manuel Van Allen, Abram
Elemeteren, Johannes Seigeler, Jaurien Remer,
" We are not able to indicate specifically or certainly the place of resi-
dence of each of these families. The Sebrings and Harrises lived in the
vicinity of Bound Brook, Pieter Dumont on the south side of the Rarir
tan, Powelsons near Pluckamin, All of them evidently did not remain
permanently or leave descendants. The names of others continue to
occur in the records for many years, but aome of them have at last passed
away. All of them, we judge, were religious men, and aided in the for-
mation of the Raritan Church, then a church in the wilderness. Most
of them are known to have immigrated to Somerset from Long Island,
and among them there are several names which indicate a Huguenot
origin, Somerset County has had, in fact, a largo infusion of this noble
blood, and among the family traditions, in many instances, linger inter-
esting reminiscences of the night of St, Bartholomew, at the time when
they fled from France to Holland, leaving their all behind and never
looking back, rescuing only their lives, their children, and their silver
from the deadly spoiler, "
The Dutch settlers were generally persons of deep
religious feeling, honest and conscientious, and, ad-
ding to these qualities those of industry and frugality,
they generally became prosperous. The style of their
buildings they doubtless brought with them from
Holland, their Fatherland. They were built with
one story, with low ceiling, with nothing more than
the heavy and thick boards that constituted the upper
floor laid on monstrous broad and heavy beams, on
which they stored their grain, it being used as a
granary and for the spinning of wool ; sometimes partg
of it would be divided into sleeping-apartments.
Their fireplaces were usually very large, extending
generally without jambs, and sufficient to accommo-
date a whole family with a comfortable seat around
the fire. The chimneys were so large as to admit of
having their meat hung up and smoked within them,
562
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
which was their usual practice. When jambs were
added, they were often set around with earthen
glazed tiles imported from Holland, ornamented with
Scripture scenes, which furnished the children and
others with amusement and instruction.
Their style of building corresponded well with their
habits, which were simple, unaffected, and econom-
ical, contributing materially to their independence
and solid comfort. They brought their children up
to habits of industry. Almost every son was taught
some mechanical art, and every daughter was re-
quired to become well acquainted with all knowledge
necessary to housekeeping. The farmers burnt their
own lime, tanned their own leather, often made their
own shoes and boots, did much of their own car-
pentering, wheelwrighting, etc. The spinning- and
woolen-wheels were set in motion in proper season,
and all materials for clothing the family, white as
well as colored, were manufactured at home. No
female was considered a suitable candidate for matri-
mony who could not show some stores of domestic
linen and other evidences of industry and economy.
So economical were the females of their time that
they frequently took their spinning-wheels with them
when they went to spend a social afternoon with a
neighbor. They often helped the men in the field
in times of planting, harvesting, and in other busy
seasons. Such a thing as a carpet was not known.
The floors of their houses were scrubbed and scoured
and kept as white as their tables, which were used
without cloths. Their floors were sanded with sand
brought from the beach for that purpose and put in
regular heaps on the floor, and, becoming dry, it
would be swept with the broom in waves or so as to
represent other beautiful figures. When the first im-
ported carpet was introduced is not now known, but
the first rag carpet was made a short time previous to
1800. It was woven by Adrien Hageman for the
widow of George Martense. Frugality, industry, and
economy characterized all their actions. They lived
chiefly within themselves, and knew but little of the
dangers and diseases incident to luxury and indo-
lence.
The following are the names of persons who pur-
chased land of the proprietors or their heirs, with
dates and number of acres, and, in some cases, its lo-
cation. They are taken from Schedule No. 3 (and
accompany the map of Indian titles and land grants)
in the Elizabethtown Bill of Chancery, published by
James Parker, of New York, in 1747. The lot-
n\imbers below given correspond with those upon the
accompanying map of the Indian purchases and sub-
divisions of land tracts in Somerset County, north of
the Karitan River :
Number. Acres.
3. John Palmer, Sept. 26,1683 877
4. TboxaaB Codrington, Sept. 25,1683 877
5. John Royce, Sept. 26,1683 877
6. JohnWhite, Sept. 26,1683 877
7. Graham, Winder & Co., Sept. 28, 1683 1904
8. Proprietors. Besemed and sold to Thomas Rudyard, Sept.
26,1683 1170
Number. Acres.
10. Peter Sonmans, Oct. 9. 1686, at Green Brook 2600
12. John Campbell, Nov 9,1686 1874
13. John Dobie, Not. 9, 1685 376
14. John Drummoud, Nov. 9, 1686 1000
16. Andrew Hamilton, Nov. 9, 1685 700
22. Andrew Hamilton, April 25, 1687, on Holland's Brook 600
23. Andrew Hamilton, Oct. .3, 1687 250
26. John Robinson, May 1, 1686, on north side of Vanquillen.. 660
32. Thomaa Codrington, April 20, 1688, in rear of his land 1000
34. J. and G. Alexander, June 16, 1686, at Blue Hills 462
36. Robert Fullerlon, June 4, 16S6, at Bine Hills 30O
37. Hendrick Corson, June 10, 1688, junction of North and
South Branches 500
38. James Cole, Sr., April 23, 1688 125
39. Sir Ev. Cameron, south side of Bound Brook 1300
43. William Ackman 400
44. Archibald Riddle, joins Ackman 30O
48. Lord Neill Campbell, Jan. 9, 1686, on North Branch and
Baritan 1650
49. William Dockwra, May 20, 1690, on south side of the Pas-
saic River 300O
60. Samuel Winder, in rear of Graham, Winder & Co 600
61. Margaret Winder, May 20, 1690, daughter of T. Eudyard.. 1000
63. John Johnston, May 20, 1600, west side of North Branch.. 400
65. Lord Neill Campbell, May 24, 1690, on North Branch lOOO
66. Sir Ev. Cameron, May 24, 1090, at Blue Hills 2000
67. Sir John Dalrymple, Feb. 17, 1692, on N. Branch at Riddle's 60O
68. Ann Wert, Aug. 14, 169:1, on North Branch at Dalrymple's 912
69. Campbell & Blackwood, Aug. 4, 1693, on North Branch 3900
60. Wm. Pinhorn, Mai'ch 3, 1697, joyniug Lord Neill Campbell 50O
61. John Johnston, on North Branch, joyuing his own land... . 100
62. Johnston & Willocks, June 6, 1701 3160
63. George Willocks, June 7, 1701, against Margaret Winder.. 60
64. Dr. John Johnston, joining Lord Neill Campbell on North
Branch
66. Michael Handon, west side of North Branch 466^
66. George Willocks, west side of North Branch 466?^
67. Miles Foster, west side of North Branch 466>^
68. Thomas Gordon, North Branch, at Peter Van Neste 600
69. Campbell & Blackwood, two tracts 7600
71. Elisha Parker, in the Blew Hills, between them joins
AdamHude's 469
72. Elisha Parker, between the same, a mile west of John
Johnston's house 260
73. Elisha Pariier, between 1st and 2d mountain, joining his
other tract 80
74. Adam Hude, joining Parker's, 1st above tract 469
76. Adam Hude, joining Parker's, 2d tract 260
76. John Campbell, 120 chains up from Passaic River on Dead
lUver 200
77. Judiah Higgius, on Bound Brook and Rohnbous Brook,
Piscataway 50O
82. William Penn, 1717, on Dead River and Passaic 760O
86. John Pittinger, joining Penn's Land 200
88. McDowell & Pittinger, May 1,1721, on Peapack 132
90. John Hamilton, March 25, 1727, between 1st & 2d mountain 60O
93. Alexander McDowell, on Dan'l Shoemaker's, formerly
Pittinger's, on Penn's Land 60
94. James Alexander, Feb. 12, 1727, begin at N. E. corner of
Sir Ev, Cameron 118%
96. John Parker, Feb. 12, 1727, begin at HoUinsbead & Ham-
ilton 165
97. John Parker, March 28, 1728, in Harrison's Neck 147
98. R. S. Hooper, May 16, 1726 125
99. James Alexander, Sept. 17, 1741, east side of North Branch
of Dead River 272iJ
100. George Ricarick, March 28, 1728, between Dead River and
Peun Brook 184iJ
101. Joseph Jennings, Dec. 29, 1727, on first mountain, at falls
of Stony Brook 4
102. Alexander McDowell, Sept. 16, 1728, N. W. cor. of M. Vegh-
ton's, on Raritan (Lot 3, John Palmer) 1425^
103. Daniel Holliushead, June 18, 1727, on Dead River. 132^
104. Daniel Holliushead, March 25, 1727, between 1st & 2nd
mountain 393
106. John Parker,Feb. 27,1730, joyningSutton's, on Harrison's
Purchase 835^
106. John Parker, Sept. 29, 1730, of Harrison's Purchase 159
107. David Cossart,May23,1729,onSirEv.Cameron's2000ax;re8 100
108. Ephraim Dunhams, March 1, 1730, joining Penn's Brook
and 20 chains on Pas-saic River 100
109. John Parker, Nov. 4, 1729, between 1st & 2d mountain, on
Dead River, at Moses Ayer's Place 98^
110. Dr. Wm. Beekman, on Dunstar's and Tieppell's 200
111. John Parker, July 10, 1731, between 1st & 2d mountain, in
Han-ison's Neck 100
112. John Parker, in the mountains by Judiah Higgin's Salt
Pond 100
113. James Alexander, Jan. 12, 1727, N. W. cor. of Lockiell's
2000 acres on Bound Brook 116?^
114. James Alexander, Jan. 12, 1727, behind Sonman's, 118%.... 493^;^
116. Elisha Smalley, March 17, 1736. Blue Hills, on Stony Brook 22
117. Nathaniel Rolph, March 28, 1740, on Harrison's Purchase. 83
118. James Hooper, Oct, 18, 1740, rear of Raritan Lots, S. E. cor.
of JMargaret Winder 20O
119. Alexander & Dunsta, June 1, 1740, on Peapack and North
Branch 1240
120. Andrew Hamilton, Jan. 1, 1741. on Lamintunk 876
121. James Alexander, Se[it, 17, 1741, in G tracts in Harristm's
Neck T86^
122. Alexander & Dunsta, Oct. 16, 1741, on Harrison 683
ERECTION, OEGANIZATION, AND BOUNDARIES OF SOMERSET COUNTY. 563
Number. Acres.
123. Heirs of Hooper, Oct. 17, 1741, at let mountain 100
130. FeterRunyan, Junel6, 1743, on suutlisideof FasBaic Biver 30
131. Peter Bnnyan, June 16, ] 743, on south Bide of Fas&aic Kiver 25
139. Alexander & Dunstar, Oct. 25, 1743, between 1st & 2d
mountain 1633
142. J.Alexander, July 10, 1744, at Basking Eidge 65^
It has not been the intention to give, in this chap-
ter, more than a very brief glance at the principal
purchases from the natives and the proprietors of lands
comprising the territory of Somerset County, and at
a few of the very earliest of the pioneers who came
to locate their homes within it. For more extended
and detailed accounts of the land titles and settle-
ments in the county, the reader is referred to the
separate histories of the several townships, which will
be found in subsequent pages of this work.
CHAPTER III.
ERECTIOW, OKGANIZATIOW, AITD BOTTH"DA-
KIES OF SOMERSET COUITTY.
Original Counties Somerset as a Township, and Formation as a County
.Townships Formed^Boundaries of County Defined Part of Es-
sex annexed to Somerset Boundary between Somerset and Morris
Counties Be-establishment of Line between Middlesex and Somerset
Part of Montgomery Township surrendered to Mercer, and Frank-
lin to Middlesex Tewksbury Township annexed to Somerset, etc.
The province of East Jersey was first divided into
counties in 1683. The Provincial Assembly which
convened for its first session on the 1st of March in
that year* passed an act, which was duly concurred in
and approved, dividing the province into four coun-
ties, and appointing a high sheriff for each. Those
four counties were Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and
Monmouth.
" Bergen included all the settlements between the Hudson and Hack-
ensack Kivers, and extended to the northern hounds of the province ;
Essex included all the country north of the dividing line between Wood-
bridge and Elizabethtown, and west of the Haokensack ; Middlesex, all
from the Woodbridge line on the north to Cheesequake Harbor on the
southeast, and back southwest, and northwest to the province bounds ;
and Monmouth comprised the residue.! "
Somerset County was set ofl" from the territory of
Middlesex and separately erected, by act of the Pro-
vincial Assembly, at a session which was commenced
at Amboy on May 14, 1688. The act provided and
declared that a certain tract of country,
" Beginning at the mouth of the Bound Brook, where it empties into
the Baritan EiTer,and to run up the said brook to the meeting of Bound
Brook with Green Brook, and from the said meeting to run a northwest
line into the hills ; and upon the southwest side of the Baritan River, to
begin at a small brook, where it empties itself into the Baritan about
seventy chains below the Bound Brook, and from thence to run up a
southwest line to the uttermost line of the province, be divided from the
said county of Middlesex, and hereafter to be deemed, taken, and be a
county of this province; and that the same county be called the county
of Somerset, any statute, law, or usage to the contrary notwithstanding.! "
* The Assembly called together by Deputy Governor Rudyard.
t Whitehead's East-Jeraey-uDderthe Proprietary Governments, Edition
1875, p. 128.
t IJeaming and Spicer, p. 305.
The reasons which moved the Legislature to set off
the new county were declared, in the preamble to the
act, to be that
" The uppermost part of the Earitan Elver is settled by persons, whom,
in their husbandry and manuring their lands, are forced upon quite dif-
ferent ways and methods from the other farmers and inbabitanlB of Mid-
dlesex County. Because of the frequent floods that carry away their
fences on the meadows, the only arable land they have, and so, by con-
sequences of their interests, are divided from the other inhabitants of
said county. "
The old division line, run by Keith in 1687, formed
at that time, as now, the western boundary of the
county, in that part which is south of the South
Branch of the Raritan River. Such of its other
boundaries as were vague and indefinite have since
been more clearly defined, and others have been ma-
terially changed by reductions of the territory of the
county.
In 1692, nine years after the province was divided
into counties, an act was passed to divide each county
into townships. The existence of towns, hamlets,
and divisions was recognized, but their bounds had
never been legally fixed. It was necessary to do this
for the proper choosing of deputies, constables, the
levying of taxes, etc. Several settlements did not
seem to be included in any town. Some of these
towns, as Woodbridge and Piscataway, already ex-
isted by independent charters. The constable of Pis-
cataway took charge of the out-plantations on the
south side of the Raritan as far east as South River
(1688, p. 308), and to the recently-enacted borders of
Somerset. Other constables took charge of neighbor-
ing out-plantations.
In 1693 an act was passed dividing the four counties
of the province into townships. Somerset County,
being yet sparse in population, was not divided, but
the act provided that " The county of Somerset, as it
is already bounded by a former act of Assembly,"
shall be a township. This included the whole county
according to the bounds of 1688. The township of
Piscataway, in Middlesex, extended westward to the
bounds of Somerset County. Besides that part of it
on the ea?t side of the Raritan, it took in nearly the
whole of Franklin, the southeastern corner of Hills-
borough, and nearly one-half of Montgomery town-
ships ; all of Mercer, east of Keith's line, down to the
bounds of Monmouth ; and along the line of Monmouth
to the West Branch of South River, and down the
said river to its mouth. This included the townships
of North Brunswick, East Brunswick, South Bruns-
wick, and Cranberry, in Middlesex, and the townships
of Princeton, West^ Windsor, East Windsor, and
Washington, in Mercer.
As Somerset was not divided into townships in
1693, the act concludes,
" Provided also that when any county shall hereafter come to be better
settled and inhabited, this shall not be understood to hinder other subdi-
visions to be made upon application to the General Assembly to that
effect.§ "
J Ibid., pp. 330, 331.
564
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
In 1695 (Laws, p. 359), when a tax was levied and
the proportion of each town was designated, Somerset
County was not yet divided into towns. Peter Van
Nest was the assessor for Somerset, and was charged
with the collection of four pounds sixteen shillings
six pence as Somerset's share.
In 1698 (Laws, p. 371), while each town had its
number of representatives fixed at one or two, the
county of Somerset had yet only one. There was no
division into townships up to that time.
The houndaries of the county were defined in " An
act for dividing and ascertaining the boundaries of
all the counties in this province,'' passed Jan. 21,
1709, as follows :
" Sec. 3. The county of Somerset beginB where Bonnd Brook empties
itself into Raritan River; thence down the stream of Raritan to the
mouth of the brook known by the name of Lawrence's Brook ; thence
running up the said Lawrence's Brook to the great road that leads from
Inian's ferry to Cranberry Brook ; from thence south forty-four degrees
westerly to Sanpiucli Brook; thence down the said Sanpinck Brook to
the said division line of the eastern and western division aforesiiid, and
so to follow the said division line to the limits of the above said county
of Essex; thence east along the line of Essex County to Green Brook;
and thence running down the said Green Brook and Bound Brook to
where it began.* "
The boundary line established by the above act
as between Somerset and Middlesex Counties was
changed and redefined by an act of the Legislature
passed March 15, 1713, which provided,
"Sec 1. That the boundary line between Somerset and Middlesex
Counties shall be and begin where the road crosseth the river Raritan, at
Inian's ferry, and run from thence along the said old road by Jedediah
Higgins' house, leading towards the falls of Delaware, so far as the eastern
division of this province extends.
**********
Sec. 3. That the boundary lines between the said counties, settled by "
act of General Assembly of this province, passed in January, 1709, so far
and no further as the same is altered by this act, shall be, and is hereby,
repealed, to all intents and purposes."!
It was not until more than a quarter of a century
after the erection of Somerset that it became organ-
ized as a separate county. ^ During this period it had
no courts of its own, but was dependent for the ad-
ministration of justice upon those of Middlesex. The
precise date of its separate organization cannot be
given, but it was in or about 1713. On Feb. 28, 1713
-14,1 an act was passed directing the manner of elect-
ing freeholders and their meeting with the justices as
a board for the transaction of public business ; among
which they were charged with the repairing of such
court-houses and jails as were already built, and the
erection of such buildings in counties which had none,
and they were empowered to appoint and pay man-
agers to superintend the building of such court-houses
and jails.
The counties in which public buildings had already
been erected were named in the act, and Somerset
was not among them, but provision was made for the
location of a county-site " for the county of Somerset
* Rev. Stat., p. 198. f Ibid., pp. 200, 201.
% AUinson's Col. Laws, 1713, p. 16 ; Neville, 1703-76, p. 32.
at the most convenient place which shall be agreed
on by a major part of the freeholders who inhabit
there." It was under this authority that the public
buildings of Somerset County were erected soon after.
The tenor of the above-mentioned act implies that,
before its passage, Somerset County had been sepa-
rately organized, and the holding of its own courts
(independent of those of Middlesex) provided for.
It is certain that about three years later (1717) Som-
erset had its own courts in operation,? as this fact is
shown by the records.
The county of Morris, which forms the northern
and part of the eastern boundary of Somerset, was
set off and defined as a separate county by act of the
Provincial Assembly, March 15, 1738-39. Two years
later the territory of Somerset was increased by the
operation of " An act to annex part of the county of
Essex to the county of Somerset," passed Nov. 4,
1741, which provided,
" Sec. 1. That from and after the publication hereof, the lines and
bounds of the said county of Somerset shall be as follows, vide licet, be-
ginning at the South Branch of Raritan River, where the reputed divi-
sion line between East and West Jersey strikes the same, along the rear
of Raritan lots, until it meets with the North Branch of said river-
thence up the same to a fall of water commonly called AUamatonck ;
from thence along the bounds of Morris County to Pasaaick River; thence
down the same to the lower corner of William Dockwrae's two patents
on the same river ; and thence, on a straight line, southeasterly, to the
head of Green Brook ; and thence down the same brook to Bound Brook ;
thence down said Bound Brook to the place where it empties itself into
Raritan River; thence down Raritan River to the place where the road
crosseth said river at Inian's ferry; from thence along said old road,
which leads by Jedediah Higgins' house, towards the falls of Delaware,
until it intersects the division line aforesaid ; thence along the said divi-
sion line to the South Branch of Raritan River, aforesaid, where it first
began; any act or acts of the General Assembly of this Province, or any
article, clause, or thing in them or any of them contained, to the contrary
thereof, in anywise, notwithstanding.! "
On the 21st of March, 1749, an act affecting the
boundary between Somerset and Morris Counties was
passed by the Provincial Legislature, enacting as folr
lows:
"Sec. 1. That from and after the publication hereof, the division line
between the counties of Somerset and Morris shall be as follows, vide
licet, beginning at a fall of water commonly called AUamatonck falls, and
also mentioned in the before-recited act; and from thence on a straight
line, in a course east and by north, as the compass now points, to the
Main Branch of Passaick River ; and so down the said river, as the before-
recited act directs, anything herein, or in any other act, to the contrary
thereof uotwithstanding.lf "
A survey and re-establishment of the line between
Middlesex and Somerset Counties in 1765 is thus men-
tioned in a historical paper from the pen of the late
Hon. Ralph Voorhees :**
" In 1713 the boundary line between Middlesex and Somerset Counties
was changed from the first one, which ran up Lawrence's Brook, to the
one beginning where the old road crossed the river Raritan at Inian's
Ferry, and following said road until it crossed the ' Province Line.' In
1765 it was represented that the line running from the province line to
the Earitan River was very dubious, by reason of persons altering it from
g See Courts and County Buildings."" "
I Rev. Stat., p. 201.
IT Ibid., p. 200.
** One of a series published in 1873 in the Fredonian, of New Bruns-
wick.
ERECTION, ORGANIZATION, AND BOUNDARIES OF SOMERSET COUNTY. 565
th e old road, which ran in general upon the line of the countieB ; and com-
missioners were thereupon appointed Azariah Dunham one of them to
riin the line and permanently mark it, which had never been done before,
as it appeared that tlie old road, following the old Indian path, had been
considered as the division line. Azariah Dunham was a prominent sur-
TCj'or, a good scholar, and a man of public notoriety, ofQciating in various
public capacities. He ran the line as directed, and made a complete map
of the survey, which is still in existence, and in a good state of preserva-
tion. The map contains all the streets, and the location of all the houses
standing near the old road, with the names of their owners, to the prov-
ince, or Hunterdon county line, a short distance beyond Princeton."*
On the 24tli of NovemlDer, 1790, the Legislature of
the State of New Jersey passed " An act for altering
and resettling part of the boundary line between the
counties of Somerset and Middlesex."t By the terms
of that act it was provided,
" Sec. 1. That the middle of the main six-rod road, as established by
law, from the ferry at the city of Kew Brunswick, formerly called loian's
ferry, to the boundary line of the county of Hunterdon, on the road to
Trenton, shall be the boundary line of those parts of the counties of
Middlesex and Somerset which are on the south side of the river
Karitan.
Sec. 2. That all the lands and tenements lying to the northward of "
the line hereinbefore established, and heretofore belonging to tlie county
of Middlesex, shall be, and are hereby, annexed to the county of Somer-
set; and all the lands and tenements on the southward of said line, here-
tofore belonging to the county of Somerset, shall be, and are hereby,
annexed to the said county of Middlesex."
In the erection of the county of Mercer (by act
of the Legislature approved Feb. 27, 1838) a small
portion of the southernmost territory of Somerset was
taken off and made a part of the new county. Fol-
lowing is given that part of the act by which the
change was eflfected :
"... All that part of the township of Montgomery, in the county of
Somerset, which lies south of the following line, to wit, Beginning on
the Millstone River where the boundary line between the counties of
Middlesex and Somerset crosses the same, continuing down said river to
the original southeasterly corner of a tract of land called the Van Horn
tract, and thence running westerly along the original south boundary
of said tra«t, and continuing on in the same course to the middle of the
road called the Pennington road, leading from the village of Rocky Hill
to the village of Pennington; and thence westerly along the middle of
said road to the boundary line of the county of Somerset, shall be, and
the same is hereby, attached to and made a part of the county of Mercer ;
. . . and said line shall hereafter be the boundary line between the
connty of Mercer and the county of Somerset.^ "
In 1844? the township of Tewksbury, in Hunterdon
County, was annexed to Somerset County by legisla-
tive act, and in the following year the same township
was in the same manner taken from Somerset and re-
annexed to Hunterdon. ||
Again, Feb. 1, 1850, the limits of Somerset were
contracted, and a fraction of its territory given to
Middlesex County, by an act (approved on the above-
mentioned date) which provided and declared,
" That all that part of the township of Franklin, in the county of
Somerset, lying within the bounds of the city of New Brunswick, and
contained within the limits following viz.. Beginning in the Karitan
River, in the now boundary line of the counties of Middlesex and Som-
erset, and running westerly by said line along the old stage-road leading
* The survey is recorded in Liber B. 3 of Deeds, page 342, et eeq.. Secre-
tary's offtce of New Jersey, at Burlington,
t Revised Statutes State N. J., p. 201.
i Ibid., p. 205.
I Ibid., p. 253.
1 Ibid., 1845, p. 45.
to Trenton until it strikes the Mile-Run brook ; thence down said brook
the several courses thereof to Baritan River ; thence down said Raritan
River to the place of beginning shall be, and the same is hereby,set off
and made a part of the county of Middlesex, and shall be annexed to^
and made a part of, the township of North Brunswick, in the county of
Middlesex; and the boundary line between the township of North
Brunswick, as by this act constituted, and the adjoining township of
Franklin, in the county of Somerset, shall be the boundary line between
the county of Middlesex and the county of Somerset, etc.^ "
Subsequent changes in the boundary between Mid-
dlesex and Somerset Counties were made by two acts
of the State Legislature, passed in 1855 and 1858 re-
spectively. The act defining the south line of Som-
erset, between Kingston Bridge and Little Rocky
Hill, approved March 29, 1855, was as follows :
" Sec. 1. A line commencing at a point in the centre of the Kingston
bridge where the same crosses the Millstone Kiver, and running easterly,
along the centre of the Princeton and Kingston branch turnpike, to th&
forks of the old road leading to New Brunswick, and said turnpike;,
thence along the centre of the old road leading to New Brunswick, the
several comei-s thereof, as the road now runs, until it strikes the present
division line at the top of Little Rocky Hill, be and is hereby constituted
the division hue between the said counties of Somerset and Middlesex. "
The other enactment, approved Feb. 6, 1858, was in
these terms :
" Sec. 1. From and after the passage of this act, that the boundary lino
between the counties of Somerset and Middlesex shall commence in tlifr
centre of the Franklin and Georgetown turnpike road, atthe point where
the said road intersects and forms the boundary line of the city of New
Brunswick, and runs thence along the centre of said turnpike road to
William E. Barker's Ten-Mile Run. "
This alteration of the boundary line set some of the
inhabitants of North Brunswick and South Brunswick
over to the township of Franklin, in Somerset, and
changed some of the people of the last-named town-
ship into North and South Brunswick, in Middlesex
County.
Finally, in 1876, the Legislature passed " An act to
straighten the county-line brook dividing Union and
Somerset Counties, in the city of Plainfield" (ap-
proved March 16th in that year), which, after reciting
in its preamble, " Whereas.a certain stream of water
known as Green Brook (the same being the county
line between Union and Somerset Counties), at a
point in the city of Plainfield where the same crosses,
a street known as Elm Place, because of its present
course before crossing said Elm Place being nearly at
right angles with the general course of the Stream,
causes the roadway and adjoining properties to over-
flow in time of high water," enacted
" That the boards of chosen freeholders of the counties of Union and
Somerset shall so change the course of Green Brook, crossing Elm Place
in the city of Plainfield, as that it shall cross said street in aline parallel
with the general course of the stream north of Elm Place. . . . That
the county line shall be so changed as that Green Brook, when so
straightened, shall continue to be the dividing line between the countieft
of Union and Somerset the same as before the passage of this act. "
This was the last of the changes in the boundary
lines of Somerset County, leaving them as at present
established. »
% Ibid., p. 1290.
566
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER IV.
COTJETS AND COUM"TY BUILDINGS.
Early Courts Gi-and Jury of 1717 Precept to the Coroner, 1729 Early
Trials, etc. Orphans' Court Marriage Bonds Public BuildlngB
Court-Houae, Jail, etc.
In 1675, under Berkeley and Carteret, provision was
made by law for the holding of courts in the four
counties of New Jersey, as follows : two courts to be
held in Bergen, two in Essex, two in Monmouth, and
two in Middlesex. The Supreme Court met once a
year at a place appointed by the Governor.
While Somerset County was included in Middlesex
the courts were held, according to act of 1682 (chap,
vi. p. 231), on the third Tiiesdays of March and Sep-
tember in the public meeting-house in Woodbridge,
and on the third Tuesdays of June and December in
the public meeting-house in Piscataway. In this
same year an act was passed (chap. v. pp. 229, 230)
for the holding of a court once a month in each town
in East Jersey, on the first Wednesday of every month,
for the determining of small causes and cases of debt
to the value of forty shillings or under. Thus towns
were recognized, but their limits were not defined. In
1686 the County Courts of Middlesex were directed
to be held on the third Tuesdays of December and
September at Perth Amboy ; on the third Tuesdays
of March and June respectively at Piscataway and
Woodbridge.
In 1694 an act was passed which provided
" That the county of Somerset shall be subject and liable unto the
officers and jurisdiction of the county of Middlesex until there he a
suflBcient number of inhabitants to constitute officers and jurisdiction
within the said county. Anything heretofore made and enacted to the
contrary in any wise notwithstanding.* "
The county remained within the jurisdiction of Mid-
dlesex until 1714, at which time an act was passed pro-
viding for the erection of a court-house in Somerset
County. In 1717 " the grand jury of Somerset came
into court, reported nothing ofiered, and were dis-
charged."! In 1720, at a session of court, the grand
jury returned an indictment against Hannah Taylor.
A precept dated April 8, 1729, directed to the coroner
of the county, which has been preserved, is as follows :
"New JeesetI George the Second by the Grace of God of Great
> SS. Brittain, France, and Ireland King, Defender
SOMEESET J of the faith, &c.
To the Coroner of the County of Somerset Greeting: "
" We command you, that you of the Goods and Chattels of Adrian Ben-
nett, Late of the County of Somerset, Inuholder in your Bailiwick, Ton
cause to be made fourteen pounds, fourteen shillings and four pence
which Daniel Hollingshead, the judge and justiceof our County Court for
holding of pleas for the County of Somerset, in the said Court, Recovered
against him the said Adrian Bennett, By reason of a Certain Trespass
«pon the case Lately done to him the said Hollingshead, &c., &c.
Witness Thomas Leonard, Esq., judge of our said Court, at ye house "
aforesaid, ye third Day of April, in ye Second year of our reign.
"Will, Hollingshead, CV:.
Vera Copia. "
Fbahois Hakrison, Cbroncr.
* Learning and Spicer, p. 348.
â– f Hon. Ealph Voorhees in " Our Home," p. 5.
The records of the court were destroyed by fire at
the burning of the court-house in 1737. The next
year an act was passed for building a court-house in
place of one " accidentally burnt down." This was
followed by the erection of a court-house and jail at
Millstone.
In 1752 a negro servant of Jacob Van Neste's was
convicted at Millstone, under English laws, of mur-
dering his master, and condemned to be burned.
" Sherifif Van Doren enforced the penalty. It is said that many of the
negroes of the surrounding country were present, forming the inner,
while the whites formed the outer, circle around the fire. During the
burning the sheriff mounted his horee, with a drawn sword in hand, and
rode between the spectatoi-s and the fire, to keep the former at a proper
distance. Sberiflf Van Doren is said to have been a man of so great pop-
ularity as to have held Ms office for twenty years.J "
A case was brought before Jacob Van Ostrand,
justice of the peace, bearing date Dec. 18, 1769,
entitled an action in regard to " J. Castner's Harry,
and Jeronimus Van Nest complainant for breaking
his negro Jupiter's head." Harry confessed that he
had hit him with a stand-block a foot square, weigh-
ing five or six pounds. He was ordered to be con-
fined in jail, Dec. 22, 1769. Justice Van Ostrand
associated with himself two other justices of the peace,
Mr. Van Home and Benjamin Morgan, and five free-
holders, viz., William Crook, John Vroom, John
Baptist Dumont, Samuel Staats Coejeman, and Mat-
thew Ten Eyek, Sr. Several witnesses were examined
after having been duly sworn. The three justices and
the freeholders found him guilty of murder, and
ordered him to be executed on the 31st of December.
The Board of Freeholders audited the following account on Dec. 3,
1779 : " Agreed that the sum of £224 14s. be paid unto Peter Dumont,
Late Sheriff of said county, for executing the sentence of death on a
negro convicted of murder."
The records of the court were burned at the destruc-
tion of the court-house by Col. Simcoe in October,
1779, and it is not known what negro the above has
reference to or the particulars. Mr. Dumont was
sheriff in 1774^76.
The first record of court after the destruction of the
court-house dates Hillsborough, January term, 1778.
The judges at this term were Peter Schenck, Jacob
Bergen, Abram Van Neste, and Enos Kelsey. Twenty-
two cases were brought against the State, " on appeal
from, etc., for not going out in the militia in April
last." The court did not remit the fine in twelve
cases. Richard Stockton's was the first case. He
made allegation that he was not within the meaning
of the several militia laws of the State, and upon
heavy proofs the court ordered him discharged. The
fines were remitted in eleven cases. The grand jury,
being called, appeared and answered as follows:
Garret Voorhees, Martin Hoagland, Abram Low,
Richard Hall, Jacobus Van Huys, Bernardus Garret-
son, Wim' Van Cleefe, Albert Voorhees, Daniel
Perrine, John Stryker, Mindert Wilson, Frederick
Probasco, Isaac Brown, Lawrence Van Cleefe, Lucas
t " Our Home," 1873, p. 6.
COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS.
567
Neffus, Peter Wycioff, Ryneer Veghte, John Brokaw,
Garret Garretson, John WyckofT, and Benjamin Bro-
kaw. Two indictments were brought in.
In June, 1778, the grand jury presented indictments
against Jupiter, negro of Col. McDonald, and Jove,
negro of John Phenix, for petty larceny. They were
tried and convicted at the October term, and it was
ordered that the negroes be whipped with twenty
lashes on the same afternoon, and twenty more on the
following Monday at Pluckamin. In the January
term of Quarter Sessions the next year, David Henry's
negro Caesar was indicted, tried, and convicted of theft.
It was ordered that he receive thirty-nine stripes on
the bare back at Hillsborough, and thirty-nine stripes
on " Monday next se'n-night at the cross-roads."
The following deserves preservation as an account
of a trial in 1780. It was held in some private house
in Millstone :
" At a Court of General Quarter Sessions of the peace holders at Hills-
borough, in and for the County of Somerset, June Term, 1780,
Tdesday, June 20, 1780. "
The State \
_, „ ' „, r Indictment for Felony.
Tobie, Negro Slave 1
of Mary Middagh. J
â– "The Defendant being Charged, plead not guilty, and put himself on
hia God, and the Country.
" Wednesdat, June 21, 1780.
The said negro, Tobie, being sent to tlie Bar, on motion of Mr. At- "
torney-General for trial, it is ordered that the Shedfl'make return of his
Venire, &c., whereupon he made return accordingly, when the following
persons appeared and wore sworn as Jurors :
" John Schureman, Foreman,
John Messeroll, Peter Van Gelder, "
" Josiah Clawsim, Jacob Wyokoff.
Benjamin Hegeman, William Post, "
" Peter Pumyea, John Y, Arsdalen,
Henry Cock, Aaron Ten Eyck, "
" George Van Nest,
Then evidences were sworn in behalf of the State. "
"The Jury withdrew to consider of their verdict, having Hugh
Walker, a Constable, sworn to attend them,
The Jury returned into court, and, being called over, appear and "
say, that they are agreed upon their verdict, and by John Schureman,
their foreman, say that they find the said negro Tobie Guilty of the said
Felony whereof he stands charged, in manner and form, etc,
" The said negrd Tobie, being sent to the bar, on motion of Mr, At-
torney-General for Judgment, the said Tobie was asked by the Court
what he had to say or otTer why Judgment should not be given against
him, and the said Tobie not saying anything in Bar thereof. It is ordered
that the said negro Tobie be taken to the place from whence he came,
^nd from thence, on Saturday the twenty-fourth day of June instant, to
the place of Execution, and there between the hours of ten in the fore-
noon and three in the afternoon of the same day, be hanged by the neck
until he be dead. "
Thus it appears that "Tobie" was charged with an
indictment on June 20th, was tried the 21st, and was
executed on the 24th 1
After the burning of the court-house in Millstone
(1779), an act passed the General Assembly of New
Jersey, June 5, 1780, " declaring that all cases hereto-
fore brought before the court of Somerset County
should be brought to such place as the freeholders of
the county may direct as the place for holding court."
The last term of court in Hillsborough was held in
January, 1783. The April term of the same year was
held at Bridgewater, in a small building known as the
Court-Martial House, then standing on Mount
Pleasant east of Somerville. Upon the completion of
the court-house (then standing east of the present
one), the same year, courts were held therein for six-
teen years. The October term of court, 1799, was
held in the present court-house, since which time the
courts of Somerset County have been regularly held
there.
The records show that while the courts were held
in the old court-house, between the years 1783 to 1799,
three negroes were indicted for arson, as follows:
Oct. 9, 1788, indictments were found against " Dine, a
female negro slave," and "Sam the elder and Sam the
younger," both negroes. Dine and Sam the elder
were sentenced to be hung on Oct. 17, 1788, and Sam
the younger on the 14th of November in the same
year. The records also show that at the January term
of court, 1786, an indictment was presented against
Samuel McDonald for felony, but there is no account
of the case coming to trial.
By an act approved April 18, 1846, it was ordered
that
" The Circuit Courts, the Court of Oyer and Terminer and General
Jail Delivery, the Court of Common Pleas, the Court of General Quarter
Sessions of the Peace, and the Orphans' Court shall hold annually three
stated terms at the times and places following, and not otherwise, that is
to say, , . . In the county of Somerset, at Bridgewater, on the Third
Tuesday in April, September, and December, respectively.* "
ORPHANS' COURT.
For many years the Governor of the State was also
surrogate-general and granted letters of administra-
tion and letters testamentary, the affidavits of proofs
of wills being obtained by the surrogate of the county
where the deceased resided. All papers recorded
prior to 1804 are in the office of the Governor at
Trenton. From that time a record is on file in the
Surrogate's office at Somerville. Many statements of
accounts and other papers of which no other record is
kept are in the vaults of this office. Among them is
a package of marriage bonds, a copy of one of which
is here given, followed by a list of the names :
" Know all Men by these Presents:
That we, Gisbert Lane and John Bennet, are held and firmly bound "
unto His Excellency William Livingston, Governor and Commander-in-
Chief of New Jersey, etc., in the sum of Five Hundred Pounds, current
Lawful Money of New Jersey, to be paid to the said William Livingston,
Governor, etc,, his successors or assigns ; for which payment well and
truly to he made we bind ourselves, our Heirs, Executors, and Admin-
istrators, and every of them, jointly and severally, firmly by these pre-
sents, sealed with our Seals, dated the seventh day of August, Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and eighty-five.
" The condition of this obligation is such that, whereas there Is a mu-
tual contract of marriage between Gisbert Laoe of the one party and
Libby Bennet of the other party, and the parties have complied with
the terms prescribed in an Act of the General Assembly of New Jersey,
made in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and nine-
teen entitled ' An Act to prevent Clandestine Marriages.' Now, if it shall
hereafter appear that the certificates produced, or either of them, have
been fraudulent, or that either the aforesaid Gisbert Lane or the said
Libby Bennett, or either of them, had some lawful let or impediment of
» Bevised Statutes State of New Jersey, p, 222,
568
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
pre-contract, aflBnity, or consanguinity to hinder them heing joined in
the holy bondB of matrimony, and afterwards of living together as man
and wife, then this obligation to stand and remain in full force and
virtue, otherwise to be void and of none effect.
Sealed and delivered in presence of "
" GisBEBT Lane, [seal]
John Bennet. [seal]"" "
The names of parties to other similar bonds in tie
same file are as follows :
Hendrick Bennet, Jinney Bennet; Gisbert Lane, Libby Bennet, Aug. 7,
1785 ; Roeleff Yoorhees, Mary Van Cleef, Aug. 9, 17S5 ; John Lim-
burger, Molly E«bs, Aug. 9, 1785 ; Abraham Van Horn, Anne Coven-
hoven, Oct. 10, 1785 -, Jacob Van Noordstrandf, Frances Nevill, Nov.
18, 1785 ; Peter Quick, Jenny Cornell, Nov. 20, 1785 ; Daniel Am-
merman, Lanah Brokaw, Dec. 7, 1785 ; Barent Cornell, Catharine
StoothofF, Dec. 12, 1785 ; John McDowell, Catharine Parkinson, Dec.
16, 1786 ; John Brokaw, Catharine Deforest, Dec. 26, 1785 ; Hugh
Logan, Aeltje Van Doren, Feb. 6, 1780; William Willett, Nellie
Wyckoff, Feb. 16, 178(5 ; John Duyckinck, Jr., Elizabeth Kivingston,
March 4, 1786 ; Abraham Tunison, Abagail Wortman, April 1, 1786 ;
Isaac Brokaw, Marie Boice. April 10, 1786 ; Isaac Deforest, Keneertje
Wortman, April 10, 1786 ; John Christopher, Polley Van Lieu, May
3, 1786 ; GuiBbert Sutphin, Mary W. Eoff, Sept. 2, 1786 ; Matthew Lane,
Marie Johnson, Sept. 27, 1786 ; Cornelius V.an Hergelen, Elizabeth
Wyckoff, Oct. 2, 1786 : Jacob Debow, Caty Lake, Dec. 16, 1786 ;
Minna Fisher, Mary Blane, Jan. 19, 1787 ; Benjamin Coddington,
Anne Teeple, Sept. 1, 1787.
A list of the surrogates will be found in the Civil
List of the county, given elsewhere. Among the wills
recorded in this office is that of Robert Morris, the
eminent financier of the Revolution. It bears date
April 21, 1778, is signed by John De Lancey, Robert
Campbell, and John W. Watkins as witnesses, and
was admitted to probate Jan. 8, 1815.
At the June term of the Orphans' Court, 1833, the
executors of Robert Boggs, an executor of Robert
Morris, appeared and reported a " balance due ac-
countant, $12,015.49," and James Boggs, surviving
executor of Robert Morris, rendered his account of
Balance in favour of estate, $6243.04.
At the April term of the Orphans' Court in 1841
there was presented by the executors of James Boggs,
an executor of Robert Morris, a statement of receipts
and disbursements of all property that came into his
possession ;
Balance on hand
8133,217 53
6,213.04
?139,460.57
The executors of Robert Boggs presented a state-
ment of receipts and disbursements of all property re-
ceived by Robert Boggs, executor of Robert Morris :
$206,283.42
Balance due accountant 12,015.49
8,218,298.91
$139,460.67
218,298.91
Total of Morris' estate ^67 759.48
From 1804 to 1810 the office of the surrogate was
in the house of Joseph Doty, surrogate, still standing
southwest from the depot. Afterwards it was held in
the present county clerk's office until the present sur-
rogate's office was erected, east of the court-house.
The judges of the Orphans' Court are the judges
of the Court of Common Pleas.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
From 1694 to 1714 the county of Somerset was
within the jurisdiction of Middlesex County. The
first action towards the establishment of a separate
court and the erection of a court-house was taken
Feb. 28, 1714, when an act was passed by the General
Assembly of New Jersey* which provided that the
justices and freeholders of the county " shall agree
upon a sum of money that shall be needful for re-
pairing such gaols and court-houses as are already
built, and for building such as are wanting.'' The
counties in the State where court-houses had been
erected were mentioned in the act. A site for Somer-
set County was not located, but was provided for as
follows :
" For the county of Somerset at the most convenient place in the
county which shall be agreed upon by a major part of the freeholders
that inhabit there. "
The site selected for the court-house and jail was
at Six-Mile Run, in what is now the township of
Franklin, " about three hundred yards east of where
the present church is located and opposite the present
residence of Peter Stothoffi"!
The location of the first court-house of Somerset
may be understood by an examination of the deed ot
Elbert Stothoff' and Antje his wife to Isaac Van
Zandt, dated Feb. 20, 1730, in which instrument
occur these words :
" Beginning at the easterly corner of the Somerset County court-house,
standing in the road that leads from Inian's Ferry to Eocky Hill ; bounded
southeast upon the said road, easterly upon Mrs. Fleets', northerly upon
said StothofF, and southerly upon said county court-house, containing
one-half of an acre of land. "
June 8, 1758, in a survey relating to a quit-claim
from John to Wilhelmus Stothoff", a small lot was
passed by them in the survey, described as " com-
monly called the court-house lot."J In the earliest
deeds this lot was called " The Point," it being the
most southerly point of the Harrison tract of ten thou-
sand acres. ^
The amount of money appropriated for the court-
house is not known, nor the precise time of its erec-
tion.
Courts were held in the county as early as 1717, for
in that year "the grand jury of Somerset came into
court, reported nothing off"ered, and were discharged." ||
The court records from that time till 1738 were un-
doubtedly burned with the court-house and jail in the
fall of 1737 or the spring of 1738. On the 15th of
March, 1738,1 an act was passed " for building a court-
house and gaol in the county of Somerset," the first
section of which is as follows :
" Acts of General Assembly of New Jersey, 1703-76, p. 32, Nevill.
t E. Voorhees' iirst paper in Our Home."" In the seventh paper, p. "
292, he says, " A part of the foundation of the old court-house is still to.
be seen at old Six-Mile Eun, opposite the house of Capt. Beardsley."
t The court-house was at Millstone prior to that time, however.
i " Earitan and its Early Settlers," p. 292, " Our Home."
II Voorhees first paper, " Our Home," p. 5.
f Acts of General Assembly of New Jersey, 1703-76, p. 247, NevUl.
COUKTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS.
569
"Whereas, The court-house and gaol belonging to the county of
Somerset were by accident lately burnt down, and no law in this prov-
ince haying provided tor building thereof, and it being highly necessary
it should be built; therefore
Be U enacted by IJie Governor, Council, and AseemUy of Oie said province "
and a is lierA;/ enacted by the authority of (he same, That it shall and may
be lawful for any three justices of the peace of the said county, whereof
ojie is to be of the quorum, and they are hereby enjoined, commanded,
and required, in conjunction with the freeholders chosen for the said
county, by virtue of an act for raising of money for building and re-
pairing of gaols and court-houses, to meet together as soon as convenient
after the publication of this act, at any place the said justices and free-
holders shall think proper in the said county, and then and there draw
advertisements, to be fixed up in the most publick place in each precinct
of the said county ; thereby giving notice to all persons who, by law,
are qualified to give their votes for the choice of representatives in the
said county, to assemble themselves together at any place where the free-
holders chosen as aforesaid shall think most convenient within the said
county, some day by the said justices and a majority of the said free-
holders appointed, not exceeding forty days nor less than twenty, from
the time of fixing up such advertisements ; then and there by plurality
of votes to elect the place whereon such court-house and gaol shall be
built."
It was provided by the act that on the day appointed
the justices should receive votes from all qualified
voters ; that the chosen freeholders should he judges
of the election, and have power to adjourn it from
day to day, not exceeding three days, "until all votes
are taken that attend." The justices and freeholders
were empowered to "number the persons voting; and
for what place soever a majority of votes shall happen
for building the court-house and gaol, in that place
and not elsewhere shall the same be built." The free-
holders were authorized and empowered to order the
assessment and collection of a tax amounting to such
sum as they might think sufficient for the erection of
the court-house and jail, and to appoint a suitable
person as manager to superintend and have charge of
their construction.
The records of the board of justices and freeholders,
covering a period of thirty-four years from this time,
have been lost or destroyed, and therefore no ofBcial
account is found of the holding of the election
authorized by the above-mentioned act, or of the se-
lection of the site of the court-house and jail ; but
records are found, dated in 1772 at the court-house
at Millstone, thus showing that the county buildings
had been located and built at that place.
The following notes, taken from the second minute-
book of the board of justices and freeholders, will be
interesting to the citizens of the county, as a century
has passed since they were written, viz. :
" Millstone, 1771. Voted that John Brokaw, Esqr., have 30s. proc*
for being clerk the year past. "
May 13, 1772, there were present as justices Peter
Schenck, Abram Van Nest, Peter Perrine, Jacob Van
Ostrand, John Brokaw ; and as freeholder John Bap-
tist [Dumont?].
" A petition came in by John Denton. The contents was, that he went
and brought the commission from Burlington to hold a Circuit Court at
Millstone. Toted that he should have 2bs., and receive an order on the
county collector for the same. "
37
* Proclamation money, 78. 6d. to the dollar.
May 12, 1773, the court-house had been repaired
by Cornelius Lott, for which he received "twenty-four
shillings, light money."
John Smock brought in an account for numbering
the inhabitants of Hillsborough. He was allowed
thirty shillings for the same. Charles Eoberts and
Peter De Hart were allowed fifteen shillings for num-
bering the inhabitants of the eastern precinct of the
same.
May 11, 1774, Hendrick Fisher received twelve
shillings from the county collector for bringing the
papers and minutes of the Houses of Assembly from
Burlington.
^ Charles Eoberts received eight shillings, proclama-
tion money, for his trouble in apprehending some
negroes that were supposed to be guilty of poisoning
some other negroes. John Bennett received fifty
shillings, proc, for apprehending and confining some
negroes in jail, and for some hinges and thumb-
latches for the court-house. William Sickles was
allowed the sum of eighteen shillings six pence, proc,
for services done in 1768, as appears by the old books.
Cornelius Lott was allowed sixteen shillings ten
pence, light money, for glazing and fitting one win-
dow in the court-house. Jacob Vanderbilt was al-
lowed four pounds four shillings for services as con-
stable. John Van Nostrand was allowed five pounds
six shillings three pence, light money, for boarding
prisoners, mending the jail, finding material, and
boarding the hands. Josiah Arrowsmith was allowed
five pounds, proc, for twice warning the justices and
freeholders to meet at Somerset court-house.
May 10, 1775, Christopher Hoagland was allowed
forty-five shillings for numbering the people of the
western precinct. Abraham Staafs was allowed
forty-five shillings for numbering the people of the
eastern precinct. (These precincts refer respect-
ively to Hillsborough and Franklin.) Ezekiel Ellison
received two pounds nineteen shillings three pence
for work done on the court-house. John Bennett re-
ceived seventeen shillings six pence for spikes and
hinges for the court-house. William Sickles received
ten shillings for whipping a man. John Gaston re-
ceived twenty shillings for services as clerk in full up
to date.
December, 1777, the Board directed the jail to be
repaired, the locks and doors to be made sufficient;
that the fireplaces, the chimneys, and all the windows
be repaired, and that Ernestus Van Harlingen and
John Van Nostrand be the managers. The same
men were directed to procure .one shackle and two
handcufis for securing prisoners.
June, 1778, John Van Doren repaired the court-
house at a cost of one hundred and sixty-eight pounds.
He was paid in January, 1779.
Dec. 2, 1779, two hundred and twenty pounds was
ordered to be paid to Peter Dumont, late sherifi" of
the county, for executing the sentence of death on a
negro convicted of murder, and for sundry expenses
570
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
attending tlie same ; also for conveying prisoners from
Yorktown to Somerset. The sum of four pounds
thirteen shillings nine pence was ordered to be paid
to Cornelius Lott for work done on the court-house.
The sum of four pounds thirteen shillings nine pence
was ordered to be paid to James Whalford (?) for ex-
penses in boarding the negro Cuff and James Ewing,
two prisoners in custody.
In 1777 (as is shown by the record), Cornelius Lott
was employed to repair the jail, and May 13, 1778,
Jacques Voorhees, collector, was ordered " to purchase
three thousand feet of boards to repair the court-house,
and to cause them to be delivered at said house."
On the 25th of June in the same year he was ordered
"to purchase fifteen hundred feet of three-quarter-
inch and two thousand feet of inch pine boards, and
also some inch-and-a-half oak plank, for the purpose
of repairing the court-house and gaol of said county.* "
Also it was " agreed that John Van Dorn act as man-
ager to see the court-house and gaol repaired, and
also to furnish such further necessaries as he shall
stand in need of to complete the same." It is prob-
able that these repairs were not made, as there is no
account of a settlement with Mr. Van Dorn.
The court-house was destroyed at the time of Sim-
coe's raid, in October, 1779. At the first annual
meeting after its destruction, held May 10, 1780, at
Hillsborough, the following action was taken :
" Agreed that the eum of £126 5s. be paid unto Cornelius Lott for
Hiring and paying Men to collect the Iron and Bricks belonging to the
County found after the Court-house was burned by the enemy. Also £14
88. 9d. for sundry smith work done to repair the Court-house. "
Dec. 24, 1779, the General Assembly passed the
following act :
" Wheeeas, the court-house and gaol of the county of Somerset was
lately burned by the enemy ; and Wheeeas the justices and chosen free-
holders in and for the said county, by their memorial presented to the
Legislature, have set forth that they are destitute of a convenient and
safe place to confine any offender or offenders against the laws of this
State ; praying that a law may be passed to authorize the justices of the
peace to commit such offenders to Gaol in any of the neighboring
counties. "
The Legislature accordingly passed " An act per-
mitting the authorities of Somerset to use the gaols of
Middlesex,, Hunterdon, or Morris," at the expense ot
Somerset.
June 6, 1780, an act passed the General Assembly
of the State "to locate a court-house in Somerset
County,'' which provided
"That in future it shall and may be lawful for the Judges of the In-
ferior Court of Common Pleas and the Judge of the Court of Quarter
Sessions of the Peace for said county, and they are empowered, to open
and hold the said courts in some convenient house or building near the
place where the Court-house formerly stood. "
The inhabitants of the county sent a memorial to
the Legislature stating that the board of trustees and
freeholders could not agree upon a place whereon to
rebuild the county court-house and. jail. They there-
fore requested a special act authorizing a vote of the
inhabitants of the county to decide the location. The
sheriff was accordingly directed to give notice of an
election for said purpose. The election was to be
viva voce. The act directed the raising of the neces-
sary money. The judges and justices were authorized
to hold court in any convenient house or building
* These extensive repairs, etc., may explain the heavy expenditures of this early period, as set forth in the following document, copied from the
records:
Jacguea Voorhees Co. Collector in acct. Current vMh the County of Somereet, from July, 1780, tiCl July, 1784, Jnchmve.
Br. Or.
Cash eeceived et Mb. Voohhees for -which he stands Da.
Cash paio foewaru bt Me. Vooehees to the Treasures
AND others, foe WHICH HE IS TO BE CREDITED.
Of what Township or
Precinct receiTed.
Specie.
State Money.
Continental.
Specie.
state Money.
Continental.
£
s.
d.
£
s.
d.
£
8
18
12
16
6
10
3
d.
10
7
6
10
10
£
..
d.
£
..
d.
£
«.
d.
4,617
4,616
4,958
4,688
2,081
1,736
6
11
2
5
2
10
6
"i
7
6
4,211
3,998
4,472
6,051
2,623
2,624
15
18
8
1
6
6
1
3
5
106,973
112,906
137,412
142,931
85,805
77,680
22,363
17
Yi
22,333
17
i
660,679
9
4
Bridgewater
Amt of Debt & Credit
22,497
16
10
22,981
8
2
663,609
6
7
22,363
17
M
22,333
17
4
660,679
9
4
N.B In Mr. Voorhees' Book, page 24, he charges himself Debtor for £9702 6». Continental Money, which he says he has paid John Stevens,
Late Treasurer, but has no Toucher for the same.
„ . ^ J £ «. d.
Specie Kecd..._ _ 22,497 16 lOVi
Specie pd Treas. 4c 22,363 17 0>|
Ball 133 19 10
State Money reed 22 981 8 2
State Money pd Treas. &c !!!*.*.*.!'.!.!!!['.'.!!.'.'."".""!!!!!! 22*333 17 4 "
Ball..
647 10 10
Continental Money Reed 663 609 ' 6 7
Continental Money pd Treas. &c '.'.'.'.'.'.'.''.."''.'.'.'."'.'.'.'.'.'.'.".'.""'.'.. 660*679 9 4
Ball..
2,929 17 3
COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS.
671
meanwhile, and the acts of all courts held elsewhere
since the burning of the court-house were legalized.
Courts were held* at Hillsborough till 1784, the
last term commencing January 6th of that year. ' The
April term was held at Bridgewater. April 10, 1781
" the sheriff of the county laid before the board of
freeholders the great necessity of a gaol in said county,
and the difficulties he labored under for want of a
place to confine prisoners committed to his charge,
and requested that the board erect a gaol in said
county. A motion was made to raise money and "
erect a jail at or near Tunison's tavern, the place
provided by a vote of the county agreeably to law,
but, the vote of the freeholders being taken, it was
decided in the negative. November 22d of the same
year the high sheriff appeared and made his protest,
and desired that the same be entered in the journals
of the board in the words following :
" Wheeeas, the court-house and gaol of the county of Somerset waa
burned by the enemy some time ago, since that time the said county
has been destitute of both gaol and court-house, the subscriber sheriff of
said county protests against the said county for want of a Gaol.
Peter D. Veoom, "
SJierif.
This protest on the part of the sheriff had its
effect, and on the 4th of January following the board
met " at the house of Cornelius Tunison, innkeeper
at Earitan" (now Somerville), and took actionf as
follows :
" The Board, taking into consideration the necessity of a gaol to con-
fine prisoners committed to the charge of the sheriff of said county,
Agreed that a new gaol be built at the expense of said county at the "
place last appointed by a general vote of inhabitants of said county, at
Saritan, near Tunison's tayem, and that the sum of two hundred and
fifty pounds be raised by tax on the inhabitants of said county, in two
equal payments, and that at the time the two first State taxes be raised
and collected, and that the county collector pay the money to the man-
agers of the said gaol appointed to build the same.
" Agreed that Derrick Middagh and Eichard McDonald be the man-
agers for building the said gaol, and that they be empowered to procure
the conveyance of two lots of land in behalf of the said board for the
gaol and court-house.
*' Agreed that the gaol be built with squared timber, twenty -five feet
long, eighteen feet wide and eight foot high from floor to floor, to contain
three rooms, and the roof be covered with cedar, and under the floor
beds of large stone be laid.
Agreed that the sum of ten pounds be paid to Cornelius Tunison for "
twenty perches of ground whereon to set the gaol, and the said Tunison
gives gratia the quantity of forty feet of land whereon to bnild the court-
house."
The land was purchased, as agreed upon, and the
buildings were erected upon it.
In May of the same year (1782) it was agreed by
the board of justices and freeholders " that there shall
be a room framed upon the top of the square logs of
the new gaol at Tunison's for a gaoler's room." The
board ordered at this meeting " that the whole of the
nails, hinges, and all the iron that did belong to the
old court-house, agreeably to inventory in the hands
or care of Mr. Lott, be delivered to Col. Middagh or
* Vide Court Record of Quarter Sessions, in county clerk's ofBce in
Somerville.
t Records of Justices and Freeholders.
McDonald, the managers of the new gaol." This
building was completed in September, 1782, and the
board ordered it painted with oil and Spanish brown.
On the 6th of September of that year a proposition
from the Consistory of Earitan was laid before the
board of freeholders, with the view of uniting with
the freeholders in the erection of a court-house, to
be used by the congregation of Earitan for public
worship. A vote was taken, which was in the affirm-
ative. Peter Wyckoff, Maj. Eichard McDonald, and
John Simonson were chosen to meet with a committee
of the Consistory of the congregation of Earitan on
Friday, September 13th, to complete arrangements.
On the 14th of October in the same year the question
was brought before the justices and freeholders
whether money should be raised for building a court-
house in conjunction with the congregation of Earitan,
when the vote was passed in the affirmative and it was
voted to raise the sum of one hundred and twenty-
five pounds.
May 14, 1783, Maj. Eichard McDonald presented
his account for building the jail at Tunison's tavern,
amounting to the sum of five hundred and fifty-nine
pounds nineteen shillings and two pence. Capt. Van
Arsdalen and Col. Frelinghuysen reported " that they
had expended the sum of £150 on the new court-house
at Tunison's, and saith they can go on and finish said
house without more money being raised. There was-
an order gave them for £150, and the board agrees to
raise the sum of £75 more in order to carry on said
court-house."t The board thereupon "ordered the
court-house painted, but did not prescribe the color ;
also ordered the gaol to be partitioned across the
large room overhead, and a chimney to be built in
the east end of said gaol." That the jail was not
satisfactory nor sufficiently capacious for the necessi-
ties of the county appears from the following protest,
made by the sheriff:
"To the Honorable the Judges and Justices of the Inferior Court of
Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Somerset, and the
Board of Chosen Freeholders in s^ County, and all others whom it may
concern : Be it remembered that on the fourteenth day of May, in the
year of our Lord 1783, Peter D. Vroom, Bsqr., High Sheriff of the County
of Somerset, in the State of New Jersey, did give the said Judges and
Justices and Board of chosen freeholders to understand and be informed
that the Gaol of the said County of Somerset is not a sufficient gaol
wherein to commit and confine the prisoners which shall or may by Law
be liable to be committed and confined by the said Sheriff. He doth
therefore solemnly protest as well against the insufficiency of said Gaol aa
against all Judges, Justices, and chosen Freeholders, and all and every
other Person and persons whatsoever whose business it is or may be to
keep and provide a good and sufficient Gaol for the said County, for all
Damages, Expenses, Costs, and Charges which the said Sheriff shall suffer,
or which may in any wise happen or accrue to the said Sheriff or to his
securities, or either of them, or to his or either of their heirs, executors,
or Administrators, for or by reason of the insufficiency of said Gaol, or by
reason of the neglect or omission of those whose business it is or may be
to provide a good and sufficient gaol in and for said county. And the said
Sherifi requests that this Instrument of protest may be entered on record "
in the minutes of the Court of said County, in order that aa well he the
X It is understood that the court-martial building, on Mount Pleasant,
was used for holding court, and afterwards moved down to what is now
Somerville, enlarged, and refitted for the court-house.
572
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
said Sheriff in hie suretiee may avail himself or themselves of the benefit
thereof when and as often as occasion shall require.
" Dated at Hillsborough, the Day and year first above mentioned.
A true copy. Kobert Gaston, "
Olerh b/ the Board.
A similar protest was entered by J. Hardenburgh,
sheriff, May 9, 1787, and again in May, 1792, and by
Robert Blair in 1797.
June 4, 1785 :
" Maj. R. McDonald informed the Board that he had in hie possession
a deed for the lot of land whereon the court-house stands, and also one
other lot whereon the gaol stands, and requests to be informed if the said
deeds are to be recorded. The board ordered that they be recorded with-
out delay,'*
Tbese deeds, dated May 30, 1782, are from Cornelius
Tunison and Jenetje, his wife, to Derrick Middagh, of
Bridgewater, and Eichard McDonald, of Bedminster,
in trust. The court-house lot contained twenty square
perches. The court-house was erected on the spot
now occupied by Dr. Wilson's house, first east of the
present court-house grounds. The jail lot was on the
north side of Main Street, opposite the intersection of
Hamilton with Main. The jail is still standing, its
square timbers having been covered with clapboards.
The following advertisement, which appeared in the
Ouardian, will explain what became of these two old
buildings :
By virtue of a refolution of the Board of Chofen Freeholderf of the "
county of Somerfet, at a meeting held 9th May, 1799 ;
"TTTILL be fold at public vendue, on Wednefday, the 19th day of June
* * next, at the houfe John Meldrum, at Somerfet Houfe; two
houfes, lately occupied af a court houfe and gaol for the faid county of
Somerfet Alfo, the lots of land on which they are fituate. "
The sale was made on the day appointed. Hendrick
Van Arsdalen and Garret Tunison purchased the jail
and lot for two hundred and thirty-six dollars and sixty
cents; Isaac Davis and John Whitenack the court-
house and lot for two hundred and forty dollars. The
former was taken down, most of the timbers being used
in the erection of a store-house which was occupied
many years by Daniel Latourette, afterwards by Wil-
liam J. Hedges.
May 10, 1786, at a meeting of the board of justices
and freeholders,
" Mr. Frelinghuysen, on behalf of the congregation of Raritan, re-
quested the board, agreeably to articles of agreement between the con-
gregation aforesaid and the county of Somerset, that this board will
order a sum of money to be raised to pay the expenditure of the congre-
gation in building the Somerset court-house, the congregation having
resolved to quit their connection with the county in that building • and
he further moved that indifferent men might be appointed, according to
said articles, to appraise the damages done to this building by them.
Whereupon ordered that, upon the supposition of the sum being £236
the county will raise £230 and pay it for that purpose, and so in propor-
tion as 236 is to 230 for a greater or lesser sum. "
The following is interlined beneath :
" Oct. 23, 1787, gave an order in favour of P. D. Vroom, treasurer of
Earitan congregation, for £228 6s. 9d., being proportion of £234 6s. 9A the
sum expended as above. "
Dec. 28, 1795, the board of justices and freeholders
met at the court-house, pursuant to a notice sent out
to them by the sheriff, Joseph Annin. He stated as
his reasons for calling them together the necessity of
a new jail for the county. After discussion "the
question was voted upon and passed in the negative."
After the protest of Sheriff Blair in 1797, as men-
tioned above, the board, at a meeting held Jan. 3,
1798, gave the subject more careful consideration,
and, on the question being put, it was carried in the
affirmative, and it was unanimously agreed to build
them of brick, and connected. Messrs. Blair, Veghte,
Terhune, Vroom, and Bryan were appointed a com-
mittee " to view the ground upon which to build, to
present a plan for construction, and report in the
afternoon." The committee reported, accordingly,
" that in their opinion the place on which to erect the
court-house and gaol should begin at the northeast
corner of the church lot, and run thence on a strait
line with the rear thereof such a distance as will make
a direct line along the west side of James Tunison's
lot; thence along the road such a distance as will
make a strait line with the westwardly line of the
church lot; thence along the same to the beginning.
It is impracticable at this time to designate a plan
for the buildings, and they recommend that a com-
mittee be appointed to visit neighboring gaols and
court-houses and present a plan at their next meet-
ing, to which the board agreed. Messrs. Veghte, "
Bryan, Voorheea, Nevius, and Vroom were appointed,
and Jan. 15, 1798, presented a plan similar to that of
the court-house and jail in Flemington. After due
consideration it was " resolved that two feet be added
to the width of the plan, so as to make the building
60 by 42 feet." Peter D. Vroom was appointed to
survey the lot, secure a deed in the name of the
board and their successors, and file the same in the
office of the county clerk.
The work on the buildings was prosecuted with
vigor. On the 11th of May in the same year author-
ity was given by the board "to raise the sum of
£1800, equal to $4000, towards completing the court-
house and gaol." The manager called the committee
together in August of that year, and after a careful
examination it was decided to substitute a double
pitch-roof in place of the one on the original plan.
Aug. 9, 1799, the buildings were completed, and John
Arrowsmith, jailer, was put in charge of the new
buildings. On the same day a committee appointed
to examine the accounts of the manager reported
that they had " examined the accounts and vouchers,
and find upon investigation of the same that the ex-
penses of the said buildings amounts to £5644 Os. Id.,
New York currency (equal to $14,110.07), exclusive of
the manager's fees ; and they further report that the
remnant of materials were sold by the manager, the
nett proceeds whereof amounted to (after deducting
certain services) £42 17s. 5d. (equal to $107.18), which
sum the said manager is to account for." It was re-
solved that Mr. Annin, the manager, be allowed six
hundred dollars for his services. In the record of the
board of freeholders, under date of May 14, 1800, is
EAELY ROADS AND BRIDGES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
573
an account of settlement with Mr. Annin, with the
name of each individual who worked on the court-
house or furnished material, and the amount paid
each, viz. :
T. 1 -KT i . „ Amonnt in York
Persons' Names to whom Payable. Currency.
£ 8 d
William Forman 57 12 9
John Pool ""] 34 jg iy
Francis Oovenhoven ,'"."'.' 49 15 jo
John Dennis, Jr ".. 8 14 4
John Plum * 14
Enos Talmage ." jg ^l
Benjamin Cook .".'.'.'.'.'.". 98 4
James McCoy 58 9 8
Abraham Ackerman .' 45 12 9
Aaron Van Doren 40 ^q
John Sheldran 8 8 6
Peter Suydam [[[ 4*7 1 3
Benjamin Balgliph 34 9 jq
Joseph Compton 7 16 8
William Roy .""â– . 40
Peres Bonney 61 9 6
JohnHeriod. 2 8
Samuel Haines 15 1 6
William Davis ", 8
Isaac Cooper 9 34 9
Cornelius Van Deventer 82 8 7
Daniel Whitehead 2 8
Frederick Van Liew 11 2 1
Dickerson Miller 8 13
Jehial Freeman, or order 22 7 3
Jehial Freeman 61 ig 10
Brogun Brokaw 7 14 5
Ganin McCoy 75 n 9
Nicholas Rynierson 2 16
Bemardus Van Neste 2 16 9
Jacob Van Doren 5 8
James Hogg 10 2
John Bryan Ill 17 8
Thomas Talmage 414 6 10
Willet Wame 28 13 10}4
Kichard Runyan 41 17 11
Isaac Howell 16 2 6
Nathaniel Bryan 7 16 6
David De Camp 26 5 11
Aaron Ross 10 13 8
Cornelius Beekman 4 7
Joseph StoU 11 9 2
DirckTunison 263 16 3
JohnTeeple 20 11
1889 16 234
The manager has received of the county col-
lector at different times 3857 13 6
The materials left were sold for 42 17 5
Balance due the manager, for which a certifi-
cate was issued 93 13 6
£6884 714*
May 12, 1802, an account of one hundred and fifty-
nine dollars and fifty-two cents was audited by the
board of justices and freeholders in favor of Peter D.
Vroom for a bell for the court-house. At the same
meeting a petition was presented from the Consistory
of the congregation of Raritan and the requests of
Somerville Academy asking that the grounds of the
court-house lot be fenced and graded. The next day
Jacob R. Hardenburgh was given charge of " fencing,
leveling, and planting the ground with ornamental
trees." The entire cost of this work was one hun-
dred and ninety-six dollars and fifty-six cents.
No further improvements, repairs of buildings, or
erection of new ones are mentioned in the records
until Sept. 10, 1810, when the following action was
taken :
"On application of Samuel Swan, clerk of the Courts of Common Pleas
and Quarter Sessions of the county, to build a fire-proof oflHce for the
preservation of the books and papers belonging to the clerk's and surro-
gate's oiflces, it was unanimously
Reached^ That an oflBce of that kind be erected, that the sum of eight "
hundred dollars be appropriated for that purpose, and that the said sum
* Equal to $14,710.07.
be assessed on (he inhabitants of this county, agreeably to law. Ordered
that Mr. Director,! Mr. Arrowsmith, and Mr. Rickey be a committee in-
vested with full powers as well to select a suitable place for the site of the
said olHce as to contract for and superintend the building of the same-;
and that they be authorized at any time to draw on the county collector
for any sum of money not exceeding the sum of eight hundred dollars.''
The records of the freeholders fi'om this time to
about 1833 are not known to be in existence. The
clerk's and surrogate's offices were soon after built,
the former on the west side of the court-house, and
the latter on the east side.
The old court-house was found to be inadequate to
the requirements of the county business, and in 1846
the building was raised one story higher and a por-
tico added on the Iront. The contract price for this
work was ten thousand dollars.
The present jail of the county was erected in 1870.
The contract for it was awarded to Mr. Richardson
for ten thousand three hundred and seventy-five dol-
lars, and Nov. 12, 1870, the entire cost was reported
as ten thousand three hundred and seventy-five dol-
lars contract, and five thousand two hundred and
twenty-seven dollars and three cents extras, making
a total of fifteen thousand four hundred and two dol-
lars and three cents.
In 1872 the question of building an addition to the
clerk's office was presented to the board of freeholders,
upon which, after consideration, "the committee on
public buildings were authorized and instructed to
make such alterations and additions to the clerk's
office as they may deem advisable and necessary to
the proper preservation of the books and papers of
the county." The addition in the rear of the clerk's
office was built in that year, and Jan. 7, 1873, the
total cost was reported at three thousand seven hun-
dred and sixty dollars and seventy-two cents.
CHAPTER V.
EABLY BOADS AND BEIDGES IN SOMEESET
COUNTY.:
The first mention of " Ways" or Roads Deshler on Early Roiids The
road "up Raritan" Other Highways E.^tract from old " Road Book"
of Somerset County New Jersey Turnpike Company Early Bridges
Marriages in 1797 List of Bridges in 1805, etc.
The earliest legislative enactment relative to roads
passed the Assembly of New Jersey April. 6, 1676, and
is as follows :^
" Be it enacted by this Auembly, That for the more sure and speedy pas-
sage of the aforesaid deputiesfl for the future, that can he taken by the
inhabitants of the town of Middlesex to make choice of two or more
men out of the said town, then to join with two or more chosen out of
Piscataqua, to make out the nearest and most convenient way that may
be found between the said towns upon the county charge ; and this to be
done between this and the tenth of May next upon the penalty of what
Damages may ensue for the want thereof. "
f Martin Schenck. -H'-t.
t By Austin N. Hungerford.
§ Leaming and Spicer, p. 118.
I Of Middlesex and Shrewsbury to the meeting of General Assembly.
574
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
March 1, 1682, six years later, an act of Assembly
passed whicli is the first of a general character upon
the subject of roads, and is as follows :*
"An Act foe making and settling of Highways, Passages, Lajjd-
INGE, BeiUGES, and FeERIES WITHIN THIS PeOVTNCE.
Be ii enacted by the Govenujr, Council, and Deputies in General Assembly "
tww met and assembled, and by authority of the same, That in and through-
out this Province all necessary highways, passages, landings, and ferries,
fit and apt for traveling, passages, landing of goods, shall be set, laid out,
and appointed in and throughout every county within this Province by
the respective Persons hereinafter mentioned, that is to say in and for
the County of Essex. . . . For the cou nty of Bergen. . . . For the county
of Middlesex and parts adjacent; the Governor or deputy Governor for
the time being, the Surveyor-General, Capt. John Palmer, Thomas
Wame, Stephen Warne, Samuel Dennis, Samuel Moore, Edward Slater,
John Gillman, Hopewell Hull. For the County of Monmouth. . . ."
Following the appointment of these commissioners
are provisions that confer powers for opening roads
and assessment of taxes for their cost.
Mr. C. S. Deshler, in a paper on the "Early Eoads
of New Jersey," read before the Historical Society of
New Brunswick, June 2, 1880, says,
" Before the passage of this act the roads in New Jersey, with the ex-
ception of the great highways already described,t were mere Indian
tracks, cart^ways, or bridle-paths. In Gov. Lawrie's time (from 1684 to
1686) numerous roads were opened several of them of considerable im-
portance which remain in use to this day. The portion of the State
lying along the two gi-eat highways and on the banks of the Raritan,
Delaware, Passaic, Hackensack, and their tributaries, had become quite
thickly settled. The necessities of the people, in the quaint language of
that time, for ways to church, to court, to the blacksmith-shop, to the
landings, and especially to mill and to market, led to roads being made
in every direction, the upper and lower roads which traversed the State,
and the rivers which penetrated the interior, forming the vertebrae
from which all the lesser roads radiate or upon which they converged. "
The earliest official record of the laying out of a
road by commissioners is found in Liber A, p. 433, of
Deeds and Patents of East New Jersey, in the office
of the Secretary of State at Trenton, and is as follows :
" Memorandum. 1ha.t whereas, by virtue of an act of Assembly, we
the persons under subscribed were by virtue of the said act appointed for
the laying out the highways for the county of Middlesex, in prosecution
thereof the twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh, and twenty-eighth dayes of
this instant, we have marked and laid out the wayes as follows : On from
John White's plantation on Raritan River along upon a ridge of upland
on or near the old Indian path to the north side of Capt. Codrington's,
and all the meadowes down to Maj. James Gyle's, at which place there is
to be a bridge for horse and waggon; from there to along the upland
near the meadowes on Raritan River to Bellowes plantation, and through
his corn-field as the trees are marked; from thence to Aaron Jacob's
through his field, his house being in the middle of the highway as the
trees are marked ; from thence by marked trees to Vincent Eungimone's
land; and it is agreed that there should be a footway elevated along
Earitan riverside through the long meadow, continued to Capt. Codring-
ton's and upward, and from the marked trees there down to the river,
the highways to be taken one-halfe out of Hopewell Hull's lott and the
other halfe out of Vincent's Lott, being in all one hundred feet in
breadth ; and from Vincent's by the line of marked trees to Capt. Green-
land's ; from thence in the old road to Piscataway ; from thence in the
old road to Woodbridge; from thence along the ordinary road above
Capt. Pike's second crooke ; from thence by line of marked trees through
the woods along the east side of Capt. Pike's fresh or boggy meadow
thence into the highway that leads into the market-place in Amboy, and
from the highway that leads into the sound through the said market-
place by a line of marked trees to the north side of James Eeid's fence ;
from thence by the west side of Capt. Codrington's land ; from thence
* Learning and Spicer, pp. 266, 268.
t That is, the thoroughfare from Elizabethtown Point to New Bruns-
wick, and thence, by the upper and lower routes, to the Delaware.
along the northernmost end of Woolfe's swamp ; from thence by a line
of marked trees into the road leading from Piscataway to Woodbridge ;
from Woodbridge the usual road to the corner of Samuel Smith's land;
from thence by a line of marked trees over the upper branch of the meet-
ing-house brooke ; from thence by marked trees to the First Branch of
Raway River ; from thence by marked trees to the Second Branch of the
said river.
Dated the twenty-eighth day of the month called June, one thousand "
six hundred and eighty-four.
*' Gawen Laweie, Samuel Dotjnds,
" Conead Slattee, John Geeenman,
Hopewell Hull, Samuel Mooeb."" "
John White's plantation, from which this road
started, is known as No. 6 on the map that accom-
panies the Elizabethtown bill of chancery. It was
one of the " Earitan Lotts," and may be described as
lying on the banks of the Earitan, east of Peter's
Brook and west of the old Van Veghten property.^
Two years after this road was laid out the trouble
occurred between John Campbell (son of Lord Neill
Campbell) and John White that caused the opening
of the road from the North and South Branches to
the main highway that started, as shown above, from
John White's plantation.
The following, from C. S. Deshler, is of great in-
terest in this connection, but, as the memorandum of
June 28, 1684, fixes the date of the laying out of
the road from John White's plantation eastward, the
remarks apply equally as well to the remaining por-
tion, from John White's west to the North Branch,
and show the cause that led to the opening, viz. :
"Prior to the passage of the general law which we have been consid-
ering, and until as late as 1686, the roads which have been above de-
scribed were the only ones stretching over any considerable portion of
the State or linking together its scattered plantations, settlements, .and
embryo towns. The next road of public and general importance was the
one familiarly spoken of as a road up Earitan. This branched from the
main highway that ran across the State, starting out from it at Piscata-
way, and running to Bound Brook, and so through Somerset County
to the North and South Branches. There is no official record in exist-
ence, so far as I have been able to discover, of the first opening of the
road, and its exact date is diflScult to be arrived at. In the course of my
investigations, however, some facts have come to light which enable me
to fix the date with tolerable precision, and, as this road was an impor-
tant one to our county,g at the same time that it was one of the earliest
results of the pioneer plantations along the Earitan in Somerset County,
and as it afterwards became a leading contributor to its settlement and
development, it has a strong claim upon our interest.
Among the other roads laid out in 1706 by John Bishop, George "
Brake, and John Matthews, commissionera of roads for the county of
Middlesex, the record of which throws light upon still eariier roads, is
one which is described as follows ; ' And also for one other public comon
and general highway, to extend from Woodbridge to Piscataway; and
also from Amboy to Piscataway, and from thence along the road to and
through Somerset County to the North Branch, as it was formerly laid
out in the late Gov. Laurie's time.' So that if this record be accurate,
this road was first laid out during the administration of Gov. Laurie,
which extended from 1684 to 1686. That it must have been laid out in
X As no mention has been made in any publication the writer has seen
of the precise date of the laying out of the following road, it is here
given. It is recorded in Liber A, the same as the one heretofore given.
May 29, 1686, a road was laid out "from the turning out of Piscattaway
Eoad to goo to Amboy along the north side of the great swamp com-
monly known as Amboy's great swamp, winding along the swamp to the
east end thereof, and from thence to the intended town plott at Amboy,
as may be found most convenient." The commissioners who laid out
this road were Samuel Dounds, Isaac Thornhill, and Hopewell Hull.
g Middlesex. .
EARLY EOADS AND BRIDGES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
51&-
1686 appears from the followlDg affidavits, which were made in 1720,
when Bome difBcultiea had arisen about the true course of the * road up
Karitan,' and which are preserved in the old book of record of Middle-
sex County, pp. 80, 81-91 :
"*FinL â– William Sharp, of Woodbridge, in the County of Middlesex,
in the province of New Jersey, yeoman, aged about fifty-seven years,
maketh oath on ye Holy EvangelistB of Almighty God that he, this de-
ponent, from the one thousand six hundred and eighty-six (1686), that
he settled upon the north side of y^ Karitan River near the meeting of
North and South Branches, he used y' road which waa commoDly called
and esteemed y« highway, said to be laid out by the authority of ye gov-
ernment of the province of New Jersey. DuriDg the nine years that he
lived there the highway lead from Bound Brook near to Mr. Gile's house,
through the land late in the tenor of John Budyard, and so behind the
improved land of Capt. CoddiDgton,* Mr. White's, and y* other y« inhab-
itants, unto y« North Branch of y« said river, to the upper end of a plan-
tation y« west side thereof.
'William Sharp, April 29, 1720.' "
^'*Seccmd. John Campbell, of Piscatua, in the county of Middlesex, in
the province of New Jersey, yeoman, aged about fifty-eight years, maketh
oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God that in the year of our
Lord 1686 this deponent was coming down Baritan Biver with several of
the servants of Lord Neil Campbell, going to Woodbridge meeting.
There being no way this deponent knew but through the inclosure of
Mr. John White, deceased, they were stopt by Mr. White by his gate for
some little time, but then not before this deponent and other servants re-
turned. Ye said John White went to Amboy to Govtruor Loury and
complained against them, who were called before the said Governor
Iioury, and answered they knew no other way. The Governor said there
should be a way appointed for to go up the country clear of Mr. White
and the other inhabitants' improvements. Accordingly, before this de-
ponent, with others aforesaid, went up the way marked out, leading from
Bound Brook, near Mr. Gile's house, through the land late in the tenure
of Mr. John Budyard, behind the rear of all the improved lands behind"
his fields, and so several inhabitants on the said Raritan Biver, to the
North Branch thereof, at or near the upper end of a plantation on the
west side of the said branch belonging to Peter Van Voste,| and that
during the space of nine years that this deponent lived up the Baritan
and South Branch thereof, he always understood that to be ye highway
layed out by ye authority of ye government of East Jersey.
"John Campbell, Apl. 29, 1720.'
In connection with the deponent, who was a servant of Lord Neill "
Campbell, and in 1686 was on his way from the North Branch to attend
church at Woodbridge, it may be mentioned that Lord Neill in 1685 be-
came the owner of one-fourth of a twenty-fourth part of East Jersey.
In January, 1685, he had located sixteen hundred and fifty acres on the
Baritan and North Branch, and it was from this 'plantation,' without
doubt, that his clansman was proceeding to Woodbridge when arrested
by Mr. John White.
" The course of the ' road up Baritan' from Piscataway to Bound Brook
is not clear. Certainly it did not come from Piscataway to Inian's
Ferry and run from thence along the river to Bound Brook as the road
now lies, that road being of much later origin. After combining all the
information I have been able to gather, I am persuaded that the road left
Piscataway (a six-rod road; record of roads, my copy, p. 81), passed from
thence in a northwesterly direction west of Metuchen, through Quibble-
town and New Market to Bound Brook. Considerable portions of this
road remain six rods wide to this day, although much of the original
road has been obliterated by the plow, and parts of the existing road are
made up of newer and narrower ones. After reaching Bound Brook the
road extended to Somerville, running, as we have seen by the above affi-
davits, in the rear of the improved lands and farm-houses on the banks
of the Raritan, a little to the south of the present turnpike, following
the north side of the Baiitan to the junction of the two branches, and
from thence going west to Lambertville, at that time called Howell's
Fen7. There is in existence another affidavit, made in 1720, relating to
this road, which is of interest because it was made by Peter Van Nest
<or, as he is sometimes called. Van Voste), who was one of the early pio-
neers of Somerset County and a man of mark in his day, one of the
branches of the Baritan, and also one of the bridges over the same, re-
ceiving their names from him. This affidavit is of the same purport as
those before recited, and Is as follows ;
* Peter Van Neste, of the county of Somerset, in the province of New "
* Codrington.
f Peter Van Neste.
Jersey, yeoman, aged about sixty years, Maketh Oath on the Holy Evan-
gelists of Almighty God that this deponent, to the best of hia knowledge,
in the year 1686, Hendrick Corsended and William Richardson came to
this deponent's house and told him that by order of Governor Loury, the
Grovemor of East New Jersey, they had been marking out a way leading
from Mr. Codington's land behind the improved land of Mr. White, and
so leading up cross a brook called, by the name of the deponent, Peter's
Brook, near that place, where he hath since erected a grist-mill, and con-
tinuing behind all the improved lands belonging to the inhabitants to
the North Branch of the Raritan Eivier, near to a place whereon William
Dunlap then lived, which is near to the upper end of a plantation on the
west side of the said branch belonging to the deponent. Some time after,
in the time when Col. Hamilton was Governor of East Jersey, this De-
ponent was chosen overseer of ye highways by ye Inhabitants of Somer-
sett, and, according to ye law or Custom of ye said province of East Jer-
sey, he called ye inliabitants of Somersett together and repaired ye said
highway from Bound Brook to that place, on ye North Branch afoiesaid,
and that ye said highway continued without any alteration, so far as the
deponent knoweth, until within this four or two years that Jacob Rape-
ties fenced in part thereof. And further this Deponent sayeth not.
" ' Peteb Van Neste, Jurat Cobebius, Wm. Eieb.
' Apnle ye 29th, 1720.' "" "
It will be noticed that Peter Van Neste mentions
that he was commissioner of highways under Governor
Hamilton (who was in office in 1694). He was asso-
ciated with John Royce and John Tunison. It was
enjoined upon them not to change the location of
roads without necessity, and to lay out and open new
ones where required.
The road up Raritan remained without alteration
until about 1718, when it was fenced in by one Jacob
Rapeties. No further information is obtained of it
until 1764. Difficulties continued to occur, and the
following action was taken by the board of justices
and freeholders of Somerset County. It is found in
the record of roads (old book, p. 62), and locates the
road definitely through the county. Its various
changes of line and distance are given in detail. It
is quoted verbatim, except degrees, chains, and links :
"Whereas, It hath been found by many years' experience that that
part of the Raritan road, so called, on the north side of Raritan Biver,
leading from the North Branch of said river down the same to Bound
Brook, hath been subject to sundry disputes and difficulties attending
thereto, and in order for remedy, whereof application hath been made by
the inhabitants of Bridgewater, in Somerset County, to us whose names
are underwritten and subscribed, being twelve surveyors for roads and
highways for the time being, six of us residing in the county of Somer-
set aforesaid, and being legally chosen for that purpose, and the other six
residing in the adjacent county of Hunterdon, and being also legally
chosen for that purpose aforesaid, that the said road, being disadvan-
tageous to the oner and oners of the lands through the pass, praying
that the same may be altered and regulated by us said surveyors at our
discretion, and after publick notice thereof advertised for at least twenty
days, agreeable to the law in such cases made and provided, we, the
surveyors above cited, having met on the premises for the same purpose,
and after hearing the grievances and allegations of the inhabitants afore-
said, do agree, and pursuant to the power and authority given to us by
the law of the province of New Jersey and in discharge of our duty to
alter and regulate the said road, we do determine and herein certify that
the said road shall run and be continued as a publick four-rod road, as
followeth, viz. : Beginning at the bridge by the mouth of the North
Branch of said Baritan Biver by the foot or east end of said bridge,
on the east side of said branch, and from thence to run down said
road first north eighty-seven degrees and a half east ... to a sign-
post of Garret Garrison; thence south ... to a black-oak-tree;
thence north ... to a white-oak-tree near said John Biggs; thence
north ... to Garret Boeboom's line ; thence north ... to the line
of land belonging to Jacob Vanostrandth, Esqr. ; so continuing said
course north ... to the blacksmith-shop now belonging to the said
Venostrandth; thence north . . . to the land of Samuel StaataOoej man's
^76
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Esqr., and so continuing the said conrse nortli ... to Jonatlian Kun-
yan'B line, and ao continuing to the line of* Cornelius Middagh ; thence
north ... t to Qeorge Middagh 's line ; then north ... to the gate of
the parsonage-land of the Dutch congregation now in the tenure and
occupation of the Rev'd Mr. Hardenberge,J and so continuing running
north ... to Philip Tunison's line; thence south from Fritts' Hotel to
Peter's Brook, so called ; thence east ... to the line of Derrick Van Tegh-
ten's § land ; thence south ... to Cornelius Van Horn's | land ; thence
on the same course ... to a road leading to said Cornelius Van Horn's
dwelling-house; thence . . . to Middle Brook ; thence north . . . to the
house of Benjamin Harris; thence ... to the middle of Bound Brook
stone bridge. In testimony whereof we, the surreyors afores'd, have
hereunto set our hands, this thirtyeth day of June, Anno Domini, one
thousand seven hundred and sixty-four, and in the fourth year of His
Majestye's reign.
William Lane, Samuel Baekhaedt, "
" Petee Dumont, Benew Dunham,
Gaeeet Vooehees, Heneet Teaphagen, "
" Petee Van Pelt, Andeew Emacb,
Benjamin Tatloe, Abraham Phall, "
" Samuel Beinton, EicHAnn Holcombe,
Surveyors for Somerset. Surveyors for Sunterdon. "
Recorded the 30th day of June, 1765.
One other road having more than a local importance
remains to be noticed. This is the old Middlebush
road. A considerable part of this road had been es-
tablished by custom and use probably as early as
1690, but, so far as I have 'been able to discover, it
was first laid out by authority in 1712, at which time
it was also greatly extended. The record describing
this road is as follows :
" Pursuant to an act of Assembly instituted for regulating highways,
and for appointing and confirming highway commissioners:
Beginning at Innion's Ferry ; thence running ye nearest course to a "
brook known by ye name of Salt Pond Brook ; thence along or as near
ye path as it now goeth till it comes to Derrick Jones's House ; thence
upon a straight course to John Wilson's shop ;T[ thence directly ye most
convenient way as can be had to Capt. Harrison's Mill ;** thence along
ye new cartway to Justice Leonard's; thence along ye old road|f till it
comes near Stony Brook, so crossing ye said brook about three or four
chains below ye old road, ao turning up to ye old road again, and so to ye
Province Line. The said country road is to be four rods in breadth.
Witness our hands this Gth day of June, 1712.
'• Andeew Bied, John Haeribon,
'* Thomas Teates, Michael Van Veghtie,"
This road then ran from Inian's Ferry westerly to
Middlebush, and probably to Millstone, from whence
it ran southwesterly to Eocky Hill, and from thence
to Harrison's Mill, on the great road near Kingston ;
thence it ran alongside the great or upper road now
approaching to, now receding from, and sometimes in-
tersecting it to Stony Brook and the province line.tt
Mr. Deshler says that from 1705 to 1713 he has " dis-
covered records of thirty -five roads which were viewed,
opened, and established within the limits of Middle-
sex County alone." At that time the territory now
Somerset County was in certain respects within the
jurisdiction of Middlesex County. The precise time of
the laying out of the road from Bound Brook to Black
River, which is mentioned in early deeds as the " Pea-
â– * J. M. Mann. f Caleb Miller.
t J. Doughty. I C. J. Willson. || Island Farm.
1[ Another record says that John Wilson lived upon Eocky Hill.
â– *â– * This mill was on Millstone Eiver, at the point near where it crosses
the upper road near Kingston,
tf That is, the upper road.
ft Deshler's " Early Eoads of New Jersey."
pack Eoad," is not known. It was certainly before
the record of roads was commenced, in 1733, as given
below. The road also from "Lamington Meeting-
House to Piscataway" was laid out before this time.
It joined the Peapack road before that road united
with the " Great Road up the Earitan.''
The records of the justices and freeholders of Som-
erset County are not found prior to 1772. At a meet-
ing of the justices and freeholders, July 22, 1775, an
order was given to James Hude (deputy clerk of the
county) to " purchase a book for to copy the return of
the roads in, and likewise to copy the returns of sun-
dry roads that are entered in the justices' and free-
holders' book, which was begun in the year 1727 or
thereabouts." The records of roads in the clerk's
office of the county are in an old book in which the
first date is Feb. 25, 1773. It contains a record of
one hundred and forty-five roads either laid or relaid
from 1733 to 1776, and this is without doubt trans-
cribed from the justices' and freeholders' records, as
indicated above. From this book are given a few of
the roads :
}«.
" New Jersey,
someeset,
Memorandum^ February 25th, Anno Domini 1733. There layed out by us "
named commissioners for ye layiug out of highways for said county, at
ye request of ye inhabitants of Somerset County, beginning at a four-
rodd road laying cross the river at ye Widdow Beekman's comenly called
or nonegg by the Millstone River; from thence running threw ye middle
of said Millstone down said river under ye bridges until it goes down to
ye mouth of said Millstone River, four rodds wide.
" True Coppy from ye Recorded this 17th day of March, 1736-7.
Babeent Strickee, "
" EnwABD Griggs,
Cornelius Sutdam, "
" Pbtee Van Nest.
R. L. Hooper, "
*' CZeri."
The next one recorded is dated April 16, 1735, and
laid out "from Basking Eidge to ye west of ye bridge
on the norwest branch of Dead River." Another
record, dated April 17, 1740, recites, " That applica-
tion has been made to us, ye surveyors of highways of
the county of Somerset, to lay out a road from Rocky
Hill to Kingston, beginning at a road already laid
out from New Brunswick to Prince Ton," and join-
ing " the main road as ye path now runs that leads
from New Brunswick to Trenton." Nov. 14, 1741, a
record is made " concerning a rode through one Rena-
ersen's land, which was found inconvenient," and was
relaid part of the way along the road to the mill, and
from thence along the line of Plumstead land to the
river, and along the river to the " place as is formerly
yoused to Eiver, over against Six-Mile Run,.
four rods wide, and with ye previser that ye oald rode
shall be yoused for the space of one month, and then
be void."
Jan. 28, 1744, application was made to the survey-
ors to lay out a "two-rod road from the bridge- at Mr.
Bairefoot Brinson's, on the west side of Millstone
} Meant for knotvn.
EARLY ROADS AND BRIDGES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
577"
Eiver," to " ye main road leading from Maidenhead
to ye bridge over Millstone River at ye old mill,
May' Harrison's." A four-rod road was laid out Feb.
15, 1744, "beginning from ye main road leading from
Rocky Hill to New Brunswick, passing Griggstown
Mill, over the bridge over Millstone Eiver at Christo-
topber Hoagland's, and past Wm. Beard's, Barnet Ha-
geman's, Samuel Baker's, and Daniel Spader's to tbe
main road to tbe court-house of Somerset, to be
opened by the first week in October next." Oct. 3,
1745, a road was laid out from Peapack to Lamington
meeting-house, and Nov. 12, 1747, one from Peter
Schenck's mill to the Middlebush road. In Septem-
ber, 1748, application having been made for a road to
belaid out "from the bridge at Christopher Hoag-
land's to ye Great Road," the surveyors met and
established the road as requested. Its course is as
follows :
*' From the bridge to Gerardus Beekman's land, along the road to Luke
Yoorhees'; then upon the top of a bank to where a road enters the low-
land ; along the foot of the bank to Isaac Skillman's land ; along Skill-
man land two rods upon the upland to John Skillman's ; along J. Skill-
man's land to Beadow's Brook; up the brook to its forks; then .upon
Bulif Covenhoven's land to the upland; then, as the road runs, to the
top of ye bank of a steep gully which enters into the brook below ye
fulling-mill ; thence across the field above the gully to a line between
Adrian Beekman and Christopher Beekman ; thence along the line to
Bobert Lettice Hooper's land ; then on the road to James Van Horn's
land ; thence across to ye Great Bead."
On page 69, old book, is a record dated Aug. 6,
1764. The surveyors were called to relay the road
leading from New Brunswick, on the south side of
the Earitan River, to the mouth of Millstone River :
" Beginning at the county line where it tuches Raritan Biver, near
Mr. Hude's southeast corner in New Brunswick ; thence along the south
side of Baritan Biver to Voorhees' Mill ; over the mill-dam, through the
late Joseph Mount's land and Voorhees' land till it comes to the said
river; up the river to within three chains of George Anderson's house ;
by his house, with a gradual sweep towards tbe river till within four
chains of the deceased Evert Van Syckle's land ; thence one rod and a
half on the brow of the hill, and up the river till it come to a brook run-
ning through John Mortwell's land, and over the brook to the present
fording-place ; then southward from the river, and rnnning up the river
till it comes to the mouth of the Millstone. "
In August of the next year a four-rod road was laid
out " from the Millstone Bridge, at the court-house,"
to the mouth of the Millstone River. On Dec. 23,
1767, a road was established leading "from Jacob
Van Derveer's, Esq., to My Lord Stirling's white
gate, in as direct a line as the ground will admit of."
It began at the middle of the road which leads from
Black Eiver to Bound Brook. Early roads in the
different townships will be found described in the
township histories.
The New Jersey Turnpike Company was incor-
porated in 1806, and the road was completed in 1809.
That part of it in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
was surrendered to the several townships by the com-
pany in 1838, as has been already mentioned. The
line of road through the county of Somerset, the most
of the way from Bound Brook to Somerville, was a
little north of the old " Great Road." The old route
was straight, and at the end of the old parsonage lane,
in the village of Somerville, it left the great road and
ran northwesterly through North Branch and Branch-
burg on to Easton.
Sept. 4, 1809, just before its completion, the follow-
ing petition was presented to the board of freeholders
of Somerset County :
" The New Jersey Turnpike Company, by Andrew Howell, request to-
be informed whether the board will relinquish to them the North Branch
bridge, at Bay lis Mill, on condition that the said company shall keep the
said bridge in good repair at their own expense until the said company
shall erect a new one. "
It was resolved that the bridge be relinquished to
the company on the conditions proposed by them.
A bridge was erected over Peter's Brook, as shown
by this action of the board of fi-eeholders :
" May 9, 1810. Whereas, The bridge over Peter's Brook near this
place has become almost useless by the erection of a bridge over the
same stream by the turnpike company ; therefore
iiesoZued, That Thomas Talmage be authorized to remove the said "
bridge and place the same over the said Peter's Brook on the new road
leading from the court-house towards the mountain."
Upon the completion of the road two toll-gates
were erected, one being at Middlebrook, about one
hundred and fifty feet east of the residence of John
Herbert. The keepers were John Van Nostrand,
David T. Talmage, William Tucker, Jacob White-
head, and Andrew H. Naylor. The other gate was
near North Branch.
The road was continued for many years, but its
affairs were not prosperous. The indebtedness of the
company had not been extinguished nor any dividend
paid to its stockholders until 1841, or later, over
thirty years after it was opened. The collection of
toll was finally abaiidoned, and March 30, 1869, all
the rights, titles, and interests in that part of the road
through the townships of Bridgewater and Franklin
were conveyed to those townships.
EARLY BRIDGES.
The first bridge of any importance within the
limits of the county of Somerset was that on the
North Branch of the Raritan, a little north of thfe
junction, where crossed by the " Road up Raritan."
The first item concerning bridges is in the old book
of record of roads in Somerset County, page 1, and
is found in a record of a road established Feb. 25,
1733. This passage occurs :
" Bunning threu ye middle of said Millstone, down said river under
ye bridges untill it goes down to ye mouth of said Millstone Eiver. "
This is a curious statement, but is probably the
road on the east side of the river. Numerous bridges
are mentioned in this old record.
In 1728* an act passed the Assembly as follows :
" And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That as soon as may
be convenient after the publication of this act there shall be a bridge
built over the Bound Brook in the most commodious place on the north-
• Acts of General Assembly of New Jersey from 1703-76, p. 168,
Nevill.
578
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
east side of the road, aa it lies from Piscataway, in tiie county of Middle-
sex, up Raritan River ; which bridge shall be built, rebuilt, and amended
at the equal expense of the county of Middlesex aforesaid and the two
upper precincts of the count)' of Somerset. "
The bridge was not built until after 1731, for in
tbat year an act was passed supplementary to the act
of 1728, reciting that difficulty of some kind had
arisen, and providing pains and penalties for all per-
sons who refuse to perform the duty enjoined upon
them.
In 1762* an act passed the General Assembly " to
empower the managers of the Bound Brook bridge,
in the county of Somerset, to raise by lottery a sum
of money for rebuilding and completing the said
bridge." In 1771t an act was passed to empower
certain persons therein named to raise a sum ot
money by subscription or taxation to rebuild and
keep in repair the bridge over Raritan River near
Bound Brook, known by the name of Queen's Bridge.
May 12, 1773, at a meeting of the justices and free-
holders of the county of Somerset, " Jeremiah Field,
one of the managers of Queen's Bridge over Raritan,
brought in an account of £349 17s. Id., light money,
due to the managers of said bridge for the work done.
The account was rejected by the whole board, except
Peter Perrine, Esq." Two years later (1775) an act
passed the Assembly of the StateJ " for raising the
sum of £357 14s. lid., proclamation money, on the
inhabitants of the county of Somerset County, for
repaying certain persons therein named the money
they have advanced in rebuilding Queen's Bridge."
When the bridge at Raritan Landing was first built
is not defi.nitely known. In 1772 there was an act
passed by the General Assembly " for raising the
sum of £450, proclamation money, on the inhabitants
of the counties of Somerset and Middlesex, to be ap-
plied to the completing the bridge over Raritan River
at the landing,"^ and May 13th of the same year, at
a meeting of the justices and freeholders of Somerset
County, it was voted " that Hillsborough shall pay
£10 proc, Bridgewater £13 proc, and Bedminster
to pay £7 proc. towards repairing the Raritan bridge ;
and it is voted that Capt. Coonrad Ten Eyck and
Matthias Ten Eyck and Col. McDonald be appointed
managers of the same." May 12, 1773, Jacques
Voorhees, Alexander McEver, and Capt. Coonrad
Ten Eyck were appointed a committee, by the board
of justices and freeholders of the county of Somerset,
to inspect the accounts of the managers of the Raritan
Landing bridge. This committee reported in De-
cember, 1774, that the accounts were examined and
were as follows : " Matthew Ten Eyck, £289 5s. bd.,
proc. ; Coonrad Ten Eyck, £177 7s. IM., proc." The
accounts were allowed, and the board then allowed
Jacques Voorhees " 12s. &d., proc," interest for money
advanced towards building Raritan bridge, Matthew
* Colonial Laws of New Jereey, 1703-76, p. 24.
t Ibid., p. 46.
X Ibid., p. 21.
g Ibid., p. 65.
Ten Eyck six pounds for extraordinary trouble in
paying out the money to the workmen at Raritan
bridge, Coonrad Ten Eyck four pounds five shillings
and seven pence for like services. Orders were given
for these amounts.
" The board ordered the thanks of the board to Matthew Ten Eyck and
Coonrad Ten Eyck for their good management in building the bridge
over the Baritan ; which was given accordingly. "
In the same year an act was passed by the Assem-
bly " to raise the sum of £122 14s. Zd., proc, on the
inhabitants of the counties of Middlesex and Somer-
set, to be paid by the several collectors of the town-
ships to John Duykink and Charles Sudam in full of
their account for building and completing the bridge
over the Raritan River at the Landing."
May 31, 1774, the surveyors of the highways of the
county of Somerset were called to view the bridge
over the Raritan at Van Veghten's. They agreed to
build stone pillars and replace old timbers with new
ones. Matthew and Coonrad Ten Eyck were appointed
managers, and five hundred pounds was ordered to be
raised for the work.|| Aug. 28, 1777, the justices and
freeholders were called to meet at the house of Elias
Van Derveer to examine the bridge over the North
Branch, and ordered that a new one be built where
the former stood ; Gisbert Sutfin and Elias Van Der-
veer were to be the managers. July 29, 1779, the
board of justices and freeholders ordered a bridge
built over the river at Abraham Van Nest's mills, at
the expense of the county, and the sum of twelve
hundred pounds was allowed for building the same.
May 10, 1797, the following persons were chosen by
the board of justices and freeholders as managers oi
the several bridges named for the ensuing year :
Abraham Nevius for the Landing bridge ; Joseph Black, Bound Brook ;
George McDonald, Middle Brook ; George Van Neste, Baritan ; Israel
Harris, Harris ; Peter Probasco, Millstone ; Arch'd Mercer, Mercer's ;
John Baird, Griggstown ; "Frederick Cruser, Rocky Hill ; Henry H.
Schonck, New Shannick ; Abraham Ten Eyck, North and South
Branch; Andrew S. Ten Eyck, North Branch; Isaac Van Doren,
Bromley ; Joseph Annin, McDonald's and Van Derveer ; Jacob Van
Doren, Armstrong ; Samuel Johnson, Sharp's ; Col. Rickey, Rickey's,
and White's; Peter Davison, Davison's; David Ayres, Doty's Mill;
David Smalley, Luddle's.
A list of the bridges in Somerset County in 1805,
taken from the record of freeholders of that year, is
given below :
Baritan, Lythoff's, Swau's, Sharp's, Davison's, Alward's, Bayard's, Two
leading to fall-mill over Green Brook, Third over Indian Grave
Creek, Miller's, Annin's, Baird's, Townsley, Dumont's, Bock Brook,
Browsetown, Manning's, Landing and Mile Run, Cuckold's and Mid-
dle Brook, Millstone and Peace Brook, Griggstown, Eocky Hill,
Shannick, Bush, North Branch, Bromley, McDonald's, Van Derveer's,
Rickey's, Dotey's, Little's, Phillips', Kirkpatrick's, or Pumpkin Patch
Brook, Bound Brook, Dirck's Brook, White's, Arrowsmith's, Plain-
field, Green Brook, at Samuel and John Vail's, Two southern over
Indian Grave Creek, near William Kain's, Covenhoven's, Ludlow's,
Van Doren'a, Annin's, Coryell's, Goltry's, Peter's Brook, Holland
Brook, Blue', Stites', Six-Mile Run, Widow Voorhees', Van Nord
wick's.
II This was the bridge over which the troops passed that were with
Col. Simcoe after they had burned the church and were on their way to
the court-honse. Wnahington crossed this bridge with his army after the
battle of Princeton, Jan. 3, 1777.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
579
CHAPTEE VI.
THE BENCH AND BAE OP SOMERSET
COTJBTTir.
The Bar of Somerset County eminent for Genius, Learning, and Pa-
triotism Reminiscences Names of the Bar from 1769 to 1860 List
of the Present Bar Sketches of WiUiam Paterson, Peter D. Troom,
Samuel L. Southard, Winiam L. Dayton, John M. Mann, â– William
GrifBth, the Frelinghnysens, Juddges Kirkpatrick, Nevins, etc. ; and
Hugh M. Gaston, Alvah A. Clark, John Sohomp, and many others of
the Present Bar of the County.
Somerset County is justly entitled to a large
share of the honor which has mantled the bar of this
State. Judge Bushrod Washington often remarked
that the bar of New Jersey was not excelled in elo-
quence or learning by any in the Union. This enco-
mium is equally true of its bench, and, among the
honored personages embraced in both bench and bar,
very many of the most eminent in the profession
have been residents of or born in Somerset County.
This is high praise, but merited. What a brilliant
constellation of genius, learning, and patriotism is
presented by the names of William Paterson, Peter D.
Vroom, and Samuel L. Southard, lawyers and gov-
ernors! what a bright galaxy of judicial merit is
brought to mind by the names of Judges William
Griffith, Andrew Kirkpatrick, George H. Brown,
John M. Berrien, James S. Nevius, Isaac N. Black-
ford, and many others ! And of equal lustre is the
array of legal talent which shines with the names
and memories of Richard Stockton, Henry Southard,
Frederick and Theodore Frelinghuysen, Abraham O.
Zabriskie, and a host of such. The list is too full for
any extended mention.
To the able papers of the late Ralph Voorhees we
are indebted for the following reminiscences :
" A half-century ago the oflBcers of the court were, as I remember,
Andrew Kirkpatrick, Chief Justice; Samuel Swan, Clerk; John Freling-
huysen, Surrogate ; Martin Sohenck, Sheriff; and the lawyers of Somer-
set, Jacob E. Hardenbergh, George McDonald, Eichai-d Stockton, Joseph
W. Scott, Samuel L. Southard, Peter D. Vroom, Theodore, John, and
Frederick Frelinghuysen, and Thomas A. Hartwell.
At one of the terms of the court. Southard, after having put forth "
all his ability and skill to convict a man for horse-stealing, a part of
the sentence for which was thirty-nine lashes at the whipping-post,
made, immediately after the pronouncing of that sentence by the court,
a most powerful appeal in behalf of the convict for the commutation of
the whipping. He urged that, from the manly appearance of the pris-
oner, the public exhibition would only produce an unfavorable effect in
the community. His appeal was granted.
" Theodore Frelinghuysen used to relate that when he commenced the
practice of law he was employed to conduct a case on the mountains in
Wan en township, where he came into contact with a shrewd pettifogger
who was in good practice there. As Frelinghuysen had yet a reputation
to establish, he thought it might be to his advantage to make a display
of his learning, and attempted it in his argument. After closing, the
mountaineer arose, and commenced his speech as follows : ' Gentlemen
of the jury, the opposite counsel has been soaring aloft above the clouds
as though he were in search of eagles ; but, gentlemen, I intend to lay
low for black ducks.' Frelinghuysen said he there learned a useful les-
son, which was to ' lie low' in an argument rather than soar too high. "
Prefatory to the personal sketches herewith pre-
sented, it may be remarked that a full list of the
judges and justices of the county will be found in
the chapter on the Civil List of Somerset County,
making their enumeration here a needless repetition.
The honored names of the Somerset County bar down
to 1860 are herewith given, together with the dates
of their admission as attorneys- at-law :
1769, *William Paterson.
1784. *Eichard Stockton.
1785. *Frederick Frelinghuysen, *Andrew Kirkpatrick.
1788. *William Griffith.
1791. *Lucius H. Stockton.
1792. *George McDonald.
1797. "'John Frelinghuysen.
1801 .* Joseph W. Scott.t
1805. *Jacob E. Hardenbergh.
1808. *Theodore Frelinghuysen.
1810. *Frederick Frelinghuysen, *Iaaac Blackford.-)-
1811. *Samuel L. Southard.
1813. *Peter D. Vroom, Jr.
1816. *Thomas A. Hartwell.
1817. *WilIiam B. Griffith, *Jame3 S. Green.
1819. * James S. NeTius.t
1821. *John Henry.
1822. Andrew Miller.t
1823. «Samuel J. Bayard.
18-24. 'SJohn M. Mann, «William Thomson.
1828. * Abraham 0. Zabriskie.-|-
1829. * Joseph A. Gaston, *Peter Vredenburg.
1830. *William H. Lenpp.f "Wilham L. Dayton.
1836. *George H. Brown, Theodore Frelinghuysen.
1836. « John Van Dyke, Garret S. Cannon.f
1838. Dumont Frelinghuysen.
1839. Farrington Barcalow.f Frederick T. Frelinghuysen,! John F.
Hageman.^
1840. Hugh M. Gaston.
1841. Frederick J. Frelinghuysen, William K. McDonald.
1844. John V. Voorhees, *Samuel S. Hartwell, Stephen B. Sansom,t
Eobert Voorhees.
1847. »Isaiah N. Dilts.
1849. Ashbel Green.?
1861. Peter L. Voorhees.f
1853. *John Hartwell, Eobert S. Green.f
1854. Bnos W. Bunyon.f
1869. Frederick Voorhees.f
THE PRESENT BAR OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
The following is an alphabetical list of the living
members of the bar of this county, with the dates of
their admission to practice as attorneys :
Anderson, William W, (Somerville), 1877.
Bartine, John D.|| (Somerville), 1866.
Bell, George L. (Somerville), 1876.
Bergen, James J. If (Somerville), 1868.
Clark, Alvah A. (Somerville), 1863.
Davie, J. Winnardf (Somerville), 1871.
Freeh, John A. (Somerville), 1880.
Frelinghuysen, Dumont (Somerville), 1838.
Frelinghuysen, Frederick J. (Somerville), 1841.
Frelinghuysen, Theodore (Earitan), 1836.
Gaston, Hugh M.f (Somerville), 1840.
Gaston, Hugh K. (Somerville), 1880.
Griggs, James L.|| (Somerville), 1877.
Honeyman, A. V. D. (Somei-ville), 1871.
Lindabury, R. V. (Bound Brook), 1874.
Long, William H. (Somerville), 1870.
Pace, George E. (East Millstone), 1875.
Phillips, S. S. (Bound Brook), 1877.
Sanborn, William 0. (Somerville), 1876.
Scbomp, John (Somerville), 1866.
Steele, William V. (Somerville), 1878.
Sutphen, David M.** (Earilan), 1876.
Voorhees, J. Vred. (Somerville), 1844.
* Deceased, f Eemoved from the county. | Retired from practice,
g Located at Princeton, not now in this county.
I Firm of Bartine & Griggs. f ^'iâ„¢ "f Gaston & Bergen.
■*• Accidentally killed In February, 1881.
580
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
William Paterson, the eminent lawyer, jurist,
and statesman, was born in Ireland about 1745. When
but two years old he came, with his father and family,
to America, locating first at Trenton, and finally at
Raritan (Somerville), where his father died in 1781.
William was graduated from the College of New Jer-
sey in 1763, studied law with the elder Richard Stock-
ton, and in 1769 was licensed as an attorney-at-law.
He commenced practice at a place then called New
Bromley, in Hunterdon County* (now Lane's Mills),
but subsequently removed to Princeton and engaged
in mercantile pursuits. In 1775 he was a delegate in
the Provincial Congress and secretary at both its ses-
sions, and of the Congress which met at Burlington
in 1776. Under the State government (1776) he was
the first attorney-general, a position as dilficult and
dangerous as honorable ; for, being obliged to attend
court in the different counties, he was liable to capture
at any time by the British, who had then invaded the
State. He was at the same time a member of the Legis-
lative Council. In 1780 he declined the nomination to
the Continental Congress. In 1783, when peace was
declared, he resumed his legal practice and removed to
New Brunswick. A member of the convention which
met in Philadelphia in 1787, he was one of those
chosen to frame the Federal Constitution. Two plans
were presented to that body, by Edmund Randolph,
of Virginia, and Mr. Paterson, respectively, the
larger States favoring the former, the smaller States
the latter. A compromise was effected by which a
general government was formed, partly federal, partly
national. After the Constitution was ratified, Mr.
Paterson was chosen by the Legislature (with Jona-
than Elmer) to the United States Senate, and that
body, in 1790, made him the successor of Governor
Livingston ; at the end of his term he was re-elected
Governor. His administration of the affairs of the
State was a most happy and successful one. After
retiring from the gubernatorial chair he was for six
years engaged in codifying all the statutes of Great
Britain which, prior to the Revolution, were in force
in the colony of New Jersey, as well as those of the
State Legislature up to that present time. In 1793,
President Washington nominated him an associate
justice of the Supreme Court of the United States,
an office he held until his death. His volume of re-
vised laws is " acknowledged to be the most perfect
system of statute law produced in any State of the
Union. He also greatly improved the practice of the
Court of Chancery." While upon the Supreme bench
many important trials occurred, among them those
of the persons implicated in the "Whisky Insurrec-
tion" of Western Pennsylvania and of Lyon for vio-
lation of the sedition law. (For his opinions as Su-
preme Court judge, see Dallas' and Cranch's Reports.)
" His last official act was to preside in the Circuit
Court of the United States at New York, in April,
* See sketch by Rev. Dr. Messier in Historical Magazine^ 1879.
1806, on the trials of Ogden and Smith for violation
of the neutrality laws in aiding Miranda to revolu-
tionize some of the South American states. From
this time his health began visibly to decline, and he
withdrew from all active official duties. He was an
able statesman, an upright judge, and a disinterested
friend of his country. He was a Presbyterian, and "
was trustee of Princeton College from 1787 to 1802.
He was twice married (first in 1779), and left a son
and daughter, children by his first wife. Governor
Throop, of Georgia, and Aaron Burr were both law
students of Judge Paterson at Raritan. He died in
New Brunswick, Sept. 9, 1806. "His name is per-
petuated by the thriving manufacturing city near the
falls of the Passaic"!
It was of Governor Paterson that Moses Guest
New Brunswick's earliest poet wrote (July 4, 1791),
on seeing the Governor in his barge, which was ele-
gantly decorated with laurel and flowers and rowed
by twelve men, dressed in white :
" On Saritan's sniootli-gliding stream we view
With pleasure view the man whom we admire,
On this auspicious day with laurel crowned.
How gracefully the honored barge moves on 1
See Neptune's sons, all clad in white,
Timing their oars to the melodious flutes 1 . . .
Not Cleopatra's barge,
When she, full-armed with each bewitching charm,
A tyrant bound in the sweet chains of love.
More elegant or pleasing could appear.
Nor did contain a jewel of such worth.
Not freighted with a proud, intriguing queen.
She nobly bears New Jersey's favorite son.
Our guardian chief, our friend, a Patehson ! "
Justice is only fairly beginning to be awarded
Judge Paterson as a great jurist and statesman, the
truest portraiture of his character having been just
delivered (August, 1880) before the American Baa-
Association by the leader of the New Jersey bar,
Hon. Cortlandt Parker.
RiCHAED Stockton, who stood confessedly at the
head of the New Jersey bar during the first quarter
of the present century, was the son of Richard Stock-
ton, also an accomplished and eloquent lawyer, a
Supreme Court justice, and one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. After 'having been
graduated at Princeton before he was seventeen years
old, Richard, Jr., commenced the study of law with
his uncle, Elisha Boudinot. He was admitted to the
bar as an attorney in 1784, when only about twenty
years of age, afterwards as a counselor, and in 1792
was made a sergeant-at-law, along with Richard
Howell, Samuel Leake, Frederick Frelinghuysen,
Aaron Ogden, and Joseph Reed. He took up his
residence on the paternal estate at Princeton, in Som-
erset County, where he resided during life. In 1796
he was chosen to a vacancy in the United States Sen-
ate, and was a member of that body until 1799. He
was again elected to Congress in 1813. But, being a
decided Federalist, and that party being in the mi-
f Elmer's *' Reminiscences of New Jersey," etc.
THE BENCH AND BAR OP SOMERSET COUNTY.
581
nority in this State after 1800, he shared their fate in
being excluded from official position. He was one of
the trustees of Princeton College from 1791. The
honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by
Eutgers and Union Colleges. Mr. Stockton was a
man of the most imposing personal appearance and
captivating address. Among the junior members of
the bar he was generally spoken of as " the old duke."
An examination of the Supreme Court reports will
show that from the time they commence until his
death no lawyer except, perhaps, Mr. Leake was
more generally employed. His manner of speaking
was usually dignified and unimpassioned, but he was
capable of splendid declamation and the most crush-
ing sarcasm and scorn ; and when provoked he some-
times indulged in them. During his time he was
almost the only lawyer of the State who argued causes
before the Supreme Court at "Washington, and these
were cases not originating in New Jersey. When Mr.
Webster took occasion to speak of lawyers of eminent
talents, in answer to a fling of Mr. Binney, in his
argument of the Girard will case, he enumerated
among them Mr. Stockton. But he is no exception
to the remark of Mr. Duponceau, that "lawyers
leave nothing behind but the echo of a name;" there
are few remains of his learning or his eloquence.
The argument in favor of the New Jersey claims to
the waters of the Hudson is the only document in
print from his pen. Of his eloquent addresses to
juries, which were often considered almost unequaled,
there are no reports.*
Once, at the bar of the Supreme Court, says
Judge Elmer, "I heard him address Chief Justice
Kirkpatrick in language and with a manner no one
else at the bar would have dared to imitate. He
did not like the chief justice very much, partly be-
cause he regarded him as a deserter from the Federal
party, an offense not easy for him to forgive. When,
in the case of Gibbons vs. Ogden, the chief justice
read his opinion, in which he stated that he thought
the law was with the defendant, but concluded by
saying, ' Yet, from a real diffidence in my own judg-
ment upon this question, especially when set in oppo-
sition to that of the chancellor, and from a full per-
suasion that it will be better for both parties to let the
judgment be entered for the plaintiff here and the
case be carried up by appeal, ... I have thought it
best, upon the whole, to say the demurrer to the plain-
tiff's declaration must be overruled,' Mr. Stockton
immediately arose and asked the court, with an air
not a little sarcastic, whether, as it appeared a major-
ity of that court was in favor of his client, he should
enter the judgment in accordance with that opinion
or in accordance with the opinion of the judge of
another court. To this the chief justice of course
replied that he had stated very plainly what judgment
was to be entered."
* " The Conrtitution and QoYemment of Now Jersey," Elmer, pp. 409,
Since his death, in 1828, no other member of the
bar has quite held the position that did Richard
Stockton. The late Commodore Robert F. Stockton
was his son.
Petee D. Veoom was born in Hillsborough town-
ship, Somerset Co., near the junction of the two main
branches of the Earitan River, Dec. 12, 1791. The
old house, his birthplace, is still standing. He was
the son of Col. Peter D. Vroom, of Somerville, who
served throughout the Revolutionary struggle, and at
its close held the rank of a lieutenant-colonel ; he also
held various county offices, and was a member of the
State Assembly and Council. He lived to see his
son Governor of the State, and died, full of years and
honor, in 1831. His son, Peter D., first attended
school at the " Old Red School-house ;" after leaving
the Somerville academy he became a student of Co-
lumbia College, graduating therefrom in 1808. He
read law with George McDonald, of Somerville ; was
licensed as attorney in 1813, as counselor in 1816, and
was a sergeant in 1828.t He commenced the practice
of law at Schooley's Mountain, N. J., continued it at
Hackettstown, and two years later moved his office to
Flemington, but in 1819 he established himself at
Somerville, which was his residence for more than
twenty years. He occupied for years the house built
by George McDonald, opposite the hotel of Mr. Fritta.
He married a daughter of Peter B. Dumont,t May 21,
1817
He was a member of Assembly from Somerset
County 1826-29, and the latter year was elected Gov-
ernor, which office he held by successive re-elections
(excepting in 1832, when he was defeated by Mr.
Southard) until 1836, when impaired health caused
him to decline renomination. He was also ex-offioio
chancellor of the State of New Jersey. He then re-
sumed his legal practice in Somerville. In 1838 he
was elected to Congress, but failed to receive the
Governor's commission. Then ensued a long and
bitter contest, known as the "Broad Seal War,"
which ended in his installment. After his congres-
sional term he made Trenton his home, and Nov. 4,
1840, married Maria Matilda, a daughter of Gen.
Wall, his first wife being deceased. In 1844 he was
a member of the State Constitutional Convention
from Somerset County, although not a resident of
the county, and labored conspicuously throughout
the work of revision. In 1848, associated with Wil-
liam L. Dayton, Stacy G. Potts, and Henry W.
Green, he labored to bring the statutes into conform-
ity with the new constitution. He was subsequently
nominated to, but declined, the chief justiceship, but
in 1853 accepted the mission to the court of Prussia,
residing at Berlin until 1857. He was a Presidential
elector upon the Democratic ticket in 1860, 1864, and
1868, and to the close of his life was an ardent and
active partisan of that party. His religious faith was
f Appendix to Smith's "Bules of the Supreme Court of N. J.," 1868.
J Her sister was the wife of Frederick Frelinghuysen.
582
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
that of the Dutch Reformed Church, in which he
was an elder, and of which he was a member over
fifty years ; he was also interested in and an officer of
the American Colonization and Bible Societies. The
degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by the Col-
lege of New Jersey in 1850. " Possessing a vigorous
constitution and iron frame, he continued to prosecute
his profession with undiminished powers till within a
very short period of his death, which occurred Nov.
18, 1874."* He was an able lawyer, and his decisions
in the Court of Chancery stand, for the most part,
unquestioned to the present day.f
Samuel L. Southard, a native of Basking Ridge,
Somerset Co. (born June 7, 1787), was the son of Hon.
Henry Southard. From the classical school of his
native town he went to Princeton College, graduating
in 1804. For five years he was tutor in the family of
Col. John Taliaferro, of Virginia, meanwhile devoting
his leisure hours to the study of the law under the pre-
ceptorship of Judges Green and Brooks, of Fredericks-
burg, Va. He was admitted to the bar in 1809, and
in 1811 returned to his native State, settling at Flem-
ington. At the May term, 1814, of the Supreme Court
of the State he was admitted, along with Frederick
Frelinghuysen, as a counselor. February 9th of the
same year, and again Nov. 6, 1817, he was appointed
law reporter, and in 1820 became a sergeant-at-law.
He soon attained high rank at the bar. His first
public position was that of prosecuting attorney of
Hunterdon County. In 1815 he was elected to the
General Assembly, but soon after was chosen an as-
sociate justice of the Supreme Court (Oct. 31, 1815), J
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the election of Mahlon
Dickerson as Governor ; he then removed to Trenton.
Five years were passed upon the bench, he being also
engaged in reporting the decisions of the court. In
1820 he, with Charles Ewing, engaged to prepare and
publish the revised statutes of the State, and as a
member of the electoral college of New Jersey cast
his vote for his warm personal friend, James Monroe.
The following year he was elected to the United States
Senate, and resigned his judgeship. Taking his seat
in February, 1821,^ during the intense political ex-
* Biog. Encyc. of New Jersey, pp. 7-9.
f John Veoom, son of the foregoing, was " perhaps one of the finest-
educated young lawyers at the bar of the State. After a full course at
Rutgers he studied law in his father's office, and received license a few
months before the elder Vroom's appointment to the Berlin mission. He
went with him there, and during the first winter attended a course of
lectures on law and philosophy at the celebrated university in that city.
During the next summer he traveled extensively, and mostly on foot,
through Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, then spent a winter in Paris,
and made himself master of the French language. With these advan-
tages he returned home to commence the practice of his profession in
Jersey City. He had already gained a prominent place at the bar when
death cut off suddenly all the brilliant promises of the future. He died,
Bitting in his father's office, in Trenton, May 27, 1865." Memorial Ber-
â– mon by Bev. Abr. Meseler, B.D., 1874, pp. 22, 23.
X Appendix to " Rules of the Supreme Court of New Jersey," Smith
1868, p. 43.
• g Having been selected to fill the unexpired term of Hon. James J.
Wilson, resigned, whose term expired March 3, 1821.
citement over the admission of Missouri into the
Union, upon the motion of Henry Clay for a joint
committee of House and Senate to consider the sub-
ject, Mr. Southard, of the Senate, ^then at the com-
mencement of his career, met his father, of the
House, at that time nearing the close of his official
life. Samuel L. Southard prepared the resolutions
which afterwards passed and ended the struggle, al-
though Mr. Clay had the credit. || He left the Senate
in 1823 to accept the Cabinet position of Secretary of
the Navy, filling that high station during the admin-
istrations of Presidents Monroe and John Quincy
Adams, and until 1829, when he was elected to the
attorney-generalship of the State, vice Theodore Fre-
linghuysen, chosen to the United States Senate. Tren-
ton again became his residence, and there he resumed
his profession. In 1832 he was chosen Governor, and
soon after a United States senator, and by re-election
in 1838 held until 1844, in 1841 being president pro
tern, of that body. He took an active part in its pro-
ceedings, although his party was in the minority until
1841. When Tyler succeeded Harrison as President,
in April, 1841, Mr. Southard became presiding officer
of the Senate, and so continued during life, recognized
by all parties as an impartial and able officer. In
politics he was first a Democrat, an " anti- Jackso-
nian," and later an adherent of the Whig organi-
zation. In 1838 he became president of the Morris
Canal and Banking Company, and took up his resi-
dence at Jersey City. He was a Presbyterian in be-
lief, although not a constituent member, and an advo-
cate of temperance, even to total abstinence. He
married, in 1812, Rebecca Harrow, daughter of an
Episcopal clergyman. His death occurred at the
house of his wife's brother, in Virginia, June 26,
1842. " As a counselor and attorney he was regarded
as skillful, and prepared his cases thoroughly. As a
statesman, the high positions he attained are sufficient
proof of his abilities."T[
The most felicitous description of him is contained
in a letter from Rev. J. W. Alexander, D.D. (for-
merly pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Trenton),
to Dr. Hall, after his death :
" Samuel L. Southard wsB also a member of the congregation and a.
friend of all that promised its good. More sprightly and versatile than
Mr. Ewing, he resembled a tropical tree of rapid growth. Few men ever
attained earlier celebrity in New Jersey. This perhaps tended to pro-
duce a certain character which showed itself in good-natured egotism.
He wa£ a man of genius and eloquence, and made great impressions on &
first interview or by a single argument. He loved society and shone in
company. It is not my province to speak of his great efforts at the bar;
he was always named after Stockton, Johnson, and Ewing, and withi
Frelinghuysen, Wood, Williamson, and their coevals. "
William Lewis Dayton was a native of Somer-
set County, and was born Feb. 17, 1807. He was de-
scended from a long line of distinguished New Jersey-
men. Jonathan Dayton, his great-grandfather, was
an early settler of Elizabethtown, and his mother's,
grandfather built, early in the eighteenth century,.
I Biog. Encyc. of New Jersey, p. 15.
[ Ibid., p. 16.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
583
the first frame building erected at Basking Eidge, in
this county. William's grand-uncle, Elias, was a
brigadier-general during the Revolution. Jonathan
Dayton, son of Elias, was a member of the conven-
tion which framed the Federal Constitution, Speaker
of the House in the Fourth Congress, and a member
of the United States Senate. Robert Dayton, Wil-
liam's grandfather, settled at Basking Ridge during
the war for independence, and on his death left the
farm to his son Joel, of whose several sons William
L. was the eldest. He was graduated at Nassau Hall
â– in 1825, and commenced the study of the law in Hon.
Peter D. Vroom's office in Somerville. " Licensed in
1830, he began practice at Freehold, where his high
abilities as a lawyer, his dignity, courtesy, and moral
worth, soon established him in a fine legal and social
position. From the first he was outspoken in his
Whig sentiments ; and when, in 1836, the Whigs de-
termined to earnestly contest Monmouth County, a
stronghold of Jacksonianism, he was urged to lead
the ticket as candidate for the Legislative Council.
He consented, and the whole legislative ticket, with
him at its head, was elected, and after years of defeat
the Whigs, by a brilliant victory, regained control of
the State. The Legislature met in October, the month
of the election, and Mr. Dayton at once took rank
among the leaders in a body containing many able
and distinguished men. This was the commencement
of a career which identified him with the history of
the State and made his name a household word within
its borders." He soon after removed to Trenton,
which was henceforth his home. For three years he
was a judge upon the bench, and subsequently and
for years a member of the United States Senate. He
was nominated for the Vice-Presidency by the Re-
publican National Convention in 1856, and the fol-
lowing year was appointed attorney-general of New
Jersey. President Lincoln in 1861 tendered him the
mission to France, which, after some hesitation, he
accepted. His eminent abilities were no less marked
in his diplomacy abroad than in his statesmanship at
home. While performing the duties of this import-
ant trust he died quite suddenly, at Paris, Dec. 1,
1864
So much has been written and published concern-
ing Senator Dayton,* that only a brief outline of his
life is here given ; but the following reminiscence is
appended, on account of its never having appeared in
print, and because it shows the sterling patriotism of
the man. It is contributed by Jacob Weart, Esq., a
native of Hunterdon County, but now a prominent
lawyer of Jersey City :
" At the dinner given to the Hon. William L. Dayton, at Trenton, on
April 16, 1861, before his departure as minister to Prance, ex-Governor
Peter D. Vroom responded to one of the toasts, and in his response ho
gave a sketch of the lives and characters of the distinguished men who
* Judge Bradley prepared a memorial and read it before the New Jersey
Historical Society, May 18, 1866 (pnblUhed in pamphlet form, pp. 60),
which embrfices more of detail than any other.
had either been born in or had been residents of Mr. Dayton's native
county.
The Governor's description of these great men delighted us all, and "
at the conclusion of his speech, and as the dinner-party broke up, we all
concluded that Somerset had furnished about all the great men of the
State, and that to have been born out of Somerset County did not entitle
one to rank among our great men. But then Governor Vroom threw a
charm around these men, and characterized them so high and lofty that
but few could hope to reach the eminence he pictured them as having
attained, I well remember his sketches of Mr. Berrien and Mr. Black-
ford.
" This dinner was given immediately after Fort Sumter had been fired
upon, and it was upon this occasion that Judge Dayton dropped these
memorable words, which fell like sparks into a powder-magazine :
' Gentlemen, I feel that this is not the place for American patriots "
around this festive board to-day. I feel ashamed to be at this hour en-
gaged in social festivities. I feel that we should all be rallying around
the flag of our country, and that we should bring our festivities to aa
epeedy a close as possjbh.^ "
Andrew Kiekpatrick, lawyer and jurist, and
chief justice of New Jersey from 1803 to 1824, was a
native of Somerset, and born at Mine Brook, Feb. 17,
1756, of Scotch ancestry. He was the third son of
David Kirkpatrick and Mary McEwen. He was
graduated at Princeton College in 1775, and com-
menced the study of divinity at Basking Ridge with
the Rev. Mr. Kennedy, a distinguished theologian ;
but shortly after, much to his father's chagrin, it is
said, abandoned the idea of entering the ministry and
determined to take up the study of the law. He left
home to prepare the way and earn the means which
should enable him to realize his aspirations. He was
a tutor in the family of a Virginia planter, Col.
Taliaferro (the same in which Samuel L. Southard
subsequently taught), and later at Kingston, N. Y.,
and in the Rutgers College grammar school, mean-
while pursuing his legal studies. He afterwards
entered the law-office of William Paterson, and was
admitted to the bar as an attorney in September,
1785, Frederick Frelinghuysen having' been licensed
only a few months prior. He located at Morristown,
and later at New Brunswick, where he died Jan. 7,
1831.t He became an eminent lawyer, was a mem-
ber of Assembly from Middlesex, an associate justice
of the Supreme Court in 1797, and in 1803 was elected
chief justice. He was also a member of the Legis-
lative Council in 1820. He was twenty-seven years
on the bench of the Supreme Court, and for twenty-
one years was chief justice ; " was noted for his deep
knowledge of the old English common law, espe-
cially in matters appertaining to real estate, and his
opinions are regarded as models of deep learning,
sound reasoning, and polished language." In 1792
he married Jane, the beautiful daughter of Col. John
Bayard, of New Brunswick. Judge Elmer says,
" He was a very handsome man, with a white head of hair, still wear-
ing a cue, but not requiring the powder with which, in accordance with
the fashion, he had been accustomed to whiten it at an earlier day. He
hod a very fair complexion and a remarkably flue voice ; was a learned,
and in the law of real estate a profoundly learned, lawyer; a complete
master of the abstruse learning of Coke and the black-letter reporters,
but not well versed in modern innovations, which he regarded as blem-
f At the time of his decease Maiy A. (Mrs. Kev. Dr. 8. B. Howe, of New
Brunswick, N. J.) was his only surviving child.
584
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
ifihes. Hie opinions, as published in Pennington and Halsted*E Beports,
upon questions relating to the law of real estate, deserve the most care-
ful study of every lawyer aspiring to understand this most difficult
branch of the law. "
Many of his judicial opinions, such as the decision
in Arnold vs. Mundy, are among the most important
ever made in the State.
William Griffith was a native of Somerset
County, being born at Bound Brook in 1766, but his
practice was for the most part in Burlington, where
he married and enjoyed a deservedly high reputation
as an advocate. He was admitted as attorney in
1788,* as counselor in 1791, and as sergeant in 1797. t
He studied in the office of Hon. Elisha Boudinot, at
Newark, . where, associated with Gabriel H. Ford,
Alexander McWhorter, Eichard Stockton, and a few
other law-students, he participated in the mimic
court which they jointly founded, and which in a
great measure served to prepare them and others for
the active duties of their profession. For a time he
enjoyed the honors of a Circuit Court judge, but Con-
gress, in December, 1801, repealed the act establish-
ing the courts passed the previous spring. He after-
wards resumed his legal practice ; was subsequently
engaged in the manufacture of cotton and woolen
goods, but was unsuccessful. At a later date he was
a member of the Legislature, and in 1826 was ap-
pointed clerk of the United States Supreme Court.
He was the author of several legal works (for mention
of which see chapter on "Somerset County Authors").
He died June 7, 1826. He was one of the few lawyers
of the State who wrote and published for the benefit
of the profession.
Thomas A. Hartwbll, of Somerville, was born
not far from 1794, and in his early years taught school
in Somerville. In 1820 he married a daughter of Dr.
Samuel Swan ; she was born in 1800, and was a grand-
daughter of Mr. De Groat, of Bound Brook, one of
whose daughters became the wife of another Somer-
ville attorney, George McDonald. Mr. Hartwell
â– chose the legal profession, and after the usual pre-
paratory studies was admitted to practice as an at-
torney in 1816, and as a counselor in February, 1820.
From about 1825 to 1845 he was a leading lawyer of
Somerville, and after the removal of McDonald from
the village, about 1830, he did a large business. He
was an indefatigable worker, and was more distin-
guished for his industry and tact than for his legal
knowledge or acumen. He died possessed of con-
siderable wealth.
William Thomson, a member of the Somerville
bar, was born near Fredericton, N. B., in 1798. He
came to New Jersey when a lad of twelve, and to
Somerville in 1823. He studied law in the office of
* The " Biog. Encycl. of New Jersey," p. 48, says " in 1778," an eiTor
of ten years, as appears from the records of the Supreme Court. The
same work says he became counselor in 1781, a palpable error, being
seven years prior to his becoming an attorney.
t Not in 1798, as given in the " Biog. Encyc. of New Jersey."
the late Hon. Peter D. Vroom, and was admitted to
the bar in 1824. He resided in a house on the site of
the store now occupied by James Gaston, stationer,
on Main Street, and died in March, 1856. He was a
genial, kind-hearted man, possessed strong common
sense, was a fair talker, and quite successful as a jury
lawyer. He married a sister of William H. Leupp ;
she survives him, and is a resident of Somerville.
John M. Mann was the son of William Mann,
who for many years kept the hotel now known as
Fritts'. He studied law with the late Peter D.
Vroom, and was licensed as an attorney at the May
term, 1824. He became a counselor-at-law in May,
1827, and after his admission to the bar commenced
the practice of the law in Somerville, following his
profession there until his death. He was clerk of the
county from 1831 to 1840, and also served as prosecutor
of the pleas for Somerset. He was a man of conser-
vative notions, quite a politician (of the Democratic
following), very jocose, and fond of telling stories.
He had a large office-practice, possessed a decided
business talent, and officiated as executor for many
estates. He was married in 1829 to Miss Eliza,
daughter of Alexander Bonnell, of Hunterdon County,
and sister of Mrs. Judge Alexander Wurts, of Flem-
ington. He died Sept. 23, 1864 (his wife and son
John having died previously), leaving one daughter
and a number of sons, one of whom, Joseph B., is
quite a distinguished lawyer in Indiana. Like his
legal competitor, Hartwell, he accumulated consider-
able property and died quite wealthy.
Jacob Bergen, the first judge of the Court of
Common Pleas for Somerset County, was for a long
term of years a magistrate. He was an early and a
decided patriot during the Revolutionary struggle.
He resided at Princeton, then Somerset County, and
one of his appointments was given him in "joint
meeting," held in the college-buildings, Sept. 13, 1776.
He died Jan. 7, 1781, at an advanced age.
Jacob R. Hardenbergh, who seems to have been
quite prominent in the legal affairs of this section
during his day and generation, was the son of Jacob
Hardenbergh, of New Brunswick, where, no doubt,
Jacob R. was born. He was admitted to the bar as
an attorney in February, 1805, but does not appear to
have advanced to the grade of a counselor. He re-
sided in New Brunswick (then in Somerset County)
and practiced in the Somerset County courts from
1805 until 1830, or later. Ralph Voorhees, deceased,
has placed on record the following reminiscence of
Mr. Hardenbergh:
" Jacob K. Hardenbergh was known as a clear-headed lawyer in his
day. A widow, Maria Ditmars, made a verbal request on her death-bed
that Phebe, her sister-in-law, should be rewarded for services which she
had rendered for many years in the family, and for which she had re-
ceived no just compensation. When Phebe presented her claim to the
executor of the deceased, he refused to admit it. A trial was had at the
lower tavern. Millstone. Hardenbergh and McDonald were the law-
yers. In the course of his argument Hardenbergh, pointing to the
steeple across the way, said, ' I would rather see Jacobus Garretson come
THE BENCH AND BAR OP SOMERSET COUNTY.
585
down headlong from the top of that Bteeple to the ground than that you,
by your Terdict, should depriye this woman of a just compensation for
her hard-earned claim. "
When or where he died is not definitely known,
but he is said to have ended his days in New Bruns-
wick, N. J.
Geoege McDonald, the distinguished lawyer and
eccentric personage, was a native of Bridgewater
township, in this county. He was born about the
time of the Eevolution, just south of Somerville, on
the place where Dumont Frelinghuysen now resides.
He studied law with Col. Frederick Frelinghuysen at
Millstone, then the county-seat, and the Hon. Theo-
dore Frelinghuysen was a fellow-student. He was
licensed as an attorney at the April term of 1792, and
became a counselor in February, 1803. He practiced
jfirst at Bound Brook, which place was his residence
for from fifteen to seventeen years. He then removed
to Somerville, where he bought a lot opposite to what
is now the Fritts House, and built thereon a large
house, quite elegant and superior for those days,
still standing, afterwards occupied by Peter D.
Vroom. Mr. McDonald was twice married, his first
ynte being a Perrine, by whom he had one son,
named Perrine ; his second wife was a Miss De Groat,
of Bound Brook, by whom he had some seven or more
children. He resided and practiced law in Somer-
ville until about 1819, when he removed to Indiana,
where he died the following year. He was a man of
rather fiery disposition, a " Hotspur" who loved dis-
putation and cudgeled opponents with his fists as well
as lashed them with his tongue. But he was smart
and active, although not brilliant as a lawyer. Yet,
for many years being the only legal practitioner in
the place, he made considerable money. It is said
that he and Frederick Frelinghuysen did pretty
much all the law business of the county in those
days. He was bold and fearless, and possessed a fair
gift of speech. Thomas A. Hartwell succeeded to his
practice in Somerville, which gave him his start in
life. He was a prominent Mason, a member of Som-
erset Lodge, No. 1, of this State, later known as Solo-
mon's Lodge, No. 1 ; was a representative to the
Grand Lodge, and in that body held the office of
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary from 1806
to 1819, with the exception of one year (1810) when
he served as the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand
Treasurer. At the November session of 1820 the fol-
lowing preamble and resolution were read and unani-
mously adopted :
" Information having been communicated to the Grand Lodge of the
death of our late worthy and highly esteemed hrother, George McDonald,
Esqr., late Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary,
Besolred, That this lodge do deeply deplore the death of our beloved "
hrother, and sincerely sympathize with his afflicted family in this dis-
pensation of Divine Providence, and also lament the loss which the fia^
temity and society in general have sustained in the decease of this worthy
individual,"
Joseph W. Scott," Sergeant Scott," who long
stood at the head of the list of living counselors, and
38
who died in 1871 at the advanced age of ninety-three,
was the second son of Dr. Moses Scott, of New Bruns-
wick, N. J. He was born Nov. 28, 1778, on the north
side of Albany Street, New Brunswick, then in Som-
erset County, on the property now owned by Elmen-
dorf.* He was a graduate of Princeton in 1795, and
commenced to study medicine with his father, but soon
abandoned it for the law, studying with Gen. Frede-
rick Frelinghuysen at Millstone. He became an attor-
ney in 1801, a counselor in 1804, and a sergeant-at-
law in 1816. He subsequently married and settled
in New Brunswick, although he frequently practiced
in the courts of Somerset County. He was an ac-
complished scholar, well versed in the Latin classics,
learned in the law, was a ready writer and quite an
eloquent advocate. "The last time he appeared in
court was as counsel for Donnelly (2 Dutch. 463), on
his trial for murder, in 1857, when he was nearly
eighty years old, and his argument against the valid-
ity of the indictment, which I heard, was creditable
to his learning and ability, especially when it was re-
membered that he had practically given up his pro-
fession nearly twenty years."! He was a member,
and for many years an officer, of the Society of the
Cincinnati. The Rev. Dr. Jewett, in an address de-
livered at his funeral, said, â–
" We stand to-day by the side of one who looked upon and was familiar
with the forms of generals, statesmen, and theologians, men whoso
names are sacred to America and the world. We stand by the coffin of
one who served in the war of 1812 ; of one who stood by the bedside of
the dying Hamilton, that brightest intellectual star in the galaxy of
patriots. . . , Not a few of the great men of the Church and in the State
ware his warm personal friends. So attached to him was Dr. John M.
Mason, that ' prince of preachers,' that when, shattered in health and
broken in intellect, he wandered away from home, his son came in search
of him to this city, and found him at the residence of Col. Scott. "
Feedeeick Feelinghuysen, son of Rev. John,
was born at the parsonage, near Three-Mile Run,
April 13, 1753. His eminent motherj desired that he
should prepare for the ministry, but he was disin-
clined to it. He was graduated from Princeton Col-
lege in 1770, and was admitted to the bar, at the age
of twenty-one, in 1774. He soon displayed the pos-
session of rare gifts and attainments. In 1775 he
was chosen a member of the Provincial Congress of
New Jersey, where he was placed on the important
committee of public safety. In 1776 he was again
chosen to the Provincial Congress. In 1778 he was
elected, on joint ballot of the Legislature, to repre-
sent New Jersey in the Continental Congress. He
accepted this position with great reluctance, and the
next year resigned his seat because the trust was " too
important for my years and abilities." He was, how-
ever, afterwards re-elected to Congress for 1782 and
1783 ; was a member of the State Legislature 1784,
1791, 1800-3.
In 1776 he was captain of a corps of artillery, a vol-
unteer company of Continental troops, and in this
* Kev. W. W. Blauvelt.
f Elmer's Eeminiscences.
X See sketch of Kev. J. E. Hardenhergh.
586
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
capacity took part in the battle of Trenton. The
family of hia eldest son still retains a sword surren-
dered to him by a British officer. He afterwards be-
came a colonel in the militia of Somerset County, and
was often actively engaged during the war. In 1793
he was elected United States senator, but domestic
bereavements and the claims of his family compelled
him to resign in 1796. In the Whisky Insurrection,
in Pennsylvania, Washington gave him a major-gen-
eral's command among the troops from Pennsylvania
and New Jersey.
Gen. Frelinghuysen was twice married. His first
wife was Gertrude Schenck. She died in March, 1794,
aged forty-one, leaving five children, John, Maria,
Theodore, Frederick, and Catharine.* He married,
subsequently. Miss Ann Yard, a lady of great force of
character and refinement of mind, who survived him
for many years. Her children were two, Elizabeth,
the wife of the late James B. Elmendorf, M.D., of
Millstone, and Sarah, who died in her youth.
Gen. Frelinghuysen is buried near Millstone, in a
family graveyard, and the following epitaph is found
on his monument :
" Entombed beneath this Btone lie the remains of the Hon. Fred. Fre-
linghuysen, Esq., Major-General of the military forces, and Kepresentar
tive in the General Assembly of this bis native State. Endowed by
nature with Buperior talents, he was beloved by his country. From his
youth he was intrusted with her most important concernB. Until his "
death he never disappointed her hopes. At the bar be was eloquent, in
the Senate he waa wise, in the field he was brave. Candid, generous,
just, he was ardent in his friendships, constant to his friends. The patron
and protector of honorable merit, he gave his hand to the yoxing, bis
counsel to the middle-aged, his support to him who was feeble in years.
To perpetuate his memory his children have raised this monument, a frail
memorial of their veneration for his virtues, and of their grief for the
loss of 80 excellent a father. He died on the 13th of April, 1804, aged
51 years."
John Feelinghuysen, the eldest son of Gen.
Frederick, was born near Millstone, March 21, 1776.
Notwithstanding the unpropitious circumstances in
which his infancy and youth were passed, occasioned
by the Revolution and its immediate results, he se-
cured a sufficient education to enable him to enter
Queens College, at New Brunswick, from which he
was graduated in 1792. He was admitted to the bar
in 1797, and in the same year married Louisa, daugh-
ter of Archibald Mercer, Esq., then residing at Black-
well's Mills. In 1801 he purchased the estate at
Somerville, but about 1804 returned to Millstone, on
account of his father's death, and took charge of the
family, superintending the studies of his younger
brothers, Theodore and Frederick. While living here
he lost his wife, in 1809, and united with the church
of Millstone. In 1810 he returned to Somerville, and
the next year married Elizabeth M., daughter of
Michael Van Veghten. He was not an eloquent
pleader, but had a large and lucrative business in the
quieter branches of his profession. He frequently
represented his county as a member of the State
Council, and was surrogate of the county for fifteen
* Sketches of most of these will be found elsewhere.
years. He was frequently made the executor of es-
tates. He commanded a regiment of militia at Sandy
Hook in the war of 1812. After the war he was
made a brigadier-general, by which title he was sub-
sequently addressed. He had a quick eye, a clear
head, a rapid decision, a sound judgment, a strong
will, and invincible courage. He was a man of large
heart, and devised liberal things. Pleasant, affable,
social, he enjoyed life abundantly. Yet he thought
continually for others. Hand and heart were open
to the poor and afflicted. He was a man of profound
and ardent piety. He died of a bilious fever on
April 10, 1833.t
Theodore Frelinghuysen was the third child
of Gen. Frederick, and was born in Franklin town-
ship, March 28, 1787. His father shortly after re-
moved to the village of Millstone, where the family
was reared. After attending the village school, the
grammar school at New Brunswick, and Rev. Dr.
Finley's school at Basking Ridge, he entered the junior
class of Princeton College, and was graduated there-
from in 1804, the valedictorian of his class. He
then returned to the homestead at Millstone, and
commenced the study of law in the office of his elder
brother John, who occupied the paternal estate. At
this time he established a debating society in Mill-
stone and invited the young men for miles around to
attend. He also at this time prepared the late Rev.
Dr. Wyckoflf for college. In 1805 he entered the law-
office of Richard Stockton at Princeton. He was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1808. In 1811 he became a
counselor, and in 1817 a sergeant-at-law. He chose
Newark as his home. There he married, in 1809,
Charlotte, daughter of Archibald Mercer, Esq. In
Newark he revised and perfected his legal studies.
He was diligent in his attendance upon the courts,
but he also gave considerable time to the pursuits of
literature. His professional success took its rise from
his able conduct of an important murder case in 1812.
The criminal was a colored man without friends or
means. Mr. Frelinghuysen was assigned by the court
to defend him. This he did with such surpassing
eloquence that he overwhelmed court, jury, and au-
ditors, and his client was triumphantly acquitted.
His abilities were at once recognized, and he rushed
into an extensive and lucrative practice.
In the war of 1812 he, with a number of others,
formed a volunteer company, of which he took com-
mand. They were never called into service, but they
lacked only the occasion.
In 1817 he was appointed attorney-general of the
State, an office which was then one of immense care
and responsibility. He was the legal adviser of the
State, and supervised, in person or by deputy, the
administration of the criminal statutes. This office
was conferred upon him by a Legislature opposed to
him in politics. He was twice reappointed, and held
i See Chambers' Life of Theodore Frelinghuysen, p. 275.
■®=S"-V"TG- Jadmsn-r--"^
ie^u^
THE BENCH AND BAR OF SOMEESET COUNTY.
587
the office until 1829, when he resigned because elected
to the United States Senate. In 1820 he was elected
by the Legislature to a seat upon the bench of the
Supreme Court of the State, but declined the honor.
His moral influence upon his associates at the bar
was very salutary. His pure life was a constant
power, felt and acknowledged by all. His mind was
strikingly rapid, correct, and comprehensive. His
judgments seemed almost intuitive. His sagacity in
at once discriminating the essential from the non-
essential gave him a complete mastery over forms and
technicalities. Until his removal to New York, in
1838, he was engaged in almost every important cause
which arose in the State. He was a pioneer in estab-
lishing legal principles and precedents. His speeches
were never written out, and hence few evidences of
his forensic ability have been preserved. The move-
ment of his eloquence was rapid and brilliant, but
could not be adequately reported. The best report
extant of any of his speeches is that in the Quaker
case, in 1833, in which he gained the victory.
In 1829 he took his seat in the Senate of the United
States, then containing many eminent men, such as
Webster, Clay, and Calhoun. In all the great con-
flicts of that period Mr. Frelinghuysen was never
neutral. He acted with the party which he believed
to be in the right. He maintained an independent
judgment, and never descended to personalities, never
engaged in unseemly altercations. His dignity, can-
dor, and integrity secured for him the respect of all
parties. He was evidently a statesman.
The first great question on which he addressed the
Senate was the bill for the removal of the Indians to
lands west of the Mississippi River. He moved an
amendment the provisions of which virtually nulli-
fied the object which the bill sought to accomplish,
and which were sustained by him in a speech of great
power and eloquence.
Mr. Frelinghuysen also took an active part in the
discussion of the pension bill, the President's pro-
test, the force bill, the removal of the Government
deposits from the United States Bank, the Compromise
Tariff, etc. In 1835 his senatorial term expired, and he
returned to his profession. In 1839 he was chosen
chancellor of the University of the City of New York.
In 1844 he was surprised by his nomination as a can-
didate for the office of Vice-President of the United
States, on the ticket with Henry Clay, by the Whig
National Convention. He accepted the nomination
in a brief and dignified letter. Daniel Webster said
shortly after, in a speech to ratify the nominations,
that no better or wiser selection could have been
made.
" There is not a man of purer character, of more sober temperament,
of more aocessible manners, and of more firm, unbending, uncompro-
mising Whig principles, than Theodore Frelinghuysen. "
Mr. Clay expressed himself as delighted with the
association of Frelinghuysen's name on the same
ticket with his own. But here again, though unsuc-
cessful, the principles which he represented have
since triumphed, and have shaped the policy of the
country for twenty years.
In 1850 he was elected president of Rutgers Col-
lege. He resigned his chancellorship and took the
new field offered him. He was happy to be permitted
to return so near to the home of his childhood. Here
he continued until his death, April 12, 1861. His
personal traits and habits are admirably presented by
Rev. Dr. T. W. Chambers in his memoir, from which
the facts given in this article are largely drawn.
Frederick Frelinghuysen was the youngest
son of Gen. Frederick. He was born at the family
homestead at Millstone, Nov. 8, 1788. About 1798
he was sent to the grammar school at New Bruns-
wick, then under the care of Rev. John Lindsley, an
Episcopal clergyman. Upon his resignation, in 1800,
Frederick returned home. He subsequently attended
school at Basking Ridge, and was graduated from
Princeton College in 1806. He studied law with
Richard Stockton, and was admitted to the bar in
1810 ; he then fixed his residence at Millstone. In
1812 he married Jane Dumont, eldest daughter of
Peter B. Dumont, Esq., and in 1814 became a coun-
selor. In 1817 he was appointed prosecutor of the
pleas for the counties of Somerset, Middlesex, and
Hunterdon, which position he held until his death,
Nov. 10, 1820.* He was more of a natural orator
than either Theodore or John. His imagination was
fervent, his temperament buoyant, and his sensibility
very lively. He was powerful and successful as a
pleader.
Theodore Frelinghuysen, Jr., was born March
14, 1814, and admitted as an attorney February, 1835,
as a counselor February, 1838. He was a student,
first, in the office of Thomas A. Hartwell, Esq., then
in that of his uncle, Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen.
He practiced several years in Somerville; then re-
moved to Newark and settled. About ten years ago
he returned to Somerset County, and has had an office
at Raritan. He resides with his brother, Frederick
J., and is a bachelor.
Dumont Frelinghuysen, licensed as an attorney
September, 1838, as a counselor November, 1843, was
born at Millstone, Feb. 16, 1816. He received a se-
vere injury soon after obtaining his license, which
made the practice of law for a few years impracti-
cable. Being then elected county clerk, he served in
that capacity from 1840 to 1845, and since that period
has pursued strictly an office business. He married
a daughter of Judge Van Derveer, and is a highly-re-
spected citizen as well as a pillar in the First Reformed
Church of Somerville, and useful in all religious mat-
ters generally.
Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, a lawyer of emi-
nence, formerly attorney-general of New Jersey and
a senator of the United States, is the son of the late
* Chambers' Life of Theodore Trelinghuysen, p. 280.
588
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
Frederick Frelingtuysen, and was born at Millstone,
Aug. 4, 1817. His father dying when the subject of
this sketch was but three years old, he was adopted
by his uncle, the Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, then
residing at Newark, N. J. He was graduated from
Eutgers College in 1836, studied law with his uncle,
and was admitted to the bar in 1839. He acquired
a good practice, and his unwearied diligence soon
brought its fruits, success and a good name through-
out the State. For some time he was city counsel
of Newark, and for many years was the trusted
counsel of the Central Railroad Company of New
Jersey and of the Morris Canal and Banking Com-
pany. He was appointed a member of the Peace Con-
gress which met at Washington iu February, 1861, in
the deliberations of which body he took a conspicuous
part. Later in that year, when William L. Dayton
was appointed United States minister to France, Mr.
Frelinghuysen was appointed by Governor Olden,
with whom he was associated in the Peace Congress,
attorney-general of New Jersey, Mr. Dayton having
resigned that position. The war of the Rebellion
breaking out shortly after his appointment, he tem-
porarily gave up his practice at Newark and spent
his time with his friend. Governor Olden, in aid-
ing to organize and send forward the New Jersey
forces. He was reappointed in 1866 by Governor
Ward, but the death of United States Senator William
Wright soon after left a vacancy, to which the Gov-
ernor appointed Mr. Frelinghuysen. Thereupon he
resigned the former position. In 1867 he was elected
by the Legislature to the United States Senate to fill
the unexpired term.
In 1870, President Grant nominated Mr. Freling-
huysen as minister to England, which nomination
was immediately confirmed by the Senate and the
appointment pressed, but Mr. Frelinghuysen declined,
having little desire to live abroad and make courtesies
to a queen and her cabinet. He preferred the sub-
stantial honors accruing to solid work in his own
country, and the following winter he was again elected
to the United States Senate, serving until 1877. Dur-
ing his entire term of nine years in the Senate he was
a member of the judiciary committee, to the duties of
which he gave close attention. He was also a member
of the committees on finance, on foreign relations, on
railroads, chairman of the committee on agriculture,
^nd at difierent times was on the committee on naval
afiairs and on claims. He always took an active part
in the debates of the Senate, especially in relation to
the reconstruction measures and to the restoration of
a currency redeemable in gold. He introduced a bill
to accomplish the latter result, and, having sustained
it by an elaborate argument, it received much favor ;
it differs little from the measure subsequently adopted,
which he also supported. He was always a strong ad-
vocate of a tariflf for protection, and during his whole
term exerted all his influence .to maintain for the
peculiar industries of his own State ample protection.
As one of the committee on foreign relations he is
reported to have taken an active part in the debate
in favor of the Washington Treaty. He had charge
of, and advocated until it passsed the Senate, the
Civil Rights bill, originally introduced by Mr. Sum-
ner; introduced and advocated until it passed the
Senate a bill against polygamy, and also a bill to re-
turn to Japan what is known as the Japanese In-
demnity Fund, and vindicated the administration in
an extended speech in what is known as the French
Arms Controversy; gave elaborate opinions on the
impeachments of Andrew Johnson and Belknap. His
report in the Pomeroy case and his argument in the
Caldwell case, in both of which charges of bribery
were made, were able and judicial ; in what is known
as the Sue Murphy case he made the first argument
against claims of even loyal persons at the South for
damages resulting from the war, insisting that they
must suffer as did loyal persons at the North, and that
the results of war must rest where they fall. This
view, though at first much doubted, was adopted by
the party to which he belonged.
Late in the summer of 1876, anticipating trouble in
the electoral count, which was the next year realized,
he introduced a bill referring the decision of such
controversy when it should arise to the President of
the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the chief jus-
tice. The bill failed to pass for want of time. In
1877, when the anticipated evil resulted, he was one
of the joint committee of the Senate and House that
reported a bill creating the Electoral Commission,
which substituted five senators, five representatives,
and five justices for the three officers named in his
bill. He was appointed a member of the Commis-
sion, his published opinion in which covers all the
questions there raised.
While in Washington, Mr. Frelinghuysen's house
was one of the centres of hospitality. He was a
strong personal friend of Gen. Grant, which friend-
ship still continues. Although not officially an-
nounced, it is well understood that President Hayes
tendered to him positions not inferior to those de-
clined by him during Gen. Grant's administration.
At present he resides every summer at his country-
seat, which has been in his family for several genera-
tions, along the Raritan River, about three miles
southwest of Somerville, and in the winter at Newark,
where his law-office has always been located. His
practice is now mostly before the Court of Errors and
Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
The senator is a most eloquent and polished orator.
His voice is melodious, his words carefully weighed,
his manner in many respects captivating. He is'
always listened to with pleasure, whether on the floor
of the Senate, in the court-room, or on the platform
as a political speaker. Few equal, and if dignity
and grace are considered none excel him.
FeEDEBICK J. FUELINGHUYSEN, born Oct. 12,
1818, licensed as an attorney in May, 1841, praC'
/ J
^
#NAME?
'g'^'oy AKFdtDla'-'
(ylx-i^ (iJ- zzz-v/^-t^-'^
iSt
THE BENCH AND BAR OF SOMEB,SET COUNTY.
589
ticed law a few years in Somerville, then in Eari-
tan, until his election as surrogate of the county,
in 1872, when he removed to Somerville. He had
previously served two terms of three years each
as county superintendent of public schools. After
his term of ofSce as surrogate expired, he continued
the practice of law in Somerville. He has been for
many years the secretary of the County Bible So-
ciety and superintendent of the Sabbath-school of
the Third Reformed Church, Earitan. He is a man
who has not only been honored in, but has honored
all these several vocations.
James S. Nevitjs was born in Somerset County, in
1786. He was graduated from Princeton in ] 816, and
at once entered the law-office of Frederick Freling-
huysen as a student at law. He was admitted to
practice as an attorney in 1819, as a counselor in
1823, and as a sergeant-at-law in 1837. He was a
justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey from 1838
to 1852, residing at New Brunswick, but after the last-
named year removed to Jersey City, where he died in
1859.* "Although possessed of very considerable
talents as a judge, he was not, however, generally
considered as having a very accurate knowledge of
the law, nor are his opinions, although generally well
and forcibly expressed, always safe to be followed."!
He was generous, sympathetic, full of humor, and the
life of the social circle at home or 'abroad.
George H. Brown, late of Somerville, "who took
a distinguished stand at the bar," was born in 1810,
and died Aug. 1, 1865. Graduating in 1828 at Nas-
sau Hall, he entered the Law Department of Yale Col-
lege, and later the law-office of Thomas A. Hartwell,
of Somerville. He was licensed as an attorney in
February, 1835, and as a counselor in November, 1838.
He at once opened an office in Somerville, which
place continued his residence throughout his life.
His success was pronounced from the first, and he
enjoyed the reputation of a thoroughly able lawyer.
He was a member of the convention to frame the
State constitution, in 1844, after which he was elected
by the Whig party as senator from Somerset County.
In 1850 he was elected to Congress, but in 1852 was
defeated by the Democratic party. In 1861 he was
nominated and confirmed as an assqciate justice of the
Supreme Court. " The selection was an excellent one,
and his course as a judge eminently satisfactory ; but
he was not long destined to continue in the high posi-
tion he was so well qualified to fill : a disease which
baffled the skill of able physicians terminated his life
in 1865."t He married Joanna B. Gaston, daughter of
Sheriff John I. Gaston, of Somerville ; two daughters
and three sons survive, one son being deceased. He
was the son of Eev. Isaac V. Brown, long at the head
* By an unfortunate blunder, the sketch of thia gentleman in the " Bio-
graphical BncyclopKdia of New Jersey" appears throughout spelled
HfevitiB.
f Judge Elmer.
X New Jersey Biog. Eucyclop., p. 73.
of the classical academy of Lawrenceville. He was
unpretending, a perfect native gentleman, and one of
the ablest men of the bar in the State. He was an
honest man and an honest lawyer, and had always the
confidence of court and jury, of brilliant genius, and
generally respected by all.
Andrew Miller, a native of Somerville, born in
1799, was admitted to the bar in 1822, and practiced
in his native place for two or three years, when he
removed to Flemington, where he followed his pro-
fession for some fifteen years. He then removed to
Philadelphia, afterwards to North Carolina, etc., and
finally, after considerable roving (which included
Europe), returned a few years since to Somerville,
where he now resides, but retired from practice.
James S. Green, of Princeton, son of Eev. Dr.
Ashbel Green, was born in Philadelphia, July 22,
1792 ; graduated at Dickinson College, 1811 ; studied
law with Hon. George Wood ; licensed in 1817 ; ad-
mitted as a counselor in 1821, and received rank of a
sergeant in 1834. He soon acquired a large practice,
and was the Supreme Court reporter from 1831-36.
He represented Somerset County for several terms in
the Council, being first elected- in 1829. He was
United States attorney for many years, and also a
member of Congress. He was one of the first direc-
tors of the Delaware and Earitan Canal, and held th6
same position at the time of his death. He was a
trustee of Princeton College, professor of the La;w
Department in Rutgers, and an official in many other
public corporations. He died Nov. 8, 1862. He was
a friend to common-school education and the internal
improvements of the State, and was prominent as a
lawyer, legislator, philanthropist, and as a Christian.
Robert S. Green, a native of Princeton, son of
James S. Green (March 25, 1831), graduated from
Nassau Hall in 1850, studied law, and was admitted
to the bar in 1853. In 1856 he removed to Elizabeth,
N. J. He subsequently held important civil positions
in Union County. He married in 1857. In 1868 he
was judge of Court of Common Pleas. In politics, a
Democrat.
Ferdinand S. Schenck was a native and a prom-
inent citizen of the county, and for two terms was a
judge of the Court of Errors and Appeals. He was
also a member of the Twenty-'hird and Twenty-
fourth Congresses, from 1838-37. He filled both po-
sitions with honor and credit. "His opinions as
judge were much confided in by the members of the
bar. He was the candidate of the Republican party
for State senator in 1856. He was a member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1844, and for many
years, and until his death, of the board of trustees ot
Eutgers College. He was born at Six-Mile Eun, in
this county, and died suddenly, at the residence of
his son. Dr. J. V. Schenck, of Camden (whom he
was visiting). May 17, 1860, aged seventy-two."§
g Obituary in Someriet Oounty News, May 24, 1860.
590
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW" JERSET.
John Pottee Stockton, also a native of Somerset,
was born at Princeton, Aug. 2, 1826. He is a brother
of Gen. R. F. and a son of Commodore Stockton.
A graduate of Princeton College in 1843, he studied
law with the late Judge Field, and commenced its
practice in 1846. He was called to the bar as coun-
selor in 1849, and followed his profession in New Jer-
sey until 1857, when he was appointed United States
minister to Rome by President Buchanan. In 1861
he returned to his native land, and resumed the prac-
tice of law in Trenton. He was elected to the United
States Senate in 1865 for six years, but was unseated
after serving one year, being, however, re-elected to
the same position for the term commencing March 4,
1869, and serving the full term. At its expiration he
resumed his law practice at Trenton. He was ap-
pointed attorney-general of the State, and sworn into
office for the term of five years on April 8, 1877.
Senator Stockton was appointed, with Judges Eyer-
son and Randolph, to revise and simplify the pro-
ceedings and practice in the courts of law, and made
a report to the Legislature which was adopted.*
RoBEET Field Stockton is a son of the late Com-
modore R. F. Stockton, and was born in Somerset
County (at Princeton) in 1832. He entered Princeton
College, and was graduated with the class of 1851. He
then commenced the study of law with the late Judge
Richard S. Field, and was admitted to practice as an
attorney in 1854. He filled the position of secretary
and treasurer of the Belvidere Delaware Railroad
Company, general manager of the Plymouth Coal
Company, and president of the Delaware and Raiitan
Canal Company, succeeding his father and holding
the office until the company was merged into the
United Railroads and Canal Companies of New Jer-
sey. (There were only two presidents of that com-
pany, Gen. Robert F. Stockton and his father. Com.
Stockton.) He was also a director of the United
Railroads. He was appointed adjutant-general of
New Jersey, Jan. 30, 1858, serving with distinction in
that position during the late war, resigning the same
April 12, 1867. March 9, 1859, he was brevetted ma-
jor-general for meritorious services as adjutant-gen-
eral. Gen. Stockton was elected State comptroller in
1877.t
Joseph Thompson, son of Judge John Thompson,
was born Sept. 30, 1808, in the old homestead near
Eeadington, and close to the line dividing Somerset
and Hunterdon Counties. He is of Scotch descent.
His youth was spent, as have been his later years, upon
a farm. During his boyhood he studied land-survey-
ing, and mastered it ; he also taught district school at
most of the neighboring villages and hamlets. At the
age of twenty-one he married Ann Post, and has had
eight children, of whom the Rev. John B. Thompson,
now of Catskill, N. Y., is the oldest. When but twenty-
• Legislative Manual, 1880, p. 175.
t Ibid., p. 174.
eight years of age he was associated with his father
as judge of the Hunterdon County Orphans' Court,
a position he held for fifteen years. Since then he
has held the same position in the Somerset County
JOSEPH THOMPSON.
Court for thirteen years, and, though his legal knowl-
edge is only such as he could acquire by desultory
reading in the intervals of so busy a life, no decision
of his as judge of either of these courts has ever been
reversed.^
Alvah a. Claek was born in Lebanon, Hunter-
don Co., N. J., Sept. 13, 1840. He is the son of Sam-
uel Clark, a merchant of Lebanon. When Alvah was
seven years of age his father removed to New Ger-
mantown, where the subject of this notice passed
his early years and received his preliminary educa-
tion, studying a portion of the time with Rev. Dr.
William Blauvelt, of Lamington. Having decided
upon the legal profession, he commenced the study
of the law in 1860 in the office of Hon. J. C. RafFerty,
and later under th« tutelage of I. N. Dilts, Esq. He
was admitted to practice as an attorney in 1864, and
as a counselor in 1867. Immediately after his admis-
sion to the bar he opened an office at New German-
town, and there continued until September, 1867,
when he removed to Somerville, which place has
since been his residence. He was the attorney of the
Bound Brook Railroad Company until it passed into
the hands of the Philadelphia and Reading. Mr.
Clark has been, and still is, the attorney of the Ham-
ilton Land Association, etc., and is a trustee of the
X For a more complete sketch of .Tudge Thompson, see the account of
the Thompson family, in the history of the township of Eeadington,
ante, p. 491.
^ ij;
Uf^-^Y^'^^
THE BENCH AND BAR OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
591
Somerville Dime Savings-Bank ; besides these special
interests, he has been extensively engaged in legal
practice in the County and Superior Courts.
'^^^^-..C.-^^^^-^C .:.^..^^P
Democratic in politics, as the candidate of that
party he was elected, in 1876, a member of the Forty-
fifth Congress from the Fourth Congressional Dis-
trict, and re-elected in 1878 to the Forty-sixth Con-
gress. His congressional record is well known, and
needs no embellishment or laudation. He is a self-
made man, and by his energy and undeniable ability
has built up a large legal business. He takes great
pride in his profession, and devotes much care to the
preparation and management of every case which he
undertakes. Two of the more important of the many
cases in which he has figured were the Van Derveer
will case and the Gary case. In 1864 he was married
to Miss Anna Van Derbeek, of Somerville.
John Schomp. George Schomp, grandfather of
John, was a farmer and resided in the township of
Eeadington, Hunterdon Co., N. J. He first married
Elizabeth, daughter of George Anderson, a lady of
Scotch descent, who bore him the following children :
Ann, wife of Cornelius M. Wyckoif, of Bedminster,
Peter G.. Jacob G., George Anderson, John G.,
David G. (died), and Cornelius Wyckoff (died).
For his second wife he married Mary Vosseller. Of
this union were born two sons, Tunis C, who died
at Harlingen, and Henry P., of White House.
Jacob G., father of John, born Oct. 10, 1807, mar-
ried Eliza, daughter of Abram and Rebecca (Voor-
hees) Van Fleet, of Readington. He learned the
trade of a carpenter in early life, but, receiving an in-
jury, gave his attention to study, and was a teacher for
some time. He was also a merchant at Readington
for several years. During the latter part of his life
he has been a builder and farmer, and resides near
the line between the townships of Readington and
Branchburg. He is a member of the Dutch Re-
formed Church at Readington, and has been officially
connected with that church as deacon and elder.
Politically he is identified with the Democratic party,
and has filled the offices of freeholder, justice of the
peace, and other minor places.
John Schomp, one of the leading members of the
bar of Somerset County, was born at Readington, June
2, 1843. He received his preparatory education in
the common school at Claverack, on the Hudson,
and under the private instruction of J. Newton Voor-
hees, of Somerset, and spent one year with Rev. Wil-
liam I. Thompson, of Rutgers College grammar
school. He entered Rutgers College in 1859, from
which he was graduated with the usual honors in the
class of '62, having for classmates Judge Covenhoven,
of New Brunswick, Rev. A. N. Wyckofi", of New
Orleans Presbyterian Church, Judge Garretson, of
Hudson Co., N. J., and Judge G. D. W. Vroom, of
Trenton, N. J. In the following fall Mr. Schomp
entered the law-office of Brown, Hall & Vanderpoel,
of New York City, where he remained for a few
months, and was compelled to relinquish his studies
for a while on account of ill health. After six months'
respite he became a law-student with Judge Van
Syckel, Flemington, and was admitted to the bar in
1866. He practiced law for a short time in Newark,
N. J., but the same year, 1867, opened an office in
Somerville, where he has since prosecuted his chosen
profession. Following the political line of his ances-
tors, Mr. Schomp is a Democrat. He married, April
12, 1868, Wilhelmina, daughter of John V. Schomp,
of Readington.
John Feelinghuysen Hageman, counselor-at-
law, was born Feb. 4, 1816, in the village of Har-
lingen, in Montgomery township, Somerset Co., N. J.,
a* few miles north of Princeton, where his iather,
Abraham P. Hageman, a practicing physician, lived
and died. He was graduated at Rutgers College with
the class of 1836, read law with Judge Field and
Governor Vroom, and was admitted to the bar in
November, 1839. He opened a law-office in Prince-
ton, where he has pursued his profession until the
present time. He married a daughter of the Rev.
Samuel Miller, D.D., professor in the theological
seminary. In 1850 he was elected on the general
ticket a member of the Legislature from Mercer
County. Since 1851 he has been a member of the
board of trustees of the theological seminary at
Princeton, and a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian
Church of Princeton. In 1862 he was nominated by
Governor Olden, and confirmed by the Senate, as
prosecutor of the pleas for Mercer County, which
592
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
office he held for five years, and declined a reappoint-
ment.
Mr. Hageman has been accustomed to write fre-
quently for newspapers, both secular and religious.
From 1859 to 1867 he was the proprietor and imper-
sonal editor of the Princeton Standard. In 1879 he
published, in two octavo volumes, his "History of
Princeton and Its Institutions," a work of great in-
terest and permanent value. His son. Rev. Samuel
Miller Hageman, a Presbyterian clergyman, is the
author of " Silence," " St. Paul," and other poetical
books of genuine merit.*
John" V. Vooehees, lawyer, and formerly prose-
cutor of the pleas, was born at Somerville, Aug. 5,
1819. His family is an old one, of Dutch extraction,
of which see full accounts elsewhere. John V. pre-
pared for college at the Somerville academy, and was
graduated from Rutgers in 1840 with high standing.
He studied law with Judge Brown, of Somerville, and
was admitted to the bar in May, 1844. He at once
entered upon a lucrative practice, and was licensed
as a counselor in April, 1848. In 1862 he joined the
Union army, and served as first lieutenant and quarter-
master of the Thirtieth Regiment of New Jersey Vol-
unteers until failing health compelled him to resign.
After some time spent in recruiting his energies he
reopened his office in Somerville, where it has since
remained. In 1872 he was appointed prosecutor of
the pleas for Somerset County, which office he held
for five years. He is also attorney for the Somerset
County Bank.
Isaiah N. Dilts, born at Schooley's Mountain,
N. J., Aug. 3, 1824 ; graduated at Lafayette College
in 1844 ; read law with Jacob W. Miller and E. W.
Whelpley, then law-partners at Morristown. His
admission to the bar dates from 1847, and his coun-
selor's license from 1850. He commenced practicing
in Morristown, and in 1853 removed to Somerville,
where he resided until his death. He held several
professional appointments, having been Supreme
Court commissioner, United States commissioner,
and special master in chancery. He was a fair, well-
read lawyer, had a fine literary taste, and was a fre-
quent contributor to various periodicals and maga-
zines. In 1856 he married Ellen Van Derveer, a
daughter of the late judge, and sister of Mrs. William
L. Dayton. Her death occurred in 1875; he died
May 21, 1878.
Hugh M. Gaston was bom Nov. 29, 1818, at Bask-
ing Ridge, in Bernard township, this county. His
father was a merchant in Somerville, and the family,
early settlers in New Jersey, are of Huguenot descent.
He attended the Somerville academy, and was a law-
pupil of George H. Brown, of Somerville. Admitted
to practice as an attorney in 1840,t cotemporary with
William S. Cassedy, John Whitehead, and Henry
• See chapter on "Books and Authore of Somerset County," in this
worlc.
t Biog. Bnoyrtop. of New Jersey (p. 297) erroneously says " 1844."
McMiller, he became a counselor in November, 1843.
Upon his admission to the bar he opened an office at
Somerville, and entered at once upon the labors of
his chosen profession. " He was soon recognized
as a man of sterling ability, unyielding integrity, and
consequently of high promise in the profession,''
which promise he has fully redeemed. " He stands
to-day among the acknowledged leaders of the bar.
. . . His professional standard, like his personal
standard, has been high, and the verdict of his fellow-
citizens, in and out of the profession, is that he has
nobly lived up to both." For a number of years he
was prosecutor of the pleas for Somerset County. He
has refused to become a candidate for civil honors,
although repeatedly solicited, and in one case (when
nominated for State senator) refused to stand even
after being nominated. He finds in his profession
his true sph^fi^.of action, and is content .as well he
may be with its honors and emoluments, not to say
its labors, which surely are multiplied and various
enough. In addition to his ordinary practice, now
very extended and important, he is attorney for sev-
eral of the leading corporations in this section of the
State. In 1870 he formed a partnership with James
J. Bergen, which still continues. He was married, in
1849, to Frances M. Prevost. In 1880, owing to ser-
vices he gratuitously rendered the tax-payers of the
county, he was presented by leading citizens with a
silver pitcher and salver of elegant design, valued at
three hundred and fifty dollars.
James J. Bergen, a descendant of the old and
honorable Bergen family, of Dutch extraction, was
born at Somerville, N. J., Oct. 1, 1847. He was a
pupil of Mr. Calvin Butler, of Somerville, and after-
wards studied law with Hugh Gaston, Esq. After
his admission to the bar, in 1868, he practiced for a
year in Plainfield, and then returned to his native
place, where he formed a copartnership with his
former legal preceptor, thus establishing the firm of
Gaston & Bergen. In 1875 he was elected a member
of the State Assembly, where he served on several
important committees, introduced important bills,
often spoke at length and forcibly, and made his pres-
ence felt in that body so much to the satisfaction of
his constituents that he was re-elected to the same
position in 1876. The following year he was ap-
pointed prosecutor of the pleas for Somerset County.
John D. Baetine was graduated at tbe Lawrence-
ville high school in 1858. He was engaged in teach-
ing school for several years, but in 1861 commenced
the study of the law with J. F. Hageman, of Prince-
ton, near which place Mr. Bartine was born, in 1836.
Admitted to the bar in 1865, he commenced practice
at once, establishing himself in Somerville. He
speedily acquired reputation, and his business has
continued to increase with each passing year. He is
an excellent counselor and an able advocate. He
practices in all the courts and in all branches of the
profession. Recently he entered into copartnership
THE BENCH AND BAR OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
593
with James L. Griggs, the firm bearing the title Bar-
tine & Griggs. During his professional experience
Mr. Bartine has managed many important and intri-
cate cases, among which may be mentioned the Van-
arsdale murder case, the Van Derveer will case, and
the long-contested water-right case of Ten Eyck vs.
Eunk. He is the legal adviser of the Wellsboro' Fire
Insurance Company, as also of several other corpora-
tions, and is one of the directors of the Somerset
County Bank. In political faith he is a Democrat.
In 1867 he was honored by Princeton College with
the degree of Master of Arts. He married, in 1868,
Miss Van Derveer, of Rocky Hill.
A. V. D. HoKEYMAN, born at New Germantown,
Hunterdon Co., Nov. 12, 1849, is a son of Dr.
John Honeyman, deceased.* He enjoyed but ordi-
dary common-school advantages, and at the age of
sixteen left school and entered his brother's store as
a clerk. Not liking mercantile life, he went to Easton
in April, 1867, and entered the law-office of Judge H.
D. Maxwell, a brother-in-law and prominent lawyer,
who was United States consul to Trieste under Presi-
dent Taylor. While studying law Mr. Honeyman
took a supplemental Latin course under that success-
ful teacher Rev. John L. Grant, of Easton, Pa. He
was admitted to practice in Pennsylvania in Novem-
ber, 1870, but at once removed to Somerville, N. J.,
where the balance of the term required in New Jersey
for admission to the bar was spent in the office of
Hon. Alvah A. Clark. He was admitted as an at-
torney-at-law by the Supreme Court of the State of
New Jersey in June, 1871, and entered into partner-
ship with his late preceptor under the firm-name of
Clark & Honeyman, which continued until October,
1872, and again, in 1874, he formed a legal partner-
ship with H. B. Herr, Esq., of White House, which
was continued under the name of Honeyman & Herr
until 1876; since then he has practiced alone. In
August, 1875, he married Julia E., daughter of Au-
gustine Reger.
Independent of his legal pursuits, Mr. Honeyman
has taken an active part in the religious, educational,
and journalistic enterprises of his adopted home.
Since 1876 he has edited and published The Somerset
Oazette.\ He was one of the founders of the Somer-
ville Young Men's Christian Association in 1873, and
in 1875, while president of that association, united
with four business men in erecting the beautiful
block known as " Association Hall" building, costing
twenty-seven thousand dollars. In politics he is a
Republican, but with liberal views towards other par-
ties. He is a member of the Second Reformed
Church. He is himself a hard worker, with no knowl-
edge of rest in any mental or physical sense of the
term. He has been a fearless advocate of the right,
both in his paper and at the bar. His course in 1879
* See sketch in medical chapter of Hunterdon County, in another por-
tion of this worlc.
t See chapter on " Press of Somerset County."
in bringing about an official investigation, and more
recently in acting as counsel of the tax-payers for
four months without compensation, gained the praise
of all honest citizens. He is the author of several
important legal works, among which is "The New
Treatise on the Small-Cause Court in New Jersey,"
and in 1879 established the New Jersey Law Journal,
of which he is still editor and publisher.
Gaeeit S. Cannon is a native of Somerset County.
He is a son of Rev. Dr. James S. Cannon, late pro-
fessor at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He
was born at Six-Mile Run, and was graduated from
Rutgers College in 1833. He commenced the study
of law with B. R. Brown, of Mount Holly, and in
1836 was licensed as attorney, and three years after as
counselor. He settled at Bordentown. He was ap-
pointed prosecuting attorney of his county in 1850,
and was reappointed in 1855 and 1865. In 1853,
President Pierce appointed him United States district
attorney for New Jersey, and President Buchanan re-
appointed him in 1857. He is almost unsurpassed as
a pleader. His presentation of the fact and the law
of the case, his keen analysis of evidence, his cita-
tion of authorities in support of his arguments, are
rapid, clear, decisive. Few men are more fluent in
speech, more thorough in preparation, more brilliant
in legal strategy. In 1845 he was elected a member
of the Lower House of the State Legislature. He
now devotes all his time to his professional duties and
gives his support to all local improvements. In
November, 1839, he married Hannah Kinsey, of Bur-
lington.
Abraham O. Zabeibkie, son of the Rev. John
Zabriskie, formerly pastor of the Reformed Church at
Millstone, was not a native of this county, but here
spent his boyhood days. He was born June 10, 1807,
at Greenbush, N. Y., educated at Princeton, and ad-
mitted to the bar in 1828. He settled permanently at
Jersey City, and died June 27, 1873. From 1866 to
1873 he was chancellor, and at the time of his death
was president of the constitutional commission. He
attained a high and honorable reputation at the bar,
and " was a faithful servant whom in death as in life
we will delight to honor." He was one of the best-
read lawyers in the State, and was distinguished pre-
eminently as a common-law lawyer.
Stephen B. Ransom, lawyer, of Jersey City, fin*
ished his legal studies with William Thomson, of
Somerville, and practiced the law there from 1848 to
1856. His second wife, married July, 1856, is Eliza
W., daughter of Stephen R. Hunt, of Somerville.
OTHEE LAWYERS NATIVE OF SOMERSET.
James R. English, lawyer, of Elizabeth, is a
native of Bernard township, Somerset Co., being
the son of Rev. James T. and Mary C. (Jobs) Eng-
lish, of Liberty Corner, and born Sept. 27, 1840.
Peter L. Voorhees, of Camden, was born near
Blawenburg, July 12, 1825 ; he was the son of Peter
594
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
and Jane (Schenck) Voorhees, and married, in 1855,
Annie, the sister of Hon. William L. Dayton.
Feedeeick Vooehees, a counselor - at - law of
Mount Holly, N. J., was a native of Somerset, born
at Blawenburg, and is a brother of Peter L., just
mentioned.
Isaac N. Blackfoed, late of Washington, D. C,
was born at Bound Brook, N. J., in 1786 ; died 1859.
The greater portion of his life was passed at Vin-
cennes, Ind., where (1819-35) he was judge of the
Supreme Court of Indiana, and (1855-59) judge of
the United States Court of Claims.
'Enos W. Eunyon", now law-judge of Union Co.,
N. J., was born in this county, Feb. 24, 1825. He
was educated at the Plainfield academy, studied law
with a Plainfield lawyer, and has practiced at and
lived in Plainfield ever since.
Theodoee Eunyon, chancellor of New Jersey,
one of the most profound lawyers of the State, al-
though he never practiced in this county, is a native
of Somerset, having been born at Somerville, Oct. 25,
1822, and is a son of Abraham Eunyon, of that place.
Licensed in 1846 ; now resides in Newark, N. J.
John C. Elmendoef, lawyer, and late treasurer
of Eutgers College, was a native of Somerset County,
born in March, 1814. His parents, William C. and
Maria (Dumont) Elmendorf, were also natives of the
same State. He obtained his elementary education
at Somerville, was graduated at Eutgers, and became
a law-student of Judge Nevius at New Brunswick ;
licensed as an attorney in 1837 ; became a counselor
in 1841. For fifteen years he was prosecutor of the
pleas for Middlesex County, and for twenty-three
years from 1853 was treasurer of Eutgers. In 1857
he married Maria L. Frelinghuysen.
CHAPTEE VII.
HISTOHY OF THE MEDICAL PEOPESSIOK
OF SOMEBSET COUBTTT.
The County Medical Society : its Origin, Officera, and Members Bio-
graphical Sketches of John Eeeve, William M. McKiesack, Peter I.
Stryker, Abraham Van Buren, the Van Derveers and Schencks, Wil-
liam H. Merrill, Peter Ten Eyck, H. 6. Wagoner, Chauncey M. Field,
etc.
THE DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY OF SOMERSET
COUNTY.
The medical society of this county was organized
under the above title May 21, 1816, and was the first
of the kind instituted in the State of New Jersey,
although the medical societies of three other counties
were established soon after, that of Morris County,
June 1, 1816 ; Essex County, June 4, 1816 ; and
Monmouth County, July 16, 1816. The records of
the State Medical Society show that
" On tbe first Tuesday of May, 1816, the New Jersey Medical Society
proceeded to appoint district societies in the counties, when the following
gentlemen were appointed for Somerset, Tiz., Peter I. Stryker, Ferdi-
nand Schenck, 'William MoKissaok, J. L. Elmendorf, William D. Mo-
Kissack, E. Smith, Augustus Taylor, Moses Scott, and Henry Schenck,
to meet at the Tillage of Somerville, on Tuesday, the 21st day of May
Inst., at 10 o'clock a.m. "
The names of the officers in full cannot be here
given, as the secretary of the organization has refused
the writer access to the books and records of the
society. The information concerning the Medical
Society of Somerset County here given has been
kindly communicated by Dr. William Pierson, Jr., of
Orange, N. J., secretary of the Medical Society of
New Jersey, by Dr. H. G. Wagoner, of Somerville,
and by others.
The first censors for Somerset County were P. I.
Stryker, Augustus Taylor, E. Smith, J. S. Elmen-
dorf, and William McKissack, May 12, 1818. Fer-
dinand Schenck, Henry Van Derveer, Peter Vre-
denberg, and William D. McKissack appeared as
delegates from the Somerset County Society to the
State Medical Society.
The act of incorporation of the State society pro-
vides that " all persons who shall have been, or may
hereafter be, presitient of the society, shall rank as
Fellows, and be entitled to all the privileges of dele-
gated members." The list of fellows of the State
society embraces, prior to the organization of the
county society, Lawrence Van Derveer, president in
1784,* and Peter I. Stryker, in 1808,* and after the
organization of the Somerset County Medical society,
the following :
181Y, Peter I. Stryker;* 1822, Augustus E. Taylor;* 1824, Peter I. Stry-
ker;* 1826, William D. McKissack;* 1829, John W. Craig;* 1830,
Augustus E. Taylor ;* 1835, Abr. P. Hageman ;* 1 836, Henry Van
Derveer;* 1841, Ferdinand S. Schenck;* 1843, Abraham Skillman;
1846, Eobert S. Smith;* 1854, Alfred B. Dayton;* 1876, John V.
Schenck.
One of the most active members of this society
during his lifetime, and really a leader, was Dr. Wil-
liam D. McKissack, who died at Millstone in 1853.
He filled at various times the several offices of the
society. (See sketch of his life, farther on.)
From the reports of the District Medical Society
of Somerset County to the State Medical Society since
1864,t it appears that the following physicians have
been members of the former organization since that
date:
Eobert S. Smith,* Bound Brook ; Henry H. Van Derveer,* Somerville ;
Henry F. Van Derveer, Somerville; C. B. Jaques,* Somerville;
Henry G. Wagoner, Somerville ; Samuel K. Martin,* Martinville ;
Peter D. McKissack,* Millstone ; L. H. Mosher, Millstone (Griggs-
town) ; William B. Eibble, Millstone ; James B. Van Derveer,* North
Branch ; Jesse S. B. Eibble,t Harlingen ; Eobert M. Morey,J Bound
Brook ; J. Fred. Berg, North Branch ; William B. Mattison, Mill-
stone ; John V. Bobbins, ^ Branchville ; James G. Maynard, Six -Mile
Bun; John C. Sutphen,* Peapack ; Joseph S. Sutphen, Pluckamin ;
John W. Craig,* Plainfield ; Peter T. Sutphen, Peapack ; James S.
Knox,t Somerville; A. P. Hunt, Earitan; W. H. Merrill, South
Branch ; D. C. Van Deusen, Millstone ; W. S. Swinton, Somerville ;
B. B. Matthews, Bound Brook ; Byron Thornton, Peapack ; J. B.
* Deceased.
f The annual transactions of the State society were first printed in
1859 ; from that date until 1864 no report was received from the Somerset
County society, nor was it represented in the State body.
X Eemoved from county.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
595
Cornell, Somerrille; 0. M. Field, Bound Brook; I. L. Compton,
Bonnd Brook ; 0. B. P. Fisher, Keshanic ; J. B. Tan Derveer, Liberty
Comer.
In 1868 the number of members reported was
eighteen, and the delegates to the State society were
H. G. Wagoner, R. S. Smith, J. F. Berg, John Sut-
phen, and William E. Mattison.
The officers and members for 1880, as reported to
the State society, are as follows :
President, Byron Thornton, Feapack ; "Vice-President, J. B. Cornell, Som-
errille ; Corresponding Secretary, H. G. Wagoner, Somerville ; Re-
cording Secretary, H. F. Van Derveer, Somerville ; Treasurer, W, H.
Merrill, South Branch ; W. J. Swinton, A. P. Hunt, Somerville ; W.
B. Eibble, Millstone ; J. V. Berg, North Branch ; B. B. Mathews, C.
M. Field, I. L. Compton, Bound Brook ; C. B. P. Fisher, Neshanic ;
J. D. Van Derveer, Liberty Corner.
The delegates to the State society, at its one hun-
dred and fourteenth annual meeting. May 25, 1880,
were 0. R. Fisher, W. H. Merrill, W. B. Ribble, and
H. F. Van Derveer. Number of members reported,
fourteen.
By a recently enacted law of the State (1880), all
physicians are required to file their diplomas in the
county clerk's office, and those who do not are liable
to indictment for misdemeanor.* At the date of this
compilation, all, or nearly all, of the practitioners in
the county had complied with the law.
The following memoirs of some of the physicians
of the county have been compiled, and are here given
as illustrative of the profession in the past as well as
the present in Somerset County :
John Reeve, having prepared himself for the
practice of medicine in Canada, settled in Rocky Hill
about 1787 (possibly earlier), and practiced there for
nearly a half-century. He acquired a reputation and
secured a large practice. In visiting his patients he
frequently rode on horseback, and traversed the coun-
try without regard to roads, leaping fences and riding
through fields. He was often accompanied by one of
his daughters, who was fearless enough to follow his
lead wherever he might ride. When he first came to
Rocky Hill he purchased a farm, which he worked
with profit. When the cholera raged, in 1832, among
the laborers employed on the canal near Princeton,
he was very successful in his treatment by calomel in
large doses. " He was hospitable to his equals, but
severe to his inferiors." In his latter years he had
slight attacks of paralysis, although he died of dropsy,
June 23, 1834, aged sixty-nine. He was twice mar-
ried, first, in 1792, to Ann Clark, of Trenton, who
died in 1827; second, to Margaret Blackwell, who
survived him and subsequently married a Mr. Skill-
man. Of his three children (all daughters, and all
by his first wife), one became the wife of Abraham
Van Derveer, another the wife of Rev. Henry Per-
kins, and the third, living in Pennsylvania, is un-
married. Dr. Reeve was the son of Capt. Simon R.
Reeve, of New York, and was born there Dec. 26,
• Session Laws of 1880, p. 298.
1765. He was a member of the State Medical So-
ciety, joining it in 1788.
William M. McKissack was a resident of Bound
Brook, and during his life practiced medicine in that
place. It is said he was born in Ireland. He became
a member of the State Medical Society in 1795, having
then been in practice many years ; he was the last
medical man received into the society during the last
century, as its meetings were suspended, after 1795,
until 1807. He was widely known and esteemed, use-
ful in his profession, and was regarded as a physician
of good judgment and skill. His son, William D.,
practiced at Millstone, this county, also a grandson,
Peter Ditmars, recently deceased.
Dr. McKissack died in Bound Brook, where his re-
mains rest in the old Presbyterian churchyard. His
monumental inscription is meagre and imperfect :
" William M. McKissack, M.D.,
Died Feb. 1831,
In the 77th year of his age.
His wife died Mar. 6, 1809,
in the 61st year of her age.t "
His wife was a daughter of Col. William McDonald^
who emigrated to this country before the Revolution,
in which he took a prominent part as an opposer of
British oppression.
Peteb I. Stryker was the son of Capt. John, who
was the son of Pieter, the son of John, the son of
Pieter, son of Jan, who emigrated from Holland
soon after 1653 to Flatbush, L. I., and whose grand-
son John bought lands for his sons in Somerset
County, on the Raritan, near Millstone, about a mile
north of Millstone church. Dr. Stryker was born
June 22, 1766. He studied with Dr. McKissack,
practiced six years at Millstone, and then removed to
Somerville, where he died Oct. 19, 1859. He became
noted not only in the medical profession, but in civil
lifej and in the military service of the State. He was
buried with marked military honors ; forty officers of
the State troops, led by the Governor (Newell), fol-
lowed his remains to their final resting-place. He
was a member for a half-century of the First Reformed
Dutch Church, and a member of the New Jersey
Medical Society. (See further sketch under head of
Prominent Personages of Somerset County, in this
work.)
Samuel Swak, who practiced at Bound Brook from
about 1800 to 1806, was born in 1771, near Scotch
Plains, N. J. He was clerk of Somerset, 1809-20,
and later a member of Congress. He died at Bound
Brook in August, 1844, and was buried in the vault
of Jacob De Groot, whose daughter he married.
Garret W. Tustison, bom in Bridgewater town-
ship, in what is now Somerville, Nov. 12, 1751, was
surgeon of Col. Lamb's regiment (Second Artillery)
f Hist. N.J. Med., pp. 330, 331, and MSS. notes of Dr. A. Messier.
J He was sheritT, senator, presided several years as vice-president of the
Upper House, and in the State miUtia rose to the rank of senior major-
general.
596
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSET.
of the Contineatal army ; was at battle of Montgomery
and at Yorktown, and served until the disbandment of
the army in 1783. He was later a member of the
Legislature. He married Sarah Ten Eyck, of the
same locality, May 5, 1783, and resided on her farm
during the rest of his life, there practicing his profes-
sion. He died at the age of eighty-six, July 18, 1837,
and was interred in the Somerville cemetery. He
had children, Cornelius T., Matthias Ten Eyck,
Garret, Maria Magdalen, and Jane, the last named
being deceased.*
Abraham Van Bttren one of a race of physi-
cians, being descended from John,t who emigrated to
New York (about 1700) from Beuren, Holland was
a pupil of Boerhave and a graduate of Leyden, whose
son Beekman, born in New York (1727), practiced
medicine and died there in 1812. Abraham was born
in 1787, settled in Millstone, attained to nearly seventy-
seven years (obit. March 15, 1818), and was, with his
wife (obit, in 1816, aged eighty-eight), buried in the
Millstone churchyard. J He was probably the first
physician at Millstone, and his professional labors
extended from 1760 to 1813, more than half a century.
He had a large practice, and was famous for his '' red
drop," which he was in the habit of prescribing, and
which became a popular preparation after his day.
He was a member, a deacon, and an elder of the
Millstone Reformed Dutch Church. Three of his
^ons William, William H., and James were physi-
cians, while another Abraham ^became a merchant
in Philadelphia.
Eva, a daughter of Dr. Abraham, became the wife
of Abr. Schenck, William Van Buren practiced in
Millstone till 1816, when he removed to New Bruns-
wick and kept a drug-store.
William H. Van Buren, of New York, was his eld-
est son by a second marriage. James Van Buren was
practicing in Bergen County during the Revolution,
a,nd was arraigned before the Committee of Safety in
1777 as of doubtful loyalty to the Whig cause. He
took the oath of allegiance, and was released.^
Lavs^eence Van Deeveee lived from early life in
Somerset County. He commenced practicing before
the Revolution, and in 1776 was one of the original
members of the State Medical Society. He after-
wards removed to Shepardstown, Va., but soon re-
turned to Somerset, and practiced until his death, in
1815, in that part of Hillsborough township known
as Roycefield. Here he became eminent, and had a
lucrative practice during a long lifetime. He was
the first to bring into notice the alleged virtues of the
Scutellaria lateriflora in the prevention and cure of
hydrophobia. He administered it to about four hun-
dred persons said to have been exposed to the disease,
• Died in 1838. Dr. J. M. Toner's MSS. notes, ef a!,
t The progenitor of tbe Van Buren family in this country,
X He was a near relative of President Van Buren, who, when a boy,
used to visit the doctor and his family at Millstone. Judge B. Voorlieea.
I Wickes' Hist. N. J. Med., pp. 424, 425.
in none of whom did it appear. Yet he made no
converts to its use as a cure for rabies among the
more intelligent medical men of his day.|| He was
very benevolent, visiting the poor alike with the rich,
and with the former class seldom making any charge.
He always rode a fleet horse, and, with utter disre-
gard of roads and fences, took an aij'-line frora one
house to another. He was a member of the Re-
formed Dutch Church at the time of his death. He
died possessed of a large fortune and universally re-
gretted. His name even now has a savor of gratitude
and honor in the memory of many aged people in
Somerset County. His remains were interred on his
own estate, and a monument marks their resting-
place. A son of the doctor lives about a mile east of
Somerville.
Henry Van Deeveee, of Somerville, son of the
preceding, died Feb. 13, 1874, at the age of eighty-
two.f He was born at the paternal homestead, was
educated in the academy at Somerville, was graduated
at Princeton College, and attended medical lectures
in Philadelphia. He married Miss Mary Ann Fre-
linghuysen, the eldest daughter of Gen. John, and
commenced practice in the field so long occupied by
his father, residing in the paternal mansion. He
subsequently removed to the vicinity of Somerville.
In 1846 he united with the First Reformed Dutch
Church of that place. As a physician he was faith-
ful, judicious, and successful. He continued to prac-
tice until a few years before the close of his life ; in-
deed, many of his old friends refused ever, while he
lived, to have the attentions of any one else.** Henry
Van Derveer was succeeded at Roycefield by a Henry
H. Van Derveer, who practiced there from 1833-44,
and who died Feb. 1, 1869.tt
Heney Van Deeveee, of Pluckamin, born about
1776, was the son of Ellas Van Derveer. He was for
many years in practice in Bedminster township, en-
joying a large and lucrative patronage. His plantation
consisted of between eight hundred and one thousand
acres of land, about one-half under cultivation, the
remainder being timber. " He was," says A. W. Mc-
Dowell, " one of the ablest physicians of Somerset
County, but a most eccentric genius. He and his
sister Phoebe, neither of whom ever married, lived
and died at the old homestead in Bedminster. Her
room was on one side of the wide hall, his on the
other ; the other six rooms were handsomely fur-
nished, but unoccupied and kept closed. Once a week,
in full dress, she visited her brother, on the other
side of the entry ; once a week the formal call was
returned, he being arrayed in his best English broad-
cloth, ruffled shirt-bosom, polished boots, etc. The
1 See Wickes' " History of Medicine and Medical Men in New Jersey
to 1800" for a more extended account of tbe manner in which this remedy
was received by the medical fraternity.
Tf MSS. notes Eev. Dr. Abr. Messier ; Spaulding's Memoirs ; Wickes*
Hist, of Med. in New Jersey, etc.
** Obit, in Trans. State Med. Soc, 1874.
tt Kev. Dr. E. T. Corwin.
THE MEDICAL PEOFESSION OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
597
doctor outlived his sister many years, most of whicli
time he was the only white person in the house. His
eccentricities were manifest in his eating, living, and
in his singular will, which caused much excitement
in the courts at the time. But he was a perfect gen-
tleman, a fine scholar, and an able physician, one of
superior professional skill." He died on Friday,
May 22, 1868, at the advanced age of ninety-two
years. He left no relatives nearer related than
cousins.
Hekey H. Van Debveee was born near Somer-
ville, on the banks of the Earitan, July 12, 1808. He
was the son of Col. Henry Van Derveer. He com-
menced the study of medicine in 1827, with Dr. Ferdi-
nand S. Schenck, of Six-Mile Eun, Somerset Co., and
then entered the office of Dr. William Van Deursen,
of New Brunswick, N. J. After the close of his last
course of lectures in the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, New York, he was induced to enter the
office of his brother, Peter Van Derveer, who had a
large practice in Middletown, Ohio. For two years
he was associated with him in practice, and in 1832
returned to Somerset County and became the suc-
cessor of Henry Van Derveer at Eoycefield; there
for thirteen years he prosecuted his profession, then
removed to Somerville, still practicing, and where he
died Feb. 1, 1869. In 1835 he was married to Ann
Brodhead Deyo, daughter of Hon. Abraham A. Deyo,
of Plattekill, Ulster Co., N. Y. Dr. Van Derveer was
gifted in an eminent degree. He not only had med-
ical knowledge and surgical skill, but possessed the
faculty, as if by nature's gift, to use the knowledge in
the obtaining, a correct diagnosis, in the choice of
remedies to be employed, and in their dextrous ad-
ministration. His power to determine between con-
flicting symptoms, and to detect the latent disease,
and his judgment in treating it when discovered, not
only secured to him a large practice, but gained the
confidence of his brother-physicians when united with
him in consultation. But his efficiency was impaired
by ill health ; the disease which ended his life af-
flicted him for more than twenty years. In his nature
he was kind and benevolent. As a physician, to
whom others committed their health and lives in
sickness, he felt his deep responsibility, and he re-
marked, near the close of his life, that when he was
called to a sick-bed he had during his whole practice
looked up to God for direction.*
Henry H. Schenck, Sb., a native of Somerset
County, was born at Millstone in August, 1760. His
father was Henry Schenck. He graduated in 1772
from Eutgers ; studied medicine with Dr. Lawrence
Van Derveer, of Eoycefield, this county; attended
lectures at the University of Pennsylvania ; was a
surgeon of militia in the Eevolution, and after the
war commenced practice near Esopus, N. Y. After
a short time he removed to Neshanic, this county,
* Obit, in Trans. State Med. Soc, 1869.
where he remained until his death, in 1828. He re-
ceived a pension of forty dollars a month from the
United States government until his death. His wife
was Miss Ellen, daughter of Eev. Jacob E. Harden-
berg, by whom he had three sons and one daughter.
The latter never married. The sons Henry H., Jr.,
Jacob Eutsen, and John F. all became prominent
physicians, located in Hunterdon County.f
Henry Schenck, Sr., became a member of the State
Medical Society in 1789. He was an active political
partisan, and became a judge of the Somerset County
Court; he was a member of the Dutch Eeformed
Church. His remains were buried in a private burial-
ground near Millstone.
Jacob Eutsen Schenck, son of Dr. Henry H.,
Sr., was born in Somerset County in 1783, studied
medicine with his father, and attended lectures at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He
located near his father, where he practiced until his
death. He left no children, an only child, a son,
being accidentally shot and killed some years before
his death. t
Gaebet Van Doben was born at Millstone in
October, 1782, and died near East Millstone, April 4,
1858. His direct ancestors were John, John, and
Christian, who settled at Middlebush in 1723. He
remained faithfully serving his father's interests until
of age, but evinced in youth superior mental power
and extraordinary thirst for knowledge. To 'Squire â–
Van Duyn, of whom he often spoke with deepest
gratitude, he was indebted for instruction in the winter
evenings in mathematical science, surveying, and its
more advanced branches. At this time of life he also
taught an evening school for a winter term, and in
this manner made himself familiar with the ground
over which he had already passed. At this time h&
was also noticed for his commanding person, as among
his preserved papers one, attested by the seal of the
State, is the commission issued by Gen. Stryker ap-
pointing him a captain in the New Jersey brigade.
But neither farming nor soldiering was to be his
vocation. Improving his opportunities, we find him
at the age of thirty at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons in New York City, from which, at the age
of thirty-two, he was sent forth to the practice of
medicine. Choosing his location, he purchased the
premises No. 6 Franklin Street, N. Y., near Chapel
Street, now West Broadway, and, placing on the door
his name and business, his next step was to find a
suitable companion, and this was soon accomplished
in taking to his home the daughter of one of his
patients, Miss Jemima Dyckman.
His love of the country brought him back to
his early home, and to settle down to rest and die
amid scenes and friends of his youth. Here he spent
the evening of his life, an earnest friend and member
f See also chapter on " Medical Profession of Hunterdon County," in
another portion of this work,
t Blane's Med. Hist. Hunterdon County.
598
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
of the cliurcli at East Millstone. He died at the ripe
age of seventy-five. His last joyous word was
Rest ! His wife died Oct. 11, 1851, aged fifty-four.
Ferdinand S. Schenck, of Six-Mile Eun, one of
the most prominent and highly-esteemed citizens of
the county in the former half of this century, was a
son of Martin Schenck, who was for several years
sherifi" of the county ; he was born at Millstone, Feb.
11, 1790. He studied medicine with Dr. Stryker, of
Somerville, and Dr. G. Smith, of New York City,
and commenced practice in Six-Mile Run, where in
1814 he purchased a farm a short distance west of the
church; this he made his home after his marriage
with Leah, daughter of Martin Voorhees, of Har-
lingen, Dec. 19, 1817. He speedily became eminent
in his profession and gained a large and lucrative
practice ; his skill and fidelity won the confidence
of the community, while his genial disposition and
hearty sympathy endeared him to all. His public
spirit led him to engage earnestly in political afiairs,
and he was intrusted with many important offices,
which he filled with great ability and acknowledged
fidelity.
In 1829-31 he was a member of the General As-
sembly of the State Legislature. During 1833-36 he
was a member of the House of Representatives of
the United States, serving two full terms. In 1844
he was a member of the convention which framed
the constitution of the State. In 1845 he was ap-
pointed judge of the State Court of Errors and Ap-
peals, and was several times reappointed, serving in
all some ten or twelve years. He was also appointed
by the Governor a member, for Somerset County, of
the State commission of banking. For many years
he was a trustee of Rutgers College, and gave much
attention to advancing its interests and those of edu-
cation in the community. He gave all his children
a liberal education. Of his six sons, one became a
minister, two were lawyers, and three were physi-
cians. He had three daughters. One died young;
Alice married Rev. A. D. White, a minister of the
Presbyterian Church long settled in Trenton, N. J. ;
and Margaret married Garret Nevius, an extensive
and prosperous farmer residing at Pleasant Plains.
He was a man of great dignity of bearing, a student
of wide learning, a careful and impressive speaker
and gifted with a lively social disposition. He con-
tinued the practice of his profession until he was
nearly seventy years old, and to the end of his life
was highly respected and exerted a great influence
for the best interests of the community. He died
May 15, 1860, and was buried in the neighborhood
burying-place of Pleasant Plains.
James Brutn Elmendorf wa.s the son of Peter
Elmendorf, who lived on the north side of the Raritan.
Peter's father, John, inherited the estate which had
formerly been owned by Lord Neill Campbell, near
the junction of the Raritan and the North Branch.
Dr. Elmendorf was born March 9, 1788. He was
graduated from Princeton College in 1807, and re-
ceived the degree of M.D. in 1813 fi-om the University
of Pennsylvania. He first practiced medicine in
Millstone. About 1816 he married Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen by his
second wife, Ann Yard.*
In 1825, Dr. Elmendorf s house having been burned,
he removed to Somerville and became a partner of Dr.
P. I. Stryker for two years. He then removed to
Philadelphia, and in 1827 returned to Millstone, where
he continued his profession until his death, Sept. 1,
1852
Jacob T. B. Skillman was born March 10, 1794,
at Three-Mile Run, in Somerset County, where his
father, an industrious farmer, lived in comfortable
circumstances. He attended the primary school, and
then the academy at Basking Ridge, where, under the
Rev. Dr. Finley, he prepared for college. He entered
Union College in 1816 : was a classmate of William
H. Seward and others who subsequently became dis-
tinguished. After graduating, he taught for two years
an academy in Virginia connected with the Hampden-
Sidney College, but ill health compelled his return
North. On his arrival home he began the study of
medicine with Dr. A. R. Taylor, of New Brunswick.
He was licensed in 1825, and settled at Woodbridge,
N. J. ; he subsequently removed to Rahway, and later
to New Brunswick, where for thirty years he dis-
charged the onerous duties of his profession, and
where he died June 26, 1864, in the seventy-first year
of his age. His wife was Miss R. C. Ayres, of Six-
Mile Run ; of an interesting circle of children, only
one son and one daughter survived him.
Samuel S. Doty was born Dec. 4, 1794, near
Basking Ridge, Somerset Co., and died at the same
place Sept. 22, 1863, aged sixty-nine. For over forty
years he practiced medicine at the place of his birth.
He received his early literary training under the cele-
brated Robert Finley, D.D. ; read medicine with Dr.
Budd, of Chatham, N. J., and Dr. MoKissack, of
Bound Brook. He attended medical lectures in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 1813-
15, was graduated in March of the last-named year,
and licensed to practice in June. He was twice
married, first to a daughter of the Hon. Judge
Southard, and afterwards to a daughter of Lott
Southard, Esq., who still survives. His surviving
children are a daughter and two sons by his first
marriage. Though of feeble constitution, he was a
man of unusual activity and vigor both in mind and
body. Disease did not seem to cripple him. He was
eminent in his profession, and prominent in other de-
partments of life. In agriculture, politics, law, and
religion he took a deep interest. He had a remark-
* Miss Yard was daughter of Mrs. Sarah Yard, of Philadelphia, who
afterwards became Mrs. Williams. Mre. Sarah Yard bought what is
known ns the Dr. Elmendorf place, in 1777, of Hendrick Wilson, and
presented it to her daughter Ann in 1778. Gen. Fred. Trelinghuysen,
after the death of his first wife, in 1794, married Ann Yard.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
599
able memory and most brilliant conversational gifts.
He was a decided Christian, and his end was peace.*
Abeaham Skillman, born at Three-Mile Eun,
this county, in March, 1796, was a graduate of the
College of New Jersey. He studied with the late Dr.
Taylor, of New Brunswick, attending lectures in New
York and enjoying the privileges of the office of the
late Dr. Cheeseman. In June, 1823, he settled at
Bound Brook and commenced practice in company
with the late Dr. McKissack, who died in 1831. He
was president of the Medical Society of New Jersey
in 1843. He was a skillful and successful physician,
devoted to his profession, and enjoying the confidence
of those among whom he practiced. All his medical
life over forty years was passed in this county. He
had been for more than thirty years a member of the
Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook, in the ceme-
tery of which church his remains were interred by
the side of his son, who had preceded him but a few
months. He died at Bound Brook, Dec. 10, 1862.
Jacob Dunham, although resident of New Bruns-
wick, may almost be reckoned as a Somerset physician,
inasmuch as his practice for a score of years or more
extended all over the eastern portion of this county,
to Bound Brook, Six-Mile, Berrien's Tavern, Mill-
stone, etc. He was the son of Col. Azariah, grandson
of Rev. Jonathan, of Piscataway, and great-great-
grandson of Edmund, who was the first white child
born in Middlesex County. His brother Lewis was
also an eminent physician, and likewise was located
in New Brunswick. Jacob was born Sept. 29, 1767 ;
died Aug. 7, 1832. He attended medical lectures in
Philadelphia about 1786 ; was buried in Christ Church
churchyard, New Brunswick. Lewis was born 1754,
died 1821, and was buried in the Presbyterian church-
yard of the same place.
EoBEET R. Henry was living, at the commence-
ment of the Revolution, in Somerset County, having
graduated at Princeton in 1776. He entered the ser-
vice and was commissioned as surgeon's mate in gen-
eral hospital, Continental army, March 17, 1777,t as
assistant to Dr. Cochrane. He was afterwards com-
missioned in the regular troops, serving four years in
€ol. Read's regiment of Gen. Poor's brigade. New
Hampshire line. He was at the battle of Brandy-
wine, in the hospitals at Morristown in 1780, and at
the fight at Croton River was seriously wounded in
the arm and taken prisoner. He was also with Gen.
Sullivan's expedition, and left the service only upon
the disbandment of the armies, when he settled at
Cross-Roads, Somerset Co., where he died Dec. 27,
1805. He was a member of the State Medical Soci-
ety, elected in 1785. He married (1780) Mary Hil-
lard, of Reading, Conn. His wife and ten children
survived him ; she was living in 1836 at Penn Yan,
N. Y., then aged seventy-five.J
* Trans. Med. Soc. State of N. J., 1864.
f Stryker's Register.
{ loner's MSS. Biogs. of Am. Physicians.
John Jennings was born in Somerset County,
1744, a son of Jacob Jennings. He migrated from
New Providence to Readington (then known as North
Branch) in 1784,^ where he had an extensive and
successful practice. He removed thence to Virginia,
but soon returned to New Jersey; was licensed to
preach, and was ordained by the Synod of the Dutch
Reformed Church of New Brunswick in 1789. He
died in Pennsylvania, Feb. 17, 1803. ||
Samuel Kennedy, a native of Scotland, born in
1720, educated at the University of Edinburgh, came
to America, and was licensed to preach the gospel in
1750, was ordained, and settled at Basking Ridge June
15, 1751. He established a classical school there,
which was of a high order and extensively patron-
ized. In addition to his calling as a pastor and
teacher, he was a practicing physician, and acquired
reputation in the treatment of disease. He was, in
consequence, called " Doctor." He joined the State
Medical Society two years after its formation. He
died at Basking Ridge, Aug. 31, 1787, aged sixty-
seven.l[
Hugh McEowen, son of Alexander and Mary
(Cross) McEowen. The former, born in Scotland,
studied medicine in Philadelphia. He was a student
at the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1784, and his certifi-
cate of attendance was signed by Benjamin Rush and
John Foulke, July 12, 1786. Having been licensed,
Aug. 19, 1786, he immediately settled at the place
now called Millington, a little south of Basking Ridge,
where he continued to practice until laid aside by his
last illness. He had a very large field of labor, ex-
tending to Long Hill, Basking Ridge, and Mendham.
He married, June 2, 1801, Catharine Vail, of Bask-
ing Ridge, and had three children, Mary, married
Dr. Edward A. Darcy; Matilda, married Rev. Dr.
Fairchild ; and Alexander. The daughters survive,**
but there are no descendants of the name now
living.ft
A. W. McDowell, after graduating from the Med-
ical Department of the University of Pennsylvania,
in 1840, settled in Bedminster. He was an associate
of and intimate with Henry Van Derveer and Cor-
nelius C. Suydam, who lived at Pluckamin and Lesser
Cross-Roads respectively. (See sketch in the history
of Bedminster township.)
CoENELius C. Suydam was an only son, inherited
property, received a good education, and was gradu-
ated from the University of Pennsylvania. He en-
tered upon a large practice at once in his native
township, Bedminster. He was a careful yet bold
practitioner ; never was afraid to use his medicines,
and did use them with consummate judgment and
g Blane'B Med. Hist. Hunterdon. I MSS. Notes of Dr. Messier.
^ Sprague's Annals.
«* An old family Bible, printed in 1765, formerly the property of Alex-
ander, Sr., is in possession of the daughter. On its title-page is its be-
quest to his son Hugh.
tt Hist, of N. J. Med., Wickes, p. 326.
600
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
skill. Towards the close of his life he practiced
chiefly as a consulting physician. After living a
bachelor nearly all his life, he married a most esti-
mable lady, after which event he removed to Liberty
Corner. He was called far and near, was admired
and respected, and was a true Christian. He was a
large and finely-developed man, six feet four inches
high, and weighed over two hundred and fifty pounds.
He had an iron constitution, an indomitable will, a
clear mind, and a soul as large as his body. But for
years he sufiered from diabetes, was reduced in flesh
to one hundred and fifty pounds, and, after medicine
lost its power on his system, predicted that his death
would occur in a week. He died on the eighth day,
departing this life Dec. 27, 1859, in his sixtieth year.
His funeral sermon was preached by Eev. Mr. Eng-
lish, in whose memoriam was the sentiment " that
Dr. Suydam, though not a church-member, was truly
a Christian man."*
Abm. T. B. Van Doren was a native of Somerset
County, born June 15, 1823. He was a graduate of
Eutgers, standing sixth in his class, and matriculated
at the New York University in 1843. He married,
June 10, 1846, Miss Joannah, daughter of John More-
head, of Readington. He practiced at Neshanic from
1843 to 1848, part of the time associated with Dr.
Schenck, and later at Ringos, in Hunterdon County ;
but in 1852, on account of failing health, he went
South, returning the following year to Branchville,t
where he died. He was buried in a private burial-
ground on the farm on which he was raised, now or
lately owned by Lanning Nevius, near Centreville
and the South Branch, where a modest monument
tells us that
" He died June 30th, 1863.
His wife died January 4th, 1855,
Aged 26 years, 8 months, and 13 days. "
He left one son, John M. (born Oct. 2, 1849), now
living in New York. A contemporary says of Dr.
Van Doren,:
" He made but little headway, owing to his health failing, and the
grave closed over the remains of a very worthy and well-educated medi-
cal man. Could his health have heeu spared bim, his future no doubt
would have been happy and prosperous.! "
Joseph Bonney practiced in Bound Brook before
the Revolution. From thence he removed to Short
Hills, Essex Co., and subsequently to Rahway. His
wife was Polly Davison, of Basking Ridge ; she died
May 3, 1806, in her twenty-ninth year. He died at
Metuchen, and was buried in Rahway. His monu-
ment bears this inscription :
" In memory of Dr. Joseph Bonnky,
who died Nov. 27, 1807,
In the 38th year of his age.
Our days alas I our mortal days
Are short and wretched too ;
Evil and few, the patriarch says.
And well the pati-iarch knew,§ "
* Dr. McDowell, in " Our Home," 1873. f Now South Branch.
X Br. Blane's Hist, of Med. Men of Hunterdon County,
g Wickes' Hist, of N. Jersey, p. 162.
Lewis Moegan was admitted to practice medicine
in New Jersey about 1787, perhaps, earlier. He settled
first in Somerset County, then in Burlington, whence
he went to Rahway a year or two before the death of
Dr. John Griffith. There he spent the remainder of
his days. Dr. Wickes says the tradition that he was
a surgeon in the British service during the Revolu-
tion is open to doubt, as he is not mentioned in Sa-
bine's "Loyalists in America." He "died Jan. 12,
1821, in the sixty-fourth year of his age.
Jonathan Foed Morris, a son of Maj. James
Morris, || of the Continental army, was bom in Morris-
Co., N. J., March 21, 1760 ; served through the Rev-
olutionary war as a private, a lieutenant, and as a
surgeon, and was of the party who intercepted the
dashing Col. Simcoe at New Brunswick when on his
raid on the Raritan. In 1784 (March 1) he married
Margaret Smith Euen, of Elizabethtown, who sur-
vived him till 1844. They had nine children. Dr.
Morris immediately after the war resided and prac-
ticed at Bound Brook, later at Somerville, where he
died April 10, 1810. He was a popular physician, suc-
cessful surgeon, philanthropic citizen, and a forcible
writer.
Henry Southard, late of Somerville, was a native
of this county, born March 27, 1811. He was a son
of the Hon. Isaac and a grandson of the Hon. Henry
Southard, of Revolutionary renown. "Having stud-
ied medicine, he was duly licensed by the State
board of censors, and after practicing successively at
Flemington, Asbury, Danville, Belvidere, and Phil-
lipsburg, he finally established himself in Somerville,
where he remained in active practice for a number of
years. He was a member of the Hunterdon County
Medical Society, of which he was for a time secretary;
was a member of the New Jersey Medical Society,
and in 1847 was a member of the State board of cen-
sors. His death occurred Oct. 13, 1859. His wife
was Louisa Maxwell, of Phillipsburg, N. J., who
subsequently married John Ball, of Somerville, where
she now resides.
John C. Sutphen, now of Plainfield, was born in
1836, in Somerset County, at the old Sutphen home-
stead. He graduated B.A. in 1856 at Princeton, and
M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania in 1859. The
first eight years of his medical practice were in Som-
erset County, at Liberty Corner ; in 1867 he removed
to Plainfield, N. J., where he resided until his death,
about 1876, reaping the rewards of his professional
skill, and also enjoying various political honors.
Wm. D. McKissack, late of Millstone, was born at
Bound Brook, Somerset Co., Jan. 28, 1781, and was
the son of Wm. M. McKissack, long an eminent prac-
titioner at Bound Brook. His education began with
a careful school course at Basking Ridge, followed
by collegiate graduation (Princeton, 1802), medical
reading under the famous Dr. Nicholas Belleville, of
1 Fatally wounded at battle of Germantown, and died Jan. 7, 1777.
THE MEDICAL PKOFESSION OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
601'
Trenton, concluding with medical lectures in New
York. In 1805 he-commenced to practice the " heal-
ing art" at Pittatown, Hunterdon Co., but after tw^o
years removed to Millstone, where for forty -six years he
was the leading representative of the profession. He
practiced at Millstone from 1807 to 1853. He was a
member of the Somerset County Medical Society and
of the State Medical Society, being for twelve years
recording secretary of the latter organization. Dur-
ing the war of 1812 he was a captain of volunteers,
and after the war became a brigadier-general of the
State militia. He was also a member of the State
Legislature^ 1835-36. Socially and professionally he
was highly esteemed. He married Margaret, a daugh-
ter of Peter Ditmars, of Millstone, and by this mar-
riage had five children.* He deceased March 6, 1853.
His wife (born in 1795) died Jan. 30, 1864.
"William H. Meeiiill. William, grandfather of
W. H., originally settled the homestead near Flem-
ington where John C. Merrill, father of our subject,
now resides. John C. Merrill, born in 1802, on the
homestead, married Miss Elizabeth Dayton, who bore
him children as follows, J. Dayton, Jane, wife of
Jeremiah J. Huff, Rachel, wife of John Dilts, Mary,
wife of Van Derveer Higgins, William H., Jesse
Simeon, and Ellen.
Dr. Merrill was born on May 24, 1842. He spent
most of his minority at home, and received his pre-
liminary education in the schools in Flemington.
* William D., Jr., graduated at West Point, served in the Miixican war,
and died on his way home; another son, Peter D., was a physician, and
practiced at Millstone for thirty years, until his death, in 1872.
He prepared for college under his brother. Rev. J.
Dayton Merrill, A.M., then pastor of the Baptist
Church at Millburn, but now pastor of the Baptist
Church at Massena, N. Y., and was subsequently a
student in the University of Lewisburg, Pa. In 1866
he began the study of medicine with Dr. C. W. Lari-
son of Ringos, Hunterdon County, took his first course
of medical lectures at Geneva Medical College, and
then entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New
York, from which he was graduated in 1869.
He began practice as a physician and surgeon at
Centreville, but after a short time settled in the fall
of the same year at South Branch, Somerset Co.,
where he has had a growing practice since. Dr.
Merrill's skill in the practice of his profession, his
care and attention to every interest of his patient, has
given him rank among the first physicians in the
county. His ride at first only extended over that
formerly enjoyed by Dr. Robins, but his devotion to
his patients, his singleness of purpose, and his integ-
rity in practice have largely extended the former
bounds of his ride. Dr. Merrill never allows personal
enjoyment to come between him and his patient; but,
dearly loving his profession, its toils become his
pleasure. In 1874, Dr. Merrill built an elegant and
substantial residence at South Branch, overlooking
the village, river, and surrounding country. He
married, Feb. 12, 1873, Rebecca C, daughter of Wil-
liam B. and Elenah (Cole) Higgins, of Branchburg
township. They have one child, Howard V. MerrilL
Peter Ten Eyck was a lineal descendant, in the
seventh generation, of Coenradt Ten Eyck, the founder
of the Ten Eyck family in America, who emigrated to
this country in 1650. He came from Amsterdam, Hol-
land, with his wife, Maria Boele, and located in New
York City, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He is supposed to have been buried on the present
site of the old post-office, in that city. The inter-
vening generations in the male line were Mattys, who
settled in Old Hurley, Ulster Co., N. Y., and founded
the Ten Eyck family at that point ; Jacob, the pro-
genitor of the North Branch Ten Eycks, of this
county ; Coenradt, Frederick, and Richard.
Dr. Ten Eyck was the son of Richard and Jane
(Todd) Ten Eyck, and was born at Millstone, N. J.,
June 24, 1817. His great-grandfather, Coenradt,
was one of the first settlers at that point and a
wealthy landowner, and his maternal grandfather was
Col. William Todd, of Lamington, N. J., a brave offi-
cer in the Revolutionary war. The earlier years of
Dr. Ten Eyck were passed at home. Upon attaining
sufficient age he began the study of medicine under
Dr. Mechisic, of Millstone, and, completing his studies
in the Medical Department of the University of the
State of New York, he was graduated with honor
from that institution in 1848. Five years previous to
that date, on March 7, 1843, he was united in mar-
riage to Margaret S. S. Troutman, daughter of Sir
John Troutman, of the English navy. ^''- "" "
Miss Trout-
602
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
man was a lady of culture and possessed of many vir-
tues. She was a graduate of the Moravian seminary
at Bethlehem, Pa., was a fine artist and musician, and
possessed a voice of exquisite power and beauty.
From the time of his marriage Dr. Ten Eyck's
home was in New York City, where he subsequently
enjoyed a successful and extensive practice. To his
skill in his profession he added achievements in the
direction of mechanical discovery. Being possessed
of strong inventive power, he employed his leisure
moments in discovering and patenting several useftil
articles, among which were a rocking- and revolving-
chair combined and a brake for vehicles. He was a
remarkable linguist, could converse fluently in differ-
ent languages, and was possessed of considerable ar-
tistic ability, being a skillful draughtsman and able to
give great beauty to some of his designs. He built an
elegant residence in New York, on the northeast cor-
ner of Park Avenue and Thirty-fourth Street (Mur-
ray Hill), two blocks distant from the palatial resi-
dence of the late A. T. Stewart, and directly opposite
the Church of the Eedeemer, and which he occupied
through life. He inaugurated, and was plaintiif in,
the proceedings against the New York and Harlem
Railroad which resulted in compelling that corpora-
tion to make Forty-second Street the terminus of
their inroad upon the municipal domains.
After a singularly active and successful life Dr. Ten
Eyck passed away on Feb. 11, 1860. To his other at-
tainments were added a kind and benevolent disposi-
tion that endeared him to many, and made him an
ever-welcome visitor to the homes of his locality. In
his own home he was ever the faithful and considerate
husband and father, and by his removal the hearth-
stone of one of the happiest of New York homes was
m.ade forever desolate. His loving and accomplished
wife followed him into the confines of the shadowy
land on Feb. 28, 1867, and left her only children
Blendenia S. C. and Charles Eichard to encounter
the stern realities of the world without a father's faith-
ful care or the kind attentions of a warm-hearted and
true mother.
But even these two children were not destined long
to remain united in their sorrows. Charles Richard
Ten Eyck was born in New York City on Nov. 1,
1852, and at the time of his mother's death was fifteen
years of age. At that period he entered Riverview
Military Academy, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he
remained nearly two years. He then accompanied
his sister on a journey to the South for the benefit of
her health, and upon his return he entered Tren-
ton Academy, at Trenton, N. J., and subsequently
passed through a course of business training at East-
man's National Business College, Poughkeepsie. At
the age of eighteen his health became impaired, and
he traveled South in the hope of reclaiming it. He
extended his tour to Cuba, where, owing to the exist-
ing relations between that isle and the Spanish gov-
ernment, he was a constant object of suspicion, and
whence he thankfully departed. After his return
Mr. Ten Eyck finished his course at the business col-
lege in Poughkeepsie, and subsequently engaged in
mercantile business in Trenton, N. J., as a member of
the firm of Bowne & Ten Eyck. The enterprise
proved to be an unfortunate one, and amid the wreck
of hundreds of business houses which the depressed
condition of the times induced, Mr. Ten Eyck's for-
tune was swept away. It had been the wish of his
father that he .should enter the medical profession,
but, his health not permitting, he had not engaged in
business from necessity, but merely as a means of oc-
cupying his mind. His misfortunes preyed upon him
to such an extent that five years after their occur-
rence, on Feb. 5, 1879, he died of consumption, at the
hotel in Graniteville, S. C, kept by Mrs. N. E. Senn,
whose kindness to an unfortunate young man who
seemed driven by fate to her home to die will ever
be gratefully remembered by his friends. The fune-
ral services of Mr. Ten Eyck were held in the Middle
Reformed Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., and his remains
now rest in Cypress Hill Cemetery, beside those of
his parents. Thus ended, at the age of twenty-six,
the short, sad life of a young man of great ability and
promise, possessed of a frank and generous disposition
that made all men his friends, and who was an afiec-
tionate and beloved brother. To his memory and to
the memory of her parents this memoir is appro-
priately inscribed in the history of the primal home
of their ancient family by its surviving member. Miss
Blendenia S. C. Ten Eyck, of Somerville, N. J.
Ed-wahd a. Darct, son of Dr. John Darcy (of
Hanover, Morris Co.), studied medicine with his
father, and practiced with much success at Long
Hill and Basking Ridge. He married Mary, daugh-
ter of Dr. Hugh McEowen, and had two daughters,
Ann C. and Catharine McEowen. In 1833 he as-
sisted in organizing a company of emigrants to Illi-
nois from Somerset and adjacent counties; Jersey-
ville. 111., owes its origin to that movement. The
doctor was fond of surgery, and attended to all such
cases as came in his way, but was not in general
medical practice.*
John V. Schenck was born at Six-Mile Run
(Franklin Park), Somerset Co., Nov. 17, 1824. He
was the son of Ferdinand S. and Leah (Voorhees)
Schenck, both natives of New Jersey. Following a
common-school education and the usual preparatory
study, he entered Rutgers College in 1841, and was
graduated in 1844. He at once began to prepare him-
self for the medical profession ; entered the oflice of
his father, then a leading practitioner at Six-Mile
Run, and studied with him until 1845, when he en-
tered the University of Pennsylvania. He was grad-
uated in the spring of 1847, and at once commenced
the practice of medicine, in partnership with his
father, in his native place. In December, 1848, he
* WiokeB' Hist, of N. J. Med., p. 227.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF SOMEKSET COUNTY.
603
removed to Camden, N. J., which has since been his
residence. He was elected president of the State
Medical Society in 1876. He married, July 6, 1857,
Martha McKeen, of Philadelphia.
Henry E. Cannon, born at Six-Mile Run, Som-
erset Co., May 20, 1821, son of Key. Dr. James S.
and Catharine (Brevoort) Cannon, graduated from
Eutgers in 1840, studied medicine with Dr. Van Deur-
sen, of New Brunswick, received the degree of M.D. in
1843 from the University of New York, and the same
year commenced the practice of medicine in his na-
tive county, and was actively engaged therein for
nine years. In 1852 he removed to Union County,
this State, where for over twenty years he officiated
as county clerk.
Samuel K. Martin was for more than thirty
years an active and esteemed member of the District
Medical Society of Somerset County. He was the
son of Judge Absalom Martin, and was born at Mar-
tinsville, this county, in 1808, and died at the place of
his nativity, July 24, 1868, aged sixty. After a pre-
liminary education he entered the office of Eobert S.
Smith, of Bound Brook. In 1828-30 he attended two
full courses of lectures in the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of the University of New York, and
June 16, 1830, received his medical license. He im-
mediately commenced practice at Martinsville, which
was interrupted only by his death. He was happily
married to Miss Sutton, of New York City, by whom
he had two children, who died in early life.
Well educated and possessed of fine literary tastes,
his society was courted by the refined, intelligent, and
polite. For six years he was a member of the State
Legislature, ^three in the Lower House, three in the
Senate, ^where his abilities as a debater and elo-
quence as a speaker were recognized. As a physician
he was reliable and possessed decided ability and
sound judgment, and when tested proved himself an
eminently capable adviser. "Solicitous for the wel-
fare of his patients, eagerly embracing every op-
portunity or means to promote their comfort or safety,
compromising his own health often which was gen-
erally feeble for their good, he deservedly won the
confidence and affection of a large circle of friends.
Unpretending in manners, simple and plain in ap-
pearance, his face bore evidence of kindness of heart
and of quiet deep-thinking; and throughout the
years of his practice he manifested an unselfishness,
a high sense of the dignity and responsibility of, and
degree of devotion to, his profession and the good of
suffering humanity seldom equaled." In his native
place he caused to be built a chapel, which he liber-
ally supported, and where he worshiped.
Alfred B. Dayton was born at Basking Ridge,
N. J., Dec. 25, 1812, and was a brother of the Hon.
William L. Dayton. He enjoyed superior educational
advantages, ending with Princeton College ; gradu-
ated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
New York, in 1836. He became an eminent practi-
tioner, was a member of the district, State, and na-
tional medical societies, and was a polished writer.
He died July 19, 1870. He did not practice in Som-
erset County, but resided after 1885 at Chester and at
Mattawan, N. J. He married Elizabeth R. Van Der-
veer, a native of Somerville. His son, R. W. Day-
ton, is a lawyer at Mattawan, N. J.
Forrest A. Gillen, of Bound Brook, was born
at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., March 23, 1852. From
the high school of his native place he entered the
office of Dr. Kissam, police surgeon of Brooklyn;
was enrolled as a matriculant in the New York Uni-
versity in 1872, graduating in 1875. He then located
at Bound Brook and commenced practice, associated
for a time with Dr. Fields. Although a young man,
he has already acquired reputation as a careful and
skillful practitioner.
Richard G. Ludlow, born in 1830, was the third
son of the late Rev. Gabriel Ludlow, D.D., of Reading-
ton. Dr. Ludlow was for a short time a student at Rut-
gers, but left that institution and studied medicine.
He was graduated at the University of Pennsylvania
in 1863. He practiced medicine at Neshanic for seven-
teen years. He was killed Dec. 5, 1879, at Neshanic,
Hillsborough township, this county, by a fall from
his carriage. His brother, Jacob R., once practiced
at Neshanic, but is now at Easton, Pa.*
Peter Vredenberg commenced the practice of
medicine between 1800 and 1804, in Readington, Hun-
terdon Co., residing on the lot lying between the roads
leading to Centreville and Stanton ; but a year later
he removed to Millstone, Somerset Co., thence, in
1807, to Parsippany. In 1810 he removed to Somer-
ville, where he had a long and successful practice,
and where he died at an advanced age, leaving three
sons and several daughters. His oldest son, Peter,
was one of the associate justices of the Supreme
Court of New Jersey.f Another son. Van Doren, was
sheriff of this county, but is now deceased. Still
another son. La Rue, is living, and is cashier of the
Somerset County Bank.
C. C. HoAGLAND, born near Griggstown, this county,
was graduated at Rutgers, studied medicine, and lo-
cated at Catskill, N. Y. ; in 1836 he removed to Read-
ington, Hunterdon Co., occupying the farm and resi-
dence formerly of Dr. Jacob Jennings. In 1840 he
removed to Harlingen, this county, but soon after
went West, to Henry, 111., where he gave up his pro-
fession and engaged in milling. He died there in
1870.t
Henry F. Salter practiced in Raritan for some
time prior to 1856. " He was well educated to his
profession, but did not succeed in gaining the affec-
tions of the people. His plan of treatment was prin-
cipally expectant, rest and time being the principal
remedies." He practiced in Hunterdon County be-
* Trans. Med. Soc. N. J., 1880, p. 121.
f Dr. Blane's Med. Hist.
604
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSET.
fore coming to Somerset. He was a surgeon in tlie
army during the Rebellion. In 1856 he went West,
and was lately residing at Montezuma, Iowa.*
Ctrtts Aendt, son of John and Ann Arndt, was
born in 1821, was a pupil of Dr. McLenahan, was
graduated in New York, and practiced in Somerset
County. He died Oct. 20, 1845.
EBBifEZEB. Sheewood moved to Peapack in 1844,
where for the nine following years he practiced med-
icine; he died and was buried there. He studied
with Drs. Smith and Scott of New Brunswick, and was
licensed in 1807. (See also a sketch in " Medical
Profession of Hunterdon Co.")
Isaac Ogden, born in 1764, graduated in 1784,
settled at Six-Mile Run, this county, where he en-
tered upon his profession, and married a daughter of
Peter Stoothof. He was a successful physician and a
most estimable and useful citizen. During the later
years of his life he gave up his medical practice al-
most entirely, residing at New Brunswick, N. J.,
where he died in 1829. (See a further account in the
chapter on the medical profession of Hunterdon
County, in another portion of this work.)
William P. Woodetjfp resided in the village of
Millstone, and practiced medicine for a short time
about 1830.t If this Dr. Woodruff was William Pat-
erson Woodruff, he practiced in Hunterdon County
from 1830 to 1837, then moved to Ohio, where he died
in 1851.t
Petee Ditmaes McKissack was the son of Wm.
D. McKissack, and was born at Millstone in 1824.
He graduated from the Medical Department of the
New York University in 1842, and practiced his pro-
fession in Millstone and vicinity from that time until
his death, March 18, 1872.
Heney G. Wagonee, of Somerville, is a son of
William Wagoner, of Stanton, Hunterdon Co., where
he was born Aug. 16, 1829. He read with Dr. John
Manners, of Clinton, and was graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania in the class of 1853. He
then went to Stanton, N. J., practicing there until
1859, when he removed to Somerville, where he has
since resided. Here his patronage grew rapidly and
extended largely, but the strain produced by his large
practice was too severe for his physical strength, and
in 1869 he associated with himself Dr. J. S. Knox.
The partnership existed until 1873, since which time
Dr. Wagoner has assumed the entire labor of his large
ride. He is a member of the County^ and State Med-
ical Societies, and ranks among the foremost of his
profession in this part of the State. He was married
in September, 1854, to Rachel L., daughter of Dr.
Philip R. Dakin. She died in 1876, and in August,
1878, he again married, his wife being Achsah Mott,
of Chicago.
* Dr. Blane^B Med. Hist. f Eev. Dr, E. T. Corwin.
X Dr. John Blaoe.
g He was a member of the District Medical Society of Hunterdon
Ckiunty, 1854-59.
Chauncey M. Field is the third son of Richard
R. Field, of Bound Brook, a prominent and represent-
ative citizen, and favorably known in the business
circles of the country in connection with the woolen
trade. The family annals in this country reach back
to 1638, when the original ancestor came from Eng-
land with Roger Williams and settled at Newport,
R. I. From that place he removed to Flushing, L. I.,
whence John Field passed into New Jersey at an
early day and located on a tract of one thousand and
fifty -iive acres lying between Bound Brook and New
Brunswick, along the Raritan River, in Piscataway
township, Middlesex Co. From that time the family
has been prominently identified with the growth and
development of that section of country. In 1774,
Michael Field was one of the delegates to the con-
vention at New Brunswick to consult regarding the
points of difference between Great Britain and the
colonies. Seven of the direct ancestors of Dr. Field
performed active service in the Revolutionary war,
one being a lieutenant in the First Regiment of Mid-
dlesex County, and another losing his life at the bat-
tle of Monmouth. Capt. Ten Eyck, his great-grand-
father, was connected with the First Battalion of
Somerset County during Revolutionary times, and
Maj. Miller, his maternal grandfather, served in that
second war of the Revolution, the war of 1812.
The representatives of the family have always been
plain, solid, substantial people, connected religiously
with the Presbyterian Church, and liberal supporters
of the various evangelical and philanthropic enter-
prises of the day. Michael Field left a legacy to the
Bound Brook Presbyterian Church for establishing a
free school in that place over eighty years ago. The
Massachusetts branch of the family has contributed
many able men to the country, and their influence is
felt in the counsels of the nation to-day.
Dr. Field was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 27,
1850, and was brought to New Jersey when six years
of age. Upon attaining sufficient age he attended the
academy at Clinton, N. J., and subsequently passed
to the excellent institution at Lawrenceville, N. J.,
taught by Rev. S. M. Hamill, whence he was grad-
uated with the first honor of his class in 1867. In the
fall of that year he entered the College of New Jer-
sey, at Princeton, and graduated in June, 1871, re-
ceiving the "Potts Bible prize." He at once com-
menced the study of medicine with T. M. Markoe,
professor of surgery in the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, New York, which institution he entered,
and in which he spent four years and a half, serving
at the same time as a substitute in the different hos-
pitals of New York City, and as a student of Dr. T.
Sabine in operative surgery. He located in practice
at Bound Brook, N. J., in 1875, where he remains in
active and successful practice. As a physician he
enjoys a large and lucrative practice, and is called
upon to treat a large number of patients from abroad,
besides monopolizing the private practice of the vil-
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
605
lage. For a young man lie lias already altained a
prominent place in his profession as a surgeon, and
has performed with success all the important opera-
tions in that branch of medical science, notable among
which is that upon the ligature of the subclavian
artery, one of the rarest and most difficult of surgical
operations. He is a regular contributor to the cur-
rent medical literature of the day, is a close student
of his profession, and while at Bermuda recently was
enabled, through the courtesy of the British officers
present, to carefully study the system of military hy-
giene and camp-life of the English army.
EoBEKT S. Smith was born at Flaggtown, Feb. 19,
1800, and was the son of Eev. William E. Smith, pas-
tor of the churches of Neshanic and Harlingen. He
studied medicine with Dr. Henry Van Derveer, of
Eoycefield, and Dr. Haaack, of New York, and re-
ceived his medical diploma from the New Jersey
State Medical Society, Dec. 13, 1820. He commenced
the practice of medicine at Bound Brook in 1820, and
there continued a practitioner for over fifty-three
years, until his death. He was president of the State
Medical Society in 1845. He died, after a brief illness
of four days and a half, Aug. 20, 1874. " No man
was ever more devoted to his profession or to the in-
terests of his patients than he."
Henry F. Van Debveer is a native of Hyde
Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he was born in
1828. He is the son of Eev. Ferdinand H. Van Der-
veer, D.D., who from 1842 to 1876 was pastor of the
Eeformed Dutch Church of Warwick, N. Y., and
whose ministerial labors extended through the long
period of fifty-three years. Dr. Van Derveer studied
medicine with Dr. Henry H. Van Derveer, of Somer-
ville, and began the practice of medicine at Eoycer
field, in this county, about 1850. He subsequently
located at Somerville, where he still resides and fol-
lows his profession. During the late Eebellion he
was assistant surgeon of the Fifth New Jersey Eegi-
ment Infantry Volunteers from Feb. 6, 1862, and regi-
mental surgeon from May 6, 1862, in the same com-
mand, serving until Sept. 7, 1864. His wife was a Miss
Mary Squier, daughter of Job Squier, a merchant of
Somerville. The doctor is an able and successful
physician, and ranks high in the profession. He is a
member of the District Medical Society of Somerset
County, and has for years (ever since the death of his
uncle, Dr. Henry H.) been its recording secretary ;
he has also served as its president, and is a member
of and a frequent delegate to the State Medical So-
ciety. '
Lewis H. Mosher became associated with Peter
D. McKissack in 1849, and continued in this relation
until 1865, when he removed to Montgomery town-
ship, where he yet continues to practice. He was
graduated from the New York University in 1847.
He had practiced at Griggstown before coming to
Millstone.
William E. Mattison was also an associate of
Dr. McKissack. He was born March 22, 1822, in
Steuben Co., N. Y., and was graduated from the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in
March, 1852. He had practiced in Morris County,
and was commissioned as assistant surgeon in the
army, for three years, on Aug. 20, 1862. He resigned
March 5, 1863. From 1863 to 1865 he practiced in
Somerville. In 1865 he removed to Millstone, where
he remained, practicing his profession, until 1873,
when he removed to New Brunswick.
David Clark Van Deursen became a physician
in Millstone in 1873, and still continues. He was
born in 1840, at New Brunswick, and was graduated
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1870.
He had practiced with Dr. Baldwin in New Bruns-
wick for more than a year, when he succeeded Dr.
Mattison.
Frederic C. Blackwell also resides in the vil-
lage of Millstone, but does not practice. He was
graduated from the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in 1845, and practiced at Kingston (living on
the Middlesex side of the road) for one year.
OTHER SOMERSET COUNTY PHYSICIANS.
John Eobbins practiced at Branchville from 1858
to 1869, when he was succeeded by Dr. Merrill.
Jacob W. Williamson and William Moore
practiced for a time at Earitan ; they were both na-
tives of Hunterdon County. Dr. Williamson, born
May 12, 1821, was a son of Abraham Williamson, of
the vicinage of Eingos, where Jacob practiced a short
time, then went to California, but soon returned and
located in Somerset County, as stated. His stay here
was brief, however, for, soon being taken sick, he re-
turned to Eingos, and died there Aug. 9, 1852. With
good abilities and fair prospects, his career was cut
short.
Henrt Smith was located at Neshanic. He com-
menced the practice of his profession there in 1852,
and was succeeded by Eichard Ludlow. Dr. Smith
was a native of New England. He went to Elizabeth,
N. J., where he kept a drug-store, but subsequently
removed to Eingos, Hunterdon Co., where he died.
George S. Dilts practiced at Earitan for some
time; also served as surgeon during the Eebellion.
He was a native of German Valley, and a brother
of Isaiah N. Dilts, the lawyer.
Charles H. Horton, at Martinsville, followed the
medical profession for some five or six years, as the
successor of Dr. Martin. About 1877 he removed to
Iowa, and was succeeded in practice by E. J. Bergen,
a student of Dr. Wagoner, who practiced there a year
or more, moved to Trenton, then to Jersey City, and
finally to Kansas.
William S. Pennington for a time practiced at
Somerville, removing thither from New Germantown,
where he located in 1862. From Somerville he re-
moved to Basking Eidge, where he is now practicing.
Dr. Bellange came from Hamilton Square to
606
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
East Millstone, and followed his profession for a year
or two, about 1861. He went thence into the army.
William C. Eibble succeeded Dr. Bellange, and
has continued as the physician of the location to the
present time.
Dr. Matnaed practiced medicine at Sis-Mile Eun
for several years after the death of Dr. Sohenck.
Heney Wilson practiced his profession in Somer-
ville some years ago. He was a son of Eev. Abram.
Wilson, of Fairview, 111. His wife was Ann Deyo,
of Somerset Co., N. J.*
James Stjydam Knox born July 26, 1840, grad-
uate of College of New Jersey, 1860, of Physicians
and Surgeons, New York City, 1866, City Hospital,
Brooklyn, 1868 practiced in Somerville from 1866 to
1873, when he removed to Chicago, where he is now
located, and is lecturer and clinical professor in Rush
Medical College.
NATIVES OF SOMERSET WHO PRACTICED ELSE-
WHERE.
Eugene Jobs, late of Springfield, Union Co.,
N. J., was born at Liberty Corner, Feb. 23, 1821 ; he
was the son of Nicholas C. and Margaret Jobs. He
died May 22, 1875.
Lot S. Pennington, now located in Whitesides
Co., 111., is a native of Somerset County, born in
1812 ; received his early education at the Somerville
Academy and at Basking Ridge ; he never practiced
medicine in this county, and moved west in 1836.
James M. Boisnot was born at Six-Mile Eun, in
Somerset County, July 20, 1826 ; was graduated from
the University of Pennsylvania, and settled in Phila-
delphia, where he became a lecturer on anatomy and
operative surgery. Among his notable cases was the
successful reduction by manipulation of a double
dislocation of the hip-joint, followed by a perfect
recovery.! During the civil war he was surgeon of
the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was
a member of the Northern Medical and of the Phil-
adelphia County Medical Societies. He died in
1880
William E. Hand was born in Somerset County,
and married Miss Annin, daughter of J. Annin, Esq.,
of Somerset. He practiced in Hunterdon County
until 1870, when he removed to Virginia, and died
there in 1871, aged seventy-five.
Feedbeick Gaston, son of William B., and
brother to Drs. Alexander and Joseph Gaston, of
Chester Co., Pa., located at Woodsville in 1846, but,
his health failing, he returned to Somerville, where
he died, aged about twenty-five. He was unmarried.
Israel L. Coeiell, who practiced for many years
in Hunterdon County, was a native of Somerset, and
was buried at the place of his nativity.
John F. Schenck, born at Neshanic, son of Dr.
Henry H. Schenck, commenced his practice at the
* Bergen's History of the Bergen Family,
f Am. Jour, of the Med. Sciences.
head of Raxitan River, in Somerset, afterwards re-
moving to Flemington. (See further account in. the
Hunterdon County medical chapter.)
Mereill W. Williams, although not a native of
this county, taught school in Eicefield, read with Dr.
Lawrence Van Derveer, married Miss Duryea, of
Millstone, and practiced a while at Somerville.
Jacob E. Hedges, born at Somerville, and son of
William J. Hedges, merchant, practiced principally
in Hunterdon County. (See chapter on medical pro-
fession of that county for sketch.)
William Dueyea, born in Somerset, son of Col.
H. B. Duryea, of Blawenburg, was graduated at
University of Pennsylvania in 1833, practiced in
Flemington, removed West, and died there.
John Alfred Gray was bom near Princeton in
1812, and practiced for a short time at Rocky Hill,
this county, but subsequently removed to Fleming-
ton, where he died in 1872. (See medical chapter of
Hunterdon County for a more extended sketch.)
CHAPTER VIIL
THE PBESS OF SOMEKSET COTJBTTT.
The Press of SomerviUe : The Messe^iger, The Ihiionist, and The Gazette
The Bound Brook Chronicle The Press of the Past: The Somerset
Whuj^ The Literary Gem, The Comet, The Somerset News, The Miiietone
Mirror, The Bound Brook Argus, Our Borne, The Sower, Flowers^ Family:
Magazine, etc.
THE SOMERSET MESSENGER.
The oldest paper now existing in the county dates
its origin from the Political Intelligencer, which James
E. Gore, a practical printer, started in Somerville
about the time the post-office was established and the
village recognized as of some local importance. The
first number of that paper was issued in October,.
1823 ; size, thirteen by twenty inches, five columns to
the page. The office was in a room over C. G. Tuni-
son's store, on the spot where the Somerset County
bank now stands. Shortly after the name was changed
to the Somerset Messenger and Political Intelligencer,
and before 1829 the latter title was dropped and the
present name given.
In 1826, Mr. Gore married and moved the office to
his residence, which, built by Judge Toms, and more
lately owned by Col. William Thompson, is now the
building occupied by the stores of James Gaston and
Mrs. E. R. Burner. The printing-office was there
about two and a half years, and was then removed to
the building now ownSd and resided in by David M.
Voorhees, Esq., opposite the court-house. For seven
years it continued here, during which time Thomas
Allison became associated with Gore, under the firm-
name of Gore & Allison. The paper was enlarged,
and about 1836 the office was again relocated, this
time in the house now occupied by Joseph McBride
and owned by Daniel Sanborn, nearly opposite Fritts'
hotel.
THE PRESS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
607
The death of Mr. Gore occurred Nov. 17, 1837.
Mr. Allison continued sole proprietor until 1851,
when he received the appointment from Governor
Fort of Secretary of State and removed to Trenton.
The purchaser of the paper was A. E. Donaldson,
who conducted it for eleven years. Nov. 11, 1862,
he assumed command of the Thirtieth Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers as colonel, and Orson Cone pur-
chased the Messenger. His name first appears in the
issue of Nov. 13, 1862. He died March 26, 1868,
leaving John F. Talmage acting editor. Sept. 3,
1868, he purchased, and Charles B. Honeyman be-
came assistant in 1869. Mr. Talmage was a bright,
shrewd business man and a ready writer, too much
of a business man to settle down at the slow desk of
a country newspaper office, and he sold out in less
than a year, June 3, 1869. Mr. G. E. Godley was the
next publisher, and Mr. Honeyman continued as local
editor.
On April 13, 1871, J. Eutsen Schenck, son of Dr.
John F. Schenck, of Flemington, assumed control.
He was born May 23, 1831, and at seventeen entered
the office of the Hunterdon Democrat. He subse-
quently founded the Woodstown Register, also a Demo-
cratic paper at Mattawan, and left it to enter the war
in the Twenty -ninth Regiment New Jersey Volun-
teers. He owned the Hunterdon Gazette, 1863-65, in
1867 founded the present Clinton Democrat, and in
1871, as above stated, purchased the Messenger.* 0. B.
Honeyman was his local editor a brief period, when
D. R. Rockafellar took his place for a year or two,
since which no other name has been upon the paper
but that of the editor and proprietor.
The Messenger came into its present hands March
30, 1876. Charles M. Jameson was, and is, the owner
and editor. He was born in York, Pa., in 1823, grad-
uated at Marshall College in 1849, and entered the
ministry in the German Reformed Church. For
twelve years he had charge of the Fiftieth Street
Reformed Dutch Church in New York City, and re-
signed in 1862. The next fourteen years he was a
farmer near Somerville, but since 1876 has paid chief
attention to the Messenger. He was secretary of the
State Senate two sessions, 1877-78.
The newspaper has never been other than strictly
Democratic, being the organ of that party in the
county from its first issue. No competitive paper of
the same politics has ever been printed in the county,
if we except the News, which was independent Demo-
cratic.
THE SOMERSET UNIONIST.
This newspaper succeeded both the Somerset Whig
and the Somerset County News, which were consoli-
dated March 5, 1863 ; Vol. I., No. 1, of the Unionist
bears the latter date. A stronger newspaper than the
* TJpon his leaving the MesBenger, Mr. Schenck founded the Ocean
Coimty Democrat at Tom's River, meeting with remarkable success. But
coneumplion seized him, and he died April 1, 1880, aged forty-nine.
Whig had been was needed at that time to advocate
the cause of the Union against the Rebellion, and the
name " Whig" was also of the past rather than of the
present or future. Col. A. D. Hope, S. W. Daven-
port, Culver Barcalow, and others were the main
spirits in bringing about a consolidation of the Whig
and News and in securing- a wide-awake editor and a
new publisher.
The outconie of the movement, which was carefully
studied, appeared upon the face of the first number,
when it announced that the publisher was Daniel
Porter and the editor Edward F. Stewart. Of Mr.
Porter we shall speak presently. Mr. Stewart was
then in the New York custom-house, but had some
leisure, and had concluded to remove his family to
Somerville in order to give his evenings to his new
service. He had been sought out for the position to
carry on a specific patriotic work, and he did it with
spirit and characteristic energy. The Unionist was
thus made a power on the Republican side during the
war.
Mr. Stewart continued editor until Jan. 25, 1866,
when he resigned and made his permanent home at
Easton, Pa., where he was selected to be bookkeeper
of the First National Bank of that place, a position
he still holds. Mr. Porter became editor from that
date, and continued as such and as proprietor until
his death, March 9, 1879. His son, Edward B. Porter,
succeeded him as publisher and Dr. Joseph H. Wil-
son as editor, and both now occupy these positions.
Daniel Porter was thus connected with the Unionist
as publisher for sixteen years, almost to the day, and
as editor for thirteen years, the longest period of
service of any newspaper publisher in the county.
He was born at Orange, N. J., April 15, JL836, and
was the son of a farmer. When about seventeen he
entered the office of the Newark Dailg Advertiser, and
learned the printer's trade. The time he spent there
he ever afterwards referred to as full of instruction
and interest, not merely because of the lessons learned
in so strict and careful an office, but because of the
meil of renown who gathered there to discuss the â–
management of this leading journal during the then
trying political times. In 1850 he became connected
with the Newark Mercury, and came direct from that
office to establish the Somerset Unionist. For a short
period during the war, while Elston Marsh was col-
lector of internal revenue for this district, Mr. Porter
was his assistant. In December, 1871, he received
the appointment of postmaster, a position he held
until his death. He was also at his decease secretary
of the County Sunday-School Association and presi-
dent of the New Jersey State Editorial Association,
by the members of which he was held in high esteem.
Mr. Porter's death was from Bright's disease, and
came only after a long illness, in which for many
months he was obliged to relinquish all business
cares and labor. Of his characteristics as a jour-
nalist the Somerset Gazette said after his death,
608
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
" As a journalist Mr. Porter was painstaking and exact ; not abrilliant
writer, but always up to the times in his news and conservative in his
comments. Politically he was a strong Kepuhlican, but it rarely led
him into severe words against his adversaries. Except when the strife
of party conflict ran high, the tone of his editorials was invariably mod-
erate. "
From the memorial tribute delivered at the annual
meeting of the County Sunday-School Association
next succeeding his death (Sept. 9, 1879) by Rev. P.
M. Doolittle, and entered in the minutes of the asso-
ciation, we make a brief extract :
dated Dec. 21, 1848 ; William M. Drake & Son were
proprietors. These gentlemen had no previous expe-
rience either as printers or as editors, if we rightly in-
terpret their "Salutatory;" nevertheless, they pub-
lished one of the most creditable village newspapers
in the State. Whether considered typographically or
in regard to the quantity of original and the quality
of selected matter, it was a handsome, praiseworthy
journal.
At the expiration of one year the publishers an-
DANIEL PORTER.
" He was eminently a just man in all the relations of life. His natural
probity and other virtues were seasoned with grace and developed into
a piety which was profound, devoted, and faithful. . . . Modesty was one
of his chief characteristics ; hence it was left for occasion to summon
forth his abilities, but the demand never failed to elicit such a response
as to prove hia claim to the title of Christian manhood. "
THE SOMERSET GAZETTE,
an eight-page Republican weekly, published every
Thursday afternoon in Association Hall, Somerville,
was originally the Plainfield Gazette, located at Plain-
field, over the Somerset County border-line. That was
then a village in Essex, but is now a city in Union
County. From a complete file of the first three years
of its existence (recently discovered and rescued from
oblivion) it is learned that the Gazette was a five-
column, four-page weekly, size twenty by twenty-six
inches, published on Thursdays, at one dollar per
year to mail subscribers, or one dollar and twenty-five
cents to those in the village. The first number is
nounced that the results "had more than realized
their highest expectations." But, unhappily, the
elder Drake was a skeptic in religious matters, and
delighted in controversy respecting the Scriptures.
This brought down some odium upon the Gazette, and
so, in 1851, the owners consented to a sale of the
paper. Excepting its skeptical articles, it must be
admitted that the Gazette, under the Drakes' super-
vision, was a strong newspaper against slavery and
monopoly ; in the latter cause a powerful opponent of
the arguments of Commodore Stockton and of his
Camden and Amboy enterprise. In politics it was in-
dependent, but tended towards Democratic principles,
save on the slavery question, an odd mixture of in-
dependence, certainly I
Mr. Uzal M. Osborn, who until recently has been
publisher of the Rahway Advocate and Times, was the
next proprietor. He conducted the Gazette from July
24, 1851, to Sept. 11, 1851, less than two months.
THE PEESS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
609
He proved unable, financially, to do justice to the
j ournal, and it went back into the hands of William
Drake (the junior of the first Drake firm), who con-
tinued its publication until October, 1852.
Enos W. Eunyon, Esq., of Plainfield, purchased
it at the latter date. He was then a lawyer with a
growing practice, but took hold of it with zest, partly
for the employment it would give his brother, Mr.
John C. Eunyon, and partly because of his literary
and controversial tastes. He was proprietor nearly
five years. As his brother went West in October,
1856,'^ he concluded to sell it, and iBnally transferred
it in April, 1857, to Mr. Luther Martin. While we
have not seen a copy of the Gazette as printed during
Judge Eunyon's administration, it is not likely he
made it less wide-awake or less indedependent than
it had previously been.
Mr. Martin* was publisher until July, 1859, when
he sold it to Mr. Charles J. Wilson, a resident of
Somerville. Mr. Wilson had learned his trade in New
York and with the iSomerset Whig,- he was therefore
a practical printer, and was possessed of some ability
as a writer, particularly in a humorous direction. He
changed the name of the paper to the Somerset and
Union Gazette, Union County having recently been
formed, and he desiring to extend its circulation more
into Somerset, but continued the publication-office
in Plainfield.
In March, 1864, the paper fell into the hands of
Mr. David K. Milliken, of Somerville, by whom it
was transferred to the latter place. Mr. Milliken
had been one of the publishers of the Somerset County
News and was a printer by trade. Whether he leased
the paper or purchased it was a controverted matter,
but Mr. Wilson, who declares it was leased, obtained
possession of it again in May, 1867. While Mr. Milli-
ken had it the words " Union and" were taken from
the title, and " Weekly" substituted ; so that it was
the Somerset Weekly Gazette. It was now made a six-
column paper, still neutral in politics, but with a
Democratic leaning. It was published on the south
side of Main Street, Somerville, in the building re-
moved recently for the erection of Mr. George V.
Tunison's store.
Mr. Wilson, in 1867, removed to the office attached
to his father's residence, " one door east of the court-
house," and continued its publication until sold to the
present owner. At some time during this last-named
period the word " Weekly" dropped from the title,
and " Somerset Gazette" thus stood alone.
The present owner, A. V. D. Honeyman, purchased
the office Jan. 1, 1876, and is still the publisher and
editor. He enlarged the paper to eight columns, size
twenty-eight by forty-two, in its first new issue, and
continued its independent course, although, being a
Eepublican, the Gazette in his hands necessarily had
Eepublican proclivities. It was also removed to its
* Enlisted In the war ; waa captain of Company D, Eleventh Begiment
New Jersey Volunteers, and was killed in action, May 27, 1862.
present commodious quarters in Association Hall.
In July, 1876, Mr. Honeyman associated with him
Mr. John E. Eowe, of the Newark Daily Advertiser,
a job -printer of originality and tried experience,
and the firm of Honeyman & Eowe existed until
Jan. 1, 1879, when it was dissolved by mutual con-
sent. To meet the increased job-work, after July
1876, steam-power, new presses, and new type were
added to the stock, and, with the accretions of
four years, the office is now better equipped than
any in Somerset or the adjoining counties, with a
single exception at New Brunswick.
In April, 1877, the form of the paper was changed
to a quarto of sixteen pages, pasted and trimmed,
the only paper of that shape in the State, and the
full present title was given. The Somerset Gazette.
From Nov. 1, 1877, to Jan. 17, 1878, it was issued as
a semi-weekly, of eight pages, with a view to antici-
pate the news of its contemporaries by one day, and
to be " abreast of the times." But its readers pre-
ferred a large paper once a week rather than a small
one twice, and the old sixteen-page form was soon re-
instated. That continued until July 1, 1880, when
the present eight-page form was adopted, size thirty
by forty-four inches, which is likely to be permanent.
From May, 1877, to December, 1877, it had a " Law
Supplement" of four pages, which afterwards devel-
oped into "The New Jersey Law Journal," a monthly
magazine still published at the same office. Since
October, 1878, The Gazette has been a thorough Ee-
publican newspaper, but treats with fairness the
views of opposite parties. In June, 1879, a series
of articles by its editor upon "The Frauds and Ex-
travagances of Somerset County Officials" (subse-
quently republished in pamphlet form as "Somerset
Gazette Extra No. 3") was begun and continued until
an official investigation was made, a publication
which has done much towards placing the paper in
public favor with the best citizens of both parties.
Besides " The New Jersey Law Journal," newspaper
publications have come from its office during the past
four or five years, and a number of books also. The
motto which flies at its masthead is : " With Charity
for all, with Malice toward none, with Firmness in
the Eight as God gives us to see the Eight."
THE BOUND BROOK CHKONICLB,
an independent paper, published every Wednesday,
is a four-page journal, size twenty-six by forty. It
is a continuation of The Family Casket (a sketch of
which appears under the head of " The Press of Hun-
terdon County"), located at White House. A. J.
Shampanore & Son are the proprietors and editors.
The stock and materials of the office also include
the type and fixtures of The Rock, a paper located at
Bound Brook, which became extinct after the Chron-
icle had established itself.
The Family Casket was removed to Bound Brook
Jan. 1, 1878, and soon after the name was changed to
610
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
the present title. It took a fearless stand on county
affairs in 1879, which materially increased its circula-
tion and influence. In 1880 it advocated the election
of the Republican candidates.
THE PRESS OF THE PAST.®
The Somerset Whig was established by Baldwin &
Hassey in 1834, the initial number being dated Tues-
day, August 12th. It was a five-column quarto, at
two dollars per annum, and (as its name indicates)
was an exponent of the principles of the Whig party.
In July, 1886, the partnership was dissolved, S. L. B.
Baldwin continuing as publisher until his death, Sun-
day, May 7, 1848. Mr. Baldwin was one of the
founders of the Whig, and was its editor and proprie-
tor for over thirteen years. June 7, 1848, the office
was sold by his administrators Nathaniel L. Bald-
win and Henry Cook to Allan N. Wilson, who
changed its time of publication to Wednesday, the
first number under his conduct being dated June 14,
1848 (Vol. XIV. No. 723). The office at this time
was opposite the court-house. Mr. Wilson continued
its publication until August, 1849, or later (possibly
until the spring of 1852). April 14, 1852, J. Hatfield
Frazee became editor and proprietor, commencing at
that date " New Series, No. 1." He was succeeded
April 1, 1858, by W. H. Van Doren. Exactly when
the paper passed from his management into the hands
of William D. Waterman we cannot say, but it was
some time between Dec. 31, 1858, and Jan. 12, 1860.
March 27, 1862 (or earlier), Daniel Taggart became
publisher, and continued its issue until March 5,
1863, when the offices of the Somerset Whig and the
Somerset News were consolidated and a new paper
started called the Somerset Unionist. The Whig, at
the time of its suspension, was a seven-column paper,
its subscription price being one dollar and a half.
The Literary Oem, printed by S. H. Baldwin at the
office of The Whig, is one of the earliest of " the lost
stars'' of journalism in Somerset. This candidate for
public favor first appeared Oct. 10, 1840, with Lewis
W. Payne & Co. as publishers (subsequently L. W.
Payne alone), but with no announcement concerning
the editor. The file of the first three months, in pos-
session of the writer, and another covering a month
about a year later, in possession of D. K. Milliken,
give no clue to the editor or contributors. But it is
no secret that John A. Todd (now Rev. John A. Todd,
D.D., of Tarrytown, N. Y., a learned divine in the
Reformed Church) was the editor. It was in his
school-days, prior to entering college, and his taste
for literature since then developed into a passion
which has given birth to translations from the litera-
ture of other languages and to extensive writings
was first cultivated in the columns of The Oem. In
company with him as a contributor was Paul D.
* This sketch of the newspapers and magazines which have existed in
Somerset, but have now the epitaph Ohiit upon their tombstones, is con-
tributed by A. v. D. Honeyman, of The'Gazette.
Van Cleef (now Rev. Dr. Van Cleef, of Jersey City)
and other of Mr. Todd's associates. When the Gem
ceased to be published is something we cannot defi-
nitely ascertain. The last copy of the files above re-
ferred to is dated Jan. 1, 1842, and it is not likely it
survived long after.
The Comet was the title of a very small paper, about
nine by twelve inches, issued for a few months at
North Branch, in 1855, by Thomas Bartow, now a
printer in New York City.
The Somerset County News was published from 1859
to 1863, at Somerville. The first number is dated Dec.
1, 1859 ; publishers, David K. Milliken and William
W. Young, under the firm-name of Milliken & Young.
It was published every Thursday, over the Somerset
County Bank ; size, twenty-two and one-half by thirty-
two inches, six columns ; terms, one dollar and fifty
cents per annum. It presented an attractive appear-
ance, the make-up and press-work being done with
care. In politics it was neutral, although it subse-
quently supported Douglas for President. It was
stated to be " Devoted to Morality, Education,
Amusements, Agriculture, Domestic and Foreign
News, etc., Independent of Party or Sect." The
motto was " Ecce Quercus," printed amid an oak-leaf
and acorns, but this was removed in a few weeks, and
Bound to no Master or Sect am I substituted.
Nov. 8, 1860, Mr. I. Luther, son of Bernard M. Pol-
hemus, Esq., of Somerville, purchased Mr. Young's
interest, and the firm was Milliken & Polhemus until
Jan. 3, 1861, when Mr. Polhemus published alone,
Mr. Milliken continuing as assistant editor. In May,
1862, Mr. E. G. Upson, who had been principal of the
Somerville public school, purchased it, Mr. Polhemus
desiring to enter the service of his country.f He
conducted it until March 5, 1863, when it was con-
solidated with the Somerset Whig by purchase, and
the new paper was called the Somerset Unionist, which
still exists. Throughout its whole career the News
was a newspaper with creditable appearance and con-
tents, though of limited circulation.
The Millstone Mirror helped give an impetus to
Millstone during the war. It was a four-page neutral
weekly, size twenty by thirty, six columns to the page,
published from about April 1, 1861, to March 24,
1864; John R. Hedden was publisher and editor;
terms, one dollar and fifty cents, in advance. The
limited means of the proprietor and the small amount
of patronage bestowed upon it by business men were,
as frankly stated in the valedictory, the reasons for
suspending it.
The Bound Brook Argus was the earliest newspaper
venture at Bound Brook. It was in existence about
six months in 1870, with Noah ClappJ as proprietor.
â– ]â– Enlisted as a private in Company I, Seventh Regiment New Jersey
Volunteers ; was promoted to corporal ; left the service from disease con-
tracted at the first Bull Eun battle ; was discharged Got. 29, 1862, al-
though the position of lieutenant was offered him; died in Somerville,
May, 1863.
X Mr. Clapp died in Jersey City in Fel ruary, 1881.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
611
We have been unable to procure a copy to give ftir-
tlier details. "•
Our Some, a local magazine of forty-eight pages,
issued monthly, was published in Somerville during
1873 by Cornell & Ho'neyman, and edited by A. V. D.
Honeyman, at present editor of the Somerset Gazette.
It presented an attractive typographical appearance,
and contained nothing but original articles. Only
the fact that it was not iinancially sustained caused
the cessation of its publication at the expiration of
its first year. Many of its articles were historical,
written by local clergymen and others, the field
embraced by them being Somerset and Hunterdon
Counties, within which its circulation (six hundred
copies) was confined. Many important data are
drawn from it in this present History. Its subscrip-
tion price was two dollars per annum, and it was
printed at the office of the Daily Advertiser, Newark.
The Christian Standard, a four-page monthly paper,
four columns to the page, size fifteen and a half by
twenty-two, was published by the Somerville Young
Men's Christian Association from August, 1876, to
July, 1877. It was edited by A. V. D. Honeyman
and William P. Flowers until May, 1877, and subse-
quently by S. S. Phillips. Its subscription price was
twenty -five cents ; circulation, two hundred and fifty
copies.
The Sower, a monthly paper, " devoted to Sabbath-
school interests and Bible study," first issued at Mount
Holly, N. J., by Eev. E. Randall Hoes, was published
by Honeyman & Eowe, at the Gazette office, from
July, 1877, to June, 1878. It was indorsed by, and
considered as the organ of, the New Jersey State
Sabbath-School Association. It was a three-column,
eight-page paper, size thirty-four by thirty-nine, the
paper being tinted; subscription price, twenty-five
cents per yeai;. It had contributions from some of
the most noted religious writers in the country. Its
editor was Eev. J. L. McNair, of Bedminster, for
several issues, then Rev. J. A. Davis, of Pottersville.
Of this paper six thousand copies were printed and
circulated monthly, but its genuine paid subscription
and advertising patronage were too meagre to sustain
its publication, and it was discontinued in June, 1878.
Flowers' Family Magazine, advertised as -"a con-
tinuation of ' Our Home,' " was begun January, 1878,
by William P. Flowers, of Somerville, but was re-
moved, at the close of its first year, to Trenton, N. J.,
and, 1881, to Philadelphia. It is similar in size and
shape to " Our Home," and contains fifty-two pages
monthly. It was printed at the Gazette office while in
Somerville, and consisted chiefly of original matter.
Circulation, about two thousand.
The Pastoral, a small quarterly newspaper, is pub-
lished by Eev. C. T. Anderson, pastor of the Reformed
Church at Peapack, as a church paper. Its first issue
was June, 1875. It is published semi-annually, size
eight and three-fourths by twelve inches, four pages,
two columns to a page, and is distributed gratuitously.
The Roch was first started at Dunellen and called
The Dunellen Roch in 1877, but removed to Bound
Brook in the fall of 1878. Its proprietor and editor
was Mr. Charles E. MaoGeachy, once a humorist
writer upon the Danbury News, It was an eight-page
paper, and during its last two or three publications
a sixteen-page folio. It caricatured prominent men
in the county, and represented them in cartoons
sketched by special artists. It was for a brief time
the most widely circulated paper in Central New
Jersey, but it became extinct in February, 1879.
CHAPTER IX.
BOOKS AWD AUTHOKS OF SOMEKSBT
COTJUTZ.*
Introductory The Authors of Somerset County, Dead and Living,
arranged alphabetically, with Biographical Data and Lists of their
Publications.
No general history of a country would be half
written without attention to its literature ; and neither
can a State or a county be justly portrayed in either
its past or its present condition unless the heart-beat
of the Press ^using that term in its widest sense be
registered, and its strength or weakness calculated.
Accordingly, the chapter upon the Press, to include
the newspapers of the county, is now followed by one
upon the many books, pamphlets, and various histori-
cal and other contributions to current literature which
have emanated from Somerset County men, with the
names and data concerning their authors.
As a matter of fact, no county in the State or in
the Union, of equal size and population has pro-
duced more men and women who have been given to
publishing their thoughts on the printed page than
the county of Somerset. Ex-Governor Vroom long
agof pointed out the usually admitted truth that no
county in New Jersey had given more men to fame as
orators and statesmen than the one of his birth ; and
when he instanced Stockton, Bayard, Berrien, South-
ard, Dayton, Blackford, and Frelinghuysen, all pres-
ent knew he had but touched upon a list of names
which widened far outside the profession of the bar.
All these men were famous lawyers, but all were au-
thors also, although in a restricted sense ; and when
we add to them as writers such well-known and
highly-cherished names as Witherspoon, Paterson,
Griffith, Finley, Brownlee, McDowell, Porter, Black-
well, Cone, Fish, Chambers, Talmage, Corwin, and
such as they, all famous and some known to the
whole world, Somerset's intellectual sons and daugh-
ters stand forth, not singly, but in serried ranks.
This noble valley of the Raritan, so fertile in its
* By A. V. D. Honeyman, Esq.
t At a farewell dinner to Hon. Wm. L. Dayton, at Trenton, 1861. (Sea
sketch of latter, at its dose.)
612
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEESET.
soil and attractive in its climate, drew to itself a hun-
dred and fifty years ago not only the best agricultu-
rists of Holland and Scotland, but some of the best
brains of those two intellectual nations ; and from
these two early peoples, which settled respectively its
southern and northern portions, now intermarried and
with blood intermingled, have sprung descendants
who have imparted strength and vigor to the thought
and culture of the passing century. There will be
found some grand old Scotch names in the list of au-
thors below, and yet the Hollandish names predomi-
nate, because the deep-thinking Dutch composed
three-fourths of our early population.
An analysis of the list so far as one can be made •
in which the total number of newspaper and maga-
zine contributions is but roughly estimated from the
imperfect data given reveals the following facts :
Whole number of Somerset authors 144
Clergymen 80
Lawyers 27
Physiciang 6
Teachers 8
Miscellaneous occupatious 23
144
Men 134
"Women 10
144
Authors living 89
Authors deceased 55
144
Number of books published 179
Number of pamplete published 479
Number of leading articles published in news-
papers and magazines, law opinions, state
papers, etc. (loweat estimate) 21,251'
A total of. 21,909
That the list is complete as to either the authors or
their publications is not professed ; in the nature of
things, it cannot be. Some names of newspaper edi-
tors, and all names of mere reporters, have been
omitted, although they may have writing for the
press for years, because some line of demarcation
between writers of things solely ephemeral, and series
of articles or contributions of a more permanent
nature, was necessary. The compiler would be pleased
to have information concerning any errors of what-
soever nature, that they may be corrected on a future
occasion.
Andeeson, Rev. Chaeles Thompson. Born
Sept. 26, 1849, in Wayne Co., Pa. ; removed to Som-
erset Co., 1853; grad. Princeton, 1869, and seminary,
1873. Pastorates: Port Kennedy, Pa. (Pres.), 1873-
74; Peapack, Somerset Co. (Ref.), June, 1874, to
present time. Publications :
1. All Things pertaining to Life,"" illustrating 2 Peter i. 5, 6, 7, Lippin- "
cott & Co., 12mo, pp. 126, 1879.
2. Sermon in Somerset Gazette, July, 1876.
3. " Thoughts on the Goodness of God," and " The Source of National
Greatness," two articles in " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
4. Other occasional contributions to the press.
5. " The Pastoral," a semi-annual, in four pages, June, 1875, to present.
Apgae, Austin Craig. Born Aug. 4, 1838, at
Peapack, Somerset Co. ; res. Peapack, 1838-62 ; Har-
lingen, 1862-64; Trenton, 1866 to present; teacher
of Nat. Sci. in N. J. State Norm. School. Publica-
tions :
1. Works jointly edited with brother (see below, Apgae, Elxjs A.),
1864-74.
2. Contributions to the press. (Total, about 50.)
Apgae, Ellis Ayees, A.M. Born at Peapack,
March 20, 1836; State Supt. Public Instruction, 1866
to present ; res. Trenton ; real author of Free School
System in New Jersey in its present details ; indus-
trious worker and excellent organizer.* Publications
(first seven are joint works with his brother, Austin
C. Apgar) :
1. " Apgar's Physical Chart," Cowperthwait & Co., Phila., 12mo, 1865 ;
new ed., 1871.
2. " Apgar's Political Chart," same pub., 1865.
3. *' Apgar's Map-Drawing," same pub., 4to, 1866.
4. â– ' Apgar's History of New Jersey," Lippincott & Co., Phila., 12mo,
1870
5. "Apgar's System of Map-Drawing," Cowperthwait & Co., 1873.
6. " Apgar's Plant Analysis," Ivison, B., T., & Co., N. T., 4to, 1874.
7. " Apgar's Special Geography of New Jersey," Cowperthwait & Co.,
1876
8. Annual Keports as State Supt., 15 in number, pp. about 50, 1866-81.
9. Miscellaneous contributions to press of the State. (Total, over 200.)
Bayaed, Samuel. Born Jan. 11, 1762, in Phila. ;
grad. Coll. of N. J., 1784 ; licensed attorney in PhUa. ;
clerk U. S. Sup. Court, 1791-1800 ; agt. U. S. Gov.
in London, 1800; judge, Westchester Co., N. Y.,
member of Congress from N. Y., res. of Prince-
ton, Somerset Co., 1806-40; member council for
Somerset; judge Common Pleas, Somerset; died
May 12, 1840. Publications (incomplete list) :
1. "On Bill respecting Courts of the U. S." Speech in Congress, 1802.
2. " Abstract of the Laws of the United States," 1804.
3. Speech in Congress, pamphlet, 1809.
4. "Peake's Evidence, with Notes," 8vo, 1818.
6. " Address in Pres. ch., Princeton, in behalf of Close Observance of
the Lord's Day," 1828.
6. " Letters on Sacraments," 18mo, 2d ed., Martien, Phila., 1834.
7. Many letters to the religious press.
Bayard, Samuel John. Born Sept. 26, 1801, at
New Rochelle, N. Y. ; res. at Princeton, Somerset
Co., 1806-27 ; grad. Coll. of N. J., 182t) ; licensed at-
torney, 1823 ; res. in Cincinnati, O., 1827-33 ; Seneca
Falls, N. Y., 1833^9 (judge of County Court, 1836-
40) ; Morristown, 1852-54; Camden, 1854-56; Wood-
bury, 1856-64; Camden, 1864-78; died Oct. 7, 1878.
A hard worker all his life, of genuine literary talent,
restrained, perhaps, in its fullest development by his
devotion to the political press. Publications (incom-
plete list) :
1. Editorial arts, in Princeton Patriot, 1826-27.
2. Editorial arts, in Cincinnati Inquirer, Obio, 1830 (?)-33.
3. Biography of Gen. Harrison, 1840.
4. Campaign songs for Greeley's Log Cktbin.
5. Editorial arts, in Keio Yorh Globe.
6. " A Sketch of the Life of Com. E. H. Stockton," with Appendix of
his Correspondence, Speeches, etc., 8vo, pp. 340, Derby & Jackson, N. T.,
1856. (Only full biography of the Commodore ever written.)
7. " Memoir of Gen. Geo. D. Bayard," 12mo, pp. 300, 1873.
8. Hundreds of other arts, for the press.
Beeeien, John Macpheeson, LL.D. Born Aug.
23, 1781, at Rocky Hill, Somerset Co.f Publications
='' See " Prominent men of Somerset County," chap, xi., on following
pages,
t See ibid.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
613
(probably very numerous, but none have come under
compiler's notice except) :
1. Speeches in OongresB at TariouB dates.
2. State papers as attorney-general.
3. Legal briefs and a few opinions.
4. Letters concerning Henry Kollock and Joseph Clay in "Sprague's
AnnEhls."
Blackfoed, Isaac, LL.D. Born 1786, at Bound
Brook ; grad. Coll. of N. J., 1806 ; judge of Supreme
Court, 111., 1817-53 ; of U. S. Court of Claims, Wash-
ington, 1853-59; died 1859. Degree in 1851. A man
of marked eminence and unquestioned legal ability,
as his positions, so long continued, proved. Publica-
tions (imperfect list) :
1. Indiana State Eeports in Sup. Court, 1818-4'7, 8vo, Indianapolis.
2. Hundreds of decisions in Indiana Sup. Court and U. S. Court of
Claims.
Bi^CKWELL, Rev. Antootette Beovtn, A.M.
Born May 20, 1825, in Henrietta, N. Y. ; pastor Cong.
Church at South Butler, N. Y. ; res. Somerville,
Somerset Co., April, 1868, to present. A lady of
strong intellect ; a profound thinker and logician ;
one of those who, equally with strong-minded men,
would " fitly constitute a state." Publications :
1. " Exegesis of St. Paul's Teaching Concerning Homer," in Oberlin
Quarterly Review, 1848.
2. " Studies in General Science," 12mo, pp. 400, G. P. Putnam, 1869.
3. " The Market- Woman," serial story in TTomdrt'd Advocate^ iSby.
4. " The Island Neighbors," 12mo, pp. 300, Harper & Bros., 1871.
5. " The Sexes Throughout Nature," 12mo, pp. 400, G. P. Putnam,
1874
6. " Physical Basis of Immortality," 12mo, pp. 324, Putnam, 1876.
7. Six Papers on various phases of the Woman Question, published by
the "Association for the Advancement of Women," 1873-78.
8. About 200 other contributions to the TFoman'a Journal^ Tribune^ and
other newspapers, magazines, and annuals of the country.
Blackwell, Samuel Charles.* Bom Nov. 3,
1823, at Bristol, Eng. ; came to America 1832 ; resi-
dences, Cincinnati, New York, Somerville, 1868 to
present. A precise writer and acute thinker whose
pen has produced no books, but many scores of influ-
ential contributions upon themes fitted to the times.
Publications :
Articles on Anti-Slavery, Temperance, Education, Ohio's Provision for
her Insane, Free Territories, National Union, Southern Eeconstruction,
Woman's Educational, Industrial, and Political Interests, Finance, Lit-
erature, and Religion (including prose and poetry), to the Cincinnati
Gazelie, Chronicle, Times, Enquirer, and Berald, Washington National Era,
New Tork Tribune, Woman's Advocate, Woman's Journal, Somerset Oazelte
and Tfnionist, etc. (Total number, about 600.)
Blatjvelt, Rev. Isaac Alstyne. Born March
31, 1839, at Lamington, Somerset Co. ; res. Somerset
until 1860 ; grad. Coll. of N. J., 1857, and seminary,
1860. Pastorates : New Egypt (not installed), Clin-
ton, German Valley, Roselle. Publications :
1. "Historical Sketch of German Ref. and Pres. Churches of German
Valley," pp. 66, April 28, 1870.
2. "Historical Sketch of ainton Pres. Church," semi-centenary ad-
dress, Sept. 14, 1880.
3. Articles in The Presbyterian, etc.
Blauvelt, Rev. William Warren, D.D. Born
June 23, 1800, in New Brunswick; grad. Rutgers, 1814;
teacher in Northampton Co., Va. ; missionary in Del-
aware Co., N. Y, ; teacher in Finley's school. Basking
Ridge, etc. Pastorate at Lamington, Somerset Co.,
July 11, 1826, to present. Degree from Univ. of N.Y.,
1855 (?). Publications :
1. " Recollections of an Aged Minister," autobiographical, three arti-
cles in " Our Home," 1873 (unfinished).
2. " Our Older Churches Lamington," in same.
3. Historical Address at Semi-Centennial Anniversary, pp. 6, July,
1876
BoisNOT, James Monroe, M.D. Born July 20,
1836, in Franklin tp., Somerset Co. ; grad. Trenton
Academy, 1856, and Univ. of Pa., March, 1858 ; res. in
Philadelphia from 1858 to 1879 ; died Oct. 30, 1879.
A man who stood out prominently from among his
fellows in literary culture, as well as in the practice of
medicine and surgery. Publications (incomplete
list) :
1. Paper on "The Reduction by Manipulation of a Double Dislocation
of the Hip-joint," in Amer. Jour, of Med. Sci,, 1864.
2. Same on " A Case of Purpura Haemorrhagica requiring Trans-
fusion," Med, Times, March 13, 1875.
3. " Come unto Me" and " An Easter Anthem," two poems set to
music.
4. Many other medical and surgical papers, and some general contri-
butions for the press.
BoswELL, Rev. James T. Methodist Episcopal
clergyman at Bound Brook, 1876-79.t Publications :
1. "Religious Influence of our National History." Centennial ser-
mon in Somerset Gazette, 1876.
2. Editorial contributions to The Methodist,
3. Contributions to the press, religious and secular.
Brown, George Houston. Born 1810 in Bed-
minster tp., Somerset Co. ; grad. Princeton, 1828 ;
licensed attorney, 1835 ; counselor, 1838 ; res. Somer-
ville, 1838-65 ; State senator, 1845-48 ; member Con-
gress, 1850-52; justice Sup. Court, 1861-65; died
Aug. 1, 1865. Publications (incomplete list) :
1. Editorials in Slate Gazette, 1860.
2. Opinions as Justice of Sup. Court in 5 Ihttcher's, 1, 2 Vroom's Law
Reports, and 1, 2 C, E. Greens Equity Reports,
Brown, Rev. Isaac Van Aesdale, D.D., LL.D.
Born 1784 at Pluckamin, Somerset Co. J Publica-
tions (list imperfect) :
1. " New Jersey Preacher," edited by Rev. I. V. Brown and Rev. G. S.
Woodhnll. 1 vol., pp. 464, New Brunswick, 1813.
2. " Biography of Robert Finley, D.D.," 12mo, New Brunswick, 1819.
The only memoir of that celebrated man. Republication, with "Early
History of the Slave Trade," by John W. Moore, Phila., 1857, pp. 336.
3. " Old School Presbyterianism Defended," pp. 336, W. S. & A. Mar-
tien, Phila., 1866. Containing six able letters signed " A Member of New
Brunswick Presbytery," and widely circulated in the Southern States.
4. Various letters to the press from time to time.
Beownlee, Rev. William Ceaig, D.D. Born
in Tarfoot, Scotland, 1783 ; grad. Univ. of Glasgow,
1806 (?), and licensed by Presbytery of Stirling, Scot-
land, 1808. Pastorates in America : Mount Pleasant
and Burgesstown, Pa. (Assoc. Ref), 1808-13 ; Walnut
Street, Phila. (Assoc. Scotch), 1813-16; Basking
'* Husband of the preceding.
f The absence of Mr. and Mra. Boswell in Europe has prevented thfr
procurement of dates or a full statement of publications.
} See Chapter XI.
€14
SOMEESBT COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Ridge, Somerset Co., N. J. (Pres.), 1819-25; rector
of academy, New Brunswick, 1815-17 ; professor of
languages in Rutgers, 1825-26 ; pastor Collegiate
CKurch, N. Y. City, 1826^3 ; died Feb. 10, 1860.
" In the Greek and Roman classics and in belles-lettres
Ms acquirements were accurate and elegant ; in gen-
eral history and literature, very extensive, Publi- "
cations :
1. " Fearful State of Fr. Spira, an Apostate," 1814.
2. " Inquiry into the Principles of the Quakers," 1824.
3. " A Dissertation on the Nature, Obligations, and Form of the Civil
Oath," 1825. ^
4. " The Gospel of Christ," farewell sermon at Baaking Bidge, 1825.
5. " On the Loftiest and Most Important Branch of all Scieuces," ora-
tion before societies of Rutgers, 1827.
6. "On the Death of Dr. S. H. "Woodhull," a sermon.
7. "On the Objections Commonly urged Against the Bible," Premium
Tract, Am. Tract Soc, No. 227.
8. " Genuineness and Authenticity of the Bible, and the Madness of
Infidelity," sermon, National Preacher^ October, 1835.
9. " The Koman Catholic Controversy," 1834.
10. Letter on Tlieo. Dwight's Book, " Open Convents," 1836.
11. " Earnest Appeal to Christians," 1836.
12. " Lights and Shadows of Christian Life," 1837.
13. " The Christian Father at Home," 1837.
14. " Doctrinal Decrees and Canons of the Council of Trent," 1838.
15. '* Cliristian Youth's Book," 1839.
16. " The Converted Murderer," 1839.
17. " History of Western Apostolic Churches," 1839.
18. " The Whigs of Scotland," 2 vols., a romance, 1839.
19. " Popery an Enemy to Civil and Religious Liberty" (4th ed.),
1839
20. " The Deity of Christ," 1841.
21. " Letters on Christian Baptism," 1841.
22. "Romanism in the Light of Prophecy and History," 1854.
23. " St. Patrick ; or, The Ancient Religion of tbe Irish."
24. Introduction to " Maria Monk."
25. Essays on Didactic and Controversial Theology.
26. " On Baptism."
27. Various sermons and articles in " Magazine of Ref. Dutch Church,*'
â– VPhile editor, 1826-30.
28. "The General's Widow," Tract No. 287, pp. 28.
Burt, Rev. Enoch. Born in New England ;
watchmaker at Princeton ; Pres. clergyman. Pas-
torates : Lamington, Somerset Co., 1809-13; Man-
chester, Conn., 18 37; died at Manchester, Jan.
1837. Publications:
1. Sermon from Phil. iii. 8, in New Jersey Preacher^ 1813.
2. Sermon from Luke xv. 7, in same.
Cannon, Rey. James Spencer, D.D. Born in
island of Curacoa, 1766 ; licensed to preach in Ref.
Dutch Church, 1796 ; pastor at Six-Mile Run, 1796-
1826, portion of this time at Millstone also ; Prof.
Eccl. Hist., Metaphysics, etc., in Rutgers, 1818-19,
1826-52; died 1852. Degree by Rutgers, 1811. A
studious, diligent man, oracular, of great memory,
and a pattern of systematic work. Publications :
1. "Fourth of July Oration," 1815.
2. "Lectures on History and Chronology," 1834.
3. "Rev. Ira Condit," in " Sprague's Annals."
4. " Sermon on a Sacramental Occasion."
5. " Address to Hon. Theo. Frelinghuyson as Pres.-elect of Rutgers,"
1850, in New Brunsimck Review.
6. " Lectures on Pastoral Theology," 8vo, pp. 617, Scrihner & Co.,N.T.,
1853 (posthumous).
Chambers, Rev. Talbot Wilson, D.D. Born
Eeb. 25, 1819, at Carlisle, Pa. ; grad. Rutgers, 1884;
New Brunswick Seminary and Princeton Seminary,
1837. Pastorates in Ref. Dutch Church : Somerville,
N. J., 1839-49; New York Collegiate Church, 1849
to present. Degree by Columbia, 1853. One of the
best scholars and clearest-headed thinkers in the Ref.
Church in America. Publications :
1. "The Importance of City Missions," 1850.
2. " The Happiness of the Pious," Nat. Preacher^ 1852.
3. " The Duty Due to Deceased Pastors," discourse at funeral of Rot.
George Schenck, 1852.
4. Art. on Rev. G. Schenck, in " Sprague's Annals.'*
5. " Gunn's Life of Livingston," new ed., with new matter, 1856.
6. Preface to tract, "The Gospel the only True Reformer," 1856.
7. " The Noon Prayer-Meeting in Fulton Street," 1868, in "Princeton
Review," xxxi. 157.
8. "Translation of Minutes of Coetus and Conferentie," 1859.
9. "Memoir of the Life and Character of Hon. Theodore Freling-
buysen, LL.D.," N.T., pp. 289, 1863.
10. " Economy a Christian Duty," in Nat. Preacher, 1865.
11. " Defense of the Old and Rightful Name of the Ref. Prot. Dutch
Church," 1867.
12. " Objections to Sunday-Schools," N, Y. S. S. Inst., 1868.
13. " Discourse at the Centennial Anniversary of the North Dutch
Church," 1869.
14. " Reminiscences of Dr. Alexander McClelland," series of 14 articles
in Christian Intelligencer y 1872.
15. Exposition of International Series of S. S. Lessons in GJiriaHan Jn-
telligencer, 1873.
16. " John Knox, the Reformer," in McClintock and Strong's " Cyclo-
psedia," vol. v., 1873.
17. " Exposition of the Book of Zecharlah," in " Lange's Commentary,"
1874
18. SchmoUer's Exposition of Amos, translated and enlarged, in
Lange's Commentary, 1874.
19. " Palestine and the East," 28 articles in Chriatian Intelligencer,
1874-75.
20. " Recalling the Past," sermon on twentieth anniversary of church
Fifth Ave. and 29th St., 1874.
21. " The Guileless Israelite : a Sermon in Commemoration of Rev.
Thomas De Witt," 1875.
22. " The Influence of the Ref. Dutch Church in Preserving Soundness
of Doctrine," sermon in " Centennial Discourses," 1876.
23. " The Psalter a Witness to the Divine Origin of the Bible," Tedder
Lectures, N. T., 1876.
24. " The Psalter a Witness to the Divine Origin of the Bible," 1876.
25. Translation of Ordinary Papers of Rev, J. P. Boehme in Mercers-
burg Review, 1876.
26. " Is Man Depraved ?" in " North American Review," 1878.
27. The Writings of Solomon, in "Family Treasury," 1873.
28. "The Bible an English Classic," in volume of essays on "Bible
Revision," 1879.
29. " The Review of a Generation," 8vo, pp. 32, 1879.
30. "The Truly Good Man," in memory of Rev. M. S. Hutton, D.D^
8vo, pp. 24, 1880.
31. Descriptive Letter-Press of " Dore's Bible Gallery," 4to, Cassell,
Petten, Galpin & Co., 1880.
32. "The Coming of the Lord," in " Ref. Ch. Quarterly," January, 1880.
33. "The Theory of Kuenen," Presbyterian Review, April, 1880.
34. " The States' Bible in Holland," " Ref. Ch' Quarterly," July, 1880.
35. Critical Notes on S. S. Lessons, in S. S. Times, July to December,
1880
36. Various other articles in Cli. Intelligencer, N. T. Observer, Ch. al Work,
Independent, Methodist, Sower, S. S. Times, 8. 8. World, Christian Union, etc.
(Total, many hundreds.)
Clakk, Rev. George Whitefield, D.D. Born
Feb. 15, 1831, at South Orange, N. J. ; grad. Amherst,
1853, and Rochester Theo. Seminary, 1855. Pastor-
ates in Baptist Churches: New Market, 1855-59;
Elizabeth, 1859-68; Ballston, N. Y., 1868-73; Som-
erville, 1873-77. Resigned charge 1877, and removed
to Hightstown, 1881. Gen. Colporteur and Coll. Agent
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
615
of Am. Bap. Pub. Soc. for New Jersey, 1880. Degree
from Rochester Univ., 1872. A painstaking scholar,
accurate and copious; prostrated for several years
from hard and faithful work upon his " Notes upon
the Gospels." Publications :
1. " History of First Baptist Church, Elizabeth, N. J.," pp. 46, 1863.
2. " New Harmony of the Gospels in English," 12mo, pp. iJ77, Sheldon
& Co., 1870.
3. " Notes on the Gospel of Matthew," 12mo, pp. 420, Sheldon & Co.,
1870
4. Ditto, on " Mark," pp. 394, Bible and Pub. Soc, Phila., 1873.
6. Ditto, on "Luke," pp. 504, 1876.
6. Ditto, on " John," pp. 336.*
7. Minutes of N. J. Baptist Assn.for five years.
5. Articles on " Armenians of Turkey" and " The Bighteous Dead be-
tween Death and the Kcsurrection," in Christian Review.
9. Articles on " The Sin against the Holy Ghost," and " The Curriculum
of Sunday-.BChodl Study," in " Baptist Quarterly."
10. Several hundrednu5cellaneQusarticlea,inJ12ic/ii^a7i ChnslianMeroXd^
Some Evangelic Watchman and Refiector, Naiwynal Ba^ptUi^ Richmond JETer-
ald^ Somerset Gazette^ etc., and several sermons.
Cole, Eev. David, D.D. Born Spring Valley,
N. Y., 1822; grad. Rutgers, 1842. Pastorates in
Eef. Church : East Millstone, Somerset Co., 1858-63 ;
Yonkers, 1865 to present time. Prof, of Greek, Rut-
gers, 1863-66. Degree by Franklin and Marshall,
] 865. Publications :
1. *' Manual of English Grammar," 1848.
2. " Classical Education," 1854, in " Barnard's Am. Jour. Ed.," vol. i. 67.
3. " Aims of the State Normal School of N. J.," 1857, in " Barnard's
Am. Jour. Ed.," vol. v.
4. " The Principles of English Grammar Applied," 1862.
5. Many editorials in N. T. Teacher^ 1855-56.
6. Decennial Discourse at East Millstone, 1865.
7. " Thanksgiving Diacoui-se," 1866.
8. Hist. Address at Yonkers, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of that
church, pp. 109, 1868.
9. " Offerings to the Lord," annual sermon on Benevolence before Gen.
Syn., 1874.
10. " Isaac Cole and Cath. Sei-ven ; or. The Genealogy of an Extensive
Branch of the Colo Family, 1633-1876," pp. 269, 1876.
11. " Our American Republic the Child of Special Providence," 1876.
12. Many contributions to the press from 1845 to the present.
Cone, Rev. Spencer Houghton, D.D. Born
April 30, 1785, near Princeton, Somerset Co.f One
of the great Baptist preachers of the country, whose
pen and tongue were always oil fire with the work of
the Church. Publications (imperfect list) :
1. Address at First Anniversary of Amer. and For. Bible Society, 1838.
2. History of the First Baptist Church, New Tork, Nea York OhronicU,
1850
3. "The Bible: its ExceUenoe" (joint with W. H. WyckofT).
4. " The Bible Translated," tract (joint with W. H. Wyckoff), 1850.
5. Addresses before the Bible Union, 1850-65.
â– 6. A corrected version of the English New Testament (also joint).
7. Edited Jones' " Church History."
Cornell, Rev. William, D.D. Born June, 1884,
in Seneca Co., N. Y. ; grad. Rutgers, 1859, New Bruns-
wick Seminary, 1862. Pastorates in Ref Church : Min-
isink, 1862-68; Woodstown, 1864r-68. Teacher at
Freehold, 1863; Somerville, 1868-76, where he
founded the " Somerset Classical Institute," for both
sexes. Died Sept. 11, 1876. Degree from Rutgers,
•* Thefour above works, all now published by Am. Bap. Pub. Soc, Phila.,
. are of the greatest value to Sunday-school teachers,
t Sea Chapter XI.
1873. A thorough teacher and a good preacher, but
wrote little except sermons. Publications :
1. " On Thanksgiving," sermon at Freehold, Aug. 6, 1863.
2. Occasional contributions to the press, including a few poems.
CoRwiN, Rev. Edward Tanjore, D.D. Born in
New York City, July 12, 1834; grad. Coll. of City
of N. Y., 1853 ; New Brunswick Seminary, 1856. Pas-
torates in Ref. Church : Paramus, 1857-63 ; Millstone,
Somerset Co., 1863 to present. Degree by Rutgers,
1872. A severe student and constant writer, with
special tastes for historical gleanings. Publications :
1. " Manual and Record of Church at Paramus," 1858 ; 2d ed., 1859.
2. " Manual of Ref. Prot. Dutch Church in North America," pp. 166,
1859; 2d ed., pp. 400, 1869 ; 3d ed., pp. 676, 1879.
3. " Millstone Centennial," historical discourse, large 12mo, pp. 113,
1866
4. " Corwin Genealogy," 8vo, pp. 315, 1872.
5. " Character and Development of the Ref. Oh. in the Colonial Pe-
riod," in " Centennial Discourses," 1876.
6. " Farewell Sermon at Paranlus," 1863.
7. " Sermon on Death of President Lincoln," in " Lincolniana," 1865.
8. Article, " Education in Ref. Church," in " Cyclopaedia of Education,"
1877
9
10
11
12,
Index to " Centennial Discourses," 2d ed., pp. 30.
Exposition of Sunday-school Lessons in Christian InteUigencer, 1880.
Franklin and Hillsborough Township Histories, in this volume,
other occasional contributions to the press.
Craig, Rev. Austin, D.D. Born at Peapack, Som-
erset Co., 1824 ; grad. Lafayette, 1841-43 ; preacher
from 1843 ; located at Feltville, N. J., 1848 ; Irving-
ton, 1849; Feltville, 1850-51; Blooming Grove, N.
Y., 1851-57 ; at Antioch Coll. as preacher and teacher,
1857-68 ; Blooming Grove, 1858-65 ; prof in Antioch,
1865-68 ; New Bedford, 1868-69 ; Pres. Christian Bib.
Institute, Eddytown, N. Y., 1869-72 ; same, removed
to Stanfordville, 1872 to present. Degree from An-
tioch, 1857. Publications :
1. " The Chxirch the Medium of the Divine Influence upon the World,**
sermon, Albany, Jasper Hazen, 1847.
2. " My Fourth Occasional Tract," N. Y., John Westall, 1849.
3. " Unity and Faith of the Christian Church," sermon. New Tork,
David Felt & Co., 1850.
4. " Getting Religion : My Sixth Occaaiona Tract,"sermon,8am6pub.
6. Address before N. J. Christian Conference, same pub., 1860.
6. "A Christmas Visit to Bethlehem," Christmas sermon at Antioch
College, 1867 ; repub. in London, E. T. Whitfield, 1868.
7. "Bating Christ's Flesh and Drinking His Blood," sermon, New
Tork, J. B. Ford & Co. ; also pub. in religious papers.
8. " Glimpses at the Evangelical Alliance," 1873.
9. "The Gospel of Luke the Apostles' Creed," tract of Amer. Unitarian
Assn.
10. About a dozen more pamphle^se^nons at different dates.
11. Several hundred religious contributions to the press ; among other
papers, to Christian Sim, Norfolk, Va. ; Herald of Gospel Liberty, Newbury-
port, Mass. ; Christian PaOadimn, Albany ; Christian Vnim and Reviem,
Christian Jnguirer, etc.
Dayton, Alfred Bailey, M.D. Born at Bask-
ing Ridge, Somerset Co., Dec. 25, 1812; grad. Coll.
of Phys. and Surg., N. Y., 1835 ; res. Mattawan, N. J.,
1835 to decease, July 19, 1870. " He possessed orator-
ical and rhetorical powers of a high order, being a
graceful speaker and polished writer." Publications
(incomplete list) :
1. " Review of the Principles and Practice of Thompsonianism."
2. " MoUites Ossium."
616
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
3. " Inversion of the Uterus, with Methods of Eeduclion."
4. " Cerehro-spinal Meningitis."
6. " Dry Gangrene." All above are medical.
Dayton, "William Lewis, LL.D. Bom Feb. 17,
1807, at Basking Eidge, Somerset Co. ; grad. Coll. of
N. J., 1825 ; licensed attorney, 1830 ; counselor, 1833 ;
res. Freehold, Monmouth Co., 1830-38; member
Assembly, 1837-38; res. Trenton, 1838-61; justice
Sup. Court, 1838^2 ; U. S. senator, 1842-51 ; Eepub-
lican nominee for Vice-President (with Fremont),
1856 ; Attorney-Gen. of N. J., 1857-61 ; U. S. min-
ister to France, 1861-64 ; died Dec. 1, 1864, in Paris.
An accomplished lawyer, orator, statesman, and di-
plomatist. " There is no public man for whose char-
acter I have a higher admiration." Abraham Lincoln.
Publications (incomplete list) :
1. " In Vindication of the National Faith," speech in Congress, Febru-
ary, 1843.
2. " Address before the Societies," at Princeton, pp. 30, Sept. 26, 1843.
3. " On Remitting Gen. Jackson's Fine," speech in Congress, Decem-
ber, 1843.
4. " The Occupation of Washington Territory," same, January, 1844.
6. " The Tariff," same, April, 1844.
6. *' Annexation of Texas," same, February, 1845.
7. " Wilmot Proviso," same, March, 1847.
8. " To establish Temporary Governments in Oregon, California, and
New Mexico," same, July, 1848.
9. " On Admission of California into the Union," same, March, 1850.
10. " Statutes of New Jersey," Revision of 1847 (joint), pp. 1155.
11. Decisions as Justice of N.J. Supreme Court in 1, 2, and 3 Harrison^s
Law Reports, 38-41.
12. Speech at Cooper Union, N. T., with Mr. Lincoln, after latter's
election, 1860.
Davis, Kev. John Angell. Born near Kingston,
N. Y. ; grad. Rutgers, 1865, and seminary, 1868 ; mis-
sionary to Amoy, China, 1870 ; pastorates Ref. Church :
Palisades, 1872 ; Pottersville, Somerset Co., 1873-78 ;
Oyster Bay, L. I., 1878 to present. A constant writer
for the press. Publications :
1. " The Board of Publication," discussions in Christ. Jn/eHigfincer, 1875.
2. " Tom Bard," in Bower and Gospel Field, serial, 1878-80.
3. " Leng-Tso, the Chinese Slave-Girl," Pres. Board Pub., pp. 302, 1880 ;
first published as serial in Christian Intelligencer.
4. " China Boy who became a Preacher," in Sower and Gospel Field.
6. "Sunday-School Dialogues" (in press).
6. Hundreds of other articles in N. Y. Observer, Clirislianat Worlc, Chris-
tian Intelligencer, American Messenger, Child's Paper, Somerset Gazette,
Flowei-s' Fam. Mag., etc.
Demarest, Rev. William. Born Aug. 22, 1813,
at Old Bridge, Bergen Co. ; grad. New Brunswick
Seminary, 1837 ; missionary in New York City, 1837-
38. Pastorates in Ref Church : Clover Hill, Somer-
set Co., 1838^0 ; New Hurley, 1840-45 ; Berne and
Beaver Dam, 1845-50; Westerly, 1850-54; Bound
Brook, Somerset Co., 1854^57; Ramapo, 1858-70;
Union, 1871-74 ; died 1874. Publications:
1. Translation of Minutes of Early Synod, 1771-94.
2. Translation of Frelinghuysen's Sermons from the Dutch, Ref. Church
Board of Pub., 12mo, pp. 422, 1866.
De Witt, Rev. John, D.D. Born at Albany, N.
Y., 1821 ; grad. Rutgers, 1838, and New Brunswick
Seminary, 1842. Pastorates : Ridgway, 1842-44 ;
Ghent First Church, 1845^8 ; Canajoharie, 1848-49 ;
Millstone (period res. in this county), 1850-63 ; since
which prof. Oriental literature. New Brunswick. De-
gree by Rutgers, 1860. Publications :
1. " The Sure Foundation, and How to Build on It," 12mo, 1860.
2. " Our Catechisms and Confessions," series of articles in Christian In-
telligencer, 1872,
DiLTS, Isaiah Neighbour, A.M. Born at Sohool-
ey's Mountain, Morris Co., Aug. 3, 1824; grad. Lafay-
ette College, 1844; licensed attorney, 1847; counselor,
1850; res., Morristown, 1847-53; Somerville, 1853
until decease. May 21, 1878. " A gentleman of fine
literary taste and culture, not only retaining, but cul-
tivating, the knowledge of the classical and foreign
languages." Publication^ :
1. Metrical translation of " Dies Irse," in " Our Home," 1873.
2. "Centennial Address" before people of Somerset County, July 4,
1876,'pp. 16.
3. Opinion in Board of Freeholders, etc., vs. Cory, 1874, in Somerset
Unionist.
4. Many editorials in Somerset County papers, political and satirical
poems, etc., never collected.
DooLiTTLE, Rev. Philip Melancthon. Born
about 1830 in Springfield, N. J. ; grad. Union, 1852 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1856 ; pastor Ref. Church,
North Branch, Somerset Co., 1852 to present. A con-
stant writer for the local press, but always anony-
mously. Publications (incomplete list) :
1 . Scores of editorial and other articles in Somerset Unionist.
2. Sermon in Somerset Gazette, 1876.
3. " The Public-House, as Licensed to Sell Intoxicating Liquors,"
address before Somerset County Temp. Asso., September, 1880, pp. 12.
4. Many other contributions to Christian InteUigencer, Sentinel of Free-
dom, and Somerset Gazette.
DuTCHEE, Rev. Jacob C. Born about 1826 at
Greensburg, N. Y. ; grad. Rutgers, 1843 ; New Bruns-
wick Seminary, 1846. Pastorates in Ref. Dutch
Church: Owasco, 1846-50; Bergen Neck, 1850-54;
Bergen Point, 1854-57; Coxsackie First, 1857-58;
Seventh Avenue, New York City, 1858-59; Sixth
Avenue, New York, Union Church, 1859-63 ; Market
Street, New York, 1863-66; Somers, Conn. (Cong.),
1867-68 ; Bound Broo'k, 1868-79 ; at present without
charge. Publications :
1. "Requisites of National Greatness," 1843.
2. " Sketch of Capt. Denning," by request of N. T. Legislature, and
published by its authority, pp. 80, 1864.
3. " The Prodigal Sou," pp. 126, E. N. Tripp & Co., 1870.
4. Oration at a dedication of a Soldiers' Monument, Orient, L. I., 1870.
5. " Alone in the World," pp. 320.
6. " Washington," an oration at Niblo's Theatre, before 0. U. A. M.,
1872
7. " The Old Home by the River," pp. 230, N. Tibballs & Son, 1874 (2
eds.).
8. " Our Fallen Heroes."
9. " America, her Danger and her Safety," 1876.
10. Many religious articles in magazines and newspapers on " Bible in
Public Schools," etc., and some fiction.
Eaton, Rev. James Demarest. Born March
18, 1848, in Lancaster, Wis. ; grad. Beloit, 1869 ; An-
dover Seminary, 1872. Pastorates in Cong. Church :
Portland, Oregon, 1873-76 ; Bound Brook, Somerset.
Co., 1876 to present. Publications :
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
61T
1. " A Pilgrimage to Concord," " Flowers' Jam. Mag.," 1878.
2. " In and Around the Virginia State-Houee," game.
3. " On the Payment of the Church Debt," sermon, Bound Brnoh Chron-
icle, Sept. 24, 1879.
4. " The Christian in Politics," sermon in same, June 2, 1880.
5. Other articles in the newspapers.
Edwaeds, Mary H. Bom July 2, 1853, in Ches-
ter, N. J. ; daughter of John F., M.D., of Earitan ;
res. Raritan since October, 1853 ; grad. Holyoke Sem-
inary, 1876. A talented young poetical writer. Pub-
lications :
Several score of short poems and sketches in prose in Springfield
(Mafis.) Homestead, Somerael Gazette, " Our Home," " Ladies' Floral Cab-
inet," Bristol (Eng.) Observer, " Demorest's Monthly," " Flowers' Mag.,"
etc., usually under a nom-de-plume.
English, Rev. James Theodobe. Born Oct. 31,
1810, at Englishtown, Monmouth Co. ; grad. Union,
New York, and Princeton Seminary; pastor Pres.
Church, Liberty Corner, Somerset Co., 1837-73 ; died
May 17, 1873. Publications :
1. " The Great Teacher," sermon before Synod of N. J., Morristown,
pp. 15, Oct. 18,1869.
2. Series of articles on Bernards township in Somerset Unionist.
3. Many contributions to same, and also to The Presbyterian and N. T.
Evangelist.
Field, Richard Stockton, LL.D. Born Dec.
31, 1803, at Whitehill, Burlington Co.; grad. Coll.
of N. J., 1821; res. Princeton, Somerset Co., 1811-25;
Salem, 1825-32; Princeton, 1832-70; licensed attor-
ney, February, 1825, counselor, 1828 ; member N. J.
Legislature; attorney-gen., 183841; member Const.
Conv., 1844; U. S. senator, 1862-63 ; U. S. dist. judge,
1863-70 ; died May 25, 1870. Degree fi-om Coll. of
N. J., 1859. " His mind was so stored with the fruits
of his learning that he had a rare facility of expres-
sion. . . . Only one decision of his was ever reversed."
Keoibeyi Publications (incomplete list) :
1. "ProTlncial Courts in N. J., with Sketches of Bench and Bar," IT.
J. Hist. Soc, 8vo, pp. 324, 1848.
2. " Review of the Trial of Rev. Wm. Tennent for Peijury in 1742,"
vol. Ti., N. J. Hist. Soc. Proc, 18B1.
3. "The Publications of the N. J. Hist. Soc," "Princeton Review,"
July, 1852.
4. " Address before the Surviving Members of the Constitutional Con-
vention of New Jersey," 1853.
6. " The Power of Habit," Address at Anniversary of Edgefield School,
Princeton, pp. 22, 1855.
6. " The Constitution not a Compact between Southern States," oration
before Societies of Coll. of N. J., pp. 27, July 4, 1S61.
7. " State Prisoners," speech in IT. S. Senate, 1863.
8. " Charge to Grand Jury," Trenton, pp. 24, 1863.
9. " On the Life and Character of Hon. Joseph C. Homblower," vol. x.,
N. J. Hist. Soc. Proc, 1865.
10. " Address on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln," before
Legislature, 1865.
11. Centennial Address before Societies of Coll. of N. J., 1869.
12. Address on Hon. James Parker, in vol. i., new series of same, 1869.
13. Contributions to New Jersey Hist. Collections.
14. Various decisions in U. S. Dist. Court.
FiNLEY, Rev. Robert, D.D. Born in Princeton,
Feb. 15, 1772; grad. Coll. of N. J., 1787; teacher at
Charleston, S. C, 1791-92; pastor Presb. Church,
Basking Ridge, Somerset Co., 1795-1815; president
Univ. of Geo., 1817; died 1817, in Georgia. His
writings were chiefly " to be useful." " Perspicuity,
40
strength, and effect were the great things at which he
aimed. Had he written more he would have written
better." Brown. Publications (incomplete list) :
1. " On the Baptism of John," sermon, 1807.
2. " Sermon on the Victory of Christ over Death," at the funeral of
Rev. Wm. Boyd, Lamington, pp. 20, May 17, 1807.
3. " On Baptism," sermon, 1808.
4. Two sermons in National Preacher, 1813.
5. "Thoughts on Colonization," 1816.
6. Letters in "Memoir" (posthumous), 1819.
Fish, Rev. Henry Clay, D.D. Born Jan. 27,
1820, at Halifax, Vt. ; removed to New Jersey, 1840 ;
grad. Union Theol. Sem., N. Y., June 25, 1845. Pas-
torates in Bapt. Church : Somerville, Somerset Co.,
1845 to December, 1850 ; Newark, First, January,
1851-77. Died Oct. 2, 1877. Degree from Rochester
Univ., 1858. One of the most industrious of work-
ers, as thirteen bound volumes of his writings and
elaborate contributions to periodicals, prepared amid
an immense amount of parishional work, testify. " The
extent of his reading in history, poetry, modern and
patriotic literature, as well as the amount of his writ-
ing in making translations and sketches, was some-
thing marvelous." Hague. Publications :
1. " The Baptist Scriptural Catechism," E. H. Fletohei , N. T., pp. 86,
1849
2. " Hist. First Baptist Church, Newark," two semi-centennial ser-
mons, 18mo, pp. 108, June, 1851.
3. " The Youth's Catechism," 2 vols., pp. 200, Newark, 1853.
4. " The Child's Catechism," pp. 30, 1863.
5. " Romanism and the Common Schools," Thanksgiving sermon, pp.
20, 1863.
6. " Primitive Piety Revived," a 8200 prize essay of Cong. Board of
Pab., Boston, 12mo, pp. 249, 1865 ; published in Dutch at Utrecht, Hol-
land, 1860.
7. " History and Repository of Pulpit Eloquence," 2 vols., 8vo, pp.
1236, Dodd, 1866.
8. "Pulpit Eloquence of the Nineteenth Century," 8vo, pp. 813, Dodd,
1867
9. " Select Discourses," trans, from French, 12mo, pp. 408, Sheldon &
Co., 1868.
10. " How Can I be Saved ?" prize tract of Sheldon & Co., N. T., pp.
21, 1869.
11. "The Price of Soul Liberty, and Who paid it," 18mo, pp. 152, Shel-
don & Co., 1860.
12. " Don't Swear," prize tract, pp. 16, 1862 ; trans, into French.
13. " The Valley of Achor a Dove of Hope," Thanksgiving sermon,
pp. 24, 1863.
14. " God's Hand in the Rebellion," pp. 32, July, 1865.
15. "War Record of the First Baptist Church," two sermons, pp. 26,
1865
16. "The Hour for Action," pp. 40, Am, Board For. Miss., 1866.
17. " Account of Golden Wedding" of author's parents, 1866.
18. Editor (with others) of " The Baptist Praise Book," Sheldon & Co.,
pp. 640, 1871.
19. " Loyalty to Truth the Glory and Strength of the Baptists," part
of Madison Avenue lectures, Am. Bapt. Pub. Soc, 1871.
20. " Harry's Conversion," sketches from hfe, 18mo, pp. 240, Bible and
Pub. Soc, Phila., 1872.
21. " Harry's Confiicts," 18mo, pp. 224, same, 1872.
22. "Hand-Book of Revivals," 12mo, pp. 420, Jas. H. Earle, Boston,
1874
23. "Heaven in Song," edited by Dr. Fish, 4to, pp. 742, Sheldon & Co.,
1874
24. " Bible Lands Illustrated," 8vo, pp. 920, Am. Pub. Co., Hartford,
1876
26. Tracts as follows : " Neglect of the Lord's Supper," pp. 4; "Saved
or Lost," pp. 8; "Do, or Done," pp. 8; "Soul-Saving," pp. 12; "Power
in the Pulpit," pp. 30, republished in Edinburgh; "Safe in Believing,"
prize tract ; " Two Questions" (undated).
26. Many newspaper articles.
(
618
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
FiSHERj Hendrick. Born 1697, in tlie Palatinate,
Germany ; came to America, 1703 ;* res. near Bound
Brook, Somerset Co., 1779; member Colonial Assem-
bly, 1745-75; vice-pres. Prov. Cong., 1775; died
Aug. 16, 1779. A great man whom history has never
sufficiently made prominent, and whose literary abili-
ties were of no mean order. " The Samuel Adams of
New Jersey." Corwin. Publication (imperfect list) :
Translation of Five Sermons of Eev. T. J. Frelinghuysen, 1730.
Fleming, Robins, C.E. Born near Beadington,
Branchburg, Somerset Co., Feb. 19, 1856; grad. La-
fayette, 1877 ; degree " C.E." at graduation ; res.
Beadington. Biographical Sketch in " Men of La-
fayette," by Coffin. Publications :
1. Six articles in "Flowers' Fam. Mag.," viz., "The Morristown
Ghost," 1878; *' Lorenzo Dow ;" "Newspaper Poetry," 2 arta., 1879; and
3 arte., 1880.
2. Arts, in Malhemaiical Visitor, Erie, Pa.
Flowees, "William Pickeking. Born Dec. 26,
1837, at Edgewood, Pa.; res. Somerville, Somerset
Co., 1870-78, as teacher private school ; editor "Flow-
ers' Mag." 1878 to present; res. in Trenton, 1879-80,
Philadelphia, 1881. Publications :
1. Many articles for Newtown Enterprise^ Somerset Gazette, Somerset
Unionist, Christian Standard.
2. "Flowers' Family Magazine," monthly, pp. 52, Somerville, 1878;
Trenton, 1879-80; Philadelphia, 1881.
Flowers, Mks. Sarah Layinia.I Born March
-3, 1845, at Pompey, N. Y. Publications :
1. Yersea at twelve years of age in local papers.
2. " Silver Lined," 12mo, pp. 112, Eahway, 1879.
3^ Stories and poems in "Flowers' Mag.," of which she is assistant
editor.
4. Various articles in Rural New YorJcer, Syracuse Journal, and local
papers.
Frelinghitysen, Gen. Frederick. Born April
13, 1753, at Baritan (Somerville.) J Publications:
1. " Oration on the Death of the Father of his Ck)untry," New Bruns-
wick, 1800.
2. Letters in " Revolutionary Correspondence" (posthumous).
Frelinghuysen, Frederick. Born at Mill-
stone, Nov. 8, 1788.^ Publications :
1, Address on Independence^Day before Washington Benevolent As-
sociation, New Brunswick, 1812.
2. " Address before the ^omerset County Bible Society," New Bruns-
wick, pp. 26, Aug. 21, 1820 ; republished in " Our Home," 1873.
Frelinghuysen, Frederick Theodore, LL.D.
Born Aug. 4, 1817, at Millstone, Somerset Co.||
Publications :
1. Address before the Societies of Rutgers.
2. Address before Societies of Coll. of N. J.
3. " Explanations and Instructions" on the tax laws of N. J., as attor-
ney-general, 1863.
4. "On the Death of Abraham Lincoln," address, Newark, pp. 13,
April 9, 1866.
* Some authorities place his birth near Bound Brook in 1703, which
may he correct,
f Wife of preceding.
X See chapter on " Bench and Bar of Somerset County," preceding,
g See biographical sketch on pages 585, 586,
U See personal sketch on pages 587, 588.
5. " On the Death of William Wright," speech in U. S. Senate, 1866.
6. "On the Impeachment of the President," speech in same, 1868.
7. Address at Fortieth Anniversary of North Ref. Dutch Church,
Newark, pp. 6, 1867.
8. Address at Third Nat. S. S. Conv,, Newark, 1869.
9. " On the Peace Congress," speech in Congress in reply to Senators
Schurz and Sumner, defending the President.
10. Argument in the People of New York vs. the C. R. R. of N. J-,,
before Court of Appeals of N. T., pp. 37, 1870.
11. Arg-ument in Schenck vs. Vail, N. J. Court of Errors, pp. 18, 1873.
12. " On the Senator from Louisiana" (Pinchbeck), speech in V. S,
Senate, pp. 8, Feb. 2, 1874.
13. " Specie Payments," speech in same, Jan. 13, 1874.
14. " On the State of Louisiana," speech in same, April 14, 1874.
15. " On Self-government in Louisiana," speech in same, 1875.
16. Nine addresses in U. S. Senate, pp. 39, 1876.
17. " On Counting the Electoral Vote," speech in U. S. Senate, pp. 14,
Jan. 22, 1877.
18. " Remarks and Opinions before the Electoral Commission," 1877,
19. Scores of speeches in Congressional Globe, legal briefs, and a few
newspaper articles.
Frelinghuysen, Theodore, LL.D. Born in
Franklin township, Somerset Co., March 28, 1787.^
His "diction in oral and written productions was
terse, chaste, and perspicuous." Chambers. Publi-
cations (imperfect list) :
1. Address before Newark Bible Society, pp. 12, 1818.
2. Address before Female Aux. Bib. Soc, Newark, 1823,
3. Addjess before N. J. Colonization Soc, 1824.
4. " On Removal of Indians," speech in U. S. Senate, April, 1830. '
5. " On Removal of Deposits of the U. S. Banks," same, 1830.
6. " On Sunday Mails," same. May, 1830.
7. " On a Day of Fasting," same, 1832.
8. Other speeches in Congress, in the Glohe.
9. Address before Lit. Soc. of Rutgers, pp. 24, 1831.
10. " Address in Capitol in Favor of Temperance," 1831.
11. *' Colonization," art. in Lit. and Theol. Rev., Jan., 1834.
12. Various annual addresses as Pres. Am. Bib. Soc, in Comm. Adv.
1846-62.
13. Inaugural Address as Pres. of Rutgers, July, 1850.
14. "Uses and Benefits of Historical Societies," in Proceedings N. J.
Hist. Soc, vol. vi. 18.
15. Various introductions to volumes (names unknown),
16. Arguments as counsel in N. J. Law Reports, notably Waddel vs.
Martin.
17. Many current letters to the press, and some (posthumous) in Cham-
bers' '* Memoir," 1863.
18. Biog. Sketches of James Richards and Samuel Whelpley in
Sprague's Annals.
Frelinghuysen, Rev. Theodortjs Jacobus.
Born 1691, in West Friesland, Holland; preacher in
Embden, Holland, 1717-19 ; pastor of Raritan (Som-
erville), Six-Mile Run, Three-Mile Run, North
Branch, and New Brunswick Reformed Churches,
1720-47; also of Sourland Church, 1729-47; died
1747. " He was unquestionably a ripe scholar in both
the Latin and Greek languages. T am disposed to
rank him among the eminent men of his age." Mess-
ier. Publications :
1. Three sermons (in Dutch), New York, 1721.
2. Pamphlet (lost, including title? See Messlei'''a Notes, j). 180), July,
1723
3. '* An Answer to the Etagte,^^ or complaint against him, 1727-28. (No
copy known to he in existence.)
4. Two sermons (in Butch), 1729. (A.11 five Dutch sermons were trans-
lated by Hendrick Fisher and published, 1730.)
5. Ten ditto, 1733; edition in Holland, 1736.
% In the chapter devoted to the Bench and Bar of this county will be
found a sketch of bis life.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMEESET COUNTY.
619
6. Two ditto, relating to earthquake felt in New Jersey, North Branch,
Dec. 7, 1737; Utrecht, 1738.
7. Four ditto, Phila., 1745. (All 21 sermons translated hy Eev. Wm.
Demarest and published, 1856 ; see under his name, ante.)
Galpin, Eev. Hoeace. Born 1790 ; principal of
Young Ladies' Sckool, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ; grad.
Coll. of N. J., 1810 ; pastor of Pres. Churcli, Lam-
ington, Somerset Co., 1814^25 ; died July 19, 1876, in
New York City. Publications :
" Sermon before Somerset County Bible Society on Acts xvi. 9, Aug. 19,
1823, pp. 20, New Brunswick. "
Garsetson, Eev. Gaeeet J. Born near Somer-
ville, July 31, 1807 ; grad. Eutgers, 1829 ; New Bruns-
wick Seminary, 1832. Pastorates in Eeformed Dutch
Church: Stuyvesant, 1832-34; Newtown and Jamaica,
1835-49; Lodi, 1849-52; died Aug. 14, 1854. Publi-
cations :
1. Address before Societies of Eutgers, 1839.
2. A Discourse at Jamaica, L. I., fortieth anniversary of Rev. Jacob
Schoonmaker, pp. 29, Feb. 16, 1842.
3. " The Christian Citizen," 1842.
4. Sermon on death of A. S. Eapalje, 1S47.
Gatzmee, William Hbney. Born July 7, 1807,
near Somerville ; res. Somerset until 1829 ; gen. agt.
United Companies of N. J., 1840-67 ; pres. Camden
and Amboy E. E., 1867-72 ; consulting manager Le-
high Valley E. E., 1872-80; res. in Philadelphia,
1836 to present.* More of a worker than a writer.
Publications :
1. " Views upon the Proposition to Lease the Public Works of New
Jersey to the Penna. E. E. Co.," pp. 26, April, 1871.
2. Speech at testimonial to Asa Packer, Nov. 23, 1866, in " Eecords of
Testimonials."
Geebn, Ashbel. Born Nov. 17, 1825, in Prince-
ton, Somerset Co. ; grad. Coll. of N. J., 1846 ; licensed
attorney, 1849; res. Tenafly, Bergen Co., 1863 to
present; judge Com. Pleas of Bergen, 1867. "A man
of fine literary culture and taste," and with a high
reputation in the specialty of corporation law. Pub-
lications :
1. American Notes to Brice's" Treatise on theDoctrine of Ultra Vires,"
Baker, Voorhis & Co., N. T., 1875; new ed., 1880.
2. Argument before the Electoral Commission at Washington, 1876.
Geeen, James Speoat. Born July 22, 1792, in
Philadelphia.t A man of " industry, accuracy, and
precision." Com. Stockton. Publications (imperfect
list) :
1. Vols, i., ii., and iii.. Green! t Law ijeporis, being decisions in N. J. Sup.
Court, 1831-36.
2. "On Constitution of Kansas," speech in Congress, 1857.
Geeen, James Speoat, M.D. Born July 22, 1829,
at Princeton, Somerset Co. ; grad. Coll. of N. J., 1848 ;
Med. Univ. of Pa., 1851 ; res. Philadelphia, 1848-53 ;
Elizabeth from November, 1853. Publications :
1. "Double Hernia on Same Side Successfully Cured," N. T. Med.Jour.,
July, 1876.
2. "Intestinal Obstruction, etc., calling for Operation of Laparotomy,
iUd., 1876.
* See chapter on " Prominent Men of Somerset," i n this volume,
t A personal sketch is given in the Bench and Bar chapter.
3. " Extra-Uterine Pregnancy," Am, Joum. Obs., April, 1876.
4. "Eesection of the Tibia to relieve Angular Deformity," N, Y. Med.
Joum.f June, 1876.
5. " Icterus Gravidarum," Am. Joum. 06s., Nov. 1876.
6. " strangulation of Intestine," i&id., Jan. 1877.
7. " Uterine Sarcoma," ibid., 1877.
8. Two articles in Virginia Med. Monthly, 1877.
9. Two articles in Trans. Am. Med. Assoc., 1880.
Geiefith, William. Born 1766, at BoundBrook.J
A learned compiler. Publications :
1. " Treatise on Jurisdiction and Proceedings of Justices of Peace,'*
Burlington, 1797 ; several editions.
2. Fifty-three Essays, signature " Eumenes," exposing defects in New
Jersey constitution, 1799.
3. " Annual Law Eegister of the United States," four vols., 1820-24.
4. Historical address at Trenton, 1S04.
6. " Historical Notes of the American Colonies and Revolutions, from
1764 to 1776" (unfinished; printed posthumous), 8vo, Burlington, 1843.
Hageman, Andrew. Born June 27, 1824, in
Bridgewater tp., Somerset Co.§ A constant contribu-
tor to the press for twenty years past. Publications :
1. Letters from West, in Christian TnteUigencer, 1857-68.
2. Eeports of Earitan Bible Society, 1867-58.
3. " Earitan" and " Prairieside," music, in The Ta&eniacZc, Boston, 1862.
4. Editor Bmhnell Record, 1868-71.
5. " Reports concerning Fruit and Horticulture for McDonough
County," in Ti-ans. III. Eort. Soc, 1872-73.
6. Poem, " Mysteries of Drunkenness," and " Temperance Eeform,"
paper, in one tract, Monmouth, 111., 1878.
7. " Lights and Shadows of Prairie Life," Bushnell, 1879.
8. Numerous poems, odea, and acrostics.
9. Hundreds of articles in ChrisLian Intelligencer, Phrenological Jowmai,
Somerset Whig and Unionist, Prairie Farmer, Bushnell Record, Bushnell
Gleaner, Henderson County Journal, Earitan Bulletin, BriggBvUU Oli;pper,
Boseville Gazette, Bound Brook Clironicle, etc.
Hageman, Eev. Chaeles Steadman, D.D. Born
about 1818, near Harlingen, Somerset Co. ; grad. Eut-
gers, 1837 ; Princeton Seminary, 1842. Pastorates in
Eef. Church, Nyack, N. Y., 1842-53; Poughkeepsie,
Second, 1853-70 ; Freehold, 1870-78 ; now without
charge, at Nyack, N. Y. Degree by Eutgers, 1862.
Publications :
1. Address on the Death of Miss B. H. McLellen, Poughkeepsie, 1866.
2. " God the Nation's Safety," Christian Intelligencer, Oct. 16, 1862.
3. Address at the Funeral of Mrs. Sarah E. McEckron, Poughkeep-
sie, 1864.
4. " Ministerial Support," Christian Intelligencer, 1866.
6. " The Suppoi-t of the Ministry a Divine Institution," Christian InleU
li^encer, 1866.
6. Address at the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of First Ee-
formed Church, New Brunswick, 1867.
7. Address at Funeral of Hon. Peter Vredenburgh, associate justice of
Supreme Court of New Jersey, in " Memoir," 1873.
8. " Address at Funeral of Francis Van Vranken Holmes," in " Me-
moir," 1865.
9. Articles on " Divorce of our College and Seminary;" "Ordination
of Elders ;" " Facts worth Noting and Queries worth Considering," in
Christ. IrUelligencer.
10. " Lecture on Wendell Phillips," in BaUy Press, Poughkeepsie.
11. " Tax on Incomes," New York Times.
Hageman, John Frelinghutse^t. Born Feb.
4, 1816, in Harlingen, Somerset Co. ; res. in Prince-
ton, 1839 to present. II Style mellifluous, like his
speech, but also solid and perspicuous. A clear logi-
cal reasoner. Publications :
t See biography in the Somerset County Bench and Bar chapter.
J See biography in Chapter XI.
I Sketch in chapter on Bench and Bar of Somerset County.
62Q
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1. Articles while editor of Princeton Standurd, 1859-67.
2. " Prisons and Keformatories," " Princeton Review," 1868.
3. " Memoir of Dr. A. P. Hageman," 18Y2.
4. " Penal and Reformatory Institutions of New Jersey," read before
National Prison Reform CoDgrees, Baltimore, 1872, published in " Pro-
ceedings."
5. " History of Princeton and its Institutions," 2 vols., 8to, pp. 359,
449. Pbila., J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1879.
Hasdenberg, Rev. Charles. Born about 1780,
at Eosendale, N. J. ; not a graduate. Pastorates in
Eef. Dutch Church : Warwick, 1804-08 ; Bedminster,
Somerset Co., 1808-20 ; Greenwich, N. Y. City, 1820
-21 ; died 1821. Publications :
1, Sermon at Bedminster from Ps. cxxii. 8, 9, pp. 32, April 12, 1818.
2. Two sermons of 1812 and 1815 in Banner of Truth (posthumous).
Hoagland, Christopher Columbus, M.D.
Born May 17, 1810, at Griggstown, Somerset Co. ;
grad. Eutgers, 1827, and Yale Med. Coll. ; removed
November, 1855, to Henry, 111. ; died April 11, 1869.
Publications :
1. " Gleanings for the Church of Harlingen," pp. 15, Somerville, 1847.
2. Various educational essays and newspaper articles.
HoNEYMAN, Abraham Van Doren. Born Nov.
12, 1846, in Hunterdon County; licensed attorney,
Easton, Pa., November, 1870 ; in New Jersey, June,
1871 ; counselor, February, 1875 ; res. Somerville,
1870 to present; editor The Somerset Gazette, 1876
to present. Publications :
1. " Our Home," a local magazine (in monthly parts), 8vo, pp. 576,
1873
2. " In Memoriam," biographical sketch of Dr. Jno. Honeyman, 12mo,
pp. 70, 1874.
3. Series of European letters in Somerset Uni&nistt 1874.
4. Editorials in Christian Standard, 1876.
5. " A New Treatise on the Small-Cause Court in New Jersey," 8vo,
sheep, Honeyman & Rowe, pp. 650, 1877.
6. " An Abridgment of Revised Statutes of New Jersey," 16mo, Hon-
eyman & Rowe, pp. 378, 1878.
7. " The Danites," selections from Joaquin Miller, 12mo, pp. 164,
American News Co., 1878.
8. Editorials in Tlie New Jei-setj Law Journal, 1878.
0. Biog. Sketch of Rev. Wm. Cornell, D.D., in Biog. Encyclo. of S. J.,
1878
10. " Directory of Lawyers and Justices in N. J.," 1878 ; new edition,
16mo, pp. 42, 1880.
11. Editorials and letters in Somerset Unionist, 1871-76.
12. " The Home of Shakespeare," " Flowers' Fam. Mag,," May, 1878.
13. " Three Threads of Gold : a Tale of Venice," serial in The Somerset
GazetU, 1879.
14. Series of about 26 arts, on " Somerset County Frauds and Extrava-
gances," in Somerset GazeUe ; reprinted in " Extra No. 2," pp. 80, 1879.
15. About 1600 editorial articles and letters in The Somerset Gazette
from 1876-80.
16. Contributions to London Times, N. T. Independent, Christian at Fori,
Fhiladelj}hia Press, Easton Free Press and Exp-ess, Jersey CUy Journal, etc.
(About 50.)
17. About 20 poems in newspapers and magazines.
18. Contributions to this volume, including " Somerset County Books
and Authors," " The Van Doren Family," " The Nevius Family," " John
Honeyman," " The Press of the Past" (Somerset County), and several
trief biographical sketches.
Jackson, Eev. George Thompson. Born June
22, 1820, at Holbeck, Yorkshire, Eng. ; came to
America, June 3, 1858; member N. J. Conference,
M. E. Church, 1854^59 ; Newark Conference, 1867 to
present; pastor at Sergeantsville, Hunterdon Co.
1872-74; Mount Horeb, Somerset Co., 1874r-77; at
present pastor at Port Oram, Morris Co. A nearly
constant writer for the press during the past sixteen
years. Publications :
1. " The Christian's Duty to the Temperance Cause," sermon in Na-
tionaX Preacher, May, 1866.
2. Arts, in Christ. Advocate, 1862-74.
3. Arts, in The Methodist, 1874-78.
4. Arts, in Somerset Unionist, 1874-77.
5. Arts, in Somerset Gazette, 1875-80.
6. Arts. (15) in The Companion and American Odd-Fellow, 1872-78, on
Degrees of Odd-Fellowship, etc.
7. " God has Dealt Wisely," sermon in Somerset Gazette, Aug. 12, 1876.
8. Other arts, in Orange County Press, Iron Era, Dover Index, New Jersey
Temperance Advocate, etc.
9. Memoirs of deceased men of note in the Christian, Protestant, Free,
and Albright Methodist Churches, in supplemental volume to McClin-
tock and Strong's Cyclopmdia (unpublished).
Jamison, Eev. Eleander Stiles. Born Oct. 16,
1846, in Troy, N. Y. ; grad. Jonesville Classical In-
stitute (N. Y.), 1867; pastor M. E. Church, Somer-
ville, 1875-76 ; now at Milford, Pa. Publications :
1. " Our Liberties and their Dangers," centennial sermon, Somerset
Gazette, Aug. 5, 1876.
2. " Life's Eventide," 1876.
3. " Uses of the Beautiful," 1876.
4. " The Reign of the Rum Fiend," 1877.
5. Poems, viz., "The Drunkard's Wife," 1877 ; "A Changed Life,"
1878 ; " Thanksgiving Day," 1879.
6. " Soldier's Life in Savage Lands," serial in " Flowers' Earn. Mag.,"
1880
7. Contributions in Somerset Gazette and Unionist, 1875-78.
KiRKPATRlCK, Andrew. Born Feb. 17, 1756,
near Basking Eidge ; died Jan. 7, 1831.* " He spoke
and wrote correct and idiomatic English. His opin-
ions . . . exhibit a fullness and accuracy of knowl-
edge, a clearness of comprehension, and a justness of
reasoning which entitle him to rank among the most
eminent of American jurists." Elmer. Publications :
Opinions in the Law Reports of New Jersey, viz., Pennington, 1 and
2 Southard, 1, 2, 3, and 4 Halstead. Most noteworthy, perhaps, are
Johnson vs. Morris, 2 Hal. 6 ; Arnold vs. Mundy, 1 Hal. 1.
Knox, James Suydam, M.D. Born July 26, 1840;
grad. Coll. of N. J., 1860 ; of Phys. and Surg., N. Y.,
1866, and City Hosp., Brooklyn, 1868 ; res. Somerville,
1866-73 ; Chicago, 111., 1873 to present ; lecturer and
clinical professor in Eush Medical College, Chicago.
Publications :
1. Various reports of cases in " Trans. N. J. State Med. Soc," 1871-72.
2. " The Mission of the Mosquito," " Our Home," 1873.
3. Various medical essays since 1875.
Le Fbvre, Eev. James. Born at New Paltz, N. Y.,
Jan. 19, 1828 ; grad. Eutgers, 1854; New Brunswick
Seminary, 1857. Pastorates in Eef. Dutch Church :
Earitan, 1857-74 ; Middlebush, 1875 to present. Pub-
lications :
1. Sketch of Rev. Dr. B. R. Hall, in Christ. Intelligmcer, 1863, and in
Corwin''s Manual.
2. Thanksgiving sermon, in Somerset Unionist, 1863.
3. Discourse on Death of Rev. Dr. Wm. Coi-nell, in The Somerset Ga-
zette, Oct. 22, 1876.
4. " The Kingdom of God," art. in " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
'•' Sketch in Bench and Bar chapter, preceding.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
621
5. Sixteen Annual Reports, 1864-80, as Corr. Sec. of Somerset Co. S. S.
Assn., to State Assn.
6. Frequent contributions to the local press.
Leydt, Rev. Johannes. Born in Holland, 1718 ;
pastor Ref. Dutch Church, Six-Mile Run, Somerset
Co. ; New Brunswick, 1748-83 ; died 1783. His con-
troversial publications " evince a thorough knowledge
of the points in controversy, and show him to have
been a man of broad and Christian views." Publi-
cations :
1. " Ware Vnjheyt M Vrede," or " True Liberty the Way to Peace," etc.
(Dutch), Phila., 1760.
2, " A Defense" of the same Tolume (Dutch), Phila., 1762. Both trans-
lated by EeT. M. G. Hansen, of Coxsackie, but not yet published in
English.
Ludlow, Rev. Gabriel," D.D. Born at
Aquackanonck, N. J., April 23, 1797; grad. Union,
1817; New Brunswick Seminary, 1820. Pastorates
in Ref Dutch Church : Albany, 1820-21 (six months) ;
Neshanic, Somerset Co., 1821-78 ; died Feb. 19, 1878.
Degree by Rutgers, 1850. "A sound scholar, not
speculative, but acquisitive of facts and principles,
using sound, plain words." Corwin. Publications :
1. " Sermon at Funeral of Rev. Dr. iiabagh," Oct. 27, 1868, in Todd's
** Memoir," 1860.
2. " Fifty Tears of Bible Work," discourse at Bible Society Semi-Cen-
tenary, 1867.
3. " Fifty Tears of Pastoral Work," sermon at Fiftieth Anniversary of
his ordination, 1871.
i. Prayer at Dedication of Beadington Ref. Church, 18C5.
McCoNAUGHY, Mrs. Julia E. Born Jan. 1, 1834,
in Twinsburg, 0. ; res. Ohio, Iowa, New York ; South-
ern New Jersey, 1854-72 ; Somerville, 1872 to present.
One of the largest contributors to current religious
literature as to number of articles, all being brief
in the world. Mostly addressed to children and youth,
none of her books have been other than pure and
wholesome, and the same may be said of every news-
paper article. Publications :
1. "The Widow's Sewing-Machine," Meth. Board Pub., N. T., 12mo,
1862
2. " One Hundred Gold Dollars," Garrigues Bros., Phila., 12mo, 1866.
3. "The Hard Master," Nat. Temp. Soc, N. T., 18mo, 1867; 2d ed.,
1873
4. " Hannah's Lesson," same pub., pp. 150, 1871.
6. " Clarence," Perkinpine & Higgins, Phila., 18mo, pp. 150, 1866 ; 2d
ed., 1868.
6. " The Fire-Fighters," same pub., 12mo, 1872 ; 2d ed., 1876.
7. " Archie at the Seaside," pp. 192, 1866.
8. " Hours with my Picture-Book," pp. 100, 1866.
9. " Minnie's Thinking-Cap," about 60 pp., 1866.
10. " How to be Beautiful," about 60 pp., 1866.
11. " The Little Book and its Travels," about 60 pp., 1866.
12. " Respect the Burden," about 60 pp., 1866.
13. " The Prize Bible and other Stories," pp. 125, 1866.
14. Many thousands of articles for Ladies^ Repository, PeleraorCe Mag.,
ArOmr'a Mag., Sckoolday Visitor, Little Corporal, Golden Soura, Wide
Awake, and Marper^e Yowng People; also N. T. Evangelist, Presbyterian.
B. 8. Times, LiUheran (Observer, Am. Messenger, Cowttry Gentleman, Neio
England Farmer, American Grocer, Working Farmer, and other Sunday-
school, religious, and temperance newspapers. " Within eighteen years,"
says this author, " I have the titles down of over 5500 articles published."
McCoNAUGHY, Rev. Nathaniel.* Born Oct. 11,
1825, in Westmoreland Co., Pa. ; grad. Western Re-
* Husband of preceding.
serve Coll., Ohio, 1852; Union Theol. Sem. and
Princeton Theol. Sem., 1858. Pastorates in Pres.
Church : Millville, N. J., 1858-66 ; Swedesboro', 1866-
68 ; Elwood, 1868-72. Res. Somerville, 1872 to pres-
ent, without charge; also civil engineer. Publica-
tions :
1. " The National Railway," " Beecher's Mag.," 1873.
2. " The Observance of the Sabbath, " " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," May, 1878.
3. Various contributions to the local and religious press.
4. Miscellaneous arts, on International Lessons in B. S. Times, Third
Quarter, 1880.
6. " How to Rise ; or, The Secret of a Successful Life," unpublished.
6. Sketch of the National Railway in this volume.
7. Tewksbury Township History in this volume.
McDowell, Mrs. Anna M.f Born July 4, 1821,
at Bloomfield, Essex Co., N. J. ; res. near Pluckamin,
Somerset Co., 1854 to present. Publications :
Many articles on " Woman's Work," " Children's Work," etc., in
Somerset Whig, Unionist, Gazette, Bloomfield Record, Life and UgU, Bower,
and " Flowers' Fam. Mag."
McDowell, Augustus William, M.D. Born
Dec. 11, 1820, at Morristown, N. J. ; res. near Plucka-
min, 1833 to death, March 6, 1878.t An extensive
writer in his later years, frequently on medical, but
chieily on reminiscenal, topics and local historical
matter; style nervous and sententious, but matter
always interesting. Publications :
1. Many medical articles in American Pj-actiiioner, Lexington, Ky.
2. " Fourth-of-July Oration at Pluckamin," 1861, published in "Our
Home," 1873.
3. " Some Sketches of the McDowell Family," in same.
4. " Our Old Physicians, Van Derveer and Suydam," in same.
6. " Pluckamin 100 Tears Ago," three papers in same.
6. " Dr. Henry Van Derveer and Sister," in same.
7. " Old Lamington Church and its Pastors," Somerset Whig.
8. " Army Recollections" and letters from the South, in Unionist, 1876.
9. " Caricatures and Original Characters," " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
10. " Southern Incidents," in same.
11. " The True History of Jane McCrea," in same.
12. " Our Brains," in same (posthumous).
13. Hundreds of articles in New York Observer, Eoangelist, Princeton
Review, Somerset WTiig, Unionist, Gazette, etc.
McDowell, Rey. Benjamin, D.D. Born about
1750, in Bedminster tp., Somerset Co. ; grad. Univ.
of Glasgow, Scotland ; Pres. pastor at Linavady, Ire-
land, and at Dublin ; died about 1830. " The Prot-
estant St. Patrick of Ireland, he exercised a wide
and important influence." (Unable to procure pub-
lications up to present writing.)
McDowell, Frederick Henry, M.E. Bom
March 9, 1851, near Pluckamin, Somerset Co. ; res.
in county, 1851-66 ; present res., N. Y. City ; occupa-
tion, mining engineer. Publications :
1 . Five articles in Appleton's " Encyclo. of Mechanics," viz., " Mining
Hydraulic," " Mills" (silver and gold), " Mine Appliances," " Hoisting
Machinery," " Pumping Machinery."
2. " Incidents of Travel by Land and Sea," and " '49 and '79" (sketches
among the mines), in Thoughts and Events, twenty-one articles, 1880.
3. Many contributions to N. Y. Tribune, (graphic, Newark Advertiser, Bom'
eraet Gazetie (from Sandwich Islands), Somerset Unionist.
4. " Mines and Mining" (nearly ready for press). ^
t Wife of late Dr. A. W. McDowell.
I See sketch in the chapter on the Medical Profession of Somerset
County.
622
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
McDowell, Key. Johk, D.D. Born Sept. 10,
1780, in Bedminster tp., Somerset Co.* One of the
most laborious of men, not brilliant, but solid and
eminently successful. Publications (imperfect list) :
1. " Experimental Religion," sermon in N. J. Preache}\ 1813.
2. "Beeignation," sermon in same, 1813.
3. System of Bible Questions, 1816.
4. "Church Manual," Elizabethtown, pp. 46, 1824.
5. Annual Sermon before American Board of Foreign Missions, New-
ark, 1837.
6. "Bible-class Manual," 2 vols., 12mo, 1839.
7. *' A System of Theology," 2 vols., 8vo, 1825.
8. " The Good Man," sermon in Living Pulpit, 1856.
9. Letter about " Kirwin," in " Life of Murray," 1862.
10. Volume of Sermons.
11. Biog. Sketch of Uzal Ogdeu in " Sprague's Annals."
12. Sermon on completing fifty years in the ministry, Dec. 31, 1854.
McDowell, Rev. William Anderson, D.D.
Born May 15, 1789, in Bedminster tp., Somerset Co. ;*
" If his talents were not distinguished for brilliancy,
they were for solidity. Sprague's Annals. Publica- "
tions (imperfect list) :
. 1. Address at organization of Nassau Hall Bible Society, Pi'inceton,
1813 (?).
2. Scores of reports and letters aa Secretary of Board of Domestic
Missions,
3. A few sermons.
McDowell, William Osborn. Born April 10,
1848, in Bedminster tp., Somerset Co. ; son of A. W.
McDowell, M.D. ; resided in county until 1861 ; pres-
ent res.. New York City ; occupation, broker. Pub-
lications :
1. Contributions to New York daily papei-s for many years past,
2. Publisher Thoughts and Events, handsome quarto weekly, Dec. 6,
1879, to April 10, IBSO, five contributions being over hia own name.
3. Two iUuBtnited articles in N. Y. Graphic upon New Jersey's water-
front, 1879-80.
4. "Cheap Transit in New Jersey," address before merchants, etc,
N, T., April 10, 1879.
Mesick, Rev. John Frelinghuysen, D.D. Born
in Catskill, N. Y., June, 1813; grad. Rutgers, 1834;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1837 ; pastor Ref. Dutch
Church, Rochester, 183-1-40 ; of German Ref. Church,
Harrisburg, Pa., 1840-55; of Second Ref. Church of
Raritan (Somerville), 1855 to present. Degree by
Rutgers, 1853. Publications :
I. " Evils of Dancing," discourse, Harrisburg, 1846.
- 2. " How to Rise in the World," TJie Guardian, 1851.
3. "The Reading of American People," 1851.
4. "Intellectual and Moral Characteristics of Infidelity," 1851.
5. " Economy and Efficiency of Christianity as a Means of Social Re-
form and Regeneration," *' Prot. Quarterly," 1851,
â– 6. " Amusements," Tlie Guardian, 1852.
7. "Woman's Obligations and Duties to Temperance Cause," 1852.
8. " The Papacy the Antichrist of Scripture," 1853.
9. "Formal Religion," "Prot. Quarterly," 1854.
10. " Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve," 1855.
II, '• Temperance and Patriotism," 1856.
12. Sermon at Funeral of James Taylor, 1859.
13. Thanksgiving sermon, 1861.
14. Argument in the case of Central Ref. Church of Plainfield before
Classis, 1872,
15. " Historical Sermon at Fortieth Anniversary of Second Ref, Clhurch,
Somerville," pp, 16, 1874,
16. Thanksgiving sermon, 1876.
* See sketch in Bedminster township history, in this work.
17, Centennial Discourse in Somerset Gaeette, 1876.
18, " The Bear-Hunter," "Flower's Fam. Mag,," 1878.
19, " Recreations,'" in same, 1878,
20, Address at Quarter Century Anniversary of Pastorate, Somerset
Unionist, 1880.
21, Scores of reports of meetings of religions societies, etc., in the local
press.
Messler, Rey. Abraham, D.D, Born in Read-
ington tp., Hunterdon Co., Nov. 15, ISOO.f An ex-
tensive contributor to the press for forty years past,
as the list below testifies. Publications :
1. Sermon from Haggai ii. 9, at Dedication of Church at Lodi, N. T,,
1827, in " Mag. Ref. Dutch Ch.," vol. ii, 11, 38,
2. " The Minister's Daughter," in same, vol. iii, 154, 179.
3. "Address in laying corner-stone of First Church of Raritan, Somer-
ville," Gore & Allison, 1835.
4. Sermon at Dedication of Same, 1836.
5. "St. Paul's Gratitude to Onesiphorus," 1839.
6. "Man Frail and Mortal," funeral sermon J. H. Castner, 1841.
7. "Domestic Feeling in Our Chnrcli," 1845.
8. " Life and Immortality," funeral sermon Mrs. Thompeon, 1849,
9. " The Hollanders in New Jei-sey," in vol. v. " N. J. Hist. Soc. Proc,"
1851
10. SermoD at Ordination of Rev. John Gaston, Pompton, 1852.
11. Sermon at Installation of Rev. John Steele, Coxsackie, 1853.
12. Series of 52 articles on "The Christian Ministry," in Christian In-
telligencer, 1853.
13. Series of 13 articles on " Confession of Faith," in same.
14. Series of 5G articles on Europe in same, viz., 12 on " Holland ;" 8
on " Belgium ;" 24 on " Rhine and the Rhineland ;" 12 on the " Isle of
Wight," 1854^56,
15. "Protestantism in the Protestant Church in France," 5 arts, in Ck.
Xntelligencer.
16. Editorials in Christian Intelligencer, 1855-61, 1870-71.
17. Arts, on Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen and Rev. J. R, Hardenbergh in
Sprague's Annals, 1858,
18. Reminiscences of Rev. Dr. Thos. De Witt, in " De Witt Memorial."
19. Sermon on the Death of President Lincoln, 1865.
20. Various historical articles in Somerset Messenger, 1865-75.
21. Thanksgiving sermon in Somerset Messenger, 1868.
22. " Eight Memorial Sermons, with Notes for a Histoiy of the Ref.
Dutch Churches in Somerset County," New York, A. Lloyd, 8vo, pp. 327,
1873,
23. Seven European articles in " Flowers' Fam, Mag.," 1878-80, viz.,
2 on " Italy ;" 2 on " Rome as it Was;" 3 on " The Catacombs."
24. " Life and Public Services of Hon. Peter D. Vroom," funeral dis-
course, etc., pp. 60, 1874.
25. " Ceutennial History of Somerset County," sq. 12mo, pp. 198, 1878.
26. " William Paterson, of New Jersey," art. in vol. iii. No. 4, " Penn-
sylvania Magazine," 1879.
Mitchell, Peter Nicholl. Born Feb. 10, 1843,
in Kingston, N. Y. ; grad. Menia Seminary, 1860 ; oc-
cupation, teacher; principal Somerset Classical In-
stitute, Somerville, N. J., March, 1877, to present.
Publications :
1. "The Imprisoned Orphan," serial, "Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
2. " Labor in a Scientific View," article in same, 1879.
3. About 100 contributions to New Paliz Independent, The Somerset (?a-
zette, and Soynerset Unionist.
MuLFORD, Eey. John BRANTLY.Born Sept. 2,
1851, at Philadelphia; grad. Grozer Theol. Sem. at
Chester, Pa., 1876. Pastorates in Baptist Church:
Servickley, Pa., 1876-77 ; Somerville, 1877 to present.
Publications :
1. " A Plea for Temperance," " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878,
2. Expositions of S. S. Lessons in Baptist Weekly, 1879-80.
3. Other contributions in Baptist Weekly, National Baptist, Examiner and
t Biographical sketch with histoi-y of Bridgewater towoship, in this
work.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
623
OJifoniclet S. S. Times, Pittsburgh Leader, ChronicU, and Gazette, Phila. Rec-
ord, and Somerset Gazette. (Total, about 160.)
Nevius, Rev. Elbert. Born Sept. 4, 1808, in
Pleasant Plains, Somerset Co. ; removed to Ovid Co.,
N. t'., 1817 ; grad. Rutgers, 1830 ; New Brunswick
Seminary, 1834 ; missionary at Lyons, 1835 ; Arcadia,
1835-36 ; Batavia (island of Java), 1836-39 ; Ponti-
anak, 1839^4; pastor Stuyvesant, N. Y., 1846 to
present. Publications :
1. *' Kev. Wm. J. Pohlman," in " Sprague's Annals."
2. Sketch of Classis of Rensselaer, 18Y6.
3. Occasional contributions to Christ. Intelligencer, Sower, etc.
Netius, James Schtjreman. Born Sept. 16, 1796,
in Franklin tp., Somerset Co. ; res. New Brunswick,
1819-52 ; Jersey City, 1852-59 ; died in Jersey City,
1859.* Publications :
1. Opinions as justice of N. J. Sup. Court, in X, 2, 3, and 4 Harrison's,
jSpejfer'fl, and 1 and 2 Zithriskie's Law Reports, 1836-52.
Oakey, Rev. Peter Davis. Born in New Bruns-
wick, 1816 ; grad. Rutgers, 1841 ; New Brunswick
Seminary, 1844. Pastorates in Ref. Dutcb Churck :
Oyster Bay, 1844-47; Brooklyn (Middle), 1847-49;
Jamaica (Prea.), 1850-70; supply to Three Bridges,
Somerset Co., 1873-76 ; Springfield, L. I. (Pres.), 1876
to present date ; also teacher of classical school, Ne-
shanic, 1870-76. A clear-headed thinker and skilled
controversialist. Publications :
1. " Tbales," address before Queen's County School Convention, Long
Island Denioorat, 1845.
2. Edited an edition of Rev. B. F. Stanton's " Sermons," 1848.
3. " The War: Its Origin," etc., pp. 23, 1861.
4. Thanksgiving sermon, in Long Island Farmer.
5. Address at Two Hundredth Anniversaiy Pres. Church, Jamaica,
L. I., in Dr. McDonald's " History," 1862.
6. " Christian Watchfulness," pp. 13, 1868.
7. Funeral sermon of Nathan Shelton, M.D., in newspaper.
8. Sketch of Rev. Dr. Ludlow, " Our Home," 1873.
9. "Congregationalism and Presbyterianism," series of anonymous
letters in The Somerset GazeUe, 1876.
10. Series of articles on church government in reply to Bev. Dr. Edw.
Beecher, Somerset Gazette, 1876.
11. Historical paper on Pres. Church at Jamaica, N. Y. Olserver, Feb.
28, 1878.
12. " The Quakerism of Elias Hicks," in iV. Y. Observer.
13. " The Work of Sunday-Schools," address in N. T. City, airist. Intel-
ligencer.
14. " The Selfmade Man," address before Mauhassett Lyceum.
15. Historical sermon on the Pres. Church of Springfield, L. I., Feb.
16. Series-of historical arts, in Jamaica Standard,on opposition of E. C.
Church to free distribution of the Bible.
Oliver, Rev. Matthew Newkiek. Born at
Marbletown, Ulster Co., N. Y. ; grad. Union College,
1857; New Brunswick Seminary, 1871; pastor at
Clover Hill Ref. Church, Somerset Co., 1871 to pres-
ent time. Writings (all newspaper articles of recent
date in Christian at Work and Christian Intelligencer)
have already attracted some attention. Publications :
1. *' Christ versus Evolution," 1878.
2. " The Bearing of Darwinism on Christian Faith," 1879.
3. " Sketch of Rev. F. B. Thompson, Missionary to Borneo," 1879.
i. " Embryotic Resemblance versus Identity of Descent," 1879.
5. " Difficulties and Demands of Atheistic Evolution," 1880.
6. " Unethical Tendency of Herbert Spencer's Ethics," 1880.
7. "Herbert Spencer and the Bible," 1880.
Paterson, William. Born about 1745, in Ire-
land ; res. Somerville some years when a young man ;
Raritan, this county, 1779-83 ; died at Albany, N. Y.,
Sept. 9, 1806. t One of the great men of New Jersey,
whose true place in the history of the trying times
preceding, during, and succeeding the Revolution is
just beginning to be understood. Publications :
1. " Laws of the State of New Jersey," a revision and codification
known as " Paterson's Laws," Newark, large octavo, pp. 526 ; also large
folio, pp. 610, 1800.
2. Legal opinions in Dallas' and Cranch's " Reports."
3. Letters in "Revolutionary Correspondence" (posthumous).
Pennington, Lot Sottthard, M.D. Born Nov.
12, 1812, at Liberty Corner, Somerset Co. ; removed
to Jerseyville, 111. ; res. Stirling, 111., 1839 to present.
The pioneer scientific farmer of Illinois, a man of ex-
tensive reading and apposite gifts for communicating
his knowledge. Publications :
1. " The Present and Future of Agriculture," vol. iii. " Trans. 111. State
Agricul. Soc."
2. " Manufactures and Mechanic Arts," in vol. v. same.
3. " Cellars and their Malaria," same.
4. " Life during the Paleozoic Time," in Trans. Scientifio Assoc,
Stirling, 1878.
6, " Alcoholic Stimulants and Narcotics," in same.
6. " Heredity," in same, 1879.
7. " Bacteria," and horticultural subjects, in " Trans. III. State Agricul.
Soc," 1880.
8. other contributions to Western Farmer, Illinois Farmer, Prairie
Farmer, Chicago Tribune, etc.
Phillips, Simeon Schenck. Born July 8, 1855,
at Raritan, N. J. ; grad. Somerset Classical Institute,
1873; licensed attorney, Nov. 8, 1877; settled at
Bound Brook, Somerset Co., Nov. 26, 1877, to pres-
ent. Publications :
1. Series of articles under nom deplume in Somerset Unionist, 1874.
2. Arte, (while editor), in Christian SUmdard, Somerville, 1877.
3. Arts, (while acting editor) in N. J. Law Journal, June to Oct. 1878.
4. " From Darkness into Light," poem, Christ. Intelligencer, November,
1879
5. Various other arts, in newspapers. (Total, over 50.)
Phraner, Rev. William H. Born about 1840 ;
grad. New Brunswick Seminary, 1863. Pastorates:
Cold Spring, 1863-66 ; East Millstone, Somerset Co.,
1866-70; Schenectady, Second, 1870-74; now with-
out charge at Jamaica, L. I. Publications :
1. " Expenses and Income of Gen. Synod," 1857-68.
2. Article on Rutgers College, Corioiii's Manual, 1869.
Pitcher, Rev. William. Born in Upper Red
Hook, N. Y., March, 1810; grad. Williams, 1833;
Princeton Seminary, 1835. Pastorates: Jackson,
N. Y., 1837-39; Boglit, 1840-54; South Branch,
Somerset Co., 1854^79; now resides at Red Hook,
N. Y., without charge. Publications :
1 " Grace," a series of discourses, 1844-45.
2. " Review of a Pastorate of Twenty-flve Tears," sermon at South
Branch, pp. 14, May 9, 1879.
« A further sketch will be found in chap, on Somerset Bench and Bar.
t See biography in " Bench and Bar," iu this volume.
624
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Pitches, Rev. Charles Wadswokth.* Born
March 2, 1849, at Boght, N. Y. ; res. Somerset, 1854r-
76 ; grad. Rutgers, 1873 ; New Brunswick Seminary,
1876; pastor Cong. Church, Randolph, N. Y., in 1876
to present time. Publications :
1. ContriliutionB, prose and verae, to " Our Home," 1873.
2. Other articles, prose and verse, in Christ. Intelligencer, Preshjtei-ian,
Churchman, Congregaliomlist, Somerset Unionist, etc., at various times.
(Total, about 200.)
Pool, Rev. Chaeles Hubbard. Born Feb. 11,
1840, at Bay Ridge, L. I. ; grad. Rutgers, 1863 ; sem-
inary, 1866. Pastorates in Ref. Dutch Church : Bed-
minster, Somerset Co., 1866-75 ; Raritan, third, 1875
to the present. Publications :
1. " Influence of the Past," centennial sermon in Somerset Gazette, Aug.
26, 1876.
2. " Burden-Bearing," in " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1879.
3. Yarious brief articles in local papei-s. ,
PORTEE, Ret. Elbeet Stothoff, D.D. Born in
Hillsborough tp., Somerset Co., Oct. 23, 1820.t A
genuine litUraieur, of sound scholarship and varied
gifts, who has made a mark in the Church of his love.
Publications :
1. Short articles in Somerset Wliig, 1835-36.
2. Essays, poems, and stories in Princeton Wliig and Literary World,
1836-39.
3. Articles in Christ. Inielligencer, 1842-43.
4. " The Resurrection," funeral sermon, death of Mrs. B. Tan Buren,
1846
6. " Perils and Securities of our Country," 1850.
6. " Domestic Missions," sermon before Synod, 1851.
7. Editorials in Christ. Intelligencer for sixteen years, 1852-68, including
several series on "History, Usages, and Customs of the Ref. Dutch
Church."
8. Address at Boston for Amer. Tract Soc, 1860.
9. " Language of Affliction," funeral sermon, death of Adaline Rider,
1864
10. " On Death of President Lincoln," sermon, 1865.
11. " The Kef. Dutch Church in Williamsburg," historical discourse,
1866
12. "History, Doctrine, and Spirit of Ref. Dutch Church," "Bibli-
otheca Sacra," April, 1866.
13. " Pastor's Hints to his People," 1869.
14. " Life, Character, and Services of Dr. 'Wyckoff," 1869.
15. " Advantages of Denominationalism," and other sermons, in Nat.
Preacher.
16. Address at funeral of Rev. Edw. Holmes.
17. " The True Foundation of Christian Union," discourse before
Synod, Phila., June, 1869.
18. " The Literature of the Ref. Church," in " Centennial Discourses,"
1876
19. Literary Reviews in Christ, at Work, 1873-77.
20. " The Bible in the Public Schools," address before Evangelical
Alliance, Pittsburgh, Oct. 1875.
21. "Unity in Christ," sermon in Geneva, Switzerland, in London
Preacher, 1879.
22. Translations of mediseval Latin hymns, and some original ones,
now in hymn-books.
23. " Recollections of Men and Events," 1881.
24. Hundreds of articles and lettere in " Knickerbocker Magazine,"
Hours at Home, " Bibliotheca Sacra," Berg's " Prot. Review," Ulus.
Christ. Weekly, JT. T. Observer, Evangelist, Brooklyn Times and Eagle, etc.
Rankin, Ret. John Chambers, D.D. Born May
18, 1816, in Guilford Co., N. C. ; studied in Univ. of
N. C. and Princeton Seminary ; missionary to India,
1840-48; pastor Pres. Church at Basking Ridge,
Somerset Co., 1851 to present. Degree from Prince-
ton, 1867. Publications :
1. Reply in Urdoo language to Mohammedan book against Christi-
anity, India, 1845. .
2. Minor contributions to native Hindostanee press.
3. " Foreign Missions and MiUenarianism," " Princeton Review,"
1861,
4
6
6
' historical discourse, pp. 30,
* Son of preceding.
f See biography in Chapter XI.
Thoughts for the Ministry," in same, 1854.
Armenianism and Grace," in same, 1856.
The Mode of Baptism," "Subjects of Baptism," and " Infant Bap-
tism," in same, 1861.
7. "The Pres. Church of Basking Ridge,'
1873
8. Occasional articles in Presbyterian, N. T. Observer, Somerset Unumtst
and Messenger, and missionary periodicals of Pres. Church.
RoDGEES, Ret. Ratand Keaeney, D.D. Born
in New York City, Nov. 3, 1797 ; grad. Coll. of N. J.,
1815; seminary, 1818. Pastorates in Pres. Church:
Sandy Hill, N. Y., 1821-30 ; Bound Brook, 1830-74.
Degree from Rutgers, 1856; died in Atlanta, Ga.,
Jan. 12, 1879. More of a preacher and pastor than a
writer. Publications :
1. Sermon at funeral of Rev. J. Rodgers Coe, A.M., First Pres. Church,
Whitehall, N. T., Oct. 2, 1823.
2. " Historical Sketch of the Synod of New Jersey," sermon at Synod,
Pottsville, Pa., Neh. ix. 5, Oct. 15, 1861.
3. " Thanksgiving," sermon, Bound Brook, Nov. 28, 1861, pp. 18.
4. "Fifty Tears in the Ministry," sermon, Bound Brook, April 25,
1868
6. " Minutes of the Synod of New Jersey," twenty-flve annual reports,
each about pp. 75 .
6. Biog. sketch of Samuel Blatchford in " Sprague's Annals."
Rowland, Ret. John. Born about 1812, in
Wales ; pastor of St. John's Epis. Church, Somerville,
N. J. Publications :
1. " Mental Culture," in " Our Home," 1873.
2. "The Diet of Augsburg," "Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
3. Many contributions to local newspapers.
RuNYON, Theodore, LL.D. Born in Somerville,
Oct. 25, 1822; grad. at Yale, 1842; licensed attorney,
July, 1846 ; counselor, July, 1849 ; res. since in New-
ark ; brig.-gen. First New Jersey Brigade, 1861 ;
mayor of Newark, 1864^65 ; chancellor of New Jersey,
1873 to present time. One of the ablest chancellors
ever on the Equity bench in New Jersey ; a marvel
worker with brain and pen. Publications :
1. Messages aa Mayor of Newark, English and German, 1864^-65.
2. Opinions as Chancellor and Ordinary in Court of Chancery, Prerog-
ative Court, and Court of Errors and Appeals of N. J., in 9, 10, 11, 12 C.
E. Green's, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Stewart's " Reports," 1873 to present.
3. Address on the inauguration of a popular movement in Newark for
the erection of a statue to Seth Boyden, pp. 14, May 22, 1872.
4. Address on the opening oE the Newark Industrial Exhibition, pp.
14, Aug. 20, 1872.
Rtjnyon, Enos Weisnee. Born Feb. 24, 1825, in
Warren tp., Somerset Co. ; licensed attorney, 1854 ;
counselor, 1857 ; res. Plainfield ; member Assembly,
1866 ; law judge, Union County, 1873-78. Publica-
tions :
1. Editorials in Plainfield Oazette, 1852-67.
2. Many arts, in Central Times, etc. Total, over 200.
ScHENCK, Ret. George. Born at Mattawan, 1816 ;
grad. Yale, 1837 ; New Brunswick Seminary, 1840 ;
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
625
pastor of Eef. Datcii Churcli, Bedminster, Somerset
Co., 1840-52 ; died 1852. Publications :
1. " Music," an address at SomerviUe, pamplilot, 1849,
2. " Second Coming of Christ," 1843.
ScHENCK, Ret. Maetin L. Bora at Six-Mile
Run, Somerset Co., 1817 ; grad. at Rutgers ; 1837, New
Brunswick Seminary, 1840. Pastorates in Ref. Dutch
Churcli : Plattekill, 1840-53 ; Fort Plain, 1853-57 ;
Rocky Hill, Somerset Co., 1857-65 ; Whitehall, 1865-
69 ; Plattekill, 1869-73. Died March 11, 1873. Pub-
lications :
1. " The Harmony of Heaven," 1855.
2. Address at Funeral of Dr. Oatrander, in " Memorial."
Shearer, Rev. James William. Born Oct. 4,
1840, at Appomattox Co., Va. ; grad. of Univ. of Va.,
1867. Pastorates in Pres. Church : Madison, N. C. ;
Gallatin, Tenn. ; Liberty Corner, Somerset Co., N. J.,
1875-78 ; Huntingdon, West Va., 1879 to present. A
close student, a careful and rapid composer, with a
bent of mind towards the "Philological Reform"
question, in which he is perfectly at home. Publica-
tions :
1. Articles as special correspondent of Richmond Dispaich during war,
1861-65.
2. " The TTae of the Lot," " South. Pres. Review," 1873.
3. "Combination Speller," Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Co. School
text-book, pp. 168, 1874.
4. " Spelling Reform," art. in " Trans. Amer. Philological Assn.," 1876.
5. " Bee-Culture," in " Beekeeper's Mag.," 1876.
6. Various arts, on " A Simple Notation for the English Language" in
educatioual magazines.
7. Lecture on " Spelling Reform" before T. M. C. A. of SomerviUe,
in Somereet Oazetie.
8. Many other contributions to the OhrUtian Ohaener, Ceniral Preehy-
tencm, North Carolina Presbyterian, Bichmond Dispatch, Somerset Oazette,
etc.
Shitrts, Peter Hall. Born July 17, 1847, near
Bound Brook, Somerset Co.; res. New York City
since 1868 ; occupation, merchant. Publications :
1. Many contributions in Famity Casket, Bmtierdon Bepvhlican, New
York Evangelist, Evening Telegram, etc,
2. "How to Open and Close a Session of Sunday-School," in The Sower,
of SomerviUe, 1878.
3. " Sixty-fifth Anniversary Report of the Spring Street Presbyterian
Church," New York, 187-.
Stewart, Rev. Abel T., D.D. Born at Somer-
viUe, Aug. 4, 1822; grad. Rutgers, 1843 ; New Bruns-
wick Seminary, 1846. Pastorates : Greenville, 1846-
50 ; same and Bronxville, 1850-52 ; Tarrytown, First,
1852-66; Holland, Second (Mich.), 1866-78. Died
May 24, 1878. Degree by Rutgers, 1873. "A scholar
of no mean literary tastes and attainments." Publi-
cation :
Historical Discourse, First Ref. Church, Tarrytown, N. T., 1866.
Stewart, Edward Farmer. Born Oct. 16, 1819,
at Easton, Pa, ; studied theology, but abandoned it
from ill health ; received appointment in New York
custom-house, under Secretary Chase ; editor Somerset
Unionist, March 5, 1863, to 1866 ; at present cashier of
First Nat. Bank, Easton, Pa. Publications :
1. " Relations of Utilitarianism to Individual and National Culture,"
address before Lafayette College Alumni, pp. 52, 1854.
2. Editorials in Somerset Unionist, 1863-66.
3. Editorials and articles from 1840 to 1880 in New York Independent,
Christian Intelligencer, TrQ}une, Times, Easton Express, and Free Press.
Southard, Samuel Lewis, LL.D. Born June
9, 1787, at Basking Ridge, Somerset Co. ; grad. Prince-
ton, 1804 ; licensed attorney in Virginia, 1809, and
New Jersey, 1811 ; counselor, 1814 ; resided in Flem-
ington, 1811-15'; member Assembly, 1816 ; justice
Sup. Court. 1816-21 ; U. S. senator, 1821-23 ; Secre-
tary of Navy, 1823-29; attorney-general. New Jer-
sey, 1829-32 ; Governor of State, 1833 ; U. S. senator,
1833-42; president of Senate, 1841^2; died June
26, 1842. " He was entitled to rank with Sergeant,
Webster, Everett, and Binney in fullness of knowl-
edge and aptness of expression." Judge Elmer.
Publications :
1. "Revised Statutes of New Jersey" (assisted by Charles Evring), a,
revision ordered by Legislature, pp. 900, 1821.
2. Anniversary Address before Columbian Institute, Waahiugton, 1827.
3. Address at Newark, July 30,1829.
4. Anniversary Address before Newark Mechanics' Association, pp. 37,
July 5, 1830.
5. Address before Princeton Societies, pp. 30, 1832.
6. Enlogium on Chief Justice Ewing, pp. 30, 1832.
7. " On the Professional Character and Virtues of William Wirt," ad-
dress, 1834.
8. " On Removal of Deposits from the United States Bank," speech in
Congress, Jan. 8, 1834.
9. " On Motion to Expunge from the Journal," same, March 28, 1834.
10. Argument in De Car vs. Hendrickson, New Jersey Court of Appeals,
8vo, Phila. and N. York, 1834.
11. Address before Princeton Societies, pp. 40, 1837,
12. Other speeches in Congress,
Steele, Mary, Born about 1851, in SomerviUe,
N, J., daughter of Wm. S. Steele ; teacher. Publi-
cations :
1. " Pocahontas," essay, Somerset Messenger, about 1870,
2. " A Difference," story, " Our Home," 1873,
3. " A Dream," serial in same, 1873,
4. " Concerning a Relic ; or, the Rediscovery of Noah's Ark," Somerset
Gazette, March 7, 1878,
Stockton, John Potter, Born Aug. 2, 1826, at
Princeton, Somerset Co.;* res. Trenton. Sound in
judgment, eloquent in debate, clear and forcible in
his writings. Publications (imperfect list) :
1. " Stockton's Equity Reports," 3 vols., 1856-60.
2. Various speeches in Congress.
3, Many political letters to the press, and articles in the same,
4, Many reported political speeches in the press,
Stockton, Richard, LL,D. Born in Princeton,
Somerset Co., 1764. "A well-read lawyer and dili-
gent student; fond ofthe black letter,"! Publication:
Argument in favor of the claim of New Jersey to the waters of the
Hudson (appendix of Commissioners' Report), published by Legislature
of New Jersey, 1828,
Stockton, Com, RiChard Field, Bom 1795, in
Princeton, Somerset Co, ; commissioned midshipman
U, S, navy, 1811 ; established, by treaty, republic Li-
* In "Bench and Bar" chapter may bo found a biographical notice of
him,
f See ibid.
626
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
beria, 1822 ; founder and Pres. of N. J. Colonization
Society, 1827; captain in navy, 1838;. commodore,
1845 ; conquest of California, 1846^7 ; U. S. senator,
1851-52 ; died Oct. 7, 1866. A great, self-made man,
of about equal ability as a writer, an orator, and an
executive of either a ship or a railroad corporation.
Publications :
1. " Appeal to the People of New Jersey," in relation to Camden and
Amboy Railroad, pp. 29, Sept. 24, 1849.
2. " Letter on the Slavery Question," in reply to Webster, pp. 23. N. T.,
1850
3. " Flogging in the Navy," speech in Congress, Jan. 7, 1852,
4. "On Non-intervention," same, Feb. 2, 1852.
5. "On Compromise Measure," Pame, Feb. 12, 1852.
6. " On the Death of Daniel Webster," speech in Congress, Dec. 14,
1862
7. " On the Bill to Increase the Efficiency of Army and Navy," same.
8. Speech at Ilahway, pp. 8, Sept. 4, 1856.
9. Open letter to JV. Y. Eiiening Post, pp. 26, May 25, 1864.
10. Despatches to the Secretary of the Navy relating to military and
naval operations in California, 1849.
11. Address at the formation of an auxiliary colonization society,
Princeton, 1824.
12. Address at meeting Colonization Society, Washington, 1825.
13. Address at Elizabethtowu, July 4, 1851.
14. Speech in Congress on harbor defenses. May 11, 1852.
15. Speech in Congress on Indian Appropriation Bill, Aug. 11, 1852.
10. Speech at Trenton at a reception to Webster by the N. J. Legisla-
ture, March, 1852.
SuTPHEN, Eev. David Schueemax. Born April
24, 1842, in Bedminster, Somerset Co. ; grad. Rutgers,
1864 ; New Brunswick Seminary, 1867 ; pastor at
New Utrecht, 1867-79. Publications :
1. Articles in Sf/merset Unionist, 1864, 1872.
2. " Daft Willie," poem in Christ. Weekly, 1873, and Sojon-, 1874.
3. Articles on Rev. Peter Van Buren, Christ. Intelligencer, 1868.
4. Arts, in same, 1871.
5. Essay before Kings County S. S. Assn., 1876.
6. " Historical Discourse," Two-hnndredth Anniversary Ref. Church at
New Utrecht, 1877.
7. Various articles in Kings County Rural Gazette.
SuTPHEN, Eev. Morris Crater, D.D. Born in
Bedminster township, Somerset Co., Dec. 1, 1886.*
In writing as in preaching he was a man of unusual
promise, cut off in his early prime. Publications :
1. "Discourse at the Funeral of Rev. John McDowell, D.D.," Feb. 18,
1863, pp. 17, Phila.
2. " Discourse on the Death of Lincoln," pp. 19, Phila., 1865.
3. Series of letters in Presbyterian, from New York, 1867.
4. Series of letters from Rocky Mountains in same, 1868.
5. " Antiquity of Man," art. in " Am, Pres. Rev.," 1871 (or 1872 ?).
6. Extracts from letters, diary, etc., in Memoir, pub. by Carter & Bro,,
N, T,, 1876 (posthumous),
Talmage, Eev. Goyn, D.D. Born Dec. 7, 1821,
at Somerville ; grad. Eutgers, 1842 ; New Brunswick
Seminary, 1845. Pastorates : Eockaway (White
House), 1845-51 ; Miskayuna, 1851-55 ; Greenpoint,
1855-62; Ehinebeck, 1867-71; Paramus, 1871-79;
Cor. Sec. Board Domestic Miss. Eef. Church, 1862-70.
Degree by Eutgers, 1 876. Publications :
1, "Admonitions for the Times," 1861,
2, " The Ref, Dutch Church a Goodly Heritage," with Hist, Appendix,
Greenpoint, 1862,
3, " Christ in the Storm," sermon, 1866,
* See personal sketch in chapter upon " Prominent Men of Somei-set
County,"
4, " Religious Tests," Christ, al WorJc, 1876,
5, "Perils of Young Men," 1878.
6, Annual Reports of Board of Dom, Miss, for five years,
7, Letters from Europe in Christ. Intelligencer, 1880,
Talmage, Eev, James Eomeyk, D.D. Born Dec.
10, 1807, at Somerville ; grad. Coll. of N. J., 1826 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1829; missonary, Potts-
ville. Pa., 1829-31. Pastorates: Jersey City, 1831-
33 ; Pompton, 1833-36 ; Blawenburgh, Somerset Co.,
1837-49; Athens, 1849-50; Brooklyn (Middle), 1850-
52; Greenbush, 1852-60; Chittenango, 1860-69;
Wawarsing, 1869-74; Wiltwick, 1874. Degree by
Eutgers, 1864, Publication :
A discourse occasioned by death of Capt, Isaac M. Talmage, his son,
1865
Talmage, Eev. John Van Neste, D.D. Born
Aug, 18, 1819, at Somerville; grad. Eutgers, 1842 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1845, Pastorates : S. S.
Cent, Church, Brooklyn, 1845^6; Middle Church,
Brooklyn, 1846 ; Amoy, 1847-49 ; in America, 1849-
50 ; Amoy, 1850-62 ; in America, 1862-65 ; Amoy,
1865-72 ; in America, 1872-74 ; Amoy, 1874 to pres-
ent. Degree by Eutgers College, 1867. Publica-
tions :
Translations into the Amoy Colloquial, in Roman characters, of the
following (in which other missionaries assisted to a greater or less ex-
tent) ;
1, " A Primer," pp. 30, 1852,
2, " Spelling-Book," pp. 15, 1862,
3, " First Reader," pp. 17, 1863,
4, Burns' version " Pilgrim's Progress," pp, 77, 1853,
5, The Book of Ruth, pp, 20, 1S53,
6, Several hymns, pp, 26, 1859,
7, The Gospel of Luke, and the following Epistles: Galatians, John,
Peter, Ephesians, and Philippians,
8, The Heidelberg Catechism,
9, " Hist, and Ecc. Relations of the Churches of the Presbyterian
Order at Amoy, China," in English, 8vo, pp. 74, N. Y., 1863,
10, Many letters to the press, and reports to the Miss. Board,
Talmage, Eev, Peter Stbykee. Born in Som-
erville, Oct. 5, 1819; grad, Jefferson, 1845; Princeton
Seminary, 1848, Pastorates : Presbyterian : Oneida
Valley, N. Y., 1848-50 ; Malta, N. Y., 1850-53. Ee-
formed : Stone House Plains, N. J., 1853-65 ; preach-
ing in halls in northwestern Philadelphia, 1865-68 ;
Philadelphia Bethune Memorial, 1868 ; Bethlehem
Miss., Philadelphia, 1869 ; Manayunk, January,
1870-74. Publication (imperfect list) :
Comforts in Sorrow, on the death of a beloved child, 1861,
Talmage, Eev, Thomas Db Witt, D.D.f Born
Jan. 7, 1832, near Somerville. A man known the
world over for his published sermons, more copies of
which have been circulated than of any preacher of
this age. As a writer, author of some of the finest
word-painting in the English language. Publications
(imperfect list) :
1, " The Almond-Tree in Blossom," 12mo, Phila,, 1870.
2, " Crumbs Swept Up," 12mo, N, Y,, 1870,
t The Talmages, Goyu, James R,, John V. N,, and T, DeWitt, are all
brothers and all Doctors of Divinity, For biography of T, DeWitt, see
Chap, XI,
^
BOOKS AND AUTHORS OP SOMEBSET COUNTY.
627
3. " Abominations of Modern Society," 12mo, N. T., 1872; new ed.,
1876
i. " As the Stars for Ever and Ever," in " Pulpii Eloquence of Nineteenth
Century,^'' by Fisb.
5. "Good Cheer."-
6. "1000 Gems," Tibials, N. T., 1873 ; 4th ed., 1876.
7. " Around the Teo^Table," 8yo, Oowpertbwait, Phila., 1874.
8. " Preach to the Masses," 12mo, Meth. Book Concern, N. Y., 1876.
9. " Sports that Kill," 12mo, Harper's, 1876.
10. "Old Wells Dug Out," same, 1874.
11. " Every-day Religion," same, 1875.
12. Hundreds of editorials in Cliristian at Work, 1873-76.
13. Weekly sermons in same; reprinted in England.
14. Sermons in The Metltodist (N. Y.) and ChriatUm Age (London).
15. Hundreds of other newspaper articles to the press, including Jti-
dependentj Brooklyn Eagle, etc.
Thompson, Rev. Henky Post. Born Nov. 30,
1831, in Readington, Somerset Co.* A constant and
pointed writer of short articles, all useful and in-
structive. Publications :
1. "In Memoriam," sermon on Lincoln's death, 1865.
2. raneral sermon of Rev. Dr. Van Liew, 1869.
3. S. S. Lessons in S. 8. Times (joint, with Rey. John B. Thompson,
D.D.), July to Dec, 1S71.
4. "Incidents of Christian Work," 18mo, pp. 156, Honeyman & Rowe,
Somerville, 1879.
5. Hundreds of contributions to Chrut. Intelligencer, Sower and Gospel
Field, Advance, S. S. Times, N. Y. Times, Tribune, Hunterdon Bepiiblican,
IjamberiviUe Beacon, Bushnell Record, Insurance Advocate, Somerset Gazette,
Somerset Unionist, etc.
Thompsgis", JosEPH.-^Born Sept. 30, 1808, near
Readington; res. both Somerset and Hunterdon at
various times ; judge of Com. Pleas of Hunterdon for
twenty-eight years, and now of Somerset for thir-
teenth year.f Publications :
1. " Historical Note," appended to dedicatory sermon at Readington,
by Bev. Dr. Van Liew, 1865.
2. Letters to Bushnell Record, Bushnell, 111., 1868-71.
3. " A Witch-Story," two articles in "Our Home," 1873.
4. "Various articles in local newspapers.
Todd, Rev. John Adams, D.D. Born about 1822,
near Martinville, Somerset Co. ; grad. Rutgers, 1845 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1848. Pastorates in Ref.
Church: Griggstown, 1848-55; Tarrytown, Second,
1855 to present. Degree by Rutgers, 1868. A good
linguist, a strong, argumentative writer, fond of his-
tory ; as a controversialist few dare to cross swords
with him. Publications :
1. " Memoir of Rev. Dr. Peter Labagh," with notices of Bef. Dutch
Church in North America, pp. 340, Board Pub., New Tork, 1860.
2. " The Character and Death of Washington Irving," 1869.
3. " Review of Boardman's Higher Christian- Life," Princetoi BraiOT,
xxxiL 608-640.
4. " The Posture of the Ministers and People of Bef. Church in Amer.
during the Revolution," " Centennial Discourses," 1876.
5. Hundreds of contributions to periodical literature.
Van Aesdale, Rev. Nathaniel Hixon. Born
1838, at Bound Brook, Somerset Co. ; grad. Rutgers,
1862 ; New Brunswick Seminary, 1867. Pastorates :
Clove, 1867-74 ; Chatham, 1874 to present. Publica-
tions :
* See sketch in history of Readington township.
t See personal sketch with Bench and Bar ; also in history of Reading-
ton township.
1. " The Contrast f the First Hour to the Last in the Life of .Tesus,"
1876
2. Discourse from Ruth ii. 4, in Chatham Courier, 1877.
Van Cleef, Rev. Cornelius, D.D. Born at
Harlingen, Somerset Co., Sept. 16, 1799 ; grad. Dick-
inson, 1823 ; New Brunswick Seminary, 1826 ; mis-
sionary at Palatine, 1826 ; Manayunk, 1827-28. Pas-
torates: Athens, 1828-33; New Hackensack, 1833
-66 ; died June 13, 1875. ^Degree by Rutgers Col-
lege, 1863. Publications:
1. Article in "Sprague's Annals" on Van Wagenen.
2. Address at funeral of Rev. Edwin^Holmes.
Van Cleef, Rev. Paul Duryea, D.D. Born
July 31, 1821, at Millstone, Somerset Co. ; grad. Rut-
gers, 1843 ; seminary, 1846 ; trustee Rutgers, 1869.
Pastorates : Coxsackie, Second, 1846-49 ; Jersey City,
Second (Van Vorst), 1849 to present. Degree by
Rutgers, 1863. Publications :
1. Articles and poems in Literary Gem, Somerville, 1842-43.
2. " Thankful Remembrance," a decennial sermon, pp. 26, 1860.
3. "Spiritual Health," in commemoration of fifteenth anniversary of
his pastorate, pp. 24, 1865.
4. "Our Alumni Association : its Relations, Objects, and Duties," an
oration before Rutgers Alumni, pp. 32, 1865.
5. Address at the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Ref. Dutch
Church in New Brunswick, 1867.
6. Memorial of Hon. Jacob R. Wortendyke, pp. 40, 1869.
7. "The Days that are Past," sermon on twentieth anniversary of his
pastorate, pp. 25, 18Y0.
8. " The Candle of Life," illustrative of allegorical pictures, N. Tib-
balB, N. y., 1870 (in volume with other treatises).
9. Address before Gen. Assembly Pres. Church, Detroit, 1872.
10. Address at the funeral of Col. Joseph Dod, 1874.
11. "Espoused to the Church," sermon on twenty-fifth anniversary of
his pastorate, pp. 34, 1875.
12. " The Catholic Spirit of Bef Church of America toward all other
Christians," in " Centennial Discourses," 1876.
13. Memoir of Rev. Isaac P. Stryker, missionary to Borneo, in Sower.
14. Article in "Sprague's Annals," on Rev. J. M. Van Harlingen.
15. Exposition S. S. Lessons, in Christ. Intelligencer, 1879.
16. Editorials, reviews, and letters in various newspapers, chiefly
Christ. Intelligencer.
Van Debveeb, Amelia. Born at Millstone ;
res., Princeton. Publications :
1. Five poems, viz., " A Summer Idyl," " Stilled Voices," "Pictures,"
Nothing Else To-Night, " A Sabbath Dream," in " Princeton Poets,'^
1879
Van Debveee, Rev. Ferdinand Henry, D.D.
Born 1800, at Somerville : grad. Union, 1821 ; New
Brunswick Seminary, 1823; missionary to Hyde
Park, 1823; Ovid, 1823. Pastorates: Hyde Park,
1823-29 ; New Hurley, 1829-39 ; Newbury, 1839^2 ;
Warwick, 1842-76. Degree by Rutgers College,
1828. Res., Somerville. Publications :
1. "An Exegesis on Baptise," pp. 26, Somerville, 1880.
2. Many articles on religious topics to the press, including Cliristian
Intelligencer.
Van Debveee, Henry Calvin, A.M. Born
March 24, 1839, in Somerset County; removed to
Hunterdon, 1858; returned to Somerset, 1879; res.
Somerville; occupation, farmer and dealer in fancy
stock; graduate of Rutgers College, 1860; biog.
sketch in Poultry World. Publications :
MH,^
628
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1. " Shall we Educate the Farmer?" in " Our Home," 18T3.
2. " Wiilks and Talks among the Stock," series of articles in Family
Casket, 1873.
3. Scores of articles in The Cultivator and Country Gentleman, Practical
Farmer, and other leading stock journals ; also Somerset Unionist, etc.
Vast Doben, Amelia Miller. Born Jan. 16,
1855, at Middlebush, Somerset Co. ; daughter Eev.
J. A. Van Doren; res. East Millstone. Publica-
tions :
Poems, fiction, and articles on temperance and religious subjects in
Christian Intelligencer, N. Y. Observer, Our Union, Somerset GazetU, Somer-
set Unionist. t
Van Dorem", Ret. Isaac Born July 9, 1773, at
Griggstown, Somerset Co.; pastor Hopewell Pres.
Church, N. Y., 1802-25 ; teaching in Newark, 1825-
29; collegiate inst. for young ladies, on Brooklyn
Heights, 1829-34; college for young ladies at Lexing-
ton, Ky., 1834-38 ; academy at Warsaw, Ky., 1838-
40 ; missionary church at Iron Mountain, Mo., 1840-
44 ; died August, 1863. His religious life is embalmed
in "The Old Parsonage," by his daughter, Mrs.
Davison, 1863. He was an extraordinary man in
piety, but published little. Publication (doubtless
imperfect) :
Summary of Chriatian Duty, tract from the Douay Bible.
Van Doren, Rev. John Addison. Born May
12, 1815, in New York City; grad. Rutgers, 1835;
seminary, 1838. Pastorates in Ref. Church : Middle-
bush, Somerset Co., 1838-66 ; supply at Lodi, 1866 ;
supply at Annandale, 1866-72; res. East Millstone,
1872 to present. Publications :
1. Sermon upon the death of Rev. Jacob I. Schultz, in Christian Intelli-
gencer, 1852.
2. Sermon upon the death of Lincoln, in Somerset Unionist, June 11,
1866, from Ps. xxxi. 16.
3. Sermon upon the death of Jeremiah Voorhees, in Millstone MiiTor,
June 14, 1862.
Van Doren, Eev. John Howard. Born at
Griggstown, Somerset Co., 1887 ; grad. Rutgers, 1859 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1864; missionary to Amoy,
China, 1865-68 ; in America, 1868-70 ; Amoy, 1870-
73; pastor Cato, N. Y., 1874r-76; Tyre, N. Y., 1876
to present. Publication :
Mental Arithmetic, in Amoy colloquial.
Van Dyke, John. Born April 3, 1807, at Lam-
ington, Somerset Co. ; licensed attorney, 1836 ; coun
selor, 1839 ; res. New Brunswick, 1830-60 ; Trenton
1860-68 ; Wabasha, Minn., 1868-78 ; member Legis
lature, 184^; prosecutor of pleas in Mercer Co.
mayor New Brunswick ; member Congress, 1846-50
justice Sup. Court, N. J., 1859-61 ; member Minn
State Senate, 1869; judge Third Dist.,Minn., 1870-
died kt Wabasha, Dec. 24, 1878. Publications (im
perfect list) :
1. "On Causes, etc., of War with Mexico," speech in Congress, 1848.
2. " On Slavery," same, 1850.
3. " Slaveholding not Sinful," reply to Dr. S. B. How, New Brunswick,
pp. 16, 1866.
4. Opinions as Justice Supreme Court, in i and 5 Butcher's, 1 and 2
Vroom's Law Beports, and 1 C. E. Green's Equity Reports, 1860-67.
5. Letters in New Brunswick Fredonian on Minnesota, 1872.
6. " The Spy of Washington," article in '' Our Home," October, 1873.
7. Letter respecting the same in " Memorial" of Dr. John Honeyman,
1874
Van Hablingen, Rev. Johannes Martinus.
Born near Millstone, 1724 ; studied at Princeton and
in Holland ; pastor Neshanic and Sourland, Somerset
Co., 1762-95 ; died 1795. Publication :
Translation of fifty-three of Van Der Kemp's Sermons on Heidelberg
Catechism, 2 vols., pp. 1061, New Brunswick, 1810 (posthumous).
Van Liew, Rev. John Cannon. Born at Mid-
dlebush, about 1810 ; grad. New Brunswick Seminary,
1832. Pastorates: Catskill, Leeds, and Kiskatown,
1832-33; Leeds and Kiskatown, 1838-84 ; Spotswood,
1834-^2 ; Rutgers College grammar school, 184145 ;
Piffard, 1845-49 ; Groveland Presb., 1849-50 ; Ephra-
tah and Stone Arabia, 1850-56 ; Berne and Beaver
Dam, 1856-60 ; died 1861. " A man of decided men-
tal ability, an able advocate in ecclesiastical trials
and controversy, a critical linguist." Corwin. Pub-
lication :
Farewell sermon at Spotswood, N. J., 1842.
Van Neste, Rev. George John. Born Sept. 7,
1822, at Weston, Somerset Co. ; grad. Rutgers, 1842 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1846. Pastorates : Bound
Brook, 1847-53 ; Lodi, 1853-65 ; West New Hemp-
stead, 1865-69; Little Falls, N. J., 1869-75; St.
Johnsville, N. Y., 1875-79 ; Kiskatown, 1879 to pres-
ent. Publications :
1. " Address as Delegate from Gen. Syn. Kef. Church of America to
the Gen. Assembly of Canada, Presbyterian Church at Ottawa," June 2,
1874, in Christian Intelligencer, July 9, 1874.
2. "Pastoral Charge to Rev. B. C. Lippencott, at his Installation at
Clarkstown," in Ch}-islian Intelligencer, November, 1866.
3. " Notes from Life of Kev. Dr. Bethune," 9 articles in Bockland County
Journal, 1868.
4. Sermon at Dedication of Ref. Church, Lodi, N. T., Jan. 24, 1872, in
Seneca FaUs Courier, 1872.
6. Oration on Decoration-Day at St. Johnsville, N. T., May 30, 1876, in
Interior New-Yorker, June 7, 1876.
6. Address on occasion of planting a centennial tree by students of
Fort Plain Sem. and Coll. Inst., June 29, 1876, in Mohamk VaUey Begisler,
July 6, 1876.
7. Various articles in Christian Inielligeiicer, Sower, etc., signed E. 2f. E.
8. Address on " The E.xperimental Evidence of the Truth of Chris-
tianity," before the New Brunswick Seminary, May 19, 1874 (in MSS.)
Voorhees, Peter Albert. Born Nov. 6, 1802,
in Hillsborough township, Somerset Co.* Publica-
tions :
1. Obituaries of Abram Voorhees, 1867-68.
2. Description of Western agricultural fairs and Chicago fire, 1871.
3. " National S. S. Convention," Indianapolis, 1872.
4. " Old Folks of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties," 1877.
6. "International S. S. Convention," Atlanta, Ga., 1878.
6. Ten other articles in Christian Intelligencer, N. B. Fredonian, and Som-
erset Unionist.
Voorhees, Ralph. Born June 20, 1796, at Mid-
dlebush, Somerset Co. An indefatigable historian
without vices.f .Publications:
* For biography, see Chapter XI.
t See "Prominent Men of Somerset County," in this work, for peiBonal
sketch.
-%
BOOKS AND AUTHOKS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
629
1 . '* The Haritan and its Early Holland Settlers," 12 papers of great his-
torical Talue in " Our Home," 1873.
2. " Historical Notes," 37 papers (continnation of those in " Our Home,"
but chiefly following line of the old Indian path), in N&w Bruns. FredO'
jiian, 1875-77.
3. Several papers (also in continuation), in Somej-set Gazette, 1876-77.
4. Other articlee iu Fredonian, Somerset Gazette, Somerset Unionist, Christ.
TnteUigencer, and " Flowera' Fam. Mag." (1878).
Veoom, Petee Dtjmont, LL.D. Born in Hills-
borougli tp., Somerset Co., Dec. 12, 1791.* " Few men
of our State, if any, deservedly maintained for so
long a period an equal degree of intellectual and
moral distinction." Mr. Bartine, in Vroom Memorial.
Publications (imperfect list) :
1. Opinions as Chancellor, in 6 vols. YroovVs Law Jteporis, 1867-73.
2. Messages and Proclamations as Governor.
3. Speeches in Congress.
4. LettelB to Secretary of State as U. S. minister to PruBsia.
5. Vroom^s Law Reports, six volumes of decisions N. J. Supreme Court.
6. Address to the people of New Jersey on the Peace Commission,
1862
Veoom, Eev. William Heney. Born Feb. 11,
1840, at Eocyefield, Somerset Co. ; grad. Eutgers,
1862 ; seminary, 1865. Pastorates of Eef Churcb :
Hoboken, 1865-67; Davenport, Iowa, 1867-69; La
Cynge, Kan. (Presb.), 1869-74; Clove, N. Y., 1874 to
present. Publications :
1. " The Moral and Social Evils of the Liquor TralBc," puh. in English
and German by Temperance Alliance of Hoboken, N. J,, 1866.
2. " Discourse commemorative of Eev. Cyrus G. Van Derveer," Luse
& Griggs, Davenport, 1868.
3. Arts, in Chrixt. InteUigencer, Somerset Unionist, La Cynge Journal,
Kingston Freeman.
Weaet, Jacob. Born June 8, 1829, at Hopewell
(line of Hunterdon and Somerset) ; licensed attorney,
1852 ; res. Jersey City, 1852 to present (Middlebush,
Somerset Co., in summer) ; Collector internal rev-
enue Fifth District, 1867-71. Publications :
1. Obituary on Gen. Manners, Tme American, Nov. 26, 1851.
2. Sixteen articles, including editorials, in Sentinel and Advertiser, Jer-
sey City, 1852-55.
3. Four ditto, in Courier and Advertiser, 1859.
4. Editorials in Gazette and Bepublican, Trenton, 1860.
6. " The Judiciary," address at Lincoln banquet, Jersey City, Feb. 14,
1868, in Gazette and Bepublican.
6. Series of letters on corruption in Jersey City government in Times,
1872-73.
7. Oration on Decoration-Day, Amer. Standard, 1872.
8. Address at dedication of Hart monument, Hopewell, July 4, 1865,
in " Sanderson's Lives," Phila.
9. "Untaxed Corporate Property in Jersey City," speech at Citizens'
meeting, Jan. 30, 1873.
10. Oration at Hopewell, including a noted " Apostrophe to the Flag,"
1876
11. Three articles in " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
12. " Caleb Gushing," art. in same, 1878.
13. Saratoga letters, in Evening Jornnal, Aug. 1880.
14. Series of arts, on " The Tariff" in Trenton StaU Gazette, September,
October, 1880.
15. Many other contributions to N. Y. Times and TrOmne, and the six
leading Jersey City papers. (Total, about 100.)
Williamson, Eev. Nicholas Dir Bois. Born at
Flaggtown, Somerset Co., Dec. 2, 1819; res. same
until 1843; grad. Eutgers, 1840; New Brunswick
* See extended biographical notice on pages 581, 582, in this volume.
Seminary, 1843. Pastorates : Pekin, 1843-48 ; Cicero,
1849-50; Chatham, 1850-51; Glenville, Second,
1851-55; Wawarsing, 1855-61; Pekin (S. S.), 1861-
62 ; Chicago, Livingston Church, 1862-65 ; Havana,
1865-66 : S. S. Missionary in Chicago, 1866-70 ; Nor-
ris, 111., 1870-72 ; South Bend, Ind., 1872-78 ; present
res. South Bend. Publications:
1. Five arts, in Bvigers Lit. MisceUamj, 1842.
2. Address at funeral of Lucy Lord, pp. 5, Chatham, 1850.
3. Address at funeral of Mr. and Mrs. 0. C. Lansing, pp. 11, Troy, 1853.
4. " Cypress Wreath," pp. 168, E. Carter & Bro., 1853.
5. Early Eecollectionff of Eev. Dr. Labagh, in Todd^s Memoir, pp. 5,
1860
6. Western Dept., in Christ. Intelligencer, 1863-64.
7. Illinois S S. Appeal, pp. 38, Am. S. S. Union, 1867.
8. Eemarks in Fifth National S. S. Convention,
9. " Pyramids," art in Christ. Intelligencer, 1869.
10. Letters on Western missions, in same, 1874.
11. " Onward and Westward," pp. 24, Board Dom. Miss., 1875.
12. Synodical Eeport in " Mln. Gen. Synod," 1875.
13. " The Successful Christian Teacher," pp. 21, South Bend, 1875.
14. " National Thanksgiving," 1878.
16. Four pages in " Memoir P. P. Bliss," 1877.
16. Two pages in " Memoir Dr. Stewart," 1878.
17. Eeport on domestic missions, 1878 ; report of board of superintend-
ents, 1879 (both in " Min. Gen. Synod").
18. Eeport of Hope College, pp. 7, 1880.
19. Eeport of Western Sunday-school work, 1880.
20. Other articles in Christ. Intelligencer, Sower, Christ, at WorJe, S. 8.
Worlcman, S. S. Times, Nat. S. S. Teacher, Christ. Voice, etc. (Total, over
500.)
Wilson, Rev. Feedeeick Feelinghuysen.
Born (about) 1838 in Hillsborough tp., Somerset Co. ;
grad. Eutgers, 1859 ; New Brunswick Seminary, 1862.
Pastorates : Glenville, Second, 1864^-70 ; Mohawk,
1870-72 ; Boonton, 1872-76 ; Asbury Park, 1876-78 ;
Wilcox, Pa., 1878-79. Publication :
Semi-Centonnial of Eeformed Church, Glenville, 1868.
Wilson, Rev. James Beegen. Born Feb. 24,
1824, at Millstone, Somerset Co. ; res. at Eoycefield,
Somerset Co., 1830^0, 1843-48 ; grad. Eutgers, 1848 ;
New Brunswick Seminary, 1851 ; pastor at Long
Branch, 1851-78 ; East Long Branch, 1878 to present.
Publications :
1. " A Eemembrance of the Past," decennial anniversary sermon, im-
print of John A. Gray, pp. 23, 1861.
2. Funeral discourse of Elder Joseph Wardell, Afr. Col. Soc. imprint,
pp. 15, 1867.
3. Funeral discourse of widow of Joseph Wardell, J. Stult's imprint,
Long Branch, pp. 9, 1874.
4. Funeral discourse of Dr. Z. W. Scriven, Long Branch News, 1876.
5. " Three Pictures in a Man's Life," romance, twelve chapters, Man-
mouth Inquirer, 1866.
6. " Thoughts on the Sabbath," 'five articles in same, 1864.
7. *' History and Doctrines of Eeformed Church," several articles, in
Long Branch News.
Wilson, Joseph Hunt. Born in Washington,
Warren Co., 1830; early removed to Somerset; in
New York custom-house ; editor Somerset Unionist,
1878 to present. Publications :
1. *' Hans Von Pelt," poem, in Somerset Whig, 185-.
2. Two poems in " Our Home," 1873.
3. Poems in The Somerset Gazette, 1876-77 ; Somerset Unionist, 1878-80.
4. Hundreds of brief sketches in newspapers, usually iu humorouB-
vein.
6. Editorials in Somerset Unionist, 1878-81.
630
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Wilson, Mrs. Katheeine Dunnington.* Born
1846, in Washington, D. C. ; res. Prince William Co.,
Va., and in Somerset for twelve years past. Publi-
cations :
1. Series of valuable articles on " Housekeeping," in Somerset Gazette,
18Y6.
2. Many contributions to Somerset Unionist, and The Soueelceeper, 1877
#NAME?
WiTHEESPOON, Rev. John, D.D. Born in Yester,
Scotland, Feb. 5, 1722; grad. Univ. Edinburgh.
Pastorates : Beith, Scotland, 1745-57 ; Paisley, 1757-
68; Princeton, N. J. (Pres.), 1768-94. President
Coll. of N. J., Aug. 17, 1768-94 ; member of Prov.
Congress, 1776, Continental Congresses, 1776-82,
Legislative Council, 1782 ; died Nov. 15, 1794. Res.
at Princeton, at Tusculum, Somerset Co. A signer
of the Declaration of Independence. As a writer,
"sound, sensible, perspicuous, argumentatious, and
often eloquent. Tfi^Kams. "" The name of Dr. With- "
erspoon stands high on both continents." Allibone.
Publications :
1. " Ecclesiastical Chavacteristics ; or, The Arcana of Churcb Policy,"
Glasgow, 8vo, 1753.
2. "A Serious Apology for the Gharacterislics."
3. Essay on Justification, Edinburgh, 12mo, 1756.
4. " Serious Inquiry into the Nature and jjlffects of the Stage," Glas-
gow, 1757.
5. " Essays on Important Subjects," London, 1764, 12mo, 3 vols.
6. " Sermons on Practical Subjects," Glasgow, 12rao, 1768.
7. "Practical Discourses" (14 in number), 12mo, 1768.
8. " Considerations on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative
Authority of the British Parliament," Phila., 8vo, 1774.
9. Several sermons, published singly.
10. Lectures on moral philosophy, eloquence, divinity, education, etc.
11. Letters on marriage.
12. " Money," an essay.
13. Philological papers.
14. American State papers.
15. Speeches in Congress, etc. (All gathered together in 4 vols., N. T.,
each 8vo, 1800-1.)
Wyckoff, Rev. Henry Vooehees. Born in
1771, near Millstone, Somerset Co. ; pastor at Charles-
ton, S. C, 1799-1803 (?) ; Charleston, Second, 1803-
20; then suspended; seceded in 1822, and continued
pastor as seceder, 1822-29; Charleston (Ind.), 1829-30;
died March 6, 1835. Publication :
Keasons for Withdrawing from the Eef Dutch Church, 1820.
Wyckoff, Ret. Isaac Newton, D.D. Born Aug.
29, 1792, near Millstone, Somerset Co. ; grad. Rutgers,
1813; New Brunswick Seminary, 1817. Pastorates:
Leeds, 1817-34; Catskill, 1834-36; Albany, Second,
1836-66 ; died 1869. Elected a tru,stee of Ref Church,
1851. Degree by Union, 1838; by Rutgers, 1839.
His style of composition was picturesque. Publi-
cations :
1. Address before Tract Soc, in N. Y. Observer, May 19, 1827.
2. " Christian E.xample."
3. " On the Death of Ghr. Miller," 1844.
4. Address at Funeral of Rev. David Abeel, 1846.
6. " Stability of the Times," July 4, 1862.
6. Sermon on the Death of David Pruyn, 1843.
7. Sermon on Death of Hibertie Pruyn, 1855.
* Wife of preceding.
8. "John, surnamed Boanerges," a discourse on the death of Bev. Dr.
John Ludlow, 1857.
9. " She is not Dead, but Sleepeth," 1858.
10. " The Spiritual Portrait," on the death of Hon. Jacob Lansing, 1858.
11. Address at Quarto-Centennial Celebration of Pastorate, 1861.
12. "The Righteous entering into Peace," on the death of A. F. Lan-
sing, 1861.
13. An Inaugural Charge at Hope College, 1866, in " Hope College Re-
membrancer."
14. Arts, in " Sprague's Annals" on Rev. J. M. Van Harlingen, Jacob
Sickles, Jacob Schoonmaker, Peter P. Rouse, David Abeel, W. J. Pohl-
man.
15. Sermons in the Columbia County Preacher and the Nat. Preaclter.
Wyckoff, Lillie Eliza. Born March 23, 1855,
at Raritan, Somerset Co. ; removed to South Branch,
1864 ; res. at Plainfield, Oct. 1879, to present. Pub-
lications :
1. Various tales, viz., "Girls, What shall we do for Our Brothers?"
Too Late, " That Sister of Mine," " Jacob Thornton's Thanksgiving,"
A Man's I Will ! etc., in local papers.
2. other articles in Somerset Gazeite, Clirist. Intelligencer, Somerset Gos-
pel Field, American Messenger, Children's Friend, and Somerset Unionist.
Wyckoff, Martin Nevius. Born April 10,
1850, at Middlebush, N. J.; grad. Rutgers, 1872;
teacher (under Educational Department of Japan) in
Japan, 1872-77 ; ditto of grammar school for boys,
Somerville, 1878 to present. Publications :
1. " Across Japan," 2 arts, in Somerset Unionist, 1875.
2. Other arts, from Japan in same, 1876.
3. " Social Classes in Japan," 3 articles, " Flowers' Fam. Mag.," 1878.
4. " Japanese Legend," in same.
5. Also an editor of " The Targum," 1871.
Zabriskie, Abraham Gothout, LL.D. Born
June 10, 1807, at Greenbush, N. Y. ; removed to
Millstone, Somerset Co., 1811.t Publication :
Opinions as Cliancellor in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 C. E. Gteen'e Equity Reports.
CHAPTER X.
COTJNTY SOCIETIES.
County Bible,, Society County Teachers' Institute County Sunday-
School Association County Temperance Association Agricultural
Societies.
SOMERSET COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
At a meeting of a considerable number of the citi-
zens of Somerset County, at Somerville, at the house
of Daniel Sergeant, Oct. 1, 1816, to take into consid-
eration, the subject of forming a Bible society in and
for said county, as auxiliary to the New Jersey Bible
Society, Peter B. Dumont was chosen chairman and
John Frelinghuysen secretary. A committee, con-
sisting of the Rev. Peter Studdiford, John Vreden-
bergh, Robert Finley, J. M. Bayard, J. Freling-
huysen, P. Elmendorf, and Rev. Peter Labagh, was
appointed to prepare a constitution. The meeting
then adjourned to meet " on the second Tuesday of
December next."
Accordingly, gn Dec. 10, 1816, a meeting was held
t See sketch in chapter on Bench and Bar of Somerset County.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
631
in the First Reformed church, Somerville, for the
purpose of organizing the Bible Society. The pro-
ceedings of the meeting held at the house of Daniel
Sergeant were read and adopted, when, upon motion,
it was
Resolved, That it is expedient at this time to form a Bible Society for
the county of Somerset, in the State of New Jersey.''
The constitution, as reported by the committee, was
then read, and adopted after sundry alterations, and
thus the society commenced its existence, a few
months after the American Bible Society, and nearly
eight years after the State Bible Society was formed.
For nearly thirteen years this county organization
was auxiliary to the New Jersey Bible Society, but
in 1829, the State society becoming almost inoper-
ative, it dissolved its connection with the latter and
became auxiliary to the American Bible Society.
The first annual meeting was held Aug. 19, 1817.*
The first managers were :
Bridgewater. Eev. P. Studdiford, John Frelinghiiysen.
JUUhborov^h, Bev. J. h. Zabriskie, Nicholas Du Boia.
Franklin. Rev. TJ. Huntington, John M. Bayard.
Montgomery. Bev. Peter Labagb, Samuel Bayard.
Bernard. Rev. J. S. Hardenbergh, Joseph Annin.
Bedmin&ter. Rev. Horace Galpiu, Nicholas Arrowsmith.
Warren. Alex. Kirfcpatrick, Esq., Fred, Vermeule.
At Large. Rev. R. Finley, of Baslciug Ridge ; James C. Cannon, of
Six- Mile Run; William Boggs, of Bound Brook; David Comfort, of
Kingston; Andrew Howell, Peter B. Dumont, and Dr. Peter I. Stryker.
The members of the society in 1817, the first year
of its organization, were :
Rev. Peter Studdiford, Rev. David Comfort, Rev. John Buggs, Rev. John
S. Vredenbergh, Bev. John L. Zabriskie, Rev. Peter Labagh, Rev.
Horace Galpiu, Rev. Wm. Brownlee, Charles Hardenbergh, Nicholas
Du Bois, Andrew Howell, Peter I. Stryker, Joseph Annin, John
Frelinghuyaen, Peter B. Dumont, Jolm M. Bayard, Samuel Bayard,
Nicholas Arrowsmith, Ate.'cander Kirkpatrick, Frederick Vermeule,
Samuel Swan, Peter Z. Elmendorf, Michael Van Veghten, John M.
Schenck, Peter D. Vroom, William B. Gaston, Jacob Williamson,
John R. Davidson, Dr. H. McEwen, Frederick Frelinghuyaen, Henry
H. Schenck, John Wyckoff, John M, Hoagland, Jacob Scudder, Wil-
liam Mann, Thos. A. Hartwell, James Taylor, John J. Schenck,
Frederick Cook, Samuel S. Doty, Henry Van Dyke, James Stryker,
Dennis Van Liew, Cornelius Peterson, Thomas Talmage, Sr., Elias
Scudder.
The venerated men who laid the foundation of this
institution, watched and aided its progress, and min-
gled in its deliberations, are now no more. Among
them, of the clergy, were the familiar names of Vre-
denbergh, Finley, Cannon, Studdiford, Comfort, Za-
briskie, Labangh, Boggs, Charles Hardenbergh, Van-
dervoort, Fisher, Schenck, and Ludlow ; and among
the laymen. Gen. John and Frederick Frelinghuysen,
Andrew Howell, Benjamin McDowell, Michael Van
Veghten, P. Z. Elmendorf, John M. and Samuel Bay-
ard, Peter B. Dumont, William B. Gaston, Nicholas
Du Bois, Joseph Annin, William T. Rogers, John M.
Mann, Samuel L. Southard, Van Nest, Beekman, and
Drs. Swan, Schenck, Stryker, and Hageman. These
* Of all those present at the firat annual meeting, but one Hon. Peter
D. Vroom, since deceased survived to meet with the society at its fiftieth
anniversary.
names include not only the founders, but others who
followed them, and those who bore them are now
numbered with the dead.
The object of this society, as stated in its constitu-
tion, is "to supply the poor of this county with Bibles
and Testaments, gratis." Any surplus fund that may
remain is paid to the society of which this is auxiliary.
The qualification of membership is the payment of
one dollar annually to the society. Its officers are a
president, two vice-presidents, and a secretary and
treasurer, selected from the board of managers, which
is chosen annually.
Gen. John Frelinghuysen was secretary for fourteen
years, until his death. He was followed, after a few
temporary appointments, by Judge William T. Rod-
gers, who served for eight years, and was followed by
F. J. Frelinghuysen, the present incumbent.
The first treasurer was Judge Andrew Howell, who
held the office for fourteen years, until stricken with
paralysis. He was succeeded by John M. Mann, the
faithful incumbent for thirty-three years. His suc-
cessor was S. S. Hartwell, Esq. ; he was followed by
J. F. Mesick, who still fills the position.
The record of this society has been one of " steady
growth and progress. The annual meetings have been
punctually held, and have always been attended with
a good and encouraging degree of interest. Measures
have been adopted, from time to time, to increase the
interest, sometimes by changing the annual sermon
for addresses by distinguished laymen and civilians
whose hearts were deeply engaged in the cause. The
meetings, instead of being at a stated place, as at first,
have been held in the difierent churches in succes-
sion throughout the county." Agents have been ap-
pointed to visit every family in Somerset County. The
first canvass was in 1827, another, for a re-supply, in
1833, and again in 1835. In 1846 the work was per-
formed again, and five hundred dollars voted to aid
the American Bible Society in supplying the State
with the Scriptures. In 1856 a resolution was passed
to aid the parent society in supplying the whole United
States. In 1855 the entire income of the society was
voted to the parent society to aid it in publishing an
Arabic version of the Bible. From 1862 it distributed
copies of the Word of God yearly during the war in
the camp and on shipboard.
In 1886 the sum of $414.56 was paid to the parent
society ; in 1846, $555 ; in 1856, $1527 ; in 1866, $3297.
The fiftieth anniversary of the Somerset County
Bible Society was celebrated in the First Reformed
church of Somerville, Aug. 13, 1867. The attendance
was very large, and the occasion was one of solemn
interest. After prayer by Rev. Dr. Rankin, of Bask-
ing Ridge, the Rev. Gabriel Ludlow, D.D., of Nesh-
anic,t preached the annual sermon, from Exodus xii.
14 : " This day shall be unto you a memorial." Brief
addresses were also delivered on that occasion by Rev.
â– f Being at this time the oldest clerical member of the society.
632
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Dr. Taylor, delegate from the American Bible Society,
Hon. Peter D. Vroom, Hon. F. T. Frelinghuysen,
J. F. Hageman, and others.
The last annual gathering was held at Franklin
Park, Aug. 10, 1880, in the newly-erected Keformed
church, which was well filled on the occasion. The
president, John De Mott, presided over the meet-
ing. The report of the executive committee, pre-
pared by Eev, Dr. Messier, chairman, was read by
the secretary, F. J. Frelinghuysen, in his absence.
The treasurer's report showed that the annual re-
ceipts had been $938.98, which amount had been dis-
bursed (save a balance on hand of $21.10) during
the year, as follows :
J. L. StiUwell, three days distributing Bibles in
North Plainfield S9.96
American Bible Society 905.00
A. V. D. Honeyman, circulars 2.50
Incidental expenses .42
S917.8S
The depository's report embraced the following:
Number of volumes received from the Amer-
ican Bible Society 544
Cost of 544 volumes $204.87
Number distributed and sold 185
Cost of 185 volumes 60.82
Value of volumes in depository S144.05
Number of volumes in depository 359
Number of volumes sold, 37 S7.91
Expenses 2.00
$5.81
The following resolutions were adopted :
" Ee£olved, That we highly approve of the semi-millenial celebration
of the WicklifFe translation, to be held in the State-House at Trenton on
Sept 21 and 22, 1880.
'^Resolved, That twelve delegates be appointed by this Society to that
meeting, viz.. Rev. J. F. Mesick, D.D., Kev. A. Messier, D.D., Kfev. P.
M. Doolittle, Eev. James Le Fevre, Kev. E. T. Oorwin, D.D., Kev. A. Mc-
Williams, llev. Samuel Parry, Rev. L. F. Burgess, J. V. D. Hoaglaod,
Esq., Peter A. Voorhees, Esq., James E. Negus. Twelve alternates were
appended.
Besolved, That not less than twenty-five dollars be raised by a special "
committee as our proportion to meet the expenses of the convention."
The Committee on Nominations reported the fol-
lowing officers for the year ensuing : President, James
E. Negus ; Vice-President, George V. Tunison ; Sec-
retary, Frederick J. Frelinghuysen ; Treasurer, Rev.
J. F. Mesick, D.D. ; Depository, James Gaston; To
Preach the Sermon, Rev. 0. H. Pool, and Rev. Wil-
liam E. Davis his alternate.
SOMERSET COUNTY TEACHERS' INSTITDTE.*-
In the holding of teachers' institutes Somerset was
a pioneer, the first ever held in the State being at
the court-house in Somerville, commencing on Mon-
day, June 18, 1849, and closing on the following Sat-
urday. Mr. J. F. Severance was president, Abraham
Hess vice-president, and William H. Jellifi" secretary.
The instructors were Profs. C. W. and J. C. Sanders,
and James B. Thomson, of New York. An address
upon education was delivered by Dr. King, State su-
perintendent, and another upon temperance by Horace
* By J. S. Haynes.
Greeley. The second institute was held in Somer-
ville in 1851. The instructors were Profs. Fowle and
Stone, of New England. The third was at Millstone
in the summer of 1853, under the instruction of D. G.
Eaton, of Brooklyn, and S. T. Bowen, of New Bruns-
wick. One of the most interesting of those earlier
educational meetings was held in Somerville, com-
mencing July 31, 1854. The instructors were D. G.
Eaton, David Cole, and Dr. Hoagland. Addresses
were delivered by Governor Price, David Cole, and
Rev. John A. Todd. Prof. Eaton's beautiful illus-
tration of the structure of the human eye, and Mr.
Todd's lecture upon the " Dynasty of the Pen," were
among the finest things ever given to the teachers of
this county. The fifth was at Peapack, in Septem-
ber, 1855, with Charles W. Sanders and James B.
Thomson as instructors. The attendance was not so
large as usual, but the charming weather and the
bountiful hospitality of the people made the week at
Peapack a pleasant event. The institute of 1856 was
at Middlebrook, with Professor Fowle, of Boston.
From 1856 to 1861 there were three, one at Somer-
ville, under Prof. Fowle ; another at Bound Brook,
with Prof. Giddings, of Brooklyn, as instructor ; and
the third at East Millstone, with Profs. Sanders,
Stoddard, and Potter. In 1861 there was an insti-
tute at Raritan, under the instruction of William F.
Phelps, principal of the Normal School at Trenton.
From this time until 1874 there were three, two at
Peapack and one at Pluckamin. The instructors
were Messrs. Dalton and Sanders. This completes
the list of institutes under the old regime, when every
teacher in attendance gave his time and was mainly
dependent for entertainment upon the hospitality of
the people. The sessions of an institute in those
days generally continued about a week. The attend-
ance ranged from fifteen to fifty, twenty-five to thirty
being the usual average.
The law of 1867 intrusted the care of the institutes
to the county superintendent. Under this arrange-
ment an institute has been held every year from 1874
to the present time, with the exception of 1878. They
are all now held in Somerville, on account of its cen-
tral location and its facilities for the entertainment of
teachers, who now pay their own expenses, but whose
time is given by their districts. The sessions continue
three days; the number of teachers in attendance'
averages about eighty. The first of this series was
organized in March, 1874, by County Superintendent
E. W. Rarick. The instructors have been E. A.
Apgar, State superintendent. Professors Johnson and
Apgar, of the Normal School, Miss Minnie Swayze,
Mrs. Randall Diehl, Rev. Samuel Lockwood, Pro-
fessor Northrop, of Connecticut, B. W. Putnam, of
Boston, Professor De Graff, of Albany, and prominent
teachers of the county. The subjects discussed have-
been the common English branches and the natural
sciences, with especial prominence given to drawing
and reading.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
633
The Thompson brothers and Drs. Rankin, Eodgers,
and Messier were interested friends of the earlier
meetings; but the most energetic and enthusiastic
friend of education in this county twenty-five years
ago was Mr. C. C. Hoagland, town superintendent of
Hillsborough. With an interest that never flagged
and a vigilance that never wearied, he kept the cause
before the people, inspiring everybody with the same
spirit, until the county journals teemed with articles
upon the subject, and Somerset was claimed to be the
banner county of the State for public schools.
SOMERSET COUNTY SUNDAY-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.®
The "Somerset County Sunday-School Associa-
tion" was organized Feb. 7, 1860, in the Reformed
Dutch church of East Millstone.f The Rev. David
Cole had been appointed by the State Association at
its last convention corresponding secretary for Som-
erset County, and accordingly he called a convention
of churches and Sunday-schools to meet in his church
on the day above named. The meeting was not large,
but was spirited and unanimous. Representatives of
three evangelical denominations Baptist, Presbyte-
rian, and Reformed Dutch were present. Henry
Garretson was made temporary chairman, and Fred-
erick R. Brace clerk pro tern. The Rev. Stephen
Searle, of Griggstown, opened the convention with
prayer.
The corresponding secretary, Rev. David Cole,
stated the object of the meeting, and in his usual
earnest and practical manner set forth the advantages
of a county organization auxiliary to the State asso-
ciation. He closed his remarks by offering the fol-
lowing :
â– " Beaolved, That we proceed to form a Somerset County Sunday-School
ABBOciatioD."
The motion was seconded by Rev. James Le Fevre,
of Raritan. After further remarks by several speak-
ers, the resolution was unanimously carried.
The following were appointed to report a constitu-
tion: P. Mason, Baptist; L. V. D. Shepherd, Presby-
terian; Rev. J. Le Fevre, Reformed Dutch. Sub-
sequently they reported the following, which was
adopted :
" Article I. Section 1. This aBBOciation shall be called the Somerset
County Sunday-School Association. It shall be auxiliary to the New
Jersey State Sunday-School Association.
Seclim 2. Its members shall consist of all pastors and superintend- "
ents of co-operating Sabbath-Bcbools, together with all other persons
whom these Sabbath-schools shall from time to time appoint as delegates
to its meetings. These persons only shall have a right to vote.
" Aeticle II. Secton 1. The object of this association shall be to
secure the attendance of every child in the county of Somerset upon the
Sabbath-school ; to organize, through its ofBoers, Buch new schools as may
be necessary ; and to promote, in all proper ways, a general interest in
the cause of Sabbath-schools.
Article III. Section 1. The ofBcers of this association shall be a "
president, a vice-president from each of the co-operating denominations,
a recording secretary, a secretary for each township, and a treasurer.
* By Rev, James Le Fevre.
t The first Sunday-school formed in the county was on the first Sab-
tath in April, 1816, in the village of Somerville.
41
*' Section 2. These ofRcerB shall be elected annually, and shall consti-
tute the executive committee of the association.
" Section 3. Wheu any one elected to an office shall positively decline
to accept, the president of the association shall have power to fill the va-
cancy thus created in the executive committee.
Article lY. Section 1. The duties of the president, vice-president, "
recording secretary, and treasurer shall be those usually devolving upon
such officers.
" Section 2. It shall be the duty of each secretary for a township to
visit and address all the schools in his township, to gather their statistics
according to certain blanks to he furnished by the association, and to
make a full report of his work to the county secretary of the State asso-
ciation at least one month previous to the annual meeting of this asso-
ciation,
Article V. The necessary expenses of this association shall be pro- "
vided for as the executive committee may direct.
*' Article TI, The annual meeting of this association shall be held
on the second Tuesday in September, at 10 o'clock a,m,, at such place as
the association shall fix upon from time to time by vote,
" Article VII. This constitution, or any part of it, may be changed
only at annual meetings, and then by a vote of a majority of the mem-
bers present. "
The first officers of the association were the follow-
ing : President, Rev. R. K. Rodgers, D.D, ; Vice-
Presidents, Isaac F. Frazee, Methodist; J. M. Lath-
rop, Baptist; Isaac R. Cornell, Episcopal; David
Hoffmann, Presbyterian ; Lawrence Van Derveer,
Reformed Dutch ; Recording Secretary, Peter N.
Beekman ; Treasurer, J. V. D. Hoagland ; Township
Secretaries : Franklin, T. R. Brace ; Hillsborough,
Elias Van Fleet ; Montgomery, Joseph H. Voorhees ;
Branchburg, Joseph Thompson ; Bridgewater, A. D.
Hope ; Bernard, Nathaniel Kelly ; Bedminster, Jacob
L. Sutphen ; Warren, John Dunn.
The first annual meeting was appointed to be held
in the Third Reformed church, at Raritan, Tuesday,
Sept. 11, 1860, at 10 a.m., and it was a great success.
Lawrence Van Derveer, in the absence of the presi-
dent, presided. Mr. Beekman, the recording secre-
tary, has this note of the meeting :
â– ' One of the most pleasing features of the day was the,singing by some
of the children belonging to Rev. J. Le Fevre's church, under the eflB-
cient lead of Miss Frelinghuysen. The sweet melodies sung by them
tended, no doubt, to the promotion of the harmony and good feeling of
the meeting."
For twenty years this association has been in suc-
cessful operation, and has had the cordial support and
entire confidence of the best people in the county.
The Rev. David Cole, who was so prominent in or-
ganizing and in shaping the life of the organization,
after four years' service as its county secretary, was
called to be the professor of Greek in Rutgers College.
Upon his leaving the county the Rev. James Le Fevre
was nominated by the county association, and con-
firmed by the State association, to be its corresponding
secretary, and he continues in that office to the present
time. During 1874, when Mr. Le Fevre was president
of the State association, Hon. Peter A. Voorhees acted
as corresponding secretary.
The presidents of the association have been :
Eev. K. K. Eodgers, Rev. James Le Fevre, Bev. J. F. Mesiok, Rev, A. H,
Belles, Bev, J, C, Rankin, Peter A. Voorhees, Rev, P. M. Doolittle,
Lawrence Van Derveer, Bev. H. D. Doolittle, Henry H, Garretson,
Stephen Voorhees, L, V. D. Shepherd, Joseph H. Voorhees, Judge
Ralph Voorhees, Eev, J, C, Dutcher, William N, Adair, Eev, S. Par-
1 sons Bev. J. R. Adams, Rev. Samuel Parry, and Bev. 0. H. Pool.
634
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The vice-pMsidents for twenty years have been
chosen from the co-operating denominations, and
have been working and representative men.
The recording secretaries were Peter N. Beekman,
five years ; John H. Wilson, five years ; Richard Gar-
retson, one year ; Daniel Porter, up to the time of his
death, eight years ; Edward B. Porter, one year.
The association has had but one treasurer, Judge J.
V. D. Hoagland.
The township secretaries have been :
BedminBter. Jacob L. Siitpben, two years; Simon Hageman, one year;
William S. Potter, one year; David K. Hoffman, three years ; G. C. Ap-
gar, two years ; Wilbur F. Wilson, four years ; T. T. Van Arsdale, seveu
years.
Bernard. Nathaniel Eelly, one year ; Isaac S. Runyon, four years ;
Kev. William H. Dykeman, eight years; Calvin D. Smith, seven years.
Branchburg. Judge Joseph Thompson, four years ; Daniel Ammerman,
five years; J. B. D. Myers, one year; Gilbert L. Kershon, three years;
John Vosseller, two years ; George H. Stephens, one year ; Ira Voorbees,
four years.
Bndgewater.A.'D. Hope, one year; J. V. Perlee, four years; James
Davis, eight years ; L. D. Cook, two years ; William N. Adair, five years.
Sai«6oroii{;;i. Blias Van Fleet, three years ; William H. Nichols, one
year; Peter N. Beekman, one year; John H. Wilson, one year; Daniel
Stryker, fourteen years.
Franklin. F. R. Brace, two years ; Peter A. Voorbees, eighteen years.
Monl^omery. Joseph H. Voorbees, twenty years.
North Plainfield.* Dr. Lewis Craig, two years ; James R. Perine, five
years.
Warren. John Dunn, one year; John S. Mallet, two years; Rev. J. F.
Neef, one year; Jacob Smith, two years ; W. H. Curtis, one year; Samuel
Voorbees, one year; Rev, George Bowers, one year; Dr. Lewis Craig,
three years; Rev. G. T. Jackson, two years; Lewis P. Eager, five years.
A brief extract from the last report of each of the
two corresponding secretaries will exhibit the growth
and condition of the association at periods quite re-
mote from each other. Bev. Mr. Cole, in his report
to the State association, in 1863, says,
" Somerset County is now in perfect working order. Statistics of Snn-
day-schools have been collected regularly for four consecutive years, and
the plans and objects of the New Jersey State Sunday-School Association
are clearly understood. The county association is well organized, and is
really one of the most thoroughly understood and most heartily loved
institutions of the county. ... At the last meeting, in Somerville, the
excellent township secretaries presented their annual reports promptly
exhibiting, as usual, a fidelity in the discbarge of their duty that is truly
remarkable, ... It will be seen that the county has this year eighty-
five schoolfl, all of which are fully reported :
„ . , ^ , . . 1860. 1863.
Number ot schools in county 77 gg
Number of schools reported 72 §5
Number of teacbei-a 913 j qq2
Average attendance of teachers 672 '882
Children on register 4 955 g -[77
Average attendance of children 3318 3*852
Scholars over 18 yeare '393 'gic
Number of teacliers church-members â– 628 840
Number of scholars church-members 225 348
Conversions dnjing the past year. 29 118
Deaths dui-ing the past year ..."". 59 45 "
Scholars in infant cla£s qqq
Average attendance of infants 594
Volumes in library ;. jg 055 22,046
Hold teachers' prayer-meetings, nnmber scholars 16 14
Hold montlily concert, number scholars 7 24
Discontinued in winter, *' '* gQ
Benevolent contributions .' ©707 53,1
The present corresponding secretary, in his last
report to the State association, in 1879, says
"The Sunday-school is one of the best-loved institutions in Somerset
County, and a Sunday-school anniversary or convention will, in any part
of our county, command a crowded assemblage. The religious character
* New township.
of the people and the prominence long^ given to the different forms of
Christian work leave little room for marked changes in our statistical
table. We report ninety -three schools, two more thau last year, with
an average attendance of five thousand children. Seventy-one schools are
open the whole year, which is an increase of ten over last year. Perhaps
in two yearB, at this rate of progi'ess, we shall be able to report all our
schools as never closing. There is also a slight increase in the number
of conversions this year, one hundred and fifty-one againstone hundred
and thirty.
Our township secretaries are all experienced, and some of them "
veteran workers. Some of our townships have never known hut one
secretary, and most of us are growing old in the ofBces we hold by tha
good pleasure of our county association. This aversion to frequent
changes and raUUng machinery is one of the peculiarities of our people
We are steady and diligent workers, and, while we may be considered a
little too conservative, yet we venture to afBrm there is as much intelli-
gent and effective teaching of the word in our schools as in any county
of our State."
Nnmber of schools in operation in county 93
" schools reporting 92
officers 394 "
" teachers 10.'j2
Average attendance of officers and teachers 1031
Number of teachers church-members 935
scholars, including primary class 6727 "
Average attendance of scholars 4-592
Number of scbolai's church-members 1169
" primary scholars 1433
conversions or confirmations 151 "
Special temperance lessons given 26
Amount contributed for State and county associa-
tions $140.68
Have school all the year 71
Use international uniform lessons 86
The county secretaries have printed and published
every year, by order of the association, a county
report, with full statistical tables.
The twenty-first annual convention of the Somerset
County Sunday-School Association was held Sept. 14,
1880, in the Methodist Episcopal church of Bernards-
ville. The following were chosen as the officers of
the ensuing year :
President, Rev. C. C. Winans,".Bernardsville; Vice-Presidents, Wm. N.
Adair, Raritan ; Rev. Samuel Parry, Pluckamin ; Rev. L. F. Burgess,
Raritan ; Rev. Wm. E. Davis, South Branch ; Corresponding Secre-
tary, Rev. J. Le Fevre, Middlebush ; Recording Secretary, E. B. Por-
ter ; Treasurer, J. V. D. Hoagland, Millstone.
TOWNSHIP SECRETARIES.
Bedmimter.T. V. Van Arsdale, Pluckamin.
Bernard. Calvin D. Smith, Bernardsville.
Branchbvrg.Georgn H. Stephens, North Branch Depot.
Bridgewater. A. V. D. Honeyman, Somerville.
ffiiWoroujA. Daniel Stryker, Plainville.
FrankUn.~P. A. Voorbees, Franklin Park.
Jlfoii(ffomei-?/. Joseph H. Voorbees, Rocky HiU.
M:rtli PMnJisU. James R. Perrine, Plainfield.
Fiirrcii. Israel J. Coon, Plainfield.
CORRESPONDING DELEGATES.
Morri3 Comity. R^^. 0. T. Anderson, Peapack.
Middlesex Counti/.'Rev. A. E. Baldwin, Bound Brook.
Emilerdm Cbirai!/. Rev. W. H. Huffman, Pottersville.
DELEGATES TO STATE CONVENTION.
Revs. J. B. Mulford, N. McConaughy, Charles H. Poole, J. V. D. Hoag-
land, P. A. Voorbees, C. C. Winans, P. M. Doolittle, and Messrs. J. V.
Perlee, S. P. Dunham, C. D. Smith.
The next annual session (1881) will be held in the
First Baptist church of Somerville.
COUNTY TEMPEKANCE ASSOCIATION.f
The Somerset County Temperance Association
was organized Jan. 3, 1866. It was the result of a call
t By Rev. Charles H. Pool, secretary.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
635
to the temperance people of the county by Jacob L.
Sutphen, then of Somerville, and one of the vice-presi-
dents of the New Jersey State Temperance Alliance,
to assemble for that purpose in the Second Reformed
church of Somerville on the day above named. After
the war the use of intoxicating drink seemed to in-
crease in the county to an alarming extent, both in
public places and in more private social gatherings ;
and this prompted the desire, on the part of some, for
the founding of a county temperance association. It
was made auxiliary to the State Temperance Alliance,
and its object, as declared in the second article of its
constitution, is " to advance the cause of temperance
in this county by means of sermons, lectures, tracts,
and other printed matter, and by all lawful and moral
means in our power."
The history of the association during the fifteen
years of its existence has been a comparatively un-
eventful one. Like all temperance societies, it has
been popular with only a few, though Somerset
County comprises mostly a thrifty, moral, and church-
going people, and it seemed to have little influence in
checking the evOs of intemperance. It held meetings
annually, but they were generally small, and because
of smallness lacked, if not enthusiasm, certainly eflB-
ciency. Within a few years, however, there has been
a change for the better. The annual meetings are
more largely attended and more interesting. The
clergymen of the county co-operate more generally
and heartily, and many prominent laymen are be-
coming interested in the work of the association.
Persistent effort to find and appoint active temper-
ance workers (mostly laymen) as secretaries in each
township has been rewarded, and this has resulted in
some township organizations, a large increase of tem-
perance meetings, and in the circulation of temper-
ance literature, many signers to the pledge, and a.
decided decrease in the number of reputable men
who are willing to sign applications for tavern and
saloon licenses. In several instances licenses have
been revoked or refused through the influence of the
society, and a noticeable advance has been made in
the temperance sentiment and zeal of the people of
the county. The influence of the association is, after
these years, beginning to be perceptible. It does not
propose to fall back, but to persevere until, with the
Divine help and blessing, it shall realize what is now
only an expectation, viz., the total prohibition of
the liquor traffic.
At the meeting for the organization of the Somerset
County Temperance Association, Jan. 3, 1866, Jacob
L. Sutphen was president, and Peter S. Brokaw sec-
retary. The officers chosen for permanent organiza-
tion were: President, Rev. R. R. Rodgers, D.D.;
Vice-Presidents (one from each township ; now called
secretaries) : Bedminster, T. V. Van Arsdale ; Ber-
nard, Rev. J. C. Rankin ; Branchburg, S. B. Little ;
Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Boswell ; Franklin, Peter A.
Voorhees; Hillsborough, Elias Van Fleet; Mont-
gomery, J. S. Hoagland; Warren, Rev. Mr. Pike;
Secretary, Daniel Porter ; Treasurer, J. W. Conklin.
The first annual convention was held Sept. 25, 1866,
in the Presbyterian church at Bound Brook.
OFFICERS SINCE 1866.
Sept. 26, 1866, to Sept. 3, 1867. President, Judge Morton ; Secretary,
Eev. H. D. Doolittle.
Sept. 3, 1867, to Sept. 1, 1868. President, Sev. William Brush ; Vice-
President, Peter A. Voorliees; Secretary, Key. H. D.' Doolittle; Treas-
urer, Daniel Sanborn.
Sept. 1, 1868, to Sept. 7, 1869. President, Eey. William Cornell ; Vice-
President, Andrew Earick ; Secretary, Eev. H. D. Doolittle ; Treasurer,
Eev. William Brush. *
Sept. 7, 1869, to Sept. 20, 1870. President, Eev. William Cornell ; Vice-
President, Eev. E. K. Eodgers, B.B.; Secretary, Eev. H. D. Doolittle;
Treasurer, N. B. Eichardson.
Sept. 20, 1870, to Sept. 6, 1871. President. Eev. Thomas Carter ; Vice-
President, Eev. E. T. Corwin ; Secretary Eev. H. D. Doolittle ; Treasurer,
N. B. Eichardson.
Sept. 6, 1871, to Sept. 3, 1872. President, Eev. Thomas Carter; Vice-
President, Kev. E. T. Corwin ; Secretarj', Eev. H. D. Doolittle ; TreaBurer,
B. M. PolhemuB.
Sept. 3, 1872, to Sept. 2, 1873. President, Eev. John F. Mesick, D.D. ;
Vice-President, Eev. Mr. King ; Secretary, Eev. William Cornell ; Treas»
urer, George W. Adair.
Sept. 2, 1873, to Sept. 1, 1874. President, Eev. B. T. Corwin; Vice-
President, Joseph Thompson ; Secretary, Eev. Charles H. Pool ; Trens--
urer, George W. Adair.
Sept. 1, 1874, to Sept. 7, 1875. President, Eev. J. C. Eankin, D.D. ;
Vice-President, Eev. Mr. Parsons ; Secretary, Eev. P. M. Doolittle ; Treas-
urer, George W. Adair.
Sept. 7, 1875, to Sept. 5, 1876. President, Ealph Voorhees; Vice-Presi-
dent, Eev. J. C. Eankin, D.D.; Secretary, Eev. C. H. Pool; Treasurer,.
George W. Adair.
Sept. 6, 1876, to Sept. 4, 1877. President, A. V. D. Honeyman, Esq. ;
Vice-President, Herbert Kingsbury ; Secretary, Eev. C. H. Pool ; Treas-
urer, George W. Adair.
Sept. 4, 1877, to Sept. 3, 1878. President, Eev. A. E. Baldwin, D.D. ;,
Vice-President, Eev. John Davis; Secretaiy, Eev. C. H. Pool ; Treasurer,
George W. Adair.
Sept. 3, 1878, to Sept. 2, 1879. President, Eev. Peter Gibb ; Vice-Presi-
dent, Eev. J. I. Boswell; Secretary, Eev. C. H. Pool; Treasurer, George
W. Adair.
Sept. 2, 1879, to Sept. 7, 1880. President, Eev. John Hart; Vice-Presi-
dent, Eev. D. W. Eyder ; Secretary, Eev. 0. H. Pool; Treasurer, â– G. W,
Adair.
Sept. 7, 1880, to Sept, 6, 1881. President, Hon. Peter A. Voorhees ; Vice-
President, Eev. J. B. Mulford; Secretary, Eev. C. H. Pool; Treasurer,
George W. Adair.
Township Secretories. Bedminster, Eev. Samuel Parry; Bernard,
Ealph Voorhees; Branchburg, Hugh Gaston; Bridgewater, P. W.
Mitchell; Franklin, Kev. James Le Fevre; Hillsborough, Stephen
Weaver ; Montgomery, David C. Voorhees ; North Plainfield, James K.
Perrine ; Warren, Eev. G. F. Apgar.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
The Franklin Agricultural Society of Somerset
County was incorporated on Aug. 17, 1857. William
D. Bellis conveyed the land where the present fair-
grounds are to the Franklin Agricultural Society.
David Sanderson, of White House, was the president
most if not all the time of its existence. Fairs were
held annually until 1868; there was none held in
1869
In 1870 the Farmers' and Manufacturers' Associa-
tion was incorporated, and held an election of officers
July 16, 1870. The following officers were elected :
Rynier H. Veghte, President; Abr. T. Hofl', Vice-
President ; Calvin Corle, Treasurer ; William S. Pot-
ter, Secretary; and nine directors, viz., E. Van
636
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Syckle, A. J. Farrand, A. W. Garretson, A. S. Ten
Eyck, J. V. D. Hoagland, J. V. D. Powelson, J. V.
Veghte, J. E. Lewis, and C. Barcalow. At a subse-
quent meeting 0. Corle and Abr. T. Hoff resigned,
and Job C. Kinyon was made vice-president and L. R.
Vredenburgh treasurer. These officers remained in
office for several years, being re-elected annually. E.
H. Veghte as president, L. E. Vredenburgh as treas-
urer, and William S. Potter as secretary, have each
been re-elected annually since the organization.
The fair-grounds were rented from Mr. Sanderson
in the fall of 1870, when the first fair was held under
the new organization. In 1871 the grounds were
purchased of him for twelve thousand dollars. The
fairs have been held annually the first week in Octo-
ber since that time, with an average profit of one
thousand dollars per year. New buildings have been
erected on the grounds, and the fences renewed and
repaired as occasion required. About twelve hun-
dred shares of stock have been issued, at five dollars
per share. The fairs have been well attended and
the exhibitions all that the society could expect.
The annual meeting of the stockholders is held on
the third Saturday of February each year, in the
court-house at Somerville, at which time Prof Cook,
of Eutgers College, gives an address to the stock-
holders. It has become a matter of so much interest
to the farmers that the court-house is now filled each
year to hear the address. The society owns thirty-
three acres in the inclosure, and about nine acres out-
side. There is only a debt of three thousand dollars
remaining yet unpaid.
CHAPTEE XI.
MEN OF PROMINENCE.
Biographical Sketches of John Royce, Hendrick Fisher, Lord Stirling,
Capt. John and Gen. Peter I. Stryker, Alexander and James Linn ;
Kevs. Wm. Jackson, John Cornell, Isaac V. Brown, Spence H. Cone;
T. DeWitt Talmage, John F. Mesick, Elbert S. Porter, Morris C. Snt-
phin ; Theodore Strong, LL.D., Judge Berrien, Hon. Peter A. Voor-
hees, Judge Ealph Yoorhees, Hon. Kynier H. Veghte, William H.
Gatzmer, Andrew Hageman, etc.
Somerset County claims the nativity and resi-
dence, within her bounds, of very many of the most
distinguished men of the State, eminent soldiers,
statesmen, jurists, divines, learned men and brave,
and patriots, without number. While a royal quarto
volume would be none too ample for their memoirs,
the brief space which can here be given them will
necessarily admit of but few of the many, and those
briefly treated. Biographical sketches of the promi-
nent men of Somerset may be found scattered all
through this history, in its various departments, and
it is attempted in this chapter only to mention a few
of her distinguished sons, dead and living, not else-
where given.
John Eoyce lived first at Piscataway, and then in
what has since been known as Eoycefield, near the
late residence of John J. Staats. He was a merchant
in New York, but came to Somerset County probably
soon after the date of the Indian purchase. He owned,
or claimed to own, a tract of twenty thousand acres
on the south side of the Earitan, about which some
dispute existed. Andrew Hamilton, the Governor,
wrote of him in 1700,
" He is the very leader of the troublesome sort of the people, and it is
he that infuses the motive in them of holding to their Indian titles. "
He managed, however, to maintain his position and
infiuence, and was chosen the same year one of the
representatives of New Jersey in the Colonial Legis-
lature ; in his office as such he questioned the author-
ity of Governor Hamilton to call a Legislative Assem-
bly, insisting that it was not safe to act without the
king's approbation. It appears that he had been one
of the council of Hamilton, appointed on his arrival
and entrance upon office in 1692. One of his de-
scendants (it must have been) occupied the same po-
sition in Governor Franklin's council when the Eev-
olution commenced, and encouraged the capture and
supersedure of the Governor when it became neces-
sary to displace him. When the family sold their
possessions and when they retired is not known. The
name is still met with in New York City, and is also
in existence in Northern New York and in Vermont.
John Eoyce was a man of activity and energy in
his day, and has left his trace upon our history in an
unmistakable way. As one of the early pioneers he
is not to be forgotten, and ought not to be sufi'ered to
pass without commanding his appropriate meed of
honor. He was at all times a man of the people, and
could be depended upon when resistance to authority
was necessary to the defense of their rights.
Hendrick Fisher. Perhaps one of the most
striking relics of the olden time is the birthplace of
Hendrick Fisher, who was the Samuel Adams of
New Jersey. The house is situated on the south side
of the Earitan, about one mile southeast from the
centre of the village. In this house, in 1703, the
same year in which the elder Hendrick Fisher pur-
chased it, was born Hendrick Fisher, the son, whose
name is intimately connected with Eevolutionary his-
tory. The father purchased the premises directly
from William Dockwra, who had purchased a tract
of nine hundred acres south of Bound Brook. The
house referred to is still standing, and is the residence
of Abram I. Brokaw ; it was probably built by Dockwra
in 1688.
Major-Gen. William Alexander. William
Alexander (Lord Stirling) was the son of James
Alexander, a native of Scotland, who took refuge in
America in 1716, in consequence of the part he had
taken in favor of the House of Stuart in the rebellion
of the preceding year. William was born in New
York City in 1726. After receiving a liberal educa-
MEN OF PROMINENCE.
637
tion he succeeded his father as surveyor-general of
New Jersey. He subsequently became a merchant,
and a commissary of the army in 1755, serving as an
aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Shirley during three
campaigns of that war. He accompanied Shirley to
England, and there he succeeded in establishing his
claim, as nearest male heir, to the title and estates of
the vacant earldom of Stirling. He returned to
America in 1761, residing first at New York, but
soon built a residence at Basking Eidge, on a tract of
land inherited from his father ; this was for a time
his summer retreat, and eventually his permanent
abode. He there lived in a truly baronial style. He
was soon chosen a member of the Provincial Council,
which station he continued to fill until the Revolu-
tion. He was one of the foremost opposers of the
Stamp Act in America. In 1775 he was appointed
colonel of the First Regiment. He was soon pro-
moted to the rank of brigadier-general, ard succeeded
to the command of New York. At the battle of Long
Island he was made a prisoner, but soon exchanged,
and rejoined the array. He prevented the advance
of Cornwallis to Morristown, and watched the British
at Princeton while Washington attacked the Hessians
at Trenton; was promoted to be major-general; en-
gaged Cornwallis at Scotch Plains and Metuchen
Meeting-House ; took an active part in the battles of
Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, etc. He pre-
sided at the court-martial of Gen. Lee. In October,
1778, Lord Stirling was in command of the troops
stationed in New Jersey to watch the motions of the
British fleet and army in New York, and was so em-
ployed until the close of the year. In the campaigns
of 1779-81 he had command of the Northern Depart-
ment, and took measures to repel the threatened in-
vasion from Canada. The remainder of the autumn
of 1781, and earlier part of the winter of 1782, were
spent by him in New Jersey, where he held the mili-
tary command, although residing at Basking Ridge.
He then returned to the command of the Northern
Department, in which he was engaged when he died
at Albany, Jan. 15, 1783, in the fifty-seventh year of
his age. He was buried in the ancient Dutch church
of that place, but his bones were subsequently re-
moved to the cemetery of the Protestant Episcopal
church, of which he was a member. He left a widow
and two daughters, Mary, who married Robert
Watts, Esq., and Catharine, the wife of Col. William
Duer, all now deceased.
Capt. John Steyker, who lived near Millstone,
Somerset Co., was "a noted trooper of the Revolu-
tion," in command of the company of Somerset light-
horse which so damaged and harassed the British
troops when they occupied New Brunswick, Newark,
and Elizabethtown. His son. Dr. Peter I. Stryker,
figured notably in the war, for, although but a boy of
thirteen, "he assisted in furnishing supplies to the
American troops stationed near his home, particularly
the brigade of Gen. Wayne, which marched from
their headquarters at Millstone in the early summer
of 1779 to Stony Point, on the Hudson."*
Gen. Peter I. Steyker was the son of Capt. John
Stryker, just mentioned. Dr. Stryker was born about
a mile north of Millstone church, on June 22, 1766.
At thirteen he assisted in furnishing supplies to the
American troops stationed on the farm of Henry Gar-
retson, particularly to the brigade of Gen. Wayne,
which wintered near the place now called Harmony
Plains in 1778-79. He studied medicine, and was in
due time licensed as a physician. After practicing
about six years at Millstone he removed to Somer-
ville, where he entered into the practice of Dr. Jona-
than F. Morris. He remained in Somerville until the
end of his life, Oct. 19, 1859. He was frequently hon-
ored with offices of trust and influence. He was
high sheriff' of the county, a State senator, and
for several years vice-president of the Upper House.
On one occasion in this position he was acting Gov-
ernor. He early exhibited a decided military taste,
and rose through the various grades of the service to
the rank of senior major-general, as the successor of
Gen. Doughty. He held this post for more than thirty
years. As a mark of respect for his age and long ser-
vice, forty officers of the New Jersey troops, led by
Governor Newell, assembled at his funeral, and his
remains were borne to their last resting-place with
military honors.
Gen. Stryker's life as a citizen and a public man
was made complete by his character as a Christian.
As such he was humble, devout, and consistent. He
united with the church at Millstone in May, 1799,
and in 1810 with the church of Somerville. His
wife, Helena Schenck, united with the same church
in July, 1799.
Dr. Stryker was a man of mark. His intellect was
vigorous and well developed. As a gentleman he was
kind, courtepus, and dignified; as a physician he was
valued and esteemed by all classes. He was consid-
erate towards the poor.
Alexander and James Linn. In the Laming-
ton churchyard repose the remains of Alexander Linn,t
who was probably father of James Linn, whose single
vote made Thomas Jefferson President of the United
* Dr. Wickea, in " Hist, of N. J. Med.," pp. 414-15.
f The inacription is as follows :
" Here lies the body of Alexander Linn, Esq.
Who departed this life in the sixty-fourth year of his age, Anno "
Domini 1776.
"He was for many years in the Commission of the peace, and some
time before his death one of the judges of the court of Common Pleas in the
county of Somerset, and an elder in this church.
All which Characters he supported with dignity and Reputation. His "
Family and the Public deplore the loss tbey have sustained by his death,
â– while his christian friends console Ihemfielves with the joyful expecta-
tion of meeting him among the spirits of just men made perfect.
" When fevered and sinking to the shade of Death, he gasped with
pain for every laboring breath, sure then his soul by some blest fortune,
knew his full Deliverance from eternal Woe. Assured with so bright a
hope, he did not fear to see his Death hourly approach more near, and hia
faith strengthened as his life decayed. His dying breath went up to
heaven in Praise. "
638
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
States. The coatest, transferred to the House of Rep-
resentatives, was long and bitter; for thirty-five times
the ballots were taken, and neither candidate had the
necessary majority. New Jersey had five members in
the House, two of whom were for Burr and two for
Jefferson. James Linn, the Somerset County man,
was the fifth, and consequently held the balance of
power. On the thirty-sixth ballot he voted for Jefi"er-
son, threw New Jersey in his favor, and gave him
the requisite number of States to elect him. In a
speech made in 1802 by Senator Bayard, ancestor of
the present senator, occur these utterances :
" I know how great, and greatly felt, was the importance of the vote of
Mr. Linn, of New Jersey. The delegation of the State consists of five
members. . . . Both parties looked up to him for the vote of New Jersey.
He gave it to Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Linn has since had the profitable
office of supervisor of his district conferred upon him.* "
The Linns were a noted Somerset family of the early
day, lived on what is now known as the Mine Brook
road, and owned large tracts extending back towards
Peapack.f It is said they were staunch Whigs during
the Revolution, and often had conflicts with their
neighbors on account of their afiiliation with the pa-
triot cause. James Linn was a member of the State
Legislature (1793-97), a member of Congress, 1799-
1801, Secretary of State in 1809, and died in Trenton,
N. J., in 1821. He lived on State Street, Trenton, just
beyond the Chancery house.
Rev. William Jackson was one of the early
preachers of the Reformed Church in Somerset
County. He was born in 1732, studied under J. Fre-
linghuysen and J. H. Goetschius, and was licensed in
1767. He was one of the original trustees of Queens
College. Tradition speaks of him as a learned man
and a devoted minister. He had a commanding voice,
and was, in the Dutch language, a powerful orator.
As a field-preacher he was esteemed second only to
Whitefleld. On one occasion, while preaching at
Raritan, the assemblage was so large that to be heard
by all, outside and within the church, he took his
station at the door and preached. In 1759 he was
called as a colleague to Dominie Hardenbergh at Rar-
itan, but declined. He died in 1813.
Theodore Strong, LL.D., was son of Rev. Joseph
Strong and Sophia Woodbridge, and was born July
26, 1790, at South Hadley, Mass. He was graduated
at Yale College in 1812, and was professor of mathe-
matics and natural philosophy in his Alma Mater,
1816-27. He was then chosen to the professorship of
the same branches in Rutgers College, and so con-
tinued for thirty-five years (1827-62). He was one of
the original members of the National Academy of
Arts and Sciences. From the first the whole strength
of his distinguished and cultivated powers of mind
was given to mathematical studies. The hardest
* N. Y. BeraU, Dec. 23, 1876.
t James Linn seems to have been the owner of the large farm which
came into the handa of Judge Voorhees' father (Clinton). James Linn's
only child married the Kev. D. V. McLean, of Morm muUtcaulis memory.
problems which had long baffled the efforts of others
he liked best to attack and conquer. His range of
mathematical investigation and attainment spread
through the highest sphere of inquiries, wherein New-
ton and La Place had gone before him. He early
solved some difficult questions pertaining to the
circle, propounded as a challenge in Rees' " Encyclo-
paedia" by some distinguished Scotch mathematicians.
He completed the solution of cubic equations in a
truly scientific way, which European mathematicians
had failed to accomplish. By a most ingenious mode
of factoring he devised a method of extracting any
root of any integral number by a direct process. In
1859 he published a " Treatise on Algebra," in which
he presented the whole science in original forms of
his own, a thorough piece of solid intellectual ma-
son-work.
In the summer of 1867 he wrote out largely, if not
wholly, a volume on the " Differential and Integral
Calculus,'' full of new processes and results of his
own origination. He was industrious, thoughtful,
simple-minded, humble, cheerful, and happy. He
was a man of remarkable gentleness of spirit, and at
the same time of great ardor in his moral convictions.
He was a patriot, and took a great interest in the po-
litical and social questions of the times, and occupied
always the advanced positions of the hour in all mat-
ters of social reform. He was of full height and
breadth in his physique, of dark complexion and dark
eyes, and had a very intellectual face. He was very
regular in his habits and enjoyed robust health. He
possessed a competency, and his life abounded in good
works. He believed unwaveringly the Word of God,
though he did not make a profession of his faith
until near the close of life. He died at his home, in
Franklin township, near New Brunswick, Feb. 1,
1869. He married Lucy Dix, of Littleton, Mass.,
Sept. 23, 1818. She died in 1875.
Rev. John Cornell was born at Northampton,
Pa., in 1775. He studied theology with Dr. Living-
ston, and was licensed to preach by the Classis of New
York in 1798. He was pastor of the Presbyterian
Churches of Allentown and Nottingham, N. J., for
twenty-one years, 1800-21. He then taught a classi-
cal school in Somerville for seven years, when he re-
moved to Millstone, where he died in 1835. He mar-
ried Maria, daughter of Maj.-Gen. Frederick Freling-
huysen. His son Theodore F., M.D., died quite re-
cently at New Baltimore, in the sixty-seventh year
of his age. (For an account of his sons. Rev. Fred-
eric Cornell and Rev. James A. H. Cornell, see Cor-
win's "Manual.")
Rev. Isaac V. Brown, D.D., LL.D., was born at
Pluckamin in 1784, and died in Trenton in 1861. He
was the father of Judge Brown, of Somerville. He
graduated at Princeton College and Seminary, and es-
tablished the famous school for boys at Lawrenceville,
Mercer Co. In 1830 he was employing four teachers
two English, one Spanish, and one French and
MEN OF PROMINENCE.
639
had eighty scholars, many of them from the Southern
States, and sixty of whom boarded at his own house
and table. His " Memoir of Dr. Finley" was widely
circulated, and his " Old-School Presbyterianism De-
fended"^-six able letters published in book form in
1855 by Maxtien, Philadelphia created great enthu-
siasm at the time over the Southern States, for which
section they were specially adapted. Pie lived at
Trenton the last ten years of his life.*
Eey. Spencer H. Cone, D.D., one of the distin-
guished divines of the Baptist Church, was born in
Somerset County, at Princeton, April 30, 1785, and
died in New York, Aug. 28, 1855. Entering the Col-
lege of New Jersey at the early age of twelve, he
subsequently taught in the Princeton academy, and
afterwards in Burlington and Philadelphia. An Epis-
copal bishop advised him to go upon the stage, and he
did so, making his dSbut in 1805, in the Old Chestnut
Street Theatre,! Philadelphia. He achieved great
success in the profession, and it is now interesting to
note that his talents in this direction, dormant in his
later years and not noticeable in his children, have
been redeveloped and intensified in the person of his
granddaughter, the famous Kate Claxton, one of the
most promising present lights of the American stage.
It proves that heredity is not a figment of the imagina-
tion. In 1812 he left the theatre in order to marry a
lady who would not join hands with him save on con-
dition that he did so. He became editor of the Bal-
timore American, ioineA a regiment in the war of 1812,
was converted, and entered the ministry. He was
chaplain to Congress in 1815-16, pastor at Alexandria,
Va., 1816-23, then removed to New York, and was
settled over the Oliver Street Baptist Church until
1821, when he became pastor of the First Baptist
Church of New York City until his death. He was
the leading controversialist and director of measures in
the Baptist Church in the United States for a quarter
of a century before his decease.
Rev. John F. Mesick, D.D., pastor of the Second
Reformed Church of Somerville, although mentioned
in connection with the history of that church, deserves
further notice because of his great usefulness in all
the religious and moral, reforms which have aroused
the feelings of the Christian people in the county.
In temperance matters he has always been promi-
nently active; also in Sunday-school conventions
and Bible-society work, etc. Born at Catskill, N. Y.,
in June, 1813, he is now sixty-seven years of age,
but the vigor of his mind and body is yet unabated.
He married Jane L. F., daughter of Dr. Perrine, of
Blawenburg, and has one son, a lawyer in Phila-
delphia, and one married daughter. He graduated
at Rutgers College and Seminary, and was pastor of
the German Reformed Church of Harrisburg from
* See chapter on " Authors of Somerset County."
t For years it waa pablished and believed that he was playing in the
Bichmond Theatre when it was burned, but he has denied it over his own
signature.
1840-55 ; was called to Somerville in 1855, where he
still resides. He is a man of singular purity of char-
acter and uprightness in all his dealings, and his
ministrations have been fruitful and blessed. A list
of his writings will be found in the chapter on "Au-
thors of Somerset County."
Ret. T. De Witt Talmage, D.D., is so well known
as an American clergyman that little need be recorded
in this place save the fact that he has never forgotten
that his birth, early education, boyhood memories,
and nearest relatives were in that circle of territory
described by the arc of which Somerville, Millstone,
Bound Brook, and the First Mountain were on the
outer lines. He was born Jan. 7, 1832, on the Tal-
mage farm, two miles east of Someiwille, on the old
turnpike from Easton to New Brunswick. In his
sermons and addresses he has frequently described his
youth as full of mischief, romp, and frolic, and his
father and mother as of the salt of the earth. He
went to the common schools, and graduated at New
York University in 1853, and at the New Bruns-
wick Seminary three years later. His first pastorate
was at Belleville, this State, for three years ; then at
Syracuse, N. Y., three years; then he spent seven
years in Philadelphia as pastor of the Second Re-
formed Church, and in 1869 was called to his present
charge over the Brooklyn Tabernacle. He married
Mary Avery in June, 1856 ; she was drowned by the
capsizing of a boat on the Schuylkill (about 1862),
and subsequently (May, 1863) he married Susan
Whitteraore.
Perhaps there is no man in the world certainly
there is none in America who would draw such
large audiences to-day in any city in the Union as
Dr. Talmage. He is an odd man, a most eccentric
personage ; nevertheless, he has true genius, coupled
with an energy which never tires, and a success in the
winning of souls which is remarkable. He frequently
visits Somerset County to lecture, although he usually
makes no charge for it to the church engaging him. J
Rev. Elbeet S. Porter, D.D., well known through-
out the Reformed Dutch Church as the editor of The
Christian Intelligencer for many years, was born in
the township of Hillsborough, Somerset Co., Oct. 23,
1820. When six years of age he removed to Sen-
eca Co., N. Y., where for a time he attended school ;
afterwards he was placed in a grammar school in
New York City. When eleven years of age he was
entered as a clerk in a general country store in the
village of Millstone, where he remained scarcely a
year, having shown more fondness for study than
for the details of business. He was fitted for college
in the academy in Somerville, then under the care
of Rev. William J. Thompson, and entered Nassau
Hall, Princeton, 1836, as a sophomore, being grad-
uated there in 1839. His intention had been to study
law, and he was accordingly taken for a short time
X See chapter on " Authors of Somerset County."
640
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
into the office of the late Thomas A. Hartwell, Esq.
Three months afterwards he resolved to study the-
ology, and went to New Brunswick, where he availed
himself of the instructions of the professors. Not
having yet made a profession of religion, but being
rather an inquirer, he did not become a regular mem-
ber of the seminary until the following year, 1840.
Having received a license to preach, he was at once
placed as a missionary in the village of Chatham, Co-
lumbia Co., N. Y. In 1852, under direction or by
authority of the General Synod of the Reformed
Church, he was elected editor of The Christian In-
telligencer, and continued such for sixteen years.
In 1870 he was employed by its proprietor to write
editorials, a service which, under different owners,
he has continued until this time. When the Eev. T.
DeWitt Talmage, D.D.,.was made editor-in-chief of
the Christian at Work, Dr. Porter became literary
editor, a position which he held during four years.
He was previous to that time and since a large con-
tributor to the press of the county.
Dr. Porter has been pastor of the Reformed Church
in Williamsburg since 1849, spending his summers at
his country-seat at Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y.,
and is always full of work, religious and literary. He
is a marvel of industry, and will be while his life and
health last.
Rev. Moeeis Ceatee Sutphin, D.D., one of the
most promising clergymen of Somerset nativity, was
born Deo. 1, 1836, in Bedminster township. His early
classical training was given by Rev. Dr. Blauvelt, of
Lamington, whom he revered and loved, and for
whom he always endeavored to preach when in the
neighborhood of his early home. He graduated
from the College of New Jersey in June, 1856, with
the second honor, and entered Princeton Seminary in
September. In April, 1859, he was elected tutor of
mathematics in the college, and in August was trans-
ferred to the chair of Greek. The same year he was
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Rahway, and
in March, 1860, was called to be the colleague of the
Rev. Dr. John McDowell, of the Spring Garden
Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. When the latter
died, Feb. 13, 1863, Mr. Sutphin became sole pastor.
In March, 1866, he accepted a call to the Scotch Pres-
byterian Church, N. Y. ; in 1869 his congregation
sent him to Europe. The college from which he
graduated gave him the degree of D.D. in 1871. In
October, 1872, ill health compelled him to resign his
charge. He had now the seeds of consumption, and
a trip South was taken in the winter of 1872-73, and
another in 1873-74 ; the latter period he supplied the
Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He spent
the following winter in Morristown, and died June
18, 1875. His wife was Eleanor, daughter of Rev.
William Brush, of Bedminster, whom he married
June 28, 1860.
Dr. Sutphin was one of nature's noblemen. Whole-
hearted, frank, happy, full of good humor, handsome
in appearance, courteous to all, highly cultured, a
ripe student, he had also a dignified presence in the
pulpit, and all those gifts in preaching which attract
attention and awaken thought and conviction. He
never wearied his congregation; he never "wore out
his welcome." All who came in contact with him
felt the magnetism of his soul and loved him with a
love that will live beyond the grave.*
Judge J. MacPheeson Beeeien. The name of
Judge Berrien will long confer honor upon the county
and State of his birth, as well as upon the State of his
adoption. He was the grandson of Judge John Ber-
rien, of Rocky Hill, colonial justice of the Supreme
Court of New Jersey, and was born near Rock Mills,!
Somerset Co., Aug. 23, 1781. When young he went
to Georgia to reside, which place was his life-long
abode thereafter. He graduated at Princeton College,
however, and subsequently attained to high honors at
home and at the capital of the nation. From 1810 to
1822 he was judge of the Eastern District of Georgia,
then entered the State Senate, in 1824 was sent to the
United States Senate, and there established a high
reputation as both an orator and a statesman. He
was for two years United States Attorney-General,
resigning in 1831, when Gen. Jackson's Cabinet was
not harmonious. He was again in. the United States
Senate from 1840 to 1852. He died at Savannah Jan.
1, 1856.
Hon. Petee A. Vooehees, although possessed of
but a common-school education, has occupied many
positions of trust and honor, and is still sought out by
his neighbors for counsel and help in most of the
public business of his township. He was born Nov.
6, 1802, and has always been a farmer. In 183S
he was elected sheriff of the county, in 1857-62 was
collector, and served two years as a member of the
Assembly in 1867-68. At Sunday-school, Bible-
society, and temperance gatherings he is always
present, being one of the wheel-horses of all causes
which are for the good of society and the Church.
He has occasionally contributed to the press. { In
politics he is an ardent Republican, and has done
much towards giving that party the success it has
recently had in the county. Though in the after-
noon of his life, Sheriff Voorhees is still mentally
vigorous.
Judge Ralph Voorhees, of Middlebush, was not
only a simple-hearted but eminently a pure-minded
man. He never seemed to have any purpose of his
own to answer, but he did good because he loved
the "good." He was an earnest friend of education,
whether it was that of the home, the Sabbath-school,
or the public school. He loved children, and they,
loved him. In the matter of public education he
was an enthusiast ; he spoke for it, wrote for it, la-
* See chapter on "Books and Authors of Somerset County," in this
work.
t So it has been stated in a published sketch of him.
t See Chapter IX., ante.
MEN OF PROMINENCE.
641
bored for it, in every possible way. He was a noble,
warm-hearted man, and, best of all, a true Christian.
His series of papers on local historical subjects are
marvelous for their fullness of details. The last
twelve years of his life were spent largely in gather-
ing and collating old documents. He also put on
record many traditions relating to the southern half
of Somerset County. He was a perfect store-house of
local facts. His collection of original papers is now^n
the hands of his son, Ralph Voorhees, of Middlebush.
"Without his painstaking diligence, much of the fam-
ily history in this volume would not have been gath-
ered. He was a welcome visitor at almost every
house. He often delivered familiar lectures on old
times and old customs, and was sure to interest his
audience. He was a capital story-teller. He had
been a county judge. He died at the ripe of eighty-
two, July 26, 1878, being bom June 20, 1796.*
HoK. Rtniee H. Veqhte was born on the south
side of the Raritan, near Somerville, April 22, 1811.
He received a substantial business education, and
when fourteen years old went to New York and took
a situation in a jobbing and importing crockery-
house. In 1834 he organized the firm of Veghte &
Lippincott in the same business, but was burned out
in 1835. He subsequently became a partner in the
firm of Wright, Skiller & Co. He was eminently
successful in business, and retired in 1857 to his early
home. In 1860 he became a State senator, and served
for three years. Although acting with the Demo-
cratic party, he was never a mere political partisan.
During the Rebellion he was an earnest and practical
friend of the Union. In 1876 he accepted an. inde-
pendent nomination to Congress, in opposition to the
regular Democratic nominee, and received a large
vote, but was defeated ; he carried his own county.
He has held various offices, as trustee of the State
normal school, member of the State board of educa-
tion, president of the Home for Disabled Soldiers,
leading director of the Somerset County Bank, and
president of the Somerset County Agricultural So-
ciety. He married, in 1835, Maria Theresa Freder-
icks, of New York.
William H. Gatzmer, the prominent railroad "
promoter and manager, was born near Somerville,
July 22, 1807. He is of German descent on the pa-
ternal side, his father having emigrated from Coburg,
Germany, and settled near Philadelphia in 1794, and
later in Somerset Co., N. J. William resided in Som-
erville until 1829, meanwhile acting as a merchant's
clerk and serving an apprenticeship to the printing
business. In 1880 he obtained a situation with the
steamboat firm of Stevens Brothers, of New York City,
as clerk on the " North America," then plying on the
North River. In 1833 he was clerk on the steamboat
between New York and South Amboy, and in 1835
was transferred to the general business office of the
* See " Books and Authoreof Somerset County," Chap. IX., in preceding
Camden and Amboy Railroad, in Philadelphia. In
1840 he was appointed general agentof the joint com-
panies. In 1867 he was elected president of the Cam-
den and Amboy Railroad Company, and so continued
until it was leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany. He became interested in the Lehigh Valley
Railroad in 1853, was one of its first directors, and
continued as such until January, 1880. He became
consulting manager in 1872, which position he filled
until 1880. When twenty-two years of age (1829) he
married Eliza Campbell, of New York City.
Andrew Hageman, of Raritan, 111., was born on
the homestead of Andrew Hageman, Sr., in Branch-
burg township, ^the farm now owned by G. L. Ker-
shaw, June 27, 1824. He entered Rutgers in Sep-
tember, 1848, but, owing to sickness, left college, and
in 1856 went to Raritan, 111., to farm. In March,
1868, he founded the Bushnell Beeord, and published
it for three years. He has written a great deal for
the press, including not only literary but horticultural
topics. He is at present engaged in the furniture and
undertaking business, also in-painting and ornamenta-
tion (including landscapes and portraits). He is a
genius in his way, and " Prairieside Farm," half a
mile from Raritan, is the scene of labor and thought
sufficient to carry on a small town in New Jersey.
J. Newton Voorhees was born in Hillsborough,
Somerset Co., N. J., Jan. 19, 1836. He is by profes-
sion a teacher, and was until his election to the As-
sembly in 1877 almost an entire stranger to politics.
In that year, following the wishes of many friends,
he accepted the Republican nomination in the Second
District of Somerset County. He received three hun-
dred and seventy-four majority in 1877. In the Leg-
islature of 1878 he served on the committee on rail-
roads and canals, and on the joint committee on public
grounds and Tauildings. He was re-elected by an in-
creased majority (four hundred and six) to the Legis-
lature of 1879, as a representative of the same district
of Somerset County. He was chairman of the com-
mittee on education, and served on other important
committees.
Hon. Miles Ross, of New Brunswick, member of
Congress from the Third District of New Jersey
(Monmouth, Middlesex, and Union Counties) from
1874 to 1882, is a native of Somerset County, being
born at Raritan in 1828. He removed to New Bruns-
wick with his father at an early age, with which place
he has since been prominently identified.
Hon. John G. Schenck, of Neshanic, State sen-
ator, was born in the county which he represents (at
Neshanic), Jan. 2, 1823, and is a farmer by occupa-
tion. He was a member of the Assembly in 1861-63
and 1872-74. He is a director of the First National
Bank of Somerville, and of the South Branch Rail-
road Company. He is a Republican in politics. In
the Legislature (session of 1879) he was chairman of
the committee on railroads and canals, and a member
of the committees on education and claims and pen-
642
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
sions; also of the joint committees on treasurer's
accounts, sinking fund, and Reform School for Boys.
His term expires in 1881.
Host. John Ringelmann was born in Bavaria,
Germany, April 14, 1833, and is a merchant tailor by
occupation. He has held numerous local offices,
having been commissioner of appeals for several
years. In 1878 he was elected a member of the One
Hundred and Second Legislature, and re-elected in
1879, representing the First District of Somerset
County, which comprises the townships of Bernard,
Bedminster, Bridgewater, North Plainfield, and War-
ren. In 1879 he served on the committees on corpo-
rations, riparian rights, etc.
Ellis A. Apgae, the present officiating State su-
perintendent of public instruction, is a native of Som-
erset County, born at Peapack, March 20, 1836. He
received his preparatory education in the public
school of his native village, and graduated from the
New Jersey State Normal School in 1857. He fol-
lowed the trade of cabinet-making previous to such
graduation. He then engaged in teaching, and in
1862 entered Rutgers College, from which he was
graduated in 1866. A few months previous to his
graduation he was appointed professor of mathematics
in the State Normal School. On the creation of the
State board of education, in 1866, he was appointed
State superintendent. By his efforts the supervision
of the schools was transferred from the town superin-
tendents to the county superintendents, and he was in-
strumental in securing the vote of the Legislature
which made the schools free by the levy of an annual
State tax. He has done much towards the improve-
ment of the school-buildings, furniture, apparatus,
etc., and during his administration the value of school
property has risen from one million six hundred and
forty thousand dollars to six million three hundred
thousand three hundred and ninety-eight dollars.
Dec. 25, 1867, he married Camilla, daughter of Israel
Swayze, Esq., of Hope, Warren Co., N. J.*
Of the women of Somerset County who have made
for themselves a reputation extending outside of its
limits, the names of Mrs. Antoinette Blackwell and
Mrs. J. E. McConaughy will be found in Chapter IX.,
with biographical data and a list of their publications.
CHAPTER XIL
CIVIL LIST, SOMERSET COUNTY.
Hational Officers: Delegates to Continental Congress, Senators and Bep-
resentatives, Presidential Electors, etc. State Officers ; Members of
Council, Senate, and Assembly, Governors, State Treasurers, Secretar
ries. Chancellors, Justices and Associate Justices, etc. County Officers :
Judges, Justices, Clerks, Surrogates, Sheriffs, Coroners, Collectors,
Commissioners of Deeds, etc.
NATIONAL OFFICERS.
DELEGATES TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
1778-79, Frederick Frelinghuysen ; 1780-81, William Paterson ; 1782-83,
Frederick Frelinghuysen.
. * See Chap. IX, this work, on " Books and Authors of Somerset."
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
March 4, 1789, to Nov. 2.3, 1790, William Paterson ; March 4, 1793, to Nov.
12, 1796, Frederick Frelinghuysen; Nov. 12, 1796, to March S, 1799,
Richard Stockton ; March 4, 1799, to March 3, 1805, Jonathan Dayton ;
Jan. 26, 1821, to Nov. 12, 1823, Samuel L. Southard; March 4,1829, to
March 3, 1835, Theodore Frelinghuysen ; March 4, 1833, to June 26,
1842, Samuel L. Southard; November, 1866, to March 3, 1869, and
March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1877, F. T. Frelinghuysen.
UNITED STATES RBPKESBNTATIVBS.
Somerset County has furnished the following rep-
resentatives to Congress, in the Fourth Congressional
District of New Jersey, which embraces the counties
of Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset, and Sussex :
1799-lSOl, James Linn ; 1801-11, 1815-21, Henry Southard ; 1813, Richard
Stockton; 1821-31, Samuel Swan; 1831-33, Isaac Southard; 1839-41,
Peter D. Vroom ; 1852-53, George H. Brown ; 1864^65, William G.
Steele; 1877-81, Alvah A. Clark.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
1813, Andrew Howell, Jacob Locey ; 1829, 1833, Abraham Brown ; 1849,
Isaac V. Brown ; 1853, 1869, Peter D. Vroom ; 1873, Hugh M. Gaaton ;
1880, Eynier H. Veghte.
SECRETARY OF THE NAVT.
1828, Samuel L. Southard.
JUDGE OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF CLAIMS.
Isaac N. Blackford.
ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT.
1793-1806, William Paterson.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTOENETS.
Richard Stockton, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Lucius H. Stockton, Garret D,
Wall, James S. Green.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT CLERK,
onathan Dayton.
STATE OFFICERS.
COLONIAL MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY.
1686, Thos. Codrington, appointed one of Gov. Campbell's Council ; 1688-
93, John White, Deputy to Assembly of East New Jersey from the
out'plantation of the Raritan; 1693, Pieter Van Neste, Jr., Deputy
for Somerset in Assembly of New Jersey.
The following were members of Colonial Assembly
after the surrender of the government to the propri-
etors, in 1702 :
1703 (let Assembly), Peter Van Neste, John Harrison, Cornelius Tuni-
son ; 1704 (2d Assembly), John Tunison, Peter Van Neste, John Bar-
clay, John Royce ; 1707 (3d Assembly), John Harrison, John Royce,
Thomas Farmer; 1708 (4th Assembly), John Royce, John Harrison,
Peter Sonmana, Thomtis Farmer; 1709 (5th Assembly), Thomas Fitz
Randolph, Dennis ; 1710 (6th Assembly), Cornelius Longfleld,
John Tunison ; 1716 (7th Assembly), Thoma'i Hall, Benjamin Clark ;
1721 (8th Assembly), Robert Lettia Hooper, Thomas Leonard ; 1727
(9th Assembly), Thomas Hall, Thomas Farmer; 1730 (lOth Assem-
bly), Isaac Van Zandt, George Van Neste; 1738 (llth Assembly),
George Van Neste, Peter Dumont ; 1740 (12th Assembly), John V.
Middleswart, Thomas Leonard ; 1743-44 (13th and 14th Assemblies),
John -v. Middleswart, Derrick V. Veghte ; 1745-46 (16th and 16th
Assemblies), John V. Middleswart, Hendrick Fisher ; 1749-51 (17th
and 18th Assemblies), John V. Middleswart, Hendrick Fisher ; 1754^
61 (19th and 20th Assemblies), Hendrick Fisher, John Hoagland ;
1769 (21st Assembly), Hendrick Fisher, John Berrien; 1772-75 (22d
Assembly), Hendrick Fisher, John Roy (Royce ?).
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY (UNDER THE STATE CONSTITUTION).
1776-77, Jacob Bogert, Alexander McEowen, Roeleff Van Dike; 1778,
RoelefT Sebring, David Kirkpatrick, Wm. Churchill Houston ; 1779,
Roeleff Sebring, Edward Bunn, Henry Van Dike ; 1780, Edward
Bunn, David Kirkpatrick, Christopher Hoagland; 1781, Edward
Bunn, David Kirkpatrick , John Schureman ; 1782, Edward Bunn,
Derrick Longstreet, John Schureman ; 1783, Edward Bunn, Oorne-
CIVIL LIST, SOMERSET COUNTY.
643
liuB Ten Brook, John Witherspoon ; 1784:, Edward Bunn, David Kirk-
patrick, Fred. Frelingbuysen ; 1785-87, Edward Bunn, Robert Blair,
David Kelly; 1788, Edward Bunn, Kobert Blair. John Hardenburgh;
1789-90, Robert Blair, John Witherspoon, Jacob R. Hardenburgh;
1791, James Linn, R. Stockton, Peter D. Vroom ; 1792, Robert Blair,
William Wallace, Henry Southard ; 1793, Henry Sonthard, R. Stock-
ton, Jonathan F. Morris ; 1794, Henry Southard, Peter D. Vroom,
Edward Bunn; 1795, Henry Southard, Peter D, Vroom, Robert Stock-
ton ; 1796, Henry Southard, Peter D. Vroom, James Van Diiyn : 1797,
Henry Southard, James Van Duyn, John Stryker ; 1798, Henry
Southard, James Van Duyn, David Kelly ; 1799, Henry Southard,
-James Van Duyn, Wm. McEowen ; 1800-3, James Van Duyn, Wm.
McEowen, Fred. Frelinghuysen ; 1804^8, John Stryker, Wm. Mc-
Eowen, John Anniu; 1809-11, James Van Dnyn, Peter I. Stryker,
John N. Simpson ; 1812-15, James Van Duyn, Peter D. Vroom, Sr.,
John R. Hardenburgh ; 1816-18, Cornelius Van Horn, Joseph Annin,
James Stryker; 1819-20, Martin Scbenck, Joseph Annin, James
Stryker (?) ; 1821, Jacob Kline, Dickinson Miller ; 1822-23, Jacob
Kline, Henry Van Derveer; 1824-25, Jacob Kline, Dickinson Mil-
ler, James S. Green ; 1826-28, Peter D. Vroom, Jr., James S. Green ;
1829, Peter D. Vroom, Jr., Dr. Ferdinand S. Schenck ; 1830, Peter D.
Vroom, Jr., Jacob Kline, Dr. F. S. Schenck ; 1831, William Cmser,
Jacob Kline, Dr. F. 8. Schenck ; 1832-31, Cornelius L. Hardenburgh,
Joiin Breese, William D. Stewart ; 1835, Nicholas C. Jobs, William
Crnser, William D. McKissack ; 1830, Nicholas C. Jobs, Daniel T.
Talmadge, Henry Duryea ; 1837-38, Ralph Voorhees, Daniel T. Tal-
madge, Henry Duryea; 1839-41, Henry H. Wilson, Arthur V. D.
Sutphen, Daniel Cory ; 184i-45, Peter Voorhees, Samuel Reynolds,
Peter Kline ; 1846, James B.Elmendorf, Peter T. Beekman, Jonathan
Cory ; 1847, Frederick V. D. Voorhees, Peter T. Beekman, Dr. S. K.
Martin ; 1848-49, Frederick V; D. Voorhees, John M. Wyckoff, Dr.
S. K. Martin; 1850, John De Mott, John M. Wyckoff, Dr. Samuel S.
Doty ; 1851, John De Mott, Frederick D. Brokaw, Eugene S. Doughty ;
1852, John De Mott, Michael R. Nevius, Eugene S. Doughty ; 1853,
John De Mott, JohnH. Anderson; 1854, John S. Hoagland, John H.
Anderson; 1855, John S. Hoagland, Alvah Lewis; 1866, John S.
Hoagland, Cornelius M. Schomp ; 1867, Cornelius N. Allen, Cornelius
M. Schomp; 1858-59, Nehemiah V. Steele, Elisha B. Wood; 1860,
James W. Arrowsmith, Elisha B.Wood; 1801, James W. Arrow-
smjth. John G. Schenck ; 1SC2-63, John M. Mann, John G. Schenck ;
1864-65, Rynear H. Staats, John G. Schenck ; 1866, Rynear H. Staats,
Ralph Davenport ; 1867, Peter A. Voorhees, Ralph Davenport ; 1868,
John J. Bergen, Abraham T. Huff; 1869, John J. Bergen, John B.
Staats ; 1870, James W. Arrowsmith, John R. Staats ; 1871, James
Doty, John K. Staats ; 1872-73, John 6. Schenck, David D. Smalley ;
1874, John G. Schenck, William P. Sutphen ; 1875, Joseph H. Voor-
hees, William P. Sutphen ; 1876-77, Joseph H. Voorhees, James J.
Bergen; 1878-80, J. Newton Voorhees, John Ringelmann ; 1881,
John L. Oakey, William A. Schomp.
MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COnNCIL (NOW SENATE).
1776-77, William Paterson ; 1778, Abraham Van Nests; 1779, Ephraim
Martin; 1780, John Witherspoon ; 1781-90, Ephraim Martin; 1791-
92, Frederick Frelinghuysen ; 1793-97, James Linn ; 1798-1804, Peter
D. Vroom ; 1809-16, John Frelinghuysen ; 1821-25, Peter I. Stryker;
1826-29, Andrew Howell; 1830-34, James S. Green; 1836, William
Thompson; 1836-38, Walter Kirkpatrick; 1839, Augustus B. Tay-
lor; 1840-41, Joseph W. Scott; 1842-46, George H. Brown.
After the adoption of the new State constitution, in
1844, the title of members of the council was changed
to that of
MEMBERS OF THE SENATE.
1846-48, William H. Leupp ; 1849-61, Dr. John W. Craig ; 1852-54, Moses
Craig; 1856-67, Dr. Samuel K. Martin; 1858-60, James Campbell ;
1861-63, Rynier H. Veghte ; 1864-66, Joshua Doughty ; 1867-69, John
H. Anderaon ; 1870-72, Calvin Corle ; 1873-75, Elisha B. Wood; 1876
-78, Charles B. Moore ; 1879-81, John G. Schenck. ,
MEMBERS OF CONVENTION OF 1787.
John Witherspoon, Jacob R. Hardenburgh, Frederick FreUnghuysen.
GOVERNORS.
1790-92, William Paterson ; 1829-31, Peter D. Vroom ; 1832, Samuel L.
Southard ; 1833-36, Peter D. Vroom.
STATE TREASURERS.
1777, John Stevens, Jr.; 1783, John Schureraan;* 1836, Jacob Kline ;t
1837, Isaac Southard ; 1843, Thomas Arrowsmith.
SECRETARIES OF STATE.
1805, James Linn ; 1851, Thomas S. Allison.
CHIEF JUSTICES.!
1776, Richard Stockton ;* 1803-24, Andrew Kirkpatrick ; 1853, Peter D,
Vroom.*
ASSOCIATE JUSTICES, SUPREME COURT.!
1706, Daniel Coxe; 1710, Peter Sonmans; 1734, Daniel Coxe; 1764, John
Berrien ; 1774, Richard Stockton ; 1797, Andrew Kirkpatrick ; 1816,
Samuel L. Southard ; 1838, James S. Nevius ; 1859, John Van Dyke ;
1861, George H. Brown.
ATTORNEY-GENERALS.
1776-83, William Paterson ; 1817-29, Theodore Frelinghuysen ; 1829-33,
Samuel L. Southard; 1857-61, William L. Dayton;? 1861-67, F. T.
Frelinghuysen.g
CHANCELLORS.
1867-73, Abram 0. Zabriskie ;g 1873, Theodore Runyan.g
CLERK OP SUPREME COURT.
1812, Garret D. WaU.
LAW REPORTERS.
1814-19, Samuel L. Southard; 1832-36, James S. Green.
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE.
1877-78, C. M. Jamison.
CLERK OF THE HOUSE.
1853-64, David W. Dellicker.
KEEPER OF THE GENTLEMEN'S GALLERY, HOUSE.
1879-80, William B. Mulford.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
1866-81, Ellis A. Apgar.|
FISH- WARDEN.
1880, John S. Bishop.f
COUNTY OFFICERS.
JUDGES.
1711, Thomas Farmer** (Michael Van Veghten, assistant), of Somerset;!!
1729, Daniel HoUingsworth, Thomas Leonard.
The records of the court were burned at the de-
struction of the court-house at Millstone in October,
1779. The following names of judges from 1778 to
1810 are obtained from the record of the Court of
Quarter Sessions, and from 1810 to 1880 from the
record of oaths of office in the office of the clerk of
the county :
1778, Peter Schenck, Jacob Bergen, Abraham Van Neste, Enos Kelsey,
Jacob Van Nordstrand, Edward Bunn, Christopher Hoaglandt, To-
bias Van Norden, Ernestus Van Harlingen, Jacob Wyckoff, Andrew
Hegeman, Dirk Low, Nathaniel Ayres, Boelof Sebrlng, Thomas
Berry, Henry Middleworth, Ebenezer Tingley, Abraham Quick,
John Manning, Guisbert Sutflu, Cornelius Wyckoff, John John-
son ; 1780, William Verbyck, Alexander Kirkpatrick ; 1781, Tobiaa
t Died, 1844.
* Declined.
X Appointed.
g Appointed, or chosen, after removing from the county.
II Appointed State superintendent upon the creation of the State Board
of Education in 1866, and is the present (1881) incumbent.
^ Term of office, three years.
** B. Voorhees' First Paper, " Our Home."
ft Court held in Middlesex County.
644
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Van Norden, John Johnston; 1782, Robert Stockton, Peter Du-
mont, John Wortman, Benj. Taylor, George "Van Keste," John Comp-
ton, Simon Van Nordwick, Peter Davis, Hugh GastoD, Ichabod
Leigh, Moses Scott, John Sebrintr; 1783-84, William Verbeyck,
Thomas Berry, Moses Scott, Kobert Stockton, Tobias Van Norden,
Henry Van Middleworth, Andrew Hegeman, John Murray, James
Kirkpatrick, Jacob Eiskey, John Manning, David Kelly, John Se-
bring, John Wortman, Ichabod Leigh, Nicholas Dubois, Robt. Gaston,
Peter Dumont, Ernestus Van Harlingen, John Johnson, Jacob Van
Nordetrand, Jacob Lewis; 1785, Mathias Baker; 1786, Christopher
Hoagland, Aaron Mattison, Joseph Aniiin, Jacob Matteson; 1788,
Benjamin Blackford, Peter D. Vroom, John Boylan, Henry South-
ard, Gilbert Sutphin, Daniel Blackford ; 1789, John Stryker ; 1790,
Garret Terhune, Isaac Davis ; 1792, Robert Blair, John Beatty, Jacob
Ten Eyck; 1793, Peter J. Stryker: 1795, James Van Duyn, Fred-
erick Ver Mulen, John Bryant; 1796, Nicholas Arrowsmith, David
Ayers; 1797, Archibald Mercer, John Bayard, John Begar, Garret
Tunison, Wm. McEowen; 1798, John Simonson, James Stryker,
Jacob De Groot: 1799, Frederick Frelinghuysen, Peter Probasco ;
1801, Jacob R. Hardenburgh, David Nevius; 1803, John N. Simpson ;
1804, Martin Schenck, Henry Van DeiTcer; 1805, Fred. Cruser, Jas.
Anderson ; 1806, Jas. Van Diiyn ; 1807, Saml. Bayard, David Smalley,
Caleb Brokaw ; 1808, Dickinson Miller ; 1809, Jacob De Groot ; 1810,
Hugh McGowen, John Bray, John Rickey,Fred. Cruser ; 1811, John
Stout, David Smalley, F. Ver Mulen, Martin Schenck, Edward Lewis,
Nicholas Arrowamith ; 1812, James Honry, Daniel La Tourette, Henry
W. Schenck, John Rickey, Dickinson Miller. Samuel Bayard, Joseph
Annin; 1813, James Henry, John Bray, Edward Lewis. A. Van Ars-
dale, John Rickey, James Stryker; 1814, Hugh McEowen, Jacob D.
Groot, Frederick Cruser; 1815, A. Howell, John H. Disborough,
' Cornelius Van Horn, Nicholas Dubois; 1816, James Stryker; 1817,
Dickinson Miller; 1818, Henry H. Sclienck, John Rickey, A. Van
Arsdale ; 1819, Jacob De Groot,Fred. Cruser ; 1820, John Stout, John
H. Disborough, Isaac Southard, Nicholas Dubois, Job Lane ; 1821, A.
Howell, James Stryker, Nicholas Arrowsmith, John Kirkpatrick,
Farrington Barcalow, Charles Ferris, Dickinson Miller, Jacob De
Groot; 1822, AVilliam Cruser; 1823, Ferdinand Van Derveer, Henry
H. Schenck ; 1824, John Rickey ; 1825, James D. Strj'ker, John Stout,
Jacob De Groot; 1826, Henry M. Colin, Job Lane, A. Howell, Nicho-
las Arrowsmith, Farrington Barcalow; 1827, John Kirkpatrick,
William Todd, W.B. Gaston, William Cruser; 1828, Ferdinand Van
Derveer, Henry H. Schenck, Thomas Terrel, Jacob De Groot, John
Terhune, James D. Stryker, Elias Brown, John Rickey ; 1830, John
Kirkpatrick, Wm. D. Stewart, Squier Terrell; 1831, John Gulick,
Farrington Barcalow, John Breece, William A. Van Doren, Nicholas
Arrowsmith, A. Howell ; 1832, William Todd, Wm. T. Rodgers, John
A. Austin, Samuel S. Doty, Wm. B. Gaston, James Taylor, John
Breece, Ferd. Van Derveer ; 1833, Peter Voorhes, John Lowrey, John
Terhune, P. W. Stryker, J. Van Doren, William Cruser, James D.
Stryker, John S. Todd ; 1834, Aaron Longsti-eet, J. R. Hardenburgh,
James Taylor; 1835, John Kirkpatrick, Wm. D. Stewart; 1836,
Caleb C, Brokaw, Joseph Nevius, Squier Terrell, Matthias V. D.
Cruser, Wm. A. Van Doren, Farrington Barcalow, Daniel II. Dis-
borough, John Gulick ; 1837, Peter S. Nevius ; 1838, Peter Voorhees,
Henry H. Wilson, Samuel S. Doty, John Terhune, John Lowrey,
Ferd. Van Derveer, John H. Voorhees, P. W. Stryker, Peter L. El-
mendorf, Benj. McDonald ; 1839, Cornelius S. S'tryker, James Tay-
lor; 1840, Lewis Mundy ; 1841, Ralph Voorhees, James P. Goltra, S.
Sbubal Luce, William H. Sebring, Henry H. Wilson ; 1842, William
B. Gaston, William Kennedy, Elisha Moore, Elias Brown, Andrew
Smalley, Peter S. Nevius; 1843, P. W. Stryker, A. Sergeant, Fred-
erick Cook, Peter Voorhees, William A. Van Doren, John Terhune,
C. Morton, John H. Voorhees, L. Biinn, Jacob Losey, Aaron Long-
street, Caleb C. Brokaw, Daniel Whitenack ; 1844, Daniel H. Dis-
borough, Henry D. Johnson, James D. Stryker, Peter K. Fisher,
Frederick Childs, John Wilson, Joseph Nevius, Squier Terrell, Fx-ed.
Apgar, Michael R. Nevius, Albert Cammann, Joseph Huffman ; 1845,
James Taylor ; 1846, Lewis Mundy ; 1848, Joseph A. Gaston, John H,
Voorhees; 1849, Corn. S. Stryker; 1850, Isaac Lindley ; 1851, Saml.
Corle ; 1852, Leonard Bunn ; 1853, Danl. Whitenack ; 1854, Jas. Camp-
bell; 1857, Leonard Bunn; 1858, Joseph Thompson; 1859, Caleb
Morton, Jos. Thompson ; 1862, Leonard Bunn ; 18G3, Samuel Corle ;
1864, John H. Anderson ; 1865, D. W. Wilson ; 18G6, John C. Garret-
son ; 1867, J. V. D. Hoagland; 18G8, Samuel Corle; 1S69, A. S. Wil-
liamson ; 1872, Joseph Thompson ; 1873, John C. Garretson ; 1874,
J. V. D. Hoagland;; 1877, Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller; 1878, John M.
Garretson ; 1879, Joseph Tliompson.
JUSTICES.
This county was under the jurisdiction of Middle-
sex County from 1694 to about 1715. The persons,
residents of this county whose names are found in the
records of the court of that county are as follows :*
]708, John Tunison-t
1711, Michael Van Veghten.f
1712, John Harrison.!
From a book of mortgages commencing in 1765 the
names of justices who took acknowledgments are ob-
tained. From 1772 to 1798 they are found in the
record of justices and freeholders.t From 1810 the
oaths of office are on file in the office of the clerk of
the county.
1740, Tobias Van Norden.g
1766, Benjamin Thompson, John Berrien, Bryan Lefferty, James Neilson,
Jacob Van Derveer, Philip Van Home.
1767, Peter Kemble, David Ogden, Samuel Woodruff.
1768, William, Earl of Stirling.
1769, John Stevens, Peter Schenck, Steven Crane, Richard Stockton,
Bunne Runyan, Benjamin Morgan, Walter Livingston, Jacob Van
Nostrandt
1770, John Ray, William Clayton, John Anderson.
1771, Stephen Skinner, Job Stockton, Jonathan Hampton.
1772, Peter Schenck, Abraham Vanest, Peter Ferine, Jacob Van Nostrand,
John Brocaw.
1773, John Lafferty, John Vandike, Thomas Berry.
1774, Guisbert Sutfin, Stephen Hunt, James Hude, John Coghran, Wil-
liam Verbyck.
1775, William McDonald, Benjamin Morgan, John Ray, Jacob Bergen,
Henry Alward, Nathaniel Ayers, Philip Van Home.
1777, David Kirkpatrick, Hendrick Van Middleworth, Edward Bunn,
Roeloff Sebring, Jacob Wyckoff, Christopher Hoagland, Tobias Van
Norden, Ernest Van Harlingen, Derick Low, Abraham Quick,
1778, Cornelius Wyckoff, Cornelius Low, Andrew Hageman, John John-
son.
1779, Alexander Kirkpatrick,
1781, Ebenezer Tingley, Edward Bunn, John Manning, David Kelley,
John Wortman, Jam^ Kirkpatrick, Peter Dumont.
1782, Robert Gaston, Cornelius Wyckoff, Robert Sebring, Abraham Quick,
Erastus Van Harlingen, Nathaniel Ayers, William Verbyck, Jacob
Van Nostrandt, Guisbert Sutfin, Roelof Sebring, Henry Van Middle-
worth, Derick Low, Thomas Berry, John Manning, David Kelley,
John Wortman, James Kirkpatrick, Peter Dumont, Robert Gaston,
Ichabod Lee, Andrew Hagaman.
1784, Nicholas Deboys.
1785, Matthias Baker, Jacob Rickey, John Sebring, Joseph Annin.
1786, Moses Scott, Archibald Leigh, Tobias Van Norden, Christian Hoag-
land, Peter Dumond, Henry Southard, Benjamin Veal, William M.
Eowen, William Logan, John Simonson, Thomas McElworth.
1787, Peter D. Vroom, John Boylan.
1788, Benjamin Blackford, John Taylor, Jacob Martin, Samuel Randolph,
Jolin Gilman, Garret Terhune, John Stryker.
1789, Isaac Davis.
1791, Robert Stockton, Aaron Matteson.
1792, John Beatty, Robert Blair.
1794, Jacob Ten Eyck, Archibald Mercer, Joseph Annin, Jacob Rickey.
1795, James Van Duyn, Frederick Vemiuel, David Ayers, Peter Probasco^
David Covenhoven.
1790, Garret Tunison,
1797, Nicholas A. Smith, Nicholas Arrowsmith.
1798, John Bayard, John Elmendorf.
1810, Edward Lewis, Nicholas Arrowsmith, John Stout.
1811, F. Vermuel, John Rickey, Martin Schenck, Peter D. Vroom, Daniel
La Tourette.
'•^- B. Voorhees' first paper in *'0ur Home."
â– j- Assistant Justice of Court of Sessions.
I The last meeting of the justices with the freeholders was on Jan. 15,
1798
§ Held the position msiny years.
CIVIL LIST, SOMEESET COUNTY.
645
1812, David Nevius, Henry H. Schenck, John Wyckoff, James Tan Duyn,
JoBeph A.nnin, Samuel Bayard.
1813, JamoB Henry, Abraham Quick, David Beed, CorneliuB Van Horn,
Joseph H. Skelton, John Bray, Andrew A. Ten Eyck, A. Van Ars-
dale, John Rickey, James Stryker, Jacob De Groot, Dickinson Miller,
William A. Van Doren, Lott Southard, Hugh McEowen, Edward
Lewis.
181i5, John Stout, Thomas Terrell, John H. Disborough, John Kirkpat-
rick, A. Howell, Jacob R. Scheuck, Nicholas Dubois, Job Lane,
Henry McCohn.
ISie, F. Vermuel, Elias Brown, James Stryker, Nicholas Arrowsmith.
1817, Tobias Ferguson.
1818, John Terhune, Peres Bonney, G. H. Tunison, John Whitenack,
Tunis I. Ten Eyck, A. Van Arsdale, John H. Voorhees, Henry H.
Schenck, Andrew Brown, Richard Sansbury, David Reed, John Ter-
hune, Andrew A. Ten Eyck, Dickinson Miller, A. Van Arsdale.
1819, William A. Van Doren, John Kirkpatrick, Thomas Terrell, John
Stout, John H. Disborough, John H. Voorbeea, William A. Van
Doren, A. Howell, John Kirkpatrick, Thomas Terrell.
1820, John Stout, John H. Disborough, Job Lane, Charles Toms, Henry
McCohu, Josiah Stout.
1821, Thomas Whitenack, James Stryker, Nicholas Arrowsmith, Farring-
ton Barcalow, John A. Auten, Dickinson Miller, Jacob De Groot,
William Cruser.
1822, John Breese, Abraham Quick, Ferd Van Derveer.
1823, Freeman Cole, Henry H. Schenck, Aaron Longstreet, John Ter-
hune, A. Van Arsdale, Andrew Smalley, Reuben Coon, Joseph
Nevius, Absalom Martin, Dickinson Miller.
1824, John Rickey, Jacob Losey, William A. Van Doren, Cornelius Ker-
show, John H, Voorhees, William D. Stewart, Abram Voorhees.
1825, A. Howell, Thomas Terrell, John Kirkpatrick, Abram A. Beek-
man, John Stout, John Cox, Jeremiah Garretson, William Todd,
Henry McCohn.
1826, Job Lane, Charles Toms, Josiah Stout, Nicholas Arrowsmith, Far-
rington Barcalow.
1827, James Taylor, William B. Gaston, William CrQser, John A. Auten,
John Breese.
1828, Ferd. Van Derveer, A. P. Sutphen, Abraham Vannuys, David D.
Smalley, Jacob De Groot, William T. Rodgers, Aaron Longstreet,
James D. Stryker, F. Cole, Joseph Nevius, Eliafi Brown, John Ter-
hune, Jacob Losey, Reuben Coon, Absalom Martin, John Rickey,
Benjamin McDowell, William A. Van Doren, Cornelius Stryker, John
H. Voorhees, James Q. Van Pelt, John M. Nevius, Garret Voorhees,
Peter S. Nevius, James W. Todd.
1830, A. Howell, Nicholas C. Jobs, Squier Terrell, William D. Stewart,
Peter P. Staats, John Lowrey, WilUam Todd.
1831, Cornelius T. Beekman, A. Veghte, A. J. Dumont, Matthias V. D.
Cruser, William Ballentine, John Gulick, Farriogton Barcalow,
William A. Van Doren, Nicholas Arrowsmith.
1832, Ferd Van Derveer.
1^3, Peter Voorhees, John Lowrey, John Terhune, P. W. Stryker,
Arthur V. P. Sutphin, Samuel S. Doty, Samuel Reynolds, Peter
Voorhees, William T. Rodgers, Henry H. Wilsou, Frederick Cook,
John Terhune, J. Van Doren, William Cruser, Abraham Van Nuys,
James D. Stryker, Robert Eastbnrn, Joseph Nevius, John Q. Todd,
Jacob Eoff, Andrew Smalley, F. Cole, Jacob Losey.
1834, Benjamin McDowell, Cornelius S. Stryker, John H. Voorhees, Isaac
K. Dockerty, Aaron Longstreet, Garret Voorhees, J. R. Harden-
burgh, James W. Todd.
1835, Squier Terrel, John Lowrey, N. C. Jobs, William A. Codington,
John Kirkpatrick, Peter P. Staats, John Simonson, William D.
Stewart, Ralph EUereon, Wilham Todd, Cornelius T. Beekman.
1836, Caleb C. Brokaw, A. J. Dumont, William Stiles, Matthias V. D,
Cruser, John P. Vroom, Charles Corle, William A. Van Doren, Far-
rington Barcalow, William Sunderland, John GuUck.
1837, W. B. Gaston, James Taylor, Absalom Martin, Lewis Mundy, W.
Kennedy, Eliaa Brown, Abraham Van Nuys, James Harriot,
Elnathan Moore, Nicholas LarzcUer, Peter S. Nevius.
1838, Frederick Cook, Henry H. Wilson, Samuel S. Doty, John Terhune,
Aaron J. Auten, Ferd. Van Derveer, P. W. Stryker, Josiah Stout,
Benjamin Bonney, Andrew Smalley, Randolph Drake, Jacob Baylis.
1839, Benjamin McDowell, Abraham Quick, Cornelius Stryker, John H.
Voorhees, Garret N. Williamson, William H. Sebring, Alexander
Demun.
1840, Charles Bartles, James D. Stryker, Isaiah Coddington, James P,
Goltra, John S. Hoagland, William Wilson.
1841, Benjfuuin Bonney, Peleg H. Barker, Ralph Voorhees, John Nevius,
William R, Smith, Leonard Bunn, Peter Moore, A. Sergeant, James
B. Staats, Charles Corle, Theodore Polhernus, Shubal Luce, Gilbert
B. Taylor, Samuel Reynolds, Jacob Colby.
1842, William B. Gaston, James Taylor, WilUam Kennedy, Absalom
Martin, Elnathan Moore, Elias Brown, Lewis Mundy, Peter S.
Nevius, Nicholas Larzelier.
1843, Abraham Van Nuys, Aaron J. Auten, Peter Voorhees, John Ter-
hune, C. Morton, Ira R. Pangborn, Frederick Cook, Jacob Losey,
Abram Van Derveer, Samuel S. Marsh, William Van Doren, Peter
Irvin, Aaron Longstreet, C. 0. Brokaw, Daniel Whitenack, John
Wilson.
1844, Henry D. Johnson, Henry McCohn, Samuel W. Salter, Garret N.
Williamson, Abram H. Harris, John H. Anderson, Frederick Apgar,
R. M. Honeymao, Squier Terrel, Richard Sutton, Michael Nevius,
Albert Cammann, Peter Apgar, Peter R. Fisher, George A. Vescelius,
William W. Van Doren, George Henry.
1845, L. Bunn, Jacob Losey, .Cornelius S. Stryker, Daniel Whitenack, E.
D. Lawrence, John S. Hoagland, John H. Anderson, John J. Van
Nostrand, Abraham P. Quick, Benjamin Jennings, N. C. Jobs, Alfred
Cammaun, John Terhune, William R. Smith, A. A. Dumont, Peter
Moore, A. Fleming.
1846, Jairies Taylor, Garret Wyckoff, Charles Shann, Jasper Bergen.
1847, Elnathan Moore, Augustus F. Taylor, Samuel R. Marsh.
1848, Joseph A. Gaston, Amos Geddes.
1849, Peter Irvin, Alfred Cammann.
1850, Leonard Bunn, John J. Van Nostrand, Charles Corle, Aaron J.
Auten, William R. Smith, Jacob Losey, E. D. Lawrence, Ralph
Voorhees, Amos Geddes, Cornelius S. Stryker, Abram Van Arsdale,
Alfred Berry, Daniel Whitenack, Francis Runyan, John H. Ander-
son, Cornelius N. Allen.
1851, Nathaniel McCord, James Taylor, Charles Shann, Nathaniel Comp-
ton, Peleg H. Barker, William Jennings, John Waldron, Jasper
Bergen.
1852, James S. Garretson, David Coon.
1853, Samuel S. Gaston, Morris P. Crater.
1854, Peter Irvin, John S. Quimby, Jacob WyckofT, Benjamin Smith.
1855, Aaron J. Auten, Alfred Cammann, Leonard Bunn, Nathaniel
Compton, Silas De Witt, John S. Quimby, Jacob Loaey, Charles
Corle, Thomas C. Stryker, Morris P. Crater, Cornelius S. Stryker,
Cornelius N. Allen, Benjamin Smith.
1856, James Taylor, James Rider, Cornelius Stout, Wm. Jennings, Na-
thaniel McCord, Amos Geddes, William W. Drake, John G. Schenck.
1857, Cornelius M. Wyckoff, Frederick C. Blackwell, Michael R. Nevius.
1858, Jeremiah Whitenack, Frederick V. L. Disborough, John L. Bellls,
Peleg H. Barker, Cornelius N. Allen.
1859, Peter Irving.
1860, John L. Bellis, Aaron J. Auten, Minna F. Covert, Morris P. Crater,
Stephen Beach, Nathaniel Compton, Leonard Bunn, Alfred Cam-
mann, John S. Quimby, Ephraim Giles. C. S. Stryker, Thomas 0.
Stryker.
1861, James Bergen, Abraham Stryker, Sylvester Robins, James Verdon,
Ephraim Giles, James Rider, George Hall, Israel Coddington, Na-
thaniel McCord.
1862, Frederick V. L. Disborough, John V. D. Hoagland, Israel H. Hill,
Peter A. Mabie.
1863, Jeremiah Whitenack, Waters B. AlwardL
1865, A. J. Auten, Morris P. Crater, Stephen Beach, David M. Voorhees,
Samuel Corle, Cornelius S. Stryker, James H. Thompson, M. F.
Covert, Nathaniel Compton, Calvin H. Dunham, Abraham Amer-
man.
1866, H. A. Herder, Daniel J. Somers, Ephraim Giles, James Verdon,
Peleg H. Barker, Abram Stryker, Wm. H. Vreeland, Israel C. Cod-
dington.
1867, Israel H. Hill, George Lawes, Peter A. Mabie, J. B. D. Myers, A.
J. Farrand, 0. C. Cone.
1868, Franklin Kinne, J. V. D. Hoagland, Jeremiah Whitenack, M. W.
Scully, Charles Shann.
1869, A. V. D. B. Vosseller.
1870, Morris P. Crater, C. V. N. Suydam, Nathaniel Compton, Minna F.
Covert, David M. Voorhees, Aaron J. Auten, Henry Lane, Abraham
Amerman, Calvin H. Dunham, D. K. Hoflfman, John N. Hoagland,
Charles Shann, Daniel C. Poulson, James H. Thompson, Horace A.
Van Derbeek.
1871, Ephraim Giles, Frederick V. L. Disborough, James Bergen, James
Verdon, Peter A. Dumont, K. G. Van Duyn, John B. Coddington,
John N. Hoagland, James P. Bush.
1872 A. V. D. B. Vosseller, John S. Amerman, Israel H. Hill, George F,
646
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Quldort, Daniel G. Tan Winlcle, John B. D. Myers, Frederick Y. L.
Disborongh.
1873, L. B. Hoffman, John S. Amerman, J. V. D. Hoagland, W. W. Drake,
Horace Woodruff, Wm. I. Bastedo.
1875, Arthur P. Sutphin, A. J. Auten, Alexander Laird, Abraham Amer-
man, James H. Thompson, Henry Lane, Charles Shann, Nathaniel
Compton, Daniel M. Todd, M. F. Covert, Horace A. Van Derbeek,
1876, Robert G. Van Duyn, A. Cammann, W. S. Logan, Samuel I. Pooly,
E. L. Cushman, James Yerdon, J. Schwalb.
1877, J. B. D. Myers, A. V. D. B. Vosseller, John M. Brown, F. V. L. Dis-
borough, M. H. French, Israel H. Hill, Samuel Voorhees, Alexander
Laird, H. P. Brook, Abram R. Stagg.
1878, J. Y. D. Hoagland, John S. Amerman, "William I. Bastedo, Horace
â– Woodruff, James Doty.
1880, Minna F. Covert, Abraham Dumont, Horace A. Van Derbeek,
David M. Todd, John E. Flammer, Thomas C. Stryker, Charles
Shann, Stephen Wever, Arthur P. Sutphin.
COTJNTT CLEKTvS.*
1735-65, Robert Lettice Hooper ; 1765-74, James Hude ;t 1781-83, Fred-
erick Frelinghuysen ; 1784-86, Peter D. Vroom ; 1787-89, Frederick
Frelinghuysen ; 1800-4, J. W. Frelinghuysen ; 1804-9, Joseph Doty;
1809-20, Samuel Swan; 1820-24, Isaac Southard; 1831^0, John M.
Mann; 1840-45, Dumont Frelinghuysen; 1845-50, Wm. Kennedy;
1851-56, Henry D. Johnson; 1856-61, Samuel S. Hartwell; 1801-65,
A. Y. D. B. Vosseller ; 1865-76, William Ross, Jr. ; 1876-81, Matthew
H. Van Derveer.
SURROGATES.
1776-87, John Mehelm ; 1787-93, Fredk. Frelinghuysen ; 1794-1803, John
Mehelm ; 1804-10, Joseph Doty ; 1811-17, Samuel Swan ; 1818-32,
John Frelinghuysen ; 1833-42, Peter Vredenburgh ; 1843-47, A. V.
P. Sutphen; 1848-52, Caleb Morton; 1863-58, Samuel Reynolds;
1858-63, John H. Anderson ; 1863-68, Abraham 0. Williamson ;
1868-73, Wm. S. Potter ; 1873-78, F. J. Frelinghuysen ; 1878-83, Wm.
H. Long,
SHERIFFS.^
1720-30, Barefoot Branson ;J 1732, John Piatt ;| 1750-70, Abram Van
Doren;U 1771-73, William McDonald; 1774-77, Peter Dumont; 1778-
80, Peter T. Schenck ; 1781-83, Peter D. Yroom ; 1784-86, Robert
Stockton; 1787-89, John Hardenburgh ; 1790-91, William Wallace;
1792-94, John Hardenburgh ; 1795-96, Joseph Annin ; 1797-98, Robert
Blair; 1799-1801, Joseph Doty; 1802^, Peter I. Striker; 1805-0,
Samuel Swan; 1807, Henry Van Derveer; 1808-10, Israel Harris;
1811-13, Peter I. Stryker; 1814-16, Martin Schenck; 1817-19, John
Wyckoff; 1820-22, Martin Sclieuck ; 1823-25, William Hoagland;
1826-28, John I. Gaston; 1829-31, John Cox; 1832-34, John I. Gas-
ton ; 1836-37, James W. Todd ; 1838-40, Peter A. Voorhees ; 1841-43,
David T. Talmage; 1844^46, Hugh Kirkpatrick; 1847-49, Joseph Y.
D. Vredenburgh ; 1850-52, Henry A. Herder ; 1 853-55, David Wilson ;
1856-68, Elias Hoagland ; 1859-61, Henry A. Herder ; 1862-64, Wil-
liam Ross, Jr. ; 1866-67, John J. Brokaw; 1868-70, Thomas Coding-
ton; 1871-73, James Bergon; 1874-77, Benjamin S. Totten; 1878-79,
Simon Van Liew ; 1880, George W. Vroom; 1881, Lewis A. Thomp-
son.
CORONERS.
1810, Abraham Van Tuyle.
1811, Garret B. Garretson, Christian Eoff.
* As found in records, ofificial papers, and oaths of office.
t Deputy.
J As obtained from court records, official papers, and sheriffs' bonds.
g Barefoot Brunson lived in Somerset, on Millstone River, opposite
Kingston, and was sheriff of Somerset about 1720-30, the exact years
not ascertained. He was a man of some notoriety and somewhat peculiar
in his ways. He died in 1749.
Q The name of John Piatt appears in the records of the justices and
freeholders' annual meeting. May 1, 1732. The name of the county is
omitted, evidently a clerical error. This is the only clue that has been
obtained indicating that he was sheriff of this county. That he was a
resident of Somerset is proven by the fact that his name appears as a
commissioner of highways in 1742, in the old book of record of roads,
in the clerk's office, and the oldest inhabitants remember his son, who
said his father lived at Bound Brook.
T[ Abram Van Doren was sheriff of the county for twenty years, but
when first elected or appointed is not known, probably about 1750.
1812, Jacob R. Schenck.
1813, Christian Eoff.
1814, Samuel Voorhees.
1815, Garret R. Garretson.
1816, Samuel Voorhees.
1818, Henry Duryea, Peres Bonney, John Whitenack,
1819, John Whitenack,
1820, Peres Bonney, John Whitenack, John Breese.
1821, John Skillman,
1823, Ferd. Van Derveer, John Skillman, John Cox.
1824, John Cox,
1826, Christian Eoff, John Cox.
1826, William Van Arsdalen,
1827, Jolin Skillman,
1828, L. Holden,
1830, Jolin Torbert, Peter Coriell,
1831, Derick Lane, Ralph Ellerson,
1832, John Torbert,
1833, James Moore, Derick Lane,
1834, Cornelius M. Wyckoff,
1835-36, James Moore, John Porter, Cornelius M, Wyckoff, Benjamin T,
Stryker,
1837-39, Cornelius M, AVyckoff, John Porter, Daniel Brown, John F.
Brown, William Wilson,
1840, Henry Hoagland,
1841, Henry D, Johnson, Robert J, Bolmer, Benjamin S, Stryker,
1842, Robert J, Bolmer,
1847, Ira Tingley, William Dean,
1861, John'Dockerty,
1852, William W, Van Doren, William W, Drake.
1863, Henry S. Stryker,
1854, George Quick, William W. Drake.
1855, Garret Durling.
1856, Lewis P. Clark, Garret Durling.
1857-58, Garret Durling,
1860-62, Henry S Stryker,
1863-64, David M. Voorhees, Martin V. Van Camp.
1866, Garret Durling.
1866-67, Henry S. Stryker, D. H. Voorhees, Garret Darling.
1868, Henry G. Wagoner.
1869, Roberts. Smith, Henry G. Wagoner,
1870, Robert S. Smith,
1871, Henry G, Wagoner, A. S, Hunt,
1873, J. D. Van Derveer, A. S. Hunt, D. Clark Van Deursen.
1874, A. S.Hunt.
1875, D. Clark Van Deursen, Daniel J. Somers,
1878, A, S, Hunt, William B, Ribble, Byron Thornton.
COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS.
1816, G, H, Tunison, Elbert Stoothoff, F, Vermeul, Peter D, Vroom, John
I, Gaston, Samuel Ayers, Jacob R, Schenck, William B, Gaston, ToMaa
Ferguson,
1817, Abram Van Arsdale, James Van Duyn, John Blair,
1818, Ralph Sansbury, John Terhune, Tunis I, Ten Eyck,
1819, Joel Dayton,
1820, Elbert Stoothoff, Samuel Ayers, John I, Gaston.
1821, Freeman Cole, Tunis I, Ten Eyck, Thomas Terrell.
1822, William Garrison, W, D, McKissack, John Blair, John A, Auten,
1823, John Terhune, William Douglas,
1825, David Ayers, Elbert Stoothoff, Peter D, Vroom,
1826, E, A, Darcy.
1827, Samuel Ayers, A, V, P. Sutphen, Thomas ToiTell, William D. Stew-
art, Elias Brown, W, D, McKissack,
1828, Freeman Cole, Cornelius Kershow, John A, Auten, Tunis I. Ten
Eyck, Cornelius S, Stryker,
18S0, David Ayers, William Lytle, John P, Vroom, Moses Craig, Elbert
Stoothoff,
1831, Samuel Ayers, Mahlon Smalley, Cornelius C, Whitenack, W, D.
McKissack,
1832, Arthur V, P, Sutphen,
1833, Cornelius Kershow, John J, Schenck, Freeman Cole, John A.
Auten, William Kennedy, A, Vanatta, Jacob Kline.
1834, Cornelius S. Stryker,
1835, William Lytle, Stephen Rush, Elbert Stoothoff.
1836, Mahlon Smalley, Samuel Ayers,
1838, Lloyd Van Derveer, Peter Worley, S, K, Martin, A. V. P, Sutphen,.
Benjamin Jennings,
CIVIL LIST, SOMERSET COUNTY.
647
1839, C^Ieb Morton, Cornelius S. Stryker, Garret N. â– Williamson.
1840, A. V. P. Sutphen, William Lytle, David Ayers, William Wilson.
1841, Peter Kline, Wm. E. Sinitli, Daniel Annin, Archibald Codington.
1842, Abraham Yan Duyn.
1843, Lloyd Van Derveer, Aaron J. Anten, S. B. Martin, Nicholas Yan
Wickle, Moses H. French.
1844, Henry McCohn, Samuel Keeler, Philip C. Hoffman, Frederick
Apgar, Michael R. Nevius, Albert Cammann, Joseph Huffman,
Ralph EllerEon.
1845, William Lytle, David Ayers, Alfred Berry, James Taylor.
1846, William K. Smith, Aaron J. Auten, P. N. Beekman, Peter Kline,
Daniel Annin, Peter L. Voorhees.
1847, Abraham Martin, "W. B. Stewart, Abraham Yan Duyn.
1848, Isaac P. Lindsey.
1849, Abram Yan Arsdale, P. H. Barker, Daniel Cory.
1850, S. K. Martin, Hugh Kirkpatrick, Jacob Collyer, John J. Van Nor-
strand, James Taylor, Elias Brown, William Lytle, John S. Hoaglaud,
Samnel Hall, Alfred Berry.
1851, Squier Terrell, Moses Craig, Stephen Rush, George W. Yroom,
Frederick Y. L. Disborough, Jacob Losey, Elias Hoagland, Andrew
A. Ten Eyck, Thomas J. Skillman.
1852, Frederick H. Kennedy, Alfred Cammann, Jacob Wyckoff.
1853, Francis Runyon
1864, Samuel J. Pooly, Michael R. Nevius, John N. Hoagland, Abraham
S. Williamson, John R. Yan Derveer.
1865, John L. Bellis, Waters B. Alward, James C. Voorhees, James Tay-
lor, Elias Brown, Frederick D. Brokaw, Alfred Berry.
1856, Squier Terrell, William J. Todd, Jacob Losey, Elias Hoagland,
Stephen Rush, F. Y. L. Disborough, Thomas J. Skillman, John J.
Brokaw.
186T, Jacob Wyckoff, Ralph Davenport, John Ross.
1868, Daniel Runyon, Arthur S. Ten Eyck, C. N. Allen.
1869, Cornelius S. Stryker, William W. Drake, Benjamin Randolph,
Peter A. Voorhees.
1860, Waters B. Alward, Nathaniel McCord, Robert S. Smith, Calvin Corle,
D. J. Bellis, Jeremiah Whitenack, Daniel Corey.
1861, Frederick Y. L. Disborough.
1862, Ralph Davenport, Peter N. Yan Nuys, John J. Brokaw, Stephen
Rush, Thomas J. Skil^pian, William J. Todd, F. V. L. Disborough,
Jacob Wyckoff, Squier Terrell.
1863, Francis Runyon, Benjamin K. Honnel.
1864, James Yerdon, William I. Bastedo, Lewis Boisnot, Cornelius A.
Cmser, A. S. Ten Eyck, Robert S. Smith, C. S. Stryker, Jeremiah
Whitenack, J. L. Bellis, Nathaniel McCord, Waters B. Alward,
Daniel Cory.
1866, Hugh Gaston, A. J. Auten, Chaa. M. Stryker, Edward A. Webster.
1807, Abm. Sfryker, Peter N. Van Nuys, Jacob Wyckoff, Andrew Rarick,
Israel J. Coon, Daniel Annin, Isaac Williamson, J. B. D. Myers.
1868, Ralph Davenport, James Bowman, Benjamin R. Honnel.
1869, William T. F. Ayers, WilUam I. Bastedo, James Yerdon, Samuel S.
Adamson, A. S. Ten Eyck.
1870, Henry Lane, John Schomp, Robert S. Smith, Daniel Cory.
1871, W. H. Long, A. J. Auten, Peter D. Staats, Charles Shann, B. A.
Webster, Peter N. Van Nuys.
1872, N. S. Wilson, Jacob Wyckoff, Andrew Rarick, John B. D. Myers,
W. W. Drake, Daniel Annin, Israel J. Coon. John S. Skillman.
1873, Ralph Davenport, James Bowman, Jr., Charles M. Stryker.
1874, Alfred I. Voorhees, C. Van Duyn.
1876, Peter D. Staats, A. Y. D. B. Yosseller, Aaron J. Auten, William W.
Anderson, Alfred Cammann, B. A. Webster, Henry Lane, John Van
Nest, Charles Shann, Abram R. Stagg, Israel C. Coon.
1877, James Yerdon, Daniel J. Somers, Peter N. Van Nuys, Daniel Cory,
Israel J. Coon, Theodore Allen, A. Flemming, James W. Arrowsmith.
1878, Ralph Davenport, Arthur P. Sutphen, John J. Brokaw, Isaac
Brokaw, James Bowman.
1879, Lewis M. Codington, Alfred I. Voorhees, Samuel S. Voorhees, Isaac
I. Van Nuys.
1880, William E. Jones.
CLERK OF BOARD OF FREEHOLDERS.
1771, John Brokaw; 1772-76, John Gaston; 1777-81, Roeloff Sebring;
1782-84, Robert Gaston ; 1785-97, Robert Blair ; 1798-1812, Peter D.
Yroom; 1813-30, A. Howell ; 1831-34, John I.Gaston; 1836-36, John
M. Mann; 1837, William T. Eodgers; 1838-44, Albert Sergeant;
1845-55, C. 0. Hoagland; 1856-57, John Hardcastle; 1860-67, John
N. Hoagland ; 1868-69, John H. Wilson ; 1870, A. H. Stryker ; 1871,
A. V. D. Honeyman ; 1872, A. J. Auten ; 1873-74, Matthew II. Van
Derveer ; 1875-79, A. P. Sutphen ; 1880, J. G. Cortleyou.
COLXECTOES.*
1693, John White; 1694, Peter Van Neste; 1782-91, Jacques Voorhees;
1792-1820, Abraham Staiits; 1821-32, John Frelinghuysen ; 1836,
Jacob Kline; 1837, Nehemiah Steele; 1889-41, Robert S. Smith;
1842-43, Lewis Craig; 1847-49, Thomas Talmage ; 1860-51, Er-
nestus Scbonck ; 1863, William D. Stewart ; 1854, Ernestus Schenck ;
1865-66, Culver Barcalow ; 1867-61, Peter A. Voorhees; 1862-80,
John V. Veghte ; 1881, Alfred Berry.
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS TO 1768.
1694, Peter Van Nest, John Eoyce, John Tunison.
1733, Barrent Strieker, Edward Griggs, Cornelius Suydam, Peter Van
Nest.
1736, Dirck Yan Yeghten, Thomas Riggs, Isaac Bodine, Henry Cort-
leyou.
1740, Cornelius Williamson, Hendrick Yroom, Cornelius Middagh, Hen-
drick Van Lowres, John Yan Dike, John Van Derveer.
1742,t Ryneer Veghte, John Dumont, John Piatt, Cornelius Yan Ars-
dalen. Christian Lagransee, Peter Beekman, Jediah Higgins, Peter
Kemble, Samuel Drake, James Worth, William Vane.
1743, Tunis Post, Jacobus Williamson, Peter Van Nest, Peter Perrine,
Folkert Jobes, Francis Smith.
1744, Obadiah Wilkins, Denys Yan Duyn, Robert Stockton, Henry Ste-
vens, George Bergen, Polikert Douw.
1745, Johannes Fontyn, Abraham Schenck, Folkert Sebring, Kike Van
Derbilt, Isaac Spellman, William Bearde.
1747, Daniel Hendrickson, Zebulon Stout, Hendrick Polhemus, James
Hinds, Caleb Baldwin, Simon Van Winkle.
1748, Frederick Van Laver, Alexander Van Nest, Hendrick Pettinger,
Euyck Suydam, Cornelius Yan Campen, William Teitrort.
1749,t John Vail, A. Van Arsdalen, George Davis, Barrent Hageman,
Stoefel Probaaco, Jacob Drake, James Frost, Benjamin Cox, Daniel
Gard, James Petina.
1750, Philip Cox, Samuel Brown, Francis Cossart, Jacob Van Nuys, Jo-
seph Higgins, Thomas Suydam.
1761,t John Harris, Jeremiah Castner, William Layton, Lucas Dibble,
Jonathan Smith, Peter Covenhoven, John Henry, Jacob Gray, Dirck
Sutfln, Oriaa Dubbs, Daniel Henry, John Piatt, More Holm, Jacob
â– Van Derveer, Jan Wyckoff, Moses Craig.
1752,t Christopher Anderson, Cornelius Van Harlingen, Johannes Van
Pelt, Lewis Middagh, Abraham Stryker, William Boorem, Henry
Halsey, William Jones, William Bonney, James Todd, Robert Bark-
ley, Edward Barber, Christian Van Doren, Frederick Bodine, Wil-
liam Hopkins, Manassas Keeke, Daniel Wick, Lucas Teeple, Nathan
Squier, James Gevin.
1753, William Post, Jacob Yan Daunty, Jacob Boyd, Hendrick Blair,
John Vail, John Eoyce, David Ogden.
1764, Hendrick Blair, Jacob Boyce, Romeyn Garretson, William Post,
Henry Morshen, John Brayley, John Burroughs, Benjamin Moore,
John Titus, Samuel Moore.
1755,+ Matthew Ten Eyck, Matthew Ten Eyck, Jr., Thomas Yan Dyke,
Hendrick Yroom, Benjamin Sutton, Samuel Leonard, Dirck Gulick,
John Chamberlain, David Coriell, Matthew Van Dyke, Jacob Ber-
gen, Benjamin Alward, John Van Cleve, Samuel Doty, Peter Mc-
Dowell.
1756,t Henry Kennedy, John Van Low. Garret Veghte, Dennis Van
Derbilt, Peter Dumont, Albert Bolmer, Cornelius Anderson, Edward
Burrows, David Brayley, Thomas Moore, Stephen Lanning, Daniel
Howell.
1758, William Sloan, Stephen Ti-uesdell, Conrad Ten Eyck, Jacob Pro-
basco, Gisbert Sutfln, Jacobus Van Arsdalen.
« A law was passed in 1694 to raise a tax of £160 in the province, and
Peter Van Neste was appointed collector for Somerset. The proportion
of the tax for Somerset County was £4 lOs. 6d. While the other coun-
ties had their several towns, Somerset had but one, which was known as-
Somerset.
t Commissioners of Somerset and Middlesex Counties.
TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES OF SOMERSET CO.
beidgewatek;
INCLUDING SOMERVILLE, THE COUNTY-SEAT.
GEOGRAPHICAL, AREA, Etc.
Beidgewater township is centrally located in
Somerset County. It is bounded north by the town-
ships of Bedminster, Bernard, North Plainfield, and
Warren; east by Piscataway, in Middlesex, and
Franklin, in Somerset ; south by Hillsborough ; west
by Branchburg. The township line is marked south,
east, and west by a water-course. Excepting Hills-
borough, Franklin, and Bernard, it is the largest
township in area in the county. It contains nearly
50 square miles, or 25,651 acres. Its present popu-
lation (1880) is 7995, and within its limits there
are 256 farms. .
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface is nearly level in the south, along the
Earitan, the rest being moderately undulating until
the mountains in the north are reached. Although
the latter are frequently called "First Mountain"
and " Second Mountain," they are scarcely to be con-
sidered as mountains, for their altitude is reckoned by
hundreds instead of thousands of feet. It was in the
beautiful valleys and lowlands along the Earitan that
not only the early settlements in this township were
made, but where all the villages and hamlets, with
one exception, grew up. The exception is the hamlet
known as Martinsville, located in "Washington
Valley."
Most of the streams in Bridgewater flow southerly
and empty into the Earitan, which is the only water-
course in the township flowing eastwardly. Cham-
bers' Brook, on the north, flows southwesterly and
empties into the North Branch, which in turn flows
southerly until its waters commingle with those of
the South Branch, forming the Earitan. The other
principal water-courses are Green, Middle, and Peter's
Brooks.
Chimney Eock and Eound Top are summits of the
range of hills in the north part of the township.
They are described on pages 551-52 of this work.
LAND TITLES AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The territory comprising this township was taken
up in 1681, and embraced in four different deeds given
648
*= By Austin N. Hungerford.
by the Indians before the title came to the proprie-
tors, in February, 1682. The early settlements are
here treated from these titles, and the lands taken up
from the proprietors afterwards, with date of purchase
and change of titles in an early day, as far as could
be ascertained.
THE FIBST INDIAN TITLE.
The following is the substance of the first deed
conveying the title of the aboriginal owners to the
white settlers of lands in this county, and is quoted
from the Elizabethtown bill of chancery, the pro-
ceedings of which were published in 1747, with a
map of the original tracts and later subdivisions by
the proprietors. The deed, which is on file in Perth
Amboy (Liber 1, Folio 146), recites,
" That Konockama aud Queromak Indians, by their deed bearing date
the fourth day of May, 1681, for the consideration of one hundred
pounds, paid them in tlie goods at the foot of the same deed acknowl-
edged to be by them received of Capt. Philip Carteret, Governor of New-
Jersey, John Palmer, of Staten Island, Gent., Gabrielle Minvielle,
Thomas Codrington, John White, John Delevalle, Kichard Hall, and
John Royce, of the city of New York, do sell to them and their heirs a
tract of land on the north side of the Raritan River, begiuning at the
mouth of the rivulet called Bound Brook, and by the Indians, Sacunk;
and thence up along the river Raritan to a brook called Raweighweroa,
and from thence northward to a certain stony hill ; thence easterly to
Metape's wigwam, and thence southerly along the Bound Brook afore-
said to the beginning. "
The proprietors took 1170 acres of this tract, em-
bracing the site of the village of Bound Brook. It
was surveyed by Philip Wells, and Sept. 25, 1683, it
was patented to Thomas Eudyard, lawyer, of London,
and one of the twenty-four proprietors of the prov-
ince of East New Jersey. It is not known that he
ever visited Bound Brook. The only one of the pro-
prietors under the Indian grant who actually settled
on any part of it was Thomas Codrington. A tract
of 877 acres was apportioned to him Sept. 25, 1683,
upon which he built a house, calling it Eackawack-
hana, where he lived until 1700, when he sold the
place to Aaron Lazaider, a Jew. He also owned 1000
acres more, purchased April 20, 1688, lying in the
rear of his farm, running up to the top of the moun-
tain. He was appointed one of Governor Barclay's
council Nov. 26, 1684, and to the same position by
Lord Neill Campbell, Oct. 18, 1686, and again by Gov-
ernor Jeremiah Boss, May 6, 1698.
BEIDGEWATER.
649
About 1700 the lands purchased by Rudyard, witb
800 acres adjoining, belonging to John Eoyce, were
purchased by a company consisting of George Cus-
sart, Samuel Thompson, and Jacob De Groot. The
Eudyard tract was divided equally between Thomp-
son and De Groot, the Eoyce plot being held by the
company. The road from Piscataway to Bound Brook
and along the north bank of the Earitan Eiver was
laid out in 1686, and was called the Great Earitan
road. Samuel Thompson built a house on the turn-
pike at the Middlebrook Mountain road, then known
as the road that led to Basking Eidge, just east of I.
J. Fisher's hotel. This property passed first to Thos.
Clawson, then to William Wortman, to David Mc-
Kinney, to Michael Schooley, and, March 28, 1786,
to Dr. Clarkson Freeman. Eev. David Barclay lived
here from 1794 to 1805. It was demolished when the
railroad was built, the company having purchased the
property. George Cussart's house stood on the site
now occupied by the Bound Brook Hotel. In 1720
he sold 300 acres to Ebenezer Trimbly, which de-
scended to his son Peter, who died May 20, 1797, and
left it to his two daughters, one of whom (Susan)
married Tunis Ten Eyck and lived on the old home-
stead now owned by Eune and L. V. D. Shepherd,
and the other (Hannah) married Col. John Staats,
who lived just north of the Presbyterian church
property.
Aaron Lazaider, a merchant of New York City,
retired from business in 1698 and moved to Bound
Brook, where he buUt what was known as the " Jew
House." He lived in this mansion until 1700, when
he purchased Eackawackhana, the Codrington home-
stead. He died in November, 1744, leaving a son,
Moses, and a daughter, Catharine, who married John
R. Myers. Eackawackhana was inherited by Moses,
and left by him to his son David. It was then sold
to Michael Van Tuyle, then to Alexander Campbell,
then to Dr. Samuel Swan, and is now owned by
George Lamont. The Jew House was left to Catha-
rine, wife of John E. Myers, and she lived there
from that time until her death, in 1762. Her hus-
band's death occurred in 1765, he being aged ninety-
two. They left a son and a daughter; the latter, a
widow, inherited the house. During the Eevolution
she sympathized with the British, and when Lord
Cornwallis occupied the village, in the spring of 1777,
the Jew House was made headquarters for himself
and his staff, by invitation of the mistress. An ac-
quaintance soon sprang up between the widow and
one of the officers, which ripened into matrimony;
upon the retirement of the army she accompanied
him, and never afterwards returned to Bound Brook.
The estate was confiscated and in 1785 was sold to
Tobias Van Norden, and it passed subsequently into
the hands of Elias Campbell, and finally to Jeremiah
Fisher, by whom it was torn down as early as 1826.
It stood a little west of the present depot of the Le-
high Valley Eailroad.
42
The part of the tract taken by Jacob De Groot in
the division of land in 1700 may be described as ex-
tending from Mountain Avenue to what is now the
west line of the property of Israel Whitlock, and ran
from the river back to the top of the mountain. He
built his residence about fifty yards north of Main
Street, on what is now known as the " Burnt District."
There he lived and died, but at what age and time is
not known. The alley which runs from Mountain
Avenue to John Street, and between High anii Front
Streets, passes directly over the place of his burial.
In the course of time the large property passed to his
grandson, Jacob De Groot, still remembered by many
of the older people. He and his wife (Eachel Cast-
ner) were well and widely known. He died July 22,
1843, aged ninety-four ; his wife preceded him nine
days. They were buried in the De Groot vault, in
the old burying-ground back of the church. For
sixty-eight years they had lived together, and were
the third generation who had lived and died in the
old house. Dr. Samuel Swan and George McDonald
married daughters of this couple. The building was
erected by the Jacob De Groot who settled about
1700 ; it was burned down in 1839. There is no evi-
dence that any portion of this land was sold till about-
1720, at which time the following persons became
purchasers of parts of the original tract : Ebenezer
Trimbly, Hendrick Harpending, Cornelius Prout,_
Hendrick Fisher, AVilliam Eiddle, and John R.-
Myers. Of these, Ebenezer Trimbly, as has been
shown, purchased the northern part of George Cus-
sart tract. Hendrick Harpending was a shoemaker
from Linzery, Holland; his son Peter, in the time-
of the Eevolution, kept the " Frelinghuysen House,"
on the site of the present residence of B. B. Mat-
thews, on Main Street. Dr. Ambrose Cook afterwards
lived there. The sign was a large portrait of Maj.-
Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen. Col. Simcoe halted
here with his troops when on the way to Van Vegh-
ten's bridge in 1779. Peter Harpending, Tobias Van
Norden, Hendrick Fisher, and Abraham Staats were
excepted as " arch-traitors" when general amnesty
was offered by the British in 1776. Hendrick Fisher
lived across the river, and will be mentioned in the
history of Franklin township. John R. Myers was
a son-in-law of Aaron Lazaider, and resided in the
Jew House. In 1746, Peter Williamson, James Hude,
Anthony Blackford, Bartholomew Kelso, Charles Mc-
Evers, Thomas Irvine, Joseph Stansbury, David
Cussart, Tobias Van Norden, Thomas Cooper, and
John De Groot occupied home-lots belonging to the
tract. •
John, son of Lord Neill Campbell, came to Bound
Brook about 1684 and built a residence on the north
bank of the river, on the meadow directly south of the
railroad depot. The house was afterwards owned by
Peter Williamson, and is said to have been occupied
by Gen. Benjamin Lincoln as his headquarters in 1777.
The structure erected by Mr. Campbell has long since
650
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
disappeared. He did not live here long, and the
property probably passed to Aaron Lazaider, who
built the Jew House. John Campbell owned lot 12, on
South Branch, now in Branchburg, which he took up
Nov. 9, 1685, and no more is known of him in Bound
Brook. His granddaughter, Jannette, married Tobias
Van Norden in 1742.
John Anderson lived on the Royce plot in 1720, and
was still there in 1745. His residence was south of
the lane' leading to the old mansion of Thomas Cod-
rington ; the remains of it are still to be seen. During
the Revolution it was owned by Matthew Harrison,
now by the heirs of Isaac J. Fisher.
Joseph Bonney built on Main Street the structure
known as the Rockafellow house ; a part of the old
homestead is still standing. He was doubtless the
first blacksmith. Here lived Benjamin Bonney when
the company of British cavalry made a raid from New
Brunswick through Bound Brook, accompanied by a
number of Tories. "When they reached the house
Benjamin Bonney took his son Peres, then about four
years of age, and secreted himself in the cellar. The
noted Tory Bill Stewart was one of the party, and in
prowling around the house saw him sitting on the
steps of the cellar with his son in his lap. Stewart
fired upon him ; the ball took efiect in the left groin,
from which wound he died the third day after. From
Bonney's residence they went to De Groot's, where they
broke open the cellar, taking all the provisions. They
obliged Mr. De Groot, by threatening his life, to swear
allegiance to the king. This troop of marauders were
met below Bound Brook on their return by Col. John
Staats with a party of men, by whom they were at-
tacked so fiercely that they lost their plunder and their
prisoners. Mrs. Elizabeth Bonney, widow of Benja-
min Bonney, afterwards married Capt. John Powers.
Peres, the son, lived to become an active and useful
citizen of the township and member of the church,
filling important offices in both. James Bonney, son
of Peres, is now living in Bound Brook.
James Hude was the son of Adam Hude, who early
located lands back on the mountains. He was deputy
county clerk from 1765 to 1774, and filled other im-
portant offices.
Peter Williamson was one of the settlers as early as
1746, and is said to have lived in the John Campbell
house, on the north bank of the river, in the time of
the Revolution.
Israel Brown was a tailor, and built a house where
Peter Brown now lives; Daniel Van Corts, where
Alfred Camman at present resides. William Harris
built a house on the Codrington plot. He after-
wards built the Middlebrook Hotel, now owned by
the heirs of Isaac J. Fisher. This property was in
possession of the family as late as 1815, as at that
time Israel Harris, sheriff' of Somerset County,
was its landlord. Thomas McElworth lived also
on the same plot, and his son Thomas after him.
Both were elders in the church in their time. The
house is described by some who are still living as
being a long, low, one-and-a-half story structure,
facing the south, with three rooms on the ground-
floor, and with a front door to each room.
Tobias Van Norden was a native of New York
City, and was fourth in descent from the emigrant
of the same name who came from Holland in 1635.
At the age of fourteen he entered the dry-goods
store of Lazaider & Myers, merchants, in New York
City, successors to Aaron Lazaider, who came to
Bound Brook in 1698. He remained with them
till 1738, when they all removed to Bound Brook.
He opened a store in that year in the Jew House,
where he continued till 1744. In 1749, Van Norden
erected a house and store upon the site of that now
occupied by Randolph Dunham and owned by John
D. Voorhees. It was a long, low, one-and-a-half story
building, and stood broadside to the street, having two
dormer-windows projecting from the roof. "In the
two west rooms front and rear of that building he
continued to supply the residents of Bound Brook and
the honest yeomanry of the Raritan Valley with mer-
chandise till the close of the Revolution. He also
carried on the business of a baker. His bakery was
situated in the rear of his residence, in a separate
building. He was largely engaged, as his books fully
attest, from 1742 to 1765, in baking ship-bread, which
he sold in New York or exported direct to the West
Indies, first having conveyed it in wagons or boats
to New Brunswick, where it would be transferred to
vessels which transported it to its destination."*
Mr. Van Norden continued in this building till
1784, when he retired from business and was suc-
ceeded by George Heberton, who remained a mer-
chant in Bound Brook till his death, Oct. 5, 1806.
The building that had for so many years served the
purpose of a store and dwelling was demolished in
1856
In 1742, at the age of twenty-seven, Mr. Van Nor-
den was married to Jannette, a daughter of Archi-
bald Campbell (son of John, who settled in Bound
Brook in 1684, and soon after moved to North
Branch). They lived together fifty-five years, and
had ten children, seven of whom survived them. The
oldest child, Rachel, became the wife of John Boudi-
not, M.D., brother of Elias and Elisha Boudinot,
and a brother-in-law of William Bradford, attorney-
general under Washington. He was a surgeon in the
army during the Revolution, and died in 1798;
Rachel, his wife, died at Morristown in 1814. Peter,
David, Michael, Tobias, and Archibald Van Norden,
their sons, remained at Bound Brook. Peter built,
in 1784, the first two-story house in Bound Brook,
and painted it green. It was the wonder of the time,
and was often called " Van Norden's Folly." It was
occupied by Archibald Van Norden until his death,
in 1827. Mrs. M. H. Close, a daughter of A. C. Mol-
* William H. MoUison.
BRIDGEWATER.
651
lison and granddaughter of Archibald Van Norden,
now resides in the house ; she and her children com-
prise the fourth generation to reside under its roof.
Mrs. Janet Mollison, daughter of Archibald Van
Norden and mother of A. C. Mollison, is still living at
the age of ninety-six. Mrs. Henry Van Nest, a daugh-
ter of David, is also living here. Michael and Tobi9,s
died leaving no descendants.
Tobias Van Norden the first was much respected
for his strict integrity ; his business career in Bound
Brook extended from 1738 to 1784. Some of his day-
books are in the possession of A. C. Mollison, a great-
grandson, now living in Bound Brook. He was
chosen a justice of the peace soon after he became a
resident, and held the position many years ; he was
also a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for some
time before the Revolution till 1790, and represented
the county in the colonial Legislature one year. His
wife died July 26, 1797, aged eighty-eight; he died
peacefully, seated in his arm-chair, March 28, 1800.
Joseph Mollison was a native of Pis'cataway town-
ship, adjoining Bound Brook, and came to the latter
place about 1795 as a clerk for Daniel Blackford.
Anthony and Daniel Blackford were residents as
early as 1747. Daniel lived on Main Street, where
Benjamin Giles afterwards owned property.
A. C. Mollison, a great-grandson of Tobias Van
Norden, is now a merchant in Bound Brook, having
been in business about forty years. William H.
Mollison, now of Budd's Lake, a grandson of Joseph
Mollison and Tobias Van Norden, has written several
articles on the early settlement of Bound Brook,
from which much information has been obtained.
Gilbert and George Mollison, grandsons, are living at
Bound Brook.
Capt. John Powers, a native of North Carolina,
commanded a company in a regiment of troops from
that State during the Revolution. He was at the
storming of Stony Point, July 15 and 16, 1779, and
received thanks from Gen. Wayne for valuable service
rendered. After the disbandment of the army he
came to Bound Brook, and soon afterwards was mar-
ried to Mrs. Elizabeth Bonney, widow of Benjamin
Bonney; she died Sept. 10, 1795, aged forty-five.
He afterwards married Mary, daughter of the Rev.
Israel Read. •
Capt. Creighton McCrea, son of the Rev. James
McCrea, and brother of Jane McCrea, whose tragic
fate is so well known, came to Bound Brook in 1796
and purchased of Jeremiah Fisher the house now
owned- by Isaac Brokaw. This property passed to
his niece, Maria McCrea, afterwards the wife of Wil-
liam Van Duyn, who sold to Abraham Brokaw, father
of the present owner. Creighton McCrea was buried
in the old burying-ground. This house is one of the
historical edifices of the county, and will be mentioned
in another place. It is situated in the village of
Bloomington. At that time Bound Brook was the
centre of business.
Michael Field settled in Middlesex County about
1722 or 1723. Mention is made of him in connection
with schools. Jeremiah and Benjamin Field were
residents of Bound Brook till their death ; they were
officers in the Presbyterian Church, and also held
official positions in the township. The old Field
house is still standing ; it was occupied by Richard
D. Field, and now by Richard R. Field, his son. The
following names are taken from the books of Tobias
Van Norden, and show the occupations of some of the
people of that time : Dr. Garret Van Wagoner, 1742 ;
John Brade, " sculemaster," December, 1744; Isaac
Brown, "taylor," May 5, 1745; William Moore, hat-
ter, Feb. 10, 1745 ; John Wacker, school-master,
February, 1745 ; John Ford, carpenter, February,
1745 ; John Campbell, " taylor," 1745 ; John Castner,
shoemaker, 1745.
There are many other families who settled in this
section early, but it is impossible to trace them all.
The most of them, or their representatives, will be
found mentioned in connection with the churches.
The lots in the limits of the first Indian deed, back
of what were called the "Raritan lotts," were two in
number. The west lot, containing 1000 acres, was
surveyed April 20, 1688, to Thomas Codrington. It
lay directly in the rear of his front lot. This tract
extended back to the mountains, the famous Chim-
ney Rock being situated on the west side of it, on the
Middlebrook stream. An account of the scenes which
occurred at and near this place in the time of the
Revolution will be found in chapter vi. (pages 60-80)
of this work.
The tract east of the 1000-acre lot of Codrington
was surveyed to David Cussart, May 23, 1729. This
lot also extended to the mountain on the north, east
to Green Brook, and south to the " proprietors' lott,"
afterwards Rudyard's. The changes of the title to
these tracts are too numerous to mention.
THK SECOND INDIAN TKACT AND THE EABLY SETTIiBES
UPON IT.
The following is from page 53 in the Elizabeth bill
of chancery, and refers to the Indian deed recorded
Liber 1, fol. 147, at Perth Amboy :
*' That Machcote, alias Kenenkome, Awhips, Negacope, and Pamas-
come, Indians, in consideration of one hundred and twenty pounds, to
them paid by James Graham, Cornehus Corsen, and Samuel Winder, did
sell to tliem and their heirs a tract on both sides of the Raritan River,
and extending up the Raritan River from the brook called Raweigh-
weroB aforesaid ; as by the said Indian deed bearing date the 12 Day of
May, 1681."
It embraces lots 3, 6, 7, 50, 118, 98, 102, and 123, as
by the map accompanying Elizabeth bill of chancery,
an explanation of which is in schedule 3. This deed
covered a large tract of land extending from Raweigh-
weros (Middlebrook) along the Raritan River to
Rackawackahacca, which was a low meadow-land
along the north bank of the river, and reached up to
near the Raritan Bridge at Raritan village, and
thence running along what is now called the North
652
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Branch road leading out of Earitan village north
nearly to Pluckamin ; thence down along the foot of
the mountains to Middlebrook, and down the brook
to Earitan Eiver.
In February, 1682, the territory of East New Jer-
sey passed to the proprietors, and the land was di-
vided into plots and sold. A tier of what were known
as Earitan Eiver lots were laid out, fronting on the
river, and were first sold. The plots known as Nos.
3-6 first west of Middlebrook contained 877 acres,
and were surveyed by Philip Wells, Sept. 25, 1683,
for John Palmer and associates. These associates, as
near as can be ascertained, were John White, Eichard
Hall, Michael Van Veghten, and perhaps others. These
plots are mentioned separately as Nos. 3 and 6, but a
deed reciting the boundaries of the James Graham &
Co. tract, whose east line is definitely ascertained to
be Peter's Brook, says the quarter assigned to Cor-
nelius Corson " is to lie upon the easterly side of the
tract next adjoining the purchase of John Palmer
and associates." These two plots will be mentioned
as one in the accounts of settlement.
The easterly tract contained 877 acres. Eichard
Hall was assigned the land that lay adjoining Middle-
brook, and embraced that neck of land commonly
known as the Island Farm. He was the owner of a
large tract in New York City, near the present Beek-
man Street. It is not known that he lived here,
though the name is common in the county. He kept
tavern where the County Hotel now is, in Somerville,
about 1810. Archibald, a son of Lord Neill Camp-
bell, came into possession soon after ; he died in
1702. The property belonged to Cornelius Van Horn
in 1759, and was probably purchased long before Van
Horn owned it, about 1800, when it was sold to George
Smock. It is now owned by John Herbert. It was
called Kells Hall by Alexander Campbell, and long
retained the name. A bell now in possession of Arch-
ibald MoUison, of Bound Brook, has engraved upon
it " Amsterdam, 1734. Kells Hall."
North, on the same tract on Middle Brook, Philip
Van Horn, a New York merchant, lived during the
Eevolution. The place was known as Phil's Hill.
The Marquis de Chastelleux on his travels, of which
he gives an account in his journal, passed through
West Point, Hackensack, Totowa, Pompton Plains,
Morristown, Basking Eidge, over the mountains, and
dined at Philip Van Horn's, at Middlebrook. The
property passed into other hands soon after the Eev-
olution. The place is now the site of Herbert's
Mills. Henry Van Derveer, an officer in the Eevo-
lution, 'lived east of the Van Veghten tract.
The western portion of this tract was assigned to
Michael Van Veghten. The precise time of his loca-
tion is not known, but his son Derrick was born on
the Earitan in 1699. He built a one-and-a-half story
house that was torn down and replaced with a brick
house by Derrick, a part of which is still standing on
the old homestead. Michael had two children, Der-
rick and Jane. He purchased, besides the west half
of this tract, a large parcel in 1712 across the river,
south and north of his homestead tract, to and on
the mountain. He presented to the First Church of
Earitan the ground on which the old church was
built in 1721. The homestead was near the bridge
known as the Van Veghten Bridge from 1760. Upon
the death of Michael the tract on the north side of
the river, consisting of one thousand acres, was left
to Derrick, and the land on the south side to Jane,
who married a Mr. Hageman, some of whose descend-
ants now live at North Branch.
Derrick married three times, as follows : Judith
Broekholst, Deborah Ann Antonideus, and Sarah
Middagh, the latter a sister of George and Cornelius
Middagh. By the last he had three children,
Michael, who married Elizabeth La Grange, of Eliz-
abethtown, and lived on the old homestead; Mar-
garet, who married Joseph Crane and lived on part
of the estate ; and Elizabeth, who married Dr. John
Davis, of New Brunswick. Derrick Van Veghten
was warmly attached to the cause of the colonies, and
his hospitality was heartily extended to all who were
interested in the same cause. Gen. Greene was quar-
tered in his house during the winter and spring of
1779. An encampment of the army was upon his
farm, on the slope to the northeast from Mount
Pleasant,* now occupied by Mr. Shaw. A building
known for many years after as the Court-Martial
building was erected here. After the destruction of
the church, in October, 1779, this building was used
for worship, and tradition says that it was moved
to Somerville, enlarged, and remodeled into the
court-house that stood where Dr. Wilson's house
now stands, first east of the present court-house.
The church edifice of the First Church of Earitan
remained fifty-eight years, and was burned down by
Col. Simcoe at the time of his raid. The cemetery
was the burial-place of many of the early settlers in
this region. Derrick Van Veghten, who died Nov.
29, 1781, Eev. John Frelinghuysen, and Eev. Theo-
dore F. Eomeyn were buried there. Many were
afterwards removed to the Earitan cemetery.
Michael Van Veghten, whom many of the older
citizens remember, the only son of Derrick, married
Elizabeth Lagrange, by whom he had nine children.
Elizabeth, the eldest, married John Frelinghuysen,!
and later John I. Gaston ; Maria married Peter El-
mendorf, of North Branch ; Margaret married David
Magee, of Elizabethtown ; Sophia married Maj.
Thomas Talmage, and they resided north of Som-
erville, on the farm now occupied by G. H. Potts;
* An elaborately-carved circular mahogany table that once belonged to
Gen. Greene is now in the posseBsion of the Rev. Dr. T. W. Chambers, of
New York City, whose wife was a descendant of Derrick Van Veghten,
to whom the table came from Gen. Greene.
f They had six children Theodore, Frederick J., Louisa, who married
the Rev. Dr. T, W. Chambers, of New York City; Elizabeth married
Henry R. Kennedy ; Catharine, and Sarah M., now living on the old
homestead.
BRIDGEWATER.
653
Jane married William Wilson, of New York City,
and lived on the Van Veghten estate till his death.
Mrs. Wilson afterwards married James Taylor, who
lived and died at Somerville. He was the father of
John W. Taylor, of Somerville. Richard, the young-
est child and only son, inherited the old homestead,
which finally went into possession of strangers, and
is now owned by C. T. Ames.
The plot adjoining, to the west of No. 3, known as
No. 6, containing 877 acres, was purchased by John
White, Sept. 25, 1683. This tract ran back to a line
â– with the other, and west to Peter's Brook. John
White built near the river, and lived there for sev-
eral years. Here it was that the difficulty occurred in
1686 that led to the laying out of the Great Raritan
Road.* This John White was at Lynn, Mass., in 1630.
In 1644 he was chosen a freeman of Southampton,
L. I., and remained there as late as 1660. The records
of the Governor and Council of East Nfew Jersey show
that John White, John Royce, and four others haid
each, in 1683, a large tract of land ordered by the
Governor and Council to be laid out and patents
issued, which tracts they had purchased of the pro-
prietors on the Raritan River adjoining Piscataway.
This tract of John White is evidently the one spoken
of as lying east of Peter's Brook and west of the Van
Veghten tract. It cannot be the James Graham &
Co. tract, for John Royce had no connection with
that and there were but four proprietors, while in this
company there were six. John White was a resident
of this county as late as 1693. In 1688 and 1693 he
was elected deputy to the Assembly of East New
Jersey from the out-plantations on the river. In
the latter year he was also collector of Somerset
â– County. No descendants are known to be living
here, nor does his name occur after the dates given.
The first mention of the Ten Eyck family, who
occupied these lands later, is of Albert Ten Eyck
(son of Coenradt Ten Eyck, an influential man in
New Amsterdam! in 1653). Albert came to the
Raritan before 1708. He married Maria Van Vegh-
ten (probably a sister of Michael), and had two chil-
dren, Jenniken, a daughter, who was baptized in
the Raritan church in October, 1708, and a son,
Albert, in 1711. Albert the father was not living at
this time.
Part of the Ten Eyck family went to what is now
Branchburg and settled. The name of Matthew Ten
Eyck occurs in the township records in 1750 as one of
the overseers of the poor, and Andrew Ten Eyck, Jr.,
as overseer of highways. Jacob's name also appears,
but he settled in the western part of the township.
Col. Matthew Ten Eyck who lived on this White
tract before 1750 was the father of Sarah, Neeltje,
and Jane. Sarah married Dr. Garret Tunison.
They lived on the old homestead till their death.
* See page 574, " General Hietory of Somerset County."
f New York.
and had three sons Cornelius, Matthew Ten Eyck,
and Garret and three daughters, Jane, Nellie, and
Maria Magdalen. Cornelius married Judith Ten Eyck,
and their son Peter married Eliza Ten Eyck ; Nellie
married Matthew 0. Williamson, who lived on part
of the estate ; Jane married Peter Davis, and also
lived on the tract.
About 1800, Judge Andrew Howell purchased the
western portion of the tract, where he lived many
years. Thi s large tract of land, so occupied for over
a hundred years, has, like the Van Veghten tract,
passed into the hands of strangers.
THE GEAHAM TRACT.
Feb. 3, 1683, letters patent were granted to James
Graham, Samuel Winder, Cornelius Oorsen, and
John White for a tract of land said to contain " the
just and full quantity of one thousand nine hun-
dred and four acres of land, strict measure, but,
allowance being made for swamp and highways, the
same to remain for one thousand eight hundred
English acres and no more."t It was surveyed
Sept. 28, 1683. Its east line was Peter's Brook
from the river until it bends to the west; south
by Raritan River ; west by the old patent line ;
north by the line of the other river lots. This tract
was divided into four equal parts, each fronting on
the river. It was agreed by the parties that the quar-
ter of Cornelius Corsen was to lie on the easterly side
of the tract ; the second quarter was to John White,
lying between Cornelius Corsen on the east and James
Graham on the west ; the third quarter was set off to
James Graham, and was between John White on the
east and Samuel Winder on the west ; the fourth and
last quarter was to Samuel Winder, and was west
of James Graham, and to the west line of the old
patent.
Cornelius Corsen was one of the proprietors of the
tract spoken of as Indian Title No. 2. He was also
interested in a company who took up land on Staten
Island, known as Cornelius Corsen & Co. On page
103 of the record of the Governor and Council of
East New Jersey, 1682-1703, reference is made to " the
petition of James Graham, Samuel Winder, John
White, and Cornelius Corsen to have a patent of the
lands lately surveyed to them, lying on the Rari-
tan River. Agreed that they have their said lands
patented, they paying twopence an acre, viz., pur-
chasing at three halfpence an acre at twelve years
purchase, and paying by pattent ^d. p. acre." It is
not probable that Cornelius Corsen ever lived here.
He died in 1693. In Staten Island the surname Cor-
sen was retained ; on the Raritan it seems to have
I A deed in possession of Judge J. C. Garretson recites the dates given,
location of the different divisions, and to whom sold of this tract. A sur-
vey in possession of V. J. Frelinghuysen, made April 14, 1736, by John
Keading and George Leslie, deputy surveyors, is of the James Graham &
Co. tract, and defines the lines. This survey is supplemented by another
made in 1809, of a part of the same property, which confirms the loca-
tion of the west and east lines.
654
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
been changed in some way to Vroom. Bergen, in
the "History of the Bergen family,'' page 128, says
"Hendrick Corsen (Vroom), baptized Nov. 20, 1653,
marries Josina Pietersz, daughter of Pieter Van Nest,
of Brooklyn, and Judith Rapalje, a granddaughter of
Joris Janse Rapalie, and settled on the Earitan, near
Somerville, about 1680, where his descendants are nu-
merous, among whom is Governor Vroom, of New
Jersey. Hendrick Corsen, as will be shown, pur- "
chased of Cornelius Corsen, in 1687, the half of the
quarter of the section assigned to him. He also pur-
chased a tract of 500 acres, which was surveyed to him
June 10, 1688, " where South and North Branches
meet," No. 37 on old map, now in Branchburg, north
of Holland's Brook. June 6, 1687, Cornelius Corsen ,
conveyed by deed the land he possessed on the Eari-
tan to Peter Van Nostrand and Hendrick Corsen.
The latter conveyed, Oct. 10, 1687, " the equal -one-
half of one equal fourth part of the tract of land"
(meaning the large tract) to Peter Van Nest, who, on
June 22, 1724, conveyed a part of it to his son, Je-
ronimus Van Nest. June 16, 1771, Jeronimus con-
veyed a portion of this, in two tracts, to Jacob E. Har-
denburgh. These two tracts were conveyed, Nov. 7,
1781, by Hardenburgh to William Paterson, Elias
Boudinot, and Col. F. Frelinghuysen, in trust (350
acres), for the benefit of the children of John Harden-
burgh and wife, to whom it was to descend after their
death. The property was so conveyed, and, by act of
Legislature, Jacob E. Hardenburgh and Andrew How-
ell were authorized to sell the land for their benefit.
Joseph Annin sold it to Jacob E. Hardenburgh.
March 2, 1807, John Davenport purchased 109
acres of the north tract. This became the " Lottery
Field," and in 1809 the land was divided into lots.
It was also on this tract that the Somerset House
Company purchased their land.
Peter Van Nest, who purchased of Hendrick Cor-
sen, Oct. 10, 1687, was a son of Peter Van Nest, of
Brooklyn, who came from the Netherlands in 1647.
Peter, Jr., also lived in Brooklyn before he purchased
this land. He married Margaretje Chrocheron, of
Staten Island, April 13, 1684. His brother Jeroni-
mus came soon after his settlement on the Earitan.
Peter was a deputy for Somerset in the Assembly of
East New Jersey in 1698, and was elected a deacon of
the church of Earitan March 9, 1699, upon the or-
ganization of that church. The house of Peter Van
Nest is said to have occupied the spot where now
stands the residence of Mr. Dumont Frelinghuysen.
Jerome is said to have lived where the old house now
stands, formerly owned by Joseph Doty.
Van Nest's mill was well known among the early
settlers. It is said to have been located near where
the railroad bridge now crosses the river. The dam
was about 150 yards above. A race from the mill led
down the flat to near where the covered bridge now
is. The bed of the river was difierent somewhat from
its present course.
Peter's Brook was named after Peter Van Nest,
who was living in 1720. His son Jerome, or Jeroni-
mus, was in 1771 possessed of lands west of the " raill-
lot," which he sold to Mr. Hardenburgh. Some of
the family are still living in Somerville.
Abraham Van Nest, of New York, George Van
Nest (known as "Prince George"), Eynear, and the
Rev. Dr. Abraham E. Van Nest were descendants of
the Peter Van Nest who lived at Somerville. The
Van Nests who lived in what is now Branchburg
were descendants also. Peter Van Nest purchased
large tracts of land west of the North and South
Branches, in Readington, and also in Piscataway
township ; the land was divided among his children.
He had five sons Peter, Jeronimus, John, George,
and Bernardus and four daughters, Judith, Catha-
rine, Gacamiacia or Jacquemin, and Hannah.
It will be remembered that on June 6, 1687, Peter
Van Nostrand purchased the east half of Cornelius
Corsert's land. How long he owned this tract is not
known. His descendants lived in this township for
many years, but not upon that place. In 1764, Jacob
Van Ostrand, blacksmith, lived west of S. Staats
Coejeman. His land and shop are both mentioned as
stations in the relaying of the Great Road in that
year. He was town clerk from 1758 to 1788.
Cornelius Tunison (of whom and his progeny we
have most to write) was a descendant of Teunis Nys-
sen, or Denyse, who emigrated to this country from
a village near Arnheim, in the province of Gilder-
land, in the Netherlands, as early as 1638, and died
prior to 1663. He married Phebe, or Femmetje, the
daughter of John Seals,* an Englishman, who came
to New Amsterdam in 1658. He had eight chil-
dren, of whom Jan Teunissen and Cornelius Teunis-
sen were the two youngest. Jan Teunissen was bap-
tized April 12, 1654. He married Catolina Tunis,
daughter of Tunis Gysbertse Bogaert. His name ap-
pears at the organization of the First Church of Rar-
itan, March 9, 1699, but does not occur in any deeds
or grants. He undoubtedly came to the valley of
the Earitan as early as his brother. In 1704 he
was elected a member of the House of Representa-
tives of New Jersey. His children were all baptized
on Long Island, except Abraham, who was baptized
at this First Church of Earitan, Sept. 19, 1699.
The surname Denyse seems to have been dropped
by the younger sons. In other parts of New Jersey
it was retained by the oldest son of Tunis Nyssen,
Cornelius Teunissen, whose name appears for the first
time, as far as can be ascertained, in a deed dated
Oct. 14, 1689, from John White and Elizabeth, his
wife, conveying the second quarter of the tract of
James Graham & Co. The property is now in the
centre of the village of Somerville ; it embraced from
the river north, including the Doughty farm, " Lot-
tery Field," and about the south half of the fair-
* Written Jau Celes in the colonial records.
BRIDGEWATER.
655
grounds. This property Cornelius Tunison retained
until March 1, 1709, when he conveyed it to Peter
Van Nest. It is probable that upon the sale he pur-
chased the property of Peter Van Nostrand, because,
as far back as the knowledge of the oldest citizens
extends, this property has been in the hands of the
Tunisons from father to son. Cornelius Tunison
married, Aug. 28, 1687, Neeltje, the daughter of Tu-
nis Gysbert Bogaert, sister of his brother Jan's
wife. Their children were Tunis, Abraham (bap-
tized Sept. 19, 1699, died young), Abraham (baptized
Sept. 26, 1700), Jan (baptized April 20, 1704), Sara
(baptized April 3, 1706), and Denyse. (baptized April
28, 1706). These baptisms were all at Earitan, ex-
cept that of Tunis, the first child. In 1703 he was
elected a member of the House of Representatives
from the Eastern District. His name appears as a
member of Raritan Church as late as 1723. From
the children of Cornelius Tunison have doubtless de-
scended all of that family in this section. Denice
Tunison's appears on the county records as overseer
of highway, in 1750, and, in 1798, Garret Tunison was
a member of the first town committee, a position
he held till 1803. These two (Denice and Garret) are
the only ones of the name that appear to have been
in office before 1800. Evidently the family were not
seekers after place. In the relaying of the " Great
Eoad," in 1764, the line is described as running to
Philip Tunison's line, and on to Peter's Brook.
Upon the organization of the town, in 1749, town-
meetings were held at the house of George Middagh
till 1756, at Cornelius Bogert's till 1765, at John Ar-
rison's (same place) till 1769, and in 1770 they were
ordered to be "held at the house of Cornelius Tuni-
son, innkeeper," on the " Great Eoad." This tavern
was undoubtedly first opened at this time, as in 1764
no mention is made of it. From this time a tavern
was kept by a Cornelius Tunison till 1798. A Corne-
lius Tunison donated the property on which the First
church now stands, and also owned land north to the
line of " lotts." The old homestead of the family is
on the farm owned by Judge J. C. Garretson, but
after the tavern was established on the " Great Road" '
it became the ceutre not only for the family, but for
almost everything else. Many are the anecdotes told
of the Tunisons while in possession. In 1797 the
homestead was owned by Abraham Tunison, who
sold to John Whitenach in that year. The old house
was then standing, and was said by old people to be
nearly a hundred years old. It was built entirely of
oak, and stood on the second bank of the river, about
100 yards directly south of the house of John C. Gar-
retson. The old well still remains; the house was
taken down and the timber used in the residence now
occupied by Mr. Garretson. An old family burying-
ground is on the pla«e, on the bank of Peter's Brook,
where many other's beside the family were also buried.
The road from the old house ran northeasterly to
Peter's Brook, and along the brook south of the old
burial-placp to the " Great Road" by the ancient log
jail.
The Cornelius Tunison who kept the old tavern
owned a large tract of land both north and south of
the Great Road. He married Jane Brower, who was
a descendant of Adam Brower, the emigrant, who set-
tled on a farm near the Trinity Church property in
New York, and whose son married Annetje, the
daughter of William Brower, who was a son of the
Rev. Everardus Bogardus and Annetje Jans, the an-
cestors of the many claimants of the Trinity Church
property. Cornelius and Jane Tunison had two sons
Garret and Cornelius and one daughter, Arietta
or Arretje. They were both buried in the family
burial-place.
Dr. Garrett Tunison was born in what is now Som-
erville in 1751, studied medicine, and was surgeon in
Col.-Lamb's regiment in the Continental army until
the close of the war. There was granted to him for
his services 6000 acres of land in Virginia and 2600 in
New York. He married Sarah Ten Eyck. Dr. Tu-
nison died in 1837, aged eighty-six, and was buried
in the Somerville cemetery. His brother Cornelius
married Eliza White. They had one son Garret
and a daughter, Agnes. Arietta, the sister of Dr.
Tunison, married John Beekman, and had three sons,
Abraham, John, and Garret, who all removed to
New York and became wealthy. After the death of
John Beekman his widow married Richard Compton ;
she was known later in life as " Aunt Yauney." She
was buried by the side of her first husband.
There was a Cornelius Tunison who died in 1775
and left four sons, Philip, Abraham, Cornelius, and
Folkert. The Abraham who sold to Mr. Whitenach
moved up to Burnt Mills. His son, Philip A., was
the father of George V. Tunison, of Somerville.
Abraham, his father, died the year the property was
sold, and was buried in the old family burial-place.
Folkert died in 1789, and left a son, Derrick. The
Abraham who died in 1797 had a son, Philip T. E.
Tunison, whose son, Philip, was a cabinet-m iker,
having learned his trade at Bound Brook. He lived
at Somerville, where he opened a cabinet-shop on the
Great Road, where Mechanic Street now is. He died
in 1813, and is buried in the old family burying-
ground. A son James is living in the house his
father built for a cabinet-shop. Several of the family
moved to Seneca Co., N. Y., where they and their
descendants still reside. Dennis moved up to the
northern part of the tract before 1770.
The second quarter in the Graham & Co. division
was made to John White soon after the purchase, in
1683. Oct. 14, 1689, John White and Elizabeth, his
wife, conveyed by deed this quarter to Cornelius Tu-
nison, who retained it until March 1, 1709, when he
and his wife, Neeltje, conveyed the same land to Peter
Van Nest. The precise time the plot was conveyed is
not known, but Cornelius Bogert was in possession of
part of it at least in 1752, for on January 25th of that
656
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
year he conveyed, by deed, the parsonage lot to the
Consistory of the Dutch Church, and on May 16, 1768,
conveyed 114 acres of land adjoining it on the north
and south to the Eev. Jacob E. Hardenburgh. This
plot extended from the east line of the parsonage lot
west to the Wallace or Miller farm, and from the river
back to a line with the Earitan lots. Cornelius Bogert
was a son of Gysbert Bogert. He owned a tract of
land in Brooklyn before he settled on the Earitan.
He lived here as late as 1764.
The surveys of the Coejeman property in 1736 and
later, in 1809, show that the north line of the river
lots on the west side commenced at the point where
the street in Earitan village that runs north to the
North Branch road joins that road, and from thence
the line runs east nearly parallel with the river, bear-
ing northerly after it passes Middle Brook, and touch-
ing Green Brook at the junction of Green and Bound
Brooks.
The third quarter in the division of the large tract
that was assigned to James Graham was conveyed to
Peter Van Nest, Oct. 26, 1693, who sold the property
to Derrick Middagh,* May 1, 1709. At his death it
came into possession of his son Cornelius, who sold
a part of it to George Middagh, Jan. 4, 1734. On
this place George Middagh kept a tavern, where Mrs.
F. F. Cornell now lives, and from 1750 to 1756 the
town-meetings were held at his house, and from 1756
-64 at Cornelius Bogert's. He sold the tavern-prop-
erty to John Arrison in 1765, and meetings were held
there until 1769, when they were moved to Cornelius
Tunison's, now Fritts' Hotel. His place is one of
those mentioned in the relaying of the old Great
Eoad, in 1764, and Cornelius lived north of him in
the house afterwards owned by John Frelinghuysen
and known as the Frelinghuysen homestead. Mr.
Frelinghuysen purchased of Henry Traphagen.
May 17, 1765, George Middagh sold a part of it to
Eev. Jacob R. Hardenburgh. He retained the prop-
erty for twenty years, and on Dec. 7, 1775, sold to
John Wallace, a merchant of Philadelphia. At his
death, soon after, it fell to William Wallace, his son,
who in 1778 built what is known as the " Washington
House." Nov. 4, 1801, Dickenson Miller purchased
the farm of Joshua M. Wallace, one of the executors
of the estate of William Wallace. The property de-
scended to Caleb, David, and Andrew Miller. David
sold 64 acres to John M. Mann, March 28, 1833, where
Mr. Parmelee now resides. The farm included the
north part of the village within the limits of the tract
east and west. An oak-tree still standing on the origi-
nal quarter of this large tract, near the house now oc-
cupied by W. S. Parmelee, which is known as the John
M. Mann house, was one of the stations marked in the
* Derrick Middagh was here in 1699. He married Katalyntje Van
Nest. They had children, Pieter, Derricli, Theunis, Joris, Garret, and
Cornelius. The name of Joris occurs quite frequently in the records of
surveyors of highways from 1733, and the name of Derriclt occurs for the
last time in 1798.
laying out of what is known as the Lawrence, or quin-
tipartate, line. It was then (1748) a tree of consider-
able size. By the relentless hand of time it has been
shorn of all its large branches but one. It is a monu-
ment that ought to be guarded with care.
A part of this tract was conveyed to the family of
Van Arsdalen. Cornelius and Abraham were both
living here as early as 1749. Later, Henry Van Ars-
dalen, a descendant, owned it, and conveyed it to
Eichard Duyckinck, who sold to the Rev. F. F. Cor-
nell, by whose widow it is now owned. The Freling-
huysen homestead was a part of the Van Arsdalen
property.
The fourth and last quarter of this large tract was
assigned to Samuel Winder. The time this land was
conveyed is not known, nor to whom, with any cer-
tainty. In 1703, Andrew Coejeman purchased a large
tract known as Eoycefield, south of the river. In
1736 the property owned by Samuel Winder was in
his possession, as by survey of 1736, spoken of as a
tract of 442J acres. In the relaying of the old Great
Eoad, in 1764, the property is mentioned as belong-
ing to "S. Staats Coejeman." It had passed before
1800 to a grandson, Andrew, who died very shortly
after. George Farmer, Col. John Neilson, and Jane
Coejeman were trustees of the estate, and it was sold in
1804 to John S. Vredenburgh and Gen. John Freling-
huysen, the former being assigned the old house and
the west part of the tract in the division. The west line
is known as First Avenue, and along the road up to
the North Branch road, the junction of which was the
northern limit. Mr. Frelinghuysen purchased, April
14, 1800, of Andrew and Jane, his wife, 104 acres on
the east part. Other portions of the remainder were
taken by him when it was sold by the trustees. The
old house and the portion of the farm that belonged to
the Eev. J. S. Vredenburgh were sold by him to John
I. Gaston, who conveyed it by deed to Albert Cam-
man, May 16, 1837, and soon after the organization
of the Somerville Water-Power Company it passed
to them, later to the Earitan Water-Power Company.
It is now owned by Mrs. John T. Bartlett. The Fre-
linghuysen house is still standing, but is on land of
the James Graham quarter that came from Cornelius
Middagh to Henry Traphagen and to Mr. Freling-
huysen. The east portion of the village of Earitan is
on the old Coejeman farm.
Samuel Winder, to whom was assigned this other
quarter of the tract, was one of the council chosen
by Lord Neill Campbell in 1686 on assuming the gov-
ernment of East Jersey. He married Margaret, the
daughter of Thomas Eudyard, one of the twenty-
four proprietors. It does not appear that they ever
lived in the township.
Andrew Coejeman, son of Barent Pieterse Coeje-
man, emigrated from Utrecht, Holland, in 1636, and
settled at Eensselaerswyck. Andreas had five chil-
dren, of whom Andrew was the eldest. The date of
the purchase of this tract is not known, but, as he
BRIDaEWATER.
657
purchased a large tract across the river, known as
Eoycefield, in 1703, it is probable he purchased the
Winder tract soon after. A large brick house standing
on the banks of the Earitan bears in a stone in its
foundation the figures "1736." The house is one
and a half stories high, and contains four large rooms
and a hall. A survey of the Ooejeman farm in this
year shows the position of the house.
Andrew Coejeman married a daughter of Dr.Samuel
Staats, of Albany, and had four daughters and a son,
Samuel Staats Coejeman, who died before 1752, as in
a deed of property adjoining mention is made of
lands of Andrew Coejman, deceased. The daugh-
ter Catharine married Col. John Neilson, and resided
in New Brunswick. Gertrude married Abraham Lott,
May 9, 1750. He was a dry-goods merchant in the
city of New York, and was appointed State treasurer
in 1767. Joanna married Col. White, and had three
children, Gen. Anthony W. White, Mrs. Governor
Paterson, and Mrs. Bayard. Moyaca, the youngest
daughter, remained unmarried.
S. Staats Coejeman married Annetje Schuyler,
and had two children, Gertrude and Andrew. The
former married George Farmer, the latter married
Jane Van Doren. The property on the Raritan fell
to S. Staats Coejeman. His son Andrew inherited it,
and in 1800 he sold a part of it to John Freling-
huysen ; in 1804 the west part was sold to the Rev.
John S. Vredenburgh by John Neilson, George
Farmer, and Jane Coejeman. With this transfer the
name became extinct in the township after nearly a
hundred years of occupancy.
Gen. John Frelinghuysen, a son of Gen. Frederick,
married, for his first wife, Louisa, a daughter of
Archibald Mercer; for his second, Elizabeth, daughter
of Michael Van Veghten. Frederick J. and Theo-
dore, their sons, live on the North Branch road, north
of Raritan.
Lands North of the "Raritan Letts." The land
titles and early settlements that have been given thus
far in the second Indian title pertain entirely to the
Raritan River Lotts. The lots in the rear were
purchased at about the dates given. The remainder
of this land was triangular in form, having the river
lots for a base and running to a point following the
line of the mountains. The lot on the east " at First
Mountain" contained 100 acres. It was surveyed to
the heirs of R. L. Hooper, Oct. 17, 1741, having been
purchased by Mr. Hooper some time previous. The
second lot contained 126 acres, and lay west of the
one mentioned. It was purchased by R. L. Hooper,
May 16, 1726. A tier of three lots adjoined the river
lots. The east one was directly north of the John
White tract, and contained 142f acres; it was sur-
veyed td Alexander McDowell, Sept. 16, 1728. The
next one west was surveyed to James Hooper, Oct. 18,
1740; it contained 200 acres. The third in this tier
was situated north of the James Graham & Co. tract,
and contained 500 acres ; it was surveyed to Samuel
Winder. Some in the north part remained unappro-
priated in the early division. Later (about 1730),
Michael Van Veghten purchased a back lot, which
ran to the mountain, in the rear of his river lot.
The place afterwards known as "Washington
Valley" was most sought for by settlers away from
the river lots. Among the first was John Sebring,
who settled where Martinsville now is ; his house was
the only one at that place until after the Revolution.
Johannes Sebring was the eldest son of Cornells
Suebering, who was a member of the colonial Legis-
lature from Kings Co., N. Y., from 1698 to 1723. Jo-
hannes was born about 1686, and lived in Kings
County until 1717. On April 16th in that year he
sold his interest in an undivided half of a lot of land
in Brookland [Brooklyn], described as "lying to ye
southwest of ye ferry house." It may now be known
as the foot of Fulton Street on the East River, Brook-
lyn. The precise time of his purchase in this town-
ship is not known. In 1750 two sons John, Jr., and
Folkert were elected overseers of highways. Abram
and Roelef Sebring were overseers of poor in 1769 ;
Robert was justice in 1779 ; John was judge in 1784.
Descendants of the family are still living in the
neighborhood.
Of Enos Munday nothing is known except that he
had a tract of 300 acres and built a stone house which
remained many years. Before the Revolution he ex-
changed this tract with Daniel Waldron, who had
lived several years on the south side of the Raritan.
C. L. Waldron, a descendant, lives on the old home-
stead.
An early settler was one Colthar, father of Alex-
ander and John ; he lived north of what is now Mar-
tinsville. Denice Tunison was a son of some of the
Tunisons who settled on the river. As early as 1750
he was elected to a position in the town. What time
he came to the rear lots is not determined. He lived
north of Martinsville, where J. Long now lives. His
son Dennis lived on the homestead for a time and
moved West to the lands between Cayuga and Seneca
Lakes. Jacob Brown lived farther up the valley at a
later date. The Comptons also were early settlers in
the valley ; the old homestead was where R. McNab
now lives. Philip Winans was also an old settler.
His grandson Peter still lives on the homestead below
Martinsville. Absalom Martin, from whom Martins-
ville derives its name, owned property at this place
and south of it before 1800. The old homestead was
on the mountain, above Buttermilk Falls. He had
three sons, Absalom, James, and Samuel. Absalom
and James moved to Martinsville. Absalom had one
son, Samuel K., who became a physician and prac-
ticed medicine in that locality. James owned the
land where the old fortifications were, now owned by
William Richardson. Samuel lived on the old home-
stead. Albert Bolmer was directly west of Martins-
ville as early as 1766, probably much earlier. Isaac
and Robert were sons. Mrs. Daniel Sanborn, of
658
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Somerville, is a daughter of Robert. His descend-
ants still occupy the homestead.
The northern slope of First Mountain attracted the
attention of Germans, and to-day many families of
that sturdy race are busy at work and dotting the
hillsides with their habitations. The Powelsons lived
northwest from Martinsville, and the property de-
scended from father to son for many years. It is now
in the hands of strangers. In the northwestern part
of this Indian title, on the west side of First Moun-
tain, were settled some of the Van Arsdales, Van
Derveers, and Powelsons. Dockwatch Hollow was
about If miles below Martinsville. From what it
derived its name is not known. There was an old
mill, built by the Sebrings, about forty years ago.
It was on a stream that flows into Middle Brook.
THIKD INDIAH TRACT AND ITS SETTLEMENT.
This Indian tract is in form a parallelogram, ex-
tending the length of the second tract, previously
described. It is about four miles in depth, and its line
along the river reaches from the east line of the
second tract (along the North Branch road, that runs
through Raritan village), and runs westerly along the
river to a point a little beyond what is now the west-
erly end of the island in the river.* The following
is extracted from the Elizabeth bill of chancery :
" Pawark and ManaBamitt, Indians, by Deed bearing date the 19th
day of November, 1681, for the consideration therein mentioned, did
convey to Robert Vauquillen and hie heirs a tract of land on the north
Bide of Raritan River, and beginning at the upper bounds of the last
deed aforesaid (Graham, Winder and Co.), and ninning up the river
westerly to the upper end of an island called Mattanibe, and including
the island, and running northerly to the; mountains, as by the said Deed. "
The proprietors received their title in February,
1682, but sales were not made as rapidly as of the
river-lands, lower down. May 1, 1686, a tract of 660
acres was surveyed to John Robinson, he having pur-
chased of Vauquillen. This tract was long and nar-
row. It was located on the west side, and bordered
on the river. A large tract was purchased east of
this by James Graham & Co., west of that in the
second title. Samuel Winder purchased a tract of
500 acres north of the last mentioned, the line be-
tween the Indian patents running through the centre.
Still north was a plot of 400 acres, reaching west to
the river, surveyed to William Ackman. Adjoining
on the north, Archibald Riddle possessed 300 acres.
Campbell and Blackwood entered two tracts contain-
ing 7600 acres. One of these was located north of
the Samuel Winder lot; it ran north to the north
line of the second title, and occupied in width a little
more than half of the north part of the land covered
by the Indian title, the other was in the north part
of Branchburg. West of this were two lots; the
southern, of 500 acres, adjoined Riddle's lot. It was
surveyed Feb. 17, 1692, to Sir John Dalrymple; the
northern, containing 912 acres, to Ann West, Aug.
• The deed conveying this property is on record in Perth Ambov, Liber
1, folio 163.
14, 1693.t The lands of Ackman, Riddle, Dalrym-
ple, and West reached to the North Branch, and oc-
cupied the entire north part of the fourth Indian
title east of the North Branch. A portion of the
land taken by Ann West is above Chambers' Brook,
at its mouth, and in Bedminster. The village of
North Branch is below, on the Campbell tract.
The lot purchased by Ann West fell into possession
of the Duchess of Gordon. Gouverneur Morris, as
agent, sold 600 acres, April 1, 1801, to John Van
Derveer. It was divided between him and Abram
Quick, and is still in possession of their descendants.
They both came from Ten-Mile Run in that year.
Part of the lands purchased were in the township of
Bedminster. John Van Derveer settled on the north
part, containing 410 acres, and Abram Quick on the
south part, of 230 acres, where he lived until his
death, at an advanced age. The homestead is now
in possession of Abram Van Nest ; the other part is
owned by Abram W. Ten Eyck. Mr. Quick was a
man of great energy, and served the public in various
offices, justice of the peace, president of the New
Brunswick and Easton turnpike, and elder in the
Reformed Church of North Branch. His son Abram
now lives at Somerville.
Jacob Ten Eyck before 1752 (how long before is
not known) purchased land on the east side of North
Branch of one Quinton W. Cohnmart, on the Riddle
and Ackman tracts, also on the west side of the stream,
where his old homestead still remains. He died before
1760. He left four sons, Abram, Matthew, Conrad,
and Peter. Aug. 25, 1763, Matthew, Conrad, and
Peter sold a small lot to Rynier Van Nest. In 1770,
Conrad sold a part to a Jacob Ten Eyck. A part of
this property is still in the hands of the family. The
western portion of the tract came down to the river,
and was purchased by John Robinson ; but little is
known of its early title. Whether he lived here or
not is an open question. Before the Revolution a
part of it was owned by Peregrine Lagrange, a lawyer.
He was an adherent of the Crown, and for his loyalty
suffered the confiscation and sale of his property.
This property was purchased at auction by William
Paterson, afterwards Governor of the State. He re-
sided at this place for several years, and after the
Revolution removed to New Brunswick. His daugh-
ter, afterwards wife of Gen. Stephen Van Rensse-
laer, was born at this place. Several young men
who afterwards arrived at distinction among whom
were Aaron Burr, Gen. Morton, and John Young
Noell here studied law with Governor Paterson. It
is also probable that Frederick Frelinghuysen, An-
drew Kirkpatrick, and George M. Troup, Governor of
Georgia, were of the number. The property passed
to Peter B. Low and Daniel Kinney. It now belongs
t Ann West was the wife of Jolin West, merchant, and daughter of
Governor Thomas Rudyard. After the death of her husband she became
the wife of Robert Wharton, and subsequently of Got. Andrew Ham-
ilton.
BRIDGEWATEE.
659
to H. S. Long, who occupies the east half, and Alex-
ander H. Brokaw, who owns the west half, on which
the old house stood. East of this a farm was owned
by Judge Van Derveer in 1815. Garret Rosenboom
was in possession still farther east adjoining in 1764.
The place is mentioned in the relaying of the Great
Road that year. Next east, a plot owned by Rynear
Veghte before 1800 descended to his daughter, Mrs.
Jacob Van Doren ; it was afterwards owned by John
I. Staats. Mrs. Voorhees owned a farm still farther
east. Jacob Van Doren also owned (about 1800) a
lot of land on the river in this tract. The east
farm in this tract, and adjoining the land of the
second Indian title, was owned forty years ago by
Femmetje Brokaw. The last two or three farms
mentioned were in the Graham & Co. lot, west of
their tract in the second title.
FOURTH INDIAN TITLE.
It will be seen by the description given that the
term " on both sides of the Raritan River" is used.
On the map accompanying the Elizabeth bill of chan-
cery the plot is laid out, and its south side is on the
Earitan River. It runs back on both sides of the
North Branch, which is early spoken of as the Raritan.
Its southwestern corner was at the junction of the
North and the South Branches. The deed conveying
this title (on record at Perth Amboy, Liber 1, fol.
154) recites :
"That Pawarfc, Corwalanucli, Manamafisamit, and Agnamapamund,
Indians, by deed bearing date the said 19th day of November, 1681, for
the consideration in goods therein mentioned, paid them by John Rob-
inson, WUUam Pinhorn, Richard Jones, and Matthew Taylor, did sell to
the Lady Proprietrix of East New Jersey, widow of the said George Car-
teret, a tract of land on both sides of Earitan Eiver, adjoining the upper
bounds of the two last deeds aforesaid, and running up the river to a
place Tnckaramohackinge, and in depth four miles on both sides of the
said Baritan River,* as by the said Deed conveyed. "
After the land under these Indian titles passed to
the proprietors and was laid out, sales were made of
the north part, embraced in the third and fourth.f
William Pinhorn, mentioned as one who paid goods
to the Indians for Lady Carteret, had a tract of 500
acres surveyed to him on March 3, 1697. This was
on the east side of the land embraced in this title, and
extended south to the river and north to Ackman's
lot, mentioned in the third title, which extended
back of Pinhorn's and west to the North Branch.
Lord Neill Campbell purchased a tract of 1650 acres,
which was surveyed to him Jan. 9, 1685, mentioned
as being "on the North Branch and the Raritan."
This large tract was bounded on the south and west
by the North Branch and the Raritan River, on the
north by the Ackman plot, and on the east by the
plot of "William Pinhorn. To whom Lord Campbell
sold, or at what time, is not definitely ascertained.
The north part was purchased about 1720 by Jacob
Ten Eyck. A part of it, embracing a large tract, was
* Meaning the North Branch.
t The history of some of these lands wlU be found under the third
title.
left to Mathew Ten Eyck. Others of the Ten Eyck
family owned lands in this tract. The homestead of
Jacob Ten Eyck was on the west side of the Branch,
where he also owned a large tract. The lower or
southern part of his purchase passed many years later
(from 1750 to 1770) to William Crook. At his death
John Elmendorf and Abraham Ten Eyck were made
executors of his estate. It passed to John Elmendorf,
and is now in possession of George McBride.
Of the plot east of Lord Campbell taken by Wil-
liam Pinhorn, the lower part is now in possession of
Peter V. Staats and John Van Derveer. It was early
owned by Peter Whorley, and later by John Simon-
son. The land on the west side of the North Branch^
will be mentioned in the history of Branchburg town-
ship.
Many other families settled in the limits of the four
Indian titles given that are worthy of mention, but it
is impossible to give the location of all. Much infor-
mation can be obtained as to the settlement by refer-
ence to the civil lists of the early years.
ORGANIZATION.
The township of Bridgewater was formed by letters-
patent from George II. dated April 4, 1749, and it is
without doubt the only official " letters patent" for
the formation of any township in the county of Som-
erset of which any record is kept. This charter was-
in the possession of the township clerk until within
about two years, but is now missing. It is written on
parchment, and, fortunately, a copy was made some
years ago by Dr. A. Messier for his " History of Som-
erset County," and is here given :
"SiG Provincie Nostra. Nova Ckserea in America.
(~^ EORGE the Second by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and "
^^ Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, etc., TO ALL to whom these
presents shall come GREETING. Know that we of our Especial Grace
Certain knowledge and Mere Motion Have Given and Granted, and by
these presents do give and Grant for us our Heirs and Successors to the
Townships of the South or most part of the Northern Precinct of our
(Jounty of Somerset in our Province of New' Jersey within the following
boundaries, to wit. Beginning at the mouth of Bound Brook where it
Emties into Earitan, thence up the said Bound Brook to the month of
Green Brook ; thence up the said Brook to the King's Road at Lawrence
Ruth's Mill, thence northerly up the said Boad to the Top of the Second
Mountain, thence westerly along the top of the said Mountain to the
Gap by Jacob Brewer, thence down the said Gap to Chambers' Brook by
McDonald's Mill, thence down the said Brook to the North Branch
thence up the-said Branch to Laomatoug to the Division Line between
East and West Jersey, thence along said Line to the South Branch of
Raritan River, thence up said Branch to the mouth of the North Branch
of said River, thence down said Raritan to the place where it began
To be and remain a Perpetual township and Community, in word and in
X Dec. 12, 1792, the following advertisement appeared in The Guardian,
of New Brunswick :
" The Fulling-Mill of the subscriber, at the North Branch of Raritan,
is now in complete repair, and will be attended the ensuing season by
the same person who gave such general satisfaction in the last year.
TheFuller is amply provided with material of every kind to finish cloth
in the most fashionable colours and in the best manner. Every order of
customers shall he attended to, and every effort shaU be made to do them
perfect justice.
John Hardenbtjro."" "
Cornelius Van Derveer, a miller on the North Branch, was the owner
of this mill after 1812, and carried on the business.
660
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Deed to be called and known by the name of the Township of Bridge-
water. And we further Grant to the Inhabitants of the township
aforesaid and their successors, and to choose annually a constable, over-
seers of the poor, and overseers of the highways for the township afore-
said, and to enjoy all the Privileges, Eights, Liberties, and Immunities
that any other township in our said Province do or may of Right enjoy,
and the said Inhabitants are hereby Constituted and appointed a Town-
ship by the name aforesaid To Hate, Hold and Enjot the privileges
aforesaid to them and their successors forever. In Testimony whereof
we have Caused these our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal
of our said province of New Jersey to be hereunto affixed.
Witness our Trusty and well-beloved Jonathan Belcher, Esq., our
Captain- General and Governor-in-Chief in and over His Majesties Prov-
ince of Nova Ceserea or New Jersey and Territories thereon depending
in America, Chancellor and Yice-Admiral in the same, etc., at our City,
of Burlington in our said Province the fourth day of April in the
twenty-second year of our Reign, Anno Dom MDCCXLIS.
" (Signed) Read.
*' Let the Great Seal of the Province of New Jersey be affixed to the
within Letters Patent.
To the Secretary of the Province of New Jersey, "
J. Belchee.
The first book of record of the township is mostly
preserved, from the organization till 1808, The leaves
that contain the record of the election of ofiicers of
1749 and 1750 are gone, and the first that appears is
of an election held on March 12, 1751, as follows :
" The Township of Brcdgewatee,, 1750.
*'Att a Meeting Held this 12 Day of March, 175n, jitt the House of
George Middagh,by the Inhabitants aforesaid, for Chusingotficers accord-
ing to the pjitent Granted as aforesaid and acording to an act of assem-
bly provided for that Purpose, Ac, viz. : John Brougliton, Clark ; Daniel
Blackford, Ck)nstable; Matthew Ten Eyck and son, Richard Compton,
Overseers of the Poor ; Henry Stevens, John Yroom, Freeholders ; Thomas
Auther, Jun., Lucas Tipple, John Harris, Lucas Belyou, Commissioners,
of which two is to be choesing by ye Court; Francis Cossart, Assessor for
the Township ; Tobias Van Norden, Collector for aforesaid ; Hendrick Van
Stay and Abraham Bodine, Isaac's Son, Assessors for the Poor.
Overseers of ye Highways for ye year 1751, For Overseers of the High- "
â– way: Harper Hoes, In the room of Frederick Bodine; Edward Hall, In
the roorii of Richard Hall ; Samuel Staats Coejeman, In the room of Jere-
miah Tan Nest ; James Wilson, In the room of Andris Cossine ; Andris
Ten Eyck, Jun', In the room of Wm. McKinney; Rynear Van Nest, In
the room of Jerry Reemer; Powel Auther, In the room of John Neilson;
Denice Tunison, In the room of Folkert Sebring; John Sebring, Jun'r,
In the room of Joseph Colter."
The following is a list of township officers as far as
can be ascertained. From 1808 to 1854 the town rec-
ords are lost, but for that period a few names have
been obtained from other official sources ; from 1854
to 1880 from the record of the township board.*
TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1752-57, John Broughton ; 1758-88, Jacob Van Norstrandt ; 1789-1808,
John Brokaw, Jr. ; 1824, Dickerson Miller ; 1827, Thomas Talmage ;
1834-35, James Van Derveer; 1836-37, Aaron Van Natta; 1838, A. C.
Mollison ; 1839^1, P. T.E. Tunison; 1854-55, John W. Taylor; 1856-
58, Jamea Bergen ; 1859-61, James T. Van Derveer; 1862-63, John I.
Van Derveer ; 1864^65, John H. Bunn ; 1866, John I. Bergen ; 1867,
Colin K. Covely; 1868-69, Caleb Brokaw; 1870-75, Matthew Van
Derveer ; 1876, A P. Sutphin ; 1877, Eugene S. Doughty, Jr. ; 1878-79,
Cornelius Vanderbeek ; 1880, W. W. Dorland.
FREEHOLDERS.
1752-57, William Crook, John Vroom ; 1757-61, William Crook, Matthew
Ten Eyck, Andrew's son; 1764-68, Aaron Lane, Peter Van Nest, North
Branch ; 1768-69, Aaron Lane, Peter Dumon ; 1770, Peter Dumon,
James Castner; 1771-75, Samuel St. Coejman, James Castner; 1775-
76, Edward Bunn, William Lane; 1777-80, William Lane, John Sy-
monson ; 1781, Thomas Farmer, Hendrick D. Vroom ; 1782-83, Thomaa
* In 1777 a constable was elected in place of " Wm. Sickles, killed by
the enemy, April 13, 1777."
Farmer, John Symonson; 1784, Matthias Baker, John Symonson;
1785-86, Thomas McElrath, John Symonson ; 1787-88, Jonathan F
Morris, George B. Van Nest; 1789-92, John Elmendorph, Jonathan
F. Morris; 1792, John Hardenhurgh, John Elmendorph; 1792-95,
Jonathan F. Morris, John Elmendorph ; 1795, John Hardenhurgh,
Richard Hall ; 1796, John Elmendorph, John Hardenburgh ; 1797-98,
George McDonald, John Hardenburgh ; 1799, John Elmendorph,
George McDonald ; 1800, Dickinson Miller, John Elmendorph ; 1801-2,
John Elmendorph, John Frelinghuysen; 1803-4, John Frelinghuy-
sen, Jacob De Groot ; 1805-8, Jacob De Groot, Jacob Ten Eyck ; 1808,
Cornelius Van Home, Jacob Ten Eyck ; 1824, Andrew A. Tffn Eyck,
Charles Toms ; 1834, Cornelius Waldron, James Martin ; 1839, Henry
Van Middles worth, Peter Van Nuys ; 1854r-56, John C. Garretson ;
1857-58, Simeon Dunn; 1859, Eugene S. Doughty; 1860-61, Jacob
Long; 1862-G4, Joshua Martin; 1865-G7, John R. Parsells; 1868,
Samuel M. Tunison; 1869, John McBride; 1873-74, James T. Cox;
1875, Joseph McBride ; 1876, Asa R. Dilts ; 1877-78, Joseph McBride ;
1879-80, John D. Voorhees.
COLLECTORS.
1752-53, Tobias Van Norden ; 1754r-55, Hendrick Fisher, Jr. ; 175G-72,
Jacob Van Noi-strand ; 1773, Jacob Ten Eyck, Jr.; 1774, William
Lane ; 1775-84, Peter Dumon, Jr. ; 1785-86, John Hardenburgh (Ist) ;
1787-96, Philip Van Arsdalen ; 1797, Jonathan Ford Morris; 1798-
1800,Philip Van Arsdalen; 1801-7, Henry Van Derveer; 1808, John
Brokaw; 1824, John H. Voorhees; 1834-35, N. V. Steele; 1837-39,
Denny S. Hall; 1840-41, John H. Voorhees; 1854, Simeon Dunn;
1855-57, John Hardcastle ; 1858-60, John I. Todd; 1861, Kortenius
G. Schenck; 1862-63, George W. Reed; 1864^66, Orson C. Cone;
1867, Walter Cammann; 1869, Aaron C. Martin; 1871-80, John S.
Ammerman.
TOWN COMMITTEE.t
1798-99, Jacob De Grote, Benjamin Harris, Garret Tunison, Peter Studdi-
for J, Richard Hall ; 1800, George McDonald, Thomas Talmage, Joseph
Doty, John Simonson, Garret Tunison ; 1801, Garret Tunison, John
Simonson, Joseph Doty, Thomas Talmage, George McDonald, Ed-
ward Elmendorf ; 1802, Thomas Nesbitt, Garret Tunison, George Mc-
Donald, Joseph Doty, John Simonson ; 1803, Andrew Howell, Joseph
Doty, George McDonald, Garret Tunison, Thomas Nesbitt; 1804^,
General Morris, John W. Hall, Edward Randolph, Philip H. Van Ars-
dalen, Garret Probasco ; 1806, Dr. Moms, Garret Prohasco, Philip
Van Arsdalen, Andrew Howell, John W. Hall ; 1807, Dr. Morris,
Joseph Mollesou, Philip Van Arsdalen, Andrew Howell, John
Brokaw; 1808, Dr. Morris, Israel Runyan, Philip H. Van Arsdalen,
Daniel Latourette, John Wyckoff; 1824, Cornelius Van Derveer,
George Vosseller, Absalom Martin, John Ross, Charles Toma; 1825,
Ferdinand Van Derveer, Cornelius Van Derveer, George Vosseller,
John Frelinghuysen, Cornelius Van Horn ; 1826. J. Frelinghuysen,
Cornelius Van Horn, Cornelius Van Derveer, John Ross, Absalom
Martin; 1827, Cornelius Van Derveer, John Ross, Absalom Martin,
George Vosseller, John Wyckoff; 1828-29, Cornelius Van Derveer,
Absalom Martin, Peres Bonuey, Garret Ditman, John Wyckoff; 1830-
32, Cornelius Van Derveer, John Frelinghuysen, Peres Bonuey,
Henry Tunison, John Wyckoff, Jr.; 1833, Auther Schenck, Peter
Van Nuys, John Ross, Robei't Cross, Edward Campbell; 1834-35,
Dennis Hall, Peter R. Hall, Robert Cross, John Ross, Edward Camp-
bell ; 1836, Abram Quick, Peter R. Hall, Peres Bonuey, N. G. Steele ;
1837, Abram Quick, Peter N. Hall, N. G. Steele, S. K. Martin, Peres
Bonney; 1838, Abram Quick, Jonathan Higgins, John Steele, Jr.,
John 0. Garretson, Samuel K. Martin ; 1839, Aaron J. Auten, Jona-
than Higgins, John C. Garretson, John Steele, Jr., Samuel K. Mar-
tin ; 1840, Samuel Hall, Aaron J. Auten, John C. Garretson, John
Steele, Jr., Samuel K. Martiu ; 1841, Aaron J. Auten, Samuel Hall,
John K. Staats, Kortenius G. Schenck, Cornelius Sebring ; 1854, John
M. Mann, Archibald C. MoUison, Charles G. Wilson; 1855, John M.
Mann, Charles G. Wilson, William N. Adair ; 1856, John M. Mann,
Charles G. Wilson, Kortenius G. Schenck; 1857-58, John M. Mann,
N. McCord, Kortenius G. Schenck; 1859, John M. Mann, Nathaniel
McCord, Daniel Talmage ; 1860-61, John M. Mann, Joseph H. Hoff-
man, Archibald 0. Mollison; 1862, Leonard Bunn, John Ross, John
M. Mann; 1863-64, Leonard Bunn, John Ross, John V. Wortman;
1865-67, Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller, Jeremiah Whitenach, Andrew
Rockafellow ; 1868-69, Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller, James H. Cain,
Lawrence V. D. Shepherd ; 1871, Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller, James
t The first town committee that appears in the Election Record is dated
April 9, 1798.
BRIDGEWATER.
661
H. Cain, James McNabb; 1872, Andrew T. D. B, Yosseller, James J.
Quick, Andrew Bookafellow, John A. Schenck ; 1873, John A.
Schenck, John McCullough, A. T. D. B. Yosseller; 1874, A. V. D. B.
Yosseller, Henry S. Long, David Todd; 1877, A. Y. D. B. Yosseller,
David Todd, Conrad Stein, Charles M. Young, William Van Nostrand;
1878, A. Y. D. B. Yosseller, Charles M. Young, Conrad Stein, David
Todd, Henry S. Long; 1879, Conrad Stein, A. Y. D. B. Yosseller,
Henry S. Long ; 1880, Conrad Stein, Alexander H. Brokaw, Benja-
min r. Littell.
No changes were made in the territory of the town-
ship from its organization till the setting off of Branch-
burg in 1845. The following action, however, was
taken at a meeting held in April, 1799 :
" A move was made at our annual town-meeting for a division of the
township, or a part thereof, on which a vote was taken of the sense of
the town was made known. It was agreed unanimously that the town
committee be authorized to draw up a remonstrance and present to the
next session of Assembly to oppose the same. "
It is evident that the township was not divided at
that time, as its territory remained intact.
THE POOR AND THE POOR-FARM.
The first action, taken by Bridgewater in reference
to the poor of which any record is kept was at town-
meeting March 13, 1764, when it was agreed to raise
the sum of £100 (proclamation), and the further sum
of £125 (proclamation money) , by a tax " at some con-
venient time between this and next fall." Overseers
of the poor were elected from the organization of the
township, but no record was kept of any proceedings,
if any were made. March 18, 1766, an agreement was
entered into by a committee composed of the free-
holders and overseers of the poor, with Benjamin
Harris, he agreeing to take care of the poor chargeable
to the town at his own expense for one year from May
1, 1766. The committee agreed to pay him the sum
of £125, proclamation money. March 17, 1767, the
committee met, and agreed that the poor belonging to
the township be sold to the lowest bidder " altogether,
to be kept under the care of one man."
Although the town-meeting of 1768 agreed " that
there shall be a work-house erected at some convenient
place, in conjunction with one, two, or more townships,
for the maintainance of the poor," none was built
until afler 1807, as in that year the town, by resolu-
tion, petitioned the board of freeholders "to purchase
or build a suitable house for the accommodation of
the poor of the county." The township records from
1808 to 1824 are missing, during which period a poor-
house was erected. Mrs. Drearwell was chosen keeper
of the poor-house, to take possession April 1st. She
received sixty cents per week for each pauper, with
the privilege of the poor-house lot. Drs. McKissack
and Skillman were chosen physicians, at a salary of
$15, increased to $40 the next year under Dr. William
Griffith. April 11, 1831, it was
" Besolvedf That a farm be purchased for the use of the poor, at the
discretion of the town committee, and that the committee sell the present
poor house establishment. "
The committee in July bought a farm of 808 J acres,
in possession of Kynear and John Van Nest, execu-
tors of George Van Nest, deceased. Edward Camp-
bell purchased the old property* for $516.99. In the
November following he, as the lowest bidder, took
charge of the poor-farm, and was followed by Tunis
Soper.
It was found that the expenses of keeping the poor-
house exceeded the proceeds of the farm, and the
town-meeting of 1838 resolved to sell the latter.
March 20, 1840, a portion of it (120 acres) was sold to
Nathan Auten. It is now occupied by John Davis.
No change of any imporfance occurred in the man-
agement of the poor or of the poor-farm until 1867,
when a contract was made with Asa E. Dilts for the
erection of a new building, which was completed in
1868 at a cost of $9779. The old building was sold
to A. V. D. B. Vosseller for $167. The report of the
committee on the poor-farm for 1880 shows the follow-
ing:
Inventory of stock and goods $2972 51
Average number assisted in the poor-house 12
Number of tramps assisted 400
Cost of support at the poor-house 8945.61
Cost of support outside 3448.74
From Oct. 1, 1874, to April 1, 1875, 3500 tramps
were assisted, and 3000 from Oct. 1, 1875, to April 1,
1876. A steady diet of bread and water in later years
has somewhat reduced this number.
TILLAGES.
SOMERVILLE.
This village is located on the north bank of the
Raritan River, and on the line of the New Jersey
Central Railroad, by the route of which it is 38 miles
from the city of New York. The South Branch Rail-
road connects this village with Flemington, a dis-
tance of ISj- miles. It is slightly elevated from the
river, which is on the south, and also from Peter's
Brook, on the east and south. This brook runs through
a valley which varies in width, as it goes back from the
river, from a quarter of a mile to a mile and a half..
A range of mountains to the north forms a delightfal
prospect. The population of the village, by the cen-
sus of 1880, was 3108.' It contains the court-house
and the public offices, seven churches, three hotels,
post-, express-, and telegraph-offices, three newspaper-
offices, a public-school building, young ladies' insti-
tute, depots of the New Jersey Railroad Company,
and is the eastern terminus of the South Branch and
Flemington Railroad. The Lehigh Valley, or Easton
and Amboy, Railroad passes through the township.
A station is at South Somerville.
The establishment of this location as the county-
seat at "Tunison's Tavern," the building of the-
court-house and the log jail in 1783, and the decision
of the Consistory of the congregation of the Dutch
Church of Raritan to build a church edifice at this
* The house and lot were at Adamsville, at the foot of the mountain..
662
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
place, were the leading causes that determined the fu-
ture of the village. It was known, however, as Raritan
until about 1800, from which time the village has
borne its present name. The Tunison tavern was built
about 1770 by Cornelius Tunison, its first landlord.
Its location was the same as that of the present Fritts'
Hotel, of which the old tavern building forms a part.
From the first it seems to have centralized all town mat-
ters. Prior to that time a tavern was kept by George
Middagh, at the place where Mrs. F. F. Cornell now
lives, and another by Cornelius Bogert, and later by
John Arrison, in a house which now forms a part of
the Frelinghuysen homestead. At these two taverns
town meetings were held from 1749 to 1769, and at
the latter principally from that time till the com-
pletion of the court-house. The court-house stood
nearly in the centre of the present street, on the lot
now owned and occupied by Dr. Wilson. The log
jail was erected on the lot where the old building
still stands.
The Great Road crossed Peter's Brook nearly half-
way between the present railroad-bridge and the turn-
pike-bridge at the second bend in that stream, and
entered what, is now the village of Somerville near
where Leonard Bunn's house now stands, then fol-
lowed the line of Main Street to the Tunison Tavern,
passed north of the old court-house, south of the
brick church, north of the buildings on Main Street,
and joined the line of the present road a little distance
west of "the gate of the parsonage lands," near the
junction of the Raritan road and North Branch road.
In 1797, John Hardenburgh purchased of the heirs
of Philip Tunison 100 acres of land east of Bridge
Street, and reaching to Peter's Brook. In 1799, by
reason of some financial difiiculty, this tract was sold
at auction, and was purchased for $6000 by " The
Somerset House Company." The stock was divided
into ten shares, and taken as follows : George C.
Maxwell, of Flemington, 2 ; James .Van Derveer, 2 ;
Peter D. Vroom, 2 ; Thomas Grout, 1 ; Moses Scott,
1 ; Andrew Howell, 1 ; John Meldrum, 1. The prop-
erty included the " stable lot" on the south side of
the Great Road. The tavern was kept by John Mel-
drum after the purchase, and on June 19, 1799, the
auction sale of the old court-house lot and jail lot
was held at the house of " John Meldrum's Somerset
House," as per advertisement of May 9, 1799, in the
Guardian of New Brunswick. The house company
sold several lots, and May 26, 1807, the remainder
90 acres was purchased by John Van Nest. The
following is a description of the property, as taken
from the records in the clerk's ofiice in Somerville :
" Beginning at a stake or Btone, being the northwesterly corner of
church lot, and standing in the line of lands now or lately belonging to
Jacob R. Hardenburgh; thence running along the said line north 15^^
east 75 chains and 95 links to a heap of stones and locust-tree for a
comer ; thence south 79° and 30' east 11 chains to a stake for a corner ;
thence along Tunison's line south 17° and 30' west 77 chains and 25 links to
the northwesterly corner of the original tavern lot ; thence along the same
south 55° and 45' east 3 chains and 58 links to a stake for a corner; i
thence continuing along the said lot south 17° and 50' west 4 chains and
65 links to the middle of the Great Koad ; thence along the same south
55° and 45' east 2 chains and 58 links to the corner of Eosencrantz lot ;
thence along the same south 70° and 10' west 4 chains and S8 links to a
stake for a corner; thence north 64° and 30' wests chains 75 links to the
southwesterly corner of the stable lot ; thence along the same north 17°
and 50' east 5 chains and 50 links to the middle of the aforesaid Great
Koad ; thence along the same south 63° and 10' east 48 links to the corner
of the court-house lot; thence along the same north 17° and 50' east 4
chains and 42 links ; thence continuing along the said court-house lot
nortli 70° and 30' west 2 chains and 98 links to the northeasterly corner
of the said church lot; thence along the same north 57° and 30' west 3
chains and 81 links to the begitining, containing 79 acres, be the same
more or less. Also a certain lot or parcel of land situate, lying, and being
in the township, county, and State aforesaid, at a small distance from the
premises above described, which in a certain deed given and executed by
John Hardenburgh, Esq., late sheriff of tlie said county, to John Bryan,
bearing date Feb. 8, 1797, for the same is thus described : Beginning at
the northwesterly corner of a lot of land formerly purchased by Philip
Tunison from Titus De Witt; from thence running as the line of said
Tunison runs south 38° east 11 chains and 90 links to a maple-tree stand-
ing on the westerlj' side of Peter's Brook, marked on three sides ; thence
up along said brook, and bending on the same the several courses thereof,
till it comes to a black-oak tree and birch-tree, both marked on the side
of said brook, and being also a corner of the said Philip Tunison's land ;
thence along his line north 38^° west 8 chains and 9 links to a stone
planted for a corner ; thence south 43° west 8 chains and 50 links; thence
south 6° west 8-3 links to the place of beginning, containing 11 acres three-
quarters, and one- tenth of an acre, bounded southerly and northeasterly
by the said Peter's Brook, aud northerly, westerly, and southerly by lands
late belonging to the said Philip Tunison, now deceased, always reserving
and excepting out of the last parcel of land a certain lot on which the
old gaol, now the dwelling-place of Pliilip Herder, stands, being 2 chains
in length on a course north 38° and 15' east, and 1 chain and 19 links in
breadth on a course south 51° and 45' east. "
John Van Nest sold 48 acres of the northwest part
of this land, July 29th the same year, to Dr. Jonathan
F. Morris; also half an acre adjoining the church lot
on the north, and November 12th of the same year
sold to William Muir a portion east of the court-
house lot ; on April 1, 1809, sold to Ferdinand Van
Derveer five lots of land for $5500. The first was the
lot, containing about 1 J acres, on which he afterwards
built, now owned and occupied by Miss Mary Van
Derveer. Judge Van Derveer was a native of this
county, and had been in the mercantile business in
Cooperstown, N. Y. He returned to this place and
built the large brick house on Main Street. This was
his residence until his death, and here his daughters,
Mrs. Dtimont Frelinghuysen, Mrs. William L. Day-
ton, Mrs. Isaiah N. Dilts, and Miss Mary Van Der-
veer, were born. The second lot adjoined Daniel
Latourette ; the third was in rear of church lot, and
contained 22 acres ; the fourth was east, on Peter's
Brook ; the fifth was north of the turnpike.
Isaac Davis, July 23, 1799, purchased of John
Whitenach, on the south side of the Great Road, a
lot west of the " stable lot.'' In that year he erected
the house at present occupied by Mrs. Dr. H. H. Van
Derveer. Philip Herder occupied it during the latter
part of 1799 for a tavern, when he purchased the jail
lot and jail of Hendrick Van Arsdalen, May 3, 1800,
and fitted up the jail for a tavern. It was afterwards
kept by Thomas Arrowsmith, Jacob Wyckoff, and last
by " Bill" De Camp, about 1850, when its history as
a public institution ceased. It was owned by David
BRIDGEWATEK.
663
"Van Syckle, who paid $2600 to Abel Stuart to build
the east end. It is now the property ofWilliam Ross.
Isaac Davis sold the house erected in 1799 by Isaac
Davis ; it was sold by him to Jacob E. Hardenburgh,
May 1, 1800. Mr. Hardenburgh purchased, at the
same time, the old court-house lot, where for many
years Joseph Van Derveer had a shop for repairing
clocks.
Daniel Latourette purchased the court-house of
Isaac Davis (who bought the property of the county),
removed the timbers across the street, and built a
store-house where Honeyman Brothers now are. He
kept store in this building until 1817, when William
J. Hedges purchased the property and carried on
business many years. Daniel Latourette bought the
residence of Jacob E. Hardenburgh, adjoining his
store property, Nov. 21, 1803. He owned the prop-
erty to the corner of Bridge Street. A large farm was
on the site of the County Hotel, which was after-
wards rebuilt and made into a dwelling by Mr. La-
tourette, and about 1805 or 1806 into a hotel, and kept
by Eichard Hall. Its changes have been numerous.
It is now kept by A. Moore.
Maj. Eichard Tunison's residence was where Wil-
liam Eoss, Jr., now resides. Philip Tunison, a son
of the Philip who owned a part of this tract at an
earlier day, was a cabinet-maker, and built a shop on
Main Street, west from the Philip Herder tavern (old
jail). A tin-shop was subsequently kept by a Mr.
High in the building next west. A dwelling had
been erected by Samuel Hall opposite to and a little
east of the old log jail. He also had a tan-yard in
operation there. John Bryan purchased in 1797 a
lot east of the log jail and on the same side of the
street, where he lived. John Van Nest, who pur-
chased the property of the Somerset House Company,
lived on the south side of the Great Eoad ; his was
the last house between the village and Peter's Brook.
This property was purchased the same year the New
Jersey turnpike was laid through Somerville, when
the road was straightened and brought to its present
course.
Tunison's tavern was later owned by Alexander Mc-
Calla, of Philadelphia. May 1, 1823, he sold the
property to John Torbert, whose executors in 1847
sold to Jacob Fritts. It is handed down by tradition
that the house afterwards kept by John Meldrum on
the site of the post-oflBce was the tavern known as the
Somerset House, but the Somerset House Company
did not own any land west of Bridge Street.
At this time but little was done in the way of im-
provements west of Bridge Street. Jacob E. Harden-
burgh had owned the most of the ground west to the
Frehnghuysen lot. The different purchases in 1765,
1768, and 1771 covered nearly all the property west
of Bridge Street on which the village of Somerville
stands. A portion of it had been sold, but not for
building purposes. The ground for the Somerville
academy was purchased in 1802 and the building
erected. Judge Williamson now resides where it
stood.
The parsonage was erected in 1751, and is now
owned by Joshua Doughty. The Wallace House
was built in 1797. The old house known as the Doty
house is still standing, near the depot. A little house
built by Isaac Vactor, a tailor, was opposite the acad-
emy. These houses, the John Hardenburgh house, now
Dumont Frelinghuysen's, and the academy were about
the only buildings west of Bridge Street in 1803. Soon
after that the progress of improvement was westward.
Job Van Arsdale a little later built a small two-story
house and a blacksmith-shop where John W. Gaston
kept a saddlery and harness-shop. Abel Stuart built
a house next. This house was subsequently enlarged
and fitted up for a hotel ; John Meldrum was the first
landlord. It was afterwards kept by Daniel Sargeant,
who came to Somerville about 1815 and purchased
the property of one Middagh. It was afterwards
kept by Charles Toms, and while unoccupied was
burned down on a Christmas night, but in what year
is not ascertained. The old pump is still in use, and
stands west of J. Van Epp's house. A grand festi-
val of the Masonic fraternity was held a^ Somerville,
and at the conclusion of the ceremonies dinner was
provided for the brethren at this hotel. This was
the festival of St. John the Evangelist. The occa-
sion was an invitation of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1,
to the Eev. John S. Vredenburgh to preach a sermon
before the lodge. The officers were Dr. William Mc-
Kissack, Master; Andrew Geddes, Senior Warden;
and James Herring, Junior Warden. The sermon
was delivered in the Dutch church (that being the
only one in the village at the time).*
March 2, 1807, John Davenport purchased of Jacob
E. Hardenburgh a tract of 109 acres (being part of a
tract left in trust by Eev. Jacob E. Hardenburgh for
the children of John Hardenburgh) fronting on Main
Street (then the New Jersey turnpike), bounded east
by the east line of the store of D. D. Craig, west by
the west line of Dr. Troutman's lot, and running back
towards the mountain. Mr. Davenport built the house
now owned by John Bergen, and lived there until he
removed to Pluokamin, about 1809. He was a hatter,
and carried on the business at this place while here.
At the time of his removal 105.4 acres of the tract were
divided into lots, the rest having been sold.
William Johnson, of New York, became interested
with Mr. Davenport in the disposition of the lots by
lottery. A map was made and filed in the clerk's
office, and 460 tickets at $10 each were issued, each
entitling the holder to a lot of nearly a quarter of an
acre. These tickets were all sold, but only about a
hundred of the deeds were recorded, they all having
been signed in blank by Mr. Davenport, bearing date
Oct. 25, 1809. The larger portion of the tickets having
been sold in New York, many of the deeds were never
* A sketch of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, will be found in the history of
the township of Eedminster.
664
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.-
demanded. The farm-house of Mr. Davenport was
the first prize. This was owned several years by, Mrs.
Mary Howe, and was sold by her to Peter Vred en-
burgh, April 3, 1817. The nutaber of prizes unclaimed
for many years left the title to considerable of the land
in a very uncertain condition. The Lottery Field"" "
had become the rendezvous for colored people from
all parts of the State, and the disreputable characters
that gathered there rendered the place a blot upon
the village. Meetings were held to consult upon a
means of improving its condition, and a bill was
drawn and passed by the Legislature which author-
ized the board of commissioners of Somerville to pur-
chase the "Lottery Field," provided they made the
amount of purchase-money out of the resale of the
whole or any part of said premises. They accord-
ingly purchased the right, title, and interest of Dav-
enport's heirs in the property, for $1600.
Before the sale to the commissioners, Samuel W.
Davenport, an executor of the estate, inaugurated
among the colored people living on the place a series
of meetings calculated to inspire them with a desire
for improvement. Many of them joined heartily in
the movement. Lectures were delivered by Wendell
Phillips, Fred Douglas, Dr. George Cheever, and
others. The funds obtained and collections raised
among themselves ($2800) were expended in the
erection of a school-house. These efforts had their
effect, and are still felt in the community.
In 1809, Peter Dumont built a house opposite Fritts'
Hotel," and George McDonald, adjoining east, very
soon after built the house which became known as
the Governor Vroom house. George McDonald
opened a law-oflfice there.
A blacksmith- and wheelwright-shop stood on the
corner where the Ten Eyck house stands. The clerk's
office was built about 1810, west of the court-house,
that building having been erected in 1798. Some
time after the opening of the New Jersey turnpike,
in 1807, a long low tavern-building was erected at the
junction of the two roads, where Eugene Doughty
now lives. It stood there until 1848, when it was
purchased by Albert Cammann and removed west to
the seminary building, where it still stands.
In 1809 the thoroughfare which is now Bridge Street
was laid out and opened, the river being crossed at or
near the present bridge by a ford. Prior to this the
road or path ran along the river for a short distance
and in the rear of Mr. Dumont Frelinghuysen's house,
and came" out on Main Street at Somerset Hall, by
Isaac Auten's house. The old chain-bridge over the
river was built about 1814, and is said to have cost
about $23,000. The pier now in use for the covered
bridge was built for the chain-bridge. The bridge
was in use until January, 1821, when the north end
went down with a crash. It was decided to build a
new one, and the present covered bridge was erected
in the summer and fall of 1821.
Daniel Sergeant, soon after he retired from the
hotel upon the post-office site, built the brick house
where Mrs. Jacob S. Eockafellow now lives. He also
built the wooden building east, and commenced the
manufacture of boots and shoes for the wholesale
trade, employing from twelve to fifteen men. In
selling his goods he traveled with a wagon as far
as New Brunswick, Lambertville, and Philadelphia.
April 13, 1801, Joseph Doty purchased of Garret
Terhune 54.56 acres of land lying west of Bridge
Street, south of Main Street, and east of the land of
the Rev. John Duryea, then the old parsonage lot,
a section 40 feet square being reserved for a burial-
place. The north part of this farm he plotted, and
between 1807 and 1810 sold lots along the Main
Street to William Skillman, Eichard Oompton, Gar-
ret Tunison, James Carpenter, Isaac Auten, Abraham
Stryker, John Hardcastle, John Garmo, and Linus
High. After Mr. Doty's death it passed into other
hands, and March 31, 1823, Col. Isaac Southard pur-
chased of Albert Cox 462- acres, all that remained of
the farm Mr. Doty had purchased. In 1832 the lot
was sold for the Methodist Church, in 1834 one was
sold to the Second Reformed Church, and in January,
1835, the first lot was sold to Barney Mulford. This
was the lot on which Miss Kate Dunn now lives.
The property west of the " Lottery Field," north of
Main Street, had been purchased by Dr. Swan with
the old parsonage property and the Hardenburgh
property. In 1810, Dr. Swan sold the land below
Main Street to Dr. Peter I. Stryker, and moved to
the house now standing east of Adair's store, on
Main Street. This old building was opened about
1836 as the Drovers' and Farmers' Hotel. It was fijst
kept by John Linn, afterwards by Van Cleef, Hoag-
land, Isaac Apgar, and last by John Mehan.* Farther
west the land was owned by Dickinson Miller. John
Whitenack, who owned south of Main and east of
Bridge Street, sold off a number of lots on Main
Street, east of the "stable lot," from 1799 to 1808 or
1809. He sold to Daniel Latourette fourteen acres
on July 6, 1804, in the rear of Main Street, south of
the first tier of lots. Latourette sold to William J.
Hedges, in February, 1816, the store and house prop-
erty. The land west of Bridge Street and to the line
of the " Lottery Field" was in possession of Jacob
R. Hardenburgh in 1805, except the academy lot and
a few lots along the north side of Main Street.
In 1829 the only kinds of business that were adver-
tised were as follows : At the office of the Somerset-
Messenger were kept books of all kinds, wrapping-
and writing-paper, Swaim's Vermifuge, Butler's Veg-
etable Indian Specific, waterproof blacking, etc. Wil-
liam Wagoner kept an assortment of saddles, bridles,
etc., in charge of William H. Gatzmer, at the office of
the Somerset Messenger. John Argue had a new arrange-
ment for the Somerville and New Brunswick coach
for "persons wishing to take the fast line for Phila-
* Mr, Mehan died Feb. 7, 1881.
BKIDGEWATEK.
665
delphia, the Princeton and Trenton coaches, or the
stage for New Hope." J. J. Moore had just received
a new assortment of dry goods, hardware, crockery,
and groceries. Henry V. Dehart kept a cabinet-shop
opposite Mr. Samuel Brant, and Peter Ten Eyck
sold dry goods, groceries, etc., "in the store lately
occupied by Tunis I. Ten Eyck."
A military event of considerable interest in the
village of Somerville was the parade of the Somerset
brigade and its march to the division muster-ground
at Freehold in 1829, a notice of which is given in
the Somerset Messenger in August of that year, to
which the reader is referred.
In 1836, Joshua Doughty purchased what was then
known as the Stryker farm, and, later, property on
the north side of the street. In 1838 he erected the
brick buUding now occupied by William Koeler, the
baker, which was the first brick store on the street.
The completion of the railroad in 1842 to Somerville,
as the Elizabethtown and Somerville Eoad, did much 1
to facilitate the gro-\vth of the village. Many years
later the road was continued to Easton, and finally
consolidated into the New Jersey Central Railroad.
The first station-agent at Somerville was Bernard
Stearns, with James Kreusen as assistant. The latter
is the present incumbent.
The first school-house known to exist in what is
now the village of Somerville was in the rear of the
First Reformed church, and is supposed to have
been built about 1790. Who the first teachers were
is not known. The school was merged into the
academy in 1802, and from that time until its close,
in 1855, an English department was kept. The
children of the village were educated at this school
and the schools held at private residences, one
of which was taught by Miss Phcebe Studdiford, on
what is now High Street; another by Miss Annie
Auten, on South Street near Bridge. Later, Mrs.
Nottingham taught about two years. She was suc-
ceeded by Mrs. Bonnell, of Morristown, who taught
until the organization of the Young Ladies' Institute,
in 1849. In 1856 the present brick edifice was erected
on High Street at a cost of $5000.
By an act of Legislature approved March 28, 1866,
School District No. 5, Somerville (old district), was
authorized to elect a board of education. In 1876
the school-building was enlarged at a cost of $4000.
The county was divided into districts under the new
law in 1867, and Somerville became District No. 28.
About 1807 an effort was made to establish a pub-
lic library. Liberal contributions were obtained, and
a committee appointed to make a selection of books.
The library was kept in the store of Daniel Latour-
ette, opposite the court-house, and in the Messenger
office. It was sustained until after 1829.
From that time till 1871 no successful movement
was made towards a public library. F. Lyman was
then instrumental in procuring the names of 250 per-
sons to unite and form an association, known as the
43
People's Reading-Eoom and Library. Oct. 1, 1871,
the association was organized by the election of A. A.
Clark, President ; J. S. Knox, M.D., Vice-President;
J. T. Conklin, Treasurer; William E. Johnson, Sec-
retary; F. Lyman, Librarian. Annual dues were
placed at one dollar, and with the funds books were
purchased. The society has at present 938 volumes
and a reading-room well supplied with periodicals
and leading papers of the day. The principal officers
for 1880 were S. C. Blackwell, President; Hugh Gas-
ton, Vice-President ; Secretary, G. L. Loomis ; Libra-
rian, Bessie B. Smith.
POST-OFFICE.
The following is a list of the postmasters of Somer-
ville, with their date of appointments, from 1822
(when the post-office was established) to the present
time:
Aug. 12, 1822, Ferdinand Van Berreer; Dec. 22, 1824, Wm. J. Hedges ;
Jime 21, 1841, Theodore D. Dumont ; March 3, 1843, Wm. G. Steele ;
April 27, 1849, Alexander Wilson ; April 6, 1853, John W. Van Are-
dale ; May 28, 1861,* Culver Barcalow ; April 15, 1871, Daniel Porter
March 27, 1877, Emma J. Porter.
WATER-SUPPLY.
The charter for the "Somerville Aqueduct Com-
pany" was obtained Nov. 18, 1807, for the purpose of
supplying the village of Somerville with pure water.
A large spring on the mountain, north of the village,
was used as a supply. Pine logs were laid to conduct
the water to the village, and a pen-stock was placed
at the tavern now occupied by Jacob A. Fritts. The
head of water was about on a level with the ball on
the spire of the First church, and the weight of the
column was so great that breaks were often occurring;
and it was finally abandoned. An effort was then
made to procure good water by boring. A well situ-
ated in the yard of Ferdinand Van Derveer was se-
lected, and a boring of nearly 200 feet was made, but
finally abandoned, and no effort has since been made.
The history of the religious organizations, secret
societies, cemeteries, etc., of Somerville, will be found
under their department headings on following pages.
BOUND BROOK.
The cluster of dwellings and business places at
Bound Brook was but a straggling village from its
earliest history until about 1834 or 1835. It has the
honor of being the oldest village in the township or
the county. The brook east of the village was the
bounding-line of lands granted to the people who set-
tled Amboy and its vicinity. The name "Bound
Brook" occurs as early as 1660 ; hence it came to be
accepted for the locality. For many years a consid-
erable distance round about on both sides of the river
was known by this name, the village of Bloomingdale
bearing the appellation South Bound Brook. At the
beginning of the present century the old " Swift-sure"
line of stages passed through this place, leaving New-
ark at 6 A.M., passing through Elizabeth, Bound
* July 23, 1868, became presidential.
666
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
Brook, Somerville, and reaching Philadelphia the
next evening. In 1829 the Somerville and Brunswick
Union Coach Line ran through Bound Brook, con-
necting with the steamer " Trenton" ; this line was
owned by John Argue. The Swift-sure Line of mod-
ern time also passed through here. The opening of
the Delaware Canal, in 1836, gave an impetus to
Bound Brook, which was increased by the completion
of the Central Railroad to that place in 1839. Boats
commenced to run from New Brunswick to Bound
Brook in 1836 ; William Tappan was the first to pay
toll on this part of the canal.
The post-ofiice was established about 1803 ; Joseph
Mollison was the first postmaster. His successors
were John H. Voorhees, Israel S. Tucker, Jeremiah
R. Field, Hiram Bush, and the present incumbent,
Benjamin F. Littell.
A hotel was kept here before the Revolution, and
was known in later years as the Frelinghuysen House,
by Peter Harpending; one at Middlebrook in 1798
by John Van Duyn; in 1802, by Dr. Ten Eyck.
William Harris built the Middlebrook Hotel, which
was kept by Israel Harris in 1815. Bound Brook
Hotel stands on the site of George Cossart's house ;
he was one of the three who purchased, in 1700, the
tract where the village now stands.
A bridge across the river at this place was ordered
built by an act of Legislature passed in 1728. It was
not erected however, until 1731, for a supplementary
act was passed that year in reference to it. It was
afterwards called the Queen's Bridge. The present
bridge was built in 1875, at a cost of about $75,000.
This village contains (census of 1880) a population
of about 1000, four churches (Presbyterian, Congre-
gational, Methodist, and Catholic), hotel, post-office,
a newspaper-office, depots of Central and Easton
and Amboy Railroads, and other business interests.
The " Bound Brook Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany" was organized in 1836, and did business from
that time until Feb. 24, 1838, when it was incorpor-
ated under the name as above. . The following con-
stituted the corporators: John H. Voorhees, John
Latourette, Caleb C. Brokaw, Robert S. Smith, John
Ross, Ebenezer C. Lewis, Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller,
John S. Randolph, Nehemiah V. Steele. The per-
sons named in the act as the first directors were John
H. Voorhees, John Latourette, Robert S. Smith,
Ernest Schenck, Nehemiah V. Steele, John D. Field,
John Garretson, John Steele, Jr., Andrew V. D. B.
Vosseller, Matthew Hopper, John S. Randolph, John
Ross, Jeremiah Parsell, Caleb Morton, and Ebenezer
S. Lewis. The original charter expired in 1880, and
in 1876 it was extended to July 4, 1925.
Caleb C. Brokaw was secretary from the organiza-
tion to February, 1844 ; then Abraham Skillman was
elected, and served till February, 1845, when A. C.
Mollison followed, and served until 1874. E. H.
Redfield then acted till 1878, when John Bush, the
present secretary, was elected. The losses sustained
in 1878 were $450, and in 1880, to September 1st,
$672.39.
The present officers are Lewis P. Clark, President;
R. F. Giles, Vice-President; John Bush, Secretary
and Treasurer ; William J. Diltz, Levi Hatfield, Al-
bert Voorhees, John Hampton, L. P. Clark, R. F.
Giles, James M. Thompson, Jarnes E. Gillem, R. V.
Lindabury, C. L. Waldron, B. 0. Ammerman, George
W. Adair, John D. Voorhees, B. T. Clark, and A. C.
Wyckoff, Directors.
RAEITAN.
This pleasant village is situated on the river bear-
ing the same name, about one mile southwest of
Somerville. It contains three churches (Reformed
Church, Methodist, and Catholic), a bank, post-office,
hotel, and school-house, several large manufacturing
establishments, and the different kinds of trade usual
in such villages.
One of the old historic houses of Somerset County
is located in Raritan. It is the brick building now
owned by Mrs. John T. Bartlett. Its history will be
found elsewhere.
In 1844 there were but four houses and the grist-
mill in what is now Raritan village, the old Coeje-
man house, a house occupied by J. V. D. Kelly, the
seminary building, on the corner of Thompson and
Somerset Streets, and the double house on the corner
of Somerset and Nevius Streets, then occupied by
John A. Staats and Abram Oppie. The first store
was opened by J. V. D. Kelly, who owned the grist-
mill, the next by the screw-factory, and these were
soon followed by Samuel Hopkins. The first Sunday-
school was opened in 1845 in the blacksmith-shop on
Somerset Street, owned by John A. Staats. About
1848 a tavern was opened by Culver Voorhees, on the
location of the present hotel. Services were held for
several years at private residences by members of the
different denominations until the building of the old
school-house on Wall Street, when worship was held
there.
The first school-house in Raritan village was 25 by
36 feet, and two stories in height. It was erected on
the east side of what is now Wall Street, under the
old school law. In December, 1871, the house and
lot were sold to the Methodist society, the present
brick edifice having been erected the summer of that
year, and dedicated with appropriate exercises on the
5th of September.*
A post-office was started about 1850, the mails pre-
vious to that time having been brought from Somer-
ville. The village contains a population of 2240.
About 1846 or 1848 a number of the inhabitants
met in the machine-shop of David P. Kinyon to de-
cide upon a name for the embryo village. After some
discussion it was decided to christen it after the river
on which it was located. The Central Railroad of
* For further information in reference to the condition of schools, Bee
' Schools" in the township of Bridgewater.
BRIDGEWATER.
667
New Jersey passes tkrougii the village, thereby fur-
nishing means for both transportation and travel
equal to any in the State.
The first bridge across the river was built in 1849,
with 5 piers, 54 feet span, and 324 feet in length.
MARTINSVILLE.
This hamlet was commenced by Absalom and
James Martin, who came from near Chimney Eock.
About 1852 a chapel was erected, and for a time was
occupied by all denominations. Later it came under
the control of the Presbyterians. It is not an inde-
pendent organization. The village contains, besides
the chapel, a store, post-office, hotel, blacksmith-shop,
and several dwellings. It is located in what is known
^ Washington Valley, between the First and Second
Mountain.
SCHOOLS OF THE TOWNSHIP.
There are but few traditions of schools in this town-
ship before the commencement of the present century.
The first written record of any kind which has been
found bearing upon the subject of schools is a receipt
as follows :
" Kece'd, Mar. 15, 1771, from Jeromes Van Nest, by the handfi of George
Fisher, schoolmaster, the full sum of fohr pounds, Jersey Light money,
in fall for my demands from said Jeromes Van Nest.
FOLKBBT TONISON. "
£4 0«. Oi
The first school-house of which anything is known
was situated in what is now the ground of the Pres-
byterian church at Bound Brook, and a little west of
that edifice. Some of the traditions relate that it was
originally a Presbyterian church and afterwards used
as a school-house. It was a low, one-story building.
The first teacher of whom any mention is made was
one John Wacker, whose name occurs as early as 1742 ;
the name of John Brade is also found.* He was suc-
ceeded by William Hedden, who acted as principal
until 1768, when he removed to Newark. He was
succeeded by Peter Walsh, a Scotchman, who taught
until the erection of the academy, in 1800. This
building stood east of the residence formerly occupied
by the Eev. Dr. Rodgers, and was two stories in
height, standing broadside to the turnpike, with a
steeple on the east end. A bell that hung in the
steeple had the inscription " 1734, Amsterdam." The
academy was built in part from money bequeathed by
Michael Field, who died in 1792. The bequest is
given in the words of his will :
" I give the sum of £500, lawful money of the State of Now Jersey,
towards a free school that may be erected hereafter within the Presby-
terian congregation of Bound Brook, which my executors are hereby
required to put Into the hands of the trustees of the congregation afore-
said, and the trustees are required to put the same at interest, and to
keep the interest money arising therefrom in their custody and posses-
sion until the said ' Free School-House' shall be built, and then apply
the said interest money for that purpose, and supporting said school, and
for no other purpose. "
* In an account of Tobias Van Norden, dated February, 1774, against
the estate of AelljeLemontes, occurs, " To sculeing for Lena, £0 14s. Od."
Peter Walsh was the last teacher in the old build-
ing and the first in the academy. He was succeeded
by Isaac Toucey, afterwards Secretary of the Navy
under President Buchanan. While he was in charge
a female department was added, under the supervision
of Miss Joanna Deeds. This building was in use until
1857, when it was demolished and the present edifice
erected upon the spot.
To this county belongs the honor of being the home
of the men who were most instrumental in obtaining
and founding Rutgers College. Rev. John Freling-
huysen opened a theological school in which young
men were fitted for the ministry. Jacob Rutsen
Hardenburgh, Rynier Van Nest, and Matthew Leydt
received instruction from him, and afterwards became
eminent.
The Rev. Jacob R. Hardenburgh was most active in
obtaining the charter, in 1770, of Rutgers College, and
was its first president; Hendrick Fisher, of Bound
Brook, was also prominent in its establishment.!
Frederick Frelinghuysen, a native of Somerville,
was the first tutor. It is thus seen that Rutgers
College originated with men in this township, and
that a school was opened here, the infiuence of which
culminated in its establishment.
A school-house was erected in Raritan (now Som-
erville) about 1800. The last teacher was a Mr. Ten-
nard. The school was merged into the Somerville
academy at its commencement, in 1802. There was
also one on the mountain-road north of Somerville ;
it remained as late as 1840.
The next educational interest of importance was
the establishment of the Somerville academy, the his-
tory of which is quoted from Dr. A. Messler's " History
of Somerset County :"
*• The idea of erecting such a building and attempting to maintain a
classical school at such an early day was an honor to the inhabitants of
the village.
" It came in this wise : A number of gentlemen from SomervlUe and
its vicinity met together to celebrate the Fourth of July, 1801. The
public exercises of the day were held in the church. . . . After the exer-
cises the gentlemen repaired to the hotel, where a dinner had been pre-
pared. Among them were several who had sons to be educated. After
a free conversation on the subject of education, it was resolved to make
an effort to establish a classical school, where young men might be in-
structed in Latin and Greek and prepared to enter college. Immediate
action was taken, and on the 18th of July, at another meeting, a consti-
tution was adopted, which provided for the erection of a building and
the organization of an association aiding in its support and patronage. "
The constitution was signed by Peter Studdiford,
John Bryan, John Frelinghuysen, Andrew Howell,
Jonathan Ford Morris, Thomas Talmage, John El-
mendorf, Jacob R. Hardenburgh, John Simonson,
John W. Hall, Joseph Doty, Dickinson Miller, Cor-
nelius Van Deventer, Bergun Brokaw, Edmund El-
mendorf, John Brokaw, John Cox, Garret Tunison,
Philip Herder, Roeluf Nevius, Peter B. Dumont, and
Mathew A. Lane. The subscription amounted to
$1701. The first officers of the association were Peter
+ Hon. Joseph P. Bradley's address, delivered at the centennial celo
bration of Eutgers, June 21, 1870.
668
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Studdiford, President ; John Bryan, Vice-President ;
John Frelinghuysen, Treasurer; Andrew Howell,
Secretary. The board of regents consisted of Jona-
than F. Morris, John Wortman, Thomas Talmage,
John S. Vredenburgh, John Elmendorf, Jacob E.
Hardenburgh, Dickinson Miller, John Simonson,
Garret Tunison, and the president.
A house was erected, a teacher employed (Lucas
George, an Irishman, who proved himself to be a fine
scholar and an efficient instructor), and the school
opened in May or June, 1802.
In 1804 the association was incorporated under the
laws of the State, and Peter Studdiford, John S. Vre-
denburgh, Peter D. Vroom, John Elmendorf, Andrew
Howell, Jonathan F. Morris, and John Frelinghuy-
sen were the trustees. In March, 1805, Jacob Kirk-
patrick succeeded Mr. George as principal. Then W.
C. Morris, a son of Dr. J. F. Morris, taught for a
time. Nov. 26, 1808, Stephen Boyer was engaged as
principal, remaining such until 1810. Afterwards
Isaac N. Wyckoff and the Rev. John Cornell taught,
and the school flourished extensively. It had no rival
except Basking Eidge, and enjoyed an extensive pa-
tronage for some time. After Eev. John Cornell the
school was taught by Eev. Peter Studdiford, Mr.
Neville, John Walsh, William Thompson, Charles
Hageman, William D. Waterman, and John L. See.
This school was discontinued in 1855, the property
sold to S. S. Hartwell, and the proceeds divided
among the original stockholders and their heirs.
SOMEEVILLE CHAEITY SCHOOL.
. In 1816, Mrs. Eev. John Vredenburg, Mrs. Andrew
Howell, Mrs. Dr. Henry Van Derveer, Mrs. Dickinson
Miller, Mrs. William J. Hedges, Mrs. Ferdinand Van
Derveer, Mrs. Mary Stewart, Mrs. William Manse,
Mrs. Matthew Williamson, Mrs. C. G. Tunison, Mrs.
Dr. Vredenburg, and Mrs. Gen. John Frelinghuysen
associated themselves together to educate and instruct
the poor children of the township, under the name
of the Somerville Charity School. April 16th in that
year a Sunday-school was opened ; in connection with
it, but a little later, a day-school was added. It was
continued until about 1845, when it ceased, common
schools having been introduced into the State and
accomplishing part of the work.
A young ladies' school was taught at the house of
Mr. Walsh in 1828-29 by Miss M. A. Poole. In ad-
dition to a complete course of English studies, music,
drawing, and lace-work were taught.
A young ladies' seminary was erected by Gen. John
Frelinghuysen in about 1832. Mrs. Nottingham was
principal. It was continued four or five years, but
finally ceased. Mrs. Nottingham removed to Somer-
ville, where she taught about two years.
SOMEESET CLASSICAL INSTITUTE. '
This school was established in 1848 as the " Somerset
Institute for Young Ladies." The old tavern stand-
ing at the fork of the New York and Easton turnpike
and the Earitan road, on the present site of the castel-
lated residence of Eugene Doughty, then the property
of Alfred Camman, was selected for the purpose, and
moved back on the turnpike to its present location.
John S. Severance, of Berkshire Co., Mass., opened
the first session, Sept. 5, 1848, although the institu-
tion was not incorporated until Dec. 6, 1849. The
first board of trustees were Eev. A. Messier, D.D.,
President; Samuel G. Hartwell, Secretary; William
Thompson, C. H. Brown, Joshua Doughty, T. B.
Allison, and John I. De Forest, all deceased except
Dr. Messier and Joshua Doughty.
Mr. Severance, after continuing the enterprise for
two years, without pecuniary success, returned to
Massachusetts, his position being filled by his niece,
Miss Nancy P. Stoughton, who, aided by her brother
pecuniarily, exerted herself to make the enterprise a
success. This she did, to the profit of her pupils, but
to her own pecuniary disadvantage. She continued
the school for two years, when it passed into the
hands of the Eev. Calvin Butler, of Massachusetts.
Purchasing the property, he added a story to the
building, erected an outside recitation building, and,
still lacking room, purchased the adjoining house and
lot.
In 1857-59 the political questions of the day became
so prominent, and the contest so bitter, that the educa-
tional interest began to decline, and in the spring of
1860 Mr. Butler left the place, going to Connecticut.
He gave to the county the largest and most prosper-
ous seminary she has ever had.
J. S. Chamberlain succeeded as principal, followed
in 1866 by Eev. William I. Thompson, son of Judge
Thompson, of Eeadington, but he was cut off from a
sphere of usefulness by death, March 19, 1867. Arthur
Crosby taught out the unexpired term.
Sept. 4, 1867, the Eev. William Cornell, D.D., LL.D.,
took charge of the school. He was a ripe and cul-
tured scholar, a thorough and enthusiastic teacher.
The year following his advent he erected a building
in South Street and removed his school thither, where
he died Sept. 11, 1876.
There was then a vacancy until March, 1877, when
P. N. Mitchell took charge. But to build up this
school after such an extended vacancy was not the
work of a day. With patient energy, however, he
overcame all difficulties. The latter part of the year
this school and that of William P. Flowers, A.M.,.
were consolidated, since which time it has been very
successful.
It only remains to add that during the interim
when the institute was removed to South Street, a
female school, under the old name, was kept for six
years by Mrs. Duren, ending in 1878. The lady still
takes a few pupils upon a private estate a few miles
south of the village.
A Miss Gaston, a native of the place, also taught a
school with varying degrees of prosperity for twenty
years or more in that part of the building known
BRIDGEWATER.
669
as the two-story house, removing in the spring of
1880 to the Minor house, Governor Vroom's old
residence.
CHUKCHES.
FIKST REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITA.N.
During the ministry at Hackensack of Gulliam
Bertholf, and while he was on a missionary tour to
this section,* the first church was formed. The
earliest records having any reference to church mat-
ters in this region were written in Dutch. The first
record is dated March 8, 1699, of the baptism of a
child of Jeronimus Van Neste, Cornelius Theunissen,
and Pieter Van Neste respectively. The following
day (March 9, 1699) the church was organized.
" The following persons were chosen as a consistory : John Tuynesen
as elder, and Pieter Van Nest as deacon, and were installed hefore the
congregation hy Crulliam Bertholf. At the same time the ordinance of
the holy sacrament was administered to the Qommunicants by tjie above-
named person. "
This is all the record extant from that time till
about 1721, except of baptism.
About 1717 or 1718 a call for a minister was sent
to the Classis of Amsterdam by the churches of Rari-
tan, Three-Mile Run, Six-Mile Run, and North
Branch.
At this time there is no evidence of a church edi-
fice at this place. In 1721 a lot of land was donated
to the congregation for church purposes ; a building
was erected that year, but of its size, shape, or con-
struction nothing has been ascertained. It was on
a knoll on the north side of the Raritan, a quarter
of a mile below the structure known as the old
bridge. Worship was held at this place until Oct.
27, 1779, when it was burned by Col. Simcoe.
Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, son of the Rev.
Johannes Henricus, pastor of the Reformed Dutch
Church of Lingen in East Friesland, came to Amer-
ica in 1720, and settled immediately over the churches
in Somerset County. He resided at Three-Mile Run
and preached also at Raritan, Six-Mile Run, and
North Branch. The precise time of his death is not
known.
May 18, 1747, a call was made to John Frelinghuy-
sen, then studying in Holland, to occupy his father's
place. This call was approved by the Classis of Am-
sterdam in 1749. He was licensed in 1750, and in the
summer of that year arrived at Raritan. He preached
his introductory sermon August 3d. He lived at Rari-
tan, now Somerville. In the summer of 1751 he built
a house with bricks sent over from Holland, on land
owned by Cornelius Bogart. It is still standing, and
in possession of Joshua Doughty. On a corner-stone
is cut " 1751." A charter was obtained June 7, 1753,
for this church, along with those of New Brunswick,
Six-Mile Run, Millstone, and North Branch.
Mr. Frelinghuysen's pastorate was brief; he died
in September, 1754, after having administered to this
people a little over three years.f
The church was vacant for nearly three years. Ja-
cob R. Hardenburgh, who commenced his studies
with the Rev. Mr. Frelinghuysen, continued for about
three years, and was ordained by the Coetus in 1757.
He was the first minister in the Dutch Church in
America who received a license in this country. His
labors commenced May 1, 1758. He removed to Rari-
tan, to the house where his early studies were pursued,
having married the widow of his former teacher, Mrs.
Dinah Frelinghuysen. In August following he was
installed as pastor of the five congregations, Rari-
tan, North Branch, Bedminster, Millstone, and Nes-
hanicj In 1781 he resigned his pastoral charge at
Raritan and removed to Rosendale, N. Y. .
The Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen Romeyn was
called to the pastorate in 1784. He died September,
1785, and was succeeded, Oct. 14, 1785, by the Rev.
John Duryea, as pastor of the churches of Raritan
and Bedminster, until 1799.
Meetings were held in the Court-Martial buildipg,
situated on Mount Pleasant, after the burning of the
church, in 1779, until the court-house was compleited.
Sept. 6, 1782, the Consistory of Raritan made a prop-
osition to the freeholders of the county of Someirset
to unite with them in the erection of a building for
church and county purposes. This proposition was
accepted on the 14th of October of that yea,r. A
building was erected on the spot now occupied by
Dr. Wilson, east of the present court-house, at a cpst
of £559 19s. 2d. Worship was held iu that building
until the completion of the church.
May 10, 1786, the Consistory resolved to sever their
connection with the county, and asked for a commit-
tee of the freeholders to meet with them for a settle-
ment, which was made. The county ordered £228
6s. 9d. to be paid to P. D. Vroom, treasurer of Rari-
tan Congregation.?
June 15, 1784, it was resolved to build a new house
of worship. Discussion was had as to the location,
the membership being about equally divided between
Somerset court-house and Van Veghten's bridge
(where the old church stood). The former was se-
lected, and subsequently Reynier Veghte, Abraham
Van Neste, Peter D. Vroom, John Hardenburgh,
Robert Bolmer, and Jacobus Winterstein were ap-
pointed a committee to superintend the erection, with
Andreas Ten Eyck as manager. The present church
lot was purchased of Cornelius Tunison, and a build-
ing 40 by 60 feet was erected, with a small cupola and
bell. The old church was rebuilt and enlarged in
1838 at a cost of $10,000.
In 1790 the Dutch Reformed Churches of Raritan,
* Until 1709 he was the only Dutch preacher in New Jersey.
f His remains were brought to Raritan, and deposited in the old bnry-
ing-ground on the banks of the Raritan. In 1826 they were removed to
what is known as " the minister's tomb."
\ In 1761, Neshanic and Millstone were separated from this charge.
\ County buildings in General History.
670
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
North Branch, New Brunswick, Six-Mile Eun, and
Millstone [now Harlingen], declared their "will not
to continue any longer a body politic by virtue of the
charter of incorporation.''
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH.
Upon the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Duryea a
settlement was made, and the parsonage house and
lot, containing 36.7 acres, were deeded to him.*
The other pastorates have been those of Dominies
John S. Vredenburg, 1800-21 ; vacant mostly, 1821-
26 ; R. D. Van Kleek, 1826-31 ; Abraham Messier,
D.D., 1882-79, when he was retired by the Classis on
account of his advanced age.
Jan. 19, 1881, a new pastor was installed, Rev. J.
Preston Searle, previously located at Griggstown.
During this long period three prosperous churches
have gone out from this church of Raritan. It is
still in full vigor, having a larger membership in
communion than ever before. It numbers 175 fam-
ilies, with a church membership of 620. Four Sun-
day-schools in connection with the church have a
membership of 200.
The reader is referred to Dr. Messler's published
Historical Notes, for more full details of this and
other Reformed Dutch Churches of this vicinity ; also
to Dr. Corwin's " Manual" for extended biographical
sketches of the ministers named above.
* May 13, 1801, he sold this property to Cornelius Terhune, and it later
passed into the hands of Dr. Samuel Swan, who sold it to Dr. Peter I.
Stryker in 1810; in 1836 it passed to Joshua Doughty, its present owner.
RET. ABRAHAM MBSSLER, D.D.,
of Somerville, N. J., was born Nov. 15, 1800, on a
plantation on Lamington River, in the northern part
of the township of Readington, Hunterdon Co., N. J.
His parents were Cornelius Messier and Maria
(Stryker) Messier.
He is a descen-lant of Teunis de Metsellaer, who
came from. Holland to Rensellaerwick in 1641 and
settled in Albany. He made his will Aug. 7, 1685,
and in it mentions his wife, Egbertien Egberts, and
his children, Maritie, wife of Harman Lieverse;
Geretije, wife of Andrus Hans ; Dirkje, wife of Bas-
tian Harmse Fischr ; Wellemtje, aged twenty-three ;
Anna, aged twenty-one years; and his sons, Egbert
and Martyn.
In the next year, 1642, Teunis Thomasen de Met-
sellaer and his wife, Belletje Jacobs, had a child bap-
tized in the Dutch church in New York City, named
Maritje; again a son, Thomas, April 24, 1644; a
daughter, Geertje, Nov. 12, 1645 ; a son, Derick, July
24, 1648.
Dec. 16, 1694, Abraham Metsellaer had a son named
Johannes baptized in New York. This man Johannes
came to New Jersey in 1717, or earlier, and settled in
Middlebush on a farm north of the Cedar Grove
school-house, owned recently by a Mr. Bennet, con-
sisting of 262 acres. He died in 1672, leaving two
sons, Abraham and Cornelius, and two daughters
named Sarah and Effie. He was a man of piety and
influence in his day, serving frequently as elder in the
Dutch Reformed Church of New Brunswick. He is
also named as one of the deacons of the Five United
Congregations in Somerset County, incorporated in
1754. He traveled with Whitefield in different parts
of the State, and attended his preaching as often as
possible while in New Jersey.
His son Cornelius was the grandfather of Rev. Dr.
Messier, and it was he who first changed the form of
spelling the name. He purchased the plantation on
the Lamington River and resided on it many years.
In his old age he lived in New Brunswick, where he
died, and his remains are interred in the cemetery of
the Reformed Dutch Church. On the upright stone
at the head of his grave you read the following in-
scription :
" In memory of Cornelius Messier, who departed this life May 25,
1806, aged 80 years and five months.
And this is all we know, "
They are completely blessed ;
Have done with sin & care & wo.
And with their Saviour rest.
" He was a man of sterling piety and great moral worth, serving the
church in his day faithfully, and living daily alife of piety and devotion. "
His son Cornelius inherited the plantation on the
Lamington River, and died in the old mansion house
which had sheltered t-(yo generations and been. sanc-
tified by so many prayers.
Abraham Messier pursued his classical studies at
New Germantown and Lamington. He entered
Union College in September, 1819, and graduated
BRIDaEWATEK.
671
with honors in 1821. In the following September he
joined the theological seminary at New Brunswick,
from which he graduated in 1824, in the last class
which enjoyed the privilege of the instructions of Dr.
John H. Livingston. During the summer, after hav-
ing been licensed to preach by the Classis of New
Brunswick, he served as a missionary at Montville, in
Morris Co., N. J., and in the autumn went to Ovid,
Seneca Co., N. Y., in the same capacity. He received
a call to settle as pastor from both these congregations,
and in May, 1825, was installed at Ovid. His health
suffered soon from the climate, and in 1828 he resigned
his charge and came back to New Jersey, having in
the mean time contracted marriage with Miss Elma
Doremus, of New York. In 1829 he assumed the
pastoral charge ot the United Congregations of
Montville and Pompton Plains, where he continued
for three and a half years. In this charge his labors
were greatly blessed, a large number of the young
people having united with the church, a thing un-
known in that region of the church before that time.
In 1832 he received a call from the First Church of
Raritan (Somerville), then one of the most numerous
and influential churches in the General Synod. He
came to Somerville with many fears. The church had
had, in 1821 and 1822, one of the most remarkable re-
vivals of which there is any account in the American
churches. It had the Governor of the State in it as
an elder, with many other men known in public life.
It had been vacant for several years, and it seemed
almost presumptuous for a young man to assume such
a charge. Circumstances, however, appeared to impel
him to the act, and he went. How little he expected
that it was to be for life, and that he would stand in
that pulpit forty-seven years. Yet so God willed, and
it was so.
In 1854, Dr. Messier traveled extensively in Eng-
land, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and
Italy. On his return he wrote and published in the
Christian Intelligencer a series of articles on " Holland,
Belgium, and the Rhine, and the Isle of Wight," ex-
tending to 56 numbers. He had previously published
a series on the " Christian Ministry," in 52 numbers ;
The Confession of Faith, 6 numbers; "Reformers
before the Reformation," 35 numbers. During five
years he wrote more than 300 leading articles in the
Christian Intelligencer; also occasional sermons, me-
morial sermons, and historical notes, "Centennial
History of Somerset County," memorials of Governor
Vroom, with numerous other occasional publications.
On Sept. 11, 1876, he and his wife celebrated their
golden wedding. All their children and grand-
children except two were present at dinner, and in
the evening a crowd of their friends in the congrega-
tion came to greet them and unite in the joy of the
occasion. The presents were numerous and valuable.
In 1879, having entered the eightieth year of his
age, and the fifty-sixth of his ministry, he retired from
active service, and is now living in his own house in
Somerville. His only living son, T. D. Messier, of
Pittsburgh, Pa., is comptroller and third vice-president
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and also holds
the office of president of several of the western roads
controlled and operated by this company.
In a green old age, he is yet comfortable, and able
to give an occasional service with vigor and feeling.
SECOND REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITAN.*
The Second Reformed Church at Raritan was organ-
ized March 5, 1834. The chief cause of this movement
was the fact that the old edifice in which the First
Reformed Church at Raritan then worshiped was too
small to hold all who crowded there. The original
members were twenty-four persons dismissed from the
First Reformed Church. The first Consistory were
Peter Z. Elmendorf, James Taylor, Brogun I. Brokaw,
and Thomas Talmage, Elders ; John A. Staats, Peter
Hodge, Thomas A. Hartwell, and James Bergen,
Deacons. Brogun I. Brokaw was elected president.
Gen. John Frelinghuysen may be regarded as the
originator of this project, for he proposed and advo-
cated it while in health, and left by will $200 to
further it.
At the end of the first year the Consistory reported
to the Classis 67 families and 60 members in full com-
munion. Immediate steps were taken towards the
erection of a house of worship, and the corner-stone
was laid July 30, 1834, with appropriate ceremonies,
by Rev. Messrs. Sears, Messier, and Morris. A box
was deposited therein, containing a parchment which
recorded, among other items, that
" Oq the first Sabbath of June, 1834, the Lord's Supper was adminis-
tered for the first time to the Church by Eev. Philip Milledoler, D.D.,
president of Rutgers College, and that the service was held in the court-
house. The building committee of this church are Isaa£ Southard, Peter
Z. Elmendorf, John I. Gaston, Elias Vance, and James Taylor; the
niaster-carpenteiB, James P. Goltra and William Kipp ; and the maater-
mason, Cornelius A. Tnnison.
The congregation was incorporated, under the laws
of New Jersey, March 28, 1834, with its present style
and title. The building was dedicated Feb. 18, 1835,
in the presence of a large congregation. On the 4th
of March succeeding the dedication seventy-five of the
one hundred pews were sold for $4300, about the
original cost of this building. A special and subse-
quent subscription provided the means for a fence
around the church lot.
After having twice been unsuccessfal, a third effort
was made to procure a pastor, and May 2, 1835, Rev.
Charles Whitehead, of Hopewell, N. Y., was called.
He accepted, and settled as the first pastor on the last
Sunday of May, 1835. He was installed by the Classis
of New Brunswick, Sept. 2, 1835. He remained in
charge nearly four years, when a severe and protracted
attack of bronchitis led to a dissolution of the pastoral
relation, March 27, 1839 , by mutual consent. Rev.
« From an historical sermon delivered on the fortieth anniversaiy,
Sunday, March 8, 1874, by Rev. John E. Mesick, D.D., pastor, with ad-
ditional statistics to 1880. '
672
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Talbot W. Chambers was called Sept. 4, 1839. He
commenced his labors in October following, and was
ordained and installed in January, 1840. In 1848 this
congregation and its pastor experienced a sore trial
in the organization of the Third Reformed Church at
Earitan, which took away, at one time, 30 families and
33 members. Dr. Chambers accepted the call of the
Collegiate Church, and removed, Nov. 3, 1849, to New
York. The next pastor was Rev. Elijah R. Craven,
who was called Jan. 9, 1850, and entered on his duties
March following. The present commodious and pleas-
ant parsonage was first occupied by the new pastor.
Dr. Craven accepted the call of the Third Presby-
terian Church of Newark, and resigned his office
Oct. 21, 1854.
The Rev. John F. Mesick, a graduate of the insti-
tutions at New Brunswick, but settled over the Ger-
man Reformed Church of Harrisburg, Pa., was elected
pastor Jan. 22, 1855.
The enlargement of the edifice was completed Dec.
2, 1863. The far-seeing founders of this church had
included that improvement in their plans, for the
staunch frame was capable of this addition.
The records are incomplete in reference to the first
three pastorates, but we find in the book containing
the record of contributions to religious and benevo-
lent purposes the following summary : During Dr.
Whitehead's ministry, $482.81 ; Dr. Chambers' min- "
istry, $1505.99; Dr. Craven's ministry, $37.80; Dr.
Mesick's ministry, $30,973.40.
Before Dr. Whitehead came there were 60 members
in full communion. Under his ministry there were
received on confession, 57 ; by certificate from other
churches, 69. He left it with 93 families and 107
communicants. Under Dr. Chambers' ministry were
added on confession, 164 ; by certificate, 126. At his
resignation there were 100 families and 252 communi-
cant members. During Dr. Craven's pastorate there
were brought in on confession, 61 ; by certificate, 88,
and at his removal there were 112 families and 275
communicants. Within the existing pastorate (25
years) there have been received on confession, 423 ;
by certificate, 465 ; total, 888.
The following ministers of the gospel have been
called from the ranks of the members of this church :
Rev. Elbert S. Porter, D.D., Rev. John Beekman,
Rev. Peter Q. Wilson, Rev. Andrew J. Hageman,
Rev. Goyn Talmage, D.D., Rev. J. H. Frazee, Rev.
Frederick Wilson, Rev. William H. Vroom. The
Sunday-school has at present 300 pupils, with a, li-
brary of about 800 volumes. The officers are Sering
P. Dunham, Superintendent ; P. N. Mitchell, Assist-
ant Superintendent; Cornelius V. D. Smith, Secre-
tary and Treasurer ; James Gaston, Librarian.
THE FIEST BAPTIST CHUECH.*
It is difficult to ascertain just who first conceived
the idea of establishing a Baptist Church at this
* By Henry P. Mason.
place, where for many years the field had been almost
entirely occupied by the Dutch Reformed, there being
two large influential churches in the town, while
within a radius of seven miles there were six others
of the same denomination. But we find that Pethuel
Mason and Samuel B. Tunison were both actively
engaged in the preliminary arangements, as well as
in sustaining the cause after its organization. Mr.
Mason was baptized by Rev. Spencer H. Cone, and
united with the First Baptist Church of New York
City in October, 1842 ; Mr. Tunison was baptized by
Mr. Barker at Somerville, June 25, 1843, and united
with the Samptown Church.
Then commenced the efforts of these two men for
a Baptist Church at Somerville. During that summer
(1843) they arranged to have preaching in the court-
house every two weeks by Mr. Barker and Rev. S. J.
Drake, of Plainfield, alternately, and several Baptists
were collected together. About September 1, Jesse
B. Saxton came to Somerville and devoted himself to
the work of preaching the gospel. During this same
month Rev. Mr. Leach, pastor of the Baptist Church
at Hamilton, while on a visit to Somerville, baptized
Levi H. Shattuck.
The church was constituted Oct. 31, 1843, with the
following eleven members : Jesse B. Saxton, Pethuel
Mason, Samuel B. Tunison, Jas. G. Coleman, Jr.,
Samuel Pangborn, Levi H. Shattuck, Charity Tuni-
son, Elizabeth S. Coleman, Ann Pangborn, Ursula
Kelley, Mary Opie. The council of recognition was
composed of delegates from the First New Bnmswick,
Piscataway, First and Second Plainfield, Baptisttown,
and Wearts Corner Churches. At the organization
P. Mason was chosen deacon, Jas. G. Coleman, Jr.,
church clerk, and S. B. Tunison was soon after elected
treasurer.
Early the next spring a lot on the north side of
Main Street was secured and a house commenced. It
was built of brick, upon a foundation of stone, 40 by
50 feet. There were 50 pews on the main floor with
a seating capacity for 250 persons, and a gallery in
one end capable of seating 50 more. The house (in-
cluding lot, etc.) cost about $4000. Mr. Saxton re-
mained at Somerville about one year.
In October, 1844, Henry O. Fish, a licentiate of the
First Baptist Church at New York, was secured as a
supply, the meeting-house being opened for worship
Jan. 31, 1845. He served the church for six years
and three months. There were 18 members when he
commenced his labors. During his pastorate 102
were received and 34 dismissed, leaving a member-
ship of 86 at the time of his removal. While he was
with them they not only became self-sustaining, but
contributed $811.91 to objects of benevolence. Through
his efforts a handsome tower was erected on the meet-
ing-house, and a bell and a town-clock placed therein.
He resigned Jan. 1, 1851.
The second pastor was George P. Nice, of Phila-
delphia. He commenced his labors April 1, 1851,
BEIDGE WATER.
673
and his ordination took place on May 29tli follow-
ing.
During this same year the church liquidated the
remaining debt, amounting to about $1400. The ordi-
nance of baptism was generally administered in the
Earitan River until 1856, when a baptistery was
placed under the pulpit platform. In July, 1856, this
church granted to Wm. A. Smith a license to preach.
Mr. Smith was converted during the year 1845, and
united with the church March 12, 1848-. On Sunday
evening, Jan. 18, 1857, the ordinance of baptism was
a,dministered in the meeting-house, during which a
terrible storm prevailed. About three o'clock the
next morning nearly one-third of the roof was blown
off, carried 70 or 80 feet, and lodged in the roof of P.
Mason's residence. Part of the gable-end fell in, and
the baptistery and pews were filled with brick, snow,
and rubbish. Had this occurred during the evening
previous many lives must have been lost.
Rev. J. N. Folwell, of Honesdale, Pa., accepted a
call to become pastor of the church in June, 1858.
He continued about one year and six months, when
he resigned.
In April, 1860, Rev. B. C. Morse, of Philadelphia,
became pastor, He remained with the church about
five and a half years.* For about fifteen months after
Mr. Morse resigned the church was supplied by Rev.
H. 0. Putnam, of Somerville, Dr. Devan, of New
Brunswick, and others. In the fall of 1866 it with-
drew from the East New Jersey Baptist Association,
with which it had been connected since organization,
and united with the Central New Jersey Association.
In 1867, Rev. H. D. Doolittle became pastor. One
of his first efforts was to provide a parsonage; the
result of his efforts was the purchase of a house and
lot on Main Street, of Joshua Doughty, for the sum
of $4000, all but $1450 of which was raised by sub-
scription and paid. Pethuel Mason, one of the foun-
ders of the church, died of paralysis, Feb. 3, 1872,
after an illness of about one year. Mr. Doolittle re-
signed in October, 1872.t During his pastorate 57
were received. The church then numbered 99 mem-
bers. They had raised $1119.14 for benevolence.
In the spring of 1872 it was resolved to put up a
new building. A larger lot (130 by 300 feet, on High
Street) was purchased, on which the new meeting-
house and parsonage were erected. The old lot was
sold to Peter Struve for $4200, and the parsonage to
Robert' Thomhill for $4500. The last sermon was
preached in the old house on Sunday, Aug. 18, 1872,
by Mr. Doolittle, and the next day the builders com-
menced taking down the old house, the material of
which was used in the construction of the new one.
The corner-stone was laid Sept. 12, 1872. Meetings
were held in the court-house until the basement of
the new building was finished.
* Died at Marlboro', N. J., April 29, 1876.
t Died June 17,1880, at Clinton, N. J.
Rev. G. W. Clark, D.D., the sixth pastor, was called
in May, 1873. In November a handsome silver com-
munion-service was presented by Mrs. William Lee.
The meeting-house was dedicated Dec. 4, 1873. The
building is 40 by 70 feet, with a projection in front
and rear. It is of brick, surmounted with a tower,
in which are the bell and town-clock used in the old
house. The windows are of beautiful stained glass,
and the ceiling and walls handsomely frescoed. The
seating capacity of the audience-room, including the
gallery, is about 500. There is a lecture- and Sunday-
school room in the basement. During the winter of
1873-74 a parsonage was erected on the same lot with
the meeting-house. The cost of the lot and buildings
was about $20,000.
Dr. Clark resigned the pastorate May 1, 1877. He
was held in very high esteem by his congregation,
who made him a donation of $338 just before he re-
signed. He is now in the employ of the American
Baptist Publication Society, and resides at Somer-
ville.
In December, 1877, a call was extended to the pres-
ent pastor. Rev. J. B. Mulford, of Sewickley, Pa.,
who commenced his labors Jan. 1, 1878.
Only four of the constituent members are now
living, and of these only S. B. Tunison and wife and
Mrs. Mary Opie are members of this church. Since
its organization there have been 570 persons con-
nected with the church. The present membership
is 212.
Up to the present date (September, 1880) this
church has raised and paid out for pastors' salaries,
donation visits, home expenses, and on church prop-
erty the sum of $60,809.84. They have also raised
for benevolence the following: Foreign missions,
$1855.68; home missions, $881.33; Baptist Educa-
tion Society, $301.72; Baptist Publication Society,
$111.74; Baptist State Convention, $636.07 ; Bible So-
ciety, $323.39 ; other objects, $1141.38 ; total, $5251.31.
The present officers are Rev. J. B. Mulford, Pastor;
L. M. Codington, Clerk; H. P. Mason, Treasurer;
William N. Adair, A. P. Cooper, Squier Frazee, L.
M. Codington, Deacons ; W. N. Adair, G. W. Clark,
Asa R. Dilts, Squier Frazee, H. P. Mason, Trustees.
For several years during the early history of the
church two Sunday-schools were sustained, one at
Somerville and one at Raritan, for the benefit of the
members living at that place. They were afterwards
merged into one school and held at Somerville. This
school has always taken an interest in mission work,
and at different times has sustained Karen mission-
aries and educated native preachers. The number of
pupils enrolled is 90, with an average attendance
of 60.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.
Services of the Episcopal Church had been occa-
sionally given at Somerville by the Rev. Alfired Stubbs,
of New Brunswick, previous to 1850, but no clergy-
man had undertaken to form a parish and to build a
674
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
churcli in tlie place before the summer of that year.
In July, the Rev. John Rowland, having been recently
ordained by the bishop of the diocese, was sent as a
missionary of the church. The use of the court-house
was granted, and divine services were regularly held
every Sunday. July 31, 1851, the parish was incor-
porated by the name of " the Rector, Wardens, and
Vestrymen of St. John's Church in Somerville," the
minister being John Rowland ; the wardens, Richard
B. Duyckinck and Joshua Doughty ; the vestrymen,
Isaac R. Cornell, William Thomson, Albert Cam-
mann, E. R. Codwise, and Edward Perry.
The corner-stone of the church was laid Sept. 4,
1851, by George Washington Doane, D.D., LL.D.,
bishop of the diocese. The building was completed
in May, 1852, and was consecrated by the bishop of
the diocese on the 28th of the same month. The
edifice was erected by E. B. Goltra, of Somerville,
and cost $3280. The lot on which it stands was given
by Joshua Doughty, who also contributed towards the
expense of the building. Isaac R. Cornell, of Wis-
ton, Richard B. Duyckinck, William Thomson, Al-
bert Cammann, E. S. Doughty, E. R. Codwise, Ber-
tram Howell, and Mrs. Donan also contributed largely.
Com. R. F. Stockton gave $300 as his own gift and |200
for the potters of Princeton. The baptismal font was
presented by the Rev. Dr. Creighton, of Tarrytown,
who forty years previously, when a boy, attended
school at Somerville. The organ is the gift of the
two sisters, Mrs. S. V. Hoffman and Mrs. R. J. Liv-
ingston, of New Brunswick. The communion-plate
was presented through the Rev. Eugene A. Hoffman,
and by one of the Hoffman family. The Oxford folio
Bible and the four octavo Prayer Books were given
by the Rev. Dr. Hoffman, who was greatly instru-
inental in inducing the bishop to send the missionary
to Somerville. The surplices were ordered from Eng-
land, and were presented to the parish by the ladies
bf the congregation. In 1854, Prof McVickar, of
Columbia College, gave 100 volumes to the Sunday-
school.
In October, 1854, the Rev. John Rowland resigned,
and after an absence of thirteen' years in Louisiana he
was called to the rectorship of St. John's, Somerville,
in August, 1867, and is now in the thirteenth year of
the second term of his ministry.
It appears from the parish register that the Rev.
Mr, Black became rector in 1854 and remained in
charge for a few years. After him Mr. Thomson
served for several years. Upon his retirement there
was a vacancy for some time, when a Mr. Badger took
charge, under whom the church was much reduced
from a variety of causes. In August, 1867, when the
Rev. Mr. Rowland entered upon his second term, the
prospect of the church was rather gloomy. But
shortly afterwards several influential Episcopalian
families moved to Somerville from New York ; these
gave tone and strength to the congregation. Neces-
sarily, the Episcopalians in Somerville are few, be-
cause the population is chiefly composed of the de-
scendants of Hollanders.
The church at present is self-sustaining and flour-
ishing. The congregation numbers some 30 families.
The church will seat 150; the present number of
communicants is about 55.
The church wardens are W. U. Onderdonk and C.
W. Castner ; the vestrymen, Joshua Doughty, George
H. Potts, Edward Baker, H. M. Gaston, William H.
Hoppock, I. H. Lord, and William J. Morgan.
The Sunday-school is composed partly of children
of church members, and partly of children of Ger-
man parents in the town who have no connection with
church organization. There are some 60 scholars,
with 12 teachers. The rector has supervision of the
school.
THE rOUETH SBBMAN EEFORMED CHUECH OF EAKITAN.
This church was organized by the Classis of Rari-
tan, Aug. 18, 1879, consisting of nineteen members,
by the ordination of a Consistory composed of Elders
Conrad Stein, Conrad Bachr ; Deacons William Koeh-
ler, Herman Gooert. Number of families in 1880, 18 ;
number of members in 1880, 23.
A house of worship was erected at a cost of $1000.
A call was extended and accepted by the Rev. Fred-
erick E. Schleider, who is the present pastor.
THE CHUECHES OF BOUND BBOOK.
Presbyterian Church of Somerset and Middlesex Coun-
t'es. Dr. R. K. Rogers, who during his long pastorate
made diligent inquiry respecting the early history of
this church, says,
" English and Scotch Presbyterians began to locate on the Earltan as
early as 1683, the first ones coming from Amboy, Woodbridge, and Ti-
cinity. "
The fact of there being many Scotch Presbyterians
in this vicinity indicates the probability that religious
services were held here before 1700 which resulted in
the formation of the Presbyterian Church. There has
been no time as far back as tradition extends when
there was no Presbyterian Church in existence at
Bound Brook. It is generally accepted that the
church was organized in 1725, although Dr. Rogers
says in his historical sermon that it was organized in
1700. The Presbyterian Church at Basking Ridge
was formed in 1732, and Dr. Rogers used to relate
that there was a tradition that James and Sarah M.
Coy, who died in 1744 and 1747 and were buried in
the old burying-ground, and others who lived in that
neighborhood, were constant worshipers at this church
of Bound Brook, regularly attending Sunday services.
This tradition tends to show that this church is
older than that of Basking Ridge.
At the organization, in 1725, discussion was held in
reference to building a house of worship and its loca-
tion. A building was' erected,' the site of which is
now included in the present church-grounds. It was
a low one-story building, and also used in late years
as a school-house, and finally torn down. In 1760 a
BRIDGEWATER.
675
church was erected on the present church property,
enlarged in 1787, rebuilt in 1829, and enlarged in
1851. At what time the property now occupied by
the church and burying-ground was purchased is not
known. A deed now in possession of John D. Voor-
hees, treasurer of the board of trustees, dated March
24, 1790, relates that Oct. 22, 1765, John Webster,
Charles Ford, and Jeremiah Field held an absolute
right in fee-simple to their lots of land, held in trust
for the use of the Presbyterian Congregation of Bound
Brook. The first lot, 20| acres, was purchased of
Benjamin Field, June 1, 1749; the second, 3^ acres,
of Jeremiah Field at the same date ; and the third,
containing one-quarter of an acre, of Maurice Green-
ville, April 8, 1761, and joined the meeting-house
property, indicating that the church was standing at
that time. A charter was obtained in 1784, and the
above property was conveyed to the trustees in 1790.
March 24, 1790, Tunis Ten Eyck sold to the trustees
for £400 a lot (52J by 36 rods) commencing where the
Middlebrook road joins the Raritan road, running
down and north of it, for a parsonage lot. May 16,
1815, Daniel Bush sold to the trustees (for $1500)
9t^^ acres between Bound Brook and Middlebrook,
the present parsonage lot. Dec. 25, 1821, the prop-
erty (9j^% acres) described as being near the school
lot and Peres Bonney's residence was sold to the
Rev. John Boggs. It was again purchased by the
trustees Oct. 4, 1828, and is still in the possession of
the church. The present lecture-room lot was pur-
chased, March 14, 1849, of John D. Voorhees, and
the lecture-room soon after built. The church has
owned considerable property, part of which has been
sold, of which no mention is made.
In the organization of the Presbytery of New
Brunswick, Aug. 8, 1738, the church of Bound Brook,
with others, had been set off from the Presbytery of
New York to form it, and at a meeting held at Phil-
adelphia, May 19, 1745, application was made for a
minister for this church. It was ordered that the
Rev. Joseph Lamb, then pastor at Basking Ridge,
and the Rev. James McCrea, pastor at Lamington,
in Bedminster, should supply the church four Sab-
baths. The latter filled the pulpit until Dec. 6, 1749.
In 1748 a call was made to Mr. Israel Read, a candi-
date under the care of the Presbytery of New York.
He was received by the Presbytery of New Brunswick,
Dec. 6, 1749, and March 8, 1750, was formally in-
stalled pastor over the church. Thus commenced a pas-
torate of forty-three years' duration. The Presbytery
of New Brunswick, Oct. 30, 1769, received a petition
from the people in and about Millstone asking for his
services one-fourth of the time ; this was granted, and
Mr. Read preached at Millstone until the year 1770.
Jan. 13, 1770, he wa,s bereaved by the death of his
wife, Mary, aged thirty-eight. She was buried in the
rear of the present church, and his remains were
placed by her side twenty-thr6e years latqr. The
elders of the church in 1770 were Thomas McElworth,
Jonathan Smith, and Jacob Jennings; deacons,
Samuel Van Court, Benjamin Coon. Jeremiah Field
was clerk.
Mr. Read labored until 1793. November 25th in
that year he was thrown from his carriage near Rari-
tan landing and fatally injured ; he died three days
later, aged seventy-five. His funeral sermon was
preached by Rev. Walter Monteith. The Rev. A. E.
Baldwin, in a historical discourse delivered July 2,
1876, says,
" It is a Bad fact its loss especially felt in these years hy all interested
that all records of the church during Mr. Read's long pastorate are cer-
tainly now heyond the reach of the church, and, although we have lost
the record of the fruits, the record is not lost really ; God has it. It ia
carefully laid away in the archives of his government for review by all
concerned in the ages of eternity. Surely he must have strengthened the
foundation-stones of the church, for its strength, beauty, and usefulness
held their steady way onward in the years. Doubtless he pointed many
to Christ, faithfully instmcted and helped them heavenward. During his
pastorate the Revolutionary war worked its tremendous results. , . .
Then, too, the charter of the church (1784) was secured, a charter under
which its present business is transacted. In 1Y87 the building in which
this church worshiped was enlarged, a fact somewhat at least honor-
able to the pastor, a testimony to his faithful work. Let us remember now,
thankfully, this man of God. He must have toiled earnestly, wisely, efS-
ciently, nursing through the help of the Holy Spirit, with large care and
faith, the early life of this church; training it for the mighty work it has
done for Christ in the generations since. "
A little over a year after the death of Rev. Israel
Read the church called to the pastorate the Rev.
David Barclay. He was licensed June 10, 1794, and
ordained December 3d of that year ; he remained till
April, 1805. The ruling elders with him were Benja-
min Coon, David Kelly, David Houk, John Harriot,
Jonathan Smith, Isaac Fisher, and Daniel Bush.
Selah Strong Woodhull was ordained as pastor De-
cember 4th of that year. From this time the records
of the church are kept. The Rev. Mr. Woodhull was
dismissed Nov. 25, 1806. Nearly three years passed
before another minister was called. James Patterson
was ordained Aug. 9, 1809, and dismissed Oct. 20,
1813. Two months later the Rev. William A. Mc,
Dowell was ordained (Dec. 22, 1813), and dismissed
Oct. 19, 1814. The records of the Presbytery of New
Brunswick state that Leveret F. Huntington was
ordained over the church of Bound Brook Dec. 6,
1815
Whether the Rev. Mr. Huntington was pastor is not
certain ; if so, it was for a very short time. The Rev.
John Boggs became a member of this Presbytery
(from the Presbytery of Harmony), Oct. 17, 18l5, and
settled over the church of Bound Brook in the winter
of 1815-16. He remained until Feb. 5, 1828, having
been pastor about twelve years. His wife died during
his residence here, and is buried in the old burying-
ground. The church was without a pastor for two
years. During 1829 the present church building was
erected. It was dedicated in November of that year
by the Rev. Samuel Miller, D.D. The next year the
Rev. Ravaud K. Rodgers was called. This call was
made by Elders John Polhemus, Dennis Field, Al-
pheus Coon, Alfred J. Harriott, David Smalley, John
€76
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
A. Smalley, and Trustees Peres Bonney, Jonathan
Smith, John H. Voorhees, Jacob Vandeventer, Jr.,
Gerardus Stryker, and Henry Tunison. The mem-
hership of the church at that time was 280 ; in 1838
it reached 425. July 19, 1851, the present edifice was
struck by lightning ; it was soon after enlarged, com-
pleted in June, 1852, and reopened for divine service
June 24, 1852. Eev. Mr. Rodgers was dismissed No-
vember, 1874. Rev. Dr. George Sheldon, in a memo-
rial sermon delivered May 15th at Newark, before the
New Jersey Historical Society, says of him,
" Here he lived and labored witli great success, beloved and revered by
his people, for nearly forty-five yeare. His pastoral labors were con-
stantly and eminently successfnl, and his influence, both within and
beyond the bounds of his parish, was widely extended and beneficial. "
The Rev. A. E. Baldwin began the present pastorate
on March 3, 1875. The church has a present mem-
bership of 318. A Sunday-school connected with
the church has 55 pupils, with a library of 250 vol-
umes. The superintendent is A. S. Coriell ; librarian,
Jacob Kline. There has been raised for congrega-
tional purposes the past year, $2489 ; for religious and
benevolent purposes, $339.
Congregational Church. This church was composed
mostly of members from the Presbyterian Church of
Bound Brook. The first meeting having reference
to organization was held at the residence of J. P.
Skillman, Feb. 16, 1876. It was resolved to form a
church under the name of "The Congregational
Church of Bound Brook." Messrs. J. W. Roundey,
John Smalley, and R. V. Lindabury were appointed a
committee to prepare a manual and present the names
â– of officers. February 23d, the committee reported a
manual, which was adopted, and the names of the
following persons as officers : Deacons, Wilber F.
Hammond, Thomas Winsor, Lewis D. Cook, Richard
F. Giles; Clerk, Benjamin W. Dunning; Treasurer,
James M. Thompson. â– The church was duly organ-
ized March 17, 1876, with 40 constituent members,
viz.:
A. A. Boyle, Aaron Bougher, Mrs. A. Julia Bougher, A. G. Breck, Lewis
D. Cook, Mrs. Ellen P. Cook, Emma S. Cook, Ella P. Cook, B. W.
Bunning, Mrs. Jane P. Dunning, Mary Dunning, Mary C. Gano,
Bichard F. Giles, Ellen A. Giles, Theodore Giles, Mrs. Theodosia
Giles, Mrs. Mary B. Giles, Emma S. Grant, Wilbur F. Hammond,
Mrs. Cornelia Hammond, Mrs. Caroline Hemmer, James Jones, Mrs.
Aristena A. Judd, Charles B. Judd, Eichard V. Lindabury, Susie L.
â– Eamsey, Mrs. A. S. Roundey, Mrs. Mary E. Skillman, Harry S. Skill-
man, Susie Emma Skillman, Lizzie S. Skillman, John Smalley,
Mrs. Elizabeth W. Smalley, William W. Smalley, Aggie M. Smalley,
Carrie Smith, Rachel A. Smith, Mary Stryker, Robert H. Swayze,
James M. Thompson, Mrs. Sarah A. Thompson, B. Frank Thompson,
Walter Thompson, Timothy D. VaHl, Mrs. Isabella M. B. Vaill, Mary
B. Vaill, Anna I. Vaill, Annie E. Vaill, Mary K. Vaill, Thomas Win-
sor, Mrs. Cordelia A. Winsor, Cora Winsor, George W. Winsor, Mrs.
Mary E. Winsor, William P. Winsor.
The Rev. Edward Beecher acted for a short time as
pastor of the new church. The Rev. James D. Eaton
then preached aa a supply, and Sept. 25, 1876, was
called to assume pastoral charge. He entered upon
his duties at once, preaching his first sermon October
15th.
The following-named persons are the present officers
of the church : Pastor, James D. Eaton ; Deacons, B.
W. Dunning, R. H. Swayze, Peter S. Van Duyn, John
Smalley ; Clerk and Treasurer, George A. West. The
present officers of the society are : Trustees, John W.
Roundey, R. Lamb, R. V. Lindabuiy, T. D. Vaill,
Gideon R. Giles, John Talmage, and George W. Win-
sor ; Clerk, R. Lamb ; Treasurer, Gideon R. Giles.
The officers of the Sunday-school are : Superintendent,
R. Lamb ; Assistant Superintendent, W. W. Smalley ;
Secretary, Dennis Bergen ; Treasurer, George A. West;
Librarian, George Stryker. The church has a present
membership of 108. A building was erected in 1876,
and dedicated on February, 1877. The sermon was
preached by the Rev. George Hepworth, of New
York. The total cost of building and grounds was
$13,000.00
Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was or-
ganized in 1849, mainly through the influence of
George Winsor, Sr., and Caleb Morton. About
20 united in June and July of that year. The pres-
ent church lot was obtained and building erected,
at a cost of about $3000, during 1848, and dedicated in
January, 1849, by Bishop Janes. It was enlarged in
1874. Services were held during repairs in the Pres-
byterian church on Sunday evenings. The first trus-
tees of the church were George Winsor, Sr., Caleb
Morton, and Richard Brokaw.
The pastors from organization have been John
I. Morrow, Henry B. Beagle, Charles Larue, G. R.
Snyder, J. Cowen, E. A. Day, James F. Dodd,
Thomas F. Everett, J. R.^ Daniels, Cornelius Clark,
Sr., William N. Searles, William Nelson, John A.
Kingsberry, Enoch V. King, Robert B. Collins, L.
Parsons, J. I. Boswell, Samuel J. Morris, and David
Walters, the present incumbent. The church has at
present 135 members. A Sunday-school with 112
pupils is under the charge of George Lamont as
superintendent. The library contains about 250 vol-
umes.
St. Joseph Catholic Church. Father William, of
Newark, first ministered, about 1863, to the adherents
of the Roman Catholic faith living at Bound Brook
and vicinity. Services were held in the second story
of the building owned by Francis Brehm, on Main
Street. A lot was purchased on Mountain Avenue,
south of Front Street, of Elias Milliken, for $800,
and soon after an edifice was erected at a cost of
$1200. The church was under the pastoral charge of
the St. Bernard's Church, of Raritan, from that time
until 1876, when Bound Brook and Millstone became
a separate charge, and Father M. A. Bqgaard be-
came the first resident priest; he is still in charge.
In 1875 a lot was purchased south of the church
property, and adjoining it, of Lewis D. Cook, for
$1000, and in 1877 the present brick parsonage and
farm were erected, at a cost of $3500. The church has
a present membership of 600, with a Sunday-school
of about 50 pupils.
BRIDGEWATER.
677
THE CHUKCHBS OF EAEITAN VILLAGE.
The Third Church. ^The organization of this churcli
grew out of the increase of population in the village
of Raritan. A chapel was built principally through
the exertions of Frederick J. Frelinghuysen, and
services maintained in it by the ministers of the First
and Second Churches. In the spring of 1848 appli-
cation was made to the Classis for a special organiza-
tion ; this being granted, a committee was appointed,
consisting of the Eev. Dr. A. Messier, T. W. Cham-
bers, and D. D. Demorest. They met May 16, 1848,
and after a sermon by Dr. Messier, organized a
church by ordaining a Consistory composed of John
A. Staats, Thomas S. Whitenack, Peter V. Staats, and
David T. Runyon as elders, and John Freck, Garret
J. Quick, Isaac V. Porter, and Richard Provost as
deacons.
Peter Stryker, a student from the seminary, being
called as pastor, he was ordained and installed Oct.
10, 1848. He preached at first in the chapel. Sept.
18, 1850, the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid
with appropriate ceremonies by the pastor. The
house was dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Hutton, of New
York, July 30, 1851.
In 1851, Mr. Stryker resigned, and was succeeded
the same year by the Rev. James A. H. Cornell, who
was installed March 4, 1852, and served for four years,
when he accepted the position of secretary to the
Board of Education, and removed to his own resi-
dence, at New Baltimore, N. Y. In 1857, James Le
Fevre, a student from the seminary at New Bruns-
wick, was called ; he was ordained and installed on
the 25th of June. He labored about eighteen years,
resigning in December, 1874, to take charge of the
Reformed Church of Middlebush. The Rev. Charles
H. Pool was installed July 15, 1875, and is still the
pastor.
The church has at present 110 families and 283
communicants, also a Sunday-school containing 260
pupils. There has been raised the past year $1736.57
for congregational and $843.76 for religious and be-
nevolent purposes. The chapel was rebuilt in 1872,
at a cost of about $3000.
Methodist Church. Services had been held by peo-
ple of this denomination for several years, but no or-
ganization was perfected until April 26, 1872, when
45 persons united as a Methodist Church. In Decem-
ber previous several interested parties purchased the
school-house grounds and lot for $2000, fitted the
upper rooms for a chapel, and rented the lower rooms.
In 1878 they remodeled the building, making both
stories into one, and again improved the building in
1880
The pastors have been the Revs. John A. Davis, J.
M. Meeker, and Louis F. Burgess, present incumbent.
The membership of the church is 150. The Sunday-
school has 125 pupils, with a library of about 150
volumes. The pastor is superintendent, and B. K.
Hoppock is librarian.
ST. BEENAED'S CHUECH.
The parish of this church embraces White House,
Neshanic, and Pluckamin, and originally Bound
Brook and Millstone, which were set ofi' iu 1876 and
formed a separate parish. The first meetings in this
region were held in private houses. Father John
Rogers, of New Brunswick, officiated, succeeded by
Father James McDonald. A church was erected,
but burned down in 1853. A lot was purchased on
Somerset Street, and the present brick structure was
erected about 1854. Additions have been made from
time to time. The first priest after the new house
was built was Father D. J. Fisher ; he was succeeded
in 1855 by Father Terence Kiernan, who resided in
Plainfield. Father W. W. Kaeder succeeded him
in 1868, Father J. A. Marshall in 1873, and upon the
division of the parish, in 1876, Father Joseph Zim-
mer was placed in charge, and is the present pastor.
About 250 families are under his care. A cemetery
containing 8 acres was purchased in 1876, and conse-
crated the last Sunday of June in that year. It is
situated between Raritan and North Branch, on the
road to White House.
THE EEFOEMED CHTJEOH OF NOETH BRANCH.
This church was organized Sept. 10, 1825, at the
house of James Ten Eyck, by a committee from the
Classis of New Brunswick, fr(5m families mostly be-
longing to the old church, Raritan. During the
great revival in 1821 and 1822 religious services had
been held frequently in the vicinity of Bayley's
Mills, on the North Branch. One large concourse,
consisting of more than 1000 people, is especially re-
membered, in the barn of Mr. Abraham Dumont, at
which Rev. Messrs. Schultz, Fisher, Studdiford, and
Osborn took part in the services. The great awaken-
ing of attention to religion, no doubt, occasioned the
want of church services to be felt, and brought about
the organization of the church, after an application
duly made to the Classis of New Brunswick, and at
once a church edifice was begun. George H. Fisher,
a licentiate of the seminary, was called, and settled
Nov. 25, 1826, as soon as the structure, finished that
year, was prepared for service. He preached to the
people for four years, and proved a successful pastor.
The Rev. Abraham D. Wilson was called Sept. 17,
1831, and remained until 1838, when he removed to
Illinois as a missionary. He was succeeded in Octo-
ber of the same year by Rev. James K. Campbell,
who ministered until 1854. In 1856, Philip M. Doo-
little was settled, and still continues the successful
pastor of a prosperous church.
The first Consistory was composed of Jacob Ten
Eyck, John Van Derveer, John Runk, and Abraham
Quick, Sr., as elders, and Ralph Van Pelt, Matthew
Van Pelt, James Staats, and James Ten Eyck, dea-
cons. The first church edifice was built in 1826, of
brick, after the pattern of the Somerville church, and
in dimensions was 40 by 52 feet. The corner-stone
678
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
was laid without ceremonies, and whether the build-
ing was ever formally dedicated is not known. It
continued to he the place of worship until 1863, when
it gave place to the present commodious edifice. The
church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1874, at a cost
of $5575, and was rededicated March 9, 1876. It has
at present 120 families, 221 communicants, and a
Sunday-school containing 125 pupils. The contribu-
tions the present year have been $325.57 for re-
ligious and benevolent purposes, $1496.74 for con-
gregational purposes.*
METHODIST CHTIECH OF SOMEBVILLE.
No very long or detailed history of this society can
be given, for the records have not been properly kept,
as this charge for some time was a part of a circuit
in connection with Bound Brook, and afterwards
with Earitan. The Methodist Episcopal Church of
Somerville was organized as an independent body in
1832, and the same year a lot was purchased of Col.
Isaac Southard, on the west side of Bridge Street,
south of Main. An edifice was erected on the site,
and occupied till the spring of 1880. To the present
day the organization, though small, has enjoyed its
share of prosperity. The membership has slowly but
steadily increased.
During the latter part of 1879, under the ministry
of the Bev. P. G. Blyht, measures were taken for the
building of the present new edifice, on High Street.
In March, 1880, it was dedicated. Services were held
by the presiding elder, Eev. E. S. Arndt. Eloquent
sermons were preached by the Eevs. H. H. Buttz and
Henry Spellmeyer. The edifice is a handsome struc-
ture, of Gothic style, having one of the most conve-
nient and pleasant audience-rooms of any church in
the State. Its cost was about $8000. Much credit is
due to the Eev. P. G. Blyht, who by his untiring
energy succeeded in pushing the enterprise to a suc-
cessful completion ; William Eoss, Jr., of Somerville,
also rendered praiseworthy assistance in raising funds
to meet the expense of the building. The society,
since worshiping in the new edifice, has received a
powerful impulse for future prosperity. The present
pastor is the Eev. John Krantz, Jr., of the Newark
Conference, appointed to this charge in the spring of
1880. The following are the names of some of the
distinguished men who have been pastors of this
society: Eev. William P. Corbit, Eev. Dr. Charles
Laren, Eev. Dr. Whitney (at present president of
Hackettstown Institute), Eev. Solomon Parsons, J.
E. Daniels, Father Searle, J. J. Boswell, J. O. Eod-
gers, and Canfield.
The present oificials of the church comprise a board
of trustees, a board of stewards, and a local preacher.
James B. Brown, C. W. Ennis, Jacob Thompson,
Hiram Eockafellow, Stephen D. Winner, William
Eoss, Jr., William Hardgrove, Louis Ayers, and Eev.
Calvin Lathrop (local elder) comprise the joint board.
.* Dr. MessIer'B historical notes and other sources.
The membership of the society is 116 full members,
with one probationer. A flourishing Sunday-school
is connected with the church. It numbers 104 schol-
ars. An excellent corps of officers and teachers carry
on the work.
CEMETERIES.
The early burial-places were usually small plats of
ground on the different farms. The earliest of these
of which any knowledge is obtained was on the Coeje-
man farm, now in Earitan village. It was located on
the bank of the river, where Kenyon Brothers' ma-
chine-shops now stand. Stones were found some
years ago in preparing to build. One is preserved,
and bears the inscription,
" Here lyes ye body of SaraJi, daughter of John and AlidaBroughton,
aged 2 years and 8 months. Died Sept. 1, 1740. "
Another was also found at the same time, bearing
the date of 1738, and of the same family. The John
Broughton mentioned was the first town clerk of
Bridgewater. His wife, Alida, is said to have been a
daughter of Andreas Coejeman, and they probably
lived in the Coejeman mansion.
Burial-places were also attached to the church-
grounds. The old church built in 1721 on the bank of
the river was surrounded by a graveyard, and many
were buried there. But three stones are now standing,
the oldest of which is that of Derrick Van Veghten,
and the inscription upon it is as follows :
" In memory of Mr. Derrick Van Veghten, who died on the 29th day
of November, 1Y81, aged 82 yeai-s, 4 months, and 14 days.
Many were his friends and few his enemies ; "
Great was hie soul and good his faculties.
Fair health on him her blessings did bestow,
And in his cheeks her ruddy charms did show
Till age the hand of Death did deputize,
Which neither spares the Great, the Good, nor wise.
His tranquil mind composedly reclined.
And to hie God hia Breath and soul resigned."
The others are of Margaret Van Veghten, wife of
Joseph Crane, died May 27, 1812, and Catharine
Taylor, who died Feb. 17, 1829.
On the place now owned by John C. Garretson is the
old Tunison burial-place. Several hundred people
have been buried, but few headstones are left; the
oldest bears an inscription as follows :
" Here lies the body of Eebekah, the wife of John Compton, who de-
parted this life March ye 13, 1760, aged 26 years, 6 months, 17 days. "
Near this is where the son of John Beekman and
Aunt Yauney, as she was called, lies buried. He
died April 25, 1777. John Beekman is also buried
here, but no stone marks the spot. " Aunt Yauney"
lived many years after, married Eichard Compton,
and at her death was buried in the same grave with
her first husband. Other inscriptions are as follows :
" In memory of Abraham Tunison, who died May 23, 1797, aged 69
years, 11 mo., 29 days. "
" In memory of Anna, the wife of Abraham Tunison, who died Not. 1,
1806, aged 72 yrs,, 6 mo., 8 ds. "
" In memory of Philip Tunison, who died April 1, 1813, aged 36 yrs.
11 mo., 17 ds. "
BRIDGEWATEB,.
679,
By his side lies a son and a grandson of Joseph
and Mary Ann Van Derveer. Numerous graves are
marked by stones, some with initial, but more with-
out. This burial-place is on the second bank of the
river, but on the west bank of Peter's Brook, south-
east from the residence of John C. Garretson.
What is known as the Compton burial-place is at
the foot of the mountain, north of Somerville ; many
interments were made there years ago. It is now
used almost entirely by the colored people.
On the old parsonage lot burials were made. Five
headstones are all that now remain, the inscriptions
of which are here given :
" In memory of Ann, wife of John Hardenburgh, who departed this
life Nov. 26, 1793, aged 35 yrs., 6 mo. "
" In memory of John Hardenburgh, Esq., who departed this life July
23, 1798, aged 39 years, 3 months, 12 days. "
" In memoi-y of Ann Doty, wife of Joseph Doty, who departed this
life on the 21st of April, 1804, aged 33 years, 7 months, 6 days. "
" In memory of Elizabeth Doty, wife of Joseph Doty, who departed
this life Not. 26, 1806, aged 22 years, 12 days. "
" In memory of Joseph Doty, who departed this life March 20, 1811,
aged 46 years, 6 months, 20 days. "
There are other plots in different parts of the town-
ship, neglected and uncared for, where, in days gone
by, many were buried. Cultivation has encroached
upon their borders year by year, as the ruthless hand
of time has leveled the little mounds over the sleepers,
and the humble slab that marked the spot has fallen
prone to the ground.
About 1813 an acre of ground on Bridge Street was
purchased for $100 of John Whitenack by the Con-
sistory of the First Dutch Church of Earitan. Burials
were first made on the south side. The earliest is
said to have been a child of William Hartwick.
About 1847, by an agreement between the Consistory
and John C. Garretson, about an acre was added to
the ground on three sides; later, as necessity de-
manded it, more was added, until it contained be-
tween three and four acres. This burial-place is
known as the " Earitan Cemetery."
Aug. 26, 1867, an association was formed, under
the name of the Somerville Cemetery Association, by
the election of the following persons as trustees;
James B. Brown, Samuel S. Hartwell, John T. Conk-
lin, John V. Voorhees, Jacques Van Derbeek, Peter
De Witt, Pethuel Mason, Edwin E. Brown, James P.
Davis, David P. Kenyon, John Freeh, David K.
Craig. Pethuel Mason was chosen president, J. V.
Voorhees secretary, S. S. Hartwell treasurer. Sixty-
eight acres opposite the Earitan Cemetery were pur-
chased for $14,500 of William Eoss, Jr. Later,
45.58 acres were sold for $7292.50, leaving 22.42.
This was tastefiilly laid out with walks, drives, and
about 1000 lots.
Aug. 20, 1879, a stock company was organized
under the name of "The Cemetery Association of
Somerville," and purchased the cemetery grounds
mentioned above for $11,000. Hugh M. Gaston was
chosen president, and L. E. Vredenburg secretary and
treasurer.
The old burying-ground on the hill at Bound
Brook is the resting-place of many of the early dead.
The oldest stone on which an inscription is legible
bears the following :
' "In memory of Sarah, wife of James McCoy, who departed this life
Sept. ye 5th, 1744, aged 57 yearB. James McCoy, 1747, aged 59 years."
Many others are illegible. There are buried here
Mrs. Mary Eeed, wife of the Eev. Israel Eeedj Jan.
13, 1770, aged thirty-eight, and by her side her hus-
band, who died in November, 1793; Adam Jobs,
March 7, 1798, aged fifty ; Tobias Van Norden, 1800,
aged eighty-five ; Michael Field, Jan. 18, 1792, aged
sixty-seven ; Peter Harpending, Peter Williamson,
Col. John Staats, William Eiddle, John Anderson,.
Dr. Jonathan Ford Morris, Capt. Creighton McCrea,
Dr. Ambrose Cook, Dr. William McKissack, Jacob
and John Littell, Mary E., wife of the Eev. John
Boggs, the McElworths, Joseph, Benjamin, and Peres
Bonney, the Eoss brothers, Irvine, De Groots, Steele,
McEvers, Kelso, Trimbly, Van Brunt, Harris, Brown,
and many other representatives of the old families
that have passed away. The descendants of many
of them are still living in the village and surround-
ing country.
BOUND BROOK CEMETERY.
Peter L. Van Deventer, an old citizen of the
vicinity of Bound Brook, left to the trustees of the
Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook in his will
$3000 for purchasing a cemetery lot and beautifying
it. In accordance with this bequest, the trustees,
Sept. 7, 1863, purchased 12.16 acres of John D. Voor-
hees for a burial-ground. It is situated a short dis-
tance north of the village of Bound Brook, on the
east side of the road leading to the mountain. The
whole plot has been tastefully laid out, and will con-
tain more than 600 lots. The first to be buried in the
new ground was Nicholas Conover, whose body was
deposited there May 15, 1864.
SCHOOLS.
The first mention of schools in the town records is
of action taken at a meeting of the town committee,
Sept. 2, 1826 ; it was " ordered that Overseer John H.
Voorhees pay the schooling of (giving the name of
two boys), now paupers, until bound out." April
16th, the next year, it was ordered "that each mem-
ber of the committee expend the sum of $20 in his
district for the education of poor children which may
reside in said district, if necessary."
The first mention of a common school is in a reso-
lution passed April 9, 1832, and in the election record
of 1834 appear the names of Peter D. Vroom, Peter
Q. Elmendorf, Abraham Skillman, Henry Tunison,
and Eichard Stout as the first school committee.
For several years $500 was annually raised. In
1854 the amount was $2000, and the surplus revenue
appropriated ; 1864, $3000 and the surplus revenue ;
1880, $7580.56, including State appropriation, two-
mill tax, and surplus revenue.
680
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The following statement is taken from the report
of the State board of education of 1879, and shows the
present state of the schools :
Nos, AND Names
5^
If
1
ll
.
^
&
h
01 ,a
u
«
11
11
1
ft
OF
s-^
o
°1 fe^
S '^
%'.
2^ I'S
DiSTElCTS.
a>
13
1i
$i
%l
•3 ° 1*
1.= 1'-
« £: S
|gg,
a, a,
II
II
11
1^
.a
s
H
&,
^ <J
15
<
^
24. Washing'nTalley
$397.39
Jl,200.00| 113' 10.
R9
36
42
1
25. Martinsville
379.49
1,200.00
106
10
79
31
72 1
26. Adamflville
300 00
1,200.00
1,000.00
49
10
56
â– 'T
70
1
27. Green Knoll
300
47
10.6
40
14
40
1
28. Someryille
3,214.99
16,000.00
910
n
465
W7
660
6
3,686.13
607.89
30. Willow GroTe
600
If)?,
9
79
33
fiO
1
31. Bonnd Brook
829.98
89,614.87
800
189
10
134
64
100
2
S32,900.00
2,290
10.2
1,418
711
1,284
19
COPPER-MININa
Copper ore was discovered in the hills of this town-
ship prior to the Revolution, and mining commenced
on the face of First Mountain. A drift was run in
over 700 feet beneath the hill, but when New Jer-
sey became the theatre of the war operations were
interrupted, and finally ceased. No further develop-
ment was attempted until about 1821, when Augustus
F. Cammann* commenced excavations on 3 acres of
ground (part of the old works), which he rented of
Mr. Hodge and afterwards purchased. He continued
work on this land until 1823, when he associated with
him Mr. Goold Hoyt, of New York, in the formation
of " The Bridgewater Company." Three tracts (about
400 acres) were purchased: a tract of 100 acres,
north and east of Somerville, on First Mountain ; the
Compton tract, of 188 acres, and the " Wintersteen
tract," embracing 110 acres. In the Hollow, near
where Francis Smith now lives, and at Chimney
Rock, on the road from Bound Brook to Martinsville,
they erected smelting-works, and imported two expert
smelters from Germany. Their operations extended
from 1823 to 1830, when they ceased, under pressure
of financial difficulties.
About 1835, Albert Cammann (son of Augustus) and
Peter I. Stryker organized " The Washington Mining
Company," and purchased of James Hodge the right
of mining on 150 acres, formerly the Kearney tract,
west of Chimney Book, adjoining the Dr. Elvender
tract of the Bridgewater company. A drift was run
into the hill 700 feet from the east end, and another
* Mr. Cammann was a native of Hanover, Germany, and was educated
for the army as a cadet in the public gymnasium. He emigrated to the
United States in 1819 and soon after came to the valley of the Raritan
and became interested in mining. About 1823 he removed his family to
the old Van Veghten house, near Findern Station, where he lived many
years. He died Jan. 3, 1849, aged seventy-three.
300 feet from the south. The ore taken from this
mine was not smelted here, but was " trimmed" and
transported in barrels to Boston. It contained about
seventy-five per cent of pure copper. Afterwards sale
was made of this right and the property to parties
living in Boston, the name of the company remaining
the same. Three months' labor by the latter produced
good results, but water coming into the drifts com-
pelled them to cease. Nothing has since been done.
Cammann and Stryker were shareholders in the
Somerville Mining Company, which operated to a
limited extent on the " John Steele tract," lying above
the Middle or Compton tract, on the same mountain,
belonging to the Bridgewater company.
About forty years ago, Peter Paul, Sr., "William
Tucker, and William Tanner purchased a mining
right of 100 acres near Martinsville. This right was
purchased, and is still owned, by James Hodge.
A mine was opened on the land of Richard R.
Field some years ago, but little was accomplished,
and the work was discontinued. The mine is now
being reopened with a prospect of success.
BANKS. .
THE MUST NATIONAL BANK OF SOMERVILLE.
This bank was incorporated with a capital of
"^,000, March 21, 1864, with the following di-
rectors : A. D. Hope, Joseph Thompson, John G.
Schenck, John W. Taylor, Samuel W. Davenport,
Samuel B. Birdsall, Nelson Young, Samuel S. Hart-
well, and Peter V. Staats. A. D. Hope was chosen
President. May 21st of that year John W. Taylor
resigned as director, and was appointed cashier.
John W. Ammerman was elected to fill the vacancy..
The bonds of the president and cashier were presented
and filed on June 29th. The first banking business,
was on July 20, 1864. An office was opened in the
first floor of the Ten Eyck House,"" now occupied by "
a saloon, where they remained until the erection of
their new building, on the north side of Main Street,
in 1874. They removed to their present office on
Saturday, April 10, 1875. '
The present officers are Nelson Young, President;
John W. Taylor, Cashier; Joseph Thompson, John
G. Schenck, John W. Ammerman, David Craig, Peter
De Witt, Samuel W. Davenport, Nelson Young, and
James J. Bergen, Directors. The bank has a capital
of $200,000.
THE SOMERSET CODNTT BANK.
This institution was incorporated in 1848 with a
capital of $100,000, and opened for business October
10th of that year. Its first officers were Joshua
Doughty, President; William G. Steele, Cashier;
Philemon Dunn, Aaron Longstreet, John Steele,
William Van Nest, Samuel S. Hartwell, Tunis Hufi;
James Castner, Albert Cammann, A. W. Dunham,,
and Rynier Veghte, Directors. Joshua Doughty re-
mained president until Jan. 5, 1874, when John V.
^^j^u.b.
'W^'i'^r.
7
Eugene Solomon Dottqhtt, third son of Maj.-Gen.
Solomon Doughty, was horn at Doughty's Mills, Mor-
ris Co., N. J., May 11, 1812. His minority was mostly
spent at home, where he acquired a common-school edu-
cation.
After the death of his father, in 1827, he worked
on the farm in New Providence until ho was twenty
years of age, when he engaged in mercantile business
with Mr. A. M. Elmer (afterwards Judge Elmer), of
that place, and continued in trade until 1836. For two
years following he was engaged in staging between
Basking Ridge and New York City. In 1838 he came
to Somerville, formed a copartnership with his brother
Joshua (J. & E. S. Doughty) in a general mercantile
trade, which was carried on until 1842, when he with-
drew from the firm and established himself as a lumber
merchant, which business he still continues, being
a longer time in continuous trade as a lumber dealer
than any other man in the State except one, Mr. George
Green, of Trenton. He obtained his supply of lumber
mostly from Pennsylvania, Canada, and Michigan. In
1851 he purchased some three thousand acres of pine
timbered land in Tioga Co., Pa., and began manufactur-
ing his own lumber, which he shipped, via Chemung and
Erie Canals, through Albany to Elizabethport, N. J.,
and thence by railroad to Somerville. He continued
manufacturing lumber for twelve years, and in 1863,
having disposed of his timbered lands, he has since con-
fined his lumber trade wholly to Somerville, purchasing
most of his lumber in Michigan.
Mr. Doughty has been a stockholder of the State
Bank of Elizabeth since 1843, and for thirty years of
this time one of the directors of the bank. Upon the
organization of the Somerset County Bank in Somerville,
in 1848, he became its largest stockholder, which inter-
est he retains in 1880, and for the past twelve years he
has officiated as president of the Somerset County
Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
He has always been interested in local and State legis-
lation, and for many years an active member of the
Democratic party. Although not solicitous of political
preferment, he has often received the suffrages of his
fellow-tawnsmen as a delegate to county and State con-
ventions, and was elected to the Assembly of the State
for the years 1850 and 1851, where he was efficient as
chairman of the committee on ways and means, and
also as chairman of the joint committee of both houses
on lunatic asylum and State prisons.
Mr. Doughty has ever been interested in and a liberal
promoter of all worthy enterprises in connection with
the growth and prosperity of the village, and his gener-
osity has always been commensurate with his means.
Of a natu];ally genial and sociable turn of mind, and
ever sympathizing with those less fortunate than him-
self, he will he remembered for his many kind acts to
those needing assistance, and for his self-sacrifice in re-
membering his many friends. His life has been one of
activity, and almost wholly devoted to business opera-
tions, and his integrity has not been questioned during
many years' residence in Somerville.
He married, in 1842, Mrs. Eliza, widow of the late
James Onderdonck, and only daughter of Henry Van
Arsdale, of Somerville. She died in February, 1875,
aged sixty-two years. The children of this union are
George Pierson, Eugene Solomon, and Mary Eliza-
beth.
BRIDGEWATER.
681
Veghte was elected, and held the position till Janu-
ary, 1880. Calvin Corle followed, and is now the pres-
ident. William G. Steele remained cashier until No-
vember, 1862, when John V. Veghte was elected.
Upon his accession to the presidency, in 1874, T. W.
Freeh was made cashier, and remained until Septem-
ber, 1878. John V. Veghte then assumed the position
until August, 1879, when L. R. Vredenburg was
chosen.
The present capital is $50,000. The officers are
Calvin Corle, President ; L. R. Vredenburg, Cashier ;
Rynier H. Veghte, John V. Veghte, John Lindsley,
John D. Bartine, J. Vred. Voorhees, Culver Barcalow,
Peter W. Young, Lewis E. Anderson, and A. C. Mol-
lison. Directors. The banking- rooms were first opened
in the Hartwell Building, and afterwards removed to
the present office.
JOSHUA DOUGHTY.
The father of Joshua, the late Maj.-Gen. Solomon
Doughty, was born Sept. 26, 1772, at a place called
Doughty's Mills, about three miles from Basking
Ridge, in Somerset County. For many years he car-
ried on a grist- and saw-mill at that place, then a
wilderness. This property he traded for a farm in
New Providence, N. J., upon which he resided until
his death, Dec. 20, 1827. He was active in politics
and a representative man in the Democratic party
during its, early history, although he never aspired to
office. For many years he was the principal civil
engineer and surveyor in Morris and Essex Counties.
He was brigade inspector during the war of 1812, and
was subsequently promoted to the rank of major-gen-
eral in the State militia.
Gen. Doughty married, March 9, 1796, Mary, a
daughter of Jonathan Pierson, and granddaughter, on
her mother's side, of Col. Ludlow, of Long Hill. She
was bom April 3, 1775, and died July 6, 1856. Their
children were Agnes, Joshua, Elizabeth Pierson, Sin-
eus Pierson, Eugene Solomon, and Sarah Maria.
Joshua, eldest son of Maj.-Gen. Solomon Doughty,
was born Feb. 25, 1799, in Morris Co., N. J. His
early life was spent at home, where he received a good
business education and learned those inestimable
lessons, economy and self-reliance. At the age of
eighteen he went to New York City, and for some
three years was engaged in a wholesale dry-goods
house. Upon reaching his majority he went to Mo-
bile, Ala., where he spent one year, and then engaged
in business on his own account in Appalachicola,
Fla., when he sold the first goods ever offered in that
place. After two years he engaged in a general
country trade in Franklin, Ala., where he remained
until 1836, when he closed up his business in the
South, returned to his native State, and settled in
Somerville. Here, in 1838, he built a store, and
again entered into a general trade, in which he con-
tinued to be interested until 1866. He purchased
considerable real estate contiguous to the village,
44
which he has improved, and on which he has erected
many substantial residences, now forming a desirable
part of the village of Somerville. His mansion is
one of the old landmarks in New Jersey, having been
built in 1761, of brick imported from Holland.
In 1848 he procured the charter for the Somerset
County Bank. Immediately upon its organization
he was elected its president, and held that position
uninterruptedly for twenty-five years, resigning in
1873. This bank was one of the most substantially
prosperous institutions of the kind in the State, and
its high standing was due in a great measure to his
judicious management. He has been for a number
of years president of the Raritan Water-Power Com-
pany, and for several years a stockholder of the New
Jersey Central Railroad. Since his residence here he
has been interested in and a promoter of the various
local enterprises tending to its prosperity as a village,
and has perhaps done more than any other person
towards building up and beautifying the place. He
was one of the founders of the Episcopal Church in
Somerville, and has been for many years one of its
vestrymen and a liberal contributor to the funds
necessary for its support. During his active business
life he was a staunch supporter of the Democratic
party, and in 1860 was one of the delegates to the
National Democratic Convention at Charleston, where
he supported Mr. Guthrie for the Presidency; but
when that body adjourned to Baltimore he supported
Breckenridge. In 1863 he was elected to the State
Senate by the largest majority ever given to a Demo-
crat in Somerset County, and while serving his first
year as senator he was prominently identified as the
efficient chairman of the committee on treasurer's
accounts.
Mr. Doughty, now in the eighty-second year of his
age, retains to a remarkable degree the vigor of both
mind and body common to men younger in years.
He is known to the people of Somerville as a man of
sound judgment, correct habits, and possessed of strict
integrity in all the relations of life. His residence
here has been marked by indefatigable perseverance,
a will to accomplish whatever he undertakes, and a
conscientious devotion to every enterprise in which
he has been engaged. He married, in 1835, Susan
M., daughter of Col. Isaac Southard, and a niece of
the late Senator Samuel L. Southard. Their children
are Louisa (widow of the late Walter Cammann),
Sarah Elizabeth, Mary Pierson (wife of A.. C. Dun-
ham, of Salisbury, N. C), John R., Joshua (a druggist
in Somerville), Susan (wife of Frederick Van Liew),
Agnes Jackson, and Laui:a R.
RARITAN SAVINGS-BANK.
This institutioii was chartered in 1869, with the fol-
lowing officers : President, Andrew J. Farrand ; Treas-
urer, George Y. Ford; Managers, Peter V. Staats,
Andrew J. Farrand, David P. Kinyon, Jeremiah
Whitenack, John F. Edwards, La Rue Vredenburgh,
682
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Rynear H. Veghte, Jolin S. Haynes, J. Franklin
Westcott, William S. Opie, Abraham Quick, Isaac
Polhemus, Fred. J. Frelinghuysen, John Freeh,
Theo. Frelinghuysen, George Y. Ford, Albert P.
Cooper, John J. Bergen, John V. Davis, Samuel B.
Birdsall, Peter J. Schomp, Eichard Provost, Jacob
W. Stout, John Davis, Job C. Kinyon, Benjamin
Ford. The deposits have reached $70,000. The ac-
counts are kept at the First National Bank in Somej-
ville, and the business office is at the drug-store of
John V. Davis, at Earitan.
The present officers are D. P. Kinyon, President;
A. P. Cooper, Vice-President ; John V. Davis, Sec-
retary and Treasurer ; D. P. Kinyon, A. P. Cooper,
Frederick J. Frelinghuysen, Theodore Frelinghuy-
sen, Dr. J. T. Edwards, A. H. Brokaw, William S.
Opie, Abraham Quick, James Harper Smith, John J.
Bergen, Richard Provost, Henry S. Long, John V.
Veghte, L. E. Vredenburgh, W. D. Wyckoff, John
V. Davis, Jacob W. Stout, Managers.
SOMBBVILLE DIME SAVINGS-BANK.
This institution was incorporated March 27, 1871,
with John W. Taylor, Edward F. Loomis, Edwin C.
Schott, John F. Conklin, Culver Barcalow, Nelson
Young, Samuel W. Davenport, and Alvah A. Clark
as incorporators. The organization was perfected by
the election of officers : Nelson Young, President ; E.
0. Schott, Vice-President ; Edward F. Loomis, Sec-
retary ; and John W. Taylor, Treasurer. The depos-
its amount to $100,000, and are now only received on
old accounts. The entire funds of the institution are
immediately available in case of demand. The busi-
ness of the institution is transacted at the First Na-
tional Bank.
The present trustees are Nelson Young, E. C.
Schott, Alvah A. Clark, John T. Conklin, Geo. V.
Tunison, Peter Dewitt, Culver Barcalow, S. W. Da-
venport, and John W. Taylor. The officers are Nel-
son Young, President ; E. 0. Schott, Vice-President ;
J. W. Taylor, Secretary and Treasurer.
SOCIETIES.
The Young Men's Christian Association of Som-
erville was organized Aug. 18, 1873, with 95 members,
and first took rooms under "Somerset Hall." The
next year 117 members were reported. The highest
has been 175 ; present number, about 60. Ladies are
received as associate members. The work laid out
was mostly religious, but subsequently a reading-room
was opened when the society took possession of the
quarters especially prepared for it in "Association
Hall." This building was erected by five association
men to accommodate the growth of the organization
and is the handsomest business structure in the town.
These men were George V. Tunison, David K. Craig,
Dumont Frelinghuysen, William C. Veghte, A. V.
D. Honeyman. The presidents of the association
have been A. V. D. Honeyman, 1873-75; William
W. Anderson, 1876 ; John E. Eowe, 1877 ; A. V. D.
Honeyman, 1878 ; Martin N. Wyckoff, 1879 ; A. C.
Lindsley, 1880. Union meetings of the churches,
held every Sabbath afternoon, have been one of the
outgrowths of this institution.
A lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted
in 1787, under the name of "Solomon's Lodge, No.
1," a history of which will be found in the township
of Bedminster. The meetings of this lodge, as was
the case with many in the early days, were held in
different parts of the county, many being at this
place. The only one of which any knowledge is pre-
served was on Dec. 17, 1816, when a celebration of the
festival of St. John the Evangelist was held at Somer-
ville. That society surrendered its charter about
1830
Solomon's Lodge, No. 46, worked under a dispen-
sation for about three months in the fall of 1856, and
in January, 1857, received its warrant. It had seven
charter members. The first officers were Rev. J. H.
Black, W. M. ; A. E. Donaldson, S. W. ; D. P. Kin-
yon, J. W. ; Pethuel Mason, Treas. ; F. F. Elmendorf,
Sec. Meetings were held in a hall over Somerset
County bank until the completion of Masonic Hall,
in 1872, when it was taken possession of by the so-
ciety and is still in use.
The officers for 1880 are Alfred Barber, W. M. ; H.
McClaren, S. W. ; F. William Koehler, J. W.; C.
Stein, Treas. ; C. Cruiser, Sec. ; F. Van Liew, P. M.,
S. D. ; P. Struve, J. D. ; James Wyckoff, P. Dumont
Whitenack, M. of C. ; Charles Young, Tiler; Robert
L. Day, P. M., G. S. Cook, J. E. Garretson, Finance
Committee ; Fred. Van Liew, P. M., Robert L. Day,
P. M., George S. Jones, P. M., Trustees. The present
membership is 106.
Keystone Chapter, No. 25, E. A. M., was instituted
in September, 1871. Its first officers were Dr. H. G.
Wagoner, High Priest; Thomas Childs, King; J.
Harper Smith, Scribe. It has at present 30 members.
Meetings are held in Masonic Hall.
The officers for 1880 are C. Stein, M. E. H. P. ;
W. T. F. Ayres, E. K. ; H. G. Wagoner, P. H. P.,
E. S. ; J. Doughty, Jr., C. of H. ; H. McClaren, P. S. ;
A. H. Dayton, E. A. C. ; F. William Koehler, G. M.
of 3d V. ; John J. Dean, G. M. of 2d V. ; F. Schell,
G. M. of 1st V. ; John Ringlemann, Treas. ; F. Van
Liew, Sec. ; Robert L. Day, Tiler; G. S. Cook, A. H.
Dayton, R. L. Day, Finance Committee.
Feb. 19, 1864, a number of gentlemen met at Tem-
perance Hall, Washington, D. C, for the purpose of
organizing the order of Knights of Pythias in the
United States. Among the officers elected at this
first meeting were Abraham Van Derveer, of Somer-
ville, as Grand Banker ; Matt. H. Van Derveer, the
present county clerk, was appointed Worthy Guide
by the Worthy Chancellor; both offices are now ob-
solete. March 24th of the same year M. H. Van
Derveer, with others, was elected a representative to
organize a Grand Lodge. This was accomplished
BRIDGEWATER.
683
April 8, 1864. Abraham Van Derveer was elected
Grand Scribe.
Lodge of the Castle, No. 82, K. of P., was insti-
tuted Jan. 13, 1873. The charter members were John
M. Powell, John C. Henry, David Noll, Joseph B.
Smith, Jacob Shirts, John G. Dumont, Matt. H. Van
Derveer, George Chase, James Folmsby, George T.
Seis, C. V. D. Smith, James V. Smith, Garret P.
Smith, John Voorhees, Edward A. Weeks, Edward
Smith, Arthur Gaston, William Messier, John Mess-
ier, Edward Cooley, Frank Drobney, Theodore Staats,
John V. D. Ten Eyck, William E. Johnson, George
Clickener, Peter Struve. Meetings were first held in
Somerset Hall one year. A hall was then finely fitted
up in the third story of Adair's building, and since
that time the meetings have been held there. The
society is now in a prosperous condition, having
$1400 in its treasury. A section of the endowment
bank is in connection with the lodge.
The present officers are John E. Wehrly, Chan-
cellor Commander ; William Harris, Vice-Chancellor;
D. S. Kockafellar, Keeper of Records and Seals ; John
W. Garhart, Master of Finance; Joseph B. Smith,
Master of Exchequer.
Schiller Lodge, No. 28, D. O. H. (Deutsche Oden
Harigari), was instituted in Somerville on March 17,
1871, with Henry Reimer as O. B. ; Ferdinand Gutter,
TJ. B. ; Charles Schwed, Sec. ; Lewis Phillips, Treas.
It contains at present 32 members, and its present offi-
cers are C. T. Fredericks, 0. B. ; Jacob Miller, U. B. ;
Adolph Hock, Treas. ; Charles Schwed, Sec. Meetings
were held at first in a room in the house of Mr. Lance,
but in 1878 Schwed's Hall was fitted up and the meet-
ings are now held there.
Somerset Lodge, No. 43, L O. of O. F., was insti-
tuted June 27, 1880, with twelve charter members.
Meetings are held at Masonic Hall. The officers are
Joseph Vickery, N. G. ; John W. Van Horn, V. G. ;
W. W. Dorland, R. S. ; John R. Quick, P. S. ; Ira D.
Cronse, Treas.
" Naraticony Council, No. 31, Improved Order of
Red Men, was instituted in 1871, and continued until "
August, 1880, when the charter was returned to the
Great Council. It numbered at one time fifty mem-
bers.
Somerset Council, No. 68, TJ. A. M., was insti-
tuted Nov. 20, 1872, with Martin Hart as Councilor ;
C. T. Chapman, Vice-Councilor ; Garret B. Sanborn,
Senior Ex-Councilor; George Sanborn, Junior Ex-
Councilor ; D. Rockafellar, R. Sec. ; Thomas Van
Allen, F. Sec. ; Noah Dunham, Treas. The society
numbered about 75 members, but is now discontinued.
Meetings were held at Somerset Hall, at Doughty's,
and finally at Schwed's Hall.
The charter for " Eastern Star Lodge, No. 105, F.
and A. M.," of Bound Brook, bears date January,
1874, with Theodore Giles as Master ; James P. Bush,
Senior Warden; James P. Curry, Junior Warden;
B. F. Littell, Sec. ; Samuel Kennedy, Treas. Meet-
ings were held after 1876 in the present hall in Gil-
lem's brick block.
The present officers are Richard G. Spicer, S. W. ;
John M. Rowland, J. W. ; Benjamin F. Littell, Treas.
Garret V. Morlette, Sec. ; James P. Bush, P. M., S. D.
Daniel Somers, J. D ; John G. Smith, P. M., M. of C. ;
John B. Coddington, P. M., M. of C. ; Peter Koehler,
Tiler ; James P. Currey, P. M. At present the lodge
numbers 32 members.
Somerset Lodge, No. 56, K. of P., Bound Brook,
was organized and instituted March 8, 1876, with a
membership of eleven. The following were the first
officers : Theodore R. Hodge, Past Chancellor ; Duer
A. Melvin, Chancellor Commander; Gilbert MoUi-
son, Vice-Chancellor ; George Creed, Prelate ; J. I.
Staats, Master-at-Arms ; Charles W. Thomas, Keeper
of Records and Seals ; Henry K. Ramsey, Master of
Exchequer; Peter Koehler, John G. Smith, Trustees.
The membership at date, Sept. 7, 1880, was 28, with
the following officers : Samuel Allen, P. O. ; John
Neagle, C. C. ; John S. Smalley, Jr., V. C. ; Edwin
S. Barber, Prelate ; Cyrus Peterson, M. at A. ; George
W. Shampanore, K. of R. and S. ; Peter Koehler, M.
of F. ; H. K. Ramsey, M. of E.
The lodge has nine Past Chancellors, as follows:
Theodore R. Hodge, Duer A. Melvin, Gilbert Mollison,.
John G. Smith, William S. Smalley, Henry K. Ram-
sey, Charles C. Bush, Samuel Allen, John Neagle>
The lodge-room is in Masonic Hall, Main Street,,
Bound Brook.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union of
Bound Brook was organized Oct. 1, 1877, with a mem-
bership of 14; the present number of members (Sep-
tember, 1880) is 50. Officers : President, Mrs. John
Smalley ; Vice-Presidents (one from each chiirch),
Mrs. L. D. Cook, Mrs. J. D. Eaton, Mrs. A. R. Lib-
bey, Mrs. S. N. Kingsbury, Mrs. Abram Ross ; Sec-
retary, Miss M. H. Roundey ; Treasurer, Miss Mattie
F. Parrott. This Union is auxiliary to the State
Women's Christian Temperance Union, holds its
annual meeting On first Wednesday of October, and
a weekly prayer-meeting throughout the year. Pub-
lic temperance meetings are held from time to time,
and courses of lectures given on general subjects for
the purpose of raising funds. A free reading-room,
supported by the Union, is open every evening. Tem-
perance literature is widely circulated. An auxiliary
juvenile union has been maintained for over two
years, and now numbers about 80 members. General
sentiment is steadily advancing in the direction of
temperance, and 339 persons have signed the total
abstinence pledge.
FIRE DEPARTMENT OE SOMERVILLE.
A number of fire companies have been organized
at difi"erent times, but have disbanded for some cause.
About 1878 the board of commissioners of Somer-
ville erected a brick house on Maple Street, about 16
by 45 feet, two stories in height, for an engine-house,
684
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
and also purchased an Amoskeag steamer, with the
necessary hose and hose-cart. A company was then
in existence, and continued two or three years. The
present company was organized Sept. 19, 1878, with
60 members, and is known as " Somerville Fire En-
gine Company, No. 1." The company has at present
55 active members, all of whom are business men of
the village. The present officers are George W. Ab-
bott, Foreman ; E. L. Day, First Assistant Foreman ;
James B. Brown, Second Assistant ; George W. San-
born, Secretary ; John Maxwell, Treasurer.
An independent hook-and-ladder company was
organized in July, 1880, with 20 members, and elected
officers as follows : William Steele, Foreman ; William
Taylor, Assistant Foreman ; George Jones, Secretary;
John Garretson, Treasurer. A truck with the neces-
sary equipment has been purchased.
MANUFACTURES.
Raritan Water-Power Company. Soon after the
close of the Revolution the progressive men of the
State of New Jersey turned their attention to the
encouragement of manufactures, and in 1791 a com-
pany was incorporated by act of the State Legisla-
ture, under the name of " The Society for Establish-
ing Useful Manufactures." The society was organ-
ized the next year, and employed practical engineers
to make examination of the different rivers of the
State for the purpose of selecting the best site for a
water-power. After a thorough examination, three
localities were reported, " the Falls of the Passaic,
the Raritan River near Somerville, and the Falls of
the Delaware." The former was finally decided upon.
But the selection of Raritan River at this place as
one of the locations naturally attracted the attention
of practical men from time to time, and under an act
of Legislature approved Feb. 16, 1820, a dam was
erected across Raritan River, just west of where the
bridge now crosses the river at Raritan village. A
flour-mill was built on the north side. These im-
provements were made by Jacob Van Doren, and
afterwards owned by J. V. D. Kelly. It is the mill-
property now owned and operated by Col. Read. The
dam continued in use until after the canal was built,
and was then demolished.
A survey was made about 1836 with a view to con-
structing a race-way from the Raritan River. The
projectors of the enterprise were John I. Gaston,
Garrett D. Wall, and James S. Nevius.
Work was commenced by them, and other capital-
ists became interested in the enterprise. A company
was formed and incorporated, Feb. 28, 1840, under
the name of " The Somerville Water-Power Com-
pany," with Garret D. Wall as president, Luther
Loomis treasurer, and Isaac P. Lindsey treasurer.
Besides those mentioned, the other gentlemen inter-
ested were Samuel P. Lyman, Robert Van Renssalaer
Abraham Suydam, Rynier Veghte, Thomas A. Hart-
well, and William Thompson. The company started
with a capital stock of $200,000, with the right to in-
crease to $300,000. Full power was vested in them
by the charter to purchase and hold lands and water
rights, to erect a dam, make a race-way, and divert the
water of the Raritan River from its channel. Land
was purchased and a dam constructed across the Rari-
tan a short distance below the confluence of the North
and South Branches ; this raised the water of the
river two and a half feet above its ordinary level, con-
ducting it into the race-way, and thence to the contem-
plated sites for manufactories. A race-way was made,
commencing at the dam and running nearly parallel
with the river, 3 miles in length, and secured on each
side by a permanent embankment. The tail-race was
about a quarter of a mile in length. A reservoir was
also built 2 miles below the dam, and another near
the termination, covering about 5 acres. The esti-
mated cost was $100,000, but the sum was not suffi-
cient to complete it, and a mortgage for $50,000 was
given by the company, which after several years was
foreclosed. This action was followed by a lawsuit,
which lasted twelve years, and the mortgage was in-
creased to $80,000. In 1863 it was finally sold, and
purchased by the stockholders.
The Raritan Water-Power Company was organ-
ized and incorporated March 24, 1863, with the follow-
ing corporators; Joshua Doughty, John M. Mann,
Hezekiah B. Loomis, John M. Martin, Stephen B.
Ransom, Edward F. Loomis, and Hugh M. Gaston.
The capital stock was $50,000, " with power to pur-
chase all or any part of the real estate now or formerly
owned by the Somerville Water-Power Company,
including canal, head-gates, water-power, water rights,-
ftanchises, and water." The property of the old com-
pany was purchased, and new head-gates and a race-
way 300 yards in length were constructed. When
the company commenced the rebuilding of head-gates
and making other improvements an injunction was
issued on petition of the landowners, who alleged the
company had no right to divert the water from the
river, and ignoring the written consent of the prior
owners of the land permitting it. The company al-
leged that they had such consent. An extended liti-
gation ensued, in which some of the ablest counsel of
the State were engaged. The right of the company
to use all the water of the river was fully established.
The company have sold building lots to the amount
of $35,000 since their organization. Water from the
canal is now used to a limited extent by the difierent
manufacturing establishments on its banks. The
present officers are James S. Davenport, President ;
Edward F. Loomis, Secretary and Treasurer ; Joshua
Doughty, James S. Davenport, Edward F. Loomis,
Culver Barcalow, Thomas Davenport, and Hugh M.
Gaston, Directors.
The Somerville Manufacturing Company was incor-
porated in 1837, but nothing was done. About the
time of the completion of the works of the Somerville
Water-Power Company, in 1841, the James Screw
BRIDGEWATER.
685
Company erected a stone building on the bank of the
canal for the purpose of manufacturing wooden
screws. This building was erected on ground be-
tween Kinyon's mill and the New Jersey Enamel
Paint-Works. It was taken down years after, and
the stones were used in the construction of the pres-
ent Kinyon mill. The screw company failed after a
time, and the building was rented by a paper-mill
company, of which Richard D. Covert was the man-
ager and principal owner. Two flour-mills on the
banks of the river and canal were also in operation
about that time. The building of the canal stimu-
lated manufacturing enterprises, and many were
started, but few accomplished anything. The names,
date of incorporation, and objects are given below,
with such facts as can be obtained.
The Eope and Bagging Company was incorporated
March 19, 1845, with a capital of $100,000, for the
purpose of manufacturing rope, bagging, and duck.
The incorporators were David Heran, Luther Loomis,
Samuel P. Lyman, William Thompson, Thomas A.
Hartwell, David Sanderson, and Allen Clarke. A
building was erected, 40 by 100 feet, on the bank of
the canal, and the compainy manufactured their goods
four or five years and then failed. The building was
used in various enterprises at different times, and is
now the oldest structure of the Earitan Woolen-Mill
Company. April 3d of the same year the Somerset
Cotton-Mill Company and the Somerville Woolen-
Mill Company were incorporated ; neither was organ-
ized, but the latter kept its charter, and its name was
changed on Feb. 25, 1856, to " The American Gutta-
percha Company." It occupied the building erected
by the Hope and Bagging Company, manufactured a
few years, and failed.
Kinyon's Machine-Shop. About 1842, Joseph D.
Moore erected a small foundry and machine-shop, and
carried on the business until 1844, when David P.
Kinyon settled at Earitan and purchased it. In 1846
he bought the property and erected new buildings.
The machine-shop burnt down in 1863, and he pur-
chased the stone building formerly owned by the
screw company and with the stone constructed the
present edifice. Mill-machinery of all kinds is manu-
factured. Job C. and David E. Kinyon, sons of David
P. Kinyon, assumed charge of the business in 1867.
William S. Opie & Co.* In 1850, Whitenack &
Davis erected a wooden building on First Avenue,
where the present brick shops now stand. It was
used first as a foundry and afterwards as a machine-
shop, but was sold to Dunham & Staats. Upon the
death of the former a company from Phillipsburg
bought out his interest. Still later, a company was
formed called " The Screw Mower and Eeaper Com-
pany." It is now owned by six of the original hands
who worked in the shop. The present brick build-
ings were erected about 1870.
* Successors to the Screw Mower and Eeaper Company.
The Woods Shingle- Machine Company was incorpo-
rated March 27, 1845, and manufactured goods in the
basement of the screw company's building. They
failed after a few years.
The Angular Hame Company and Holgate Braid
Company. Andrew Dietz, of New York City, com-
menced the manufacture of a Dietz angular hame in
the second story of Kenyon's machine-shop. Later,
J. V. D. Kelly and N. P. Todd were associated with
him. A stock company was soon formed, brick build-
ings were erected, and a malleable-iron foundry was
started near the track of the Central Eailroad. Busi-
ness was conducted three or four years, and then
ceased. The building was used by J. V. D. Kelly
for bending-works for a time, and was afterwards oc-
cupied by the Holgate Braid Company for three or
four years. It now belongs to the Central Eailroad
Company.
New Jersey Enamel Paint- Works. In 1867 a patent
was secured for an article called " Bradley's Enamel
Paint.'' A stock company was organized in Plain-
field in 1868 for the manufacture of the paint, and
arrangements were made to that end, but in 1870 the
business was removed to Earitan. The brick build-
ing now in use was purchased, and business was con-
tinued by the company until 1878, when Eynear
Veghte became the proprietor, and so continues.
The Raritan Woolen-Mills Company was incorpo-
rated March 23, 1869, with Lewis, David L., and
Henry L. Einstein, Eobert Brown, and Adolph Mack
as corporators, for the purpose of manufacturing heavy
woolen goods and coatings. The ground containing
the brick building erected by the Eope and Bagging
Company was purchased, other buildings were erected,
and business was commenced with 6 sets of cards and
25 looms. The present capacity is 32 sets, 215 looms,
and 600 hands are employed. The power is furnished
by a 600 horse-power engine. This mill and those
of the Somerset Manufacturing Company are under
nearly the same management, and together use 13,000
tons of coal annually. The buildings are all of brick.
The Somerset Manufacturing Company was incorpo-
rated in December, 1879, for the manufacture of cas-
simeres. The members of the company are David L.
Einstein (president), Manuel Einstein (treasurer),
William Einstein (secretary), Adolph Mack, J. Har-
per Smith, and Felix Lamson. The buildings are
located near the Earitan Mills, and were erected in
1880. They consist of the main structure, 80 feet
wide, 370 feet in length, and two stories in height,
and numerous outbuildings. It is a 19-set mill, run-
ning 125 looms, and employs 350 hands. A 200 horse-
power engine supplies the machinery.
The Raritan Flouring-Mill was originally built on
the south side of the river, a short distance west of
the present bridge. After the purchase of the mill
property of Mr. Dawes by the Somerville Water-
Power Company, this mill was given as part payment
to David Stiers. The mill eventually fell into the
686
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
hands of William Steele and Mr. Frelinghuysen, who
were sureties for Mr. Stiers ; they sold it to James
Coleman, by whom it was moved across the river and
enlarged. It passed, at different times, from Joshua
Coleman to George Y. Ford & Co., and to Henry
Westcott, and is now owned and operated by William
N. Adair & Co. It has at present three run of stone,
and is situated between the Raritan Woolen-Mills and
the New Jersey Enamel Paint- Works.
The Star Mills are situated on the Raritan River
and on the canal of the water-power company, from
which power is derived. Feb. 16, 1820, Jacob Van
Doren was authorized to build a dam across the Rari-
tan River for the purpose of utilizing the water for a
grist-mill. He built the mill at the north end of the
dam, and put in an undershot-wheel. He afterwards
sold to Janney Dawes, who also erected a small mill
on the opposite side of the river. Upon the organi-
zation of the Somerville Water-Power Company, in
1840, the property was purchased by them and sold to
J. V. D. Kelly. A small oil-mill on the east end of
the grist-mill was in operation for a few years. The
mill property passed to Randolph, Tucker & Co., and
since that time has been held by numerous owners.
It is now operated by Col. Hugh B. Reed, and has
five run of stone.
Bound Brook Woolen-Mills. In 1878 the present
buildings were erected on the banks of the Raritan
River by Henry L. Einstein. They are 380 feet in
length, two stories in height, with a capacity of 6 sets
of cards, 48 looms. Jan. 15, 1880, the Bound Brook
Woolen-Mill Company was incorporated, with H. L.
Einstein as treasurer, L. Rosenfeld secretary, and H.
L. Einstein, L. Rosenfeld, and C. Einstein as direc-
tors. The present capacity is 12 sets of cards, 96
looms, with a 400 horse-power engine. Hands em-
ployed, 300.
iSmalley's Anti-Friction Machinery Manufactory.
This factory was erected in 1855 by J. Smalley, who
manufactured mowers and reapers for ten or twelve
years, when the works were discontinued and were
used as a spoke-factory, and afterwards rented for
seven or eight years to Williams & Co. as a reduction-
works. In 1878, Mr. Smalley commenced the manu-
factory of anti-friction bearings for machinery. The
factory is situated on Main Street, between Church
and John. The firm-name is J. Smalley & Co.
PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
There are in the township a few ancient dwellings
invested with historic interest. The oldest is the brick
house standing on the bank of the canal, near the
woolen-mill, in the village of Raritan. It was built
in 1736 by Andrew Coejeman, and remained in the
possession of that family till 1804.
In the summer and fall of 1778, William Wallace
built the mansion in Somerville since known as the
Miller House. Gen. Washington and wife spent here
the winter of 1778-79, rooms being fitted up expressly
for their use. At this house Washington and his gen-
erals planned the campaign so successfully carried out
by Gen. Sullivan in 1779. The house is still standing
and in good repair.
The old parsonage now owned by Joshua Doughty
was built in 1751 by the Rev. John Frelinghuysen,
the bricks having been imported from Holland. At
this house was really commenced the first theological
seminary of the Dutch Reformed Church, which cul-
minated in the founding of Rutgers College. During
the Revolution the Rev. Dr. Jacob R. Hardenburgh
resided here as pastor of the First Reformed Church of
Raritan. He was intimately acquainted with Wash-
ington, and many were the visits made to the Reverend
Doctor and his accomplished wife by the commander-
in-chief
In this connection the following letter is inter-
esting. June 1, 1779, an address of the minister,
elders, and deacons of the Dutch Reformed Church
of Raritan was presented to " His Excellency George
Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of
the United States of North America," which wa.s
signed "by order of the Consistory, Jacob R. Harden-
burgh, V.D.M."
The address was answered by the general the next
day, in a letter dated at " Camp Middlebrook,"* as
follows :
" Gentlemen, To meet the approbation of good men cannot but be
agreeable. Yonr affectionate expressions make it more so. In quarter-
ing and supplying its wants, distress and inconvenience will often occur
to tlie citizens. I feel myself happy in the conBciousness that these have
been strictly limited by necessity ; and in your opinion of my attention to
the rights of my fellow-citizens. I thank you, gentlemen, sincerely for
the sense you entertain of the conduct of the army, and for the interest
you take in my welfare. I trust the goodness of the cause and the exer-
tions of the people, under Divine Protection, will give us that honorable
peace for which we are contending. Suffer me, gentlemen, to wish the
Dutch Reformed Church at Raritan a long continuance of its present min-
ister and Consistory, and all the blessings which flow from piety and Re-
ligion.
I am, &c., "
G°. Washinqton.
WASHINGTON AND MRS. BROKAW.t
On the east side of the North Branch of Raritan,
about a mile below the church, stands a brick house,
still in a state of good preservation. In it resided a
farmer named John Brokaw, who when his country
called enlisted in Capt. Peter D. Vroom's company.
He was chosen lieutenant, and at the battle of Ger-
mantown. Pa., fell while leading his men. By his
side stood Joseph Stull, a friend and neighbor, who
carried him from the front, took charge of his
watch and sword, carried them home to his family,
and many years after became the husband of his
daughter Phoebe, from whom the particulars of this
narrative have been derived.
In the spring -of 1779, while Washington was yet
residing in the Wallace house, in Somerville, he was
* His headquarters were still at the Wallace mansion. The army was
encamped all along the Raritan, the headquarters of Gen. Greene being
at Derrick Van Veghten's house, near what is now Finderne Station.
t Rev. A. Messier, D.D.
BRIDaEWATEK.
687
made acquainted with the circumstances above related
(probably from conversation with Dr. Hardenburgh,
who was the pastor of Mrs, Brokaw), and his sympa-
thies were so excited in her behalf that he rode up to
this house one day a distance of five miles to call
on her. When he entered the house he was deeply
affected, and with many kind and comforting words
expressed his sorrow for her bereavement. We have
always regarded this incident in our Kevolutionary
history as one of the most affecting and beautiful
manifestations of the great and tender heart of the
Father of his Country.
The house is now occupied by Mr. Nevius, whose
wife is a great-granddaughter of Capt. Brokaw. As
a monument of Washington's tender heart, it ought
to stand until it crumbles into dust.
THE LEGEND OF CHIMNEY ROCK.
The following legend of the Raritan Indians and
Chimney Rock is condensed from an article written
by Rev. Abr. Messier, D.D., in 1841 :
History informa us that the 1200 Indians of the Earitan were presided
over by two kings, and that they were the deiiflly enemies of the Man-
hattans. The two Raritan chiefs were named Canackamack and Thin-
gorawis, according to the signatures affixed to the deeds of Indian title.
Tradition gives the origin of the feud between the two tribes, who had
long dwelt in amity. Long prior to the time of the kings above named
a son of the king of the Manhatae, with a hunting-party, fell in with a
similar party of the Raritans. After several days of friendly companion-
ehip, during which the young Manhatae chief was a guest in the wigwam
of the king of the Raritans, the latter promised him the hand of his
only daughter, the beautiful Chinqueka (" Goldfinch") aa his bride. The
youth and maiden learned to love, and happily passed the summer. But
Manasamitt, an inferior chief of the Raritans, who also loved the maiden
and had long designed winning her for himself, grew jealous of the
lovers, and determined to avenge his loss upon the favored suitor. An
opportunity soon presented. Returning one evening from the hunt he
diBCovered the lovers sitting, as waa often their wont, upon the ledge of
rocks, gazing upon the limpid waters far below. The maiden fled, and
then, alone with his rival, he buried his hatchet in his brain and rolled
the "body down the precipice. Great was the grief of Chinqueka; she
refused to be comforted, and sought the spot where last she and her
lover sat together, and where he met his fate. Tbere she fancied she
heard him calling her to come to him ; she plunged into the dark chasm
and disappeared forever. When the king of the Manhatae heard of his
son's tragic death at the hands of a Raritan brave, his rage was great.
He resolved to wage war against that tribe until the spirit of his mur-
dered son waa appeased. " The warriors of the tribe were collected and
sent forward to meet their foes, and then it was that the pleasant vales of
the Raritan were made to echo continually with the war-whoop, and its
waters were often dyed with the blood of those who had fallen in the
fierce and deadly strife. From year to year the revenge of the bloody
Manhatae was pursued, and all the fierce passion of their savage souls
excited until they raged and burned. Many were slain on both sides,
but no decisive victory gained; and when the white men came the feud
was still continued, and gave occasion to the remark which we have
quoted from the historian of those early days, that ' the Manhatae were
the deadly enemies of the Raritans.' "
MILITARY.
The part taken by this township in the Revolution
was a prominent one. The following documents ex-
plain themselves :
" Committee Chambeb, Beidgewatbr, Feb. 24, 1776.
Whereas, by the ordinances lately made by the Provincial Congress "
for regulating the Militia of New Jersey, it appears necessary that each
Captain should' have a District for the Company he commands, we the
Committee, accordingly grant unto Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck, the command
of all the men within the following boundaries or District: Beginning
at the line of Hunterdon Co., on the river Allamatunck, thence down
said river and also down the North Branch to the mouth of Chambers
Brook, then up the said brook to the place where William McDonald's
Mill formeriy stood, then to the top of the mountain to Capt. Stile's line,
then on a direct line down between Philip Van Narsdalen, and Chris.
Van Narsdalen's, westerly of Wm. Black Halls, to the rear of Raritan
River Lots, then along the rear of said River Lota to a line of William
Lane's River Lot, then northerly and westerly, then down said branch to
the line which divides the lands of Borgen Brokaw and Mr. Conovers, then
along said line to Hunterdon Co. line, then along the same to the begin-
ning.
" By order of the committee,
ED. BUNN, Chairman."" "
" A list of the men who served under Capt. Jacob
Ten Eyck in the Revolutionary war at different times
from 1775 to 1781 :
Edmon Arasmith, John Andrews, Malcom Andrews, Aaron Abaylon, "
Thomas Auten, Robert Andrews, John Auten, David Appleman, Jere-
miah Bertton, Richard Brokaw, Samuel Bertron, David Bertron, Dirk
Brokaw, Bergen Brokaw, Hendrick Bunn, Garret Bulmer, Cornelius Bo-
dine, Adam Brucanan, Gisbert Bogert, Peter Baskfort, Geradis Bergen,
John Burom, Edward Bunn, John Bodine, William Brower, Abraham
Bodine, Cornelius Boss, Abraham Brown, CorneUus Boss, Thomas Bush-
field, Lewis Bumer, Henry Bunn, Benjamin Burner, Green Brown, Geo.
Burner, Frederick Buckobus, John Brown, Henry Booran, Richard Bo-
mer, Frederick Bucklew, Robert Bulmer, George Brewer, Wm. Brewer,
James Bruylen, John Colter, Archibald Campbell, John Chandler, Rich-
ard Cumpton, Richard Cornea, Charles Comes, John Cragg, Christopher
Casborn, John Cornelison, Alexander Colter, William Cornelisou, Benja-
min Clawson, Barnet Clawson, Garret Cornelison, Peter Colter, William
Chivus, John Caatner, William Chambers, David Conine, Peter Coole,
Brant Clawson, John Calwell, Joseph Chambus, Michael Colter, John
Chapman, Jeremiah Doty, James Duyckins, John Herrod, Samuel Hoag-
land, John Henry, George Hall, James Hoge, John Huff, Peter Herpend-
ing, Isaac Hall, William Hay, Benjamin Harris, William Hall, Nicols
Hall, James Hegamen, William Hoagland, Derrick Hoagland, Peter
HadeAbrook, Thomas Hall, Isaac Hadenbrook, James Harris, John Har-
riot, John Harris, Minard Johnson , William Johnson, James Johnson,
Jacobus Jerolman, Benjamin Jones, David KeUey, David King, Thomas
King, Andrew Kilpatrick, Tunis Lane, John Dumont, Elbert Dumont,
Fulkert Dow, Rubin Dennis, Peter Dacker, William Dailey, Skillman
Doughty, Thomas Drene, Dirk Drake, Isafic Defraste, John Duyckman,
William Duyckman, Garret Davis, John Davis, John Ewins, John El-
very, Christopher Fraser, Luke Fusler, Jeremiah Fulds, Peter Fulker,
Jacob Fusler, Henry Fulkerson, William French, John Goldtrap, John
Gorden, Jeremiah Garretson, Timothy Gilmer, David Helebrant, Lewis
Hartson, Garret Harris, Lewis Hertough, John Lucas, William Long,
John Long, Thomas Lane, Robert Liddle, Thomas Lee, John Lane, Ja-
cob Lane, James Lettis, John More, Henry Mapes, Samuel Minor, Joseph
Mulner, William Montinmore, Thomas McMurtry, Samuel McKinsley,
Robert Maggell, Peter Mishet, Luke More, Ephraim McDowell, John
Maligh, James Millin, Thomas Mechlenrath, John Mulbrin, Samuel
Mawfut, John Maybeck, Thomas Murfey, Cornelius Messier, Isaac Man-
nin, Samuel McDonald, Peter Mealigh, John Millin, William McMans,
Daniel McCrain, Hugh McCarty, John .McDowel, John Meabeach, John
Nortwick, Christopher Nevius, John Nevius, Christopher Off, Nicholas
Oliver, John Prine, Henry Powelson, Peter Post, Isaac Prawl, William
Packson, Garret Probasco, William Porter, Archibald Powel, James Powel,
William Peach, Mina Powelson, Christopher Probasco, John Ross, James
Ross, Joseph Richson, John Rolan, Richard Runyon, Hendrick Bose-
bome, Robert Rosebome, James Rightmer, Israel Rickey, Benjamin Bei-
mer, Vincent Runyon, Peter Rolan, Zockariah Sickel, Barrant Stryker,
Christopher Stryker, John Stuard, Cornelius Suydam, Ryke Suydam,
John Storm, Amoa Smalley, Jobn Staats, Barrant Smock, Charles Suy-
dam, Joseph Stephens, Fulkert Sebring, Joseph Stull, Henry Slingerlan,
Barrant Schuyler, John Sparks, John Stull, George Sehron, Henry Ste-
phens, Richard Suddard, Jonas Smalley, James Stuart, Andrew Soms,
John Sharp, Matthias Sharp, John Simason, Abraham Sebring, Gabriel
Sparks, Joseph Stephens, Abraham Schenk, Gisbert Sutphen, John
Smith, Isaac Smalley, John Stillwell, Peter Ten Eyck, John Tunison,
Luke Teeple, Hendricks Teeple, Thomas Thompson, George Teeple,
George Todd, Thomaa TJmphrey, Dow Van Narsdalen, George Van
Nest, Cornelius Van Dike, Peter Van Deberge, Christopher Van Nars-
dalen, Peter Van Debrook, Peter Van Nest, John Van Narsdalen,
James Van Horn, Derick Van Narsdalen, Hendrick Van Narsdalen ,
688
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Peter Yoasler, Jacob Valentine, John Van Natten, John Van Cort, Bar-
liard Van Nest, John Van Camp, Abraham Van Nest, Christopher Van
Doren, Jaromas Van Vest, Jacob Van Narstrand, Frederick Van Nest,
GorneliuB Van Nest, Abraham Van Deventer, Isaac Van Vingle, Abra-
ham Van Tingle, Peter Van Deventer, John Van Tingle, Coonrad Van
Wagoner, Philip Van Narsdalen, Fulkert Voorhees, Isaac Van Doren,
Ruliff Van Pelt, Michael Van Cort, Matthew Van Deveer, Tobiah Van
Norden, Bergen Van Boren, Hendrick Vroom, George Vroom, John
Vroom, Isaac Voorheea, John Van Honten, John Van Nortwick, John
Wortman, William Wilson, James Winterstein, Samuel Williamson, John
Wyckoff, Matthew Wite. Cornelius Williamson, Thomas Walker, Wil-
liam Waldron, James Whealer, Daniel Wooderd, Andrew Wortman,
William Winans, Peter Wovley, John Wilson, Cornelius Waldron, Peter
Wortman, George Young, John Young.
List of the members of Capt. Conrad Ten Eyck's
company :
David Ammerman, Powel Ammerman, Benjamin Arrosmith, John
Bennet (2d lieutenant), Daniel Blew, Hendrick Blew, John Board, George
Brewer, Abraham Brokaw, CasparusBrokaw, Adam Dallas, Jacob Coach,
Henry Cook, Abraham Coshaw, Thomas Covert, Tunis Covert, Samuel
Davis, John De Camp, John Decker, Hendrick Dumon, Peter Dumon,
Mancias Duboya (sergeant), Abraham Dumott, Benjamin Dumott, Law-
rence Dumott, Henry Fisher, Joseph French, Fulkert Fulkerson, Chris-
tian Herder, Hermanns Hoagland, Johannes Hoagland, John Hoagland,
Tunis Hoagland, Nicholas Huff, Kichard Huff, Henry Kennedy, Thomas
Lawkerman, Thomas Light, John Lorey, Jr., Abraham Lott, Abraham
Low, Daniel McEwen, Simon Van Nortwick, Thomas Peterson, Abraham
Post, Peter Peryn (Perrine), John Powelfeon, Leroy Ralph, Hendrick
Rosebroom, John H. Schenck (sergeant), Boelif Sebring, Thomas Skill-
man, Isaac Stryker, John Stryker, Andries Ten Eyck, Garret Terhune,
Cornelius Van Arsdalen, Isaac Van Cleefe (corporal), Paryas Van Cleef,
Abram Van Arsdalen (corporal), Jacob Vanderbilt, Chrystoyan Van Dorn,
John Van Dorn, Cornelius Van Dorn, Abraham Van Dorn (ensign), John
Vandike, John Van Houten, John Van Middlesworth, Thomas Van
Middlesworth, Hendrick Van Nortwick, John Van Nortwick (ensign),
Jacob Van Nuys, John Van Voorhees, Conrad Ten Eyck (ensign), Conrad
Van Wagoner, Abraham Voorhees (corporal), Jacob Voorhees, Peter
Voorhees, John Van Aredalen (sergeant), Adulplius Weavour, William
Whilson, Jacob Winter, Barent Dumott.
iKIDGEWATER IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
The first action taken in reference to raising money
for soldiers in the great Rebellion was at a'town-meet-
ing held Sept. 3, 1863. It was then voted
"That the township be authorized to borrow any sum not to exceed
$14,100 as a fund from which to pay a bounty of $300 to each volunteer
or drafted man accepted and mustered into the army of the United States
under the pending draft. "
The quota of the town under the call was 47 men.
Dec. 22, 1863, the committee was authorized to bor-
row $12,000 as a bounty fund, and again, at a special
town-meeting held May 31, 1864, the authorities were
authorized to borrow a sum of money not to exceed
$9600, to be expended in procuring substitutes or the
commutation of drafted men, the sum to be raised
by a special poll-tax upon each and every person lia-
ble to draft and upon the property of the township.
June 1, 1864, it was
" Resolved by the town committee not to raise money for drafted men,
as, the majority of the vote being so small, it was thought not advisable
to borrow money upon the credit of th* township. "
At a special town-meeting, Jan. 21, 1865, held to
devise ways and means to fill the quota of Bridge-
water, the town committee was instructed to issue
bonds of the township in such amounts, and payable
at such time, as they may deem proper and necessary,
to be applied in obtaining volunteers or substitutes to
fill the quota. A poll-tax of $10 was ordered on' all
persons liable to the draft. Application was made to
the Legislature for an act authorizing the laying of a
special tax, not exceeding $20,000, to assist in raising
the quota of the township under the call of the Presi-
dent for 300,000 men.
Sept. 3, 1865, the committee authorized the assessors
of the township to levy a tax for $30,000, to be applied
to liquidate the debt incurred for payment of soldiers.
April 26, 1866, at a special meeting for the purpose
of discussion and consideration on the subject of issu-
ing township bonds, it was
" Resolved to issue bonds for the purpose of reimbursing those persona
who put volunteers or substitutes for drafted men into the army or navy
of the United States, and who paid for the men so put in, or who paid
$300 under the exemption act, such bonds to be placed in the hands of F.
J. Frelinghuysen as trustee, to be held by him until final action be taken
by the government a^ to reimbursing townships for moneys expended in
the late war. "
The amount due was $19,374. A detailed list of
the number of men sent out from the township and
the amount paid each was sent to the comptroller of
the State, a copy of which is here given :
" SOMEBTILLE, Oct. 28, 1865.
To Capt. William M. Shipman: "
" Bear Sir, The following statement of volunteers furnished under
the last three calls of the general government by the township of Bridge-
water, county of Somerset, and the amount paid to men under such
calls, is respectfully submitted. This statement is made from such data
as are in possession of the present committee.
The call of August, 1863, for volunteers, of which a draft
was made in May, 1864, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Volun-
teers, 79 at 8300 each $23 700
Call of July, 1864, 76 at ^4.57 each 33,027.32
Call De.c. 19, 1864, to fill vacancies, 84 at ^698.15 each 68,645
Total $115,372.32- "
BRIDGEWATER.
68»
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES.
THE DAVENPORT FAMILY. '
Perhaps there is no surer criterion of a people's
progress in intelligence, wealth, and a refined civili-
zation than the filial respect shown in commemora-
tion of the virtues and deeds of their ancestors. To a
greater or less degree has this heen a characteristic of
all nations, and in proportion to their progress in arts,
literature, and the science of government, and signal-
izing each advancing epoch by monumental inscrip-
tions to perpetuate their memory. This country, with
its extent of fertile territory, matchless climate, and
vast resources, has drawn hither a most enterprising,
intelligent, and thrifty class of citizens from the older
nations. This immigration has been continuous to
the present time; but it has only been about halt a
century that a true distinctive type of American
character has been exhibited, and so recognized by
the other nations of the earth.
Hence it has now be6ome a right and duty one
owes to himself, his ancestors, and descendant9,-in
which justice, honor, property, and all he holds most
sacred may be involved,-that at the earliest period
he trace out the various links in the chain of his
descent till he reaches the most remote point attain-
able. It is supposable that in a work of this charac-
ter some errors and abuses will appear through the
mistaken attempt of some to attain prominence through
exaggeration and fulsome praise of their progenitors.
But such abuses are no argument against meritorious
works of history and biography ; all such attempts
will ultimately rebound upon their authors.
The family name of Davenport is of local origin.
Davenport township is situated in the county of
Chester, England, the name being derived from the
river Dave that flows through it. The manorial
history of this township involves a subject of rare
occurrence even in England : the descent of a family
in one uninterrupted male line from William the Con-
queror to the present day, a period of eight hundred
years, possessing at this time the feudal powers
and manorial estates with which the sovereign in-
vested it, and preserving in its archives a series of
original documents, the proofs of its ancient history
and unbroken descent. In 1086 the illusive crest of
the Davenports was conferred by the sovereign and
borne upon the helmets of the sergeants, to the terror
of banditti, which infested the district. The " Dav-
enport coat-of-arms"- reckoned among the most an^
690
SOMBESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
cient in England is a shield with sable, orosslefs,
crest, a falcon's head couped at the neck, indicating
magisterial sergeantcy, the duty exacted being that
of ridding the district of all robbers, highwaymen,
and marauders, with summary powers over the lives
of all such. There is now in possession of the family
of Davies Davenport, late member of Parliament, a
long roll, of very ancient date, containing numerous
names of " master robbers" who were taken and be-
headed.
Branches of the family extend through most of the
counties of England and other parts of the world, yet
the same coat-of-arms appertains to them all, and with
singular accuracy the name in all instances is spelled
the same. There has been almost perpetually a repre-
sentation in Parliament, sent there from the numerous
branches of the family in the realm.
Through marriage connections they have at times
been brought in close relationship with the ruling
powers and the Crown. Edward Hyde, Lord High
Chancellor, married Margaret, daughter of Sir John
Davenport, ancestor of Mary, wife of James II., and
the mother of Mary, the consort of William of Orange,
who together occupied the British throne, and also of
Queen Anne, successive sovereigns of the kingdom.
The family have been frequently represented in
the peerage, etc., and constantly in the Church. But
no boastfiil claims are presented for aristocratic dis-
tinction : the family seeks no higher ambition than
of belonging to the advanced order of the great mid-
dle class, ^that of merchants, artisans, and scholars,
loyal to the ruling powers, yet ever advocates and de-
fenders of the cause of human rights.
It may be worthy of remark here that the Daven-
port Pottery- Works of Staffordshire, with branch
warerooms in London, Manchester, and Liverpool
(in connection with the Wedgewoods, with whom
there have existed for a long period close marriage
relations), are the largest manufacturers of Queens-
ware, China, and faience-ware in the world ; and this
position the house has maintained for more than a
century. The firm of Davenport Bros, are, and have
been for a third of a century, agents for the sale of
their goods in New York.
The first of the name that came to this country was
the Rev. John Davenport, the distinguished Pilgrim
minister of that celebrated band of Christian heroes
who landed in New England in 1637, comprising such
names as Eaton, Hopkins, Beecher, Atwater, Lord
Leigh, Cheever, Pierpont, the Edwards, etc., to whom
may be well and truthfully accorded the fame of being
the fathers of the American Commonwealth.
This eminent divine. Rev. John Davenport, was
born in Warwickshire, England, in 1597, of wealthy
parentage; graduated at Oxford; soon after became
minister of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, London.
His profound learning, eloquence, fervent piety, and
bold, fearless advocacy of Puritanical doctrines, then
becoming prevalent, aroused the anger of Laud, Arch-
bishop of London; persecutions followed. Daven-
port, with many of his congregation and other ad-
herents, iied to Holland ; were met with open arms
by others of like faith in that asylum of religious
liberty. After a brief stay, permission being granted,
they returned to England, when, after collecting their
scattered band and holding fi-equent conferences, they
resolved to emigrate to America. They accordingly
chartered a vessel, taking all their earthly eifects
aboard, set sail in the spring of 1637, and arrived at
Boston after a three-months' passage. These immi-
grants being highly connected in the mother-country,
of much learning and considerable wealth, strong in-
ducements were offered to persuade them to settle
within the confines of the Plymouth colony. After a
full discussion it was decreed best, for various reasons,
to establish a distinct colony. Accordingly, after a
brief period of inspecting the country, they selected
a spot, which met the approval of all, in Connecticut,
on Long Island Sound, and located the town of New
Haven. The records, and all writers on that period,
accord Mr. Davenport the honor of leadership in de-
veloping and establishing, through organic law, those
great principles of civil and religious freedom which
have rendered that colony so illustrious. He urged
the necessity and duty of universal education, and
framed the outline principles of what has since been
known as the common-school system, now become
national since the triumphant suppression of the
slaveholders' rebellion. In 1654, assisted by his
friend and parishioner Governor Eaton and others,
he embodied in written form the plan, which was
substantially adopted, establishing Yale College; also
contributed and collected funds in its aid. For thirty
years, with zeal and energy, he labored and ministered
in that parish, when, in 1668, being seventy years of
age, he received and accepted a call (against the
universal regret of his people) to the First Church of
Boston, then the largest in the colonies. He labored
here for three years with full acceptance, when he
was suddenly stricken down with apoplexy, in his
seventy-third year. His tomb can now be seen in
Kings Chapel, Boston. His death was universally
deplored. Writers on that period agree that the man
above all others who has stamped the impress of his
genius most indelibly upon the institutions of New
England is the hero of this sketch. The descendants
of the family, with others who soon after came from
the parent-branch in England, became numerous
and scattered through most of the States, and have
maintained the reputation of the Pilgrim ancestor.
A continuous line of ministers have succeeded,
numbers in colleges, institutions of learning, the
army, navy, at the bar, and as legislators in State and
national government. They heartily sustained the
colonial cause in the Revolution by pen and sword ;
were in the army as officers and privates. Two of the
name were in Congress in each of the administrations
of Washington, Adams, and Jefierson.
BEIDCJEWATER.
691
A grandson of the Puritan, the Eev. James Daven-
port, stationed at Southhold, L. I., was a preacher of
singular eloquence and power. His renown attracted
hither the celebrated Whitefield in 1740, then just ar-
rived- from England, who wrote home, " I am com-
forted by meeting my dear Brother Davenport, by
whose hands the Lord has done such great things."
They matured and organized a missionary tour ; to-
gether they held meetings in the leading towns of
New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
etc. At Princeton they met the Tennents, who trav-
eled with them. Sometimes they would journey sep-
arately, then meet on great occasions. " During this
time Davenport was preaching to a congregation of
three thousand in Mr. Cross' church in Basking
Ridge, this county. Whitefield met him there and
aided in the work with great success." After this
tour closed Davenport preached in Connecticut, and
finally was stationed in Hopewell, on the border of
Somerset County, where he died in 1753. Another of
the family, Eev. John Davenport, was born in Free-
hold; graduated in Princeton; stationed at the former
place, and at Deerfield, N. J. The celebrated John
I. Davenport, chief supervisor of elections, now of
New York, by his fearless fidelity to prevent fraud
upon an honest and free ballot, causing enemies and
committees of Congress to own him right in law,
justice, and honesty, most fully exemplified the spirit
of the great Puritan, of whom he is a direct lineal
descendant.
The progenitor of the family in Somerset County
was John Davenport, of the same lineal ancestry as
that of the New England Puritan, but arrived at a
later date. He was born in Bury, near Manchester,
England, in 1777; emigrated to this country near the
close of the last century. Landing in Connecticut,
the home of so many of the name, he first settled in
Danbury. After a brief period he aspired to seek a
more favorable business locality. Being quite young,
ambitious, and energetic, he quickly perceived the
superior advantages that New Jersey presented in her
milder climate and prolific soil, and more especially
by her geographical position between the two great
cities of New York and Philadelphia. He concluded
to visit there, and, pushing for the centre of the State,
heard of Pluckamin, then a thriving village, giving
promise of being the most important manufacturing
town in the county. After a visit of inspection he
determined to locate there. Accordingly, he settled
in Pluckamin in 1800 and engaged in general mer-
chandising. After three years, observing Somerville
showing signs of more rapid growth {the county-seat
having recently been transferred there from Mill-
stone), he concluded to invest there, with a view of
permanent removal. He purchased a farm facing on
the Main Street, running north a mile, including
within it what has since been known as the " Lottery
Field" (an account of which appears in another part
of this work). The next year he built and occupied
the house now the residence of Messrs. John and
James Bergen. While still continuing his business
in Pluckamin, he formed a partnership branch of
hatting in Somerville with Mr. George Vannest.
After a few years' experience he found difficulties in
managing two enterprises thus separated: hence he
closed up with Mr. Vannest, negotiated for the sale
of his Somerville farm, moved back to Pluckamin,
and permanently concentered his entire business
there. Then, being in prime, vigorous manhood,
with a singular wealth of resources, he harnessed all
these energies to untiring service in his various un-
dertakings.
He purchased a fine farm adjoining the village,
improved and cultivated it. The tannery- and cur-
rying-works on the place he repaired and enlarged.
Built a flouring- and grist-mill ; also a distillery and
cider-mill. Erected the most extensive hatting-works
that have ever been in the county, with improved
machinery and buildings adjusted to each depart-
ment. In addition, he embarked in a new and sepa-
rate trade, that of" manufacturing sumac for the
morocco-factories of Philadelphia, which grew into
large proportions, proving very profitable.
All these various branches of business were in full
operation at the same time, in which large numbers
of hands were constantly employed. The prosecu-
tion of these numerous enterprises made Pluckamin
a place of considerable importance at that day.
Mr. Davenport's intense, untiring application to
these various business projects, with the physical
labor and anxious solicitude, caused a too heavy strain
for his naturally strong constitution to longer endure,
and, while apparently in the fiill vigor of life, he was
suddenly stricken down with apoplexy. He died at
Pluckamin, Sept. 18, 1830, in his fifty-second year. In
person Mr. Davenport was of average statue, portly, of
handsome presence, possessing a well-developed and
evenly-balanced intellect, the reasoning, perceptive,
and moral faculties predominating, a rare tempera-
ment of vital energy, that could rouse every faculty
to duty with obedience to his control. It was this
trait that equipped him with that executive power
for which he was so distinguished. With a cheerful,
magnetic disposition, he took the greatest pleasure in
making others happy ; was generous and hospitable,
but intolerant to the idle and vicious. In his inter-
course was free, direct, and outspoken, but proud-
spirited, and the very soul of truth and honor. He
utterly loathed all sycophants and hypocrites. He
was strictly moral, and religious without pharisaism,
and temperate almost to abstemiousness, which for
those days of general inebriation was remarkable.
He supported Adams for the Presidency, though
not an active politician, but despised the acts of dem-
agogues. In the words of a leading citizen, uttered
many years since, in speaking of Mr. Davenport,
whom he had long known, " He was beloved and
held in the highest esteem by those of the intelli-
692
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
gent, moral, and honorable of our citizens, who knew
him the most intimately."
MEMOEIA IN iETEENA.
The likeness of James S. Davenport, at the head of
this sketch, has been selected by the family, as in
features and general physical appearance he more
closely resembles the father.
Below we give the descendants of John Davenport.
As they are nearly all living and mostly reside in or
not far removed from Somerset County, we deem it
most appropriate to do but little more than give their
names and connections.
John Davenport was married twice, first to Mar-
garet Traphagen, ia 1804 ; she died 1811, leaving two
children, Ralph and Sarah Ann, the latter died in
1829, no descendants living. Ralph, born 1805, mar-
ried Phoebe A. Voorhies, 1827 ; she died soon after,
leaving no children. He was married again in 1838
to Sarah Drake, by whom he had two children,
Ralph and Mary. The former married Ellen Vannest,
the latter William Jeroloman, all living and have
children. Ralph, the father, for about twenty years
resided in New York ; the balance of his life has been
spent in Pluckamin, where he still resides ; is hale
and hearty in his seventy-sixth year ; is a farmer.
John Davenport was married again in 1813 to Mary
Boylan, daughter of John Boylan, of Pluckamin, a
most estimable woman, who died in 1848, leaving six
children ; all but one are now living, as follows, the
names given in order of birth, beginning with the
eldest :
Margaret, born 1814; married Geo. Vannest, 1839;
he died 1864, leaving seven children, all living and
residing in Somerset County. The widow is still liv-
ing on the homestead, two miles southwest of Pluck-
amin.
John married Hester Voorhies, 1838 ; he died 1848,
leaving five children, all living but one, James, a
brave and noble youth. He enlisted when scarcely
eighteen years of age, served his country with heroic
bravery, was captured while fighting for his country,
after nearly all his company had fallen, was incarcer-
ated in Andersonville prison, and died in delirium
through barbarous treatment while a prisoner.
Thomas married Frances Smith, 1851 ; had six
children, all living but one, Margaret, an estimable
young lady, who died 1880. Reside in Jersey City,
but usually spend their summers in Somerville.
Eleanor married Wm. L. Jones, 1836 ; resides in
Plainfield; had two children, one died in infancy,
the other, Eliza, married Lieut.-Col. Janeway, of the
First New Jersey Cavalry, who bravely fell leading
the charge in the battle of Jettersville, Va., the last
battle of the war of the Rebellion. The widow has
since married Horace Bannard.
James S. married Maria Remsen, 1845 ; resides at
Raritan ; have three children, one son and two daugh-
ters, all married.
Samuel W., horn 1822, married to Amelia Besteder,
1846 ; residence in Somerville, N. J. ; have seven
children, three sons and four daughters.
Of the names above, Thomas, James S., and Sam-
uel W. compose the firm of Davenport Bros., -New -^
York, importers and dealers in china, Liverpool,
and glassware. It was established in 1843, Samuel
W. entering it ten years later. It is now in its thirty-
seventh year. During that long period, in which
such vast changes have occurred in the country and
the world, times of prosperity and of depression and
disaster, the firm, although experiencing seasons of
trials and losses, has never been compelled to suc-
cumb to the vicissitudes of business.
They ever took a lively interest in domestic manu-
factures, believing the time would soon arrive when
we could produce as good ware as we were importing :
the war hastened the event. A few years since they
embarked in manufacturing at the City Pottery, Tren-
ton; now the largest part of their goods are made
there.
The family lay no pretentious claim to position,
titles, wealth, or honors : they simply claim the right
of belonging to the great middle class; of high moral-
ity, strict integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in the
discharge of every just due or other obligation, sup-
porters of the church and of right everywhere, in pro-
portion to ability, ever observing to be just before being
liberal. They own to a feeling of pride in one matter, •
viz., that of the almost universal fidelity and support
rendered by those of the name to the nation in the hour
of its direst struggle with treason and rebellion for its
right to live.
JOHN E. EMERY.
John R. Emery, youngest child of Peter R. and
Anna (Rockafellow) Emery, was born at Dreahook,
Hunterdon Co., N. J., where the family resided, July
22, 1827, and died at Bloomington, N. J., June 17,
1880
His early life was spent on the farm, where he be-
came inured to labor and learned that economy and
industry are necessary elements of success. Upon
reaching manhood he went into mercantile business
at White House, subsequently removed to Somerville,
and was employed on the Central Railroad. Here
he was given charge of a wood-train, and finally be-
came the financial agent of the company, collecting
rents, buying and selling real estate, etc. This posi-
tion he filled with such honor to himself and credit
to the company as to obtain their fiill confidence in
his financial and business ability. In 1867 he became
the partner of D. K. Craig in the coal and lumber
business, the firm being D. K. Craig & Co. This firm
continued a successful business until 1872, when the
partnership was dissolved. Mr. Emery remained in
the railroad company's employ until the formation of
the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, when he
JI®MSf MoISMIEIRir,
BRIDGEWATER.
693
became its line agent, and subsequently opened an
office opposite the depot in Somerville, which, busi-
ness he continued until his death.
By his sterling integrity as a business man he rose
gradually to a position of honor and profit, first in
the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and then in the
Lehigh and Wilksharre Coal Company. The ex-
cellency of his character, however, centred in his
religious principles, which were fixed and controlling.
In his whole deportment he moved in consistency
with his profession. He united with the Second
Reformed Church of Somerville at the September
communion in 1864, and, as a proof of his zeal and de-
cision in religion, he led in prayer at the next devo-
tional meeting, and conducted the services at the suc-
ceeding assemblage of the brethren, services which
he preserved while he retained his connection with
the congregation. Such was the confidence reposed
in him by the Consistory that he was elected deacon
in 1866 and elder in 1869, stations which he filled
with executive ability. In 1870 he removed to Leba-
non, where he connected himself with the Reformed
Church, and was leader in liberality and exertion to
repair the house of worship and erect a new parson-
age. He will be remembered for his integrity and
uprightness as a citizen, for his domestic virtues as a
father and husband, and for his eminent usefulness
as a church-member.
Mr. Emery was among the foremost in purchasing,
laying out, and beautifying the new cemetery grounds
in Somerville, and, unassisted, relieved the property
from a heavy debt resting upon it, thereby placing
the cemetery association in a position to own the
property unencumbered.
Upon his death the following resolutions were
passed by the Board of Directors of the First National
Bank of Somerville :
"FiEST National Bank,
SOMERVILIE, N. J., June 22, 1880. "
" Whfreas, In the Providence of Giod our late associate in the Board of
Directors of the Tirst National Bank, John K. Emery, has been remoTed
by death, therefore,
Beeolved, That we remember with great satisfaction his prompt and "
energetic business talent, his sterling integrity, his genial disposition,
and his general kindness of heart and manner towards all with whom
he was associated.*'
For his first wife he married Ann W. Swackhamef,
of Readington, who died the age of twenty-eight in
1856, leaving one daughter living, Anna M., who
is the wife of Mr. C. Stewart Hoffinan, of Somerville.
His second wife was Matilda Porter, who died leaving
two sons, William H., a telegraph-operator, and
Benjamin S., in business at "White Haven. His third
wife was Anna Gilbaugh, who died leaving four chil-
dren, John C, Jennie B., Lizzie B., and Albert L.
Mr. Emery married for his fourth wife, in February,
1878, Mrs. Mary Louisa Cooper, of Newark, N. J.,
â– who survives him.
AARON V. GARUETSON.
Aaron V. Garretson was a grandson of Garret R.
Garretson, a major in the Revolutionary war. Maj.
Garretson's place of residence was about two miles
east of Millstone, N. J., where he engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. He was commonly called " Major ;"
was a gentleman of the olden time, taking no active
part in political affairs. He was no less prominently
identified with all movements tending to develop the
resources of his native county, and to encourage its
material prosperity. He was a .man of sound judg-
ment, of strict integrity, and was one whose counsel
and assistance were sought by all classes of people.
He was frequently selected as executor and adminis-
trator in the settlement of estates, and one in whom
the people had confidence. He was a member of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Millstone, and
for thirty years was precentor of that body. He was
also ofBlcially connected with the church as deacon and
elder.
Maj. Garretson was three times married. His first
wife was the "Widow Terhune, who bore him one son
and two daughters, viz., Court, Ann, and Catharine.
Ann married, for her first husband, Abraham Voor-
hees and for her second husband John Montfort.
Catharine became the wife of Garret Schenck, of Six-
Mile Run. Ma,]. Garretson's second wife was the
"Widow Hageman, by whom he had Garret, Richard,
and John Garretson, the latter becoming a minister.
His third wife was the widow (Mary Perrine) of
Judge Hardenburgh, at one time sheriff of Somerset
694
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
County. Of this union was born Daniel Perrine
Garretson. Court Garretson, father of our subject,
was born near Millstone on Oct. 19, 1781. He was a
shoemaker by trade, although he followed the occu-
pation of a farmer for the greater portion of his life.
He occupied various farms in the county, but finally
purchased one of sixty acres where Aaron C. Martin
now resides, near Somerville. He was in no respect
a public man, although an earnest supporter of the
old Whig party. He was a member of the Second
Reformed Church of Somerville, with which he was
officially connected as deacon. His wife was Mar-
garet Cowenhoven, of Long Island, who was born
May 24, 1784. The children of this marriage were
John C, Garret E., Aaron Van Pelt, Eichard, and
Nicholas Cowenhoven Garretson, all of whom are
living save Aaron Van Pelt, who died Dec. 9, 1880,
aged sixty-nine years. John C. is a prominent citi-
zen of Somerset County, and resides in Somerville.
Garret E. resides in Flushing, L. I., Eichard in
Arkansas, and Nicholas in New York City.
Court Garretson died Jan. 18, 1858, and his wife Aug.
1, 1867. Aaron V. Garretson was born near Mill-
stone, N. J., Sept. 18, 1811. During his minority he
remained on the home farm, and received the educa-
tional opportunities afforded by the common schools of
his day. For several years after reaching his majority
he was engaged in carrying on his father's farm. In
1836 he married Catharine M., daughter of Rynier
and Anna (Brokaw) Van Nest. She was born May
24, 1817. In 1844 he purchased, for the sum of three
thousand three hundred dollars, a farm in the town-
ship of Bridgewater, comprising at that time one
hundred acres, to which he afterwards added twenty
acres. The dwelling-house occupied by Mr. Garret-
son is still standing, and is one of the old landmarks
of the vicinity, and was built eighty years ago by
Thomas Cooper.
Mr. Garretson's life was devoted wholly to agricul-
tural pursuits, and while an adherent of the Demo-
cratic party, he was no seeker after place, although he
has held minor offices. His first vote was cast for
his personal friend. Governor Vroom. He was a
member of the Second Eeformed Church of Somer-
ville, where he has filled the office of deacon.
Mr. Garretson was known in the community as a
man of strong mind, self-reliant, and possessed of
sterling principles. His children have been Rynier
Van Nest (who resides in Bridgewater township).
Garret (died in infancy), John C. (resides in Franklin
township), Henry Van Nest (living at the old home-
stead), William Van Nest 1st and William Van Nest
2d (both died in infancy in 1845), Margaret C, Abra-
ham Van Nest, Anna Van Nest, and George, all of
whom reside at home.
SEYMOUR C. TROUTMAN, M.D.
His father. Sir John J. Troutman, was born on
Staten Island in 1766. For many years prior to
reaching his majority he was midshipman in the
English navy, and was under Admiral Rodney in a
number of engagements with the French and Spanish
fleets. About the year 1788 he engaged in trade be-
tween New York and Jamaica, having in charge
several vessels, which he carried on for many years
profitably. In 1801 he quit trade, married Miss
Susannah, daughter of Jacob Schnell, of Brooklyn,
N. Y., purchased a countiy-seat on Long Island, where
the Eighteenth Ward of the city of Brooklyn now is.
Here he became quite an extensive agriculturist, and
owned slaves who worked his farm. The remainder
of his life was spent on this spot, where he died in
1824.
Sir John J. Troutman was a man high in rank in
the order of Knights Templar, and is said to have
spent thirty thousand dollars in support of that and
similar organizations. He became a member in 1798,
and was subsequently Past Master of the Royal Lodge
of Knights Templar, No. 283, A. Y. M., of Kingston,
Jamaica. He received the order of the Red Cross
and of the Holy Royal order, .and was solemnly
initiated by the Kingston Lodge into the sublime
mysteries of the invincible and magnanimous orders
of Knights of Rhodes and Malta.
Dr. Troutman was born in Brooklyn, L. I., Feb. 3,
1823. At the age of eleven he was sent to Quaker
Hill, where he became a pupil under Cyrenus Jones,
a teacher of note. There he remained for two years,
and was then sent to New Canaan, Conn., where he
completed his mathematical studies, having in the
mean time given considerable attention to the study
of the classics. In 1838 he engaged in a wholesale
and retail drug-house in New York as clerk, where
he became fully schooled in the various kinds of
medicine and drugs, and where he first conceived the
idea of the study of medicine. In 1843, Dr. Trout-
man married Ann F., a daughter of Eichard and
Jane (Todd) Ten Eyck, of Millstone, N. J., and a.
granddaughter of Frederick and Anna (Field) Ten
Eyck, who were among the first settlers of that place.
Mrs. Troutman is a descendant from the old Dutch
stock, first settlers of New York, and a lady of refine-
ment and high moral and Christian worth. Their
only child is Sarah Jane, wife of Louis Kaczorowski,
a resident of Somerville.
In 1845, Dr. Troutman established the drug busi-
ness for himself in Brooklyn, N. Y., which he carried
on until 1851, when he began the study of medicine
and surgery with Dr. John A. Lidell, assistant sur-
geon in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
New York, and was graduated at that institution in
1854, having, during his time as a student, practiced
medicine and surgery in the college for some two
years. The same year of his graduation he estab-
lished himself in practice in New York City, where.
(27^-^f^<^'7'^i^^^'i-^^2yi
/c
BRIDGEWATER.
695
his ability and skill in the profession were soon
recognized, and gave him a place among leading
physicians. After a continuous yet profitable prac-
tice for three years, he removed from the city, pur-
chased real estate, and settled in Somerville, N. J,,
where he has since resided, giving little attention to
the practice of medicine.
Dr. Troutman's naturally sociable and genial dis-
position causes him to enjoy life, and among his most
pleasant recreations is that of yachting, in which he
spends some time during the hot summer months.
Since he became a resident of Somerville he has been
interested in its prosperity, and a contributor to its
various local enterprises, to church interests, and
other worthy objects. He has not been a seeker after
political preferment, although ahvays interested and
well read in questions in any way affecting local and
national legislation.
JOHN T. VAN DERVEER.
His grandfather was John Van Derveer, who was
born on Oct. 3, 1752. In the year 1800 he purchased
a tract of land comprising five or six hundred acres
on the North Branch of the Raritan River, and on it
passed his life as a farmer. About the time men-
tioned he built a dwelling-house where Mrs. John T.
Van Derveer now resides, which was succeeded a
score of years ago by the present residence, built by
his son, John T. Mr. Van Derveer was among those
old substantial citizens who contributed so much
to the settlement and development of the country,
and he passed a quiet, industrious, and honorable
life. He was a member of the Reformed Prot-
estant Dutch Church of North Branch. His wife
was Jane Van Pelt, who was born on April 13, 1754.
The children of the marriage were John, Peter,
Tunis, and Mary, who became the wife of Abraham
Quick. Mr. Van Derveer died about 1840, aged
eighty-nine years.
Tunis, the son of John Van Derveer, was born on
the old Van Derveer farm, and upon attaining man-
hood married Sarah Van Arsdale. His children
were John T., Philip, James, and Jane, who became
the wife of Samuel Gaston. James was a popular
physician for many years at North Branch. Tunis
Van Derveer was cut down early in years, and in the
midst of his usefulness, passing away about 1822.
The subject of this memoir, John T., son of Tunis
Van Derveer, was born on Dec. 1, 1806, on the pa-
ternal farm. His earlier years were passed at work
upon the farm, and in attendance upon the district
schools of his day. On Nov. 1, 1833, he married
Margaret C, daughter of Richard Field. She was
born Feb. 8, 1815. The life of Mr. Van Derveer was
passed as a farmer, and though a member of the
Republican party, and while he took great interest in
public afiairs, he confined himself strictly to his
bucolic pursuits. He was actively identified with the
Reformed Church of North Branch, and was officially
connected with that body both as deacon and elder,
filling the latter office at the time of his demise, in
1867. He was a man of strict integrity, pure morality.
and bore with him to the grave the reputation of an
upright and honorable citizen. His children were
Tunis, who resides at North Branch ; Richard H., who
is working the home farm ; James D^, a successful
physician at Liberty Corner ; Samuel G., William F.,
and John Q., all deceased ; Sarah E., and Mary J.,
wife of William J. Voorhees.
Rev. John Q., son of John T. Van Derveer, was born
March 13, 1854, and was raised on his father's farm.
He was graduated at Rutgers College, N. J., in the
class of 1877, and soon after entered upon theological
studies in the seminary at New Brunswick. Owing
to failing health, he was compelled to break away
irom his work at that institution and to go South
residing in Texas for nearly three years. During this
period he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Austin, and filled the pulpit of various churches on
different occasions. But his usefulness was soon to
be terminated, and he called up higher. On June
24, 1880, while returning North with his family, he
died of pulmonary disease, and was buried at sea
with appropriate services. He left a wife, n4e Miss
Julia Robinson, of Corning, N. Y., and a little
daughter, Ada L.
Thus early was cut off a young and promising life,
and the hearts of friends were made desolate forever.
696
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
DAVID DUNN.
David Dunn was born at New Market, N. J., in
1797, and married Prudence Runyon, of that place.
About the year 1845 he settled in Somerset County,
residing first at Millington. He then spent some
DAVID DUNN.
time in New York City, and in October, 1856, located
on the farm now occupied by the widow of his only
son, John R. Dunn. He purchased this property of
Lewis Anderson, and it was originally included in a
tract of land comprising sixteen hundred and fifty
acres belongisig to Daniel D. Dunster, and which was
conveyed in 1730 to Gisbert Lane, who erected the
present Dunn residence in 1737. In 1765, Mr. Lane
left it, by will, to his two sons, Aric and William, be-
tween whom it was equally divided. ' He was inter-
ested in all worthy local enterprises, and sought to
promote church and kindred interests. He was a
prominent member of the First Baptist Church of
Somerville, and deacon of the church at the time of
his death, July 28, 1876, aged seventy-nine years and
five months. His life was largely spent as a farmer,
although he was in trade for some time at New
Brunswick and Brooklyn, and ran the mill at Mill-
ington. In politics he was a Whig, and upon the
organization of the Republican party became a sup-
porter of its principles.
John R. Dunn, only child of David Dunn who
reached manhood, was born at New Market, N. J.,
Sept. 3, 1828. He married, January, 1850, Jane T.,
daughter of Cornelius M. and Catharine (Deats) Wil-
liamson, and soon after that event took up his residence
on the old Williamson farm, below Somerville. Here
he lived for five years, and then located with his father
on the Dunn farm, where he continued to reside until
his decease, May 3, 1878. He was a member of the
First Baptist Church of Somerville, and a man of cor-
rect habits and strict integrity in all the relations of
life. He was a Republican in politics, but never
sought political preferment. The children are Al-
bert; Emma R., wife of Charles C. Reimer, of Mill-
town ; Cornelia W., wife of William T. H. Vosseller,
of Somerville ; Mathew H., who lives in Pennsylvania ;
Walter and David, Jr., at home ; Ellen Frances and
Jennie S., deceased.
ABEAM J. POWELSON.
The Powelson family came very early to this coun-
try. Capt. Jacob Powelson is recorded as having
arrived from Holland in the ship Fredenberg"" on "
Jan. 24, 1640. Nicholas Powelson came from Dit-
marsen in the ship "Gilded Otter" in 1657, and Gom-
men Paulison from Antwerp in the ship " St. John
the Baptist" in 1661. From these the family in
America are supposed to have descended.
Johannes Powelson, born April, 1719, the great-
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, purchased
a large tract of land in Bedminster township, Somer-
set Co., on May 1, 1767, and about that time he took
up his residence in that section. A portion of the
house which he erected in 1768 is still standing, and,
with an addition built in 1786, constitutes the resi-
dence of his great-grandson J. V. D. Powelson. The
children of Johannes Powelson were John, born Oct.
24, 1746 ; Cornelius, born May 29, 1748 ;' Jeane, born
Jan. 17, 1750 ; Catharine, wife of Peter Doughty, born
Sept. 11, 1751 ; Anne, wife of William Chevris, born
May 3, 1753;. Abraham, born Feb. 9, 1755; Paul, born
Dec. 5, 1756; Hendrick, born Oct. 7, 1758; Sarah,
wife of Christopher Frazer, born Aug. 7, 1760 ; and
Manah, born June 29, 1762. Johannes Powelson
died in July, 1788.
Abraham Powelson was born on the date mentioned
above, and came to Bedminster township at the age
of twelve. He married Lamatjee Messier and had
eleven children (including two pair of twins), most
of whom lived and died in Bedminster township.
Some of these children were John A., Abraham,
Cornelius, Peter, Maria, who married Martin Beek-
man ; Sarah, wife of Philip Clarkson ; Lanah, wife of
Jacob Van Dorn; and Arian, who married Francis
Hastings. Abraham Powelson died in 1807, and his
wife in 1836.
John A. Powelson was born July 27, 1780. He
married Aletta, daughter of William Van Dorn, of
Millstone, on April 27, 1815, and had children, Abram
J. and J. V. D. Powelson, and Catharine M., who
married Jerome Van Nest. He passed his life as a
farmer on the old homestead in Bedminster, and died
in 1854, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.
Abram J. Powelson, the subject of this sketch, was
born on the old Powelson place in Bedminster town-
BRIDGEWATER.
697
ship on May 23, 1816, where he passed the early years
of his life, enjoying a common-school education. On
Nov. 5, 1840, he was united in marriage to Sarah
Ann, daughter of John A. Van Nest (she was born
April 14, 1813), and on December 15th of the same
''T^^-T-^ , ^,
/^Ct^£Z^ir7T_^
year he removed to the farm which he now owns and
occupies in Bridgewater township, which he pur-
chased in 1854. Here he has since resided engaged
in agricultural pursuits. He is a Eepublican in pol-
itics, though no seeker after office. He was formerly
a member of the Reformed Church of Bedminster,
but upon the organization of the Presbyterian Church
of Pluckamin he became identified with that body,
and has been an elder of the church for over twenty
years. He is known as a man of strict integrity, con-
scientious and devoted to principle, and a representa-
tive agriculturist. His children are Abraham V. N.,
a lawyer at Middletown, N. Y. ; Catharine Adeline,
wife of John L. Hageman, of South Branch ; and
John A., living at home.
GEORGE McBRIDE.
The McBride family is of Scotch origin, though
the branch of it to which the subject of this memoir
belonged settled at an early period in Ireland: His
paternal grandfather was George McBride, whose
place of residence was near the city of Armagh, Ire-
land. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
in the manufacture of linen. His wife was Elizabeth
45
Waugh, and the children were Adam, Robert, James,
George, and Martha. He died in 1798 in Killylin,
Ireland, aged about sixty years. His wife died ten
years later. His son James emigrated to America
near the close of the last century and located in New
'-^^^.^r^^-^ ^^A^^Pz^>9c<y
York City, where he became a successful merchant.
He died about 1855. Two of his daughters still reside
in that city, viz., Ann, widow of Hon. James X.
McClenahan, and Eleanor, widow of Judge Aaron
Vanderpoel.
Robert was the second son of George McBride, and
passed his life as a farmer and bleacher of linen near
Alistragh, Ireland. He married Alice Cardwell, and
had children, Eliza, George, Jemima, Matilda, Wil-
liam C, John Robert, and Mary Ann. He died in
1841, aged seventy- three years, and his wife in 1839,
aged about sixty. Of his children, Eliza died un-
married ; Jemima married Dr. Davis, of Newry, Ire-
land, and has seven children, five of whom are prom-
inent physicians in Ireland and India; Matilda is
unmarried and resides in Newry ; Mary Ann is the
wife of Rev. C. B. Smith, of New York City ; and
John Robert died in Mobile, Ala., in 1839, at the age
of twenty-two.
George McBride came to this country in the year
1832, and succeeded his uncle James in the mercantile
business in New York City, where he was associated
with Samuel Sloan in trade. He continued in that
pursuit until the year 1852, when he purchased the
Peter C. Elmendorf farm, near Somerville, N. J.,
^
4
698
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
comprising two hundred and eighty-sis acres, and
resided there until his death in 1878, at the age of
seventy-three. His wife was Annette, daughter of
Charles Moran, of New York City, who died in 1858,
leaving no issue.
William C. McBride was born at Alistragh, County
Armagh, Ireland, on Sept. 24, 1810, and emigrated to
this country in 1857. Previous to this time, on March
27, 1845, he married Mary Jane, daughter of Charles
Magee, of County Cavan. She was born in 1823, and
her brothers and sisters were James, William, Charles,
Eliza, and Margaret. Eliza married William Doug-
lass, and resides in Tully, Ireland ; Margaret is the
widow of Capt. James Berry, and lives near Dublin ;
James resides near Somerville, N. J. The remainder
are dead.
After his emigration to this country, William C.
McBride resided in Somerville until the demise of his
brother George. He now lives in retirement upon
his brother's beautiful estate, where he has a pleasant
and happy home. He is a worthy and substantial
citizen, and has been actively identified with all
movements tending to improve and benefit the com-
munity in which he lives. He is a member of the
Second Reformed Church of Somerville, and has been
officially connected with that body as elder. He is
the inventor of a patent flax-scutching machine, for
which he received a first premium at the American
Institute, N. Y., in October, 1870. His seven children,
who reside with him, are Lizzie Henrietta, Eobert,
Charles Magee, Alice M., James and George, and
William. Mrs. McBride is still living.
WILLIAM HODGE.
William Hodge was a son of James Hodge, who
resided at an early day on a small tract of land in
Bridgewater township. He came from Ireland. His
wife's name was Sarah Eunyon, and his children were
Elizabeth, Eachel, Ann, Sarah, William, Peter, James,
and Isaac. Elizabeth married John Van Nostrand
Eachel and Sarah married James Cain, and Ann,
Thomas Smith. Peter died in 1851. James resides
at Bloomington, Somerset Co., and Isaac in the West.
James Hodge died in 1827, aged eighty-seven, and his
wife in 1840, over seventy years of age.
William Hodge was born on Feb. 28, 1794. He
grew up on his father's farm, attending the district
school of his locality. Soon after 1830, in conjunc-
tion with his brother James, he purchased three hun-
dred acres of land in Bridgewater township, a part of
this tract constituting his late farm residence, where
he passed his days as a farmer. Mr. Hodge married
on Sept. 17, 1825, Mary, daughter of Henry and Sarah
(Castner) Tunison. She was born June 23, 1806.
Her father removed to Whitehall, 111., about 1885,
near which place he purchased a handsome farm,
and where he died in 1864. His son Henry now
occupies the place.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hodge have been
Henrietta, wife of John Kipsey, of Bridgewater town-
ship ; James, who is a builder in New York City ; and
Sarah E., wife of William H. Callard, of Piscataway,
WILLIAM HODGE.
Mr. Hodge passed away on June 15, 1878, in the
eighty-fifth year of his age. For five years prior to
his demise he was totally blind. He was a Democrat
in politics, though no office-seeker; was a liberal con-
tributor to the various benevolent and philanthropic
enterprises of his day, of good character, and a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook.
His wife survives him.
GEORGE LANE.
George Lane is a descendant of the old Lane family
that located very early in Bedminster township, where
it is still represented. Derrick, son of Matthias, was
born in that township in 1753, and emigrating to
Troy, N. Y., founded an influential branch of the
family at that point.
Cornelius, grandfather of the subject of this me-
moir, came from Monmouth County to Bedminster
township before the Eevolutionary war, and took up
his residence where Peter Lane lives. There he lived,
engaged in agricultural pursuits, until his demise.
He served as a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. His
HENRY B. STAATS.
The Staats family is one of the oldest in the
county, and its representatives were among the pioneer
settlers of Albany, Rensselaer, and Columbia Cos.,
N. y., where they occupy a prominent place at the
present day.
John Staats, the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was an early resident of the township of
Hillsborough, where Rynier Staats lately resided.
He was a farmer by occupation, and owned quite a
large tract of land. His wife was Gertrude Quick,
and his children were Peter, John, Abraham, James,
Rynier, Phebe, and Maria.
James Staats was born on Aug. 12, 1780, in Hills-
borough township. On Dec. 4, 1803, he mai-ried
Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Brokaw, of Hills-
borough, who was born Feb. 19, 1785, and in 1810
he purchased a tract of land in Bridgewater township,
where Cornelius Ammerman lives, and where he
passed his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
was formerly a member of the Reformed Church at
Somerville, and later one of the organizing members
of the church at North Branch, of which he was sub-
sequently a deacon and elder.
At his death, on Aug. 20, 1866, he divided his
farm between his two sons, Henry B. and Peter,
giving to each one hundred and ten acres. His wife
died June 11, 1856. Their children were Gertrude,
born Dec. 19, 1804, married Peter Wortman, Nov.
7, 1822, died Oct. 21, 1834; Henry B. ; John, born
May 17, 1810, died Sept. 20, 1813 ; and Peter, born
March 4, 1813, residing at Middlebush, Franklin
township.
Henry B. Staats was born in Hillsborough township
on March 21, 1807. At the age of three years he re-
moved with his parents to their home in Bridgewater
township. He passed his earlier years on his father's
farm, and received only a common-school education.
On Dec. 27, 1832, he married Hannah, daughter of
Richard H. Field, of Bedminster township. She
was born Oct. 10, 1811. When about twenty-six
years of age he worked the farm of his uucle, Peter
Wortman, near Weston, on shares, and after three
years erected his present residence in Bridgewater
township, where he has since resided as a farmer.
He is known as a man of integrity and uprightness,
and in the ripe old age which he has attained enjoys
the confidence and esteem of many friends. He has
been no seeker after ofl&ce. He is a member of the
North Branch Reformed Church, with which he has
been oflBcially connected both as deacon and elder.
His children have been Gertrude Elizabeth, married
James Garretson, Dec. 11, 1853, and who resides in
Middlesex County ; Sarah, who married Henry S. Van
Nuys, of Millstone, Nov. 26, 1856 ; James, who mar-
ried Gertrude P. Conover, Feb. 10, 1866, and who
lives in Henderson Co., 111. ; Margaretta, died Sept.
19, 1859 ; Anna Maria, who married A. V. Nevius,
Feb. 10, 1864, and who resides in Bridgewater town-
ship ; and Richard Field, who married Jennie Claw-
son, Dec. 11, 1872, and who is working the home-farm.
<D-^J^.
David P. Kenton is a descendant in the fourth
generation of James Kenyon, whose father was one of
three brothers who early emigrated from EngUind, and
took up a residence in the New World. James Kenyon
moved from Long Island to Dutchess Co., N. Y., early
in the eighteenth century, and passed his days as a far-
mer, and in subduing, for the purposes of civilization,
the wild section of country in which he had established
a home.
Samuel, son of James Kenyon, was born in Dutchess
County, on July 15, 1736. He married a Miss Seman,
and had children: Xiydia, Abigail, John, Mumford,
Sarah, Seman, Jeremiah, Samuel, and James. He en-
gaged mostly in agricultural pursuits in Dutchess County
throughout his life. Some of the descendants of Samuel
settled in the West, and became the progenitors of the
family of the name in that section.
James Kenyon, father of our subject, was born on
Sept. 6, 1779. His wife was Susannah, daughter of
David Palmer, formerly of Dutchess County, and lat-
terly of Columbia Co., N. Y. The children of this
union were David P. ; Maranda (who died in infancy) ;
Samuel ; Martha, wife of Obadiah GrifBn, of Michigan ;
Susan, wife of Samuel Kiff, of Bradford Co., Pa. ;
Lydia, wife of Charles Waldo, of the same place;
James, residing in Bradford Co., Pa.; Angeline, late
wife of Orrin Dales, same place ; Lucinda, wife of Clark
Griffin, same place ; and Leland, of Delaware Co., IT. Y.
James Kenyon was one of the pioneer settlers of Dela-
ware Co., N. Y., and carved out of the wilderness, in
1804, a fertile farm of one hundred and forty acres.
There he closed his days, passing away on Nov. 14,
1853. His wife died on July 22, 1851, aged about sixty-
six years.
David P. Kenyon was born at Nine Partners, Dutchess
Co., N. Y., on Dec. 27, 1803. The year following his
birth he was carried by his parents into the wilds of
Delaware County, where, until he attained the age of
twenty -one years and four months, he endured with them
the privations of a pioneer life, and performed his part
manfully in clearing up the wild tract upon which his
father had settled.
Soon after attaining his majority Mr. Kenyon ap-
prenticed himself to Eliphalet Miller to learn the trade
of a millwright. In 1828 he became a journeyman in
the business, and on June 21st of that year he was united
in marriage to Elizabeth Townley, daughter of Nathaniel
Crane, of Elizabeth, N. J. She was born Sept. 1, 1804.
In 1830, Mr. Kenyon started in business himself, and
followed the occupation of a millwright in various
counties of New Jersey and Pennsylvania until the
year 1840, and erected and established a large number
of mills in that time. In 1839 he engaged in the iron
foundry business at Belvidere, Warren Co., N. J., where
he remained until 1844, when he took up a permanent
residence at Raritan, Somerset Co., then known as " the
water-power." Here he founded the Kenyon Iron-
Works, which he successfully operated until 1868, when
he retired from business life, handing the enterprise over
to his sons. Job C. and Daniel K. Kenyon, by whom they
are now carried on under the firm-name" of Kenyon
Brothers.
Mr. Kenyon was one of the earliest residents of what
is now the prosperous village of Raritan. When he set-
tled but three houses stood there ; his own followed soon
after. He has been actively identified with the growth
and development of the place for many years, and is one
of the best known and most highly respected of its citi-
zens. He is now the last of the old substantial residents
of the village, and represents the industry, integrity,
and energy of a past generation of workers. He has
been associated with several building and loan associa-
tions at Raritan, and acted as president of the most suc-
cessful. In politics Mr. Kenyon is a Democrat, though
he held aloof from public office, and filled only the
minor ones that were pressed upon him. He was one
of the founders of the Third Reformed Church of Rari-
tan, and was one of its first elders, holding that office at
the present writing (1880).
Mrs. Kenyon died on March 12, 1877V; His children
are James Henry, who resides in Plaiififield, N. J. ;
Sarah C, wife of William A. Pembrook,-of Elizabeth,
N. J. ; Job C. and David K., manufacturers at Raritan
and Charles S., of Toronto, Canada.
Alexandek H. Brokaw is n great-grandson of John
Brokiiw, who emigrated from France at an early period,
and located in Hillsborough township at the point
which has since become the family homestead. A
brother by the name of Burgun came at the same time
and settled at Eoycefleld, becoming the ancestor of the
family in that section. Both performed active service
in the Revolutionary war. John was a captain, and
offered up his life on the altar of his country in that
memorable struggle for liberty. His wife's name was
Maria Van Derveer, and their children were John,
Henry, Michael, Ferdinand, and Mary. The latter be-
came the wife of Dr. Bogart, of Hillsborough township,
and after the death of her husband removed to the "lake
country" of the State of New York.
Henry, son of John Brokaw, was born on the old
homestead in Hillsborough, where he subsequently ac-
quired over three hundred acres of land, and where he
passed his life as a farmer. He also served in the Eevo-
lutionary war. His wife's name was Elizabeth Baird,
daugbter of Maj. John Baird, of G-riggstown, N. J.,
and the children of the union were John, Henry, Alex-
ander, Abraham, Phebe, Ann, Elsie, Elizabeth, and
Mary. He was a man of great energy and enterprise,
and took an active interest in matters around him. He
was in many respects a public character. His counsel
and assistance were sought by all classes of citizens, and
he tilled important otfices in township and county. He
died about 1832, and his wife a lew years later.
Henry, son of Henry Brokaw, was born on the home-
farm, and passed^all of his days as a farmer either on
or near that locality. He occupied for the greater por-
tion of his life a part of the old homestead. He married
Magdalene, daughter of Rynier Staats, and his children
were John H., Peter H., Henry H., Alexander H., and
Sarah M., who married Abraham Hoagland. Mr.
Brokaw was actively identified with the various public
enterprises of his day, was a member of the Old- Line
Whig party, and filled various township and county
offices. He was a member of the Reformed Dutch
Church of Harlingen, with which he was ofiicially con-
nected as deacon and elder. He died in 1852, aged fifty-
seven.
Alexander H. Brokaw was born in Hillsborough town-
ship, Aug. 26, 1828. His earlier years were passed upon
his father's farm, and his educational advantages were
such as the farmers' sons of his day enjoyed. Four years
after his father's decease, in 1856, he married Margaret
Ann, only child of Dr. Jeremiah W. Whitenack, of
Raritan. He purchased his father's farm and resided in
Hillsborough for a time, and in 1858 bought his present
farm in Bridgewater township, known as the old Patter-
son farm and comprising one hundred and ten acres.
Here he has since resided. He is a Republican in
politics, and, although never an aspirant after place, is
a member of the township committee and of the board of
health. He is a member of the Third Reformed Church
of Raritan, and has held the office of both deacon and
elder.
Mr. Brokaw is ranked among the representative agri-
culturists of tlie county in which he resides, is a man
of strict integrity and correct habits, and possessed of
those sterling qualities that make up the useful citizen.
His second daughter, Julia, died on March 9, 1876, in
the seventeenth year of her age. His other children are
Aletta and Jerome W. Brokaw.
John "Whitenack, son of Cornelius C. and
Catherine (Skillman) "Whitenack, was born
August 24, 1813, at Blawenburg, Somerset
Co.
The family of Whitenack in Somerset is de-
scended from four brothers who came from
Long Island and settled in New Jersey. His
grandfather was Cornelius Whitenack. His
father and grandfather were both farmers in the
township of Montgomery.
He spent his time on his father's farm until
sixteen years of age; then went to learn the trade
of a wheelwright in Somerville with Bergen
Huff, where he remained for five years. Upon
reaching his majority he remained with his em-
ployer as journeyman for a few years, during
which time, on March 5, 1837, he married Ann
B., daughter of John and Anna (Tunison)
Fisher, of Somerville, whose ancestors were
early residents of Somerset County. She was
born Dec. 27, 1808, and resides in Somerville
in 1880.
In 1842, Mr. Whitenack established himself
in business as a wheelwright and carriage-
maker, in partnership with Eichard Provost;
but after one year, upon the withdrawal of Mr.
Provost from the firm, he continued his business,
which increased with the increasing demands of
trade, and never relaxed his energy as a suc-
cessful business and enterprising man until his
death, which occurred May 12, 1870.
Mr. Whitenack was a man of strict integrity
in all his business relations, and highly esteemed
by all who knew him either in a social or busi-
ness capacity. He was never a member of any
church, but always took an interest in church
and kindred relations, and contributed liberally
in support of all worthy local objects. He took
no active part in politics, although he was un-
swervingly a member of tlie Democratic party,
and was often tendered official position. His
life was almost wholly devoted to business, and
by strict attention to it, although unassisted
pecuniarily when starting out in life for him-
self, he became the possessor of a fair compe-
tency by his own industry and judicious manage-
ment. His only child and daughter, Catalena,
became the wife of Nathaniel C. Morris, who
for some five years was a leading doctor of
dental surgery in Somerville. He received his
degree of Master of Dental Surgery from the
board of censors of New York, and his diploma
was dated at Albany, N. Y., on the 30th day of
June 1870. He was known as a man of correct
habits, and as a member, first, of the Pres-
byterian Church at Liberty Corners, and after
his settlement in Somerville as a member of
the First Reformed Church of this place, he
bore an exemplary Christian character. He
died on Nov. 1, 1871, aged twenty-eight years
and four months, leaving an only son, George
E. Morris.
BEDMINSTER.
699
children by his second marriage were Mary, Sabiah
Nelly, and Job.
:...---l
.J2-^>^iy^.^^y
f^'^-
m
^z^^<je^
The latter was born on Oct. 6, 1769, on his father's
farm in Bedminster. His wife was Susannah Nevius,
who was born on May 28, 1773. The issue of the
marriage were Cornelius, born Aug. 21, 1793; Maria
born Jan. 28, 1796; John N., born Dec. 3, 1797;'
Eleanor, born Feb. 17, 1800; George, born Aug. 17,
1802; Sophia, born June 3, 1805 ; Martin and Gilbert'
born Oct. 10, 1807; Peter, born Jan. 3, 1811; and
Martha E., born Nov. 28, 1814. Of these, Cornelius,
Eleanor, Martin, Gilbert, and John N. are dead. Job
Lane was an enterprising and worthy citizen, and for
a number of years filled the office of justice of the
peace. He was a member of the Eeformed Church
of Bedminster, and was officially connected with that
body as deacon and elder. He died on March 1, 1843,
and his wife on Aug. 4, 1855.
George Lane was born in Bedminster township on
the date above mentioned. He passed the earlier
years of his life on his father's farm, and on Jan. 4,
1826, married Catharine Van Nest, who was bom
Sept. 11, 1804. In 1832, Mr. Lane purchased the farm
that he now occupies in Bridgewater township, and a
few years later erected his present residence. Here
he has continued, engaged in agricultural pursuits,
ever since. Mr. Lane has now reached the decline of
life, but is well preserved for a gentleman of his ad-
vanced years. His life has been a quiet and unosten-
tatious one, and he has quietly and worthily per-
formed his part as a citizen. He is a Democrat in
politics, but has never sought nor held public office.
He is a member of the Reformed Church of Bedmin-
ster.
Of the three children of Mr. Lane, John V. N.
alone survives, and occupies the home farm with his
parents.
BEDMINSTER.
GEOGRAPHICAL, Etc.
This is one of the townships lying on the northern
border of Somerset, adjoining Morris County. Its
eastern boundary is the township of Bernard; its
southern is formed by Branchburg and Bridgewater,
and on the west it is joined by the townships of
Tewksbury and Readington, in Hunterdon.
The surface of Bedminster is generally level in the
western part, but is slightly undulating along the val-
leyof the Lamington and its branches. The north-
ern part is more hilly, and is crossed by a limestone
ridge. The "First Mountain" terminates at Cham-
bers' Brook, in Bridgewater, but the " Second Moun-
tain'' extends northwesterly into Bedminster as far as
Mine Brook.
* By Anstin N. Hungerford.
Its streams are the North Branch of the Raritan,
which forms a large part of its eastern boundary ; the
Lamington River, which forms the western boundary
of the township and flows southwardly into the North
Branch; Chambers' Brook, a small stream which
divides the township from Bridgewater, flows west-
wardly and enters the North Branch a short distance
below the mouth of Lamington ; Axtell's or Middle
Brook, which takes its rise in the north part, pursues
a southerly course through the centre of the township,
and enters the North Branch; and Peapack Brook,
which is also a tributary of the North Branch, enter-
ing it from the northwayd.
LAND TITLES AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The first purchase of land in the township of Bed-
minster was made by Margaret Winder, May 20,
700
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1690.* This tract is said to have contained 1000
acres, and may be described as lying on both sides of
the North Branch opposite the junction of the Lam-
ington with that stream. Aug. 4, 1693, Campbell and
Blackwood purchased a tract known on the map ac-
companying the Elizabeth bill of chancery as No. 59,
located on the north side of the Lamington, and ex-
tending westward from its mouth, but not reaching
entirely across the bend of the river. June 6, 1701,
Dr. John Johnston and George Willocks purchased a
tract of 3160 acres. This may be described as lying
north of the Lesser and Larger Cross-Eoads and ex-
tending across the township. October 2d of the same
year they purchased the Indian title of " Tallaquapie
and Nicholas Elspie, Merchant, Indians."
The north boundary extended westward across the
township along the north line of the farm on which
W. P. Sutphin now resides. The date of the purchase
of Maj. Daniel Axtell is unknown. His tract em-
braced the land south of the Lesser and Larger Cross-
Eoads and north of the North Branch.
Alexander and Dunstar, Oct. 15, 1741, purchased
580 acres on the site of the present village of Lam-
ington. On the 1st of January previous, Andrew
Hamilton purchased 875 acres. Prior to this time
settlements had been made, for in 1740 the Presbyte-
rian Church at Lamington was organized, and John
Craig, William Jones, Eichard Porter, and William
Hugein were mentioned. This church embraced a
large extent of territory, as the call was from the
people of Lametunk, Lebanon, Peapack, Eeadington,
and Bethlehem.
South and east of the North Branch was a large
tract taken up by Dr. Lewis Johnston and Mary
Johnston (afterwards Mrs. James Alexander). The
extreme south part of the land in the township, and
bordering on the east side of North Branch, was a
part of a tract of land of 912 acres, the greater por-
tion of which is in Bridgewater, and which was pur-
chased, Aug. 14, 1693, by Ann West.f Later this
property passed to the Duchess of Gordon, for whom
Gouverneur Morris acted as agent. It is known as
the " Duchess." North of the Indian purchase of
Johnston and Willocks was a large tract purchased of
the proprietors by George Leslie, who was also in
possession of large tracts on the east side of West
Jersey. Still north lay the Peapack patent, owned by
Dr. Johnston, a part of which was sold to James
Parker, of Perth Amboy, and the extreme north by
the heirs of Dr. Johnston, from 1760 to 1770.
There is a tradition that the first settlers in the
township were French people, but if so their stay was
but transitory. The first permanent settlers were
Scotch-Irish, who came in from the East and settled
* She was the daughter of Thomas ^udyard (who was Governor of
the State in 1682, and who purchased 1170 acres where the village of
Bound Brook now Is) and the wife of Samuel Winder, of "Graham,
Winder & Co.," who purchased where Somerville now is. After the
death of her husband she married George Willocks.
t See " Third Indian Title," Bridgewater.
along the valley of the Lamington and North Branch ;
many of their descendants still remain. Next came
a number of German Protestants from the Palatinate.
They were among those who had been employed by
Queen Anne as soldiers in her Continental wars, and
after the close of hostilities had been, with others of
the same nationality, removed to America by the gov-
ernment and established on lands on both sides of the
Hudson Eiver, in Columbia and Ulster Cos., N. Y.,
and from there had emigrated to this region.
It is absolutely impossible to ascertain whether the
first settlements were made at Lamington, at the
junction of Lamington with North Branch, or near
Pluckamin. It is said that a Lutheran church was
built in Washington Valley as early as 1740. The
old graveyard still remains. This locality is half a
mile east of Pluckamin, in Bernard township ; no
names are given in connection with its earliest history.
About 1740 the road from Lamington called the
High Road was laid out, to connect with " Great
Road up Earitan,'' and about the same time the road
from Bound Brook along the mountains through the
township on the east side, which was then known as
the Peapack road.
The settlement of the township will be given, as near
as possible, on the original tracts purchased of the pro-
prietors. In the extreme lower portion of the town,
bordering on the North Branch and Chambers' Brook,
is a portion of the tract that has been known for
nearly a hundred years as "The Duchess.'' Gouv-
erneur Morris as agent, in 1801, sold 600 acres to John
Van Derveer and Abram Quick, which included all
of the " Duchess" land in the township ; Mr. Van
Derveer located on the northern part but lived in
Bridgewater. On that part of the tract purchased by
Margaret Winder (May 20, 1690) that lay on the
east side of North Branch settled and lived for many
years George Teeple. He emigrated from Germany
about 1700, and later purchased the tract of land
near Burnt Mills owned in 1850 by Peter Garretson,
who sold to William Gaston. A road was laid out in
1745, in which the name is mentioned. His sons,
John and Christopher, possessed property in 1756.
John married Margaret Castner, 1756, and both died
March 17, 1813, within three hours of each other, and
were buried in the same grave. William Teeple, a
son, was a tailor in Pluckamin for many years, and
occupied the old house now owned by Mrs. Cornell,
of Somerville. He is still living in the village at an
advanced age ; others of the family are living in the
township. Dec. 12, 1727, one Margaret Teeple pur-
chased 200 acres between the First and Second Moun-
tains, now known as Washington Valley.
The name of settlers hereafter given, south of
North Branch, located on lands purchased of Dr.
Lewis Johnston and Mary Johnston. J The date of
t It is stated in the Elizabeth bill of cbanceij that John Olawson and
Isaac Tounglove were tenants of Dr. Lewis Johnston and his sister
Mary, who refused to give up the lands. In March, 1743, a writ of eject-
BEDMINSTER.
tol
purchase is not known, and the land may have passed
through other hands. In 1750 500 acres were pur-
chased by John Wortman,* what is yet known as the
old Wortman homestead.
" There is an old day-book in the possession of Garrett Conover, at
Fluckamin, dated 1760, which shows that John Wortman at that date
â– was living here and had a family at the time. The original house, with
few alterations, save repairs, now standing, is owned by David Bunn. It
Is a long, low, old-fashioned house.
*' Esq. Wortman was a blacksmith by trade, and at his shop the horses
of Washington and staff were sometimes shod. The old shop was pulled
down a few months since. In making observations and hunting up sup-
plies Washington frequently stopped at Esq. Wortman 's house, he being
a commissary of subsistence, as were all of the justices.
The price put upon the rebel magistrates' heads led to the raid of Bill "
Stewart during the absence of Washington's army just before the battle
of Princeton. The British sent from New Brunswick a body of light-
horse to forage where they might and capture whom they could. Bill
Stewart acting as pilot. They crossed the river at Bound Book, destroy-
ing property and maltreating women, and moved on towards Plucka-
min. Beaching Capt. Isaac Van Arsdale's house, where Philip I. Van
Arsdale now lives, they made a halt and inquired for Capt. Isaac, who,
aware that he would be wanted, had managed to hide in the bushes.
After they were out of sight, however, he rallied all the men of the
neighborhood, who secreted themselves in a hollow in front of George
Smith's house and awaited the return ol the raiders. The British went
into the house and treated the women in a very impudent manner. Capt.
Van Arsdale's daughter Ida, who afterwards married Joseph Gaston and
was the mother of Mrs. Sarah Conover, now living in Pluckamin, had a
pet colt, of which she was very fond. This the British led away, but
the heroic girl, though only about-fourteen years old, followed them and
recovered her property. When the party got into the village of Plucka-
min, they battered in the doors of the church, hacked the pulpit with
their sabres, smashed in the windows, and broke the pews to splintei's,
and for a time continued their depredations through the village. Mean-
while, a part of the gang went towards McDonald's Mills, whose owner,
rumor says, helped to bring on the raid. Thence they struck for Larger
Cross-Boads, intending to capture some of the most prominent patriots
of that neighborhood, but they had fled to the woods.
" As the day waned the marauders thought it best to return. Beach-
ing Capt. Van Arsdale's ham, Capt. Doty, who was secreted there, fired
at one of them and brought him down in the road. Stray shots were
fired all along the road by parties hid in the bushes. How many of the
British were hit was never found out, but pieces of their coats were
afterwards picked up, showing that the American bullets had made the
* feathers fly.' When the raiders came to the hollow where Capt. Van
Arsdale and bis men were concealed they were greeted with a shower of
bullets from the bushes, which hastened their retreat towards Bound
Brook. They did not know that in a short time theivictorious army
of Washington would come from the field of Princeton with hundreds
of their men as prisoners and confine them within the walls of the
church they had so lately desecrated.f "
The original Wortman tract is now owned by David
Bunn, John Schoonmaker, and the William Powelson
farm.
In 1744, George and Yerry Eeemer were residents
of Bedminster, in the lower portion of the township,
south of the McDaniels property (now Kline's Mills).
In 1756, George contributed £20 towards building the
Lutheran church at Fluckamin. The name of Ben-
jamin only appears on the tax-list in 1787, and for
personal property.
Cornelius Lane, of Monmouth County, a relative of
Matthias Lane, Sr., came to this township about 1756
and purchased land about the centre, north of the
ment was brought against them, but settlement was made by possession
being given.
* He was a native of Holland, and emigrated to this country about
1750
f Jacob Magill, of Newark Journal.
Cross-Eoads, but soon after sold, and Dec. 23, 1769,
purchased 250 acres of Catharine McCrea, widow of
the Eev. James McCrea. He moved into the quaint
old-fashioned house built by Mr. McCrea. It stood
on the bank of the North Branch a short distance
east of the present house of Peter Lane. This house
was the birthplace of the unfortunate Jane McCrea,
about whom so much has been written. The farm
extended north and west of the North Branch, and
joined on the south the tract purchased by John
Wortman, and on the east by Col. William Mc-
Daniels (Kline's Mills is on this property). Job,
the youngest son of Cornelius Lane, inherited the
homestead property of his father, and it is now in
possession of his son Peter. The old McCrea house
was torn down a few years earlier.
Col. William McDaniels, whose name first appears
of record in 1744, at that time was in possession of a
large tract of land and a saw-mill. This tract was
situated on the south bank of North Branch, and ex-
tended west to the farm owned a few years later by
the Rev. James McCrea. It passed afterwards to
Abraham Van Arsdale, and was sold by his heirs to
Tunis I. Quick, who about sixty years ago sold it to
Jacob Kline, whose son is now in possession.^ Many
stories have been written of the McDaniels family :
one, of the marriage of a granddaughter of the Eev.
James McCrea to a wild and dissipated young man, a
son of Col. McDaniels, known as " Bill." Much dis-
satisfaction on the part of the venerable pastor and
family is said to have been the result of this elope-
ment.^
Col. McDaniels was very violent and passionate,
and in a rage beat a man severely with a riding-whip
for a supposed insult to Squire Lafierty's daughter
Euth. The man died in about three weeks, but, as
the people feared the family of McDaniels, no means
were taken to bring the murderer to justice.
The following story has many versions, the most
popular of which is here given, with its many in-
consistencies. At a time not given, Sam McDaniels,
a reckless, quarrelsome fellow, in a drunken bout at
Bound Brook stabbed and fatally wounded a man by
the name of Condict. The act sobered him, and he
rode hastily up the mountain road towards home.
Great excitement was felt by the people, and the
murderer was arrested, tried, and condemned. The
jail was guarded by a body of men under command
of one Capt. O'Brien, a man of gigantic stature, who
knew no fear and was determined to hold his prisoner
at all hazards. Other means were resorted to to save
him from the gallows. A reprieve was forged, and
on the day appointed for execution it was sent to the
sheriff, who, doubting the genuineness of the reprieve,
sent it by messenger to Mr. Frelinghuysen, at Mill-
t The name McDaniels does not appear in the assessment roll of 1787
as owning either real estate or personal.
g Tills couple were said to have been married by the Bev. William
Graaf, pastor of the church at New Germantown and Pluckamln.'
702
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
stone, who declared the reprieve a forgery, and, tak-
ing the responsibility, ordered the execution to pro-
ceed. The messenger returned in haste, arriving at
twelve o'clock, the hour appointed for the execu-
tion. The culprit was led to the gallows by Sheriff
Vredenburgh, and soon his lifeless body was dangling
from the beam. It is said that Col. McDaniels and
Kuth Lafferty (the mother of the young man) were
seated in a carriage on the mountain road and wit-
nessed the execution. This is the current version of
the affair, hut another statement is to the effect that
Sam was a negro belonging to a McDonald, and still
another that he was a son of a McDonald (not Mc-
Daniels).*
WEST OF lEEPLE AND EEEMEK, NOSTH OF " THE DUCHESS."
Leonard Streight, or Strait, lived in 1756 on the
property now owned by Jacob Powelsou. Mr. Streight
remained in the township until after 1774. May 29,
1766, he sold 260 acres to Jacob Van Derveer, who,
on the 1st of May next, sold to John Powelson.
This family was originally from Norway, but re-
moved to Holland some years before any of the name
came to this country. Capt. Jacob Powelson, the
grandfather of John, came to New Jersey in 1640.
The family was numerous and became scattered, John
coming north to this township. He had ten children,
John, who died in 1788; Cornelius, who married
Catharine Sutphin and settled near Peapack jf Abra-
ham, who settled on the homestead where his son,
Jacob V. D. Powelson, now resides;! Hendrick, who
settled first on the east end of the original farm, but
a few years after sold to his brother Mannah and re-
moved to Washington Valley. In 1787, John Pow-
elson owned 100 acres; Cornelius, 210; Mannah, 50 ;
Abraham, 235 ; Henry, 105 acres.
Charles Duryea and John Colshee settled north-
west ^of Mr. Powelson as early as 1755, the latter in
1767 owning land at the junction of North Branch
and Lamington. One Peter Colshee in 1787 owned
142 acres. None of either families remain.
The name of Eoff has been connected with the his-
tory of the township as far back as any information
* A careful and exhaustive examinatiou of the record of the Court of
Quarter Sessions of Somerset County from 1783 to 1814 reveals the fact
that 'in^the January term of court in the year 1786, among the indict-
ments brought in by the Grand Jury was that of
" The State op 1
New Jersey „
}â– Sur felony,
agt.
Samuel McDonald. J
The records do not show that this case was ever brought to trial, al-
though tbey do show that in 1788 three negroes Dine, Sam the elder,
and Sam the younger were indicted for arson, tried, convicted, and sen-
tenced to be executed. Theodore Frelinghuysen was attorney-general
of the State of New Jersey from 1817 to 1829 only, as is shown by the
Legislative Manual."" Mr. Vredenburgh was shei-ilT for 1847-48. It is "
Bingular that a caae which created such intense excitement should not
appear on the records of the criminal courts of the county, if sentence
and execution resulted, as indicated by the above popular tradition.
i" He was an elder in Bedminster Church. The property on which he
settled is in other hands, and his descendants are in the West.
X The old house is still standing.
of it can be obtained. Jacob Eoff, a native of Hol-
land, purchased (some time before 1766) of Dr. Lewis
and Mary Johnston a tract of 500 acres, embracing the
site of the present village of Pluckamin and extend-
ing eastward to the top of " Pigtown Mountain." The
old Eoff tavern, the centre of attraction in early days,
was built by him and remained standing until about
1814. His sons were Cornelius, Jacob, Eobert, Garry,
and Christian ; his daughters were Mary, afterwards
the wife of Capt. Abram Van Arsdale, and the wife
of Capt. Samuel "Bullion" (Boylan). Cornelius was
in the Revolutionary army, and settled north of Pluck-
amin, on the road to Van Derveer's Mills. He had
several children. John, Cornelius, and Archibald
removed to the West. Richard married, but had no
children. He owned a farm in the valley, now
owned by James Hunter. Garry moved to New
York, and died there. Christian remained on the
homestead, and in 1791 commenced keeping tavern. §
His daughter married William I. Hedges, later of
Somerville. Jane, a daughter of Cornelius, married
Capt. John Van Zandt, who was captain of the ship
Flora, sailing from New York to West Indies. In
the last trip he intended to make he was attacked
with the yellow fever and died in the tropics. John
Van Zandt, of Somerville, is a son. On a part of the
old Eoff farm, a few years ago, there were the ruins of
stone huts built by the soldiers in the Revolution.
The family of Eoff in this section is extinct. A de-
scendant bearing the name is living in New York
City.
William Gaston was a grandson of Joseph, who
emigrated to this country from Ireland in 1720. He
married Naomi, daughter of John and Margaret
Teeple. He was a harness-maker, and had a shop
between the present store and tavern. His house was
a little west of the village, where a grandson, Robert,
now owns. His children were all born there. John
W. remained in Pluckamin, and was in business;
William removed to the South, where he obtained
great wealth as a cotton merchant. Daniel Gaston,
now of Somerville, was a son.
Abraham Brown in 1787, as per assessment-roll,
owned ten acres of land near Pluckamin, and later
was the possessor of a large tract east of the McDan-
iel's farm, north and west of the village. Elias Brown,
long a justice of the peace, was a son. J. Mehelm
Brown, a grandson, now occupies a part of the farm
which Abraham purchased.
The common ancestor of the Van Arsdale family
in this country was " Symen Jansen Van Arsdalen,"
who emigrated in 1633. His descendants are mostly
in New Jersey, and settled in or near Millstone and
Bridgewater, where they were as early as 1750, and in
1756 one Hendrick Van Arsdalen was a subscriber to
I All licenses for keeping tavern having previously been in the name
of Jacob Eoff. About this time the old tavern was discontinued, a new
one having been built on the site of the present one, in which Christian
waa the landlord for many years.
BEDMINSTER.
703
the Lutheran Church. In 1787, Philip Van Ars-
dalen owned 64 acres ; Henry, 20 ; William H., 50.
At a later date Ahraham Van Arsdale, who married
a daughter of Jacob EofiF, purchased the mill prop-
erty of McDaniels (now Kline's Mills), and built the
house in which Mr. Jacob Kline now lives.
John and Matice Appleman were residents in this
section in 1756, and were still here in 1773. Their
names do not appear later.
Bryan Lafferty, Esq., was buried in the Lamington
churchyard in 1749, aged sixty-four. A person of
the same name is mentioned in a road record of 1755
as Justice Leflferty. He lived at Pluckamin, and
owned property north of Chambers' or Lafferty's
Brook and west of the road running to Peapack,
which was laid out prior to 1774. He was a noted
Tory in the Revolution, but continued as justice of
the peace till about 1786. In the next year the prop-
erty, consisting of 147 acres, is assessed to " Mrs. Laf-
ferty." It was sold about 1800 to John Davenport.
In the charter of the township of Bridgewater
(1749), the north line is " down the said gap to
Chambers' Brook by McDonald's Mill, thence down
said Brook to the North Branch." The books of John
Boylan in 1773 give the names of Col. William Mc-
Donald* and a son Richard, probably the Maj. Rich-
ard McDonald of later days. The old mill mentioned
above stood up the ravine of Chambers' Brook, a short
distance above where the road from Somerville to
Pluckamin crosses the brook; the property in 1787
consisted of 470 acres. Maj. Richard was an influ-
ential man in both town and county ; his son, George
McDonald, became a noted lawyer at Somerville.
The earliest record found of the Traphagen family
is 1787. David Traphagen owned 100 acres north of
the Elias (or Dr. Henry) Van Derveer property. It
is situated east of North Branch, at the foot of the
Second Mountain. In 1800, Ruloflf Traphagen was
in possession. John Davenport, of Pluckamin, mar-
ried Margaret, Ruloff's daughter, for his first wife.
The old family mansion was destroyed by fire Oct. 16,
1880 ; Patrick Moore now owns the farm.
That portion of the Van Derveers who settled in Bed-
minster was a branch of the family who early settled
on the Raritan. Jacobus was a son of Jacobus ; the
time of his purchase in Bedminster is not known.
His name is found in the subscription list of the St.
Paul's Church, at Pluckamin, in 1756. He pur-
chased a large tract north of North Branch, on the
Axtell tract, also land south of the Branch in 1767
that he afterwards sold to John Powelson. The place
of his residence was in the plot of 260 acres south of
the Lesser Cross-Roads. In 1758 the property on
* The following is from the court records: Jupiter, a uegro of Col.
McDonald, waa Indicted Oct. 5, 1778, for larceny. He plead guilty, and
it waa " ordered that he receive, between the hours of 1 and 3 o'clock
this afternoon, 20 lashes on the bare back, and on Monday next the like
number, at Pluckamin, between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m., and Tony,
negro of John Phenix, the like m all things."
which the Bedminster church now stands was do-
nated by him. He bad three children, Mary, Von
Stoy, and Jacob. The homestead of Jacobus is now
owned by Henry Ludlow, the north part by John
Whitenack, the south by Peter W. Melick.
Elias Van Derveer, a brother of Jacobus and father
of Dr. Henry, settled, much later than his brother,
on the land he left to his son Henry. He died in
1778, aged thirty-three. Dr. Henry Van Derveerf
and Phebe Van Derveer were the only children. A
large property reverted to them, on which they lived
and died. The family mansion is still standing, and
owned by John F. Van Derveer ; the north part of the
farm by Thomas Moore, and the south by Tunis B.
Van Arsdale. The old farm contained 600 acres.
The Maj. Daniel Axtell tract extended from the
east line of the township west to Lamington River,
south of the Lesser and Larger Cross-Roads and north
of North Branch. The extreme east portion (283
acres) was purchased by Jacobus Van Doren, after
1760, of William, son of Maj. Daniel Axtell, the
original purchaser, and about 1815 he sold to Capt.
Joseph Nevius, whose grandson lives on the west side
of the Peapack road, near the old place ; he kept a
store at the Lesser Cross-Roads. Later, Mr. Nevius
conveyed it to Cornelius M. Wyckoff', whose son, Cor-
nelius M., is now in possession of it, Mr. Van Doren,
after the sale of the farm, removed to Elizabeth, and
later to Fairview and Raritan, 111., where he died.
His son David lived on part of the farm.
West of the Jacobus Van Derveer farm was a large
tract purchased by William Sloan, through whom it
descended to John and Henry Sloan, the latter own-
ing 370 acres in 1787. Henry Stevens was located on
a part of this tract in 1797.
John, Moses, and Daniel Phenix were residents in
1773 on the Axtell tract, at the Larger Cross-Roads.
John was a justice of the peace for several years.
John Sutphin married Sarah, a daughter, and kept
the tavern at the Cross-Roads after the Revolution.
In 1787, Ralph Phenix owned 250 acres ; none of the
name are now in the township.
Among the sturdy Scotch Presbyterians who emi-
grated to this country was Ephraim McDowell. He
settled first in Hunterdon County, on the west side of
the Lamington River, opposite Vleet's Mills. His
name occurs in the church records in the early pas-
torate of the Rev. James McCrea. Later he removed
into Bedminster, soon after its organization as a town-
ship. May 1, 1750, he purchased of William AxteU,
son of Maj. Daniel Axtell, 238 acres of land, part of
which is still owned by John McDowell. Nov. 1,
1759, he purchased 50 acres of John and Henry Sloan,
sons of William, who settled north. This land ex-
tended south to the North Branch, and was located
east of his original purchase. He built a log house
X A sketch of Dr. Tan Derveer will be found in the Medical Profession
in general history.
704
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
back in the fields, on the farm of John McDowell.
Later a more pretentious family mansion was erected
and covered with cedar shingles. It stood for sev-
enty-five years. Five sons John, Matthew, Eph-
raim, Peter, and Benjamin inherited the name. In
1787, John McDowell was in possession of 120 acres;
Matthew, 200 ; William, 106. Benjamin, son of Mat-
thew, inherited the part of land on which the home-
stead was situated. His son John now owns the farm.
Other sons of Matthew John and William became
eminent ministers. William returned to the farm in
his old age, and died there. Martha died young.
Elizabeth married Cornelius Van Derbeek ; their de-
scendants are now living at Somerville. Dr. A. W.
McDowell, son of Rev. William, wrote many articles
concerning the early history of this section, much of
which he obtained from personal conversations with
the old settlers. Mrs. McDowell and one daughter
live on the . homestead of Dr. William McDowell.
Other members of the family are scattered in other
parts of the country.*
About 1800, Dr. Cornelius Suydam possessed about
200 acres southwest of the Larger Cross-Roads and
northwest of the McDowell tract. The same is now
owned by William C. Bunn and Isaac Eick.
William Aitell, of New York City, conveyed to
John McFarren, May 5, 1750, 200 acres of land on
the east side of the Allematunk Eiver, and Feb. 29,
1758, sold it to Ann Henry. It is now owned by P.
N. Todd. South from this tract Tunis I. Quick
owned land, coming into possession through his wife,
who was a Voorhees.
Col. James Henry was living about half a mile east
of Lamington in the memory of many of the inhabi-
tants. In 1834 he owned 400 acres a short distance
east of Lamington church, which later he sold to
Dennis Simonson. About 1800 the land in Laming-
ton was mostly owned by Simon Suydam. The Duyc-
kinoks were also early settlers on the east side of the
" High Eoad that leads from Lamington to Piscata-
qua. John is the first of whom any mention is made. "
In 1787 he was possessed of 200 acres, where descend-
ants of the family still reside ; the stone house, over a
hundred years old, is yet standing.
The farm on which George Mullen now resides was
formerly owned by the Rev. James McCrea, probably
before he purchased that on which Peter J. Lane now
resides. He came to Lamington in 1741 as pastor of
the Presbyterian Church, and lived first on the west
side of the river. His son Creighton was also pur-
chaser of a large tract on the east side of the Laming-
ton Biver, about a mile below Lamington. In 1787
the Todd family were owners of considerable land
below Lamington, as follows : Samuel, 100 acres ;
George, 200; Col. William, 170; Capt. John, 80.
They intermarried with several of the early families.
In 1787, James Heath owned 277 acres, and Feb. 6,
* See the McDowell personal sketcheB, at the close of this township
hiBtory.
1790, Daniel Heath sold 109 acres, on Lamington
River, to Jeremiah Fields. William Fields, a son,
now lives on the place, far advanced in years.
In 1787 the Kings owned property in this section on
the river :t Thomas owned 243 acres ; George, 60 ; Na-
than, 90. April 18, 1775, Nathaniel Marston, of New
York, sold to David Henry 286i acres, beginning at
the mouth of Muddy Brook, on the north side of the
Lamington River. The Vandervoorts came into the
township about 1800.
At the junction of the Lamington River and North
Branch is a locality that for many years has been
known as "Burnt Mills," and earlier as "Bromley's."
The locality to-day known as Stillwell's Mills was in
the early settlement called Bromley, and on the estab-
lishment of mills at this point the place was called
New Bromley. The mills were on the south side be-
fore 1755, and were owned by Andrew Leake. At
what time they were burnt not even an approximate
date can be given, as it is beyond the memory of liv-
ing residents. In 1760 a store was kept there, and the
bridge, in the early records, is shown to have been re-
built in 1774. The following inscription was placed
upon a stone in one of the abutments :
" Bromley Bridge, Built at ye expense of ye County of Somerset, 1774.
B. Chambers and J. Gaston, Managers. J. Compton, Builder. "
Long after the mills were burnt a woolen-mill was
erected, and a Mr. Whitehead, with his family, came
there from England and manufactured cloth for sev-
eral years.
The tracts north of the Lesser and Larger Cross-
Roads were Johnston and Willocks, George Leslie,
Peapack patent, a part of which was purchased by
James Parker, of Perth Amboy, John Bryant, Rob-
ert Blair, Andrew Hamilton, and Alexander and
Dunstar. John Bryant owned a portion on the west
side of the township, and also at Peapack. Following
are mentioned some of the leading early families who
settled in this portion.
Johannes or John Melick emigrated, with his wife
and four children, to this country, from the village of
BendorflF, Germany, about 1735, and settled first. on
Leslie's Ridge (now Readington), where he was inter-
ested in a tannery with the Klines. Nov. 1, 1751, he
purchased of George Leslie 367 acres of land on the
east end of the tract of which the Indian title was
â– (â– The following advertisement appeared in The Guardian and New
Brujiswick Advertiser of Dec. 12, 1792:
" The Subscriber respectfully informs his Friends, and the public in
general, that he has erected a Fulling Mill on the place Nathan King
formerly lived, on Lamington River. The person who attends the said
mill lived with John Hardenburgh, Esqr., last seaBon, and is sober, atten-
tive, and master of his business. Any person who will favor him with
their custom may rely upon having their cloth done in the best manner
and with dispatch. Any cloth left at Capt. Daniel Scamp's in Readington,
and at Mr. Caspar Bergen's at Readington Meeting House, and Joseph
Atkinson and Co., Flemington, or at Benjamin Dunham's Mine Brook
Mills, directed to the subscriber, shall be taken, dressed and returned as
quick as possible.
James Alexander."" "
BEDMINSTER.
705
purchased by Dr. John Johnston and George Wil-
locks. This tract extended east to Peapack or Law-
rence Brook and the North Branch ; south to the
north line of the Maj. Daniel Axtell tract, the pres-
ent east-and-west road being then on the line, having
been laid out in 1745 ; north to the north line of the
Indian tract. Mr. Melick immediately built a log
house on the opposite side of the present Melick
House, and during the next year erected the stone
house, which is still standing, occupied by William P.
Sutphin. At the same time, a short distance east of
the stone house, a tannery was built on Peapack
Brook, the ruins of which and of the race are still
visible. Eighteen vats were made below the tannery-
building. The lower part of the dwelling was used
for a drying- and flnishing-room. The children of
Mr. Melick who were born at Bendorff were Aaron,
Fanny, Andrew, and Maria ; Philip and Peter in this
county, on Leslie's Ridge. Aaron married Charlotte
Miller, lived an active life, and died in 1809, aged
eighty-three. * Their children were John, who married
Jane Cornell ; Catharine, who married Peter Perrine ;
Daniel, who married Margaret Gaston and Catharine
La Rue ; Elizabeth ; Margaret, who married Joseph
Gaston ; Maria, who married Solomon Patterson.
Fanny, daughter of John, married Jacob Kline, of
New Germantown, where their descendants are nu-
merous. Jacob Kline, of Kline's Mills, is of the
family. Andrew, son of John, married and removed
to New York City. Maria, daughter of John, mar-
ried Simeon Himrod ; they removed to Trumansburg,
Tompkins Co., N. Y., where their descendants are w;ell
known. Philip, son of John, married Maria King;
their children were Catharine (married James Todd),
David, John (married Mary Todd), Elizabeth (mar-
ried Jacob Van Dyke), Fanny (married Adam Her-
riot), Charlotte, Margaret, Magdalen (married
Vosseller).
Peter, youngest son of John, married Mary Mag-
dalen King ; their children were David (married Mary
Heuston), John (married Jeannette OUphant), and
Catharine (married Enos Mundy). John had a son
Daniel, who had ten children. John married Ann, a
daughter of Capt. Joseph Nevius ; Rosannah married
William J. Todd, who lived west of the homestead
(David M. Todd is a son) ; Mary married Peter Sut-
phin, and had three children, Peter T., William P.,
and Catharine. William P. now lives on the old John
Melick homestead.
The family of Sutphin in this country descended
from one Zutfin who owned a large estate in Holland,
on the site of the present city of Zutphin. The an-
cestor who emigrated to this country settled on Long
Island in the seventeenth century. Guisbert Sutphin,
Sr., was born on Long Island in 1693, and removed to
Monmouth Co., N. J. His son, Guisbert, Jr., was
born in that county, married Ariontje Van Pelt, and
came to Bedminster township about 1743, traveling
with a yoke of oxen and a cart, on which were his
family, household goods, and a chest of carpenter's
tools. He first purchased a tract of land containing
about 300 acres on the Johnson and Willock tract,
including the farms now owned by Matthew Lane
and Isaac Voorhees, and a part of the farm of Mat-
thew P. Lane. This land he sold to his brother-in-
law, Matthias Lane, Sr., about 1745. He then pur-
chased about 300 acres of George Leslie, north of the
Johnston and Willock tract, which he afterwards
sold to John Voorhees, a brother-in-law, who occu-
pied the farm with his descendants till about 1800,
when they removed to the West. A part of this farm
was recently owned by Jacob B. Sanders. Dec. 29,
1749, he purchased lOOJ acres of George, which from
some cause was again conveyed to him, Aug. 30, 1753,
by Stephen Crane, Thomas Clark, and John Crane,
of Elizabeth borough, and two other tracts, con-
taining 79 acres, which by virtue of an Indian pur-
chase and grant to Richard Nichols, Aug. 11, 1749,
had come into the possession of the borough. This
land is now owned by Amos 0. Sutphin and Sering
Dunham. May 10, 1754, he also purchased 68 acres
north of Derrick Longstreet, which had been pur-
chased by him of Andrew and Dr. Lewis Johnston
in June, 1749. May 30, 1751, he bought 221S- acres of
Dr. Lewis Johnston and Andrew Johnston, north of
his other purchase ; this tract became divided among
his sons and daughters. Here he lived during the
stormy scenes of the Revolution, in which he bore an
active part. His death occurred in 1796; he was
buried in Bedminster churchyard. After the death
of his wife, in 1788, he married Petrenelly Voorhees..
In 1787 he was in possession of 338 acres, and Guis-
bert Sutphin (2d) who married his daughter, 105
acres. The children by his first wife were Gertie, who
married Guisbert Sutphin, and who on the 11th of Au-
gust, 1799, purchased of Dr. Lewis Johnston and
Andrew Johnston two tracts of land, one, beginning
at Middlebrook on the easterly side, containing 76
acres, the other a tract "by the southerly line of Geo.
Leslie and north of land lately sold by Andrew and Dr.
Lewis Johnston to Derrick Longstreet," containing
79 acres. This land is now occupied by William
Heath. Catharine married Cornelius Powelson and
lived in the northern part of the town. John mar-
ried Sarah, a daughter of Ralph Phenix, and removed
to Cherry Valley. Nellie married Robert Blair, Esq.,
who settled west of the Sutphin homestead, and in
1787 owned 202 acres. They had two children, Peter
and John; the last was the father of the Rev. Robert
J. Blair. Peter Blair, of Bernard, is also a son. The
land was afterwards sold to the Barclays, and is now
in the possession of Peter S. Tiger. Capt. Peter Sut-
phin married Caty, a daughter of Stephen Hunt.
Their children were Stevens, Arthur, Peter, Gilbert,
William, and Catharine. Arthur married Rachel
'Suydam, a sister of Dr. Cornelius Suydam. He rep-
resented the district two terms in the Legislature, was
justice of the peace ten years and surrogate of the
706
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
county five years. Stephen married Mary Dunham
and lived on part of the old homestead. Peter married
Mary Melick. After the death of his wife Mary he
married Sarah, the daughter of Capt. William Smith,
who settled north of Capt. Peter, who lived on the
old homestead. William married Elizabeth, daughter
of Jacob Locey, of Pluckamin. Gilbert married Jane
Crater. Amos C. Sutphin now lives on his father's
farm, which is the old homestead of Guisbert Sut-
phin. Peter G. lives on the farm west. Rev. Morris
C. was a Presbyterian clergyman. Catharine married
Minnah Powelson, of New York City. The sons of
Peter Sutphin by his first wife were Dr. Peter T., a
physician in practice at the Lesser Cross-Eoads, and
William P., living on the old Melick homestead ; the
latter was in the Assembly of the State in 1873-74.
Arthur P. and David M. are sons by Sarah Smith, and
are both living at Somerville.
John Van Doren, of Monmouth Co., N. J., in 1756
married his cousin, Agnita Schenck, daughter of Eu-
loff, and purchased a large tract of land on the west
side of Peapack Brook, about 1760, of Dr. John John-
ston. His sous were Jacob, William, and Eulofi".
William married Rachel, daughter of Guisbert Long-
street, of Squam. After her death he removed to
Peapack, and there married Mary Hunt. His sons,
Jacob and Gilbert, lived there until recently. Aaron,
a brother of John, married a daughter of John
Schenck, and on Dec. 23, 1766, purchased on an agree-
ment 175 acres of land of his brother John. Later
(in 1769), Aaron purchased 178 acres of John, on the
upper end of the town, and built a house west of Lewis
Van Doren's present residence. William A. Van
Doren inherited a part of his father's property, and
purchased additional land. His son Lewis now lives
in the house his father erected in 1814. Jacob Van
Doren owned 240 acres in 1787.
The Barclay family were in the township at a very
early time; they were descendants of the Barclay who
was one of the proprietors of East Jersey. In 1787
they were in possession of large tracts of land : Eob-
ert, 200 acres ; Hugh, 252 ; John, 110. This land was
north of the Larger Cross-Eoads. James Parker, of
Perth Amboy, purchased a large tract in the north
part of the township ; it was sold to different parties,
and has passed through many hands. The land on
the east side of Peapack or Lawrence Brook, in the
north part of the township, was largely purchased
by Hugh Gaston, Sr. ; it consisted of 300 or 400 acres,
and extended from the Peapack road over to the
Branch. He had one son, Hugh, Jr. In 1787, Hugh
Gaston owned 300 acres, and Robert Gaston, 20.
Hugh Gaston, Sr., probably purchased between
1750 and 1760 ; the name first appears in 1764, in the
record of a road laid from the ford on North Branch
to the Black River road. Gaston died in 1772, aged
eighty-five. His son Hugh married Mary, daughter'
of David Kirkpatrick, of Bernardstown ; he died in
1808, aged seventy-five. In 1812 the large property
was sold by the heirs of Dickinson Miller, attorney,
to Nicholas Joroleman, whose heirs sold to Moses
Craig. A part of it is in possession of Dr. Ed-
ward Perry, whose wife is a daughter of Moses Craig.
John Bryant owned a large tract on the west side of
the Peapack road, opposite the lower portion of Pea-
pack village and south of Van Doren's now known
as Joroleman's Mills a mill was erected at some re-
mote time. Of this property, 260 acres were pur-
chased in 1808 by Nicholas Joroleman, who removed
from Hillsborough. His son Daniel came with him
when fourteen, and is still living in Peapack.
The Potter family were residents along the Lam-
ington River as early as 1740, owning land on both
sides. Some of their descendants are still living.
Robert, Nicholas, and Col. Jonathan Potter are men-
tioned; Samuel and Sebring are sons of Col. Jona-
than. The latter remained at Pottersville ; Samuel
removed to the Larger Cross-Roads. In 1787, Na-
thaniel Potter was in possession of 81 acres ; Samuel,
75 ; Isaac, 75.
The Castner family were also settlers in the north
part of the township. In 1756 the names of John
Castner and John, Jr., Peter, James, and Mary, widow,
appear on records, but in 1787 the name does not
appear on the assessment-roll as owning any real
estate. Widow Castner is taxed on personal prop-
erty. In 1768, Valentine Rynehart was in possession
of 122 acres, which he had purchased some years pre-
vious. His land adjoined Robert Barclay's, cornered
on that of Thomas Berry, and touched the line of the
Axtell tract. His son John, whose son Martin
lives east of Pottersville, inherited the property.
He may have owned other land south of the residence
of Martin Rynehart. Thomas Berry was for many
years a justice of the peace, and was active in the
Revolution. In 1787 he owned 225 acres. None of
the family name are now in the township.
The name of Craig was a familiar one among the
old settlers on the west side of the township from
about 1740, John Craig being the first mentioned. May
20, 1775, Moses Craig, Sr., sold 201 acres to Simon
Hagaman, north from where " Craig's Brook empties
into the Allemantunk,'' adjoining land of Andrew
Johnston. A tract containing 875 acres was pur-
chased in January, 1741, by Andrew Hamilton, south
of this land of Johnston's. The tract purchased the
same year by Alexander and Dunstar comprises the
site of Lamington. In 1745 one Roseburg owned the
land that afterwards descended to one of the Henrys,
who married a daughter. The family of Henry,
among whom were Daniel and Michael, as early as
1751, were possessors of large tracts in this section.
[John Adams, John and James O'Hara and others were
adjoining their lands at the time. Jeremiah Halsey
owned 105 acres on the east bank of the Allematunk,
which he sold Feb. 24, 1772, to John Demund, after-
wards owned by Rev. William Boyd, and known as the
parsonage lot.] In 1787 this family were in pos-
BEDMINSTER.
707
session of an immense tract, as follows : Daniel Henry,
213 acres; James, 440; Robert, 200. Michael Henry
was a lawyer in New York City. Dr. Robert E. was
also one of this family ; he was a physician of much
celebrity.*
Alexander Linn was a prominent citizen in the
township and county. James Linn represented the
district in Congress when Aaron Burr and Thomas
Jefferson were rival candidates for the Presidency,
and his vote elected the latter.f The name occurs in
records in 1756. Alexander died in 1776, and James
in 1821. John and Joseph Linn each own 150 acres
near the centre of the township. It is probable that
the Linn property adjoining the township line at
Mine Brook was the homestead of Alexander.
Near the Lamington Eiver, about two miles south
of Pottersville and half a mile from Vliettown, on the
farm now owned by Mrs. William H. Vliet, lived,
during the later years of his life, John Honeyman,J
the head of the family of that name in this vicinity
and in the State. Born in Armagh, Ireland, in 1729,
the son of a Scotchman who had emigrated thither,?
and whose ancestors had a coat-of-arms|| for valor in
the days of chivalry, he emigrated to America in
1758, in the English frigate " Boyne," as a soldier in
the English army in the French and Indian war.
Gens. Abercrombie and Wolfe were with him, and
during the voyage he saved Gen. Wolfe's life by his
great muscular power,1[ for which he was rewarded by
being made one of Wolfe's body-guard. When the
latter fell at Quebec, his faithful friend, whose clothes
were stained with Wolfe's blood, bore him from the
field. After the war he went to Philadelphia, mar-
ried Mary Henry, an Irish girl from Coleraine, Ire-
land, and there met Washington, whose spy he be-
came, with the results stated in the chapter on Frank-
lin township. During the Revolution he resided at
Griggstown, and was a weaver. Having a wife and
seven children to support, he was necessarily kept in
moderate circumstances ; but, as a result of his valu-
able services to Washington, he received, it is be-
lieved, compensation sufficient to purchase the two
farms he owned in Bedminster township.** One of
* See page 599 of this work.
t See chapter " Prominent Men of Somerset Ciounty," pp. 637-38.
t This sketch of the Honeyman family is contributed by A. V. D.
Honeyman.
g An examination of the parish records at Armagh, made in 1874 by
the writer, failed to show any baptisms or other mention of the name ;
the inference, therefore, is that the son was horn in Scotland before the
father's emigration to Ireland.
II Described as follows : " Ar., a bend., engr. and voided gn. Crest, an
arrow in pale, point downwards." There was another : " Ar., three
bendlets, each cotised, engr. on the outer side, gu." In Scotland the
name was sometimes spelled Sonynian. So Justice George Honyman, of
the English Court of Common Pleas, London, who deceased two years
since, spelled it.
T The general tripped on the stairway, and Honeyman's strong arm
saved him.
** Says Judge Van Dyke, in his letter concerning John Honeyman,
published in the " In Memoriam of Dr. Honeyman," 1874, which is our
. authority for the latter statement : " He had them" [the farms] " both
these, the homestead farm, known as the " Peapack
patent, lot No. 19," contained 212J acres, and was
purchased of John Bryant and Robert Blair, Jan. 4,
1793 ; the other contained 166^ acres, and was pur-
chased March 20, 1794, of James Parker, of Amboy.
The first cost £500 ; the latter, £742 M. ; in the
whole, about $4000. He had never made this money
weaving, his real life-occupation.
John Honeyman resided on the farm of 212J acres
from the date of its purchase, early in 1793, until his
death, Aug. 18, 1822, at the age of ninety-three. His
wife Mary preceded him to the grave twenty years
before, dying June 24, 1801, aged sixty-three. Their
children were Jane, who was never married ; Eleanor,
who married Abraham Porter and early removed to
Western New York; Margaret, wife of William
Henry, and subsequently of George Armstrong ;tt
John, who married Catharine Covert ; Mary, wife of
Matthias Lane ; James, who married Mary Miller, of
Warren County ; Sarah, wife of Abraham Van Dyke,
mother of Judge John Van Dyke, well known in
Somerset County.
By this it will appear that his two male children,
John and James, were those through whom the fam-
ilies of that name in Bedminster, Bridgewater, and
Tewksbury townships have issued.
John had seven children, William E., John,
James, Peter, Abram V. D., Jane, and Mary. The
descendants of the five sons are mostly in Bedminster
and Bridgewater townships. The Honeymans at
Plainfield and Newark also belong to this branch.
James had four children, John (Dr. John Honey-
man, of New Germantown, for sketch of whom see
p. 221, this volume) ; Robert M., who also settled
at New Germantown, a merchant; Mary Ann, wife
of Peter Fisher ; and Margaret, who married Simon
Van Vliet, the mother of Mrs. William Duyckinck,
near Lamington.
The name is not a common one in this country, and
its origin is unknown. In Scotland the family is
more numerous, there being many of them in the
Glasgow and Edinburgh directories, and half a dozen
in London. Michael Honeyman, Esq., of Glasgow,
with whom the writer of this article has corresponded,
uses the same family crest, and has been interested in
the family history, but has as yet been unable to find
the name of the emigrant to Armagh.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.
About 1745, Matthias Lane, Sr., of Monmouth
County, persuaded by his brother-in-law, Guisbert
Sutphin, removed to Bedminster and purchased 300
acres, now owned by Matthew Lane, Isaac P. Voor-
hees, and part of the farm of Matthew P. Lane.
Land adjoining was later purchased, and, in 1787,
paid for. He owed nobody; and I remember . . , hearing my father and
mother conversing about his property, which they valued at $11,000."
The judge was his grandson,
ft They Ijved at the head of Honeyman's Lane.
708
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Matthias Lane, Sr., was in possession of 200 acres ;
Matthias, Jr., 306; Matthias Lane, 120; Garret, 127;
Matthew, 100. The last mentioned was at this time
a merchant at Pluckamin.
Martin Bunn was not a very early settler, having
moved in after the Eevolution. In 1787 he was the
owner of 206 acres in the west part of the township,
now owned by John Bunn, a grandson. He had three
sons Morris, Conrad, and William and two daugh-
ters, Mary and Elizabeth. Morris lived a mile south
of Lamington, where he died; he was buried in Lam-
ington churchyard. One of his sons lives on the
homestead of his father ; Conrad inherited the home-
stead of Martin Bunn, and had many children ; Mar-
tin, the eldest son, lives at Lesser Cross-Eoads ;
William owned property at Larger Cross-Koads, now
belonging to C. C. Suydam.
Before 1763, Robert Allen purchased 112 acres on
the east side of Lawrence or Peapack Brook, and in
1787 owned 212 acres; John, 50; Eobert, Jr., 107.
Joseph Doren lived in that section in 1764, and in
1787 owned 200 acres. The family were there many
years. William Logan was also an early settler at
Peapack ; in 1787 he owned 50 acres a little northeast
of the village. He was a blacksmith. His son John
was captain of a company in the Somerset brigade
in 1814 ; the family are still living in the township.
The land in the north part of the township was first
purchased by Dr. John Johnston. The earliest pur-
chase from that time of which any record is obtained
was on March 18, 1757, when Andrew Johnston,
William Skinner, and Dr. Lewis Johnston, executors
of the last will and testament of Dr. John Johnston,
and Mary Alexander, wife of James Alexander and
daughter of Dr. John Johnston, sold a small tract of
12 acres to Garret Van Derveer, who afterwards sold
to John Smalley.
Stephen Hunt was a colonel in the Eevolutionary
army from this township, and owned property near
Peapack, and later down at the mouth of Peapack
Brook, where he tunneled the hill from North Branch
to Peapack 'for a greater supply of water ; this is
known as "Hunt's Folly." It was afterwards sold to
Nicholas Arrowsmith, who came on after the Eevolu-
tion, and in 1787 owned 76 acres ; he married Ellen
Sutphin. Among his children were Ann, who married
David Magee, whose son is the Hon. William J.
Magee, assistant judge of the Superior Court. Wil-
liam Arrowsmith married Mary Jeroleman. Louise,
the daughter of William, married Cornelius W.
Schomp. They settled on the homestead ; Mrs.
Schomp is still living there. Her son, Cornelius W.,
is in possession of the homestead and the mill prop-
erty. He was elected to the Assembly of the State
from his district, Nov. 2, 1880. His father, Cornelius W.
Schomp, was also member of the Legislature in 1855-
56. Eobert Gaston afterwards purchased the Allen
tract of 112.19 acres at the junction of Lawrence or
Peapack Brook and North Branch. Eobei-t Allen
owned this land in 1765, and built a mill on the site of
Schomp's Mill. Eobert Gaston sold to Stephen Hunt.
On account of the scarcity of water to supply both
the grist- and saw-mill and the bark-mill of Melick's,
across the stream, Mr. Hunt conceived the idea of
tunneling the ridge, and by a race from the North
Branch to furnish sufficient water for all purposes.
Accordingly, a tunnel was cut through the shale,
about 100 yards in length, 4 feet broad, and about 6
feet high. A dam was also built across the North
Branch. The scheme was successful in its results,
but it ruined him financially.
Jacob and William Wolf were located in the north-
west part of the township in 1773. Jacob owned 142
acres; William, 70. The family are still residents of
the township. The Tigers are settlers of a later date.
The family of Nevius were early settlers in the
township of Franklin, and in 1787 three of the name
were landowners. Christian owned 208 acres ; Peter,
160 ; Albert, 108. These seem to have been of a dif-
ferent branch of the family from Capt. Joseph Nevius,
who came into the township in 1815.
There are many other families whose ancestors-
came in at an early time, but of whom little has been
obtained.
EARLY EOADS.
No records of roads are obtainable in the township,
they having been burned, as before stated. The high-
ways from Bound Brook to Peapack and from Lam-
ington to the " Great Eoad" appear to have been the
earliest opened. In an old book of record in the
county clerk's office we find that, Sept. 18, 1744, a
road was ordered opened which began " at a four-rod
road that leads from Bound Brook betwixt the moun-
tain at a black-oak tree standing at ye mouth of
William McDaniels' lane" ; it ran "down the hill by
the salt ponds" and past McDaniels' Mills till it in-
tersected Peapack Eoad. The tract of land purchased
by William McDaniels was situated at what is now
known as Kline's Mills. The boys of forty years ago
well remember the "Old Bridge Hole" as a famous
fishing-place, and the ruins of an old bridge is re-
membered by many as being opposite the house of
George Stevens. The course of the old road has been
changed somewhat.
A road was laid out from the township line at the
Demond bridge, east of Lesser Cross-Eoads, westerly
through Larger Cross-Eoads to the " High Eoad" from
Lamington to Piscataqua in October, 1746.
Aug. 19, 1755, a petition was presented to the sur-
veyors to lay out a " four-rod road from Mr. Andrew
Leake's mill to Pluckamin town."*
There were many other roads laid and re-laid in
the early days,t but the above mentioned are the most
prominent. The reader is also referred to the chapter
on early roads in the general history of this county.
* See p. 33, old record of roads, clerk's office, Somerville.
t See pp. 8, 10, 21, 22, 33, 66, etc., old road book, clerk's office, Somer-
BEDMINSTER.
709
TAVERNS.
The oldest tavern in the township of Bedminster
was doubtless that of Jacob Eoff, at Pluckamin ; tra-
dition gives the date of its erection as 1750. He kept
the tavern through the momentous scenes of the Eev-
olution, and Pluckamin, although to-day off from
main lines of travel and an unimportant place, was
in that time a centre of interest. A committee of the
Council of Safety met at the old tavern, and many of
the prominent men of the country were in the habit
of gathering there. The idea has obtained from arti-
cles heretofore published that Christian Eoff kept the
tavern at that time, but, as he was not born till 1762,
it is not likely he was landlord at thirteen years of
age.* He was an inveterate joker, and many are the
stories related of him.f The site of the old tavern is
where the house of Joseph Nevius now stands in
Pluckamin. It was discontinued as a tavern and oc-
cupied by Cornelius Eoff, a brother of Christian Eoff,
as a residence. A tavern was built on the site of the
present one, and kept by Christian Eoff for many
years, and when the old tavern (sometimes called the
â– " Barracks," from its being a long, low building) was
torn down, the present tavern building was erected by
James Herriot. Christian Eoff had great influence
with the court officials ; his friend across the way
failed to obtain a license, and the house was never
used for that purpose.
John Sutphen kept one of the taverns at Larger
Cross-Roads during the war, and was a spy for Wash-
ington. When the army was on the way to the South,
a short time before the capture of Cornwallis, the
officers and staff dined here. While Gens. Knox,
Wayne, Maxwell, and others gave way to pleasantry
over their wine, Washington remained silent and
thoughtfal at the head of the table. Lucy Smith has
told Peter Sutphen that her grandmother, Sarah
Phoenix Sutphen, the landlady, watched him taking
bread-crumbs between his thumb and finger and
grinding them to powder in his abstractedness, his
restless fingers keeping motion to the workings of
his brain, that then and there was organizing the
glorious victory which shortly followed.
The American wagon-master kept his horses in
Sutphen's stable. To get into the enemy's camp and
find out their plans Sutphen played the horse-thief.
In concert with the wagon-master, they got Simon,
a negro of Gisbert Sutphen, to break open the stable-
door and assist in taking the horses to a thicket,
where they were hid for three days, the men in the
American camp being told they had been stolen.
The negro, who afterwards told the story, said that
he carried them hay in the darkness of night for fear
of being discovered. Sutphen, watching his oppor-
tunity, took the horses to the British, sold them, got
* In the record of tavern licenses in the county clerk's oflicc, Christian
EofTa name first appears as having been granted in the April term,
1791
f See A. W. McDowell's article in " Our Home," 1873.
into their camp, and obtained on the sly the informa-
tion he wanted. Many other similar stories are told
of the cunning inventions of this man to learn the
movements of the enemy.J Township elections were
held at this tavern.
In 1797 another tavern was kept, across the road,
by John Finley, in 1798-99 by Jacob Hoppook, and
in 1800 by John D. Van Duyn ; later it was kept by
Joseph Stevens. The Sutphen tavern stood on the
site of the present residence of David Dunham, the
Finley tavern where Zachariah Flommerfelt now
lives. No tavern has been kept at the Larger Cross-
Eoads for over forty years. John Melick kept a tavern
at Lesser Cross-Eoads ; his first license was granted
in 1786. He remained as late as 1801, and was suc-
ceeded by Capt. William Fulkerson (a noted cavalry
officer from Virginia), who remained at this place till
1814
The tavern has had many landlords from that time.
It is now kept by George Beavers. A tavern was
also kept at Lamington in an early day, of which but
little is known except that after the Sunday services
the people usually gathered there and partook of
cake and beer.
TOWNSHIP OKGANIZATION.
No positive evidence of the date of organization of
the township can be obtained, as the books and
papers, together with the charter, were burned about
1845 in the fire that destroyed the residence of Aaron
Longstreet, of Lamington, then township clerk.
There is no doubt but that the charter was from the
king and bore date about the same time as that of
the township of Bridgewater, which was in 1749.
The subscription-list which is found in the history of
St. Paul's Lutheran Church bears date " Bedminster-
town, December ye 7th, 1756. . . . For building a
church in Bedminstertown," and contains many of
the family names of Bedminster at that time.
An election was held in 1797 at the tavern-house of
John Finley, innkeeper, at the Larger Cross-Eoads,
at the same place in 1798-99, then kept by Jacob
Hoppock, and in 1800, then the house of John D.
Van Duyn.
The civil list of the township is here given from
1845 (the date of the earliest existing records) to the
present time :
TOWN OLEEKS.
1846-46, Aaron Longstreet; 1847-48, Benjamin E. Honnell; 1849-60,
William J. Todd; 1861-52, Frederick H. Kennedy; 1863, Henry
Honeyman ; 1864-56, David M. Todd ; 1866-61, William P. Sutphin ;
1862-63, William H. Todd ; 1864-66, William P. Sutphin ; 1867, David
M. Todd; 1868, William P. Sutphin; 1869-73, Wilbur T. Wilson;
1874, David M. Sutphin ; 1875, 0. B. Messier; 1876-79, Brastus Kan-
dall ; 1880, George H. Logan,
CHOSEN FBEEHOLDEBS.
1846, Henry Sloan, Derrick Lane ; 1846-47, Stephen H. Sutphin, Samuel
Potter ; 1848-49, David G. Schomp, William Wortman ; 1860-51, Ben-
jamin E. Honnell, Peter J. Lane ; 1862-63, Cor nelius M. Wyckotf ;
% Many interesting reminiscences were gathered in 1870 by Jacob
Magill, of the Newark Journal, some of which are here reproduced.
710
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1854-65, William J. Torld; 18615-57, Benjamin E. Honnell ; 18B6-69,
William J. Todd ; 1860-61, Chambers D. Tuniaon ; 1862-63, Samuel
Potter; 1864-65, Benjamin K. Honnell; 1866-67, Cornelius S. Sut-
phin; 1868-69, Morris M. Crater; 1870-73, Benjamin E. Honnell;
1874-75, Peter J. Lane; 1S7G-77, Peter S. Tiger; 1878-79, Austin
Clark ; 1880, Isaac Voorhees.
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1845, Aaron Longstreet, Abraham A, Ten Eyck, William J. Todd, Cor-
nelius W. Schomp, Peter Garretson ; 1846, James J. Todd, Adam
Reger, David Apgar, Peter Latourette, Peler Garretson ; 1847, James
J. Todd, Adam Eeger, David Apgar, Peter Latourette, John D. Kline ;
1848, David W. Dillioker, John D, Kline, Morris P. Crater, William
Ten Eyck, Cornelius W. Schomp ; 1849, Morris P. Crater, John D.
Wortman, Peter Melick, William Ten Eyck, Cornelius W. Schomp ;
1850, John D. Wortman, Peter Melick, Frederick H. Kennedy, Nich-
olas Tiger, Aaron Longstreet ; 1851, A. A. Ten Eyck, Samuel Potter,
Frederick H. Kennedy, Nicholas Tiger, Aaron Longstreet; 1S52,
Erederick H. Kennedy, Aaron Longstreet, Abraham A. Ten Eyck ;
1853, William J. Todd, Cornelius W. Schomp, Samuel Potter;
1854, David W. Dellicker, Cornelius W. Schomp, Samuel Potter;
1855, David W. Dellicker, Abraham A Ten Eyck, Arthur V. P. Sut-
phin; 1856, Cornelius M. Wyckoff, Abraham A. Ten Eyck, Arthur
T. P. Sutpbin ; 1867, Arthur V. P. Sutphin, William J. Todd, Abra-
ham A. Ten Eyck ; 1858, Arthur V. P. Sutphin, Peter Honeyman,
Daniel C. Powelson ; 1869, Arthur V. P. Sutphin, George Lawshe,
Peter Honeyman; 1860, Cornelius W, Schomp, Barnabas H. Horton,
George Lavpshe; 1861, Cornelius W. Schomp, Barnabas H. Horton,
Theodore Allen ; 1862, Benjamin E. Honnell, Lewie Van Doren, The-
odore Allen ; 1863, Benjamin E. Honnell, Lewis Van Doren, William
S. Potter ; 1864-65, William C. Potter, Cornelius S. Sutphin, Barnabas
H. Horton; 1866, Benjamin E. Honnell, Theodore Allen, Peter S.
Tiger; 1867, Benjamin B. Honnell, Peter S. Tiger, William S. Pot-
ter; 1868, Cornelius W. Schomp, Benjamin E. Honnell, Horace Van
Derbeck; 1869, Horace A. Van Derbeck, Philip M. Crater, William
P. Sutphin; 1870-72, Horace A. Van Derbeck, Philip M. Crater,
David M.Todd; 1873-74, David M. Todd, John Poole, George P.
Vroom ; 1875, Theodore Allen, John Poole, George P. Vroom ; 1876,
Benjamin E. Honnell, Horace A. Van Derbeck, Charles L. Layton ;
1877, Austin Clark, David B. Melick, Benjamin E. Honnell ; 1878,
Ellas Philhower, John Eodman, Isaac Voorhees, George W, Mullen,
David E. Melick; 1879, George W. Mullen, John Eodman, Isaac
Voorhees, George P. Vroom ; 1880, Peter S. Tiger, John Eodman,
Ealph Davenport.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1850, Ellas D. Lawrence, Jacob Losey; 1876, David M. Todd, Horace A.
Van Derbeck, John M. Brown ; 1880, Horace A. Van Derbeck, David
M. Todd.
SUEVEYOES OF HIGHWAYS.
1846, John Wortman, Jr., David Dunham ; 1846, William J. Van Doren,
Samuel Sloan; 1847, William Wortman, Marten Latourette; 1848-
49, John Tiger, Derrick Lane; 1850, Jonathan F. Van Deventer,
Simon J. Vleet ; 1851, Peter Garretson, Simon J. Vleet ; 1852, Wil-
liam Wortman, Simon J. Vleet; 1853, William Wortman, Aaron
Longstreet; 1854, John Wortman, Jr., John M. Wyckoff; 1856-57,
John Wortman, Jr., John B. Demund ; 1858, John B. Demnnd, C. S.
Sloan ; 1859-60, John W. Demund, Andrew J. Gulick ; 1861-62, John
Wortman, Simon J. Vleet ; 1863-67, Jacob V. D. Powelson, Austen
Clark; 1868-71, Jacob V. D. Powelson, Peter F. Hill ; 1872-73, Jacob
V. D. Powelson, John G. Schomp ; 1874-75, Jacob V. D. Powelson,
Charles L. Layton ; 1876-78, Joseph D. Nevius, Cornelius M. Wyck-
off; 1879, Joseph D. Nevius, Nathan Compton; 1880, Amos C. Sut>
phin, Eobert E. Nevius.
ASSESSOES.
1846, Ealph Davenport ; 1846-47, David Dunham ; 1848-49, Samuel Sloan ;
1860, John Van Derveer; 1851-52, David W. Dellicker; 1853-54,
Peter Kline ; 1855-61, Ealph Davenport ; 1862-63, W. P. Sutphin ;
1864-66, Ealph Davenport ; 1867-68, John G. Schomp ; 1869-72, Jacob
Kline; 1873-75, Horace A. Vanderbeok ; 1876-78, John G. Schomp;
1879-80, William P. Sutijhin.
C0LLECT0E3.
1845, Morris P. Crater; 1846, Cornelius W. Schomp; 1847-48, Moses
Craig; 1849-50, David W. Dellicker; 1861-52, John G. Schomp;
1863, Elias D. Lawrence ; 1854, Peter Honeyman ; 1855-56, Samuel
Potter; 1857-58, John G. Schomp; 1859-60, Theodore Allen; 1861-
62, Amos T. Foster; 1883, Nicholas P. Todd; 1864-65, Theodore
Allen; 1806-79, Amos T. Foster; 1880, Theodore Allen.
A list of the votes taken Oct. 10 and 11, 1797, at the
house of John Finley, innkeeper, at the Cross-Roads in
Bedminster, for council, assembly, sheriff, and coro-
ners:
John Mehelm, Abraham Metaney, Giddean Lyon, Jesse Skillinger, Mat-
thias Lane, Daniel Avan, Aaron Melick, Garret Voorhees, William
McEwen, Esq., John Wortman, Eobert Chapman, John Logan, John
Demund, Eobert Henry, Guisbert Sutphin, Thomas Stout, Esq., John
Whelch, David Dunam, Hugh Gaston, Hugh Barkley, William Van
Dorn, Matthias Lane, Sr., John Henry, Peter Lane, Samuel Dunam,
Daniel Grandin, Esq., Henry Stone, Alfred Hared, Morris Lane, Cor-
nelius Van Nest, William Perrine, Aaron Van Dorn, Martin Hines,
Capt. Samuel Potter, William McDonald, Jr., Job Lane, William
Wolf, Philip Van Arsdale, James Wolf, Col. William Todd, Thomas
King, Matthew Lane, Gilbert Lane, Hugh Maclure, Thomaa Whalen,
Matthew McDowell, John McWilms, Cornelius Sidam, Maj. J,
Henry, John Van Voorhees, Meahan Powelson, John King, Andrew
Vosselar, John McBride, Capt. John Todd, Isaac Van Dorn, Matthew
Lane, Jr., Simon Hagaman, Abraham Brown, James Van Derveer,
David Cochran, Henry Stevens, William Dowe, Thomas Willett, John
Berry, Albert Johnston, Sylvenus Young, John Sidam, James Kelly,
Eichard McDonald, Abraham Scank, John Honeman, Jr., William
Smith, Abraham I. Voorhees, John Steal, James Van Dyke, William
Willett, Eobert Eobertson, William Aiken, Marten Bunn, John A.
Hagaman, Enoch Hunt, John Barkley, Jacob Van Nostrant, Christ-
ian Eoff, Nicholas Arrowsmith, Esq., Benjamin Babcock, JohnTeeple,
Jonathan Sutfin, Morris Bird, Cornelius Powelson, Eev. William
Boyd, William Henry, Daniel Henry, John Vleet, John Arvin,
Gerome Van Nest, John Teeple, Sr., Eichard Boman, John Hagamam,
Isaiah Sharp, David Bird, Hendrick Field, Johannes Voorhees, Eobert
Aaron, John Miseenor, William Arvin, Cristofer Misner, Dr. William
McKissac, George Todd, Samuel Perry, John Barkley, Jacob Vande-
venter, John Bird, Guisbert Van Dorn, Edde Demund, Mical Auble,
Joseph Annin, Esq., Robert Blair, Esq., Samuel Boylan, Albert
Nevius, Peter Sutfln, John Finley, John Todd, William McClure,
Levi Sutton, David Misner, John Bryan, Esq.
The vote cast in the township at the above election
was 152; in 1800, 192; 1809, 154.
The following is taken frona the assessment-roll of
1787, and gives the names of persons living in the
township, the number of acres owned by each, and
the amount of tax paid, in pounds, shillings, and
pence :
£ t. d.
Eobert Allen, 212 acres 3 11 8
John Allen, 50 acres 8 7
Eobert Allen, Jr., 107 acres 16 4
Nicholas Arrowsmith, 76 acres 2 3 1
William Auble, 80 acres 1 15 xi
Eobert Barclay, 200 acres 5 3 10
Hugh Barclay, 252 acres 7 13
John Barclay, 110 acres 2 17 6
Eobert Blair, 202 acres 4 12
Thomas Barry, Esq., 215 acres 5 16
Eev. William Boyd, 103 acres 4 2
Morris Bird, 60 acres 1 10 2
John Bryan, "221 acres -, .',.." 10 6 10
Philip Bright, 140 acres 2 15 7
Hugh Bailey. 90 acres 1 10 6
Abraham Brown, 10 acres 14 4
Luke Bellows, 30 acres 13 IV
Martin Bunn, 206 acres 4 9 1
Eobert Cliapman, 160 acres 2 13 2
John Chapman, 50 acres 12 6
Peter Colshe, 142 acres 5 4 5
John Coats, 32 acres 10 1
William Coats, 33 acres ".'.'..", 1 Q 1
Henry Cnes, 103 acres 2 6 6
John Cline, 200 acres 4 19 8
Joseph Doren, 200 acres '.*.."..'.'.! 2 9 4
Peter Dicker, 58 acres 1 5 10
John Demout, 286 acres ',.'."'... 6 8 5
John Dikins (Dnyckinck), 200 acres 3 7 1
Christian Eoff, 190 acres 6 7
Thomas Elston, 12i acres 3 10
Abraham Emmons, 200 acres 4 15 10
Christian Filomely, 100 acres 2 13 S
BEDMINSTER.
711
Jacob Filomely, 96 acres 1
Hugh Gaston, 300 acres 7
Robei-t Gaston, Esq., 20 acres 3
Baniel Henry, 213 acres 5
James Henry, 440 acres 12
Robert Henry, 200 acres 5
Alford Heriot, 132 acres 3
Simon Hagaman, 200 acres 5
Adrian Hagaman, 200 acres 4
Widow Hunt, 82 acres 2
Stephen Hunt, 82 acres 1
James Heath, 277 acres 6
Thomas King, 243 acres 6
George King, 60 acres 1
Nathan King, 90 acres 7
Garret Lane, 197 acres 4
Cornelius Lane, 125 acres 4
Matthias Lane, Sr., 200 acres 5
Matthias Lane, Jr., 306 acres 8
Daniel Lawrence, 156 acres 3
John Linn, 150 acres 3
Joseph Linn, 150 acres 2
Matthias Lane, 120 acres 3
William Logan, 76 acres 2
Susannah Lake, 30 acres
Peter Low, 282 acres 8
Mrs. Lafi'ert3% 174 acres 4
Matthew Lane, 100 acres 8
Kichard McDonald, 470 acres 13
William McEwen,136 acres 3
John McDowel, 120 acres 2
Matthew McDowel, 200 acres 6
William McDowel, 106 acres 7
Aaron Mealick, 200 acres 7
James M.unen,132 acres 4
John Mealick, 97 acres 3
William McKissick, 50 acres 2
Christian Nevius, 208 acres 3
Peter Nevius, 160 acres 3
Albert Nevius, 188 acres 4
John Powelson, 100 acres 3
CorneliuB Powelson, 210 acres 5
Mannah Powelson, 50 acres 1
Nathaniel Porter, 81 acres 3
Kalph Pbenix, 250 acres 6
Abraham Powelson, 235 acres 4
Henry Powelson, lu5 acres 2
Samuel Potter, 75 acres 1
Isaac Potter, 75 acres 1
Guisbert Sutfin, 338 acres 7
Guisbert Sutfin, Jr., 105 acres 2
John Sutfin, 80 acres 3
John Smily, 11 acres
Henry Sloan, 370 acres 9
Martin Stine, 300 acres 6
Amos Sutfin, 150 acres 2
William Smith, 20 acres
Jonathan Sutton, 150 acres 2
Samuel Todd, 100 acres 2
George Todd, 200 acres 4
William Todd, 170 acres 5
John Todd, 80 acres 2
John Teeple, 50 acres 2
Peter Teeple, 40 acres
David Traphagen, 100 acres 2
John Taylor, 11 acres
James Van Derveer, 665 acres 16
Jacob Van Doren, 240 acres 6
Aaron Tan Dorn, 121 acres ^
Christopher Van Deventer, 30 acres 2
John Voorhees, 156 acres 4=
Hans Voorhees, 186 acres *
Matthew Webb, 49 acres 1
Cornelius Van Nest, 149 acres 3
Philip Van Arsdalen, 64 acres 3
Henry Van Arsdalen, 20 acres
Abraham V. Voorhees. 156 acres 3
William V. Kirk, 228 acres J
William H. Van Arsdalen, 50 acres 1
James Van Dike, H5 acres 1
Abraham Van Nest, 127 acres 2
Jacob Wolf, 142 acres 3
William Wolf, 70 acres 1
John Wortman, 246 acres °
Peter Wortman, 260 acres °
John Whalon, 120 acres 2
Andrew Wortman, 52 acres j-
William Willett, 10 acres
William Willson, 119 acres 3
Joseph Golden, 80 aci'es }
Peter Lane, 150 acres J
Christian Misener, 170 acres 2
Ezekiel Sharp, 90 acres 2
Jacob Van Dorn, 80 acres 1
Guisbert Van Dorn, 75 acres 1
Abraham Tunison, 53 acres j-
William Cheevers, 115 acres 2
Andre Bird, 25 acres
The following are the names of persons who paid
taxes on other than real estate, with amount of tax :
8
d.
16
5
19
1
2
4
7
3
B
4
9
5
16
8
14
6
4
4
4
3
in
2
T
10
8
9
8
9
5
8
2
2
11
12
6
4
3
9
»
6
7
11
10
5
15
7
11
6
2
4
15
8
R
7
16
8
18
9
18
11
;!
7
15
1
12
1
4
11
4
11
8
1
14
9
9
n
1
11
10
7
10
14
12
11
13
2
6
9
19
5
12
1
IS
6
17
8
8
in
7
4
16
9
14
6
5
6
12
8
13
n
4
1
1
8
8
8
6
3
13
8
19
4
15
4
11
3
14
4
11
3
14
1
3
4
11
10
6
12
11
9
7
15
2
4
2
7
8
5
2
19
9
1
1
2
12
8
3
9
14
in
6
1
6
16
6
3
6
16
2
9
19
9
14
3
2
2
8
10
in
8
19
9
9
8
14
7
13
10
£ s. d.
John Barclay 1 0.6
John Boylnii 4 4
Ebenezer Berry n 7
John Berry 10 n
Benjamin Babcock 6 9
Jobes Oompton 6 18 11
MoBes Craig 7 4
Widow Castner 12
Benjamin Coronton 15
Jacob Eoff. 2 5 11
Cornelius Eoff. 17 7
Jacob Fulkerson IB
Joseph Gaston 18 11
â– William Gaston 15 1
William Henry 10
John Perry 15
Daniel Semer 10
Levy Sutton 10 4
Samuel Taylor 16
John Todd 16 3
â– Widow Van Derveer 16 3
Court â– Voorhees 10
Ealph â– Van Houten 7 11
Peter Van Vleet 10
Botch Van Nest 10
George V. Voorhis 16
Peter Nevius, Jr 10
Joseph Hendrick 15
£ B. d.
John Hagaman ID
Aaron Huff 10
Adam Hair 15
Samuel Jonas 17 7
John Lane 10 6
Jacob Lawrence 10
Eobert Little 9 10
Abraham Lawrence 18 7
Elisha Lawrence 8
Gabriel Timbrook 15
Aaron Lane 15
Daniel Mealick 10
Joseph McMortry 10
John MoComes 9 10
Albert Johnson 10 8
Samuel Blair 10
Peter Bockover 12 4
Hugh Gaston 10
David Bird 10
Ebenezer Perry 7 11
John Doughty 14 7
Matthias Demnnt 12 8
Chris. Van Deventer 10
JohnDale.Jr 10 11
Benjamin Remer 6
Cornelius Doren 6
John McWilliams IB
John Sanders 6
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
PLUCKAMIN.
The land upon which the village is located is with-
in the territory described as being purchased of the
proprietors of East New Jersey by Dr. Lewis John-
ston and Mary Johnston (afterwards Mrs. James
Alexander). Later, Jacob Eoff purchased a large
tract embracing the present site, and east to the top
of " Pigtown Mountain."
In 1756 the stone church (St. Paul's Lutheran) was
built, and the subscription-list contains the names of
151 persons who contributed, many of whom were
from adjoining towns, notably Fisher, Van Norden,
Anderson, and others from Bound Brook. Jacob Eoff
donated the land, and headed the list with £20.
A cluster of dwellings soon gathered and other in-
terests sprang up. John Teeple opened a blacksmith-
shop in what is now the upper part of the village.
The Lafferty House was built the same year with the
church. Col. William McDonald's mill, east from the
bridge crossing Chambers' Brook, was erected before
1749. William McDaniels' mill was before 1744 on
the spot now occupied by Kline's Mills.
The name Pluckarain has been the subject of wide
conjecture. Tradition points to a colony of French
living here before the settlement of the Scotch or
German, and giving the locality the name Plaque-
mine, from plagueminier, meaning, in French, the
date-plum, or persimmon-tree, which latter trees
grew here in abundance. This is without doubt the
real origin of the name Pluckamin, though another
story is related to the effect that the landlord of the
place was in the habit of going up and down the
street inviting the people to come into his house and
partake of his liquor, and for so doing he was called
Pluck-' em-in. The fame of the landlord and the
tavern grew from his hospitality and good cheer, and
the locality became known as Pluckamin. This last
version was doubtless an after-thought, an invention
of some lounger who spent hours by the tavern-fire
in incubating the pun on the original French name.
712
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The first record extant of the name Pluckamin is
in a road record, Aug. 19, 1755. The first store of
which any knowledge is obtained was kept by John
Boylan, in the house now occupied by his daughter,
Mrs. Sarah Parker. He came to Pluckamin twenty
years prior to the Revolution, and had stores at Veal-
town, Liberty Corners, Pluckamin, and Van Derveer's
mills. One of the day-books of the Van Derveer
mill store is in possession of Samuel W. Davenport,
of Somerville, and shows the line of purchase of the
people of that time. Some of the prices are here
given, the currency being in pounds, shillings, and
pence. Rum was the staple in liquors, and sold for
5s. 6d. per gallon ; molasses, 2s. M. ; sugar, 8d. per lb. ;
tea, 5s. ; coffee, Is. 9d. ; butter, Is. ; nails, lid. ; red
broadcloth, £1 7s. per yard ; calico, 5s. 3d. ; corn, 4s.
6d. per bushel. In this day-book John Teeple is men-
tioned as tapster ; John Van Horn, tailor. Mr. Boylan
was an extensive manufacturer of potash, that being
then an important article of commerce. He purchased
150 acres on the north side of the village, which is still
known as the Boylan farm, and where he is said to
have entertained Washington in some of his visits to
Pluckamin. On the border of the woods, not far from
his house, a level spot was cleared for dancing pur-
poses and used by the artillery brigade while in quar-
ters at this place. This land was sold previous to
1787, as Boylan's name appears in the assessment of
that year as paying tax only on personal property.
Mrs. Boylan lived to be ninety-five, having beeA a
widow for fifty years. They are both buried in the
cemetery at Basking Ridge.
Squire William McEown was also a merchant in
Pluckamin during the Revolution. He was a com-
missary for the army, and purchased flour in Hun-
terdon County of Col. John Mehelm, at the mills
now known as Hall's Mills. The flour was loaded
on a large wagon, and, drawn by four yoke of oxen,
was conveyed to Pluckamin and Morristown. He
married Jemima, daughter of Col. John Mehelm
(who settled in Pluckamin after the war and lived
there while surrogate of Hunterdon and Somerset
Counties, and died Oct. 6, 1809, aged seventy-six).
Squire McEown's store was in the building now occu-
pied by James Brown, Sr. He owned 186 acres of
land adjoining in 1787. His only daughter married
Squire Elias Brown ; James Mehelm Brown is a de-
scendant. Squire McEown died March 10, 1817, in
the house where he lived and kept store. He was
aged sixty-one.
The following in reference to this store is related
by Dr. A. McDowell :
" At one time the BritiBh cavalry, after a defeat of our army, made a
raid upon the viUage, took posaession of the store, and carried away aU
the boota, shoes, clothing, teas, etc. ... At that time several houses were
plundered. Mrs. McEown took up her floor, concealed her feather-beds
and other valuables under it, and replaced the carpet. Old Mr. EofTs
fences and rails were burnt. Peter Lane's father was appointed to col-
lect all the pewter plates and dishes, which were much in use in those
days, and deposit them at certain recognized places, viz., Pluckamin
and Larger Cross-Koads. They were then melted into bullets to shoot
the British. Lead was scarce, and these pewter bullets, run in common
moulds, were the substitute. "
In 1787, Matthew Lane, of the Lane family, who
settled east of Van Vleet's Mills about 1748 or 1749,
was a merchant and postmaster at Pluckamin. The
house in which he lived is still standing ; the store
adjoined it. It is now occupied by Mrs. Sarah Har-
mer. He continued in business till about 1800. In
this old house, now owned by Mrs. Cornell, of Som-
erville, several of the prisoners probably the oflacers
were confined after the battle of Princeton, and the
glass in the windows yet bears the initials cut by their
diamond rings. "The interior of this house has re-
mained unaltered since the Revolution ; the old-
fashioned doors and cornice show the style of that
day. The steps are remarkable for their easy ascent,
and it is a popular tradition in the village that Gen.
Washington rode up and down over them on horse-
back ; indeed, there are marks on the boards which,
it is asserted, are the prints of his horse's shoes."*
The old church was also used for confining prisoners,
as a hospital, and as a store-house for forage.
Christian Eofi" kept the tavern on the spot where
the present tavern stands. Among other jokes attrib-
uted to him is one to the eflfect that he substituted
stones for hams in the wheelbarrow of Edward Hill,
which the latter wheeled up a steep mountain-road
before discovering the trick.
Dr. Scott, of New Brunswick, a prominent surgeon
during the Revolution, attended the army to Pluck-
amin and remained several days. His quarters were
in the village, and he visited the camp several times
each day. On the way he had to cross a plank over
a deep gully with soft mud at the bottom. The irre-
pressible Eoff, watching his chance, so shifted the
plank that one end barely rested on the bank, within
an inch of the edge. Along came the surgeon in his
brilliant uniform, with a proud, important tread.
He struck the plank, and down he went into the
slough.
About 1800, John Davenport, a native of England,
came to this part of New Jersey from Connecticut,
and purchased the property south of the village known
as the Lafierty property. He married Margaret, the
daughter of Rulofi' Traphagen (who lived at the foot
of the mountain south of the Lesser Cross-Roads, on
the line between Bernard and Bedminster). He lived
in the Lafferty house, and built an extensive tannery.
He purchased large quantities of sumach, and pre-
pared it for the use of morocco-manufacturers. He
died in 1830, aged fifty-two. His remains lie in
the Lamington churchyard. Ralph Davenport, of
Pluckamin, is a son by his first wife ; after her death
Mr. Davenport married Mary, the daughter of John
Boylan. Thomas, James, and Samuel Davenport, of
Somerville, are his sons.f The old LaflTerty house
* Jacob Magill, from articles published in the Unimist in 1870.
t See sketch of Davenport family, p. 689, et seq., in this work.
BEDMINSTEE.
713
was torn down in 1879, and no vestige of house or
other of the various business interests carried on there
is to be seen.
In the war of 1812, William I. Hedges and John
Hunt came to Pluckamin, and both kept store, Hunt
in a part of the " old Barracks,'' as it was then called.
Hunt a little later opened a recruiting-office in the
building. About 1815 this old hostelry was torn
down, and James Herod built the present dwelling
upon the site. William I. Hedges married a daughter
of Christian Eoff, and kept store in Pluckamin until
1817, when he removed to Somerville. Jacob Locey
came to Pluckamin about 1810. He was a hatter,
and worked at his trade for several years; he was
also a justice of the peace for many years, and post-
master forty-five years. His shop was close to his
house, still standing on the west side of Main Street.
John Van Zandt, whose mother was an Eoff, was born
in Pluckamin, and became engaged in mercantile
pursuits in his native village, continuing thirty-nine
years. He now lives in Somerville, at an advanced
age. Squire Elias Brown was born at Pluckamin.
(He was a son of Abram Brown, who early purchased
130 acres in the vicinity.) He married the only
daughter of Col. William McEown. He was a farmer
and justice of the peace, and owned 600 or 700 acres
of land. Dr. McDowell relates many anecdotes of
the squire and his wife ; they are published in " Our
Home" in 1873, to which the reader is referred.
The following is related by Mr. Magill and is of
interest :
" Garret Conover has in his house in Pluckamin a tea-hoard or tahle
which bejirs the habks of Hesaian swords. It belonged to his grand-
father, Abraham Conover, who lived on the turnpike below Bound
Brook. A notorious friend of the British living on Pluckamin Moun-
tain guided a party to Conover's house and made him get out of bed,
harness up his team, and get 400 muskets from a pile of buckwheat straw
on the hack part of Abraham Brokaw's farm, where they had been con-
cealed by the Americans, and haul them to the British at New Bruns-
wick. For this act Mr. Conover declared he would punish the leader,
and watched with his gun several weeks, declaring he would shoot him.
At length he was caught, taken to the same house he had invaded,
stripped, and covered with tar, and. Grandmother Conover volunteering
her feather-bed for the occasion, it was ripped open and the scoundrel
rolled in it till he was sufficiently arranged for the ostrich-like run that
he made when he was liberated.
Mrs. Sarah Conover relates that she has often heard her mother, Ida "
v. Gaston, say, that when Washington's army came from Princeton a
commissary was sent ahead to request the farmers to prepare food for
them. Huge pots of meat were put over the fire, but when the men
came along they were so nearly starved that they fished it out with their
bayonets and ate it on their way."
Dr. William McKissack was a physician in Plucka-
min before removing to Bound Brook. Dr. McDowell
relates the following story of him :
" He was a large burly man, with great rotundity of stomach. Doctors
in those days, in visiting their patients, always took one drink at the
house. If they wished they could take two ; nobody thought anything
about it. . . . It was almost impossible for a physician to be a
sober man. Our friend went from Pluckamin to Somerville one day
after dinner in a sulky. He accomplished his errand, then drank freely.
Night came on. He supposed he had come there on horseback, and for-
getting the snlky, mounted the horse and started for home. As he rode
along the noise of wheels behind disturbed him. How dreadful it would
be to be run over on a dark night, to be crushed to death all alone 1
46
' Turn out behind I Don't run over me I' cried the doctor. He felt re-
assured, and rode farther. Still those dreadful, dreadful wheels sounded
behind. It was too much I Again agony of fear broke forth into words:
' Turn out there behind I The old doctor rides slowly on a dark night.'
At last Pluckamin was reached. To his dismay, he found the horse still
attached to the sulky. He had ridden the horse all the way and left the
sulky, without an occupant, to follow behind. "
Much that pertains to the history of Pluckamin will
be found in the chapter on the Revolution and in
other parts of this work. From 1880 the place has
given way to other centres, and is now but an outly-
ing village. It contains a church (Presbyterian), hotel,
two stores, post-of5ce, two blacksmith-shops, and
about forty dwellings.
LAEGBE OBOSS-EOADS.
To-day the place has no importance. In 1775 it
contained a hotel kept by John Sutphin ; two years
later another one, across the way, was opened by John
Finley. The road passing through here from east to
west was laid out in 1745 along the north line of the
Maj. Daniel Axtell tract. Jacob Magill, of the New-
ark Journal, in 1870 gathered many of the Eevolu-
tionary incidents of the county and contributed them
to the columns of the Unionist under the heading of
Somerset, Past and Present. The following will
be of interest in this connection :
"Larger Cross-Roada has an almost inexhaustible fund of history.
Here lived the lighting men who raised the quotas of Bedminster in tho
Revolution, and here train-bands met for years to fight their battles o'er
again over a glass of apple-juice of any age to suit the taste. After the
capture of Gen. Lee at Basking Ridge, the troops of this neighborhood
were drawn up in line oi battle expecting an attack, and bullets have
frequently been found where they stood. The old men who came here
to drill on training-days had many a tale to tell of their adventures in
the war. On a certain night, when the army lay at Morristown, John
Barclay, who lived north of the Cross-Roads, and Malachi McCollum
were placed on guard. The notorious Bill Stewart and his brother Laf-
ferty were confined in jail, and it was the duty of these men to watch
the prisoners. There happened to be in their rounds a barrel of hard
cider, which they, with true soldierly instinct, soon discovered. Whether
it was the cold or the cider we cannot say, but something made them de-
cidedly ' blue,' and the prisoners, making ropes of their bed-clothes, es-
caped. Esq. Peter Sutphin was in the army at the time, in Capt. Logan's
company, and stayed the night of the occurrence with his brother-in-
law, Capt. Robert Blair. The escape of the prisoners caused great ex-
citement, and the two negligent cider-suckers never heard the last of it.
A companion of these, and a right jolly one, too, was Robert Little. "
He was a lion in courage, of powerfully-developed muscle, and one of
the toughest veterans of the war. He related to those now living that
the hardest fighting he ever did was at the battle of Monmouth, when,
in a hand-to-haud fight, they forced a body of Hessians back through a
brush fence. A Scotchman, he loved his wife and reverenced the church,
but was sometimes overcome by his fondness for a social glass."
Little afterwards lived and died in Branchburg,
His son, John, lived to an advanced age, and died in
1879. His children now reside in that township.
Robert Little related the following to Dr. McDowell :
" Our company was as ragged as beggars. How could we help it ? Our
pay was poor, our clothes were wearing out, and we had nothing to re-
place them. At last the time came to fix up again. The colonel issued
the order. I was then the tailor of the company. It was very easy to
issue the command ; to fulfill it was a ditTerent task. Wo could easily
sew and patch, but where was the cloth to come from? We hunted,
gathered from all the families and friends around, and I, with my assist-
ants, went to work. We overhauled, patched and mended. We got the
clothes in such order that no rags were seen. A grand dress-parade was
ordered. Our boys marched with head erect and a proud step. For once
714
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
for a long time they had a suit of clotlies without any holes in them.
The light-horse saw them; they became envious. Then a second order
was issued : ' Robert Little must fix up the light-horse and put them in
as good condition as the infantry.* This order was harder to fulfill than
the lirst one. We ransacked all the houses in the neighborhood a second
time. We found cloth and other material. These we fixed up for the
light-horse. Still we were a little behind ; something else was wanting.
The light-horse wore helmets, intended to be ornamented with horse-
tails. We had none of them to spare. We were now in a serious fix.
At last I hit upon a plan. I selected twenty of the youngest, smartest
men. I awoke them all at 12 o'clock at night. At that time they started,
scoured the country for miles around. They drove up every cow they
could find. And I tell you each cow went home with a piece off its tail
about as long as my hand. "
LESSEE CEOSS-EOADS.
This settlement commenced after the Eevolution.
The first hotel-keeper was John Melick, about 1780.
A post-office was established about 1835. The Bedmin-
ster church is a short distance below the corner. The
first chiirch was built about 1758, torn down about
1817, and the present one erected the next year. The
hamlet contains a hotel, one store, post-office, black-
smith-shop, carriage-shop, and fifteen or twenty dwell-
ings.
PBAPACK.
This village is located on a road running north and
south along Peapack or Lawrence Brook, and is a long
and straggling village, extending about two miles.
Before the beginning of the present century a saw-
and grist-mill was built on the stream where the Jo-
roleman mill now stands. Daniel Joroleman relates
that when he removed to that place with his father,
in 1808, there were but four houses there besides the
mill, those of William Logan, Hugh Gaston (stone),
Levi Sutton, and Nicholas Ditmars where Mrs. Ann
Tiger now lives. The Van Dorns lived a little west;
their mill was built that year. In 1814, William Van
Dorn built the residence at present occupied by his
son, Lewis Van Dorn.* The fir.st blacksmith was
William Logan, father of Capt. John Logan ; the shop
was opposite the school-house, where Kobert Lay-
ton now lives. Alexander Kirkpatrick was a sur-
veyor and merchant here before 1800. Peter Doren,
about 1814, erected a blacksmith-shop on the spot
where now stands the shop of Henry Van Duyn. A
school-house once stood where the cemetery now is ;
John Herod and Stoffel Logan were teachers. A
stone blacksmith-shop was erected in 1836, near Van
Dorn's mill, by Ferdinand Van Dorn ; one Cole was
the blacksmith.
The village now contains a hotel, two grist-mills,
post-office, two churches (Reformed and Methodist),
four stores, three blacksmith-shops, three wheel-
wrights, distillery, six perpetual lime-kilns, and nine
set kilns.f
LAMINGTON.
The land on which this hamlet is located was pur-
chased in 1741 by James Alexander and Daniel Don-
* See biographical department of this township history.
t Lime-burnipg started at Peapack as early as 1794, but it did not be-
come very extensive until 1830. There are now about 200,000 bushels of
unslaked lime produced annually.
alson Dunstar, and consisted of 583 acres. The
Presbyterian church had been built prior to this, on
the ground occupied by the present building. In
March, 1743, they conveyed the church and cemetery
lot to the congregation. The Kev. James McCrea,
the first regular pastor, in the early part of his pas-
torate lived on the west side of the river, in a house
later owned by the father of the Rev. Dr. Messier, of
Somerville. He afterwards purchased a farm where
George Mullen now lives, and still later the farm on
which Peter Lane resides. Rev. J. Halsey purchased
105 acres on the east side of the Allematunk, known
later as the parsonage. Feb. 24, 1772, he sold it to
John Demund. July 1, 1784, William McEown pur-
chased the property from Thomas Berry, executor of
Mr. Demund, and the next day deeded it to the trus-
tees of the Presbyterian Church of Bedminster. On
this lot was built the parsonage of which the ruins
are still standing.
In the old stone ruin on the bank of the river lived
the Rev. William Boyd ; here he opened a classical
school for young men. As was the custom in New
Jersey, he owned slaves. t
During the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Boyd a singu-
lar and eccentric woman, known as Betty McCoy,
came to Lamington and united with the church. She
soon became known far and near not only for her ec-
centricities, but for her deep piety. This account of
her is given :
" She was stolen away when a small child, by the Indians, and was
never able to give any clue to the place of her birth or her parentage.
She spoke about Minisink, and probably was first taken there, and after-
wards carried down into Virginia. Here she formed a plan to escape to
the Revolutionary army. Being pursued, she hid in abrush-heap, and the
savages set fire to nearly every pile of brush around her, expecting to bum
her out ; but the heap where she was concealed escaped the conflagration.
This she considered such a miraculous interposition of Providence that
from that hour she became a devoted Christian. Reaching the army, she
served as a vivandiere and ministered to the sick and wounded through
the eventful Southern campaign, and though her voice was rough, her
speech unlettered (for she never learned to read or write), and her face
homely, there never was a kinder nurse than Betty McCoy. On the re-
turn of peace she came north, and, finding her way to Lamington,
though only about sixteen yeare of age, she commenced her mission,
going from house to house scattering gospel seed in her rough but earn-
est way. "
At the time Betty came to Lamington, Simon Suy-
dam owned the most of the landed property. The
people were interested in the story of her troubles and
wanderings. Mr. Suydam offered lumber if the neigh-
bors would build Betty a house. The offer was ac-
cepted, and a small house was erected on a lot set
apart for the purpose. Betty built a brush fence
around it. She took charge of the church, which,
with her spinning and visiting (for she was a welcome
guest), kept her very busy.
t " June 13, 1806. Eev. William Boyd certifies that in the township of
Bedminster he had born of a female slave a female child named Hannah,
June 28, 1805, which was duly registered in the clerk's office, and which
said child I do hereby abandon and surrender to said township as a pau-
per of said township, agreeable to the Act of the Legislature, entitled An
Act for the Gradual AboUtion of Slavery."
BEDMINSTEE.
715
POTTERSVILLB.
In the records of 1741 the name of Potter occurs
in this section, it being a mention of one Richard
Potter, owning land on both sides of the Lamington.
Mills have existed here many years. Col. Jonathan
Potter, the father of Sering and Samuel, lived and
died here. The village contains about 120 inhabi-
tants, a Eeformed church (erected in 1865), a grist-
mill, and an agricultural implement manufactory.
The property, except the old Potter homestead, is
owned by Robert Craig. The place was founded by
Sering Potter, who commenced the improvements
which caused it to become a busy and thriving hamlet.
SCHOOLS.
It is difficult to gain any accurate information of
the early schools of Bedminster, as the records were
â– destroyed about 1845. In the early days the business
pertaining to the schools was recorded with the other
public business of the town. The earliest reliable
information of the existence of a school-house is given
in a record of a road laid out Jan. 6, 1759, " begin-
ning at the westerly side of the brook that divides
Bedminster and Bridgewater township at the school-
house." Exactly where or who were the teachers we
cannot ascertain. The next is in an account of a ball
given at Pluckamin, Feb. 18, 1779, and published in the
New Jersey Gazette of that year. " The entertainment
and ball were held in the academy of the park." After
fireworks in the evening " the company returned to the
academy and concluded the celebration by a very splen-
did ball." The exact locality of this " academy" is sup-
posed to have been on the east side of the main street
of the village, north of the residence of John Boylan,
on the edge of a wood. The property was a few years
a,go a part of the farm of the late Dr. Henry Van
Derveer. It is not known who were teachers, nor how
long it had been in existence. The earliest school at
Pluckamin within the memory of those now living
was taught about 1810. At that time a school-house
was standing about a mile west of the village, by the
bend of the road opposite opposite Van Derveer Van
Arsdale's house. Among the teachers were John
Hardcastle, William Perrine, and " Master Welsh,"
who wore a gown when on duty and wielded the birch
with vigor. Schools were not kept regularly, but only
as some stray pedagogue chanced along. Folkert
Dowe kept one at the Lesser Cross-Roads before 1818,
in a house opposite the Bedminster church. In this
year the Rev. Charles Hardenburgh, pastor of the
Reformed Church of Bedminster, founded a classical
school. It was kept in the second story of a district
school-house at the Lesser Cross-Roads'. A similar
school had been established prior to this by the Rev.
William Boyd, of Lamington. He came to that
church as pastor in 1784 and died in 1807. A number
of young men studied in the old parsonage, the ruins
of which are still standing west of the churchyard.
The county was probably divided into school dis-
tricts in 1832, but no data are obtainable. In the
other townships an amount was raised annually for
school purposes, and without doubt that was the case
in this. The election records of the township of
Bridgewater for 1834 show the first school committee
to have been elected that year. In 1867 the town-
ship contained twelve school districts, as follows:
Pluckamin, Lesser Cross-Roads, Holland, Union, Pea-
pack, Lamington, Central, Foot of Lane, Larger
Cross-Roads, Duchess, Pottersville, Union Grove.
The whole number of children was 633 ; county sur-
plus revenue interest, $294.73; State appropria-
tion, $292.23; township appropriation, $1266; total,
$1852.96.
The number of school districts reported in 1879
were nine, as follows :
Peapack (No. 1), Vnion Grove (No, 2), Bedmimier (No. 4), Larger Oroa&-
Boada (No. 5), Foot of Lane (No. 6), Pottersville (No. 7), Lammgtmi (No. 8),
Pluclcamin (No. 9), Burnt Mills (No. 10). Total number of children in
township between five and eighteen, 728 ; total average number in
attendance, 255; total value of property, 86150; total received from all
sources for school purposes, $2802.78.
RELIGIOUS OR&ANIZATIONS.
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHUBOH.
A colony of German Lutherans from old German-
town came to what is now Germantown in New Jersey
before 1720, and rapidly spread in diflferent directions,
some to the German Valley, others to Washington
Valleyj and to Spruce Run. Devotion to their faith
led them to institute public worship as soon as possi-
ble. The first place in this section known to have
been used for that purpose was in the Washington
Valley, where a portion of the Germans had settled.
Prior to 1730 a log church was built, about a mile and
a half east of the village, in the township of Bernard ;
it has long since passed away, and trees now grow
upon the spot.
Upon the organization of the Lutheran congrega-
tion in Germantown this church was abandoned, those
who attended here uniting with that body. The date
of the organization of Zion's Church is not definitely
known, but it is said to have been formed in 1742.
The oldest record in existence bears date 1749.
Lutheran missionaries were here much earlier, as
services were held in the log church mentioned and a
log church near White House (the old burying-ground
of which still exists). In 1748, John Albert Weygand
preached on trial, and the next year was called by
the society. Seventy-eight names were signed to the
call, the signers being residents of Readington, Bed-
minister, and Roxbury, as well as of Tewksbury.
The names of the trustees were Baltus Pickel, Honries
Melick, Philip Phise, alias White, Caspar Hender-
shot, Lawrence Rulison, Samuel Barnard, David
Melick, Jacob Kline, Adam- Vockerot, Jacob Ship-
man, George Sweet, and Joseph Hornbaker. It will
be noticed that some of the names are still known in
the township to this day. In 1756, at a meeting of
the vestry of Zion's Church, it was " determined to
716
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
build a churcli at Pluckamin, Bedminster township,
Somerset Co., to be called St. Paul's Church." A
subscription -list was started, which was favorably re-
ceived and largely signed. A copy of this list is here
given, as fully as possible, a few names being illeg-
ible.*
Bedmtnsteb, Te 7lh Day of December, 1756.
A Subscription For Raising a Sum of Money For Building a Church In
Bedmmeter town.
Whereas, the Members of the Lutheran Congregation In and near
Bedminetertown Being NecesEitated For a Place of Public Worship
Think it a Proper Place to Erect a House for To Worehip God and it is
further Agreed By us the Subscribers That one-half of the Preaching on
Every Other Sermon Preached By any Minister Chosen by the Said
Lutheran Congregation Shall be in the English Language And the other
in High Dutch. We therefore the undersubsc Fibers Do Promise To Pay
or Cause to he Paid The Sum or Sums Annexed to our Names for the uses
abovementioned To any Person or Persons Chosen Collector of Said
Money by the Said Congregation. The Money is not To be paid untill
Said Church is a Building and the Money Wanted for that Use. We most
Humbly would Desire the assistance of all our well Minded friends and
Neighbors That are well wishers for Promoting So Good a Deseine To be
helpfull to us and Subscribe such a Matter To this our undertaking
â– which will be Excepted with Greatest Humility and thankfulness and
will be Attending to the advancement of ye Glory of God,
£ n. d.
Jacob EofF, Sr 20
George Remer 20
Nicholas Hamlin 10
John Kemer 12
John Castner, Jr 10
Christopher Teeple 5
Jacob Eofr,Jr 3
Abraham Eoff. 10
David King lo
Johannes Kastner ~ 12
Lncaa Diebil 14
George Teeple 10
Caltes Appleman
John Appleman
Johannes Molin
Jacob Akerman 3 10
William Graham 5
John Teeple 12
Jacob Cruger 3 10
MarkisKing 2 9
Johannes Giiling 1
Evan Brommo 1
Peter Castner 7
James Castner 1
Jacob Brommo
Alexander Linn 1
William McClellan 1
John Loder 1
Thomas Lockes 1
Gisbert Hander 1
John Melick 1
Richard Skinner
William Kerney 1
William Leddel....*. 10
John Grant 3
Benjamin Manning
James Adams
SylvanuB Snyder 1
his
Frederick X Morkley... 1
mark
Jacob V. D. Veer 5
Robert Gricemer 2
John La Grange
Daniel McDaniel
Charles Dui-yea 1
Matice G. Appleman 5
George Forman 1
Cornelius Doremus
Aaron Boylan
Robert Cross
Nathaniel Ayers 1
Tttomas Phillips 1
Mary Castuer, widow.... 3
his
Cristeyan X S'olk 5
mark
John O'Harah 1 15
James O'Harah 1 15
Hendrick Van Arsdalen 1 15
Daniel Karney 1 15
James Graham 3 10
Richard McDaniel
David Henary
Mikel Henary
Jones Greenwa
James Linn
Peter Rush, Sr
Michael Scliooley
Gisbert Sutfin
Johannes
William William
Aurie Lane
Hendrick R. Lane
Abraham Montaraje
John Compton
Benjamin Loder
Richard Compton
James Rightmire Jones.
Cornelius Lane
William Caviiaga
George Dribbel
Henry Beam
P. Castner, son of John-
Aaron Malick
James Cole..
Aaron Buorom
AusoD Melick
John Clawson
John Throckmorton
Bryan Lefferty
Daniel McEowen
L. M. Belyen
Patrick Riley, hatter
John Degrout
Hendrick Fisher
Tobias Van Norden
John Anderson
William Stevens
Marins Granvill
Henry McCann
Hugh Sutton
Andreas Jihandler
Robert Skinner
Phinehas Skinner
William Ker
Ephraim Lockhai-t
John Van Cleef
J. S. Lurane
James Mugelhaney
Thomas Carhartt
David McWilliam
Thomas Willson
Joseph Sharp
John Pool
John Cavill
Thomas Clawson
Josiah Stanbury
Stephen Truesdell
WoodhuU Turner
Ryner Van Nest
Henry Van Home
Hendrick Staats
Abram Van Nest
8. d.
10
16
5
10
10
1 6
10
10
15
15
15
16
10
(I
3
14
1
10
10
7
7
1
1
6
10
* The original list is in possession of John Tan Zandt, of Somerville.
d.
Lett Low
£
1
8. d.
16
l*!
Otto Parissen
William Reade
... -
£
William Corle 1
Moses McGraw 1
Aaron Louzader 1
William Riddel
Mary Alexander
The amount subscribed was about £350. Degroot, Fisher, Van Norden,
Anderson, and others were residents of Bound Brook. William Riddle
was probably a son of Archibald Riddle, who located lot 44 on the east
side of North Branch, in Bridgewater township. Mary Alexander was
the daughter of Dr. John Johnston (who purchased large tracts of land
in this region) and the wife of James Alexander, who with D. D. Dan-
star bought 583 acres of land, including the site of Lamington and other
tracts north.
The church was built on land donated by Jacob
Eoff, and stood in the roadway of the churchyard,
southeast of the present building. In 1760 the Rev.
Paul Bryzelius settled in Germantown as rector of
Zion and St. Paul's Churches, He was succeeded in
1767 by the Rev. Henry Muhlenberg. In this year a
charter for the two churches was obtained, a part of
which is here quoted :
" George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France,
and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.; To all to whom these
PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING : Wliereas, the Reverend Heni-y Muhl-
enberg, Lawrence Ruloph, Samuel Bernard, Philip Weigs, Jacob Klein,
Peter Kish, Wm. Craft, Christopher Vogt, Buloph Kulofson, John Stone,
Balthas Pickel, Herman Eulophs, and Anthony Meelick, Inhabitants of
the Townships of Tewksburj', Beading, and Koxbury, in the Counties of
Hunterdon and Morris in our Province of New Jersey ; Lucas Dipple,
David King, Jacob Eoff, John Appelman, Leonard Strait, Conrad Meiz-
ing, Aaron Meelick, Jacob Vosler, Mark King, Chi-istopher Tipple, John
Teple, and Peter Meelick, Inhabitants of the Townships of Bedniiuster,
Bridgewater, and Bernard, in Our County of Somerset in Our said Prov-
ince, by the Petition to Our trusty and well-beloved William Franklm,
Esq., Captain-General and Govemor-in-Chief of our said Province of New
Jersey and the Territories thereon depending in America, Chancellor
and Vice-Admiral of the same, etc., have set forth that they have at a
great Expense purchased several lots of ground in Tewkshury Township
aforesaid, and have built a House of Worship called Zion Church and a par-
sonage House on part thereof, and have set the rest apart for a Glebe and
Burying- Ground, that they havealso bought a lot of land in the Township
of Bedminster aforesaid, and erected a building thereon called St. PhuPb
Church, that they with the other regular Members of said Churches have
heretofore made and signed certain Articles and Kules for the good gov-
ernment of the said societies ; but that they labor under many difficul-
ties for want of their being made a Body Corporate and politic, and have
prayed Our Rotal Charter to be incorporated by the names of the Rec-
tor, Churchwardens, and Vestrymen, of the United Churches of Ziun and
St. Paul: And Wb being willing to give all due encouragement and to
promote the pious intentions of Our said subjects and to grant tbeir re-
gard in this behalf: Now Know Te, that We, for the consideralious
aforesaid, of Our especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and mere Motion,
have willed, ordained, constituted, and approved, and by these Pi events
for Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, Do Will, Ordain, Constitute, and Ap-
point, that the Rev. Henry Muhlenberg.-f- and their successors tu bo
elected and chosen in the manner hereinafter directed, Be and fuiever
hereafter shall be, one Body Politic and Corporate, in Deed and in name,
by the name of the Rector, Church-wardens, and Vestrymen of the
United Churches of Zion and St. Paul, and them and their successors by
the same name, We do by These Presents, for Us, Our Heirs, and Suc-
cessors, really and fully make, ordain, constitute, and declare, one Body
Corporate and Politic in Deed and in Name, to have Community and
Succession perpetual, and that they and their successors by the Name
shall and may forever hereafter be Persons able and capable in the Law
to purchase, have, take, and receive, and enjoy, to them and their Suc-
cessors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rents, Liberties, Privileges, Ju-
risdictions, Franchises, and other Hereditaments, whatsoever of whatever
nature, kind, and quality, they be, in Fee and Perpetuity, not exceeding
the yearly value of Five Hundred Pounds Sterling, etc. "
This charter is written on parchment, with the seal
of the province attached. Two years later, in 1769,
t Here follow the names of the twenty-four vestrymen.
BEDMINSTBR.
717
Peter Muhlenberg was chosen as deacon or assistant
rector. In 1770 the following resolution of the vestry
was recorded :
"The pro tern, rector or his regular assistant minister shall perform
Divine service on every second Sun and Feast day in Zion Church, and
for BO doing eiyoy undisturbed hahitaticn on the Glebe and the yearly
legacy of Mr. Baltes Pickel. Also every fourth Sunday he shall preach
in Boxbury called the Valley, and receive from that congregation £20.
Also every fourth Sunday in St. Paul's Church Bedminster and catechise
the children, receiving £20 therefor. "
In 1775 the Kev. "William Graaf was called to the
rectorship, the Eev. Henry Muhlenberg living in
Philadelphia, his former assistant having been called
to a parish in Virginia.
The members of Zion Church applied to the Leg-
islature of the State for an act of incorporation sep-
arating them from the church of St. Paul and giving
them the corporate name of " Zion's Church." Un-
der this act the trustees sold the lands and church of
St. Paul to William McEwen. This sale was con-
tested in the courts on the ground that the original
charter conferred no power to sell in fee the lands of
the church. The Hon. Richard Stockton rendered a
decision in the matter, as follows :
" I decide that lands conveyed by deed to William McEwen, Esq., are
null and void, and. that Zion's vestrymen have no right to sell church
and lands of St. Paul. "
The property then reverted to Abraham Van Ars-
dale in right of his wife, Mary Eoff, the daughter ot
Jacob.
The church was used as a prison for British soldiers
captured at Princeton. The pews and seats were
taken out, and it was much injured. It was never
repaired after this, neither was any service held there.
Compensation for damages was received from the
Government' in later years. The walls remained
standing until they became dangerous, and were
finally taken down. Some of the stones were used in
the erection of a dam at Kline's mills. On the site,
in 1831, a Methodist church was erected; it stood
until about 1850, when it was removed to its present
location and occupied as a school-house. The Pres-
byterian Society of Pluckamin purchased the ground,
receiving a quit-claim deed of the trustees of Zion
Church and of Philip Van Arsdale in behalf of the
heirs of Jacob Eofi". The burial-place, east and south
of the church, is fiill of graves; part of the old
one was purchased by Peter Worley, a blacksmith,
who built a shop upon it, and took the gravestones to
pave the cellar of his house. The altar-cloth of the
St. Paul's Church is in possession of William P. Sut-
phin.
PBESBTTEKIAN CHURCH AT LAMINGTON.*
There is, perhaps, no study which so readily inter-
ests the mind as that of history. It is like living our-
selves through the ages that are past.
And, first, it may not be improper to remark upon
* Extracted from an historical sermon delivered to the congregation,
contributed to " Our Home" by Dr. WUliam W. Blauvelt, pastor of the
church.
the name which we bear. We have, in fact, two
names. Our name in law, according to the act of in-
corporation passed by the Legislature of this State in
1783, is " The Presbyterian Congregation at Bedmin-
ster, in the counties of Somerset and Hunterdon."
By this name alone can we receive, hold, or convey
property. The name by which we are generally
known is derived from the stream near us, called by
the Indians, and also in the older statutes of our
State, and on Gordon's first map, the AllametunJc, but,
sharing the fate of many majestic Indian appellations,
it has now been flattened down into " Lamington."
With regard to the time of our organization, the first
record in relation thereto is found in the minutes of
the Presbytery of New Brunswick. At a meeting
held at Amwell, Oct. 11, 1739, the second year of the
existence of that Presbytery, the record is in these
words : " A petition from Lamintunk, in order for
supplies, being offered to the Presbytery, they ordered
Mr. Rowland to supply them the 19th inst." At a
subsequent meeting, three weeks afterwards, at New
Brunswick, it is recorded that Mr. Rowland reported
that he had "complied with the order respecting
preaching at Lamintunk.'' Whether he preached
here on any other occasion does not appear, although,
doubtless, there were other services, both before and
afterwards, which led to the organization of a church
and the call of a pastor in the spring of 1740.
The first preaching-place, according to tradition,
was a barn on the farm now owned by Hezekiah
Eyck. As we learn from our trustee-books, in 1740 a
house of worship was erected on our present lot. The
deed for the lot, of date March, 1743, speaks of the
church as already built. The sum paid to the car-
penter, Israel Ross, was £134. This building had on
the lower floor thirty-six pews, with twenty-two in
the gallery, and was probably the first church edifice
erected within ten miles of this place, the Lutheran
church of New Germantown being built nine years
after. The erection of the building was simultaneous
with the call of the pastor. April 1, 1840, occurs the
following record of Presbytery held at Basking Ridge :
" A call for Mr. MoCrea was presented to the Presbytery from the
people of Lametunfc, Lebanon, Peapack, Eeadington, and Bethlehem,
â– which he accepted, "
As the congregation was not incojporated until
1783, its temporal concerns were for many years man-
aged by a committee. The first chosen in 1740 were
John Craig, William Jones, Richard Porter, and Wil-
liam Hugein. To these were added, in 1742, Ephraim
Lockhart, William Logan, James Fullerton, and
Henry Sloan. In 1749 we find on that committee
Ralph Smith, John McFerren, William Cblwell,
Robert Rosbough, Peter Demun, William Bay, and
Thomas Van Horn. Descendants from most of these
persons are still connected with us. The name of
William Jones is noticeable as the husband of Heph-
zibah Jones, whose gravestone records her death, in
1740, being the oldest date in our cemetery.
718
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
As the records of the church session prior to 1809
are not to be found, we can give no detail of the re-
sult of Mr. McCrea's ministry. The following among
other names are found in the congregational lists of
his pastorate : David Heriot, John Henry, Robert Bar-
clay, Derick Sutphen, James Adams, Patrick Brown,
Aaron Dilly, Peter McDowell, Ephraim McDowell,
Jacob Van Derveer, William Hoagland, James Gas-
ton, William Linn, Robert Simonton, William Sutton,
Jacob Ten Eycke, William Todd, Matthias Lane, Gar-
ret Lane, Gilbert Sutphen, Bryan Lafierty, James
McEwen, Mrs. Mehelm, John Voorhees, Aaron Beek-
man, Christopher Beekman, Andrew Leake, Benyew
Dunham, Christopher Longstreet, and John Stillwell.
We find also that in 1752 there was an agreement to
enlarge the building, which shows that the church
was then prosperous.
After the resignation of Mr. McCrea, in 1766, the
congregation was without a pastor for three and a
half years, the pulpit being supplied irom abroad.
April 17, 1770, a call from the people of Bedminster
was made to Mr. Jeremiah Halsey. He died Oct. 2,
1780, aged forty-seven.
In 1768, the congregation purchased a parsonage
farm, the one, it is said, which now belongs to Mr.
Beaver. This they sold to Thomas Lambert in the
spring of 1784, and in the fall purchased for the resi-
'dence of their minister, from the estate of John
Demund, the farm which is now owned by Hezekiah
Eyck.
In the spring of 1782 the congregation obtained the
stated services of Dr. John Rodgers, who remained
in charge until November, 1783.
Rev. William Boyd followed Dr. Rodgers. His pas-
torate has always been referred to as the palmy days
of this congregation. The number of communicants,
however, was not large, as in 1801 there were reported
to Presbytery only 80. Mr. Boyd died May 17, 1807,
in the forty-ninth year of his age and the twenty-
third of his ministry, this having been his first and
only charge. His funeral sermon was preached by
Dr. Finley, of Basking Ridge. Among the new fam-
ilies introduced on our books in his time, we find, in
1787, John Boylan, Simon Hagaman, Thomas C. Lam-
bert, William McKissack, John Duyckinck ; 1789,
Henry Traphagen, Aaron Melick ; 1792, Peter Nevius ;
1793, John Honeyman, David Traphagen, Thomas
Wolverton; 1795, Isaac Farlee, John M. Williams,
Jeremiah Field, Joseph Annin, Abraham Van Dyke,
Job Lane, Abraham Simonson, John McBride; 1796,
Abraham Ten Eyck, Henry Field; 1797, Cornelius
Powelson ; 1798, John Finley, Henry Stevens, Thomas
Stout, Andrew Vosseller, Nicholas Arrowsmith, Everet
Bergen ; 1800, Dr. Isaac Ogden ; 1801, Francis Haga-
man, Henry Blackwell, Gabriel Vandervoort, Gilbert
Low, John Bunn ; 1802, Samuel Potter, Andrew Van
Derbeek ; 1803, John Beekman, Jeremiah Voorhees,
Henry Kennedy; 1804, Benjamin Larzalier; 1806,
Aaron Longstreet ; 1807, William Lambert. In 1784,
and also in 1807, the edifice received considerable re-
pairs. In consequence, it is said, of the difficulty ex-
perienced in keeping the parsonage in good order, it
was sold to the pastor in 1801.
After the death of a minister so highly esteemed,
the people found great difficulty in uniting to call a
successor. The strife was so serious and prolonged
that the Presbytery sent a committee of conciliation
and a letter, though, as subsequently appears, with
little effect. At length, in June, 1809, a call from the
majority was presented through Presbytery to the
Rev. Enoch Burt, of Massachusetts, and accepted by
him. His ministry terminated in 1813.
His successor was the Rev. Horace Galpin, who
was ordained and installed June 16, 1814, and con-
tinued here until April, 1825. During this time 123
persons were received into communion. The largest
ingathering was in 1822, when 53 were received.
April 3, 1826, the corner-stone of the present edifice
was laid by the Rev. Dr. John McDowell, then pas-
tor of the First Church of Elizabethtown. It was
shortly after this event, in the early part of June,
that by special invitation the present pastor first
visited this place. He preached two Sabbaths, when
he received a call, and came July 11th. He was or-
dained and installed on August 8th, the services being
held in the new house, then in an unfinished state.
At the time of his settlement the number of com-
municants was 152. At present the whole number is
but 135. This diminution is to be accounted for, in
part at least, by the organization of new churches on
the outskirts, the passing of many farms to the owner-
ship of persons attached to other denominations, re-
movals, deaths, etc. The contributions for 1879 were
$2025 for congregational and $400 for benevolent pur-
poses.
The following persons now deceased are known to
have entered the ministry from the membership : Ja-
cob Fields, of Stroudsburgh ; Dr. Isaac Brown, of
Lawrenceville ; William B. Sloan, of Greenwich ; Dr.
John McDowell ; Dr. William McDowell ; Dr. Ber-
gen, of Springfield, 111. ; Dr. Symmes Henry, of Cran-
bury ; John C. Vandervoort, of Basking Ridge ; and
Jesse Lockwood, who died a missionary among the
Indians. Also, still living, Abram Hagaman, of Mis-
souri ; George Blauvelt, of Tappan ; Dr. Morris Sut-
phin, of New York ; Alstyne Blauvelt, of German
Valley ; and William E. Honeyman, of Minnesota.
Two died while in course of preparation, Warren
S. Blauvelt and Isaac F. Sutphin. Two went from
the families of the congregation, though not from the
church membership, Oliver Ogden and John Simon-
son.
Rev. William Warren Blauvelt, D.D., the present
pastor, is the oldest minister now in active service in
the county. He has already entered upon the fifty-
fourth year of his ministry, and if he begins his fifty-
fifth he will have overreached the long pastorate of
Dr. Ludlow and eclipsed all those famous for their
BBDMINSTEK.
719
length in the county.* The early history of the doc-
tor was eventful ; the later has not been so. Born in
New Brunswick, June 23, 1800, he was an octogena-
rian last June, and yet all the striking events of his
life occurred before he was twenty-seven. His father
was the somewhat noted printer, Abraham Blauvelt,
brother-in-law of the late Col. Joseph Warren Scott,
long the ablest lawyer in the State. Not fancying
the printer's trade, he was found studying law at the
early age of fourteen in the colonel's office, having
already graduated from Rutgers College with the high
honor of valedictorian. His reminiscences of college
life, published in " Our Home" for 1873, are quaint
and humorous. ' When sixteen it was found that his
health was too much impaired for him to continue
the study of law, and he was sent to Virginia. He
stayed on the Eastern Shore of Virginia scarce a year,
when he returned to New Jersey, locating at Flem-
ington as a school-teacher. He taught the academy
six months, and was then called by Dr. Brownlee to
help him in his school at Basking Ridge. Dr.
Brownlee was more an author than a teacher, and
almost the full charge of the school fell upon Mr.
Blauvelt. William L. Dayton, the eminent Prof.
Cross, and others, were among his pupils. He spent
two years and a half there, and then concluded to
enter the New Brunswick Seminary and prepare for
the ministry. He remained from fall till spring only,
his close application to the study of Hebrew breaking
him down physically. Obtaining a temporary situa-
tion in the Trenton Academy, he remained there
until the next February (1822), when he was invited
to Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia, and was tutor
there until 1824. Secretary Preston, Judge Reeves,
and other men of note were among his students. The
old desire for the ministry returning with better health,
Mr. Blauvelt again went to New Brunswick, reaching
there the day Gen. Lafayette passed through the city.
Re-entering the seminary, he remained until April,
then passed a satisfactory examination before the
Presbytery at Lawrenceville and was licensed to
preach. He attempted the examination without
waiting for the completion of his theological course,
because his health was again giving way. He was too
close a student to keep his physique in repair ; but this
dear experience was of use to him afterwards. He
just missed being called to the First Presbyterian
Church at Trenton, and then concluded to horseback
it through Delaware Co., N. Y., as a missionary of
the Dutch Missionary Society, believing that would
give him health and useful experience. Among a
plain people, where were no churches, he accom-
plished a noble work. He rode and preached from
April to November, 1825, and then served as the So-
ciety's traveling collection agent until April, 1826.
*Bev. Dr. G. Ludlow's was fifty-four years; Kev. Dr. A. Messler'a,
forty-seven; Bev. J. C. Sears', forty-five; Eev. Dr. B. K. Eogers', forty-
four ; Bev. J. T. Euglish, thirty-six ; Bev. J. B. Gardner (still continu-
ing), thirty-six.
Returning to New York City, his connection with
the Dutch society brought him into a near business
relation to its treasurer, Timothy Hutton, and the
still nearer business and social relationship of a son-
in-law, as he soon married Mr. Button's daughter.
His wife lived until 1876, and proved one of the
richest treasures ever given to him. A noble woman,
she deserved what she received, the affections of all
the people of Lamington Church. On the recom-
mendation of Rev. Dr. Brownlee, the young preacher
came to Lamington Church as a canditate, was at
once " called," and is yet there. In all that long
pastorate of fifty-four years a word of suggestion that
a better pastor or preacher could be secured has not
been known to have been uttered. The record is yet
uncompleted, but it is as bright as the sun and clear
as crystal, and will stand when nations perish.
The doctor has given two sons to the ministry,
G-eorge M. and I. Alstyne, and a third one, deceased,"
was in course of preparation.
BBDMINSTEK EMFORMED DUTCH CHURCH.
Bedminster was originally an outpost of Raritan,
and the necessity of a church there grew out of the
settlement of certain families of influence in that
vicinity. We may mention Jacobus and Peter Van
Derveer, Mathew Lane, Guisbert Sutphin, and others
as among these families. The first record having ref-
erence to this church is found in the book of minutes
belonging to the church at Raritan, and is dated Dec,
25, 1758. It is in the handwriting of J. R. Harden-
burgh, and recites that at a meeting of the Consis-
tories of North Branch, Neshanic, Bedminster, Mill-
stone, and Raritan, at the house of J. R. Hardenburgh
in Somerville, Dominies Leydt and Hardenburgh, " a
proponent,'' being present, Elders Jacob Banta and
Jacob Van Derveer, and Deacons Rynier Van Neste
and Cortelius Lane were chosen as overseers for the
first time in the congregation of Bedminster. This,
then, is the first Consistory, and properly the organi-
zation of this church. The next is dated Dsc. 13,
1759, and fixes a line between Bedminster and Raritan,
stated to be the lane or line running east and west
between Paulus Auten and Hendrick Van Arsdalen,
provided the persons on either side were willing to go
to Bedminster or Raritan respectively. June 24,
1759, Frederick Banta was appointed a " helper."
Nov. 25, 1761, at a meeting of the Consistory,
Johannes Haas and Jan Voorhees were admitted on
confession of their faith, and Matthew Lane by cer-
tificate. March 8, 1762, Jacob Van Derveer was
continued as elder, and John Voorhees chosen deacon
in the place of Rynier Van Neste. Dec. 31, 1764,
Maria Folkerson, wife of Folkert, Maria Woertman,
wife of Jan, and Catherine Bordt, wife of N. N., were
admitted on confession of faith, and were baptized
April 1st. We have gathered these items from the
minute-book of the Raritan Church, in the handwrit-
ing of Dr. Hardenburgh.
•720
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
There are no records which enable us to determine
when the first house of worship was built, but it was
probably commenced that same year, or the next at
furthest, making its date 1759 or 1760* It was built
upon land donated by Jacobus Van Derveer. It was
of wood, and stood, facing south, on the ground occu-
pied by the present church. The front door was
directly opposite the pulpit, and the galleries were in
the two ends. It was longer in front than in depth,
never painted, but had a board ceiling and pews, and
in general appearance resembled the old church at
Eeadington, after which it was probably patterned.
It stood until 1816, when it was removed to make way
for a new building. The register of baptisms dates
from Nov. 15, 1801, when the ministry of John
Schureman began. The first infant baptized was
Jane, daughter of Peter Lane.
The history of the church is involved in that of the
church of Earitan from its first organization, in 1758,
to the close of the ministry of Theodore F. Eomeyn.
It had a third of the services of Dr. Hardenburgh, as
well as of Eomeyn, during the period extending to
1787. Then Eev. John Duryea supplied, in connec-
tion with the First Church of Earitan, up to 1800. f
But the days of its pupilage were now ended. It had
grown into prosperity, and felt the developing ener-
gies of mature life. It determined to have a pastor
of its own, and John Schureman, a native of New
Brunswick and graduate of Queen's College, was
called Nov. 13, 1800. He served the church faith-
fully for six and a half years, then went to Mill-
stone; he died in 1818, regretted by all who knew
him. His dismission is dated May 25, 1807.
In July, 1808, Charles Hardenbergh was called
from Warwick, N. Y., and served until May, 1820.
He did a great work in Bedminster ; a new church
was built in 1817 and 1818, a classical school founded,
and the cause of education generally encouraged and
elevated. Mr. Hardenburgh was succeeded in 1821
by Isaac M. Fisher, who was followed in 1840 by
George Schenck;t he was succeeded, in September,
1852, by Eev. William Brush, who served thirteen
years, and resigned December, 1865.
Rev. Charles H. Pool was installed in July, 1866,
* About 1758 or 1759 a meeting waa called for the purpose of locating the
church site. A committee was appointed to select suitable grounds, and
it was also given power to build the church. Jacobus Van Derveer offered
tu give half of the oak timber, 2 acres, and £50 sterling. Guisbert Sutphin
tendered 2 acres, where the Larger Cross-Eoads school-house is now
located, half the oak timber for the frame, and £50 sterling, the timber
and money to be given, no matter where the church stood.
t The following record is taken from Liber A, p. 214, county clerk's
office:
** The Church of Bedminster incorporated Sept. 12, 1791. John Dui^ea
Minister; John Voorhees, Elder ; Cornelius Powelson, Elder ; Aaron Van
Boren, Elder ; Matthisii Lane, Sr., Elder ; Stephen Hunt, Deacon ; Philip
1'. Van Arsdalen, Deacon ; Philip H. Van Arsdalen, Deacon.
" Received for record Nov. 14, 1791.
Fred. J. Fbelinghuyben, Olerky "
X The following is the inscription on his tomb : " Sacred to the memory
of Eev. George Schenck, born January 27th, 1816, died July 7th, 1852.
He was pastor of this church eleven years."
and remained until 1875, when he was succeeded by
the Eev. John L. McNair, still in charge.
The church has at present 100 families, 230 com-
municants, and a Sunday-school of 170 pupils. There
has been raised during the past year for religious and
benevolent purposes, $631 ; for congregational, $1370.
THE EEPOKMBD DUTCH GHUKCH OF PBAPACK
was organized by a committee appointed Oct. 3, 1848,
by the Classis of New Brunswick, at the request of the
Eev. George Schenck, of Bedminster, and the people
in the village of Feapack, in the lecture-room, built
some years previously. There were received 31 from
the church of Bedminster ; foiir from the Presbyterian
Church of Lamington, and one from the Congrega-
tional Church at Chester. Jacob Tiger, Peter De
Mott, Abraham Cortelyou, and Nicholas Tiger, elders,
and Henry H. WyckofT, James S. Todd, John S. Te-
tinty, and Jacob A. Clawson, deacons, formed the first
Consistory.
The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid,
July 10, 1849, amid a large concourse of people, and
addresses were made by Eevs. J. W. Chambers, Dr.
Messier, J. K. Campbell, and George Schenck. The
Eev. J. F. Morris, Messrs. Williamson, Stoutenbergh,
Johnson, and Oakley were present, with the pastor
of the church, the Eev. William Anderson. Jan. 15,
1850, the church was dedicated. The pulpit was oc-
cupied by Eev. Messrs. J. K. Campbell, George
Schenck, D. D. Demarest, and J. M. Knox. The pas-
tor presided, Eev. J. K. Campbell offered the prayer,
Eev. D. D. Demarest preached the sermon, Eev. Geo.
Schenck ofiered the dedicatory prayer, and Eev. J.
M. Knox the concluding prayer. Eev. William An-
derson served from its organization until 1856, and
was succeeded in 1857 by Eev. Henry P. Thompson.
In 1872 the church was enlarged at a cost of $4500,
and reopened November 21st of that year. After a
few months' occupancy it was burned, June 5, 1873.
The church immediately proceeded to erect a new
edifice ; services were held in the lecture-room during
the interim. The structure, with furniture, cost
$13,000. A bell was soon afterwards obtained for
$500. The dedication took place Jan. 8, 1874, the
prayer being offered by the Eev. H. P. Thompson, the
recent pastor, and the sermon by the Eev. Dr. Edgar
Easton. The Eev. James Le Fevre, Charles H. Pool,
and the Eev. Mr. Mead, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Peapack, assisted. In the spring of 1874 a
call was extended to the Eev. Charles T. Anderson.
He accepted, and was installed June 17th, same
year. Mr. Anderson is still in charge of the congre-
gation.g The church has 124 families, 194 communi-
cants. During the past year $106.50 has been raised
for religious and benevolent purposes, and $1439.19
for congregational. A Sunday-school having 125
pupils is connected with the church.
g He is a native of Pennsylvania, a graduate of the College of New
Jersey and Princeton Seminary, and was ordained in May, 1873, by the
Presbytery of Philadelphia.
BEDMINSTEK.
721
THE KEFOBMED CHUECH OF POTTERS VI LLE.*
The inhabitants of Pottersville had no church
within a convenient distance, and Sering Potter, the
proprietor of the mills to which the village owes its
existence, felt the deprivation to which all were sub-
jected, and with, his sons and others moved in the
matter of organizing a church. The first meeting
was held in the district school-house, Oct. 9, 1865. A
memorial, dated Oct. 10, 1865, was presented to Classis
at their stated autumnal session in the Third church
of Earitan. The petition was granted, and a com-
mittee consisting of Rev. P. M. Doolittle, Rev. Dr.
A. Messier, Rev. William Brush, Rev. H. P. Thomp-
son, and the elder Isaac Crater and Zachariah L.
Smith, were appointed to perfect the organization.
The committee met in the school-house at Potters-
ville, Nov. 2, 1865. A sermon was preached by the
Rev. Dr. Messier ; certificates of church membership
were presented from 27 individuals, embracing 9 from
the Presbyterian Church, 7 from the Reformed Church,
6 from the Methodist Church, 3 from the Congrega-
tional Church, and 2 from the Lutheran Church.
The first Consistory was composed of Sering Potter,
Thomas Fritts, and Martin Rhinehart, elders, and
Joseph Emmons, Alexander McDoiigal, and Edmund
P. Potter, deacons. Supplies were appointed by the
Classis, and religious services were thenceforth regu-
larly held in the school-house.
The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid
May 22, 1866, it being finished and dedicated Dec.
26, 1866. The cost was $8552.28. The call of the
first pastor, Thomas W. Jones, a licentiate from the
seminary at New Brunswick, bears date May 31, 1867.
He resigned and removed to Amsterdam, N. Y., in
1870. The call of the second pastor, Vernon B. Car-
roll, is dated May 25, 1871. He was also a licentiate
from the seminary at New Brunswick. He remained
until about 1875, and was succeeded by the Rev. Wil-
liam H. HoflFman, who is still the pastor. The church
includes 82 families, with 126 members. The Sunday-
school numbers 120 scholars. The amount raised
during the past year for congregational purposes was
) ; for religious and benevolent, $33.67.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PEAPACK.
Early in 1838 that portion of the Methodists in the
neighborhood of Peapack united in an organization
as above named. April 4, 1838, a plot of land con-
taining half an acre was donated by John Philhower
as a site for an edifice. A meeting was held at the
house of James Melick, March 27, 1839, for the pur-
pose of electing trustees of the Methodist Episcopal
Church Society who were intending to build a house
of worship in Peapack. Rev. Abraham Gearhart was
chosen chairman, Robert A. Craig secretary. The
following persons were chosen: James Melick, Robert
A. Craig, John Philhower, Tunis Cole, Philip D.
Lawrence, Peter Howe, William Greendike. This
* From "Memorial Notes," Dr. A. Messier.
action was filed in the clerk's office in Somerville in
April of the same year. Subscriptions were obtained,
and an edifice erected in 1839. This building an-
swered all purposes until about 1859, when it was
remodeled and enlarged to its present capacity. A
parsonage lot and land for a cemetery were purchased,
and a parsonage erected. This church is in the same
charge with that at Chester; the united membership
is 154. The pastors who have presided are nearly as
follows : Abraham Gearhart, Edward Hance, William
A. Perry, Richard Van Horn, Peter D. Day, Abram
Owen, Charles E. Hill, Charles La Rue, John S. Coit,
Jonathan B. Heward, Thomas T. Campfield, David
Walters, Thomas Rawlings, Abram Palmer, Jacob P.
Fort, Samuel Morris, Edward M. Griffiths, W. H.
Haggerty, Joshua Mead, James H. Runyan, James
N. Keyes, and Isaac Thomas, present incumbent.
THE PRESBTTEEIAN CHURCH OF PLUGKAMINf
is an offshoot from the Reformed Church of Bedmin-
ster. The inhabitants of this vicinity, having long
desired more convenient church privileges, at length
regularly petitioned the Classis of New Brunswick,
in whose bounds they were, to organize them into a
Reformed Dutch Church. Their petition, with 81
names, was presented to the Classis at Griggstown, in
October, 1850. It met with opposition, and a com-
mittee was appointed to visit the ground and try to
arrange the matter. At a subsequent meeting of the
Classis, at New Brunswick, in November, 1850, the
committee reported, and no satisfactory arrangement
having been made, the people of Pluckamin, through
their commissioners, renewed their application for
organization. The matter was postponed until the
April meeting of Classis. The people, however,
having constitutionally obtained a special meeting of
Classis at Branchville, in February, 1851, to consider
the matter, again renewed their application, but the
Classis declined taking up the subject; whereupon
the application was finally withdrawn.
Having already determined that if their efforts
failed they would seek to be organized as a Presbyte-
rian Church, they appeared through their commis-
sioners before a meeting of the Presbytery of Eliza-
bethtown, Feb. 25, 1851, and petitioned to be organ-
ized into a Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery,
after much deliberation, resolved to grant their peti-
tion, and appointed a committee consisting of Revs.
W. W. Blauvelt, Williamson, and James T. English,
and Elders Benjamin McDowell and William Annin,
to organize a Presbyterian Church in the village of
Pluckamin on the second Tuesday of March. On the
day appointed, after suitable preparatory services,
39 persons were received on certificate from other
churches. Four of these were unanimously elected
ruling elders. On the same day a board of seven trus-
tees was elected, and the organization of the church
completed. No deacons were appointed. Before any
•f- By Bev. Samuel Parry.
722
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
organization had been obtained or application for a
separate organization made, decided measures bad
been taken for building a bouse of worship, and large
and liberal subscriptions had been made by the
people for that purpose. Here it may not be unin-
teresting to record the fact that nearly one hundred
years before the organization of this church the Ger-
man Lutherans had erected a church edifice on the
same piece of ground. This property was purchased
by the trustees of the Presbyterian Church. They
also bought an adjoining lot with a small church on
it, erected by the Methodists in 1832, and also a small
strip adjoining that. On this lot, having removed
the Methodist building (which is now our neat and
commodious public school-house) the people assem-
bled July 8, 1851, to lay the corner-stone of their
church edifice. A brief statement of the history of
the church was read by Eev. William A. McDowell,
D.D., who then proceeded to lay the corner-stone.
Feb. 3, 1852, the church was dedicated. Sixteen
more persons were received into the church by certifi-
cate, 1 on profession. Sept 20, 1851, and 1 April 10,
1852 ; 11 more were received by certificate, and 14 on
profession, making a total of 81 members with which
to begin the second year. There have been received
up to November, 1880, 559 members, of whom 195
who have not removed their certificates are still
living. The number of resident members last re-
ported to Presbytery, April 1, 1880, is 160. The
largest number of communicants received in any one
year since the beginning was in 1870, during Mr.
Carter's ministry, when 79 were received, 63 on pro-
fession. The total number of infants baptized is 287.
The pastors of this church and the time of their
pastorates have been : Rev. James Petrie, 1852 to Oc-
tober 1856; Bev. F. F. Cornell, DD.,* January, 1857,
to January, 1863 ; Bev. Thomas Carter, May, 1863,
to November, 1872 ; Eev. Samuel Parry, April 30,
1873. The list of elders is as follows: John Van
Zandt, Francis Hastings, Peter Garretson,! John Coll-
yer,t ordained second Tuesday of March, 1851 ; Elias
Brown,^ Abraham Powelson, ordained March 5, 1854 ;
John McCuUough, John S. Felmley,|| Jacob V. D.
Powelson, ordained Feb. 22, 1857 ; Charles Suydam,
Jacob T. Wortman, John C. Bergen,1[ Paul V. Tuni-
son, ordained March 3, 1861.
June 14, 1873, the plan of term service in the elder-
ship was unanimously adopted. Three elders are an-
nually elected to serve for the term of two years.
Since then the following elders have been elected
and installed into oflBce : James G. Kline, Abraham
V. Wortman, William L. Lyon, June 29, 1872 ; Philip
I. Yan Arsdale, Abraham Powelson, Jacob T. Wort-
man, March 29, 1874; John McCullough, James G.
* Died Aug. 7, 1875.
t Died Not. 24, 1851, aged fifty-four.
I Died Jan. 5, 1865, aged eighty-three,
g Died Feh. 6, 1867, aged Beventy-flTe.
II Died May 1, 1860, aged forty-three.
U Died March 16, 1864.
Kline, William L. Lyon, April 4, 1875 ; T. V. Van
Arsdale, J. V. D. Powelson, Jacob T. Wortman, April
2, 1876; James Brown, Daniel S. Doty, Abraham
Powelson, April 1, 1877 ; J. V. D. Powelson, Jacob T..
Wortman, T. V. Van Arsdalen, April 7, 1878; Daniel
S. Doty, William L. Lyon, Abraham V. Wortman,
April 6, 1879; Abraham Powelson, Jacob V. D. Pow-
elson, Jacob T. Wortman, April 4, 1880.
Organizations that had a brief existence were the
Methodist Church at Pluckamin, Baptist at Larger
Cross-Boads, and Christian Association at Peapack.
Jeremiah Conover obtained permission in 1831 to erect
a Methodist church building on the lot owned by St.
Paul's Lutheran Church. He was the only member
who lived in the village. Preaching was occasional,
members were few, and no minister was ever settled
over the church. About 1850 the building was sold,
and it is now used as a school-house.
A Baptist Society was organized at Larger Cross-
Boads, and a church edifice erected about 1850.
Preaching was held by missionary labors only. This
church was afterwards occasionally used by the Meth-
odists ; it finally fell into disuse, and was sold, taken
down, and removed to Chester, Morris Co. The Bap-
tists for a short time after the close of the church of
the " Christian Society" at Peapack used that build-
ing. The Bev. William Shrope received a call in
1850, and commenced his labors April 1, 1850, and
remained a year or two. Since that time no stated
preaching has been held in the township by that
denomination. May 10, 1853, Pethuel Mason, of
the Baptist Church of Somerville, was appointed
by the Association to visit the Bedminster Baptist
Church. He reported that "he found them much
embarrassed in pecuniary matters, house closed, no
preaching, and in a very unfavorable state."
Jan. 11, 1838, a meeting was held at the house of
Moses Craig, in Peapack, and the following trustees
elected : Abraham Wortman, Philip D. Lawrence,
Stephen Bush, David Apgar, Moses Craig, John Je-
roleman, and Hugh Bunyan, Jr. These persons cer-
tified that they had taken upon themselves the name
of " Free Christian Society." A stone church was
erected on the west side of the Main Street, and ser-
vices were conducted by the Bev. Moses Cummings,
Austin Craig, and others for a year or two, then
discontinued. The building was afterwards used for
services by the Baptists for a time, and these also
were discontinued. The building is still standing,
occupied as a store and dwelling.
BURIAL-PLACES.
THE L.^MINGTON OHUBCHTAED
is doubtless the oldest cemetery in the township. The
land was deeded to the Presbyterian Church of Lam-
ington in March, 1743, by James Alexander and
Daniel D. Dunstar, who were the original purchasers
of a large tract where Lamington now stands. The
BEDMINSTER.
723'
church, however, was built before this time, and
burials had beeu made in the grounds. The first of
which any record is extant was that of Hephzibah,
wife of William Jones, who died in 1740. Elizabeth,
wife of Isaac Ross, is recorded as having died June 2,
1741, aged twenty-nine. The following names and
dates are given as among the many found there:
Elizabeth, wife of William Hamlin, July 4, 1746,
aged thirty-three ; Ann, wife of Eichard Porter, Sept.
7, 1747, thirty-one ; Bryan Lefferty, Esq., 1749, sixty-
four ; John Craig, May 23, 1753, sixty-five ; Hugh
Gaston, Sr., Dec. 23, 1772, eighty-five ; Hugh Gaston,
Jr., June 25, 1808, seventy-five; Moses Craig, July
31, 1775, seventy-five ; Dr. Aaron Craig, Aug. 31, 1785,
thirty-seven ; Robert Craig, 1797, sixty -three ; Samuel
Barclay, January, 1750 ; William Ker and Catharine,
his wife, 1777 ; Ephraim McDowell, March 2, 1762,
seventy-four. One inscription reads :
" Here lies wliat could die of Capt. Thomas Weir, of the Bucks Couuty
militia, who departed this life 26th Jan'y, 1777, aged 35 years. "
Capt. John McCarter, Oct. 14, 1777, sixty -three,
and Margaret, his wife, 1769, forty-five ; Michael D.
Henry, '' counselor-at-law in the city of New York,"
May 2, 1799, thirty-nine; "David Henry, January,
1783,fi%-five; John Lefierty, 1776, thirty-five ; Eliza-
beth, his wife, and daughter of the Rev. Thomas
Jones, 1772, twenty -six; Catharine, wife of Maj.
Eichard McDonald, July 23, 1813, seventy-nine.
The families of Linn, Porter, McKinstry, Trap-
hagen, Henry, and many others are buried here.
Here also, side by side, each covered by a broad
marble slab, lie the remains of two of the former
pastors of the church, the Eev. James McCrea and
the Eev. Jeremiah Halsey. A little way to the north-
east rests another, the Eev. William Boyd.
The inscriptions are here given :
" Here lies the Body of the Bev. James McCrea, who departed this life •
May the 10th, 1769, in the 59th year of his age.
To rouse the sleeping sinner's fears "
Thy mouth did faithfully proclaim
The Terrors dire from Sinai's Mount
In Great Jehovah's awful name.
" With weeping eyes and melting heart
Thy Master's love thou didst declare,
With Gospel cords to draw the Soul
Christ's sweet and gracious calls to hear.
A Friend sincere, of generous mind, "
A husband kind, and parent good,
A minister of fervent zeal.
To bring the people home to God.
" And, having trod thy Master's path.
The cross is past, the crown is won.
The flght is fought, and by Ohiist's blood
And Spirit thou hast overcome, "
"Here lies the Body of the Rev. Jeremiah Halsey, who was for some
years Eldest Tutor in the College of New Jersey, and afterwards Pastor
of this church ; and departed this life 2nd Oct., 1780, aged nearly it years.
The Friend, the Scholar, Christian and Divine, "
The faithful Pastor and the Husband Kind,
The Honest lover of both church and State
Did all in thee unite and make thee great.
We hope to Regions of the purest Love
Thy Soul is gone to dwell with God above.
Where perfect holy growing Life and Light
Doth ever fill the mind with fresh delight."
" In memory of the Rev. Wm. Boyd, who died May 17th, 1810, in the
49th year of his age.
By his death society has lost an invaluable member, religion one of "
its brightest ornaments and most amiable examples. His genius was
masterly and his literature extensive. His judgment waa strong and
penetrating, his taste correct, his style nervpus and elegant. In the pul-
pit he was a model, in the judicature of the church distinguished by his
accuracy and precision. As a companion interesting, as a husband affec-
tionate, and as a parent indulgent.
"After a life devoted to his Master's service he rested from his labora
lamented most by those who best knew his work. "
THE CEMETERY AT BEDMINSTER.
The land for the church and cemetery at this place
was donated by Jacobus or Jacob Van Derveer. The
first burial in the plot was that of his own wife, Phebe
Ditmars, who died Sept. 11, 1759, aged fifty-three.
Her grave is in the southeast corner of the yard, and
is the only one of any member of the family buried
in this part of the grounds, her husband having ex-
changed lots with Guisbert Sutphin soon after her
death. East of the church lie buried side by side
Guisbert Sutphin and his wife, Areantje; he died
Nov. 16, 1796, aged seventy-six; she died May 31,
1788, aged sixty-eight. Around them are several of
their descendants. Near the northeast corner of the
church rests Eobert Blair, Esq., who died Feb. 8, 1800,
aged fifty-one ; Sarah, wife of Peter Wortman, and
daughter of John Van Nest, who died in 1771, aged
thirty; Margaret, the wife of Eichard McDonald,
Aug. 16, 1773, aged thirty-six; Margaret, wife of
Stephen Hunt, Sept. 2, 1769. In 1763, Eachel Long-
street, the wife of William Van Doren, was buried in
this part of the ground. Directly west of the church
are the graves of the Van Derveers. An incident con-
nected with this portion of the ground is worthy of a
place here :
"Jacob Van Derveer had a daughter who became insane and died.
Though this old man had given every inch of ground for the church and
burying-ground, so strong were the superstitions of some of the church
elders that, on account of her infirmity, they actually refused him the
right of burying his unfortunate child within the inclosure, and he was
compelled to make her grave outside the fence. Afterwards, while the
army lay encamped in the vicinity, Gen. Knox lost an infant daughter,
and, as he wsa a New England man and held to Congregational doc-
trines, the same prejudices which excluded Jacob Van Derveer's daugh-
ter a burial-place refused the right of sepulture to the child of this brave
ofBcer who had bared his breast to thousands of bullets and was one of
the best heroes of the war. His amiable wife was with him, and their
tears fell thick and fast as the thought came up that the Jersey soil which
the battle-scarred soldier came to defend refused their little one a grava.
Old Jacob Van Derveer's honest cheek blushed scarlet with shame for his
church and congregation. He took the veteran by the hand and led him
to a little corner of his own land, close by the west side of the church
and right at the entrance-gate, near where his own daughter lay outside
the fence, and said, with a choking voice, 'Gen'ral Knox, this is,my,
ground; bury youi child here.' So there the little one was laid; and a
few days since we brushed the autumn leaves away and read on a broad
marble tablet level with the earth :
'Under this stone are deposited the remains of Julia Knox, an infant "
who died the 2d day of July, 1779. She was the daughter of Henry and
Lucy Knox, of Boston, in New England.'
"After this, Jacob Van Derveer made the church a present of this
ground, and the fence was removed, so as to bring in the grave of his
724
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
^hild and that of Gen. Knox. This strange conduct on the part of these
â– church ofBcers is not easily accounted for, as the Dutch Church was al-
ways proverbially liberal in its ideas, and the congregations of the Dutch
•Churches of New Jersey generally treated those of other denominations
with great neighborly kindness and consideration.* "
The following epitaph occurs among the Van
Derveers :
"Sacred to the memory of Blias Van Derveer, who died 29th Nov. 1778,
in the 33d year of his age.
In consequence of his cruel incarceration while prisoner to the "
British army, a detachment of which had been expressly sent out for the
pui^pose of taking him by surprise, with a few other active and spirited
Whigs of the Kevolution in this vicinage."
Between the Van Derveers and the church lies a
former pastor beneath a marble slab, with the follow-
ing inscription upon it :
" This Tomb covers the mortal remains of the Rev. Isaac M. Fisher
and Margaret C. Blartin his wife, they departed this life ; the former on
the 14th of Feb., 1840, aged 44 years, and the latter on the 31st March,
1838, aged 42 years. They died in the hope of the Gospel, whose doc-
trines they had adorned by a holj' life. This church enjoyed the faith-
ful ministry of their late Pastor for the term of 17 years. He was a
preacher of distinguished ability, ardent in his love of the truth, deeply
skilled in experimental religion, and eminently successful in winning
flouls to Jesus. Tills stone was erected as a grateful tribute to their
memory by those who loved them in life and honored them in death.
Their best record is on high, and their best monument in the hearts of
the people. "
Near this grave is that of the Eev. George Schenck,
pastor from 1840 till his death, July 7, 1852.
Near the church also are buried two of the daugh-
ters of Dr. and " Juflfrow" Hardenburgh ; Laura, the
wife of Michael Lane, July 28, 1785, aged twenty-
eight; and Maria, wife of James Van Derveer, March
12, 1789, aged thirty-two. The family of Powelsons
occupy the southwest corner of the yard, the Van
Arsdale the northwest, and in other parts of the
grounds are the families of Conover, Nevius, Vroom,
Voorhees, Van Doren, Melick, Demott, Tiger, Wolf,
Wyckoff, and many others. At the extreme north
side is the grave of Maj. John Todd, a Eevolutionary
officer, who died Sept. 4, 1820.
THE CEMETEET AT PLUCKAMIN.
When St. Paul's Lutheran Church was organized,
in 1756, as a part of Zion's Church, of New German-
town, the land for a building and cemetery was do-
nated by Jacob Eoff. Many burials were made in
this ground, but the hands of desecrating vandals of
later days have left their mark, and few are the stones
that now mark the resting-spot of those who were
active in the stirring events of that time of a century
ago. The Presbyterian church at Pluckamin is built
on the site of the old one ; a few graves are marked
north of it. The family of Castners are buried there,
eight in number, from 1780 to 1801. Robert Eoff and
wife, in 1775 ; Eichard Eoflf, in 1814. Other dates are
John Melick, died Nov. 16, 1763, aged sixty-one;
Catharine Melick, Oct. 17, 1763, sixty-four; Mary
Magdalena, wife of Jacob Eoff, Nov. 11, 1761, fifty-
seven ; Aaron Melick, April 7, 1809, eighty- three ;
* Jacob Magill.
Charlotte, his wife, 1802, sixty-seven; Elizabeth
Melick, May 14, 1768; Margaret Melick, Sept. 10,
1807
One brown stone bears three inscriptions, as fol-
lows:
" In memory of John Weygand, who died Feb. 3, 1782, aged 26 years,
of Hannah wife of Dr. Thos. Chrystie, who died Aug., 1782, aged 30
years, and of Elizabeth Weygand, who died Feb., 1783, aged 18 years. "
The Eev. John Weygand was pastor of Zion
Church in 1749. It is not known whether John and
Elizabeth Weygand were of his family or not.
The following Eevolutionary incident will be of
interest to many, as in this old cemetery the gallant
young officer is buried : A plain monument marks
the spot in the Pluckamin graveyard if
" In memory of
the Hon. Captain William Leslie,
of the 17th British Regiment,
son of the Earl of Leven, in Scotland.
He fell January 3, 1777,
aged twenty-six years,
at the battle of Princeton.
His friend, Benjamin Rush, M.D.,
of Philadelphia,
hath caused this stone to be erected as a
mark of his esteem for his worth
and respect for his
noble family. "
The ground south and east of the church is full of
graves of the ancient dead, but many of the stones
that bear the names and dates of death and mark
the place of the burial now form the pavement of a
cellar. A blacksmith-shop and a stable stand upon'
the spot once sacred to the memory of the dead.
On the west side of the road from Lesser Cross-
Eoads to Peapack, before the latter village is entered,
on a knoll now owned by Watson 0. Allen, there was
a burial-place seventy years ago, but nothing of it now
remains.
On tlie west side of the road, a short distance north
of the Eeformed church at Peapack, on land now
owned by Ellis Tiger, there was also a burial-place, in
which monuments were standing as late as 1812, but
of which nothing now remains.
The land donated for the Methodist church in 1838
at Peapack was also used for a burial-place; likewise
that around the Eeformed church at Peapack. The
first burial in this ground was that of Mrs. Barnabas
Horton, who was interred there before the church was
completed, in January, 1850.
In 1875 four acres were purchased of Elias Phil-
hower and William Hilliard on an elevated spot in
the upper part of the village for a "union cemetery."
The grounds were handsomely laid out, and many re-
mains were removed from the other burial-places and
deposited in the new ground. The Jeroleman family
burying-ground is in the centre of the village. The
Lane family burying-ground is situated about half a
mile west of Van Vliet's Mills. The following are a
few buried here: Matthew Lane, Sr., died Jan. 17,
t See p. 59 of this volume.
BEDMINSTER.
725
1804, aged eighty-three ; Matthew Lane, Jr., Nov. 7,
1819, seventy-three ; Peter Lane, Sept. 19, 1819, fifty-
five ; Matthew P. Lane, March 3, 1870, eighty-one.
The cemetery of the Preshy terian Church at Pluok-
amin is situated southeast from the village, on the
Washington Valley road. It was purchased by the
society shortly after its organization, in 1851.
A short distance north of the Lesser Oross-Eoads is
a plot of land, containing about half an acre, that was
used years ago for the burial of colored people who
were slaves. About 1873. an acre of land was pur-
chased southeast of Lamington as a burial-place for
colored people.
THE PEESBTTEEIAN CEMETEET.
Soon after the church was organized 1.15 acres
was purchased of Elias Brown, Esq., situated on the
south side of the road leading to Washington Valley,
for cemetery purposes. It was laid out April 1, 1851,
and contains 220 lots 9 by 20 feet, and 22 lots 9 by 12
feet. The first interment was of a little child of David
Dawson, who died April 1, 1851, and is buried near
the entrance. The cemetery is under the control of
the trustees of the church. In 1879 considerable im-
provement was made in its condition. An efibrt is
now being made to keep a complete record of every
interment, so that every grave may be known, whether
marked by a headstone or not.
SOLOMON'S LODGE, No. 1, P. AND A. M.
At some time in 1767 a warrant was issued by the
Provincial Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania
for a lodge at Basking Ridge, N. J., to be known as
No. 10 on the Pennsylvania registry. The precise
time and the names of the individuals cannot be as-
certained, as the records of the Grand Lodge of that
State were lost or destroyed prior to the Eevolution.
The number is found on the registry of Pennsylvania,
and is there mentioned as a lodge located at Basking
Eidge, N. J. March 26, 1781, inquiry was made at
the Grand Lodge concerning this warrant, and it was
said to have been seen in the possession of Dr. Blatch-
ley. This was doubtless the same person who signed
the agreement by which the Grand Lodge was con-
stituted. It was then signed by him as Ebenezer
Blatchley, Jr., Past Master of Lodge No. 10. It must
have been in successful operation at that time, as the
agreement spoken of was signed by more members of
that lodge than of any other. The names of two Past
Masters, Worthy Master, Wardens, Deacons, and 16
other members of Lodge No. 10 were attached to it.
In the proceedings at the organization of the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey, Dec. 18, 1786, mention is made
of the " Lodge of Bedminster," which is undoubtedly
the same, and by a general consent No. 1 was assigned
to this lodge, April 7, 1787. It was first known and
designated as "Somerset Lodge, No. 1," and soon
afterwards changed to "Solomon's Lodge, No. 1."
It became migratory; meetings were held at Bed-
minster, Somerville, Bound Brook, and Millstone,
and it expired about 1880.
At the November session of 1829 a communication
from this lodge was read to the Grand Lodge, then in
session at Trenton, stating a wish to resign the war-
rant, reserving the privilege of retaining its number
and of being taken up at some other period of timcv
This privilege was not granted, but they were in-
formed that the surrender of their warrant would be
accepted if made in the usual manner. The names
of the representatives to the Grand Lodge resident of
Bedminster were Eobert Gaston, 1786 ; William Mc-
Kissack, 1787 ; James Henry, 1787; George McDonald,
1792; Aaron Boylan, 1806; Henry Suydam, 1811;
Peter Van Doren, 1817.
POST-OFFICES.
The first in the township was established at Pluck-
amin. Matthew Lane was first postmaster. ' He was
succeeded by Jacob Losey (who held the position
about forty-five years), John Van Zandt, J. D. Pot-
ter, David H. Wortman, and James Brown, Jr.,
present incumbent.
Lamington office has been conducted by John Skill-
man and Abram K. Hutton; that of Peapack, by
William A. Van Doren, Elias J. Lawrence, and Amos
T. Foster, who is still the postmaster, having held the
position fifteen years.
Lesser Cross-Eoads office was established about 1800.
Jacob Van Doren was postmaster about eighteen years,
and was succeeded by Capt. Joseph Nevius. Corne-
lius W. Schomp, Dr. Staats Woodruff, Nicholas Ar-
rowsmith, Martin Bunn, William C. Joroleman, Elias
T. Wood, and the present incumbent, Martin Bunh.
The office at Pottersville was established very early.
Sering Potter was the first postmaster, and the only
one for about fifty years. He was succeeded by Elias
Bartles, who still holds the position.
MILITARY.
Many things that are of particular interest to the
people of the township of Bedminster will be found
in the Eevolutionary chapter of the general history
of this work. The rosters of the companies formed
for that struggle have not been found. Below is given
that of one raised for the war of 1812 :
" A list of the names of all the persons belonging to the Second Com-
pany of the First Battalion of the Second Eegiment of Somerset Bri-
gade : John Logan, Captain; John Tiger, Lieutenant; John Craig, John
Wolfe, John Arrowsmith, Daniel Todd, Sergeants ; John Mizner, Oharlea
Lj-on, Aaron Craig, John Mullen, Corporals; Dafld Ammerman, Jr.,
Albert Ammerman, Samuel Todd, Jr., Andrew Todd, John Phenix, Cor-
nelius Willitt, Isaac Willitt, Conrad Hardy, Francis V. Hagaman, Simon
Hagaman, Jr., David Hagaman, William Hagaman, Ames Dunham,
Simon Vleet, Andrew Auble, John Bunck, Peter Case, William J. Todd,.
Benjamin Arrowsmith, Jr., Abraham Van Dike, Abraham Hoagland,
Isaac Voorhis; Jacob Voorheea, Jr., David Van Nest, Shepherd McCoy,
Nicholas .Ditmars, Eobert T. Craig, William J. Van Dorn, Jacob Allen,
Peter Dorn, James Johnston, Jacob Wolfe, William A. Van Dorn, Isaac
Van Dorn, Aaron Van Dorn, Jr., William Irwine, Peter Demont, .Jacob.
Tiger, Jr., Peter Tiger, Abraham Smith, Cornelius T. Bowman, Heniy
V.°Voorhees, James Voorheea, Jr., Cornelius Wolfe, Jeremiah Dunn,.
Cornelius McCloe, Gilbert Van Dorn, Benjamin S. Brown, Jacob Van
Y26
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
DorD, William Biirvis, Lewie 0. Voorhees, William Todd, Jr., William
Hone}'man, Andrew Ammerman, William Ammerman, Samuel Lock-
bart.
The persons below named have performed a tour of duty already: "
John Tiger, Lieutenant ; John Mizner, CJoi-poral ; John Willett, John
Mullen, Lewis Chapman.
" Persons named below are now on a tour of duty: John Logan, Cap-
tain ; Jacob Tiger, John Devore, Jr., Joseph Van Horn, Albert Ammer.
man. Privates.
September 8th, 1814. "
James WoheE, Sergeant,
By me, John Logan, Captain
The following is an account of proceedings of tlie
town committee during the war of the Rebellion in
reference to raising money for volunteers.
Special town-meeting September, 1862 :
" It was voted unanimouBly to sustain the action of the chosen free-
holders of Somerset County in their action in regard to paying bounty. "
Aug. 27, 1863, it was voted to raise a bounty of
$300 for each man who entered the service of the
United States, whether as a volunteer or as drafted ;
also that the money for 1863 be raised by assessment.
Dec. 28, 1863, it was voted that the town committee
be empowered to raise town bonds for the money,
payable Jan. 1, 1865. May 30, 1864, voted that each
person enrolled, liable to military duty, pay to the
collector $10 ; all persons refusing are not entitled to
$300 in case of draft. It was voted Oct. 9, 1864, to
pay a bounty of $800, and Jan. 7, 1865, to pay for
three-years' men $600, two-years' men $500, and one
year men $400. The final account of committee re-
ported of moneys raised as follows : For the draft of
June, 1864, $10,377.52; September, 1864, $33,256.22;
ball of Dec. 19, 1864, $21,346.52; total, $64,980.26.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
REV. WILLIAM A. McDOWELL, D.D.
The McDowells of this family trace their ances-
tors back to Ireland, and thence to Scotland. Hence
they were properly Scotch-Irish, and are believed to
i.ave been among those numerous Presbyterians who
passed over to Ireland to escape the oppressive Act of
Uniformity passed in the reign of Charles II. The
first ancestor who emigrated to America was Ephraim
McDowell, the grandfather of the subject of our sketch.
William Anderson McDowell was born in Bedmin-
ster, Somerset Co., N. J., on the 15th of May, 1789.
He was a son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Anderson)
McDowell, whose parents had settled in Bedminster,
whither they came from Long Island (?) as early as
1767. His older brother, Eev. John McDowell, D.D.,
was also born in Bedminster, on the McDowell estate,
and received his first impulse towards that distinction
in scholarship and in the ministry which he attained
from his rudimentary lessons at the grammar school
.taught in the neighborhood by Eev. Mr. Hannah.
At this or a similar school at Lamington William
also began his preparatory course for college, and at
Elizabethtown was so far advanced in his studies that
he entered the Junior Class at Princeton in 1807, and
graduated in 1809, having throughout his whole course
maintained a superior standing both for scholarship
and deportment. In the spring of 1810, as his brother
had done before him, he placed himself under the tui-
tion of Rev. Dr. WoodhuU, of Freehold, as a student
in theology, and in June of that year became a candi-
date for the ministry. In November, 1810, he became
a tutor in Princeton College, and continued in that
relation till September of the next year, pursuing
his theological studies meantime under the instruc-
tion of Rev. Dr. Stanhope Smith, then president of
the college. His health having become delicate, he
resolved to try the effect of a Southern climate, and
in November sailed for Savannah, the residence of
Eev. Dr. KoUock, whose sister he afterwards married.
Under the direction of this eloquent divine, he re-
sumed his theological studies, and, returning after a
time to Princeton, was the fifth on the catalogue of
the first class in the theological school of that place,
which his brother, Eev. Dr. John McDowell, did so
much towards founding and placing on a firm basis,
and which has since become so famous an institution
throughout the Christian world.
Mr. McDowell continued his connection with the
seminary until May, 1813, having been licensed to
preach in April preceding by the Presbytery of New
Brunswick. He was ordained and installed pastor of
the Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook on the 22d
of December following, and about the same time united
in marriage with Miss Jane Kollock, daughter of
Shepard Kollock, Esq., of Elizabethtown. His con-
nection with the church at Bound Brook was dissolved
Oct. 19, 1814, and on the 15th of the next December
he was installed pastor of the church at Morristown,
N. J. He had previously declined a call from the
church in Flemington. His ministry at Morristown
was alike highly acceptable and highly useful. It
was while earnestly laboring here that his health so
declined that he was induced to try the experiment of
a Southern climate, and made a visit to Charleston,
S. C, which resulted in his settlement as pastor in
that city in 1823.
This was an epoch in his life: his health was in
a great measure restored, and his pastorate of ten
years eminently successful, during which he did much
towards the more thorough organization of the Church
South. At the meeting of the General Assembly in
1838 he was appointed Secretary of the Board of
Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church, a posi-
tion which he felt it his duty to accept, although his
people in Charleston released him with great regret.
This arrangement made the city of Philadelphia
henceforth his home for the balance of his life. In
the discharge of his duties as secretary his labors were
abundant, and he frequently made tours South for the
purpose of extending the influence of the board in
Shg
inj j-JEBiTciu.'^
'M^a^^-^ S^.U^':l9^rt^eXt^
R E V; "WILLIAM A II ? D Q'S^T^ \ L'.L , D . D ,
BEDMINSTER.
727
that direction. His wisdom, zeal, and ability, but
not his health, were adequate to the task imposed by
his office, or rather the task which his own devotion
and energy imposed upon him ; for, although he was
afflicted with a difficulty of the throat which rendered
public speaking exceedingly difficult, and the tax
upon his energies was felt to be more and more ex-
hausting, it was impossible for one of such a spirit not
to work up to the full measure of his ability.
The summer of 1850 he spent at his " Retreat" in
Bedminster, preaching occasionally as his health would
permit, and dividing his time between his pen, his
books, and his friends. In the autumn he made his
last tour, with his wife, to the South, in hopes that the
change of climate might be beneficial to him. It was
to some extent ; but soon after his return to New Jer-
sey, in May, 1851, he appears to have grown worse, as
the following letter, written to his brother, shows :
" Retreat, June 18, 1851.
My dear Bkothee, Tour kind letter of the 12th inst. came by the "
mail of yesterday. I thank you for it, and will attempt a brief reply.
I wrote you not long since, and gave you a full account of the illness
â– with which our Heavenly Father has been pleased to visit me. I then
expressed the hope that I was better, and was slowly gaining strength ;
and I venture to indulge that hope still, though my cough is trouble-
some and I continue very weak. The weather has been much against
me. It is now quite dry, and rain is much needed ; but it is cold, es-
pecially in the mornings and evenings.
" The Pluckamin people are going forward with some spirit. They
have commenced their church edifice on a lot adjoining the old grave-
yard. They build there to avoid covering graves and a threatened law-
suit The site is a good one.
'• The Lord seems disposed to keep you from stagnating, and for your
general good health you owe him much. You have, indeed, a heavy
task, but I am persuaded that few others could do it as well as you,* and
I rejoice in your good success. That building will remain, after your
work on earth is done, as a precious monument to your indefatigable
industry and perseverance in the best of causes. May a kind Providence
enable you to complete the important enterprise I and when finished,
may God, by His Spirit, take up His abode there I It is the presence of
the Holy Spirit, and that alone, that can give prosperity to a church.
O that we all felt this more deeply than we do 1 We greatly need an
unction from the Holy One.
As soon as I am able, I wish to write to your Presbytery and give "
some account of myself. Although not now within their bounds, I am
jiot prepared at present to change my Presbyterial connection. Should
my health be restored, I do not expect to spend the winter here, and I
know not exactly where I may be. If I have strength to labor I do not
expect to be idle. If my health should not be restored, I shall not be in
a situation to join any other body. I trust my good brethren of the Pres-
bytery will not object to my retaining my present connection until I
can see more clearly what God designs for me.
" Let me hear from you soon and often, and believe me,
Tour affectionate brother, "
William A. McDowell.
Dr. McDowell's health continued feeble during the
summer, yet in July he officiated in laying the cor-
ner-stone of the church at Pluckamin. About the
1st of September he went to Morristown, with a view
of placing himself under the care of his former phy-
sician, Dr. Johns,, in whom he had great confidence.
Even then he was not so ill as to occasion any imme-
diate alarm, but he gradually declined until he died
from exhaustion, on the 17th of September, 1851.
* Eeferring to the rebuilding of the Spring Garden Presbyterian
church, Philadelphia.
The night before he died he was much engaged in
prayer for the church and for the cause of missions,
which was especially dear to his heart. His remains
were removed to Lamington for interment, and the
sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. W. W.
Blauvelt, pastor of the Lamington Church.
Dr. McDowell was of a slender form, rather below
the medium height. His countenance indicated
thoughtful earnestness and purity, and his utterances
fulfilled all that his looks foreshadowed. He had a
fine, clear, well-balanced intellect, which had been
subjected to early judicious training, and had also
been kept in careful culture in connection with the
great and diversified labors of life. He possessed
wonderful transparency of character, and a modesty
which shrank from aspiration to high places; was of
an amiable and kindly spirit, of admirable discretion,
and of an energy of purpose which never faltered in
the most difficult enterprises. As a preacher he took
high rank, being among the most clear, forcible, prac-
tical expounders of truth of his day. In each of the
congregations to which he ministered, especially the
two last, there were very marked result? from his
ministry, not a small number both in Morristown
and Charleston being converted under his labors.
But the chief monument which he erected was in
the hearts and affections of those who knew him best.
Every community in which he lived has loved to do
him honor, and multitudes still pronounce his name
with reverence and gratitude.
Rev. John McLean, D.D., president of Princeton
College, writes of him, in 1864: " Dr. William A. Mc-
Dowell was a favorite pupil of my father, who for
many years was professor of mathematics and nat-
ural philosophy in the college, and its first teacher in
chemistry. During a part of the summer term of
1812 he supplied my father's place in the college as
teacher of mathematics, and sustained himself well.
In the autumn of that year, if I err not, he entered
the theological seminary at Princeton, which had
been recently established, the only professor being
the late venerable Dr. Archibald Alexander,
" At that time, there being no building erected for
the seminary, its students were permitted, if they de-
sired it, to lodge in the college buildings and use the
recitation-rooms, etc. . . . This led to a great inti-
macy between the students of the two institutions,
and to co-operation in their benevolent efi'orts. In
these Dr. (then Mr.) W. A. McDowell took an active
part, and at the formation of the Nassau Hall Bible
Society he was chosen its first president, and wrote an
address setting forth the object for which it was es-
tablished. The address was published, with a copy of
the constitution as then adopted, and it was probably
the first article from his pen that ever appeared in
print. This was three years before the founding of
the American Bible Society, at the formation of which
delegates were present from the Nassau Hall Bible
Society. Those familiar with the history of Bible
728
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
agencies in our country know the important services
rendered by the Nassau Hall Society in the first efibrts
made to supply every destitute family in the State of
New Jersey with a copy of the Holy Scriptures.
In 1817, Dr. McDowell was chosen a trustee of "
this college. In 1824 he resigned his seat in the
board, and was elected again the following year.
" Dr. McDowell was a man of no ordinary ability ;
he was a good scholar and an instructive preacher.
Pious, active, cheerful, he was a most agreeable com-
panion and an exemplary Christian minister. I
might say more, I could not say less.''
A. w. McDowell, m.d.
The late Augustus W. McDowell, M.D., of Bed-
minster, was a son of Rev. William A. McDowell,
D.D., and was born in Morristown, N. J., Dec. 11,
1820. He was prepared for college at the age of
twelve years, graduated at Princeton at the age of
sixteen, and received his medical degree at nineteen.
It was against the college rule to give a diploma to
any undergraduate less than twenty-one years old.
When asked What will you say if they ask your "
age?" he replied, "I will tell the truth." But they
did not ask his age.
By the removal of his father from Charleston to
Philadelphia, in 1833, he was brought into the best
opportunities for medical study, which he improved
by attending both the summer and winter courses of
lectures, and at the same time pursued the study of
French. Graduating at the Medical College of Phila-
delphia, he established himself at the home of his
ancestors in Bedminster, the " Retreat," where he
carried on a very large medical practice till the break-
ing out of the civil war.
Dr. McDowell married, Sept. 3, 1844, Anna Maria,
daughter of Rev. Enos A. Osborn, a prominent Pres-
byterian divine of New Jersey.
At the breaking out of the war Dr. McDowell earn-
estly espoused the cause of the Union, and entered
the service as a surgeon. He served at different
times, both as regimental and brigade surgeon, with
the rank of major, and in March, 1865, he was bre-
vetted colonel " for faithful and meritorious services
during the war" by Andrew Johnson and Secretary
Stanton. His first medical services rendered were in
the Department of the West, where, with two assist-
ants, he had charge of the hospital at Ironton, Mo.,
containing about six hundred patients.
At one time the hospital was entirely surrounded
by the Confederate Gen. Price and his troops. Gen.
Price sent in a flag of truce and demanded their sur-
render. Dr. McDowell and his assistants were not
ready to give up without doing all they could. The
messenger was blindfolded before being brought into
their presence, while they, from the convalescent
patients, made all the show of force they could, and
then, removing the bandage from his eyes, told him to
tell Gen. Price if he wanted the place to come and
take it. The show of force so deceived the emissary
that, upon his report being made to his general, he
made his advance with such care and loss of time
that the United States troops were reinforced, the
property saved, and the retreating Confederate force
overtaken and defeated. In this malarious region
first both of his assistants and then himself were-
stricken with disease ; but he clung to his duty, not
only taking all their work upon himself, but the cafe
of them also, antil, broken down, he applied for leave-
of absence. As soon as he could again return to duty
he was placed in charge of the government hospital
at Staten Island. With renewed strength he sought
more active duty, and became the surgeon of the
Sixth Regiment of Hancock's corps of veteran volun-
teers, soon to be promoted to brigade surgeon of the
same corps. With the renewal of hard service his
disease returned upon him and clung to him until
death.
At the close of the war he was retained by the
government for some time at Harrisburg, Pa., for the
purpose of disposing of the hospital property at that
place. He put the property in such order that he-
was afterwards complimented by the government,
agents for the highly successful manner in which it
was disposed of. While in the army scarcely a day
passed in which he did not write a letter home, giving
his anxious wife and family many details of each
day's progress of the war. These letters, in the pos-
session of Mrs. McDowell, would constitute a valuable
contribution to the military history of the war of the
Rebellion.
Dr. McDowell took great interest in the Presby-
terian Church at Lamington, of which he was for
many years a member and elder. Like his revered
father, he was a man of earnest Christian faith and
of a devoted, exemplary life. At the celebration of
the semi-centennial of the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Blau-
velt, in 1876, he delivered the address of congratula-
tion, on the part of the congregation, in such a man-
ner as to elicit the highest commendation. He took
a prominent part in every good word and work con-
nected with the church and society, and was a life-
long friend of its beloved pastor. Dr. Blauvelt. No
man who had not held public office in Somerset
County was more widely known or more highly re-
spected than Dr. McDowell.
Dr. McDowell was a historian. He treasured up
every scrap of local history that was ever told him.
or put in print. Next to Judge Ralph Voorhees, the
octogenarian chronicler, he had, perhaps, the best-in-
formed mind on local matters of a hundred years ago-
of any one in this locality. His articles to the news-
papers during the last few years of his life were almost
always historical, and are extremely valuable. He-
wrote many still more valuable articles for "Our
Home" in 1873, notably those entitled "Pluckamin.
''-•-/-■b-i .'.Mr^.itchi
i/i/r.
6
^-^c,
k9-
K M I M - D n WE LL , M . "D ,
BEDMINSTER.
729
One Hundred Years Ago," " Our Old Physicians,"
and " Dr. Van Derveer and Sister." During the year
1876 he contributed many things to The Gazette, of
which he was a warm and consistent friend.
The following is contributed by a member of the
family :
Mrs. McDowell has in her possession a number of
books given him before he went to college as pre-
miums for being first in his class, Greek, Latin,
sacred history, etc. His was a warm-hearted, lov-
ing, and affectionate nature. In the latter days of his
life he spent several winters at the South, among the
scenes of his boyhood, and in the mild, soothing cli-
mate of Florida. In the fall of 1877 a Southern trip
was again talked of, fearing he could not stand our
rigorous winters. But his health was too delicate to
travel, and we said, " We will make our home as nearly
like a Southern climate as possible." His home was
made warm and cheerful. He enjoyed his books, his
writings, and his friends. As the spring of 1878 ap-
proached his physical weakness increased, but with it
came a calm, happy state of mind. The Bible, always
a book he loved to read and study, now became his
greatest joy and comfort. He would often say,
" What would I do without the comfort derived from
this blessed book ? His wife and daughters read to "
him daily, and he generally had the portion selected
in his mind, asking them to read it. He loved to
have us read of heaven, the New Jerusalem ; of his
Saviour and the angels, saying, "I shall soon be there.
I have no doubt, no fear, not one. I know I am ac-
cepted; I know I am forgiven." About this time the
silver question was before the public, and he was inter-
ested, and wanted his family to read the papers daily.
When the question was settled he was satisfied, and
said, " Now you may put away the papers ; we will
just come down to ' the good old book !' all the read-
ing I have now may be from that," often exclaim-
ing, "How beautiful I how sweet! how precious I"
His brothers-in-law, Dr. Joseph and Mr. Frank Os-
born, at his request, came from Newark to visit him a
few days before his death. He asked them to unite
with the family in his room in prayer, which they
did. His two sons, William and Charles, came to see
him for the last time. He asked them to pray with
him, gave them pleasant, parting messages, talked of
his heavenly hopes, and of the happy meeting in the
beautiful home above, and sent messages of love to
his absent son, Frederick, in California. They were
expecting to come again on Saturday. On Wednes-
day, March 5th, he said, " Wife, this is death ! prop
me up ; open the windows, and do not leave me for a
moment ; it won't be long. Keep me alive till Sat-
urday, if you can : I would love to see my boys once
more. Just you stay with me, with good Aunt Leah
(a faithful colored woman who had been with us for
many years) to wait on you; let all the rest sleep."
He fell into a quiet, steady breathing, which kept up
for more than an hour. I knew it was the sleep of
47
death, and said, " Aunt Leah, this is his last sleep,
shall I awake him, or let him pass quietly away ? I
feel as if we must hear him speak once more." I laid
my hand on his forehead and said, " Would you not
like some hot beef-tea?" He said, "Hot beef-tea?
Oh, yes !" He took two cups, very hot, and then
asked for hot coffee, and said, " Maybe you can keep
me alive till Saturday, and I can see my boys once
more." He seemed unconscious of any one around
him, and prayed distinctly one of the most beautiful
prayers ever repeated; thanked the Lord for giving
him such peace and joy ; prayed for his loved ones ;
mentioned by name friends he loved who were not
Christians, and asked his Heavenly Father to show
them the way clearly to prepare for a meeting with
him in heaven. That wonderful night, the sacred
messages and words of love to us in the morning,
while memory lasts will never be forgotten. When
asked " How does the other world appear now ?" he
said, " Beautiful ! beautiful ! It is all true : heaven,
the angels, all all ! I'll come and meet you when
you are ready." At 10 a.m., March 6th, we closed
his eyes, he had left us.
PETER J. LANE.
Peter J. Lane, whose portrait appears herewith, lives
on the old McGrea estate in Bedminster, which his
PETER J. LANE.
grandfather, Cornelius Lane, purchased of James
and Catharine McCrea, the parents of the ill-fated
Jane McCrea,* Dec. 23, 1769. The house in which
« See Irving's Life of Washington, p. 14'2, other histories of the Kevo-
lution, and the history of Bedminster and gt-neral history, in this
work.
730
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Jane McCrea was born is occupied by Mr. Lane and
his family, the place having descended from Corne-
lius Lane through Job Lane to the present proprietor
and occupant.
Cornelius Lane came from Monmouth County and
settled in Bedminster prior to the purchase of the
McCrea property. He married Mary Compton, and
his second son, Job Lane, born in Bedminster, Oct. 6,
1769, married Susannah Nevius, and had a family of
ten children, four of whom died in the old McCrea
house, and but two of whom are living, viz., George
Lane, who'resides in Bridgewater, Somerset Co., and
Peter J. Lane.
JOHN G. SCHOMP.
John G. Schomp was born in Readington, Hun-
terdon Co., N. J., June 5, 1812. He is a son of George
P. and Eli2abeth"](Anderson) Schomp. George P.
Schomp was a son of Peter Schomp.
JOHN G. SCHOMP.
Mr. Schomp moved into Bedminster in 1830, and
has never missed an election since he became a voter.
He has been twice married, first to Avaline Layton,
who died a few years afterwards ; his second wife
was Elizabeth Ann Van Liew, whom he married in
1848, and has had seven children, all of whom are
living.
Mr. Schomp purchased his present farm of the Vail
estate in 1849, and by his systematic mode of farm-
ing has made it a rich and valuable property. He
has always been a Democrat in politices, and has held
the responsible offices of assessor and collector of his
township, discharging these duties with fidelity and
satisfaction to his fellow-citizens, who hold him in
high esteem.
HON. CORNELIUS W. SCHOMP.
Few men have been held in higher esteem by their
townsmen, and there have been few whose memories
are cherished with greater respect and affection than
the subject of this brief memoir. Cornelius Wyckofi"
Schomp was descended from Holland ancestors, who
emigrated to America and became early settlers of
Readington, Hunterdon Co., N. J. His father's name
was George Schomp, who married, first, Elizabeth
Anderson, by whom he had seven sons and one daugh-
ter, of whom Cornelius W. was the seventh son. He
was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Oct. 20, 1816. His
mother died when he was an infant, and he was
brought up by his sister, Mrs. Cornelius M. Wyckoff,
till he had attained the age of nineteen. His health
was quite delicate, and, after spending several years
as clerk in a mercantile house in New York, he sought
recovery by traveling with goods in the West. In this
occupation he spent about one year. His health being
sufficiently restored, he settled at Lesser Cross- Roads
(now Bedminster), where he followed mercantile busi-
ness for seven or eight years. Finding his health
again declining, he sought change of employment,
and in 1845 removed to the estate of Judge Arrow-
smith, in Bedminster, now known as Schomp's Mill,
having purchased the estate of the heirs. He married
Louisa Arrowsmith, a granddaughter of Judge Arrow-
smith, Jan. 21, 1840. The family was a prominent
one in Bedminster, and the judge a man of consider-
able distinction in his day. In 1845, Mr. Schomp
removed to the estate, where his active energies, ex-
cept when engaged in public duties, were employed
for the rest of his life. He rebuilt the mill and fam-
ily mansion, and made many important and valuable
improvements, designing others which were not fully
carried out ere death had called him from the scene
of his earthly activities. While devoting himself
chiefly to the pursuit of agriculture and milling, he
was an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and
took an active part in the affairs of his township
and county, extending his social and political influ-
ence far beyond their limits. In 1855-56 he repre-
sented his district in the Legislature, being a popular
and influential member of that body. He was also
for several years a member of the Democratic Execu-
tive Committee of New Jersey, and always acted with
the Democratic party, whose principles he earnestly
supported. He was at the same time popular with
all parties, and exceedingly liberal in his views, as
well as in the distribution of his means for the pro-
motion of every useful enterprise.
By his marriage with Louisa Arrowsmith, Mr.
Schomp had one son, William A. Schomp, Esq.,
present proprietor of the home estate. He is a grad-
uate of Rutgers College in the class of 1860 ; studied
law in the city of New York in the office of David
Dudley Field, and was admitted to the bar in 1862.
Cornelius Wyckoff Schomp died Sept. 17, 1872.
At a meeting of the Consistory of the Reformed
^^ ^(T^^^ ^^:^y^
BEDMINSTER.
731
Church of Bedminster, N. J., held Sept. 21, 1872, the
following resolutions expressive of the feelings of that
hoard respecting his decease were adopted. He was
at the time of his death an acting elder in the church :
" Whereas, It has been the will of our Heavenly Father, who is infi-
nitely wise and good, to suddenly call from us by death our dearly be-
loved brother, Cornelius W. Schomp ; therefore,
Resolved^ That while we cannot but feel this sore bereavement to be a "
great mystery, we danot question the wisdom and tender love of God, who
* knoweth the end from the beginning,* and ' who doeth all things well,*
and that we find comfort in His own assurance, ' What I do thou know-
est not now, but thon shalt know hereafter.*
" Beaolved, That we cherish the memory of the many virtues of our be-
loved brother, of his genial and amiable disposition, of his exemplary
Christian deportment, and of his devoted zeal and usefulness as'an ofBcer
in the church he loved.
Beaolved^ That we offer our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved widow "
and only son of our departed brother, and that we commend them to the
tender sympathy and love of the dear Redeemer, veho is ' our refuge and
strength and a very present help in trouble.' **
had children, Daniel, born Nov. 24, 1809; Sarah
Ann; born Feb. 27, 1813 ; William, born June 1,
1817 ; Eleanor, born Sept. 21, 1820. Eobert Heath
died in 1880, aged eighty-one.
WILLIAM HEATH.
The ancestors of the Heath family in Somerset
County are traced back to Thomas Heath, who died
in Stafford, England, date unknown. His widow,
whose maiden name was Annie Neville, married again
to his cousin, Thomas Heath, by whom she had one
child, Mary Heath, born April 23, 1737. She, together
with her mother, emigrated to America in 1742.
Anne Neville, wife of Thomas Heath, died Nov.
28, 1776. Mary Heath died Jan. 6, 1773, at the age
of fifty-six.
John Heath, son of the first-named Thomas Heath,
was born in Stafford, Staffordshire, England, and em-
igrated to America in 1741. He married Ann Lewis.
John Heath died April 22, 1806.
He had children, Thomas, born July 23, 1747;
John, born Feb. 6, 1748 ; Daniel, born Aug. 30, 1750 ;
Ann, born June 19, 1752 ; Samuel, born Jan. 16, 1754;
James, born Oct. 11, 1762; Esther, born April 18,
1766 ; Isaac, born Nov. 3, 1780 ; Elizabeth, born Dec.
3, 1781. The mother of the two last-named children
was Naomi Leigh.
Of the above family, Daniel Heath was the grand-
father of the subject of this sketch. He was born
near Amboy, N. J., and afterwards lived near Prince-
ton, where he was a farmer by occupation. He re-
moved to Mine Brook, Somerset Co., in 1792, and
there bought a farm of Andrew Kirkpatrick, on which
he lived till his death, which occurred in May, 1825.
He married Eleanor Runyon, who was born Oct. 1,
1748. The children of Daniel Heath and Eleanor
Eunyon were John, born Aug. 14, 1772 ; Ann, born
Jan. 16, 1774; Hugh, born July 20, 1775; Elizabeth,
born Feb. 15, 1777; Margaret, born Nov. 26, 1778;
Daniel, born July 19, 1780 (the seventh child, a son,
born June 27, 1782, died in infancy); Mary, born
Sept. 19, 1783; Daniel, born April 25, 1785; Thomas,
born Feb. 19, 1787 ; Robert, born Feb. 6, 1789.
Robert Heath, father of our subject, married Sarah
Cole, Jan. 1, 1809, who was born July 24, 1787. They
WILLIAM HEATH.
The subject of this sketch, born, as above, at Mine
Brook, married Ann Voorhees, Nov. 15, 1849. She
was born at Mine Brook, Aug. 12, 1820. They have
one son, John Heath, born near Burnt Mills, Sept.
25, 1856 ; married Emma J. Fritts, Feb. 8, 1879. She
was born Aug. 10, 1860.^ They have one child, Lou-
anna, born Feb. 17, 1880.
William Heath was a Whig up to the formation of
the Republican party, since which he has been a sup-
porter of the principles of the latter. He and his
wife are members of the Reformed Church of Bed-
minster.
Gaeeet Vooehebs was born Nov. 5, 1784 ; married
Sarah Whittaker, Sept. 19, 1816. She was born Sept.
8, 1792. Their children were, John, born June 14,
1817 ; Matilda, born Oct. 19, 1818 ; Ann, born Aug.
12, 1820; Hannah, born Jan. 4, 1823; Ellen, bora
Jan. 21, 1825 ; Garret, born March 20, 1827 ; Nathaniel
W., born June 29, 1829 ; Samuel S., born June 19,
1831 ; Mary, born Aug. 20, 1833 ; Ruth E., born Sept.
19, 1835 ; Ralph, born March 20, 1838. All are liv-
ing but Matilda, who died Sept. 28, 1851, and Ruth
E., who died Jan. 10, 1879.
Garret Voorhees died Feb. 24, 1870, aged eighty-
six. Sarah, his wife, died Aug. 8, 1873. She was A
member of the Bedminster Reformed Church.
732
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
MARTIN lA TOURETTE.
His ancestors removed from France to Holland,
and thence at an early time to Long Island, N. Y.
Cornelius La Tourette, his grandfather, was born
March 27, 1778, and settled in the township of Read-
ington, Hunterdon Co., N. J., where he remained
until the time of his marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Wyckoff, of that place, when he removed to Bedmin-
ster and settled on the place where Peter La Tou-
rette now resides. He became a resident of this town-
ship about 1802.
Cornelius La Tourette had children, Martin, born
Sept. 11, 1803 ; Peter, born Oct. 3, 1805 ; Henry, born
May 9, 1808 ; Girtright, born Oct. 30, 1811 ; John W.,
born July 23, 1814 ; Margaret E., born Aug. 10, 1823.
Martin, the subject of this notice, was the oldest
son. He was a farmer, and followed that occupation
through life, acquiring a comfortable estate and leav-
ing a reputation unsullied for honor and integrity.
He married Mary Armstrong, Nov. 30, 1825. She
was born Sept. 25, 1806. The following were their
children : Henry, born Oct. 23, 1828 ; Hannah, born
Dec. 28, 1831 ; Elizabeth, born March 19, 1834;
George, born July 23, 1836; John, born April 18,
1839 ; Margaret, born Aug. 5, 1844. All died of con-
sumption, as did also their father and mother. Mar-
tin La Tourette died Feb. 3, 1880 ; his wife died in
September, 1862. He willed his estates to Henry and
his grandchildren. Henry La Tourette remains on
the homestead. He married Harriet Backer, Dec. 10,
1856. Their children are Ophelia, born Sept. 18,
1857; Emma B., born April 12, 1859; Martin, born
Jan. 27, 1861 ; Stephen B., bom June 15, 1866 ; Car-
rie B., born June 30, 1874 ; Charlie K., born Aug. 26,
1877. Henry is a Democrat in politics, and has taken
some part in the local affairs of his township. His
father and grandfather were elders in the Reformed
Church of Bedminster.
JOHN McDowell.
Ephraim McDowell, an ancestor of John and the
first settler on the estate, was a native of Ireland.
On the 1st of May, 1750, he purchased the property
of William Axtell, a merchant of New York. It then
embraced 238 acres, which he gave to his two sons,
John and Matthew. He afterwards purchased the
adjoining farm (151 acres) of William Cummings;
this he willed to his son Ephraim, who sold to his
brother Matthew, and the latter purchased a portion
of John's estate. The whole was subsequently di-
vided into two farms of about 200 acres each, a part
of which is now in the possession of John McDowell
and the widow and heirs of the late Dr. William A.
McDowell.
Ephraim McDowell had sons, John, Matthew,
Ephraim, Peter, and Benjamin. Ephraim and Peter
removed to the West. Benjamin became a settled
minister in Dublin, Ireland, having gone there to
finish his education. He had pursued his prepara-
tory course at the grammar school kept by Rev. Mr.
Hannah on the McDowell estate in Bedminster, an
old school quite noted in its day.
JOHN McDowell.
Matthew McDowell was the grandiather of the
subject of this sketch. He was twice married, first
to Miss Simpson, of Lamington, and second to Eliza-
beth Anderson, of Bound Brook. By Elizabeth An-
derson he had John, William (both became clergy-
men), and Benjamin, father of our subject, who re-
tained the estate, and was a farmer during life. He
was a justice of the peace for about fifteen years, and
for ten years judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
He married Elizabeth Field, daughter of Jeremiah
Field, of North Branch, and had two children,^
John and Elizabeth A., widow of the late Abraham
Ten Eyck, of Somerville. He died July 24, 1855.
Mrs. McDowell died March 28, 1873, in her ninetieth
year.
John McDowell was born on the estate in Bedmin-
ster, Jan. 12, 1810, and was educated at the common
schools. He married Maria, daughter of Robert
Todd, of Lamington, and has one son and three daugh-
ters living. A Whig from early life, he joined the
Republican party upon its organization in 1856, and
has since adhered firmly to its principles and meas-
ures. He is a man of sound judgment and exem-
plary habits, and is an elder in the Presbyterian
Church of Lamington, of which he and. his wife have
long been members.
MARTIN" LA TOURETTE.
4-
FREDEKICK H. LANE.
Frederick IT. Lane, son of Matthew P. and Anna
(Hownel) Lane, was born in New Germantown, Hunter-
don Co., N. J., Dec. 22, 1813. Married Mary Ann Craig,
daughter of William Craig, of New G^M-inantown, Dec.
3, 1840, and had fourteen children, seven sons and seven
daughters, of whom eleven are living in Hunterdon and
Somerset Counties. Mr. Lane devoted his attention to
agriculture, and was a thrifty and successful farmer.
In 1855 he purchased one of the most beautiful estates
in the township of Bedminster, on which his widow
and sons now reside, where he made various improve-
ments, and spent the remainder of his quiet and exem-
plary life attending to his domestic duties, the education
of his children, and the interests of the church of which
he and his estimable wife were members. They belonged
to the Presbyterian Church at Lamington, N. J. Mr.
Lane died on the 7th of October, 1873. From the
obituary notice published at the time of his death we
extract the following just tribute to his character :
" When a good man dies a great void is left. When a
useful man departs few can take his place. Both these
vacancies were made when our friend Prbdeeiok H.
Lane left us. Some of the old-fashioned men of honor,
probity, and religion are still left as ancient landmarks
among us, men who act out Christianitj' in their daily
walk and habits. Many men can talk Christianity.
How few there are that the whole community know and
feel are good men in word and deed I Frederick H.
Lane's light was set upon a hill seen of all men. No
man doubted that in him the genuine root of the matter
existed. He came from a noble father. A fine-looking
man, his soul was as large as his body. He raised a
family that inherited those qualities. Frederick possessfd
noble feelings and strongly exemplified them. You
could not be in his company for a minute without recog-
nizing a nohlc Christian man, of fine, commanding person
and marked features. He had a large s6ul, a numerous
family; his children loved and revered him. A young
man to the end of life, full of innocent fun and mischief,
he never became old. He was the perfect model of a
wise, skillful, judicious farmer. His judgment seldom
erred. Surrounded by laboring hands, ho was prompt
in his payments and a most judicious friend and ad-
viser. As a Christian man he shone with the best and
purest lustre. From church, prayer-meeting. Sabbath-
school he was never absent, and their most able sup-
porter. Having a largo family, he was a strong ad-
vocate and efficient sustainer of our common-school
system. As a public man holding office he never pros-
tituted his powers, but retained the firm confidence of
his fellow-citizens in his unbending integrity. A com
munity that loses such a man has met with a great
misfortune. To his friends he has left the best of conso-
lations; we know and feel that ho was a good Christian
man. To his family ho has given the noblest legacy a
name pure and unsullied, without a single blemish. "
BEDMINSTER.
733
WILLIAM A. VAN DORN.
Jacob Van Dorn, the ancestor of the family in
New Jersey, came from Holland with his parents
about the year 1660 when a lad ten years of age.
They landed on Long Island, where the city of Brook-
lyn now stands. Jacob afterwards married a Miss
Bennett, and removed to Monmouth Co., N. J. Their
family consisted of six sons and four daughters, one
of whom was Jacob Van Dorn, Jr., born Jan. 21,
1703. He married Maria Schenck, by whom he had
ten children, and after her death, which occurred Oct.
31, 1756, he married for his second wife Rachel Long-
street. Aaron, a son of Jacob Van Dorn, Jr., born
Sept. 14, 1744, married Geshea Schenck, of Mon-
mouth Co., May 9, 1765, and had twelve children, of
whom "William Aaron Van Dorn, born at Peapack,
Somerset Co., N. J., July 26, 1781, was the eighth
child. He was one of the most enterprising and
highly-esteemed 'citizens of Somerset County, and
belonged to a numerous and influential family, many
of whom have since become widely scattered. His
father and the older members of the family settled at
Peapack, where they purchased a large tract of land,
which has since been divided into nine farms. Wil-
liam A., at the age of nineteen, left home to see the
world and seek his fortune. He went to Pittsburgh,
and thence in a "flat-boat" down the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi Elvers to Natchez, where he began to raise
cotton. He cultivated the growing crop much in the
same manner that he did corn, and was quite success-
ful, thus doing three-quarters of a century ago what
planters are just now learning to do in some parts of
the South. At the end of two years, not liking a
state of society where difficulties were settled by a
resort to the knife or pistol, he returned home.
Peapack was then a little hamlet, with its post-office
at New Brunswick, and subsequently at Somerville,
until by his influence an office was opened there.
"With the proceeds of his cotton he began business in
a store, and extended it until he had also a large
farm, mill, lime-kiln, and other branches of business.
He took more pleasure in helping his family and
friends and the neighborhood than in accumulating
property. He became identified with all the improve-
ments of the place. By purchasing various strips of
land he straightened the roads, had bridges built, and
set an example to others in draining and clearing the
land. He introduced the first threshing-machine in
that vicinity, and other implements now so com-
mon, though there were many evil predictions con-
cerning them.
In public life he was well known, his integrity
securing for him continuously some office of trust
or honor. Such was the confidence in which he was
held that, though always an ardent politician, he was
continued through all the changes of party for thirty-
£ve years in the office of justice of the peace and judge
of the Common Pleas, and, as an indication of the
soundness of his judgment, though an immense
amount of business came before him, his decisions
were never set aside nor an appeal taken but in three
instances.
He was a man of great firmness and dignity of
character ; his habits were temperate, and all his ap-
petites and impulses under remarkable control. His
vigor of body and mind was retained to an advanced
age, so that he was able to prosecute improvements at
a stage of life when men generally think such work
out of the question. When nearly eighty years of "
age he enlarged his water-power and rebuilt his mill,
superintending the getting out of the timber and
going upon the roof of the mill to see that the work
was well done. He lived to see a dozen years after
the work was completed, almost reaching the rare age
of ninety years. At his death, June 13, 1871, he was
the last of a long-lived family of twelve children,
himself and five brothers having reached the average
age of seventy-nine.
His life was rigidly moral and upright, and he had
been brought up in the strictest manner. Although
not connected with any church as a member, he was
an earnest supporter of religion, and at one time
raised the subscription money for building a Re-
formed church in the place; but, owing to some op-
position of their pastor at Bedminster, it was not
until afterwards that the building which now stands
was erected. His views of religion are well summed
up in the remark which he made on one occasion :
" I may not understand the letter of the Word, but I
will take its spirit and try to live according to that. "
Such are a few of the leading traits of this truly
strong and exemplary character. He is remembered
as a man of great firmness and self-reliance, and yet
he possessed an amiable and generous disposition,
was much beloved by his family and friends, and
highly esteemed by all who knew him. He married
Elsie Sutton, and left at his death two children,
Mary Ann, born 1805, and Ferdinand, born April 17,
1807
ABRAHAM SMITH.
Abraham Smith was horn in Mendham, Morris Co.,
N. J., Jan. 15, 1830. His father, Jacob Z. Smith,
removed to the township of Bernard, where the sub-
ject of this sketch was brought up and attended school
till the age of fifteen. His father settled On the es-
tate of his father, Zackariah Smith, who afterwards
divided the property among his children (see biog-
raphy of Peter Z. Smith, of Bernard). At the age of
fifteen Abraham Smith went to learn his trade that
of a carriage-maker with his uncle, David B. Logan,
at the Lesser Cross-Roads, in Bedminster township,
where he served an apprenticeship, with hard and
diligent labor, of four years. At the expiration of
this period he engaged with David Apgar as journey-
man where he remained two years, and in the mean
time, Oct. 27, 1849, he married Ann Daily, daughter
734
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
of "William Daily, of Eeadington township. The re-
sult of this marriage has been four children, viz.,
ABRAHAM SMITH.
William Anderson Smith, born Nov. 28, 1850; George
Logan Smith, born Nov. 20, 1852; Jacob Wesley
Smith, born July 27, 1855; Sarah Ann Elizabeth
Smith, born Oct. 1, 1870. Jacob Wesley died Aug. 7,
1855
Upon leaving David Apgar, Mr. Smith removed to
Plainfield, in 1851, where he was for eight years fore-
man for the firm of Heath & Dunning, engaged in
the manufacture of carriages for the Southern trade.
Here he carried on other enterprises, dealing to some
extent in real estate, and building and selling two
houses, out of which he realized a handsome profit.
This was during the growing and rapid period of
Plainfield. Hard times coming on in 1857, induced
Mr. Smith to leave Plainfield, which he did in the
spring of 1859, establishing the shops at Peapack,
which he has carried on successfully for the past
twenty years. In 1865 he added the undertaking
business, which he has since conducted in connection
with carriage- and wagon-making.
Mr. Smith, in connection with his uncle, Peter Z.
Smith, and others, founded, in 1876, the "Smith Fam-
ily and Friends' Eeunion," on the grounds of the an-
cestral estate in Bernard, near Peapack, which has
become one of the most popular institutions of the
country, being attended, as it was in 1879, by about
ten thousand people. Mr. Smith is vice-president of
the association, and has filled that position since its
organization in 1876.
His son, William Anderson Smith, married Emma
Violet, daughter of Daniel T. Overton, of Yaphank,
L. I., Dec. 24, 1875.
B E R ]sr A R B:
SITUATION AND BOUNDARIES.
The township of Bernard is situated in the north-
east corner of Somerset County, and is bounded north
by Mendham, in Morris County ; east by the Passaic
Eiver and Warren township ; south by Warren and
Bridgewater ; west and southwest by Bedminster and
Bridgewater townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Bernard comprises a superficial area of 41.47 square
miles, or 26,541 acres. The principal valleys are
those of the Passaic and the Karitan, which bound
the township on the east and west, and, with their
tributaries, drain its entire surface, with the exception
of the extreme point of the southern projection, be-
* By Piof. W. W. Clayton.
tween Warren and Bridgewater. Dead Eiver, which
forms a portion of the southern boundary, rises in the
southwestern part of Bernard and flows in an easterly
direction to the Passaic Eiver. Two of its most east-
ern tributaries from the south rise near the south-
western line of Bernard and flow in courses nearly
parallel across the northwestern corner of Warren.
The principal tributary fi-om the north is Green
Brook, which rises a few miles northeast of Basking
Eidge and runs' southward, nearly parallel with the
Passaic Eiver, and at an average distance of 2J miles
from it, and falls into Dead Eiver below Liberty Cor-
ner. Basking Eidge, the most famous in the town-
ship, lies between this brook and the Passaic, extend-
ing southward and terminating in Pleasant Valley.
At the north end of the ridge is Penn's Brook, rising
near the source of Green Brook and flowing eastward
BERNARD.
735
into the Passaic River. The streams named and a
few other small brooks are all that flow into the Pas-
saic on the eastern side of the township.
Mine Brook is quite an important stream. It rises
in the northern part of the township, near the Morris
county line, and, passing southward through a chain
of small lakes at Bernardsville, keeps thence a general
southwest course till it enters the North Branch of the
Raritan, on the western boundary of the township.
This brook affords in its course several fine mill-sites,
which are well improved. As a general rule, the val-
leys and ridges which form the most interesting topo-
graphical features of the township follow the courses
of the streams we have described. In many places
the hills are rounded and isolated from the general
ridges, and of a structure entirely different, geologi-
cally speaking. The lesser hills throughout the
township are composed of transported materials, the
drift of the glacial epoch, while the mountains, such
as Mine Mountain, the mountains about Bernards-
ville, and the crests of the principal ridges, belong to
the trap formation.
We quote firom Professor Cook's Geology of New
Jersey" : " South of the village of Basking Eidge trap
outcrops in the hill on the road to Liberty Corner,
and also on the road to Millington Church. This
may be a part of the Long Hill range. The interval
between these outcrops is low, and indicates only
shale. Denuding forces may have swept away the
intermediate trap and left this strange and anomalous
hill ; or this may be the end of the range which curves
round from Long Hill, cut off, however, by Harrison's
Brook. West of Harrison's Brook the trap extends
almost to the Liberty Comer and Bernardsville road,
but none appears west of that limit. Northward, a
ledge of it is seen in the brook east of T. Holmes',
near a road leading to Basking Eidge."
The sous of the township are generally productive,
being well adapted to wheat and grass, and no por-
tion of the country exhibits a finer succession of well-
cultivated farms.
In this township is the Janes Mine (magnetic iron
ore), situated on the southwest end of Mine Moun-
tain, on the property of Bishop Janes. It is an old
mine, but has never been much worked, and is partly
filled with earth. This mine is interesting as being
located on the extreme border of the gneiss.
There is also a mine opened on another point of the
same mountain, on the farm now owned by Mr. Ed-
munstone. Ore was taken from this mine about six
years ago.
AND TITLES.
LAND GRANTS
In 1701 the Governor and proprietors of East Jer-
sey, then residing in England, being desirous of ex-
tinguishing the Indian title to lands and extending
settlements in their province, appointed John Harri-
son agent for that purpose. Harrison made large
purchases from the Indians and their chiefs in the
Passaic Valley, and, among others, about 3000 acres
in what is now the township of Bernard, embracing
the eastern portion of the township between the Pas-
saic River on the east and Green Brook on the west.
The tract extended from Dead River on the south to
Penn's Brook on the north, and from the name of the
purchaser and its peculiar shape was long known and
familiarly spoken of as " Harrison's Neck.'' The deed
to this land, obtained from Nowenoik, an Indian
chief, bears date June 24, 1717. Harrison must have
been living at that time on Eocky Hill, as he is called
in the deed " John Harrison, of Eockie Hill.''
Harrison's Indian deed is believed to be the oldest
in the township. He purchased the 3000 acres, more
or less, for a consideration of $50, and the validity of
his title appears to have been ever after recognized.
It was probably confirmed by the proprietors in con-
sideration of the services of Harrison, as Indian deeds
were not usually accepted as valid, they having only
a possessory right, and no title to the land in /ee
simpk.
However this may be, after the death of Harrison
his son Benjamin sold the whole purchase to Daniel
Hollingshead and George Risarick, who again sold
half their interest to Col. John Parker, of Amboy, and
James Alexander, of New York.
Harrison must have died, and the property passed
through Hollingshead and Eisarick tp Parker and
Alexander as early as 1720, for in that year Parker
and Alexander sold a portion of the southeast corner
of their purchase to Cornelius Brees, of Staten Island.
The four proprietors had the lands regularly surveyed
in 1727, and laid out into farms of from one hundred
and fifty to two hundred acres each. These were
drawn by ballot by the four joint owners at the spring
term of the Supreme Court for 1728, held at Perth
Amboy. The respective proprietors were then left to
dispose of their lots on their own terms.
James Alexander, father of William Alexander
(Lord Stirling), seems to have drawn what has since
been known as the " Stirling Property." He was also
associated with John Budd, of Philadelphia, in lands
which extended north into Morris County.*
From the Elizabethtown bill in chancery are given
the following titles of what is now Bernard township :
" Northwest part taken up by Dunstar and Alexander and Budd and
Alexander. The land west of PaEsaio Eiver, east of the North Branch,
and north of Dead Eiver, and south of Penn's Brook was divided into six-
teen lots, and this plot is known aa Harrison's Purchase.
No. 97, John Parker, March 28, 1728, 147 acres in Harrison's Neck, "
John Ayers' place.
" No. 100, George Eicariok, March 28, 1728, 184J8 acres between Dead
Eiver and Peun Brook.
No. 121, James Alexander, Sept. 17, 1741, 786;^ acres in six tracts In "
Harrison's Neck.
" N 99, James Alexander, March 28, 1728, 272J8 acres on east side of
North Branch of Dead Elver.
No. 103, Daniel HoUinshead, June 18, 1729, 132J acres on the North "
Branch of Dead Eiver.
" No. Ill, John Parker, July 10, 1731, 100 acres in Harrison's Neck.
* MesBlor's History of Somerset County, p. 29.
736
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
No. 105, John Parker, Feb. 27, 1730, 83J acres joining Sutton's in Har- "
rison's Purchase.
" No. 106, John Parker, Sept. 29, 1730, 159 acres of Harrison's Purchase,
Joins John Brown's.
No. 142, James Alexander, July 10, 1744, 65^0*^ acres at Basking "
Kidge.
" No. 109, John Parker, Nov. 4, 1729, 98g^ acres on Dead Kiver, begins
at Moses Ayers' corner.
No. 76, John Campbell, 200 acres on Dead River, 120 chains up from "
Passaick.
" No. 117, Nathaniel Solph, March 28, 1740, 83 acres on Harrison Pur-
chase.
West and north of the Harrison Purchase mentioned above is tract "
82, located by William Penn, June, 1717, of 7500 acres, on Dead and Pas-
saic Bivers. This extended north to the county line and along the west
and south line of Budd and Alexander and Dunstar and Alexander, and
west to tract 119 ; from thence along the east baae of the range of moun-
tains, south of Dead River, and east to Mordecai Brook.
" Tract 119, bordering on Peapack or North Branch, was taken up on
Ist of June, 1740, by Alexander and Dunstar and contained 1240 acres. "
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Settlements were made in this township soon after
John Harrison made his purchase of the Indians,
1717-1720. In the latter year Cornelius Brees, of
Staten Island, bought land of James Alexander, " on
the east side of the north branch of Dead River, at
the southwest corner of the Parker and Alexander
purchase, said land being now in the occupation of
James Pitney.'' Pitney was therefore in the country
as early as 1720, and we do not know how much
earlier. He was one of that class known as " Squat-
ters," who pitch their cabins in the wilderness, irre-
spective of any legal title to the land they occupy.
The lands in this section were very desirable, and
no doubt quite a number were induced to squat upon
them before any titles could be obtained. Several
complaints against "squatters" are found about this
time. In 1729, a few years later, Alexander directs
his agent, Daniel Shoemaker, to dispossess certain
parties then occupying his land, and give the right of
possession to others. It was not long, however, before
a class of actual purchasers of the soil came in, with
means and enterprise to make the wilderness blossom
in a few years, and laid the foundation of that thrift
and prosperity and that sturdy and excellent social
and moral order, which has ever characterized the
people of this region.
Obediah Ayers, son of John Ayers, who settled on
the Millstone, in 1717, is mentioned as having lands
in the east part of the township in 1727. It is thought
that the senior Ayers never moved here, but purchased
the desirable lands for his children. It appears that
John Ayers owned land at Basking Ridge ; for on the
8th of February, 1731, he conveyed the land (one and
a half acres) on which were the meeting-house and
burying-ground to his son, Obediah Ayers, Mordecai
McKenne, James Pitney, George Pack, Samuel Rolfe,
Daniel Morrice, and Thomas Riggs. It appears from
this that James Pitney remained in this viciniy and
became a freeholder, notwithstanding his first habita-
tion was sold from under him to Brees ; and was one
of the trustees to whom the church lot was deeded in
1731
From this time forward settlers multiplied rapidly
in the township. About 1732 came the Cauldwell,
Carle, Cooper, Boyle, and McEowen families to Long
Hill ; the Annin family to Liberty Corner (formerly
called Annin's Comer) ; and to other parts of the
same general neighborhood, the Eiggs, Conklin, Al-
ward, McCollum, Dayton, Doty, Boylan, Heath, Hall,
Lindsley, Rickey, Lewis, Anderson, and Hand fami-
lies, into the particulars of whose history we have
not space to enter, but all of whom became numerous
and influential. Among these patriarchal ancestors
were John Annin, great-grandfather of the late Wil-
liam Annin ; Solomon Boyle, great-grandfather of
Augustus A. Boyle, residing until recently on the an-
cestral farm ; John Hall, great-grandfather of Samuel
Hall, lately removed from the township ; William
Conklin, great-grandfather of Isaac Conklin, lately
deceased; Henry Alward, great-grandfather of the
late Jonathan Alward ; Daniel Cooper, great grand-
father of William and Alexander Cooper ; Jacob
Carle, grandfather of the late Daniel Carle ; Daniel
Heath, grandfather of Mrs. Barclay Dunham; and
John McCollum, believed to have been the great-
grandfather of A. B. McCollum. He died April 18,
1760, at the venerable age of one hundred and three
years.
Another family worthy of particular mention was
that of Alexander Kirkpatrick, who settled at Mine
Brook in 1736, on the farm lately owned by Henry
Baird. The Kirkpatricks belonged to a noble family
in Scotland.* Alexander, the ancestor of the family
in this country, was born at Watties Neach, Dum-
friesshire, Scotland. He removed with his family to
Belfast, Ireland, after the birth of his son David,
about the year 1725. In the spring of 1736 he em-
barked at Belfast for America, and after a stormy
voyage of thirteen weeks, landed at New Castle,
Del. Passing through Philadelphia, they wandered
up through the State of New Jersey (which was then
partially settled, till they reached Bound Brook, and
thence went over the mountains to the place which
they selected for a habitation. There being no roads
in the country, they followed an Indian path through
the wilderness.
When they came to a spring of water at the side
of what has since been called " Mine Brook," there
they settled down, built a log house and went to work.
The spot was well chosen, about two miles west of
the present site of Basking Ridge. It embraced the
southern slope of Round Mountain, in a well timbered
region, with unfailing springs of pure water, the rich
meadow-land through which Mine Brook runs with
a sufficient fall of water for a mill-seat, and with these
material advantages, a charming, picturesque view of
the adjacent region. The spring of water is still
there, marking the site of the original log house, and
until within a few years could be seen the remains of
' See Kirkpatrick Memorial, pubUshed 1867.
BERNARD.
737
the apple-trees planted by Alexander Kirkpatrick and
his sons. This improvement many of the early pro-
prietary leases required. In a lease of 137 acues
(which it may be remarked was a minor portion of
what the family eventually obtained by title in fee
simple) granted Nov. 23, 1747, to Alexander Kirk-
patrick, he agreeing " to plant an orchard of at least
one apple-tree for every 3 acres, and in case this lease
shall continue beyond three years, then (to) plant one
apple-tree for every 6 acres, all regular in one orchard,
and to keep up the number planted and to keep the
orchard in good fence."
" Alexander Kirkpatrick died at Mine Brook June
3, 1758, mentioning in his will, which was executed
' in articulo mortis,' his wife Elizabeth, his sons An-
drew, David, and Alexander, his son-in-law Duncan
McEowen, his youngest daughter Mary, and his
grandson Alexander. "
Andrew married Margaret, daughter of Joseph
Gaston, and had one son, Alexander, and seven
daughters. He inherited the homestead, but not long
after the death of his father sold to his brother David
and removed to Western Pennsylvania. David mar-
ried Mary McEowen, March 31, 1748, and had four
sons and four daughters. His eldest daughter, Eliza-
beth, born at Basking Eidge in 1748, married first
(in 1769) a Sloan, and was the grandmother of the
late William H.Sloan, Esq., of Flemington ; she mar-
ried, second, John Maxwell, and died at Flemington,
Dec. 14, 1829.* Alexander, bom Sept. 3, 1751, died
Sept. 24, 1827, was the father of Rev. Jacob Kirk-
patrick, D.D., of Ringos. Hugh, the third child,
died unmarried, Jan. 9, 1782. Andrew, fourth child,
born Feb. 17, 1756, was chief justice of the State of
New Jersey. The fifth child was David, born Nov.
1, 1758 ; the sixth, Mary, born Nov. 23, 1761, married
Hugh Gaston, of Peapack, and had one son ; married,
second, a Todd, and died July 1, 1842. Of the other
daughters, Anne and Jennet, the first married Moses
Esty, of Morristown, and the last Dickinson Miller,
of Somerville.
Andrew Kirkpatrick,! third son of David Kirk-
patrick, Esq., and Mary McEowen, was born at Mine
Brook; he graduated at the College of New Jersey in
1775, while Dr. Witherspoon was president ; studied
law and practiced at New Brunswick, where he mar-
ried Jane, daughter of Col. John Bayard. His oldest
son, Hon. Littleton Kirkpatrick, graduate of New
Jersey College in 1815, was a member of Congress
from New Jersey. He was married, but had no chil-
* From an obituary published in the BurUerdm Omiity OaxeUe, Jan. 6,
1830. The " Kirkpatrick Memorial" (page 22) says, " She, after the death
of Mr. Sloan, married Gen. William Maxwell, and died in 1829." This is
evidently an error, as Gen. -William Maxwell, of the Hunterdon County
family of Maxwells, died a bachelor after the Kevolutionary war, in
which he figured. (" Biographical Encyclopjedia of New Jersey," p. 222.)
His brother, John, died in Flemington, at a good old age, about 1825.
We think the obituary, written al the time of her death, the best authority.
t He was for 27 years a judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
. See sketch in chapter on Bench and Bar.
dren who survived him. The second son, John Bay-
ard Kirkpatrick, Esq., graduate of Queen's, now Rut-
gers College, in 1815 ; was for some time connected
with one of the departments at Washington; died,
leaving two sons and two daughters. Of these, Mary
Ann married Rev. Samuel B. Howe, D.D., for some
time pastor of the First Reformed Protestant Dutch
Church of New Brunswick ; and Jane married Rev.
Jonathan Cogswell, D.D., formerly Professor of Ec-
clesiastical History in the East Windsor Theological
Seminary, both deceased, leaving one daughter.
Capt. David Kirkpatrick, fourth son of David Kirk-
patrick, Esq., was born at Mine Brook, Nov. 1, 1758,
and resided there till his death, Dec. 11, 1828. He
had sons Walter and Hugh and daughter Eliza-
beth, who married Hon. Andrew B. Cobb, of Parsip-
pany. Walter was born April 12, 1795 ; graduated at
College of New Jersey, 1813, and was three years a
member of the Legislative Council of New Jersey.
He was a fine classical scholar and an amateur of the
fine arts. He died Dec. 13, 1841. No children sur-
vive him. Hugh was born May 31, 1797, died March
11, 1860. He was familiarly known as "Doctor
Hugh," having graduated at the College of New
Jersey in 1815, and became an excellent and popular
physician. He served one term as sheriff of Somer-
set County, and was a man fond of literary pursuits.
Alexander Kirkpatrick, the eldest son of David
Kirkpatrick, Esq., married Sarah, daughter of Judge
John Carle, of Long Hill. They had thirteen chil-
dren, of whom we have space to give only the names
in the order of birth : David, Mary, John, Jacob,
Sarah, Elizabeth, Lydia, Anne, Rebecca, Martha,
Jane, Alexander, and Robert Finley. Mary married
John L. Cross, of Basking Ridge; John married
Mary, daughter of David Ayera, and sister of Dr.
Ayers, of Liberty Corner; Sarah married William
Annin, of Liberty Corner ; Elizabeth married Alex-
ander Vail, of Bernard township, and after his death,
William Gaston, of Basking Ridge; Anne married
John Stelle, of Bernard township ; Rebecca married
Squier Terrell, of Warren township, whose sister was
the wife of the youngest son, Robert Finley Kirk-
patrick.
John Annin, the ancestor of the Annin family,
came from Scotland, with his wife Elizabeth and
several children, among whom was William, then
seven years of age. They came over soon after the
Kirkpatricks, and gave to the place of their settle-
ment the name of Annin's Corner, now known as
Liberty Corner. Here John Annin erected a log
cabin in which he lived with his family the rest of
his life. The farm on which the "Stone House"
stands was purchased of the assigns of William Penn,
and the house erected in 1766. (See a;ccount else-
where of the centennial of this building.)
Henry Alward, another of the early settlers, came
from England. He lived between Liberty Corner
and Basking Ridge, near the mill formerly owned
738
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
by Matthias "Woodard. He had three children,
David, John, and Henry ; the last mentioned married
Mary Cox, by whom he had eight children. His
second son, Samuel, married Caty King, sister of John
King, of Liberty Corner. Benjamin, the third son,
married Sarah, daughter of Elisha Ayers, and sister
of Maj. John Ayers, of Basking Ridge. William
married Elizabeth, daughter of William Cross, and
removed to the State of New York.
Benjamin Alward, who married Sarah Ayers, had
children, Elisha, Mary, Jane, Hannah, Benjamin, Jr.,
Sarah, Esther, William, Elizabeth, Anne, Stephen,
Daniel, and Phoebe, a family of thirteen. Elisha
died from the kick of a horse, at the age of twenty-
seven. Mary married Joseph, son of Jonathan Ruck-
man, and Hannah married his brother Nathan. Ben-
jamin, Jr., married Lydia Coddington, daughter of
Benjamin Coddington. William married Phoebe
Lyon, and removed to Pennsylvania. Elizabeth
married Benjamin, son of Dr. James Boylan, of
Bernardsville, then called "Vealtown," and had
children, Anne, Sarah, John, William, and James
Boylan, whose descendants are scattered in different
portions of the country.
William Conklin was an early settler. He married
Ruth Hedges, of Long Island, and removed from
there to Basking Ridge. He had eight children in
the order following : Stephen, William, Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, Thomas, Mary, and Ruth.
Stephen Conklin had nine children by Deborah
Dimon, to wit : Clemena, William, Stephen, Ruth,
Mary, Isaac, John, Abraham, and Deborah. Clemena,
the oldest, married Josiah Ayers, and had Stephen, the
celebrated itinerant Dr. Ayers, so eminently success-
ful in curing cholera in Montreal in 1832, and De-
borah, who married Stephen Cave, of New York.
William Conkhn (3d), who married Rebecca Whit-
aker, was a tanner and currier at Basking Ridge,
where he had a farm and tanyard. He was a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church here, and a justice of
the peace. His family of nine children consisted of
Phoebe, Stephen, Jonathan, Mary, William, Joseph,
Isaac, Nathaniel, and Sarah.
Stephen Conklin, second child of William, resided
on the homestead, was an elder of the Presbyterian
Church at Basking Ridge, and subsequently removed
to Somerville, where he died Nov. 3, 1849. His first
wife was Sally Coriell, by whom he had a daughter
Sarah, who married Thomas Layton, father of Theo-
odore Layton. William Conklin, fifth child of Wil-
liam Conklin (8d), married Cornelia Goltra, and had
six children, viz., William, Mary Elizabeth, James
Alonzo, Stephen, John L., and Sarah Augusta. Isaac
Conklin {3d), seventh child of William, lived at Bask-
ing Ridge, where he was a shoe-manufacturer and
farmer; married Sarah Hall, and had four children,
Nathaniel, Stephen, Isaac, and Joshua Conklin. All
had large families, and their numerous descendants
are scattered over a wide extent of country.
James Finley, father of Rev. Robert Finley, D.D.,
was an early resident of Basking Ridge, whence he
c^me from Princeton, having immigrated at an early
day from Scotland. He had children, James, a phy-
sician, who lived in Western New York ; Robert, the
well-known minister and teacher ; Annie, who mar-
ried Charles Morford, and lived at Basking Ridge in
1810 ; and Alexander, who was a carpenter and cab-
inet-maker in the same place. The children of Rev.
Robert Finley were Mary L., who married John, only
child of Peter Davison, of Basking Ridge; Helen
Smith, who married James Cammack ; James C. Fin-
ley, who became a Methodist minister, and married a
daughter of Dr. Smith, of Cincinnati ; Robert S. Fin-
ley, editor of the Liberia Advocate, first at St. Louis
for several years, and then in New York. He subse-
quently became a Presbyterian minister, and died
without issue.
John Hall, one of the early settlers at Basking
Ridge, had a family of five children. His son John
died at that place, about 1845, an old man. Richard,
the second son, married Elizabeth Roy, widow of
William, the son of Judge John Roy, of Basking
Ridge. Judge Roy had a son Joseph, who was the
father of Major Peter Roy, of Bernardsville ; married
Nancy, daughter of Col. Israel Rickey, who lived at
the saw-mill on the Passaic River east of Basking
Ridge. Hannah Roy, daughter of William and Eliz-
abeth Roy, married Aaron Hand, son of Jonathan
Hand, of Basking Ridge.
Richard Hall, second son of John Hall, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Roy, had six children, the eldest of
whom, Isaac, married Betsey Strimple, and lived near
Liberty Corner. Ruth, the fourth child, married
Levi, son of Jonathan Dayton, of Basking Ridge,,
and had an only son, Elias H. Dayton, who married
Huldah Conover, of Monmouth County. Samuel,,
the fifth child, married Maria, daughter of Alexander
Finley, of Basking Ridge. Richard Hall, a younger-
brother of the first John Hall, lived at Basking Ridge
and had numerous descendants, intermarried with the-
Compton, Austin, and Burrows families.
Oliver Stelle, the ancestor of the Stelle family, was
a son of Isaac Stelle, of Piscataway. He was born
Aug. 1, 1766; married, Jan. 21, 1778, Mary Ryno, and
removed to Bernard township in April, 1794. Their
children were eleven, viz.: Christiana, Ephraim,
Isaac, Harriet, Ruth, Sarah, John, Anne, Mary,
Clarkson, and Rachel. Ephraim Stelle married Anna
Manning, and had six children, Elizabeth, Sally,
Margaret, Daniel S., Isaac, and Jane. Isaac Stelle
married Rachel Clawson, and had two children,
Mary and Clarissy. John Stelle married Anne Kirk-
patrick, and had five children, Jeptha, Jacob, Free-
man, Lewis, and Provy. Clarkson Stelle married
Lucinda Terrell, and had six children, Rachel, Mary
Anne, Mercy, Lewis, Thomas Terrell, and Adeline.
The house in which William L. Dayton was born
is still standing at Basking Ridge. It is the house-
/i2^
fzS^c^
Ephkaim E. Stelle is descended from Pontius Stelle,
of Holland, who settled at an early time in New York.
The line of descent from Pontius Stelle is through
Benjamin, Isaac, and Oliver to Ephraim K. Stelle.
Benjamin Stelle, son of Pontius Stelle, was born in
New York in 1683, and was for twenty years pastor of
the Baptist Church of Piscataway. Isaac succeeded his
father in the pastorate of this church, and died after a
pastorate of twenty-two years and a ministry of twenty-
nine years.
Isaac Stelle's sons were Samuel, Oliver, Joseph, Ahel,
John, Amhrose, and Benjamin, who lived during the
Kevolution and took part in the war. Samuel and Oliver
settled with their families in Bernard township after the
Revolution, and purchased land together at West Milling-
ton. Samuel remained but a few years' in the country.
Oliver married Mary Runyon, and had children Chris-
tian, Ephraim R., Isaac, John, Clarkson, Harriet, Sally,
and Ruth. All married and reared families in the town-
ship except Ruth, who was married but had no children.
Ephraim R. Stelle was born Nov. 29, 1780; married,
Jan. 23, 1805, Hannah Manning, and had children
Elizabeth, born Aug. 25, 1806, married Drake Terrell
and reared a family of six children, viz., Harriet, Mary
Ann, Ephraim S., Sarah Jane, Elizabeth, and Margaret
Terrell; Sarah Ann Stelle, born Jan. 24, 1809, married
"William A. Coddington, and has no children ; Mary
Stelle, born April 22, 1812; Margaret Stelle, horn Feb.
7, 1814, married Charles Smalley, and has children
Anna, Manning S., and Henry C. Smalley; Jane Stelle,
born Feb. 7, 1818, married David D. Tingley, and has
children Williani G. and David S. Tiugley; Isaac "
Stelle, who died young ; Oliver E. StoUe, born Jan. 29,
1826, married Elizabeth Budd, and had three children,
Ella, born Feb. 5,1853; Marienna, horn Sept. 1, 1854,
died Feb. 22, 1878; Ephraim M., born Nov. 28, 1856.
Mrs. Stelle died Aug. 22, 1864, since which time Mr.
Stelle has remained a widower.
Oliver E. Stellb, whose birth, marriage, and family
are last given in the above record, is a prominent repre-
seijtative of the old stock. He is a Democrat in politics,
and has taken an active part in the affairs of his town-
ship, having served frequently as a member of the town-
ship committee, commissioner of appeals, etc., and was
trustee of his district for thirteen years. He and his wife
and children are all members of the Baptist Church at
West Millington, where he has long been associated with
the board of trustees, and has been treasurer and chorister
of the church since it was founded in 1851. His earnest
devotion and exemplary Christian life render him an
efficient aid to the cause.
For about twelve years Mr. Stelle has ably filled the
place of Sunday-school superintendent. In the first
Sunday-school ever organized in the neighborhood he
took the part of teacher of three young colored men. A
young lady with whom he was intimately acquainted
facetiously remarked that he had begun with "rather
dark prospects around him," but she hoped he would not
be discouraged with "the day of small things." The
remark left a deep impression upon his mind. Since then
he has worked in every capacity in the Sunday-school
up to superintendent.
His Sunday-school, in 1878, presented him with a
beautiful floral album inscribed, "To Oliver E. Stelle,
from the Teachers and Scholars of West Millington
Sunday-School." Following the inscription is this beau-
tiful sentiment of the school :
" Our Wish. May you be enabled to walk hand and
hand with Jesus through all life's journey, and find Him
in all your joys and sorrows growing each day nearer
and dearer, till the shades and sorrows of earth are ex-
changed for the light and joy of His presence on high. "
e^
iii-^.^^<J<2>-t
^^e-'Z^
Freeman Stelle is descended from Pontius
Stelle, the first ancestor of the family who came from
France; the line of descent being through Benjamin,
his son Isaac, and his son Oliver. The last named
was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
Oliver Stelle married Mary Runyon. He removed
from Piscataway, Middlesex Co., N. J., about 1794,
and settled on the farm now owned by Isaac S.
Runyon. His children were Christiana, Ephraim,
Isaac, Harriet, Ruth, Sarah, John, Anne, Mary,
Clarkson, and Rachel. John Stelle, the father of
Freeman, was born Dec. 28, 1790. He married Ann
Kirkpatrick, June 20, 1812, and had children as
follows: Jeptha, born June 25, 1814; Jacob K.,
born Sept. 2, 1816; Freeman, born Jan. 29, 1820;
Lewis, born Dec. 30, 1829, died young; Provy, born
Jan. 15, 1834, died young.
Freeman Stelle was born and brought up on the
place where he now resides, and was bred to the oc-
cupation of a farmer, which he has followed through
life. Being a diligent student at the common schools
he became thoroughly grounded in the rudiments of
an English education, and by reading and observation
has stored his mind with a large amount of useful
knowledge not only relating to his occupation but to
the various leading topics of the day. He is a well-
informed agriculturist of the prosperous and substan-
tial class. All the appointments of his premises show
system and order in the arrangement of his work.
He is genial, sociable, and friendly to all with whom
he comes in contact; honest and upright in all his
dealings ; courteous and obliging ; and as a result has
hosts of friends, and commands universal respect from
his fellow-citizens.
Mr. and Mrs. Stelle are true representatives of their
respective ancestors, who held honored places among
the pioneers of the country. They have been mem-
bers of the Baptist Church of Millington since its
organization in 1851, and he has held the office of
deacon ever since. By his exemplary Christian life
he has been an ornament to his profession and a
pillar in the church.
He has served his township in various official
capacities at the call of his fellow-citizens, having
been assessor, freeholder, member of the town com-
mittee, etc., and has taken an active part in all local
public enterprises.
On the 20th of April, 1842, Mr. Stelle was united
in marriage to Martha R., daughter of David R.
Runyon, Esq. She was born at Bound Brook, Aug.
29, 1823. Their children are Reune R., born June 26,
1843, married Eliza Dunn, Oct. 16, 1867 ; Sarah K.,
born March 23, 1845, died Jan. 14, 1875 ; Esther
R., born March 12, 1847, married Aaron D,. Thomp-
son, Oct. 18, 1871 ; Abel, born Oct. 5, 1849, un-
married, and lives at home with his parents.
BERNAED.
73^
next south of the Methodist church, now occupied
hy Bennehue Dunham. His father was born on the
place now owned by Ezra Dayton, one mile west of
Basking Eidge. His mother, Nancy Lewis, was borij
in the house where Dr. John Dayton now lives. One
room of this house is the same as it was one hundred
and thirty years ago. There are three bricks in the
chimney bearing the following dates : 1750, the time
when the house was originally built ; 1855, when it
was first repaired; and 1870, when it underwent re-
pairs the last time.
Eolph Dayton, born in Yorkshire, England, in
1588, immigrated to America in 1639, landing in
Boston, where his autograph appears June 4, 1639.
He had two sons, Samuel and Robert, born in Eng-
land; Eolph Dayton and family moved to East
Hampton, L. I., where, in 1649, he "was President
and Constable of the place." Eobert Dayton, son of
Eolph, ancestor of the Daytons of this township,
died in 1728, leaving several children, one of whom,
Samuel, was born in 1666, at East Hampton, L. I.
One of his children was Jonathan, born in 1701, died
Oct. 4, 1776. He moved and settled at Elizabethtown,
N. J., and had three wives, by whom he had ten
children. Eobert, one of his sons, born in 1742, died
May 31, 1814. He married Mary Owen and had eight
children. His sons were John, Noah, Levi, Joel,
Amos, Bailey, and Jonathan. Joel was the father of
"William H. Dayton. He married Nancy, daughter
of Edward Lewis, Esq. Joel Dayton died May 3,
1833, in the fifty -seventh year of his age, leaving four
children, William L., Alfred D., Maria, and James "
B. Dayton.
William Lewis Dayton was born in 1811, married
Margaret, daughter of Judge Van Derveer, of Somer-
ville. He had five children, one of whom, William,
is living in Trenton. His son Ferdinand was a sur-
geon in the army during the Eebellion, and died soon
after the close of the war.
The old homestead where Joel Dayton was born is
still in the hands of the Dayton family.
Baily, son of Eobert Dayton, was the father of John
Dayton, M.D., of Basking Eidge. He had brothers,
Edward L., Samuel 0. L., and sister Phebe L., all
living except Phebe L., wife of "William Cooper.
Dr. John Dayton married Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel S. Doty, M.D.
Henry Southard was one of the old and prominent
settlers. His father came from Jamaica, L. I., and
settled at Basking Eidge. His son, Samuel L. South-
ard, was one of the most distinguished men of New
Jersey, Secretary of the Navy, Governor of the
State, justice of the Supreme Court, president of the
"United States Senate, and acting Vice-President of
the United States under Mr. Tyler. He was born at
Basking Eidge. Henry Southard, his father, was
twenty-one years in Congress. His only daughter
married Samuel S. Doty, M.D., father of the present
Dr. James Doty, of Basking Eidge. Daniel Doty
was born in New Jersey and served in the Eevolution.
He was the father of Samuel S. Doty, M.D., one of
the leading physicians of the State, who practiced
medicine at Basking Eidge nearly forty years.
In addition to physicians who have already been
mentioned was Dr. Israel L. Coriell, who practiced
here in the early part of the century, who moved tO'
Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., about the year 1824, and
there met a sudden death, in 1829, by being thrown
from his sulky.*
CENTENNIAL BBTJNION OT' THE SMITH EAMILT."" "
In the north part of the town, about one and a half
miles east of Peapack, Zachariah Smith was located
at a very early day. This property is now owned by
one of his lineal descendants, Peter Z. Smith, and
there was held (Sept. 6, 1876) the famous " Smith
Picnic,'' at which were gathered the Smiths, not only
of this particular family, but of a host of others, de-
scendants of John Henry Smith and Christiana Ms
wife, their childrens' sons and daughters, with those
who had joined the great family by marriage. It is
estimated there were two thousand five hundred
Smiths present from various portions of Hunterdon
and Somerset Counties, and including a large delega-
tion from Morristown. By actual count there were
four hundred and eighty-three carriage loads whO'
participated on this festive occasion, the first of any
general reunion of the family. A business meeting-
was there held of which Isaiah Smith was chairman
and Abraham Smith secretary. It was resolved tO'
hold an annual picnic in the same grove on the first
"Wednesday in September of each year. Isaiah Smith
was chosen president, Abraham Smith, secretary and.
treasurer, with the following executive committee:.
Jacob Z. Smith, Zachariah Z. Smith, William Z.
Smith, Abraham Smith, Oscar Smith, Andrew Cole,.
Andrew D. Peterson, Peter S. Tiger, Jacob S. Garra-
brant, Henry Garrabrant, John Savidge, all of Pea-
pack. James A. Cramer and George Hedden, of
Morristown ; Ziba S. Smith and Daniel J. Cole, of
Mendham ; Jacob T). Smith and William P. Smith,
of Earitan; Isaiah Smith, of Milburn; John 8.
Smith, Iowa ; Isaiah C. Mullen, Bedminster ; Peter
Smith, Eound Valley; Charles Quimby, Bernards-
ville; Cornelius J. Garrabrant, Flemington; Cor-
nelius P. Garrabrant, Brookside ; Covert Smith and
Oliver C. Smith, of Seneca Co., N. Y.
The business meeting then adjourned and dinner
was partaken of. Then followed addresses by Eev..
Charles Woodrufi and others, with singing by the "
glee-club and music by the band, the remainder of
the day being given to a pleasant reunion of families
and friends. A registry-book, in which the Smiths
present registered their names (and their descendants
and connections by marriage), contained nine hun-
dred names.
* Sunterdon County GazMe, Aug. 12, 1829.
'740
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Of the early civil affairs of this township we find
absolutely no record, not even the date of its organi-
zation. The digest of the laws of New Jersey, which
usually contains the acts for the erection of townships
and the description of their boundaries, contains
nothing relating to this township. We have ex-
amined the historical collections, the State " Gazet-
teer,'' consulted other works and interrogated the best
informed men on the subject with like results. The
records of the township itself are lacking for nearly
a hundred years of its corporate existence, having
been destroyed by fire at Basking Ridge in 1850.
The most that we can do under the circumstances is
to give a probable or proximate date for the organi-
zation of the township and the beginning of its civil
or municipal history.
The township was unquestionably named after Gov-
ernor Francis Bernard, who superseded President
Reading on the 13th of June, 1758, and continued
his administration until the 4th of July, 1760. The
name would not be likely to be given before he was
Governor. The nearest date we have to this, in which
Bernardstown is mentioned, is 1768. It is the
trustees' record of the Presbyterian Church of Bask-
ing Ridge, entitled "The Book of the Congregation
of Bernardstown, A.D., 1763-1815." This seems to
settle the point that the township organization dates
somewhere between 1758 and 1763, probably about
1760, at the close of Governor Bernard's administra-
tiori. We can only add to this brief statement of
probabilities the civil list for the time during which
the records liave been preserved.
TOWN CLEKKS.
1861, William R. Wilson ; 1852-63, John S. Quimby ; 1864-66, James W.
Arrowsmith J 1856-67, Benjamin Smith ; 1868-69, James W. Arrow-
Bmith; 1860, Ira B. Pruden; 1861, John W. B. Lewis; 1862, William
A. Wilson ; 1863, William Van Boren ; 1864-66, Joseph S. aark ;
1866-78, William B. Ooopor; 1879-80, P. T. Randolph.
ASSESSORS.
1861-63, Israel Rickey; 1864-56, John H. Anderson; 1866-57, Dayid L.
Lewis ; 1868-69, Samuel Lewis ; 1860-61, Peter Z. Smith ; 1862-63,
Ferdinand Van Doren ; 1864-65, Peter Z. Smith ; 1866, A. V. P. Sut-
phen; 1867-73, William A. McMurtry ; 1874, Freeman Stelle ; 1876-
78, William A. McMurtry ; 1879-80, S. W, T. Meeker.
COLLECTORS.
1861, Alvah Lewis; 1862, John H. Anderson; 1853, Alvah Lewis; 1864,
Francis Bunyan ; 1866-56, Oliver B. Stelle ; 1857-68, Samuel Hall ;
1869-60, William A. McMurtry ; 1861-62, James H. Thompson ; 1863,
Jacob K. Lewis ; 1864-66, Ira B. Pruden ; 1867-68, Thomas Terrell ;
1869-70, William Van Doren ; 1871-72, Joseph S. Clark ; 1873, David
L. Lewis; 1874, Oscar McMurtry ; 1876-77, George L.Rickey; 1878,
Nicholas Bowers ; 1879, Calvin D. Smith ; 1880, Ira B. Pruden.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1851-62, William Annin, Joseph De Ooster ; 1863, Joseph De Coster; 1854
-66, Peter Z. Smith; 1856-58, James King; 1858-60, Henry Baird'
1860-62, David G. Schomp ; 1802-64, Joseph De Coster ; 1364-66, David
G. Schomp ; 1866, David L. Lewis ; 1867-69, Samuel Lewis ; 1869-71,
Thomas Terrell; 18'71-73, Aaron Dilley; 1873, Charles S. Quimby;
1874-76, Jacob S. Garrabrant; 1876-77, Charles S. Quimby; 1877
-79, Freeman Stelle ; 1879-80, William B. McMurtry.
COMMISSIONERS OF APPEALS.
1851, John S. Quimby, Oliver S. Stelle, James W. Arrowsmith ; 1862,
David L. Lewis, Oliver E. Stelle, James W. Arrowsmith ; 1853, David
L. Lewis, David Morris, Oliver R. Stelle; 1854, David Morris,
Henry Baird, Pierson S. Colyer ; 1855-67, Richard Coriell, Andrew
Cole, John McBride; 1867-59, David S. Dunham, Israel Compton,
James McMurtry ; 1869, John S. Quimby, Jacob Cole, George F. Sco-
field; 1860, Jacob Cole, George F. Scofleld, Oliver Dunster; 1861, Jo-
siah Layton, Thomas Lewis, Oliver Dunster; 1862, Josiah Layton,
Thomas Lewis, Oliver Woodward ; 1863, Oliver Woodward, Josiah
Layton, Oliver E. Stelle ; 1864, John M. Holmes, Oliver Woodward,
Oliver R. Stelle ; 1866, Jacob Cole, William Child, William Rush ; 1866
-67, Joseph J. Stergis, John 0. Rush, Henry Apgar; 1868, Joseph S.
Clark, Amadee Sanders, David G. Schomp ; 1869-71, Joseph S. Clark,
Oliver Dunster, David G. Schomp ; 1871, Oliver Dunster, James H. Day,
Calvin H. Dunham ; 1872, John Guerin, John 0. Rush, James H.
Day ; 1873, John Guerin, James H. Day, Theodore Baird ; 1874, James
H. Day, William Child, Oliver Dunster; 1876-77, Josiah Layton,
Theodore Baird, Seneca White ; 1877, Seneca White. William Child,
Theodore Baird ; 1878, F. H. Flagg, Henry H. Apgar, Richard Irving ;
1879, Henry H. Apgar, Richard Irving, James H. Day; 1880, Henry
H Apgar, Richard Irving, Aaron Dilley.
TOWN COMMITTEES.
1861, Jonathan Ayers, David Morris, Abraham B. McCoUum, Frederick
Childs, Daniel Whitenack; 1852-53, John Guerin, David Dunham,
William Ballentyne; 1854, John Guerin, Samuel Lewis, Thomas
Richards : 1864-56, William Ballentine, Isaac S. Runyon, Freeman
Pennington ; 1867, Joseph De Coster, Oliver B. Stelle, David Morris;
1868, William Ballentine, David Morris, Waters B. Alward ; 1869,
William Ballentine, Waters B. Alward, Oliver Dunster ; 1860, Waters
B. Alward, John S. Quimby, Isaac Compton; 1861, Isaac Compton,
John S. Quimby, Freeman Stelle ; 1862, John S. Quimby, Freeman
Stelle, James P. Goltra; 1863, Amadee Sanders, Freeman Stelle,
James P. Goltra; 1864, Amadee Sanders, Joseph De Coster, James P.
Goltra; 1865, Amadee Sanders, John Guerin, Oliver R. Stelle ; 1866,
John Guerin, Oliver E. Stelle, Josiah Layton ; 1867-68, John Guerin,
Josiah Layton, Charles N. Conkling; 1869-70, Charles N. Conkling,
John 0. Rush, William B. McMurtry ; 1871, John 0. Rush, William
B. McMurtry, John Compton ; 1872-76, John Comptoil, John E.
Lewis, Jacob Van Arsdale; 1877-78, John Compton, JohnB. Lewis,
Jerome E. Helderbrant, Edward Haight, William Van Doren ; 1879-
80, John Compton, WilUam Child, William Van Doren.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1851. Nathaniel Compton, Hezekiah Norris.
1854. Peter Irvine, John S. Quimby, Benjamin Smith.
1856. John S. Quimby, Nathaniel Compton, Benjamin Smith.
1869. Peter Irvine.
1860. Nathaniel Compton, Ira B. Pruden, John S. Quimby.
1861. Ira B. Pruden.
1862. Jacob Cole, William A. Wilson.
1863. Waters B. Alward, Richard Irvine.
1864. Nathaniel Compton, James H. Thompson, Calvin H. Dunham.
1870. Nathaniel Compton, James H. Thompson, Calvin H. Dunham,
Roderick Mitchell,
1872. Roderick Mitchell.
1873. Horace Woodruff. -
1875. James H. Thompson, Nathaniel Compton, CaMn H. Dunham.
1876. David S. Dunn.
1878. James Doty, Horace Woodruff.
1879. Charles N. Conkling.
1880. Dr. H. G. Whitnall, P. F. Randolph, Calvin H. Dunham.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF SOSOOLS.
1861, Walters B. Alward ; 1852, James T. English ; 1863, William E. Wil-
son ; 1864-66, Eev. John C. Rankin, D.D.
PLACES OP HISTORIC INTEREST. . . -
The Stirling Place. William Alexander, fa-
miliarly known as Lord Stirling, lived in baronial
state before the Revolution on the "'Stiriilig &iii,"
so called, about two miles southeast of Basking Ridge.
The place is now owned by Mr. Barcalow,' and la
JAMES P. GOLTRA.
James Phares Goltra, son of Thomas Goltra, was
born in Bergen, N". J., Nov. 17, 1792. His father was
also a native of Bergen, where his ancestors from Hol-
land settled at an early time. He was born July 9,
1764. He married, Dec. 19, 1788, Elizabeth Kells, born
Sept. 30, 1768, by whom he had the subject of this
record and four daughters, viz., Lany A., born Jan. 2,
1790, married George King (deceased); Susan, born
Aug. 19, 1794, married Eobert Albright, and lives in
Madison, Morris Go. ; Mary, born Aug. 23, 1797, mar-
ried John Case (deceased) ; Cornelia, born Aug. 7,
1802, married first Elias Sturgis, and afterwards "Wil-
liam Conkling; she is still living, and resides in Ohio.
James P. Goltra came to Bernard township when
quite young with his parents, who purchased the Goltra
place on Dead Eiver now occupied by J. Happa. His
father was a carpenter and builder, and brought up his son
to that occupation, who followed it as his chief business
till towards the close of his life, building extensively
and erecting many churches in Bernard and adjoining
townships. He also engaged successfully in farming
and mercantile pursuits, having kept a store eight
years at Liberty Corners. Besides being many years a
justice of the peace and a judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas, he took a prominent and active part in the
affairs of his township, especially in raising recruits
during the civil war, and acting on the town committee
with the late Judge Anderson. The duties of these
men were arduous and responsible, and were faithfully
and conscientiously discharged, reflecting credit alike
upon their integrity and ability. Mr. Goltra, as a busi-
ness and a public man, as a citizen and neighbor, in
short, in all the walks of life, was highly respected.
and has left a reputation enshrined in the memory and
esteem of his fellow-cilizens.
On the 20th of June, 1816, Mr. Goltra married for
his first wife Fanny Beach, by whom he had two chil-
dren, Ebenezer B. and Susan P. ; both are living and
have families. After her death he married Panny C.
Cross, daughter of Eobert and Elizabeth Cross. She is
the great-granddaughter of Kev. John Cross, first pastor
of the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, who set-
tled on the place where Mrs. Goltra now lives in 1732,
and held religious services in his barn before the meet-
ing-house was built at the Eidge. Eobert and Elizabeth
Cross reared a family of two children, viz., Mrs. James
P. Goltra and Mahlon Cross, who died in August, 1878,
leaving a son and daughter still living. Joseph, the
other son, died in March, 1872.
The children of James P. and Fanny C. Goltra were
Caroline E., born July 9, 1823, married Dennis Van
Liew, and lives at Liberty Corners ; Eobert Cross Goltra,
born Aug. 24, 1829, married Mary E. Lewis, who sur-
vives him (he died May 12, 1869, leaving four chil-
dren) ; Mary M., born Feb. 7, 1832, married Putney O.
Belding, has one child, now living at Basking Eidge;
Thomas Goltra, born Feb. 5, 1834, married Elsie Smalley
Frost, and has a family of three children, to wit, John
Q. P., Hattie Adelaide, and Willie J. Goltra; Emma
Jane Goltra, born July 18, 1838, married William W.
Sutton, of Hunterdon County, and has three children.
James P. Goltra died Jan. 22, 1871, in the seventy-
ninth year of his age.
His son, Thomas Goltra, is his successor on the home-
stead estate. He devotes himself to the pursuit of agri-
culture, and is an enterprising and successful farmer.
BERNARD.
741
one of the historic places of this portion of New Jer-
sey. Lord Stirling acquired his title to large estates
in this quarter prior to 1720, and built his manor-
house as a summer retreat about 1761. He adopted
it afterwards as a permanent residence, and continued
to improve his estate, together with a mining andiron
interest in Morris County, till the Revolution called
him to the field. He became a zealous Whig, and as
a soldier under Washington rendered important ser-
vice to the cause of independence. He was not, how-
ever, to see the final triumph of the glorious cause to
which he had sacrificed health, property, and life
itself. Worn out by fatigue of body and mind, he
died on the 15th of January, 1783, less than a week
before the solemn recognition by treaty of his coun-
try's independence. His private fortune was ex-
pended in the contest.
White's Taveeit. The house where Gen. Charles
Lee was taken prisoner by Col. Harcourt's dragoons,
on the 11th of October, 1776, while on his way to
join the army under Washington, stands by the road-
side at the south end of the village of Basking Ridge.
It was then called " White's tavern," being kept by
Mrs. White, a widow. The house is still standing,
though it has undergone considerable changes.
The Kiekpateick Mansion. Another place of
historic interest is the old Kirkpatrick mansion, on
the homestead where Alexander Kirkpatrick and his
son David settled in 1736. The solid, substantial
stone house which he built in 1765, with its thick,
firm walls laid in mortar almost as hard as the gray
sandstone itself, and with floors made of white
oak plank laid double, was but an exponent of the
solidity and self-reliance of his character. With
proper care the house might be made to last five cen-
turies more. On a stone over the front door (but now
concealed by a portico) are chiseled " D. M. K., 1765,"
meaning David and Mary Kirkpatrick.
David Kirkpatrick, Esq., as he was remembered by
the old settlers, was a thorough-going Scotchman in
every respect, not excepting the broad accent of his
nationality. " Although he lived about two miles
from the church at Basking Ridge, he always pre-
ferred to walk while the rest of the family rode. It
is said of him, when a member of the New Jersey
Legislature, that although he would commence his
journey on horseback, he soon dismounted and, lead-
ing his horse, walked the remainder of the way to
Trenton. He lived to enter his ninety -first year;
educated one son at the College of New Jersey ; knew
of at least six grandsons who were liberally educated ;
and at his death left a numerous posterity to bless his
memory."
The Annin House. In 1766 the old "Stone
House" on the Annin estate was built by William
Annin, son of John, the first pioneer. In 1866, the
descendants of John Annin met in the venerable
mansion to celebrate the centennial of its erection.
The meeting was on the 15th day of August, and there
gathered grandparents, parents and children, the
representatives of every period of life, from infancy
to old age, to the number of one hundred and twenty.
We give the following list of the kindred and de-
scendants ot John Annin present on the occasion :
William Annin, Eliza H. Annin, Gertrude S. F. Annin, Jane Annin, SaraU
Annin, Sarah E. Annin, Mary 0. Annin, William Annin, Robert
Edward Annin, Phebe Ayers, James Van D. Ayers, Fanny B. Ayera,
Fanny Ayers, John Fred. Boyle, Lydia Annin Boyle, Harriet P-
Boyle, Sarah Annin Boyle, Edward P. Boyle, John Annin Boyle, Mary
P. Boyle, Helen H. Boyle, William F. Boyle, Nettle A. Boyle, Par-
menas Castner, Fred. K. Castner, Mary Annin Gaatner, Alfred S. Cast-
ner, John L. Van Liew, Antoinette Van Liew, Julia B. Van Liew,.
Sarah K. Van Liew, William E. Van Liew, Maiy A. Van Liew, Mar-
tha A. Van Liew, William Annin Losey, Harriet 0. Losey, Samuel
Annin, Jesse Irving, Charles Conklin, Emeline A. Irving, Hiram
Ayers, Eliza Neville Ayers, Joanna Gaston Brown, Mary Brown,
Isaac Gaston, Ida Brown, William Sergeant, Daniel Annin, Abbey P.
Annin, Phebe M. Annin, Adeline 0. Annin, Sarah Ross Beach, Sarah
M. Bliven, Sarah B. Bliven, Charles Bliven, Abby D. Bliven, Moses
Sayre, Elizabeth Dickinson Sayre, Alexander Annin, Susan Annin,
Margaret Annin, Margaret Miller Noroross, Alex. Annin Norcross,
Joseph M. Norcross, Joseph Annin, Margaret Annin, John Annin,
Samuel Annin, Esther Morford, George Morford, Alexander AnniDi
Elizabeth Annin, Phebe Miller Johnson, Mary Emma Johnson, Fer-
dinand Dreer Johnson, Frederick Dreer Earl, Mary M. Annin, John
J. Annin, Edwin L. Annin, Ferdinand J. Dreer, Abigail Dickinson
Dreer, Abigail Matilda Dreer, Ferdinand J. Dreer, Jr., Frederick
Alexi Dreer, Edwin Greble Dreer, Eev. John 0. Rankin, D.D., Mrs.
Rankin, Rev. James T. English, Eosella May Anderson, Charles T.
Anderson, William W. Anderson, John C. Sutphen, M.D., Fanny K.
Sutphen, Hugh M. Gaston, Mrs. Gaston, Miss Gaston, Isaac Gaston,
Francis Rnnyon, Clarissa C. Runyon, William A. Compton, James H.
Day, James S. Day.
The walls of the old " Stone House," laid up with
massive blocks taken from a neighboring quarry, are as
sound and solid as when fir.st placed there in the
colonial days. It is a quaint old building with pro-
jecting eaves, in which have lived three generations of
the Annin family. William Annin, great-grandson
of the emigrant ancestor, was host of the mansion at
the time of the centennial. The initials " W. A."
and "H. S. M.," cut in the stone with the date "1766,"
indicate the builder, William Annin, and Hugh Sun-
derland, mason.
A large black walnut-tree stands on the road from
Basking Ridge to Morristown. It is a historic tree.
Under it near the roots is a spring, not at present used,
at which Washington and La Fayette lunched when
the army was moving from Morristown towards Tren-
ton. The incident is not given in any history, but was
communicated by La Fayette himself to the late Dr.
Samuel S. Doty, who as major of militia escorted the
Marquis during his visit here in 1825. This walnut-
tree was struck by lightning on Sunday, June 28,
1880, which will probably destroy the old relic of by-
gone ays. CHURCHES.
PRBSBTTERIAN CHURCH OF BASKING RIDGE.*
Among the floating statements as to the origin of
this church, that which assigns to it the greatest
* The following history of the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge
is condensed from a historical discourse by Rev. John 0. Rankin, D.D..
pastor of the church since 1861, delivered August U, 1872. The discourse
contains much other interesting matter, which we have given under
the head of Early Settlement.
742
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
antiquity is in the' New Jersey Historical Collections
(new edition, 1852, p. 442), and is in these words:
" Baaking Kidge waa early settled by Scotch Presbyterians, and a log
â– church erected about the year 1700. "
The next is in a "History of the Presbyterian
Church of Madison, N. J.," drawn up some years ago
by the Eev. Mr. Tuttle, then the pastor of that people.
He says (pp. 10, 11),
"The iirst church ever organized in what is now the county of Morris,
was the old Presbyterian Church in Whippany, which wa£ formed about
1718. ... In Baskenridge, some Scotch Presbyterian families who had
settled there, were worshipping in a log meeting-house which they had
erected a year or two previously. "
Dr. Rankin has been able to discover no data upon
which these statements can be substantiated, and
thinks, from evidence adduced further on in his dis-
course, that the origin of the church dates from about
1720-25. There could have been no church here be-
fore there were Christian inhabitants, and the earliest
definite account of the settlement places it at a.d.
1717, the 24th of June of that year being the date of
the Indian deed to Harrison. In 1720, Cornelius
Beers, of Staten Island, bought the land then occu-
pied by James Pitney, who was, without doubt, the
first settler in the township, and whose name appears
as one of the original trustees of the church. Henry
Rolfe was also living in the neighborhood the same
year, and one of his family, probably his son Samuel,
was another member of the original board of trustees.
There were actually settlers here, then, as early as
1720, who were active and prominent in the move-
ments of the church. Among these were Pitney,
Eolfe, some of the Ayers family, and probably others
whose names are not mentioned.
In 1728, John Budd, an elder in the Presbyterian
Church at Philadelphia, in writing to his agent here,
speaks of "the hundred acres I lately gave away,"
and in 1737 specific mention is made of his convey-
ing one hundred acres probably the same before
alluded to " for the use of a meeting-house." Here
we see the source of the old parsonage farm. When
and where they first assembled for worship cannot be
determined. It is morally certain, however, that they
were not long without some place, and the probability
is that at least as early as 1725 there was a nucleus of
praying men and women who came together some-
where in the neighborhood to worship God.
Passing now from these probabilities and conjec-
tures, the first authentic date in the history of this
church (the sessional records having unfortunately
perished) is on the original deed of John Ayers, con-
veying a certain plot of ground to Obadiah Ayers,
Mordecai McKenne, James Pitney, George Pack,
Samuel Eolfe, Daniel Morrice, and Thomas Eiggs.
This document is dated Feb. 8, 1731, and conveys to
said trustees one and one-half acres of land, " on or
near the middle of which now stands a house built
and intended for the exercising of religious worship
in." This was no doubt the old log meeting-house of
traditionary notoriety. One hundred and fifty years
ago it stood on the spot of the present church, with a
thickly-wooded grove around it. In all probability
the first work of those sturdy pioneers, as they began
to form a community here, was the erection of a
school-house, where some of them taught the chil-
dren of their families in winter, and where the parents
assembled for prayer before they had a church or
minister. The same circumstances which made this
the religious centre must also have made it the edu-
cational centre even earlier. The school- or session-
house therefore probably went up from 1720 to 1725 ;
the church soon followed, from 1725 to 1730, and was
made secure to trustees, as above, Feb. 8, 1731.
In 1733 the name of Basking Eidge first appears
in the old ecclesiastic records of the parish, spelled
uniformly in all early documents as here written,
showing the purely English origin of the name. It
is supposed to have been derived from the fact that
the wild animals of the adjacent lands were accus-
tomed to ba^k in the open forest of this beautiful
ridge. There was as yet no church at Morristown ; in
fact, there was no town there.
The first minister of the gospel known to have
labored here was the Eev. John Cross, who became a
member of the Synod of Philadelphia in 1732, and
seems to have begun his labors in that year. It is not
known that he was ever installed as a regular pastor
over the church, but it is certain that he preached
here, with more or less regularity, from 1782 to 1741.
He seems to have been rather a self-willed man, who
followed his own course, without much regard to
ecclesiastical law and order. On the next day after
his reception as a member of the Synod he withdrew
from the session without permission, and was cen-
sured for his conduct. Three years later complaint
was made to the Synod against him by his Presbytery
that " he absented himself from their meetings and
removed from one congregation to another without
the concurrence of Presbytery." For this he was
again censured, and admonished ".to be no niore
chargeable with such irregularities for the future."
He was not here, therefore, all these years. The
reason may have been that the congregation was still
too weak to " subsist alone," so that he was compelled
to seek elsewhere for support. This whole region
was now rapidly filling up with inhabitants, and no
doubt as the size and strength of the congregation
increased they gave him a better support and he gave
them more labor. After a time this became his per-
manent home.
VISIT OF REV. GEOKGE WHITEFIELD.
When the celebrated George Whitefield visited this
place, Nov. 5, 1740, he stayed at Mr. Cross' house,
two miles from Basking Ridge, probably the house
owned by the late Judge Goltra. Whitefield speaks
of a wonderful work of grace as then in progress, the
first great revival, no doubt, that had occurred in this
BEKNARD.
Hi
part of tlie country. As many as three hundred per-
sons are said to have been awakened at one time
under the preaching of Mr. Cross. " When I came
to Basking Ridge," says Whitefield, " I found that Mr.
Davenport had been preaching to the congregation.
It consisted of about three hundred people. In prayer
I perceived my soul drawn out and a stirring of affec-
tion ambng the people. I had not discoursed long,
but in every part of the congregation somebody or
other began to cry out, and almost all were melted to
tears. At night also there was preaching to an im-
mense audience in Mr. Cross' barn, when God was
present in great power. . . . Next morning I with
pleasure took my leave of them, and rode agreeably,
in company with many children of God, to New
Brunswick, twenty-three miles from Basking Ridge.''
OTHBK MINISTERS.
The last mention of the name of Mr. Cross in
Presbytery or Synod occurs in 1746. His death must
have occurred between that date and 1750, as in the
latter year his wife, " Deborah Cross, widow," is men-
tioned as buying certain land irom James Alexander.
His grave is probably in the burial-ground at the
church, though marked by no stone to tell where his
dust reposes. His farm, which embraced several hun-
dred acres, was one of the finest sections of the town-
ship, and descended to his heirs. His deed to it was
obtained in 1741. During his ministry, in 1737, the
parsonage farm of 100 acres was given by John Budd,
of Philadelphia, though it is not probable that Mr.
Cross ever occupied it.
In 1742, Basking Ridge and Staten Island asked
for the ministerial services of Mr. Charles McKnight,
the son of a Presbyterian clergyman in Ireland, and
supposed to have come to this country, a young man,
about the year 1740. He was taken under the care
of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, June 28, 1741,
and ordained on the 12th of October of the next year.
He probably served both congregations. . He remained
here only about two years, and in the autumn of 1744
was installed pastor of Cranberry and Allentown.
During the Revolutionary war he was captured and
imprisoned for a time by the British, and soon after
his release died, Jan. 1, 1778.
Mr. McKnight's successor, the Rev. Joseph Lamb,
was called, and May 24, 1744, he removed to this
place and became a member of the Presbytery of
New Brunswick. No particulars of his pastorate
here are known. Dr. Brownlee speaks of him as
a Scottish worthy, but he was probably a native
of Connecticut, though of Scotch despent. He is the
first of the pastors of this church who died in its ser-
vice. His tombstone in the burying-ground bears the
following inscription, which we transcribe as throw-
ing light on the character of his preaching and as a
specimen of the obituary literature of the age :
" Here lies the remains of the Eev'd Joseph Lamb, who departed this
life July 28, a.d. 1749. Etatis suee 60.
*• The terrors dire from Sinai's Mount
Thy mouth did once proclaim,
As well as Messages of grace
In thy great Master's name.
But with pure ethereal fires,
With Seraphim above.
We hope and trust thou now dost sing
The wonders of his love. "
The congregation had so grown under his ministry
that the original log house was no longer large enough
to contain the audience. It was therefore taken down,
and the venerable frame building which stood for
ninety years, and was then superseded by the present
house, was erected. According to a well-authenti-r
cated tradition, the frame of that building was put
up on the very day of Mr. Lamb's death, July 28,
1749 (a brief description of it will be given at
another point in the narrative), but it was doubtless
in size and comfort a decided improvement on the
old log house. .
Following Mr. Lamb came the Rev. Samuel Ken-
nedy, M.D., who was born in Scotland in 1720, and
received his education at the University of Edinburgh.
His theological studies were pursued in this country,
under the care of the Presbytery of New Brunswick,
by which he was licensed to preach in 1748 and or-
dained in 1750. His settlement here took place June
26, 1751, and lasted thirty-six years, i.e., until his
death, Aug. 31, 1787. It may be remarked here that
the records kept by Mr. Kennedy, according to tra-
dition, were medical and ministerial accounts min-
gled on the same pages of his day-book, and that they
were not regarded as of sufficient importance to in-
sure their preservation. The trustee book, however,
is extant, and bears on its cover the following title :
"The Book of the Congregation of Bernardstown,
A.D. 1763, 1815. This book contains accounts, more "
or less full, of the doings of the parish for little more
than half the time of Dr. Kennedy's ministry, ^that
is, from 1764 ; and from this time we come into clearer
light respecting the history of the church. The first
record in this volume is in these words :
" The following is the account and proceedings of the committee ap-
pointed by the Presbyterian congregation of Bernardstown (formerly
called Basking Bidge) to receive and dispose of the money left to said
congregation by Mr. Samuel Brown in and by his last will and testa-
ment, which bears date the mh day of June, 1763. "
This committee consisted of Edward Lewis, John
Carle, and Nathaniel Ayers, who were chosen on the
12th of November, 1764. The money bequeathed
was £200, the interest of which, according to the
terms of the will, was to "be yearly every year, from
generation to generation forever, paid unto the regu-
lar Presbyterian minister of the congregation for hia
support."
Among the first things found in this record is the
plan of the house of worship as it then stood. It con-
tained fifty-two seats on the floor and twenty-six in
the gallery, seventy-eight in all. This is the frame
building which in 1749 had superseded the primitive
log house. It seems to have been about 55 feet long
744
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
by 36 feet wide, having its length east and west, with
pulpit in the north side, and the greater part of the
seats running lengthwise of the house.
Among the earliest entries these statements occur :
" It was agreed that the congregation should take the
parsonage place in its own care, and, instead thereof,
pay Mr. Kennedy £20 yearly as an addition to his sal-
ary.'' For the first year thereafter it was rented for £9,
and for several succeeding years for £12. This ar-
rangement, with a salary of £110 above the parsonage
rent, seems to have lasted many years. In 1786 a new
contract was made with Mr. Kennedy, whereby he
was to receive £120 yearly and the benefit of the "
parsonage free, the house and land kept in repair,
and firewood cut and delivered without any of his
expense."
The salaiy paid to the sexton at this time was fif-
teen dollars per annum, and it is stated that the par-
ish-meeting of the same year "appointed Joseph Eoy
and Joseph Annin to give out the lines, and John
Annin and Jeremiah Sutton, clerks, to sing."
Rev. Mr. Kennedy's remains lie in the church
burying-ground, where his epitaph may be read. It
is as follows :
" Grod's holy law thy mouth proclaimed,
Pare gospel flowed throut?h every vein ;
To flying men thy lips proclaimed
The glory of thy Saviour's name.
Sleep, then, beneath this earthly clod
Thy flesh shall see its Saviour-God^
Till the bright morning shall appear.
And thou thy Saviour's image bear. "
For nearly eight years after his death the pulpit of
the church was vacant. In the winter of 1795, Mr.
Robert Finley, a young licentiate of great promise,
was sent by the Presbytery of New Brunswick to
preach for a few Sabbaths. The attention of the con-
gregation was soon fixed upon him as a pastor. Dur-
ing this long vacancy they had become divided and
distracted, but, with singular unanimity and high
hopes, all parties united in a call for his services. He
was installed on the 17th of June, 1795, and from
that date began a bright period in the history of the
church. The members of the session, with the pas-
tor, September, 1795, were John Carle, Hugh Cald-
well, Henry Southard, Thomas Kirkpatrick, Philip
Lindsley, Jacob Rickey, David Lyon, John Annin,
and Robert Dayton, men who may well be regarded
as "pillars of the church."
The first roll of church-members now in existence
was formed in 1804. There were then 227 communi-
cants, of whom 74 were members before Mr. Finley's
settlement, and 127 had been received during the
preceding twelve months. This unusual ingathering
was the result of the great revival which spread over
the country at that time. During this time the Fri-
day evening lecture and prayer-meeting of the church
was established, which has never been intermitted to
this day. The remaining years of Mr. Finley's min-
istry were accompanied with accessions to the church
of from one to twenty-four each year. In 1815 oc-
curred a special revival, in which nearly every mem-
ber of the advanced class in Mr. Finley's classical
school was converted. Some nine or ten of them be-
came preachers of the gospel, of whom the Rev. B.
C. Taylor, D.D., pastor of the Reformed Church in
Bergen, still survives, or did a few years since. Dr.
Finley was a man of commanding influence, who-
swayed the minds of the people among whom he
moved almost at his pleasure. We shall revert to
him again under the head of his celebrated classical
school. Meantime, it may be remarked that after
the great revival of 1803 the house of worship was
found too small for the congregation, and was there-
fore enlarged by adding 28 pews on the floor and 12
in the gallery, making 118 pews. The highest pew-
rental was $14.74. The church underwent a similar
enlargement in 1871, extending over a portion of the
burying-ground, so that the headstones removed now
stand in a leaning posture against the rear and side
basement walls of the building, some of them the
oldest monuments in the ground.
Dr. Finley's pastoral relations with the church were
dissolved April 22, 1817, having lasted about twenty-
one years. He was released with great reluctance
that he might accept the presidency of the University
of Georgia, to which he had been called. His death
occurred Nov. 3, 1818. His widow died Sept. 23,
1844
The successor of Dr. Finley in the pulpit of this
church was the Rev. William C. Brownlee, D.D., who
began his labors April 30, 1818, and was installed as
pastor in June following. The congregation was now
large, covering nearly all the township of Bernard
and running over almost an equal territory in the ad-
joining county of Morris. The people came mostly
on foot or on horseback, or in an occasional farm-
wagon, from New Vernon, from Long Hill, from Lib-
erty Corner, from Mine Brook, and from the moun-
tains towards Mendham. No other church as yet
existed in all this space ; now there are eleven congre-
gations besides in the same territory. One of the first
works done by the new pastor was to visit his entire
congregation and take a complete census of his parish-
ioners. The result showed a record of 260 families,
comprising in all 1700 individuals, whose names, with
the ages of many, are given with scrupulous exact-
ness. Among the heads of families, 7 bear the name
of Doty; 6 the names of Lyon, Lewis, and Saunders ;
5 each the names of Cooper, Southard, Cross, Hand,
and Miller ; 4 of Ayers, Riggs, Boyle, Lindsley, Kirk-
patrick, Annin, Heath, McMurtry, Guerin, and Wil- .
son ; and more than a dozen other names have three
families each to represent them. The size of families,
too, is an impressive feature of this list, from eight to
twelve being the common number of a household.
Ninety-one names have become extinct in the con-
gregation in fifty years.
Dr. Brownlee is described as " a broad-shouldered.
BERNARD.
745
large-headed, round-faced Scotchman, with resolution
and thoroughness written on every feature and ex-
pressed in every tone." His pastorate was successftil,
and closed, after seven and a half years, in October,
1825. He was called from here to th* professorship
of languages in Rutgers College ; died Feb. 10, 1860.
Two tracts written by him and published by the Amer-
ican Tract Society entitled " The General's Widow"
and " The Spoiled Child" had their incidents in the
scenes of his pastorate at Basking Ridge. The suc-
cessor of Dr. Brownlee was the Rev. John C. Van
Dervoort, who was installed in September, 1826. He
was an earnest, warm-hearted, evangelical preacher,
whose labors were crowned by the ingathering of
many into the church. In 1829, especially, there
was an unusual revival under his ministry, fifty-six
persons being converted and added to the church
About this time other churches began to organize
and to take away from the congregation considerable
strength. New Vernon and Liberty Corner organ-
ized churches of the same faith and order.
Mr. Van Dervoort was released by the Presbytery to
accept a call to another field in the spring of 1834,
and in the autumn of the same year was succeeded
by the Rev. John Anderson, who, after trial of one
year, was ordained and installed Oct. 8, 1835. In a
report, during his ministry, he gives " 308 families,
comprising 1672 individuals, of whom 258 are mem-
bers." He was, at his own request, released from the
pastorate in August, 1836, and went to the Canal
Street Presbyterian Church of the city of New York.
After a vacancy of nearly two years, the Rev. Oscar
Harris was installed pastor on the 27th of March,
1838. He was a ripe scholar, a fine theologian, an
earnest, modest Christian gentleman, and commanded
the respect and confidence of all who knew him. His
health declining, he resigned in the spring of 1851,
and in September of that year the present pastor, the
Rev. John Chambers Rankin, D.D., was installed.
He is the tenth in the line of regular pastors of the
congregation, covering a period of 148 years from the
settlement of Rev. Mr. Cross.
Rev. Dr. Rankin* is a native of North Carolina,
bom May 18, 1816, and was educated at the Univer-
sity of that State, at Chapel Hill. He commenced
the study of theology at Princeton in 1839, and after
completing his course went as a missionary of the
Presbyterian Bo'ard of Foreign Missions to India,
where" he remained eight years, when declining
health compelled him to return to the United States.
During his pastorate of this church, a new and com-
modious parsonage has been built; a new and com-
fortable lecture- and Sabbath-school-room has been
erected ; the church (once refitted, and then enlarged
and ornamented) has been rendered as commodious
and attractive as the congregation could desire ; while
* He received the honorary degree of "Doctor of Divinity" in 1867,
from the trustees of the College of New Jersey. (See page 624, this work).
48
the membership, which had declined to 170 in 1851,
has again advanced to 260. Both the Sabbath-school
and church are now in a prosperous condition.
We append the following summary, which may ba
convenient for reference :
1717-25. HeligiouB settlement formed.
1725-30. Public worship instituted.
1732-41. Kev. John Cross, pastor.
1742-44. Rev. Charles McKnight, pastor.
1744-49. Bev. Joseph Lamb, paator.
1751-87. Bev. Samuel Kennedy, pastor.
1795-1817. Bev. Bobert Finley, D.D., pastor.
1818-25. Eev. William C. Brownlee, pastor.
1826-34. Bev. John C. Van Dervoort, pastor.
1834-36. Bev. John Anderson, pastor.
1838-51. Bev. Oscar Harris, pastor.
1851. Kev. John 0. Bankin, D.D., pastor.
PBESBYTEBIAN CHUECH OP LIBEETT COBNEE.
The origin of this church is given in the following
extract from the parish records :
" LiBBHTT Corner, April, 1837.
The inhabitants of this plaoe assembled in the Academy, in accord- "
ance with public notice previously given, to adopt such measures as were
requisite to the organization of a Presbyterian Church in this vicinity.
A deep interest was manifested on the subject, and, after fully consider-
ing the propriety and importance of the matter, the congregation unani-
mously appointed Mr. William Annin to wait on the Presbytery of Bliza-
bethtown at its next meeting in Bahway, and request the Presbytery to
come and organize a church as soon as practicable, to be known by the
name of " The Presbyterian Church of Liberty Comer."
" On the application of Mr. Annin, the Presbytery appointed a com-
mittee to make all suitable inquiries as to the propriety of granting the
request and report at the next meeting. The committee reported at the
next meeting, and the Presbytery appointed the Bev. Messrs. Abraham
Williamson, Daniel H. Johnson, Thomas Cochrane, and Joseph Cory a
committee to meet at Liberty Corner on the 10th of June following aud
organize a Presbyterian Church, agreeably to the request made. The
committee met at the time aud place above named, and a sermon was
preached on the occasion by the Bev. Mr. Williamson. After the sermon
the following-named persons produced certificates of their church-mem-
bership, which were read and approved, viz. : Mr. Nehemiah Scofield,
Mr. William Annin, Mr. John King, Mr. Samuel Cross, Mr. James
Irving, Mrs. Phebe Ayers, Mrs. Sarah Cross, Mrs. Margaret Jobs, Mrs.
Sarah Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Mary Dunham, Miss Hannah Ayers (from the
church in Basking Eidge), Mrs. Sarah Annin, Mrs. Elizabeth King, Mis.
Sarah Annin, Mrs. Nancy A. Dunham, Mrs. Elizabeth Cross, Miss Catha-
rine Dunham, Mies Frances Dunham, Miss Maria Dunham, Miss Martha
Dunham (from the church at New Vernon). "
After the usual questions had been propounded and
answered in the afBrmative, Messrs. Nehemiah Sco-
field and William Annin were unanimously elected
ruling elders and deacons, and were individually
ordained as such.
The corner-stone of the house of worship was laid
on the 5th of September, 1837, by Rev. Messrs. R.
K. Rodgers, of Bound Brook, Lewis Bond, of Plain-
field, and Abraham Williamson, of Chester. Rev.
James T. English was called to supply the church
for one year. The house of worship was dedicated on
Saturday, July 21, 1838, Rev. Nicholas Murray, of
Elizabethtown, preaching the sermon. Oct. 23, 1838,
Rev. James T. English was duly installed as the first
pastor. The communion of the Lord's Supper was
for the first time participated in by the church on
Sunday, the 27th of August, 1838, the officiating min-
ister being Rev. Lewis Bond, of Plainfield.
746
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
On the 4tli of November, 1837, the following per-
sons were received to membership :
Mr. Jamea Bice, Mrs. Phebe Irviug, Mrs, Sarah KiDg, Miaa Mary
Lewis, Miss Abigail Parsils, Miss Harriet Scofield, Miss Sarali ADnin,
Miss Mary Elizabeth Jobs, Mr. Adrian V. King, Mrs. Nancy Irving, Mrs.
Sarah Cross, Miss Mary Annin, Miss Emeline Ayers, Miss Caroline Irving,
Miss Sarah J. Ayers, Mrs. Ann Kue.
Nov. 11, 1837, the following united with the
church :
Mr. William C. Annin, Mr. Thomas A. Williams, Mr, Samuel Lewis,
Mr. Jesse Irving, Mr. Parsemas Castner, Mr. James Whistlecraft, Mr.
George Scofield, Mr. Eugene Jobs, Mr. Lewis Miller, Mr. Samuel A.
Voorhees, Mr. John Wiggins, Mrs. Phebe Brown, Mrs. Jane Voorheea,
Miss Julia A. Scofield, Miss Elizabeth Annin, Miss Susan Goltra.
The first church was of brick, and was used by the
congregation till 1868, when the present edifice was
erected on the same site at a cost of
MINISTEES.
Bev. James T. English, who was installed pastor
Oct. 23, 1838, served the church till his death, May
17, 1873, a faithful and successful pastorate of thirty-
five years. He was born Oct. 31, 1810, and was con-
sequently sixty-three years old when he died.
Rev. George C. Miln, his successor, was installed
pastor July 1, 1873, and remained till Nov. 23, 1874.
Rev. James W. Shearer was installed June 22, 1875,
and remained till May 1, 1879, when he removed to
Virginia. After his removal the pulpit was supplied
by various ministers up to April 5, 1880, when a call
was extended to Rev. Mr. Hammond, of Jersey City,
to officiate one year, which he accepted, and is now
in charge of the church.
The family of Rev. Mr. English still reside on the
farm formerly owned by the pastor. His widow still
survives ; his two sons, N. C. and James R. English
are attorneys and counselors-at-law in the city of Eliz-
beth, the former having his residence on the home-
stead with his mother. A fine granite monument has
been erected to the memory of Mr. English in the
church burying-ground.
Ruling Elders. William Annin, elected June 10,
1837 ; died June 30, 1872. Nehemiah Scofield, elected
June 10, 1837 ; dismissed Nov. 3, 1846. Isaac Lewis,
elected March 8, 1838; died June 1, 1855. Joseph
Alward, elected March 8, 1838; dismissed 1845. Elias
Brown, elected Oct. 23, 1847; dismissed February,
1854. David Dunham, elected Oct. 23, 1847; died
March 21, 1876, aged seventy. James H. Day, or-
dained Nov. 13, 1855 ; still in office. Peter A. Lay-
ton, ordained Nov. 13, 1855 ; died Feb. 15, 1873, aged
sLxty-one. Daniel Annin, ordained Nov. 13, 1855 ;
still in office. John Compton, ordained Nov. 13,
1855 ; still in office. Daniel S. Doty, ordained Nov.
13, 1855; dismissed Nov. 13, 1875. David Halsey
Dunham, removed to Bound Brook ; Jerome Helde-
brant.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH OF BASKING EIBGB.
The first Methodist preachers in this place were the
pastors stationed at Mendham and Bernardsville, who
began to hold services here in 1854, in which year
Rev. William Day, preacher in charge at Bernards-
ville, succeeded in building a church edifice. He
commenced with his own hands the excavation for
the foundation, and Bishop Janes, with his ox-team,
carted the first stone. This exhibition of zeal on the
part of minister and bishop aroused the co-operation
of earnest friends, and the building was carried on to
completion.
In 1858, Rev. George F. Dickinson was the pastor.
During this year the church bought and laid out
grounds for a cemetery, which has since been enlarged.
Rev. Solomon Parsons was pastor in 1859. He was
followed by George W. Sovereign in 1860, and dur-
ing that year the basement of the church was com-
pleted and made ready for Sunday-school-, prayer-,
and other meetings. The years 1861-62 were years
of marked prosperity to the church, under the pas-
toral care of Rev. William N. Searles. In 1863 it
was made into a circuit with New Vernon and Green
Village, and Rev. W. C. and C. R. Barnes were min-
isters in charge. Mr. Barnes, being a local preacher,
was recommended to the Annual Conference. The
next year the charge was modified by leaving off
Green Village, and Rev. J. W. Young was pastor.
This being a year of great excitement, on account of
the war, the spiritual interest of the church rather
declined ; but during the next two, under Rev. S. N.
Bebout, pastor at Basking Ridge and Pleasant Plains,
quite a number of accessions were made and the
prosperity of the church was much revived.
In 1867, Rev. E. Clement was sent to the charge,
being the first under the three years' rule. He was a
popular and successful pastor. Rev. B. F. Simpson
succeeded him in 1870, until July, when failing health
compelled him to resign, and his place was filled by
the appointment of Rev. Charles Woodruff During
his pastorate Rev. Mr. Woodruff compiled a history
of the church, from which the present facts have been
mainly gathered. Mr. Woodruff remained in charge
for three years, since which have been the following
ministers: Rev. Samuel P. Lacey, 1873-75; Rev.
Joseph W. Dally, 1875-79; Rev. Joseph A. Owen,
1879 ; Rev. C. A. Wambaugh, 1880.
The church has a membership at present of 110,
and a Sunday-school of about 100 members. The
following are the trustees and other officers :
Trustees. T). D. Craig, Waters Burrows, S. R. De
Coster, William Van Doren, Archibald Baird, W. F.
Muchmore, Oscar Conklin, O. W. Brown, W. H.
Dikeman.
Stewards. B. R. De Coster, William Allen, O. W.
Brown, Isaac W. Keeler, Archibald Baird, Benjamin
Woodruff, Ezra Dayton. Nicholas Bowers, local
preacher.
BERNAKDSVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was organized in 1846, with seven male and ten female
members. It was included in the Mendham charge
BERNAKD.
U7
up to 1852, Bernardsville being called " Vealtown."
The first board of trustees consisted of Roderick A.
Mitchell, John S. Adams, John S. Quimby, James
Barton, Elias Hight, Lewis D. Saunders, and Hiram
W. Cummings, all the male members of the church
at that time.
The first church edifice was erected in 1846, and
dedicated that year, on the 27th of December, Eev.
D. W. Bartine preaching the sermon. The cost of
the building was $977.30. In 1871 the house was re-
modeled and refurnished. The present parsonage
was purchased in 1865. From the organization of
the church down to the present time no debt has been
allowed to accumulate. The new church edifice is
â– one of the most beautiful and convenient ecclesiastical
structures in this portion of the State. It was dedi-
cated on Sunday, June 28, 1880, by Eev. 0. D. Foss,
Bishop Foster preaching the dedicatory sermon. This
church has been erected at a cost of $10,000, and is
the gift to the parish of Mr. George I. Seney, presi-
dent of the Metropolitan Bank of New York, and
one of the lay delegates of the New York East Con-
ference to the General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Mr. Seney owns a summer resi-
dence at Bernardsville, and, besides his generosity to
this parish, has been a liberal donor to the Wesleyan
University, at Middletown, Conn.
The church since its organization has had the fol-
lowing pastors : Henry Trumbower, Mr. Beagle, Ed-
ward Grifieth, Mordecai Stokes, Robert Harris, R. S.
Arndt, William Day, Wesley Wood, William Day,
E. A. Day, H. J. Hayter, Matthias Swaim, B. 0.
Parvin, J. F. Dodd, W. W. Voorhees, J. B. Taylor,
W. H. Hagerty, H. J. Hayter, J. W. Hayes, H. C.
McBride, C. Clark, Jr., J. R. Adams, and C. C.
Winans.
The church now numbers 105 members, and has
a prosperous Sunday-school of 75, besides a school
on Mine Mount of 40 members. Religious services
are also held there by the pastors once in two weeks.
THE MILLINGTON BAPTIST CHDBCH
was the outgrowth of a great revival at Mount Bethel
and contiguous country in the winter of 1850-51,
under the labors of Rev. Edward C. Ambler, assisted
by one other evangelist. Protracted meetings were
held during a greater part of the winter at Mount
Bethel and in neighboring school -houses, and among
those who attended and shared in the religious awak-
ening were many belonging to the neighborhood of
Millington. It was thought best, at the close of the
revival, that such should be organized into a separate
church in their own locality. The first meeting in
order to consider such organization was held in the
school-house May 2, 1851, and two days later a letter
of dismissal from the Mount Bethel Church was
granted to fifty-two persons, who formed the nucleus
of the church at Millington. The organization was
efiected on the 20th of May, and the council recog-
nized it May 21, 1851. On the 24th of the same
month deacons were chosen and rules of order and
articles of church discipline agreed upon. The dear
cons were ordained at a communion service on the
2d of October, 1852, the meeting-house being at that
time opened and dedicated.
The church, being thus organized and a house of
worship provided, grew rapidly. It has been deemed
worthy of notice by the pastor that the large increase
was through baptism, and was acquired chiefly in
seasons of revival, rather than by steady ingathering
from year to year. Not that such has been altogether
wanting, but there are numbers of years in which
there are no records of admissions by baptism ; while,
on the other hand, there has been one year, at least,
in each pastorate when an especial interest was awak-
ened and numbers baptized.
The first pastor of this church was Rev. E. 0.
Ambler, who resigned the pastorate of the Mount
Bethel Church to assume charge of this in 1851. He
continued in charge till November, 1854, and early
in that year one of the revivals occurred, in which
twenty-one members were added by baptism.
Rev. Andrew Hopper began his labors in Decem-
ber, 1854, under form of a supply for the winter and
spring, and was chosen pastor on the 5th of February,
1855. Under his preaching a revival occurred in
1858, and from Feb. 8th to Aug. 8th, forty-five were
baptized and became members of the church. The
pastorate of Mr. Hopper closed in September, 1864,
after a duration of ten years.
He was succeeded by Rev. Zelotes Grenell, called
June 30, 1865, who remained five years and nine
months. There was also a revival during his pastor-
ate (fi-om Dec. 22, 1866, to March 23, 1867), in which
thirty-one were added by baptism. He closed his pas-
toral relation in December, 1870.
After an interval of a few months a call was ex-
tended to Rev. Peter Gibb, the present pastor, April
6, 1871. He soon after accepted and entered upon
his labors. During all the years since there have
been some baptisms each year, in 1872, '73, '74, and
'75 ; in each year from three to six, ^but the chief rer
vival was in 1876, when (up to the date of the report
which we follow) the additions were twenty-one.
Over three hundred names have been added to the
church record, first and last, but they have been re-
duced by death, removal, and other causes, so that the
present number is 142. The Sunday-school contains
a membership of 66. Mr. Oliver R. Stelle has been
treasurer and chorister of the church since its organi-
zation. The clerks have been Francis Runyon, David
R. Runyon, and Isaac S. Runyon. The pastor. Rev.
P. Gibb, resides at the parsonage, near Liberty Corner,
which was purchased about 1873.
SI. MABK'S (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH, BASKING RIDGE.
Rev. Charles W. Rankin, now of Baltimore, organ-
ized the parish of St. Mark's in 1850. There were
748
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
three or four Episcopalian families in the neighbor-
hood, to -wit, the family of Mrs. Thompson, consisting
of five or six adult persons ; the family of Israel Bedell,
of Staten Island, consisting of Israel Bedell, Jr., his
mother, and five children, and Bishop Doane, of
the diocese of New Jersey, made to these families an-
nual visitations. Rev. Mr. Rankin, while rector of St.
Peter's, Moriistown, in 1851, interested himself in
pastoral labors here, and in the winter of 1851-52 the
church edifice was built. The deed for the lot bears
date Nov. 18, 1851. It was made by Patrick and Ann
Matthews to Albert I. Bedell, James H. Thompson,
and Charles W. Rankin, conditioned upon being
always for purposes of the church, or otherwise to
revert to the heirs of Patrick Matthews. The church
was consecrated in May, 1852, by Bishop Doane.
The communicants have numbered as high as forty,
but at present the membership is somewhat less.
St. Mark's was under the rectorship of St. Peter's, at
Morristown, till the diocese was divided and it be-
came part of the Southern Diocese of New Jersey.
The parish was reorganized in 1871 by Rev. Edward
E. Boggs, and is at present an appendage of St.
Mark's, Mendham. Since 1871, Rev. Messrs. Boggs,
Coleman, Charles F. Kennedy, Henry Swentzel, W.
Morrell, W. Wilson, Earl, and Baker have officiated
as rectors.
ST. JAMES' CATHOLIC CHUECH.
There is also at Basking Ridge a Catholic Church
of the above name. Erastus Drummond bought the
land for the church site of David Demerest, who oc-
cupied the building, converted into a church in 1860,
for a wheelwright-shop. The first priest who organ-
ized services here was Father McAnulty. Father
Poals, of Mendham, is the present pastor.
SCHOOLS.
BASKING BIDGE CLASSICAL SCHOOL.
Rev. Samuel Kennedy, M.D., who was ordained
pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge
in 1750, was the founder of a classical school during
his pastorate which, under his administration and
that of Rev. Robert Finley, his successor, became
somewhat famous. Dr. Kennedy was for a consid-
erable time at the head of this school. "Being a
highly accomplished scholar and possessing great
wisdom and energy as a disciplinarian, his school was
extensively patronized, and sent many of its pupils to
the College of New Jersey."
Rev. Robert Finley's success in the same direction
was still more noted. In the year 1799 two lads of
about the same age commenced the study of the Latin
grammar together, under the instruction of Dr. Fin-
ley. Their names were Samuel Lewis Southard and
Jacob Kirkpatrick. Their parents resided within the
bounds of the parish and were members of Dr. Fin-
ley's church. He was recently entered upon the
duties of a pastor, and but lately from the College of
New Jersey. From the combined motive of doing
good and obtaining a livelihood, he conceived the en-
terprise of an academy. The two lads above named
formed a nucleus around which a number clustered
until there was formed in that place a large and
flourishing classical school.
" They had progressed part way through the Latin
grammar (Ruddiman's) when they were joined by
Philip Lindsley, a youth from the same neighbor-
hood. He had been a short time at school at Morris-
town, but he fell into the saine class. A short time
again elapsed when a fourth one arrived. He wrote
his name Jacob R. T. Frelinghuysen. He was the son
of Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen (then living at "
Millstone, the old county-seat of Somerset County)
" of Revolutionary memory. These four constituted
the first class of the Academy of Basking Ridge,
under the care of Rev. R. Finley. We were guided "
(says the writer) " in our studies of the different clas-
sics, which then constituted the course in the lower
classes of the College of New Jersey, till the com-
mencement of the college, then the last Wednesday of
September, A.d. 1802.
" We presented ourselves for examination before
Dr. 8. S. Smith, then president of the college, and
were admitted to a standing in the Junior Class. . . . "
This class completed its course and graduated in
September, 1804. It was a class of men who subse-
quently made their mark and left their names carved
high in the temple of fame, containing, as it did. Rev.
Philip Lindsley, D.D., Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D.,
Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime, D.D., Rev. Alfired Ely, D.D.,
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, Hon. Theodore Freling-
huysen, Hon. George Chambers, Hon. Thomas H.
Crawford, Hon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, to mention no
others.
Dr. Jacob Kirkpatrick became a very distinguished
clergyman. His room-mate. Dr. Philip Lindsley,
was a man of great originality and power, and dis-
tinguished himself as an educator of youth. He was
twenty-six years president of the University of Nash-
ville, Tenn., from 1824 to 1850, and left a son who
succeeded him in that responsible position, John
Berrien Lindsley, M.D., D.D., of Nashville, Tenn.
The careers of Mr. Frelinghuysen and Mr. Southard
as counselors-at-law and as statesmen prove them to
have been men of mark, and have made them an honor
to their native State.
Hon. William L. Dayton, Rev. Symmes Henry,
D.D., and many others, were prepared for college at
Dr. Finley's school. Commodore Stockton was once
a student here. The old rectangular, three-story
brick building in which the school was held is still
standing, and used for public school purposes.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The public schools of the township have always
been a subject of interest to citizens, and have been
well supported. The township is divided into eight
school districts, as follows: Bernardsville, Basking
BERNARD.
749
Ridge, Mine Mount, Mine Brook, Franklin, Mount
Pleasant, Liberty Corner, and Pleasant Valley. The
school-house in the first is of stone ; in the second,
brick ; all the rest are wood. The aggregate value of
the school property for the year ending Aug. 31, 1879,
is reported at $9200. Whole number between the ages
of five and eighteen, 701 ; average number of months
the schools have been kept open, 10 ; number enrolled,
522 ; average attendance, 245 ; number of teachers
employed, 9; Basking Ridge being the only school
which employs two teachers. Of the whole number
of teachers employed, 4 were male and 5 female.
The total amount of money received from all sources
for public school purposes was $3384.50.
BURIAL-PLACES.
The oldest burial-place in the township is that at
Basking Ridge, the deed for which bears date Feb.
8, 1731. The oldest gravestone discovered in this
ground is that of Henry Haines, who died June 9,
1736; but there were probably earlier interments, the
first settlers having arrived from 1717 to 1725. Tra-
dition says that the late Col. John Brees is known to
have spoken of seeing a stone with the date 1719,
though it cannot be found now. The ground is in-
closed by a strong stone wall, and filled thickly with
graves bearing the names of representatives of the old
families and their descendants for four and five gen-
erations. Many quaint and interesting inscriptions
might be given did space permit. We give only that
of the oldest person buried here :
" Here lies the body of Jolin McCollum, who departed this life April
the 18, A.D., 1760, in the 103d year of his age. "
The other churchyards which contain repositories
of the dead are of a considerable later date, and pre-
sent nothing worthy of special mention.
INDUSTRIES.
The industries of the people of this township are
chiefly agricultural. The farming is of two kinds,
grain-raising and general crops and dairying. The
milk of the dairies mostly goes to supply the Newark
market, but of late much of it is made into an excel-
lent quality of butter at the creameries, so called,
several of which exist in the township. The abun-
dance of pure spring water is a great advantage in
this regard. Agriculture is carried on in the township,
generally with the most improved implements. There
being no large towns, the employment for mechanics
is limited.
MILLS.
Ferdinand Van Dorn's mill is situated on the head-
waters of the Passaic, on the line between Somerset
and Morris Counties. It is a large stone mill, three
run of stones, furnished with the most improved ma-
chinery, and grinds both custom and merchant flour.
Saw-mill on the Passaic, owned by James Osborn,
does a considerable business for the New York and
California trade ; propelled by water-power.
Spoke- and felloe-factory at Madisonville, run by
steam; also a water saw-mill between Madisonville
and Bernardsville. Richard Irving, proprietor.
Saw-mill owned by Widow McMurtry, above Van
Doren's, on the Passaic.
Flour- and grist-mill, owned by B. Guerin, on Mine
Brook, at Bernardsville; custom mill; two run of
stones.
Below, on the same stream, is a custom flour- and
feed-mill, owned by the Bunn Brothers, Thomas and
John Bunn. It is a large four-story stone mill, three
run of stones, and has an up-and-down and circular-
saw attachment for cutting lumber of any length or
dimensions; also cider-making and distilling apple
brandy is carried on at this establishment quite ex-
tensively.
Mine Brook Mill, Charles Baker, proprietor; two
run of stones, and does a general custom and mer-
chant business.
Grist- and saw-mill of James Bunn, on a mountain-
stream in the northwest part of the township.
Saw-mill and brush-back-factory, on the North
Branch of the Raritan River, in the extreme north-
western part of the township, owned by Peter Z.
Smith, and carried on by his son, Oscar Smith.
Hub-factory of the Ludlow Brothers, farther down
the Branch. Proprietors, Isaiah and James Ludlow.
Leason's, formerly Dunn's, Mills, on the line be-
tween Somerset and Morris Counties; custom flour
and feed.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
BASKING KIDGB
is the oldest and most considerable village in the
township, and was settled the earliest of any portion
of it.* It contains four churches, Presbyterian, Epis-
copal, Methodist Episcopal, and Roman Catholic ; a
graded public school, occupying a brick building;
two general stores. Putney O. Belding and Parmenas
0. Henry, proprietors; grocery- and fancy-store,
Mary and Ida Brown; bakery, P. O. Belding; tin
and hardware, William R. Bromfield ; drugs, James
Doty, M.D.; post-ofice, P. C. Henry, postmaster;
and telegraph-office, kept in Dr. Doty's store. The
place has, besides, one carriage-shop, J. C. Oliver;
blacksmiths, John R. HoUingshead, Freeman Pen-
nington ; creamery (for milk, butter, and cheese),
S. S. Beach & Co. There are six physicians viz.,
Drs. John Dayton, Amadee Voorhees, Frederick C.
Jones, William Pennington, James Doty, and D. H. G.
Whitnall and one lawyer, John H. McCracken, Esq.,
business office in Newark. The names of the clergy-
men are given in connection with the church his-
tories. The number of inhabitants is about 800.
BERNARDSVILLE
was formerly called " Vealtown," and was changed
to its present name at the suggestion of Roderick A.
Mitchell, who settled in the place in 1840. Lord
* See Early Settlement.
750-
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Stirling and Capt. John Parker were the original
proprietors of the soil in this vicinity, forty acres of
which were bought by Judge Woods, of Morristown,
about 1778. Considerable of this tract was subse-
quently bought by Dr. John Boylan, an old and dis-
tinguished physician, who practiced many years in
the place during the early half of the present century.
He had five or six sons and one daughter, who died in
1864, leaving her property to Margaret Cole, wife of
Charles Quimby.
Tradition says that when Washington's army was
at Morristown a disagreement arose about the pay of
some of the Virginia soldiers, and in consequence a
portion of them started for Virginia, and came as far
as " Vealtown." An officer was sent after them, and
in the old tavern kept by Capt. Parker they signed
an agreement to continue in the service. The old
tavern is still standing, and is the Mitchell homestead,
purchased by Roderick A. Mitchell in 1840. Thirty-
three years before, Mr. Mitchell had been taken to
the house, a child of seven years, by his mother, who
was passing through the place and was detained over-
night by an accident to her carriage. The old tavern
was then kept by one Whitenack. Mr. Mitchell is
now seventy-four years of age ; was a seafaring man
in early life, and a sailor on board the ship " Cadmus,"
Capt. Howard, which brought La Fayette to America
in 1824.
John Bunn was one of the prominent early settlers.
He came here a poor young man and accumulated
large property. He left ten children, two of whom
John and Thomas Bunn own the stone mill at Ber-
nards ville.
John H. Anderson was one of the most influential
men of this section. He was surrogate of the county
of Somerset, member of both houses of the Legisla-
ture, and judge of the Common Pleas. He was also
a director in the Delaware and Passaic (formerly the
West Line) Railroad. His son, J. L. Anderson, is a
graduate of Princeton, and resides on the old estate
with his mother. George Anderson, the oldest son,
is a graduate of West Point Military Academy, and
has served on the Western frontier. He has also
more recently been a teacher at West Point.
Capt. Nehemiah Norris, who commanded a company
at Sandy Hook during the war of 1812, resided in this
vicinity. He left a family 6f sons and daughters, of
whom only two are now living, viz., Caroline, wife
of R. A. Mitchell, and Harriet, wife of Ferdinando
Rush.
There are at Bernardsville two general stores, kept
respectively by Thomas Bird and Calvin D. Smith.
The latter is also postmaster. The Bernardsville Ho-
tel is kept by E. L. Doty. There are two blacksmiths,
Robert Young and Oscar Wright; milliner and
dressmaker, Mrs. Hall. The Methodist Episcopal
church is a neat and commodious structure recently
dedicated.
Several wealthy New York men have summer resi-
dences in the vicinity. Among them may be named
George I. Seney, president Metropolitan Bank, New
York ; A. V. Stout, president Shoe and Leather Man-
ufacturers' Bank, New York; and George B. Post,
the well-known architect. New York.
LIBEKTT COBNEB
was formerly known as " Annin's Corner," on account
of the settlement there at a very early day of John
Annin, the patriarch of the Annin family. Tradition
says that the name was originally spelled " Annan,"
and that the ancestors lived at Annandale, Scotland.*
As most of the early settlers of this portion of the
township have been referred to elsewhere, we shall
omit further mention of them for want of space.
At Liberty Corner are Augustus Fohling and John
Y. Bird, shoe-manufacturers ; P. F. Randolph, corn-
planters and fertilizer-distributors ; Dennis Van Liew,
Liberty Corner Hotel ; John Compton, agricultural
implements ; Peter Taylor, wheelwright ; L. Manker,
harness-maker ; Irving & Layton, undertakers ; Wil-
liam Lockwood, house and sign painter ; James D.
Van Derveer, physician.
The section of country about Liberty Corner is
devoted chiefly to dairying, the milk being sent to
Newark.
MADISONVILLB
is a small hamlet north of Basking Ridge, containing
Irving's store, blacksmith-shop by Jacob Van Arsdale,
and some ten or fifteen residences.
The old stage-line from Basking Ridge to Bound
Brook, founded by Solomon D. Gilespie, of Basking
Ridge, is still run by his son Samuel. Stephen D.
Gilespie runs a hack from Liberty Corner to Lyon's
Station, on the Delaware and Passaic Railroad, daily,
carrying the mail. A branch of the Delaware, Lack-
awanna and Western Railroad passes through the
township, connecting Bernardsville, Newark, and
other points. The advantages of this road bring in
many New Yorkers, who do business in that city and
have their residences during the summer among the
beautiful and health-inspiring hills of Bernard.
MASONIC.
Clinton Lodge, No. 8, A. F. and A. M., located
at Basking Ridge, was chartered Nov. 13, 1827, as
Basking Ridge Lodge, No. 56. The charter members
were Edward A. Darcey, W. M. ; Cornelius Ludlow,
S. W. ; and Dr. Samuel S. Doty, J. W.
This lodge survived the Morgan excitement by
being removed to several places of safety.f It was
finally returned to its birthplace, where it has ever
since held its regular communications. We append
the following list of officers for the year 1880 : C. H.
* See account of the Annin family, in other parts of this work.
t The records of the Grand Lodge of tlie State of New Jersey show that
a petition to remove to Little Cross-Eoads was granted NoTomber, 1829 ;
petition granted to move to Peapack, November, 1830 ; in 1831 to remove-
to Chester, Morris Co., and change name to " Clinton Lodge, No. 66." In
January, 1848, Clinton Lodge, No. 8, petitioned to remove to Peapack, and
' in January, 1855, to remove to Basking Bidge.
BERNARD.
751
Ames, P. M., W. M. ; N. C. Bonnell, P. M., S. W. ;
George Browne, J. W.; N. Compton, Jr., Treas.;
Thomas Terrell, Sec; N. C. Cox, P. M., S. D. ;
George L. Rickey, J. D. ; C. D. Todd, P. M., M. of C. ;
Samuel Humphrey, M. of C. ; S. S. Adamson, P. M.,
Steward ; George H. Logan, Steward ; 0. W. Brown,
Tiler. Communications are held twice a month.
TOWNSHIP STATISTICS.
Amount of floating debt, $1121.13 ; interest, $224.21 ;
total, $1345.34.
Amount of real property, $1,662,685; deduction
therefrom, $255,725.
Amount of personal property, $274,525 ; deduction
therefrom, $109,755.
Total amount of real and personal property taxed,
$1,661,730.00
Eate of tax: State purposes, 5 per cent.; county
purposes, 20 per cent. ; local purposes, township, 10
per cent. ; school, 20 per cent. ; roads, 15 per cent. ;
poor, 15 per cent.
Amount of tax ordered to be raised, $13,906.70.
Annual expenses, township purposes, $1000.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
FERDINAND VAN DORN
was bom at Peapack, Somerset Co., N. J., on the 17th
of April, 1807. His early life was spent at that place,
where he engaged in various enterprises, chiefly in
connection with his father's large business, till the
year 1842. With a view of establishing himself on
a good and eligible mill-site, and of pursuing an oc-
cupation with which he had already become familiar,
he bought, in 1842, the Richard Southard place, on
the Passaic River, where he now resides. A mill had
been built here in 1768 by Samuel Lewis, the mater-
nal great-grandfather of Samuel L. Southard, but it
was not of such structure or capacity as suited the
purpose of Mr. Van Dorn. He selected a site about
two hundred yards below, where he was enabled to
increase the fall from eight to twenty feet, and in
1843 erected a stone mill which is a model for solidity
of structure and equipments. It is said to be the
finest flouring-mill in Somerset County. The building
and management of this mill, the large business of
purchasing and marketing which it has necessitated,
the care of the farm, the building of the pleasant and
home-like residences in its vicinity, and the improve-
ment and ornamentation of the grounds, which occupy
a delightful slope on the bank of the Passaic, have
occupied the chief attention of Mr. Van Dorn since
he settled here, in 1842. Still, he has found time, as
he has always had the liberality and the means, to
identify himself largely with the public interests of
his township and neighborhood, and to do much for
the beautifying of his home and the education of his
children. He is one of the most thrifty, enterprising,
and intelligent citizens of the township in which he
resides, and which has called him more frequently
FERDINAND VAN DORN.
than has been consonant with his wishes to exercise
the functions of offices of trust and responsibility.
Mr. Van Dorn married Phebe Woodward on the
13th of October, 1831, and has ten children, all living,
whose names are as follows : Angeline, who married
William B. McMurtry, of Basking Ridge ; Caroline,
who married George Quimby and settled in Kansas ;
William, who married Susan Augusta Robinson and
resides at the mill of which he has charge; Julia
Ann, wife of Rev. George Dickinson, of Newark ;
Josephine, wife of Rev. Matthias F. Swaim, who died
in Florida; Gilbert, who married Jane Ann Stevens
and lives in St. Augustine, Fla. ; Eugene, a farmer
on the home estate, who married Maggie H. Bar-
calow; Anna B., wife of Alfred A. Lewis, M.D., of
Morristown, N. J. ; and two unmarried children,
viz., Catharine Isabella and Richard Southard Van
Dorn, a medical student at the College of New York.
This brief sketch would be incomplete were we
to close without suitable mention of Mrs. Van Dorn,
the estimable wife and mother, who departed this
life April 15, 1878. An obituary notice published at
the time of her death contains the following :
"Phebe Woodward Van Dorn, daughter of Samuel
Woodward and Phebe Southard, was born Feb. 14,
1812, on the homestead near Basking Ridge, N. J.,
where her ancestors had lived for half a century.
Here were passed her childhood and youth, wher©
she became well known for beauty of person and ex-
752
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
cellence of character. At the age of Jiineteen she
married Ferdinand Van Dorn, then of Peapack, and
at once entered upon a life of the greatest domestic
activity. Her husband engaged ardently in the busi-
ness enterprises of the day, and they began together
the struggle of life, to improve their surroundings,
to develop the resources of the neighborhood, and to
acquire a competency against declining days. After
a few years Mr. Van Dorn purchased the homestead
property at Basking Eidge, and, removing thence with
his wife, she lived to the end of her days on the spot
where she was born. A plan of improvements upon
this place began immediately, which extended through
a series of years. Lands were reclaimed, the water-
power was enlarged, aqueducts were laid to last for
centuries to come, the well-known stone mill and
other buildings were erected, giving employment to
a large number of mechanics and laborers. These,
as was customary, were boarded in the family, de-
manding of the housewife superior skill in manage-
ment, and untiring diligence in prosecuting the do-
mestic labors of the day. But she proved equal to
every emergency, never delegating her authority to
another, but taking the lead and direction of all
household matters with such a quiet system of prompt-
ness and patience that without bustle or confusion
or fretting and scolding everything moved smoothly
on in her department. A foreman of the mechanics
who worked there months together, said that he never
knew the dinner-bell, calling them to an abundant
meal, to vary five minutes from the appointed hour.
As the years went by a numerous family gathered "
around her; ten children, all living and grown to
years, at home, under her motherly care, ' rise up to
call her blessed.' Thirty-five grandchildren live to
treasure- her memory through future years. She also
saw her children's children to the third generation.
Without being demonstrative, she took a quiet enjoy-
ment in gratifying the demands of childhood, and
the troop of children and grandchildren who delighted
to romp around her home will remember in after-
years, as the bright days of early life come up before
them, the many little comforts and ' goodies' prepared
for their pleasure.
" She was also social in her nature, and hosts of
friends thronged the house, whom, though they added
to the multitude of cares of her already busy life, she
was pleased to entertain. "
Many years ago she united with the Presbyterian
Church in Basking Ridge, and, though distant from
the church and taxed with worldly cares and influ-
ences not likely to develop Christian graces, she always
maintained a true Christian spirit. Whenever de-
tained at home the Bible was invariably her Sunday
book, which she seemed to read with daily renewed
satisfaction.
" In looking at such a life, we are constrained to
say, ' Not all heroism is shown on battle-fields.' The
spirit that so courageously carries such burdens in the
retirement of domestic life, stimulated only by the
purpose to perform each duty, deserves to rank with
those whom the thoughtful delight to honor, and to
be cherished in grateful memory by those who have
been blessed by the toils. When these fall asleep at
the end of the journey, we may follow them with the
comforting thought, ' They rest from their labors, and
their works do follow them.' "
OLIVER DUNSTBR.
Charles Dunster, the original ancestor of the family
in this country, came from England. He was the
English proprietor of the Dunster tract in Bernard
township, consisting of seven thousand five hundred
acres of land, extending from Mine Brook to the
Morris county line, bounded on the west by the
North Branch of the Earitan, and on the east by the
Passaic River. A portion of this land is still in the
Dunster family, being owned by Oliver Dunster ; it
passed out of the hands of the original family, and
one hundred and fifty acres were purchased by Oliver
Dunster in 1852.
Charles Dunster had one son, James, and two
daughters. James married a Woodward, and had
sons, Oliver, James, John, Andrew, and Daniel. Oli-
ver Dunster, Sr., was the father of the present Oliver
Dunster, of Mine Brook.
Oliver Dunster was born in Bernard township, July
9, 1811 ; married Abigail Sanders, of Bernard town-
ship, Jan. 17, 1835. The following are their children :
John B., born Dec. 10, 1835 ; JeflTerson J., born Feb.
18, 1887 ; Mary Ann, born Jan. 25, 1839 ; Andrew N.,
born Dec. 20, 1840 ; Cyrus S., died in infancy ; H.
P., born Sept. 25, 1847 ; Curtis O., born July 12, 1849 ;
Mary A., born July 15, 1854 ; Frank A., born March
28, 1856. Of these the following are deceased : Mary
Ann, died Sept. 15, 1854 ; Jefferson J., died April 14,
1878
Mr. Dunster, on account of the loss of his father's
property, was left a poor boy, and was indentured to
Oliver Woodward at the age of six years to serve for
food and clothing till he should attain his legal ma-
jority at the age of eighteen. He grew up a youth
of wonderful energy, both physical and mental, and
as he advanced in age his capabilities for work and
business increased. Frequently, after doing his full
day's work at wages, he took jobs to chop and saw
cordwood by moonlight, and thus increased largely
the profits of his labors. In connection with pro-
digious and indefatigable energy, he developed a
remarkable business capacity and powers of acquisi-
tion and economy which turned his work to the best
account in the acquirement of property. He had in
a pre-eminent degree the faculty for making money,
and he never spent it unnecessarily or foolishly. An
instance may be related illustrative of this fact.
When he was a small boy, at the age of ten, Mr.
Woodward gave him ten cents to spend at a Fourth-of-
DAVID W. KING.
BERNARD.
753
July celebration at Basking Eidge. He spent four
cents, and came home at night with six cents in his
pocket. From that day forward he has never been
without money. (His oldest son married Mr. Wood-
ward's daughter, to whom he was indentured.)
In 1830 he commenced doing business for_ himself ;
jobbed for two years by the month and day; then
bought a team and commenced carting charcoal to
New York City, buying wood by the acre, chopping
the timber into cordwood, rails, etc., and converting
the refuse into charcoal, which brought a good price
in New York. "While hauling coal to New York in
1834 he saw the foundations laid of that famous
prison, the Tombs, and of the Astor House, then being
built. He has followed as a business through life, in
addition to farming, dealing in wood, charcoal, and
tanner's bark ; the bark business he has followed con-
secutively for fifty-one years. He has so managed
this business as to bring out of it the highest finan-
cial results, and to secure a handsome competence for
himself and family.
He is a man of original thought and genius, has
his own ideas and his own way of doing things. Be-
ginning life without education or means, he has edu-
cated himself in a practical sense by experience and
observation. To this he has added the benefits of
extensive travel, having visited the Pacific coast,
California, and been in all the States of the Union.
He has taken no part in politics, except to vote
regularly the Democratic ticket, and on occasions to
exert his electioneering abilities in favor of some
favorite candidate or against the election of some
undesirable man to office. He has never sought office
for himself.
The above sketch has been written on Mr. Dunster's
seventieth birthday, and he seems as young and
active as a man of fifty. His powers of body and
mind are unimpaired. At the date of this writing
we have seen his indenture to Mr. Woodward as ap-
prentice, made Feb. 28, 1818, signed by Oliver Wood-
ward and witnessed by Samuel S. Doty and John
Beam.
DAYID W. KING.
David W. King was born near Liberty Corner, in
Bernard township, Somerset Co., N. J., Aug. 23, 1817.
He is a son of William and Phebe (Hayden) King,
the former a native of Liberty Corner, Somerset Co.,
where he was bom March 17, 1793. His father be-
fore him, John M. King, was born in the same place,
his father, Marcus King, being the first of the name
who settled there at a very early time, when this por-
tion of New Jersey was a wilderness. Marcus King
was born on board a vessel ofi' Sandy Hook, aod was
the first printer at New Amsterdam, now the city of
New York.
The King estate in Bernard township was settled
many years before the Eevolution, and became during
that eventful period historic ground. The "alarm
post" erected by Washington when he had his head-
quarters at Morristown was on the old King estate,
now owned by David W., John W., and Adrian V.
King. The ground on which it was erected and
stood till after the war is an elevation commanding
an extensive view of the surrounding country. The
soldiers of Washington lay many a night in the old
house still standing on the western part of the estate,
where the Kings of the second and third generation
were born. The main part of the house now occu-
pied by David W. King (the old Compton place) was
built before the Eevolution, and was occupied by sol-
diers during the war. John M. King was too young
to become a soldier, and did not enter the service.
The Kings and Comptons are related through
Phebe Hayden, wife of William King, whose mother
was Betsey Compton. William King, father of the
subject of this sketch, was a prominent farmer, and
a zealous and exemplary member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Mount Horeb. He drew the
first stick of timber for the erection of this church
in 1824, and was an active member of it till his
death. He died Oct. 28, 1867, aged seventy-four years,
seven months, and ten days. His wife Phebe died
Jan. 29, 1876, aged eighty-four years and nine months.
They had ten children, one of whom died in infancy.
The four brothers, John W., Adrian V., Abraham,
and the subject of this sketch, David W. King, all
lived in Bernard township.
David W. King's early life was spent on the farm
and in attending school, fi-om which he received a
good business education. He married for his first
wife Adelia Varian, daughter of George W. and sister
of Col. Varian, of New York, April 28, 1847. She
died Dec. 24, 1848.' June 2, 1852, he married Ade-
line Erving, who was born in New York, July 8,
1830, and is the daughter of John M. Erving, who
came from New York on the 1st day of November,
1837, and purchased the place on which Mr. King
now resides. He died here after a residence of eigh-
teen years, and his remains, with those of his wife,
Hannah Erving, rest in the family burying-ground.
He was born at Bound Brook, was noted as an Aboli-
tionist, and was very successful in his business.
Mr. and Mrs. King have two children, viz., Har-
lan Asbury and William King. Mr. King is a self-
made man in the best sense of that term, having by
his own energy and enterprise acquired a high repu-
tation for sagacity and integrity in business and an
ample competence for himself and family. His large
and well-cultivated farm is one of the finest in Som-
erset County, and few more desirable homes are to
be found in any agricultural section of the country.
He is a member of the church at Mount Horeb, with
which his father was so long and worthily connected,
and is an earnest supporter of the principles of the
Eepublican party.
754
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
PETER Z. SMITH.
Peter Z. Smith, son of Zackariah. Smith, was born in
Bernard township, Somerset Co., N. J., Dec. 28, 1808.
His father was an early settler on the place where
Mr. Smith now resides. It is on the North Branch of
the Earitan, not far from Peapack, and noted of late
years for the immense gatherings of the Smith de-
scendants, who assemble there in annual picnic.
Zackariah Smith married Mary Smith, a lady of the
same name, but no kin, a fact which has enabled
the subject of this sketch to say, in his humorous
way, there could be no question of his title to the
name, as his father and mother were both Smiths.
Zackariah Smith was a farmer, and one of the most
excellent of men. He was a pillar in the Reformed
Church of Bedminster, of which he was for many
years both deacon and elder. The present saw-mill
on the premises was built by him about the year 1800,
and a few years later he built the present family resi-
dence, having previously lived in a double log house,
the remains of which may still be seen on the picnic-
ground. Mr. Peter Z. Smith inaugurated the family
picnic, with the motto, " In Memory of our Ances-
tors," in 1876. It has since been held annually in
September, and there have been in attendance at one
time more than three thousand relatives, coming from
nearly every State in the Union, and some from as far
off as California. These occasions are of great inter-
est. There have been present to report the proceed-
ings as many as nine reporters of New York dailies,
besides editors of several local papers.
Mr. Smith is a man of superior character and in-
telligence, and possesses a strong family sentiment.
He has been twice married. His first wife was Ann
McMurtry, to whom he was married in 1835. She is
the mother of his four sons, viz., Isaiah Smith, resid-
ing at Miburn, N. J. ; Oscar Smith, who lives at Pea-
pack ; Daniel Smith, a resident of Newark ; and John
D. Smith, who lives on the homestead. Mrs. Smith
died in December, 1849, and he married, for his sec-
ond wife, Jane, daughter of James Wolfe, of Bed-
minster, and widow of the late Peter Miller.
Mr. Smith has been from early manhood promi-
nent in township affairs, having been elected consta-
ble before he was twenty-one, and been in some town-
ship office ever since. For many years he followed
driving for the market, bringing in large invoices of
cattle and sheep from Western New York, about one
drove a year for twenty years. He followed this part
of the time, in addition to his farming and milling
interests, making his business life one of remarkable
activity, and, in the main, of pecuniary profit, out of
which he has realized a comfortable share of this
world's goods, and, better than all, has made a repu-
tation for honesty and integrity unsurpassed by any
among his fellow-citizens. In all public improve-
ments, such as roads, schools, churches, etc., he has
always taken an active part, though not himself a
church-member. Like his ancestors, and most of his
descendants, he has adhered to the Democratic faith,
voting regularly that ticket for more than half a cen-
tury. About 1887 he was commissioned captain of a
company of riflemen in Bedminster, consisting of
about eighty men. He was also a clarionet-player on
training-days. He held his commission as captain
about three years.
JOSEPH ANNIN.
The subject of this brief notice was a man univer-
sally esteemed for the high moral tone and excellence
of his character. It can be truly said of him, " He
was a bright and shining light in the community
where he resided," and left an example eminently
worthy of imitation.
Mr. Annin was born on the 9th of September, 1800,
and died on the 19th of September, 1877, in the
seventy-eighth year of his age. He began life poor,
and by economy, enterprise, and strict honesty ac-
quired a large property, which he left to his widow
and children. During a considerable part of his life
he was a lumber-merchant in New York. Twenty-
one years ago he settled on the farm in Bernard, near
Liberty Corner, still in the possession of the family.
Mr. Annin was twice married, his first wife being
Anna Lambertson, by whom a daughter, Ann Eliza,
and a son, John, are still living, the former at
Bridgeport, Conn., and the latter at Hackensack,
N. J. His second wife was Margaret, daughter of
John King, an estimable lady, who still survives him
and resides at Liberty Corner, N. J. The fruits of
this marriage were a son and a daughter, Josephine,
wife of George Lowery, of New York, and Alexander
Annin, who resides on the homestead farm, near
Liberty Corner.
THOMAS HOLMES.
Thomas Holmes was born in Yorkshire, England,
in November, 1807, and was brought up there till he
was twenty-one years of age. After attaining his
majority, he in 1831 emigrated to America, land-
ing in the city of New York. He went thence to
Basking Ridge, N. J., where he found employment as
a farm-laborer for six months with Martin Winnie,
and afterwards engaged with David Ayers as assistant
and farmer, with whom he remained four years, up to
the time of his marriage. He was married, Aug. 30,
1885, to Dinah Morris, daughter of Griffith and Mar-
garet Morris, who emigrated from Pembrokeshire,
near Cardigan, Wales, in 1801, and settled on the
farm near Liberty Corner now the estate of Mr. and
Mrs. Holmes. In 1802, Mr. Morris here purchased
two hundred and sixteen acres of land of William
Cain, one of the Cain heirs, whose father had ob-
tained the land from the assigns of William Penn.
Mr. Morris had been married before leaving Wales to
Margaret Williams. The children of this marriage
JOSEPH ANNIN.
THOMAS HOLMES.
tm-rr^^^yvx
BERNARD.
755
were Mary, Martha, John, William, Nancy, David,
Dinah {Mrs. Holmes), John, James, and Timothy.
Of this large family, Mrs. Holmes and her hrother
David (deceased) were the only ones who remained
in Bernard township ; the others removed to the West.
Mr. Morris was for twenty-one years before his
death afflicted with blindness, and his daughter and
son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, remained to man-
age the farm and take care of him. Mr. Holmes pur-
chased the farm in 1841. It is a beautiful estate, con-
sisting of one hundred and eight acres, and is kept in
a fine state of cultivation, Mr. Holmes being a sys-
tematic and practical farmer of the thoroughgoing
English type.
Mr. Morris died in 1843, in the eighty-sixth year
of his age, Mrs. Morris having died in February,
1822
Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are among the substantial
and highly-respected people of the township, and
have, been members of the Millington Baptist Church
since its organization, in 1851. They have one son,
John Holmes, who lives on a portion of the home-
stead and carries on the farm. He married Julia,
daughter of William Allen, of Bedminster, and has
six children.
ISAIAH SMITH.
Isaiah Smith was born in Bernardsville, Somerset
Co., N. J., Sept. 30, 1836. He was reared on the farm
of his father, Peter Z. Smith, till the age of eighteen,
when he entered the store of Benjamin Smith, at
Basking Ridge, as a clerk, where he remained about,
eight months. During the four years following he
served as clerk in the store of Theodore Allen, at
Peapack, N. J., and after spending a year in the
West and remaining at home a short time, in 1865
he established himself in the grocery business at
Irvington, N. J., where he remained till May, 1866.
During the years 1866 and 1867 he did business in
copartnership with William Petty and Jonathan
Allen, having stores at Irvington, Milburn, and
Peapack. In 1868 the partnership was dissolved;
and Mr. Smith, while conducting the business at
Milburn, formed another partnership under which
he carried on an additional store at Wilkesbarre, Pa.,
doing business there till 1872. Since then he has
devoted himself to his store in Milburn, and has
built up a successful trade.
Mr. Smith married, Dec. 26, 1862, Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Watson C. Allen, of Peapack, and has two
children. viz., Minnie M., born May 26, 1868, and
Lizzie, born Dec 10, 1872.
Since the organization of the " Smith Family and
Friends' Reunion" in 1876, he has been president of
that popular association, and has from time to time
held responsible offices in the township where he
resides.
HON. JOHN H. ANDERSON.
The late John Hill Anderson, judge of the Court
of Common Pleas, was born at Bernardsville, Somer-
set Co., N. J., on the estate of his ancestors, Dec. 28,
1813. He was of Scotch descent, and possessed the
sturdy moral characteristics of that race, coupled
with great geniality of temper and strong and abiding
attachment to friends. He was the second son and
fifth child of George and Mary (Hill) Anderson, and
was brought up on the home farm, receiving but a
limited education in the common schools. He pos-
sessed a mind, however, of no common order, and for
many years exerted an influence second to no other
citizen of the township in which he resided. The
Somerset Messenger expressed the universal sentiment
of the community in the notice of his death, which
occurred May 7, 1873, irom which we ta,ke the follow-
ing extract:
" No one acquainted with Judge Anderson can help
feeling a pang of regret and to many, very many, of
our county, sincere sorrow at the death of this esti-
mable man. Judge Anderson was a native of the
county, of Bernard township, always having lived at
Bernardsville, and held many important positions:
commencing with justice of the peace, member of the
lower branch of the Legislature two years, surrogate
of the county five years, immediately following with
the judgeship of the Court of Common Pleas, contin-
uing two or three years, and before the expiration of
his judicial term elected State senator, which posi-
tion he filled the three years following. During all
of these years, however, he was not only devoting
V56
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
himself to his official duties, but at all times busily
engaged in assisting the people of his township in re-
lation to the manag^ent of their affairs, settling es-
tates, guardian for infants, etc., so that he was in
the full sense of the term a public man whose loss
will be keenly felt and deeply deplored.
Through his instrumentality the West Line Rail- "
road was built, and for a time he was director as well
as president of the road. His life was therefore a
busy one, and in the trusts confided to his care he
was always found faithful and true. The kindly and
good advice given by him to his friends always had a
beneficial effect, and many therg are who thank him
xind will always hold his memory in the most pro-
found remembrance. . .
" By his thrift he had acquired anite an estate, and,
although he might not be considered a wealthy man,
was in a good financial condition.
Politically, Judge Anderson was a thorough par- "
tisan, but always candid and just, and known to every
one where he stood and what his opinions were upon
the different issues presented, always having respect
for and according the right to others to have their
opinions, yet maintaining his own in such a way as
to cause his opponents to admire him and give him
credit for being an honest man. . . .
" In his death the whole township of Bernard has
met with a severe loss which time alone can efface,
and the county one of its most respected and best citi-
zens. "
Judge Anderson was a brother of ex-Sheriff Ander-
son, of Mendham, and of James Anderson, Esq., of
Morristown. He was honest and upright in all his
dealings, charitable towards all classes and conditions
of mankind, and constantly endeavoring to be useful
to those with whom his life of business or benevo-
lence brought him in contact.
Mrs. Anderson, who survives him, was a daughter
of James M. Lewis, of Bernard township, and a most
estimable lady. He left two sons and two daughters.
His eldest son, Lieut. George S. Anderson, is a grad-
uate of West Point Military Academy, and holds the
position in that institution of instructor in cavalry
tactics. He served six years in the army on the West-
ern frontier. The second son, John Lewis Anderson,
lives with his mother on the homestead.
BRANCHBURG.
GEOGRAPHICAL.
BEANCHBrRG township is located centrally on the
western border of the county of Somerset. It is
bounded on the west by the county of Hunterdon ;
on the north by Bedminster township ; on the east
by Bridgewater and Hillsborough ; and on the south
by the township of Hillsborough. The principal
water-courses are the Lamington Biver on the north,
that divides the township from Bedminster ; the North
Branch of the Earitan on the east, from Bridgewater;
the South Branch on the east and south; from Hills-
borough. Three small streams, named respectively
Campbell's Eun, Chambers' Brook, and Hollands
Brook, run their course southeasterly and join the
branches of the Earitan, Chambers' Brook uniting
with the North Branch of the Earitan at the North
Branch Depot, Hollands Brook uniting with the
South Branch a short distance south of its junction
with the North Branch, and Campbell's or Pleasant
Eun near where the Easton and Amboy Railroad
crosses the South Branch.
The township has no marked features, its surface
being slightly undulating, and in many places com-
paratively level. It embraces an area of 19.74 square
* By Austin N. Hungerford.
miles, or 12,634 acres of land, and contains a popula-
tion of 1316 inhabitants and 154 farms.
INDIAN TITLES AND THEIR SETTLEMENTS.
FIRST TITLE.
The land along the Earitan below the junction had
been mostly sold before the " Proprietors" bought
the Indian titles to land west of the junction of the
branches of the Raritan. The following, from the
Elizabethtown Bill of Chancery, is a synopsis of the
deed conveying the south part of the land now occu-
pied by Branchburg, and embraced what were after-
wards known as lots 22, 14, 15, 12, and 13, and which
will be described hereafter :
" That Pawarone and Wermines, Indians, by their Deed bearing date
the ninth day of October, 1685, for the consideration of sundry Goods
therein mentioned, did sell unto the Lords Proprietors of East Jersey a
tract of land beginning upon Hollands Brook aforesaid, and running up
the South branch of the Raritan; as by the original Deed. "
Just one month later (Nov. 9, 1685) the land em-
braced in this tract was divided into five tracts, each
bounded on the east by the South Branch and con-
veyed by the proprietors as follows : No. 13, being
the extreme south part and bounded on the south
and east by the South Branch of the Raritan, con-
taining 375 acres, was sold to John Dobie. Adjoining
this tract on the north, a plot of 1874 acres, known as
Cpc^'j::^^^^:^'^ ^CA-cc^
The subject of this sketch is a descendant in
the fourth generation from Samuel and Abigail
Vail, of Westchester, N. Y. His great-grand-
father was John Vail, the oldest son of Samuel
and Abigail Vail, who was twice married, and
reared a large family. The children of John
Vail by his first wife (Margaret Laing) were
Samuel, John, Daniel, Isaac, David, Jacob,
Abraham, and Benjamin ; and those by his
second wife (Mary Laing) were Joseph and
Christiana, who died single. The children by
the first wife all married and had large families,
whose descendants are numerous and widely
scattered.
John Vail, the son of John, and grandfather
of Edward Vail, married Catharine Fitz-Ran-
dolph, and had children : Margaret, Edward,
Isaac, Amos, Phebe, Nathan, and Joel. The
last named married Catharine K. Miller, and
had children : Alexander, Mary Ann, Edward
(the subject of our notice), Christopher, Thomas,
Phebe, Margaret, Richard, Benijah, Catharine,
and John.
Joel Vail lived at Green Brook, and was a
hatter by occupation, and also a farmer and
merchant. Edward, the subject of this notice,
was born at Green Brook, Sept. 26, 1808, and
was brought up there at the hatter's trade
with his father. He followed that occupation,
together with farming, till about the time of his
marriage. He married, Dec. 2, 1845, Ann
Vail, a name which she has never changed,
being a daughter of James, son of Isaac Vail.
They have had no children. Mrs. Vail was
born and brought up at Long Hill, in the
vicinity of where she now resides.
After his marriage, in 1845, Mr. Vail set-
tled on his present place, being the inheritance
of his wife, where he has ever since resided and
followed the pursuit of agriculture. He was
brought up in the doctrines of the Hicksite
Quakers, with which he still stands identified,
though not a regular attendant at any meeting
of that order. He is noted for his strict in-
tegrity and moral worth, and is held in high
esteem as a man and a citizen.
BRANCHBURG.
•757
No. 12, was conveyed to John Campbell (son of Lord
Neill Campbell). Next above was No. 15, a tract of
750 .acres, which, was conveyed to Andrew Hamilton.
Adjoining on the north was a large tract known as
No. 14, containing 1000 acres, sold to John Drummond.
Lot 22, adjoining Drummond, and north butting on
Hollands Brook, contained 500 acres, which was sold
to' Andrew Hamilton, April 25, 1687.
The lower or southern tract in this first Indian title
is known on the old map as No. 13. It was purchased
by John Dobie on the 9th of October, 1680, and con-
tained 375 acres. In 1719 the line between East and
West Jersey was readjusted, and the plot is called
Dobie's plantation. It is not known at what date
a transfer was made, but about 1785 the property was
in possession of Christianus I. Van Doren, of Mill-
stone. The property at his death passed to his sons,
John 0. and Abraham C, the former owning 100
acres in the northern part. The southern part, 245
acres, that descended to Abraham C, is now in the
possession of John S. Ammerman. John C. had
three sons, Christianus I., John P., and Abram I.,
all dead. Abram C. had three daughters, Aletta and
Phebe, unmarried, and Julia, who married Mr. Black-
well and lives -in Mercer Co., N. J.
The tract north of the Dobie plantation embraced
1874 acres, and was conveyed by the proprietors to
John Campbell, a son of Lord Neill Campbell. The
purchase was made Nov. 9, 1685 ; the deed, however,
bears date Oct. 6, 1686, nearly a year later. In 1683
or 1684 he had purchased a small plot of land at
Bound Brook, where he built a hoxise and lived until
he bought at South Branch, when he moved upon the
land. He had two sons, Archibald and John, and
two daughters, one of whom, Jennette, married
Tobias Van Norden, of Bound Brook. The section
of the tract on which he lived is not known. He
died before 1708, as in that year Marion, his widow,
and John, his son, conveyed to Thomas Hall, for £350,
money of New York, 1150 acres of the tract, it being
the upper portion ; the remainder of the tract later
was sold to Peter Morrison and Henry Stevens, the
southwestern portion having been sold to Morrison
and afterwards passed to one Hardenbrook. It is
now in possession of Gabriel Carkhuflf. The eastern
portion, owned by Henry Stev«ps, was purchased by
John Carpenter for his daughter, who married Peter
T. Beekman and lived on the place for several years.
It was finally sold to Calvin Corle, who is still in pos-
session. The property now belonging to Hon. John G.
Schenck was in possession of Abram C. Van Doren
about 1840.
Thomas Hall, on the 20th of December, 1728, con-
veyed to Cornelius Low 230 acres of his land, lying
north from the present residence of Peter Van Camp,
which afterwards passed to the Stryker family, and is
now mostly in the possession of Frederick D. Brokaw.
On the 30th of December the same year Thomas
Hall made his will, in which he declares that he is
the possessor of 920 acres of land. This he devised
to his two sons, John and Richard, they to come into-
possession after the death or marriage of his wife,
Gertje. On the 27th of May, 1734, Gertje, their
mother, released all her right, title, and interest in
the land to her sons, leading to the presumption that
she married. They remained in possession of all the
land they inherited for six years. On the 6th of Octo-
ber, 1740, John conveyed to Cornelius Van Kampen,
of Esopus, Ulster Co., N. Y., for the sum of £672,
240 acres and 60 perches of land in one place, and
6 acres and 20 perches of the meadow-land close to
the South Branch, and 92 acres and 32 perches not
far from it. In the last-mentioned tract was situated
the burying-ground in which some of the family had
been buried. This has always been kept as a burial-
place, and is now in the limits of the farm of Peter
Van Camp, a short distance north of his house. On
the same date Richard, the brother of John, also con-
veyed to Cornelius Van Kampen 147 acres and 23
perches. This land, 485 acres, remained in the pos-
session of Cornelius Van Kampen until his death.
By his will, dated April 20, 1794, the land was be-
queathed to Thomas, his son, and Cornelius, a grand-
son, and son of John, deceased. On the 2d of Decem-
ber the same year each released title in the lands of
the other. On the 29th of December, 1804, Thomas
Van Kampen conveyed to Cornelius Van Kampen
253J acres and 6 acres of meadow-land. This, in ad-
dition to his inheritance, made the tract of 485 acres.
Cornelius had two sons, Thomas and John ; the latter
died and left a son (Thomas) and two daughters,
Catharine, who married a Mr. Emmons, and Eliza-
beth, who married a Mr. Ludlow.
Thomas, son of Cornelius, married Catharine Van
Middlesworth, and had two sons Tunis and John
(twins) and one daughter, Jenny, who married
Abram Smock. Tunis went West and died. John
remained on the homestead, which his father conveyed
to him April 25, 1827. He married Jane Lane, and
had six children, of whom two of the sons are living
in the township, Tunis at Neshanic Station, and
Peter on the old homestead.
John and Richard Hall kept a part of the western
portion of the tract they inherited. William Hall, a
son of John, lived on the farm owned by Gilbert S.
Lane and John Ammerman. John W., a son of
John, lived where W. N. Hoagland now lives. John
W. had four sons, William, who went West ; Dennis,
who removed to North Branch, on part of the Ten,
Eyck tract, on the farm now owned by J. Perrine
(his daughter, Mrs. Lever, lives on part of the farm
purchased by her father, Dennis) ; Isaac lives on a
tract north of the original tract. Of the daughters,
Helena, Aletta (Mrs. Isaac I. Stryker), and Catha-
rine (Mrs. Leonard Bunn) live in Somerville.
Lot No. 14, purchased by John Drummond, con-
tained 1000 acres, and lay south of No. 22, and im-
mediately north of lot No. 15.
758
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
The lot known as No. 15, purchased Nov. 9, 1685,
by Andrew Hamilton, containing 750 acres, was situ-
ated north of the John Campbell tract. In 1740 it
was in possession of Volkert Dowe. At a later date
the east end, on the river, was owned by Naylor,
and the remainder by Peter Van Nuys, John Smith,
Jacob Kershaw, his son-in-law, and Cornelius Van
Horn, to the county line.
Lot No. 22, purchased by Andrew Hamilton the
same date as lot No. 15, contained 500 acres. One
hundred years ago a large tract in this lot was owned
by Van Derveer. Isaac V. Huff owns a part of
this last-mentioned tract. The heirs of Lawrence V.
Studdiford now own a part of it. The Eev. Peter
Studdiford married a daughter of Mr. Van Derveer,
by whom the property was inherited. Lawrence Stud-
diford and the Rev. Peter Studdiford, of Lambertville,
Hunterdon Co., were sons. Peter I. Voorhees owns a
part of the west end of the original tract.
SECOND INDIAN TITLE.
The land embraced in this title reached from Hol-
land's Brook north to the junction of the North and
South Branches of the Earitan, and from thence di-
rectly north, on the west patent line of what is de-
scribed in the township of Bridgewater as the fourth
Indian title. The west line of the tract was the line
of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, at that time
straight and on a line with westerly line of its present
course. The lower or south lot (23), adjoining Hol-
lands Brook, and lot 61, in the north part, were en-
tirely in the land embraced in this second title, Lots
Nos. 37, 68, 67, 65, 66, and 55 extend from the North
Branch across the fourth Indian title mentioned,
and this second title, to the west line. Lots 53 and 61
are embraced entirely in the fourth title. Lots 69
and 63 are in an Indian title the date of which is not
known. The following is an extract from the deed,
taken from the Elizabethtown bill of chancery :
" Tliat PaywaflBen, Indian, by his deed dated the 14th day of August,
1688, for the consideration therein mentioned, received of Capt. Andrew
Hamilton, Deputy GoTernor of New Jersey, did sell to the Proprietors of
East Jersey, a tract of land beginning at Holland's Brook ; and Irom
thence as the river runs to the meeting of the branches of the Raritan ;
and to run as far back as the said Paywassen aud other Indians their
lands run as by the said deed, recorded in Liber B, p. 534. "
In this tract were seven lots that were purchased as
follows : No. 23, the east half, seems to be located be-
fore the Indian deed, as it bears date Dec. 13, 1687,
and was taken up by Andrew Hamilton. It con-
tained 250 acres; the west half was unappropriated.
No. 37, containing 500 acres, commenced at the meet-
ing of the North and South Branches and ran back
northwest two miles. This was taken up by Hen-
driok Corson. Next adjoining was a tract known as
No. 68, containing 500 acras, sold tc> Thomas Gordon.
North of this tract were Nos. 67, 65, and 66, of 466 i
acres each. These were sold respectively to Miles
Foster, Michael Handin, and George Willocks.
North of the Willocks tract was No. 55, a plot of
1000 acres, which was conveyed to Lord Noill Camp-
bell, May 24, 1690. No. 61 (100 acres) was purchased
by John Johnston, and also No. 53, directly north of
it, containing 400 acres, May 20, 1690. Lot 64 was
purchased by Dr. Johnston in 1701 ; the precise date
and number of acres are not given. The south lot,
known as No. 23 in this second Indian title, lay on
the north of Holland's Brook, resting on the bank all
across the townshij). It contained 500 acres. The
east half, of 250 acres, was purchased by Andrew
Hamilton on the 18th of October, 1687, about nine
months prior to the purchase of the Indian title by
the proprietors, of whom he was agent. To whom he
sold is not known. In 1706 the north half of the
whole tract, containing about 275 acres, was in pos-
session of Solomon Davis. The west half of the tract
was not appropriated under the first division, in
1716, Davis sold the land in his possession to Andreas
Ten Eyck, and it now belongs to Nathan Terrebcrry,
Rev. Gilbert Lane, and others. The southwest quar-
ter of the lot was known early as tlie .Jew farm, and
now belongs to Peter I. Voorhees. The southeast
now belongs to Abram Tunison, .John Voorhees, and
Henry Van Fleet.
Lot No. .37 is a tract of land commencing at the
mouth of the North and South Branches, running
back 2 miles and 40 chains in width north, contain-
ing 500 acres. This tract was purchased by Hen-
drick Corson (Vroom).* He was a native of New
Amsterdam (New York). His father was "Coniolis
Petersen (Vroom)." llis mother was Tryntje Hen-
dricks. She had at the time of her second marriage
with Frederick Lubbertsen three sons, Cornelis Cor-
son (Vroom), aged twelve years; Peter (Vroom),
aged six years; and Hendrick (Vroom), aged three
years. Cornelis Corson (Vroom) was one of the
patentees of the Graham, Winder & Co.'s tract,
where the village of Somerville now stands. Hen-
drick Corson (Vroom) purchased of his brother a
part of the east quarter of the tract on the Gth day of
June, 1087, and soon after sold it, and on the 10th
June, ]<;88, purchased this tract. He was born in
November, 1653, and married Josina Picterz, daugh-
ter of Picter Van Nest, of Brooklyn. He lived to a
good old age. Hendrick Vroom, of Brooklyn, was a
son of Hendrick Ooraon and Josina Van Nest. He
married Janr.ietje Bergen in 1711. After her death he
married Dortie Dumont, in 1745. His children were
Sarah Vroom, born 1720, and Petrus Vroom, born
1722. In 1751 he sold the south part, containing 300
acres, to Peter Dumont. A narrow strip across the
west end, containing 40 acres, had previously been
sold to John Vroom. This last tract was divided
into wood lots and sold separately. Joseph Thomp-
son is now the jiossessor of the 40 acres, having
bought them from time to time. On the northeast
* Thoorlglnal name was Oorsson. The name was retained by those of the
family who remained on Long Island, but was soon dropped by Cornelia
and Hendrick Corson, who came to the Uaritan.
BRANCHBURa.
759
corner of this tract, in the centre of the road, near the
residence of Judge Thompson, stands the old corner-
stone of the Corson (Vroom) tract.
The 300-acre tract of Peter Dumont was inherited
by John Baptist Dumont, known by many as John
Protest Dumont. By his will it was devised for their
lifetime to his sisters, Brachia and Phebe. The old
homestead occupied the spot where now lives John
Vosseller. The tract is now owned by John Vossel-
ler, Paul K. Dilts, Shafer, and Joseph Bead.
The north half was owned in 1753 by John Van
Nest, a son of Peter, and was afterwards held by An-
dreas Ten Eyck and inherited by his son Andrew,
who sold 190 acres of the western part to Andrew
Fleming. Sylvester Eobins purchased 100 acres of
this part. A strip on the north side of this tract is
owned by parties owning farms on the north.
The next tract is designated on the map accompa-
nying the Elizabethtown bill of chancery, date of
1747, as No. 68, containing 500 acres, and as having
been sold to " Thomas Gordon, at Peter Van Nest's."
A parchment deed in possession of Judge Thompson
recites that the property was conveyed to him by the
proprietors, April 1, 1703. On the 22d of September,
1710, he sold the property to Thomas Purcell, of Mid-
dlesex County, who in 1719 conveyed the uppermost
one-half to Daniel Purcell, his son. On the 13th of
April, 1728, he conveyed it to Guisbert Krom, who,
in consideration of £925, conveyed the land to Jo-
hannes Van Nest, April 25, 1755, Krom reserving
"the one-half of all minerals whatsoever that shall
from time to time be discovered, dug up, and got forth
on the same or of any part or parcel of said lands,''
Krom to pay an equal dividend of cost.
A parchment deed is in possession of Sheriff George
Vroom, dated Dec. 17, 1753, by which Peter Van
Nest, Sr., as an executor of Jacob Van Nest (son of
Peter), conveyed 213 acres of land to Thomas Van
Home and Matthew Ten Eyck, in trust for Catharine
Van Nest, widow of Jacob, and their children. It is
recited in this deed that on the 6th of January, 1697,
the proprietors conveyed by patent to Peter Van Nest
600 acres of land
Beginning at the upper northeast corner of Hendrick Corson's land, "
which corner is forty chains northeast by north from the meeting of the
South and North Branches of Baritan, thence northwest and by west
two miles, and northeast by north forty-eig.r- chains in breadth."
On the 22d of June, 1724, Peter conveyed the north
half of this property to his son Peter, who on the 2d
of April, 1752, conveyed the westerly part, containing
213 acres, to his son Jacob. He lived only about a
year after this conveyance, being brutally murdered
in December, 1753. The occasion is said to have been
the taking of a leaf of tobacco out of the negro's box
by his master. Mr. Van Nest had been out on horse-
back, and returned home at night. The negro stood
inside the stable-door, and struck him with an axe as
he was about to put up his horse. He then turned the
horse loose with the saddle turned under him, and
dragged the body some distance and buried it under
the leaves, at the root of a large tree that was up-
turned. Search was soon instituted, the negro join-
ing in the search. After considerable time the body
was found. Suspicion was directed towards the negro,
as he was considered dangerous. He was a large, ath-
letic man, and the friends and neighbors were afraid
to arrest him. He was sent out to bring in a back-log
for the fire, and while this was in his arms he was
taken when he could not defend himself His mas-
ter's pocket-knife was found upon him. He was then
taken to the county-seat, then at Millstone, tried, and
condemned to be burned publicly at the stake.
Mr. Van Nest married Catharine Ten Eyck, daugh-
ter of Jacob Ten Eyck, by whom he had two sons,
Peter and Jacob, and one daughter, Jemima, who
married Hendrick D. Vroom; their children were
Jacob, Peter, and George. George Vroom, the present
sheriff of Somerset County, is a descendant of Jacob.
Jacob, a son of Peter, lives in the township. The
property is now in possession of Gilbert Kershaw,
son-in-law of Andrew Hageman. The east part of
the tract was purchased by Henry Cox. Abram Ten
Eyck, late of Michigan, now lives on this part. The
east part of the north half, that still remained in the
possession of Peter, the first purchaser, now belongs
to Col. A. D. Hope, and the part along the river was
sold to Michael Van Derveer. The Van Derveer
Mills are located in the northeast corner. One of
the homesteads of the early Van Nests was at this
place.
The south half of the large tract was in 1776 owned
by John Smith. It reached from the river to the
Hunterdon county line. A part of the east end is
owned by the Van Derveers. A part was owned by
the Vossellers in 1842, and is now owned by Jacob
Vosseller. The tract west is owned by Henriques,
and the one still farther west by Henry Bacon and
Joseph Dalley. The part of the tract adjoining the
county line is now in possession of Judge Joseph
Thompson. This large tract of 600 acres, purchased
by Peter Van Nest in 1697, seems to be, by its descrip-
tion, the same tract purchased by Thomas Gordon in
April, 1703, mentioned before. This discrepancy
seems irrecon'cilable.
The lot north of the one described as the Thomas
Gordon or Peter Van Nest tract was one of three
adjoining each other that were laid out, each con-
taining 466f acres. The first one, known as No.
67, was purchased by Miles Foster, and soon after
was in possession of Peter Van Nest, by whom it was
devised by will to his son John,* who left the greater
part of it to his son George ; but, in case he died without
children, it was provided by John Van Nest that the
• The following is taken from a hill of sale in possession of the Van
Nest family, and will be of interest:
" July 10, 1768, John Van Nest, of Bridgewater (now Branchburg),
sold to Peter Van Nest 'A certain Neger Winch named Mary and a
Neger boy named Jack' for the sum of £66, Tork currency. "
760
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JEKSEY.
property should descend to his daughters. The west-
erly part, on the south, was owned in 1753 hy Ahram
Bodine and Guisbert Corson. The easterly part had
been sold in wood lots of 10 or 20 acres, the larger
part of which came later into the hands of Simon
Nevius, and is owned by John Clawson. About 1796,
David Nevius owned about 240 acres, now the prop-
erty of John B. Stillwell. The westerly part was sold
by Mrs. Stillwell and Mrs. Quick, about 1827, to
Asher Dilts, father of William Dilts, the middle
portion to Abram A. Ammerman, and is now in the
possession of his grandson, Jacob K. Ammerman.
The easterly portion of their tract was sold to John
Key, and by him to Peter Pumyea, and in 1834 to
Dennis Hageman, and by him to Jacob Kershaw,
whose heirs sold to John Demun.
The second of the tracts containing 466f acres,
known as No. 65, lying north of No. 67, was purchased
by Michael Handen, but at what time this property
was sold is not definitely ascertained; the south part
within a few years after was in possession of the Van
Nest family, and was sold by the devisees of John
Van Nest at the same time with the portion of No.
67 owned by them. It is now in possession of Dilts,
Ammerman, and others. The north part of the tract
came into possession of John Bogert, and after 1720
to Peter Van Pelt. In 1761 it belonged to George
Leslie, whose heirs, on the 2d of May, 1776, sold to
William Crook. It was sold in 1816 to Henry Ammer-
man, and now belongs to George Ammerman, of New
York City, John Van Doren, of Millstone, and John
Y. Dalley. John V. Stillwell owns the east part.
That portion farther west is attached to the Dilts and
Ammerman farms, lying south.
The third tract of 466f acres, known as No. 66, was
purchased by George Willocks, who had large tracts
of land both in East and West Jersey. At what time
it came into possession of Bergen Brokaw, Sr., of
Hillsborough township, is not known, but on the 6th
of August, 1782, he conveyed 342J acres of it to Ber-
gen Brokaw, Jr., who later sold it to Daniel Ammer-
man, who at the time of the purchase was his step-
father. It is now owned by John Sutphin, Henry P.
Schomp, Henry Van Derveer, and Charles H. More-
house.
The east part, adjoining the river, which is the old
homestead, belongs to James Ammerman (son of
Daniel), who was bom and is still living on the place,
at the age of nearly ninety years.
Lot No. 55 is a wide strip of land, of which the
southeast corner commences where Chambers' or
Smith's Brook empties into the North Branch, near the
North Branch depot. It runs thence up the branch
to a short distance below the village of North Branch ;
thence northwest, intersecting the southwest corner
of the Ten Eyck tract, and straight to the township
line, near the intersection of the Lamington Pdver
with that line ; thence south along the township line
to the northwest comer of No. 66, the Willocks tract;
thence southeast parallel with the north line to the
point near Chambers' Brook, embracing 1000 acres.
This tract was purchased by Lord Neill Campbell on
the 24th of May, 1690. The east half, containing
520^ acres, was sold to Charles Dunstar, of Perth
Amboy (who was also the purchaser of original tracts
farther north). On the 30th of August, 1726, he con-
veyed it to John Dumont for five shillings, current
money of New Jersey, " from the day before the date
hereof, for and during and until the whole end and
term of one whole year next ensuing, and fully to
compleat and ended, yielding and paying therefor the
rent of one pepper corn at the feast of St. Michael
the Archangel,* only the same be lawfully demanded
to the intent that by virtue of these presents and of
the statutes for transferring uses into possession, of
the said John Dumont, may be in the actual posses-
sion-and be enabled to accept a grant and release of
the reversions and inheritence thereof to him, his
heirs and assigns forever. Presents have inter-
changably been made. In witness whereof, the par-
ties have set their hands and seals the day and year
first above mentioned to these presents. Charles
Dunstar."
Another lot of land was sold later to John Dumont,
the description of which will be found with lot 64..
These two tracts were surveyed, mapped, and laid out
into lots by John Brokaw in 1761. On the 26th of
January of that year the land was conveyed by John
Dumont to Peter, Dirck, and Abraham, his sons. The-
part that was on the Campbell tract was divided into-
four lots, as follows: Abraham had lot 1, of 214J^
acres, embracing the south part, from the North
Branch to the back line. Peter had lots 2 and 4; No.
2 embraced 28 acres of meadow-land along the river..
It was nearly square, and lay between lot 1 of Abra-
ham and lot 3 of Dirck. Lot No. 4 of Peter con-
tained 104 acres, and was the west part of the north
part. Dirck came into possession of lot 3, containing
172 acres. This tract was the ea.st end of the west,
side, south of the village of North Branch. About
1820 it was in possession of Peter Quackenbush ; later-
it was owned by Garret Stryker, then by Christopher
Stryker, and at present by James Low. The upper
or north lot, left to Peter later, belonged to an Abra-
ham Dumont. Sainuel Little now lives on the farm..
The tract of Abraham, No. 1, is now occupied by
Abraham and Cornelius Dumont, sons of Isaac, to
whom it was left by "Aunt Neeltje" (as she was
known), who was the wife of Dr. Peter Dumont, who
lived in New York. Dr. Peter Dumont, Elbert, and
Abraham were the sons of Peter, who received land
at the division, in 1761. The Rev. Abram Dumont,
who was at one time pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church in Morristown, and died in Rhode Island, was
a son of Dr. Peter Dumont.
The western portion of the tract may also have-
* September 29th.
BRANCHBURG.
761
been purchased by Dunstar, but it was later in the
hands of Eichard Porter and Garret Probasco. Daniel
Ammerman purchased the land of Porter, which was
on the east side, and paid for it in Continental money
by the sale of one crop of corn raised on the farm.
The wife of Porter refused to sign the deed unless
Ammerman would give her a pound of tea, which he
refused to do, and took the deed without her signature.
About 1820 it belonged to Ruloff Voorhees, at whose
death it was sold to Bergen B. Smith, by whom it was
sold to William Henry, and is now owned by Wm.
D. Smith and Peter G. Schomp ; the latter also owns
the Probasco farm. The westerly part in 1761 be-
longed to Peter Wortman, and is now owned by
Henry P. Schomp, Henry Van Derveer, and Abra-
ham Van Fleet. Lot No. 64, an irregular piece
of land north of the Campbell tract and west and
north of the Ten Eyck tract, was purchased probably
between 1688 and 1700 by Dr. John Johnston. He
was a native of Scotland, and was a druggist in the
city of Edinburgh. He came to this country in
1685, and established himself in practice at first in
New York City ; later at Perth Amboy. He mar-
ried the daughter of Geo. Scott, to whom had been
granted 500 acres of land. This was confirmed to
Mrs. Dr. Johnston. He came into possession of other
large tracts in East Jersey. In 1720, Dr. Johnston
became a member of Governor Burnett's council. He
was mayor of the city of New York from 1714 to
1718. In the year 1720 he removed to the banks of
the North Branch, where he built a double two-story
brick house, with large barns and outbuildings. This
building was standing until after the Kevolution. He
died at Perth Amboy in 1732. The Ten Eyck tract
was purchased by him in 1690, and sold to Matthias
Ten Eyck ten years later.
In 1754 the property known as No. 64 was in pos-
session of Mordecai McKinney, of Lebanon, Hunter-
don Co., and 123^ acres of it was sold to John
Dumont on the 2d of April of that year. At that
time Tunis Post owned a tract north of it, and Peter
Wortman west and south. This land remained in
the hands of the Dumont family for many years. In
the division by John Dumont to his sons Peter, Dirck,
and Abraham, in 1761, the land north of the Camp-
bell tract, which was the land purchased in 1754 of
Mordecai McKinney, was divided between Peter and
Dirck, Peter having the west part and Dirck the east.
The land of Peter, after his death, was divided be-
tween Peter, Elbert, and Abraham, heirs-at-law. In
1800, Elbert and Abraham released the tract, contain-
ing 81 acres, situated north of the Matthias Ten
Eyck tract, to Peter. On the 28th of May, 1804, he
conveyed it to John Baylis. Later it was in possession
of John A. Ten Eyck, and now belongs to Joseph Ram-
sey. Tunis Post lived north of the plot many years,
and died in 1764. Robert Little lived on the Peter
Wortman tract, west of the land purchased by John
Dumont. He was in the Revolutionary war. His
49
son, John Little, married Hannah Dumont, a daughter
of Abram Dumont, and lived on the same place. His
son Samuel now lives near there, on the part of the
John Dumont tract that was bought originally by
Lord Neill Campbell.
Lot No. 53, containing 400 acres, is located in the
fourth Indian title mentioned in Bridgewater town-
ship. It was sold to John Johnston, of Monmouth
Co., N. J., on the 20th of May, 1690 He soon after
purchased lot No. 61, a triangular piece of land con-
taining 100 acres, lying south of it and north of lot No.
55 of Lord Neill Campbell. On the 12th of November,
1700, John Johnston conveyed the 400-acre tract to
Matthias Ten Eyck, of Esopus, Ulster Co., N. Y.
Later, on the 22d of June, 1702, in the reign of
Queen Anne, he conveyed lot No. 6l, the tract below
(on which the village of North Branch is located), to
Mr. Ten Eyck. He lived at Esopus, Ulster Co., N.
Y., where he died. He had four sons, Coenradt,
Andrew, Jacob, and Abraham. A part of the family
settled on land east of Peter's Brook as early as 1706
or 1707. On the 20th of October, 1721, Matthias con-
veyed this property of 500 acres to his son Jacob, who
removed to the place and soon after married Jemima
Van Nest, a daughter of Jerome Van Nest, who lived
where the village of Somerville now is, not far irom
the depot. Jacob was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., in
1693, and died Oct. 26, 1753. , His wife Jemima died in
1792, in her ninety-third year. They had four sons,
Jacob, Matthew, Conrad, and Peter. Jacob, the oldest
son, married Margaret Hageman. They lived on the
old homestead, in the stone house built by his father,
where Tunis Ten Eyck now lives. This was repaired
by him and raised one story higher in 1792. He died
in 1794. Before his death he sold the 100 acres men-
tioned as lot No. 61, where the village of North
Branch now is, for a mill-site. It was owned about
1802 by John Baylis. Jacob Ten Eyck was captain
of a company of soldiers from Bridgewater township
in the Revolutionary war. Matthew, son of Jacob,
grandson of Matthias, settled on the east side of
North Branch, opposite the homestead. Peter settled
on part of the original tract north of the homestead.
It passed through many hands, and was recently in
possession of Asher Schenck.
Conrad Ten Eyck owned land in 1770 on the east
side of the North Branch, on what was early known
as the Riddle tract. The will of Jacob Ten Eyck,
son of Matthias, was made June 25, 1752, in which
the land on the west side was devised to Jacob and
Peter ; the latter released to Jacob and went north, on
a part of the original tract. Peter had one daughter,
who married a Ten Eyck, who was a descendant of
Andreas Ten Eyck, who lived near the junction of the
North and South Branches. The property descended
to her son by will of her father. The daughters of
Jacob, who married Jemima Van Nest, were as fol-
lows: Catharine, Jean, and Hannah. The latter
married John Kinney, who removed to Sussex
762
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
County; Jean married Thomas Van Horn, of War-
ren County ; Catharine married, first, John Ten
Brook ; second, Jacob Van Nest, who was murdered in
1753 ; and for her third husband, John Vroom. Jacob,
son of Jacob, who married Margaret Hageman, had
two sons Jacob and James and four daughters,
Margaret, Jemima, Catharine, and Jane. The latter
married Jeremiah Field ; the descendants now live in
the west part of the township, on the Lamington
Kiver. Catharine married Peter Sutphin. Jacob was
born April 29, 1759, and married Jane Lane. They
had five sons Jacob, William, Tunis, James, and
Peter and one daughter Sarah. William served in
the war of 1812, attaining the rank of colonel, and
was afterwards clerk of the county of Monmouth.
He married the daughter of Col. John Conover, of
Monmouth County. John C. Ten Eyck, a son, was
born March 12, 1814. He studied law with Judge
Joseph F. Eandolph, and became associated in the
practice of law with the Hon. Garret D. Wall. He
was elected to the United States Senate in 1858, and
served the full term. He died at his residence, in
Mount Holly, Burlington Co., on the 24th of August,
1879. The brothers of William, except Jacob and
James, mostly went West.*
In 1805 the original tract of 400 acres was divided
between Jacob and James, the one hundred lying
below having been sold. Of the sons of Jacob several
moved West, as did Jane, the daughter, who married
Charles Brokaw. James married Esther Hankerson,
Oct. 4, 1798. They had five sons and four daughters.
Tunis and Isabel are living on the old homestead ;
Jacob and James are living near, on the same tract ;
Mary (Mrs. Abraham Van Nest) is living at North
Branch, and Jane (Mrs. George H. Duyckinck) lives
at Lamington ; Peter lives at Fairview, 111. ; John
lived and died on the homestead.
THIRD INDIAN TITLE.
The date of this title is not known. It, however,
embraced the territory of Bedminster, the south line
reaching from the intersection of the Lamington
River with the west township line almost directly
west to the North Branch. The portion of the land
between this line and the Lamington River and the
North Branch is in the township, and was known as
lots Nos. 69 and 63. The former is one of two tracts
of land purchased by Campbell and Blackwood, both
containing 7600 acres. The other tract, lying in the
township of Bridgewater (No. 63), was taken up by
George Willocks, June 7, 1701, and contained 60
acres. It was at one time owned by Abraham Ten
Eyck, and is now owned by W. Wortman and A.
Biggs. On this land, at the junction of the branch
* One Conrad Ten Eyck was an Indian trader in the Saginaw Valley,
Mich., about the year 1810, and received compensation from the gov-
emment for damages done him in the war of 1812. His name occurs re-
peatedly in the annals of that section of counti*y. He was prol'ably a
branch of the Ten Eyck family who went West about that time.
and the Lamington River, were erected the Bromley
Mills, later known as Burnt Mills. In Bedminster
township will be found an account of the laying out
of a road (in 1755) from Andrew Leake's mills to
Pluckamin, also in the early settlement of Bromley
Bridge and settlers near there. It was owned in
1784 by William McDonald, who sold 254 acres to
William Nelson. At a much later day it was owned
by Frederick Lane, of Bedminster.
The tract known on the proprietors' map as No.
69, lying in the north part of the township of Branch-
burg, was first purchased by Campbell and Black-
wood, probably about 1693, as that was the time they
purchased the large tract on the opposite side of the
Lamington River. In Bergen's "History of the Ber-
gen Family," page 347, he says, " Gerardus Beek-
man (son of Abraham J.) was baptized Aug. 17,
1653, died 1723, married, Aug. 29, 1677, Magdalen
Abeel, of Albany, N. Y., born 1662 ; was a physician
settled at Flatbush, L. I. ; a justice of Kings County
in 1685; a colonel of militia; member of Colonial
Assembly, 1696 and 1699 ; member and president of
the council, and acting Governor, 1709 and 1710 ; pur-
chased some 2200 acres of land about the North
Branch of the Raritan and some 600 acres on the
Millstone River, N. J., also lands on Pelt's Creek, in
Ulster Co., N. Y."
This tract of 2200 acres must have been the one
purchased of Campbell and Blackwood, as a part of
it is at present in the possession of the family, and
has descended from father to son from as far back as
can be remembered or as tradition reaches. An old
parchment deed was in their possession until a year
or two since which bore date under the reign of King
George. The property was there described, as well as
can be remembered, as commencing at the forks of
the Lamington and North Branch, running down the
North Branch to what is now the southeast corner of
John Beekman's farm, thence across west to the Alle-
matunk or Lamington River, thence down the river
to a brook below the present residence of J. D. Fields,
thence across east to the North Branch.
Some of the sons of Gerardus removed to what is
now Franklin township, where they lived and died,
leaving descendants. Some part of this large tract
was sold early, without doubt, but to whom is not
ascertained. About the time of the Revolution a
tract of 400 acres was in possession of Henry and
John Beekman. Henry lived where John Beekman
now lives. Daniel, his brother, lives on a part of the
tract. The Hurts, Buxtons, and Tunisons are also
within the limits of the tract. James Tunison is
living in a stone house that is very old. In 1767,
Isaac De Forest owned 118 acres of this tract.
Theunis Post purchased land before 1750 situated in
the south part of the tract of Campbell and Black-
wood, and joined the patents of Dr. John Johnston,
and was part of land purchased by Gerardus Beek-
BKANCHBURG.
763
Theuuis Post* (born 1700, died Sept. 8, 1764) was
one of the " helpers" of Dominie Theodoras J. Fre-
linghuysen, with authority, also, to officiate in his
place in his absence.
The blue-marble stone which marks his grave at
North Branch bears this inscription :
" Hier leyt het Ligham Van TeuniB Post overladen den 8 September,
anno domini 1764, en dat in het 64t year synes ouderdomB. "
He owned 450 acres of land on the west side of the
North Branch. The northeasterly corner of this farm
was " 39 chains on a straight line below the meeting
of AUemitunk and Pepack branches of the said
North Branch." Of this land he sold 109 acres to
William Cock and Gershom Vanderbergh, and 42
acres to Andrew Leake. The remainder of this prop-
erty fell to the possession of his son Peter.
Theunis Post's daughter Annetje (who was bap-
tized April 7, 1735) died unmarried at about forty
years of age. Conrad Ten Eyck (who at the time of
her death was a captain in the Revolutionary army,
and afterwards became a minister) transacted her
business for her. He was a relative.
Theunis Post's daughter Catharyntje (baptized
Nov. 6, 1736) is still called " Catrine Post" at the time
of her father's death. Nevertheless, she received as
her share of the estate household furniture, farming
utensils, and stock to the amount of £227 Is. lOd.
In this amount are included "one negro named
Ham, valued at £70 ;" " one negro named Isaac,
valued at £30 ;" and " one negro girl named Bette,
valued at £10."
The widow's share of the movable estate consisted
of household furniture, including one Dutch Bible
and four large books, valued at £5 ; a parcel of small
books, valued at £1 10«. ; and one negro girl, £35 ;
amounting in all to £102 19s. 5d.
Theunis Post's son Peter (one of the executors) as-
sumed the debts of his father's estate, and received
property from the estate to the fiill amount thereof,
being £360 14s. 7d. In this account are reckoned
"one negro named Sam, £70; one negro named
Jane, £60 ; one negro wench named Sawr,t £30. "
Peter also charges himself with the cattle and
sheep which died during the winter after his father's
death, £13 7s.; the labor of the negroes for six
months, £15 ; that of the horses, £7 ; and the vendue
notes, amounting to £33 12«. This was doubtless all
right, yet the issue was very disastrous for him. His
father had owed £150 to David Olarkson, of New
York. Peter gave his bond for this amount, was un-
able to pay it when due, at the end of the year 1735,
and subjected himself thus to unpleasant letters from
his creditor. The interest was at 8 per cent, and
the whole amount had only been reduced to £108
14s. when he mortgaged his 299 acres for that amount.
April 20, 1768. Things grew worse and worse with
him until, by what his descendants still regard as the
intrigues of his creditor, joined with the deprecia-
tion of the Continental currency, he was reduced from
affluence to poverty. He died in 1793, "in cold
weather," and the sandstone monument with the
brief inscription, " Grave of P. P., 1793," in contrast
with that of his father, near by, illustrates the differ-
ence of their worldly fortunes. Peter married Mar-
garet Ten Eyck, and had four children :
1. Mary, born Sept. 29, 1770, married Luke Covert
(who had been a flfer in the Revolutionary war) and
had seven children, to all of whom except the last
they gave double names, as follows : Jemima William-
son (born 1787), Nelly Sutphin, Margaret Ten Eyck,
Post, Ann Stull, Cornelius Post, and Craton
(bom Aug. 17, 1812 ; died Sept. 7, 1814).
2. Hannah, born July 8, 1782; married Joseph
Brokaw.
3. Theunis, a blacksmith, whose grandson, Peter
Post, is a much-respected inhabitant of Seneca Co.,
N. Y.
4. Cornelius, who was born Dec. 24, 1784, and died
Feb. 24, 1870. He was left an orphan at nine years of
age, but his sister Mary cared for him until he was
old enough to learn the tanner's trade. At twenty-one
he went on horseback to " the lake country," where
he met and married (Dec. 10, 1810) Christina, only
daughter of Abraham and Hannah De Mott, who
died Jan. 29, 1873.t His tannery, at Ovid, N. Y.,
brought him wealth, and his worth brought him influ-
ence. The beautiful home in which he lived sur-
rounded by his seven sons and daughters stands
almost within a stone's throw of the spot where he
first found work in that then " wild West." Four of
his children still survive, one of them, Mrs. Mary
Post Caywood, a granddaughter of Peter Post, being
the appreciative possessor of the ancestral documents
from which most of this information has been de-
rived.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.
The territory embraced in this township belonged
to Bridgewater from the organization of the latter
township, in 1749, to 1845. The names of many of
its early residents will be found in the civil list of
that township. Its residents were many of them con-
nected with the Revolutionary army, notably Capt.
Jacob Ten Eyck, a list of the members of whose
company will be found in the Bridgewater military
list, page 687.
In 1845 a petition of the inhabitants of Bridgewater
township living west of the North and South Branches
of the Raritan was presented to the Legislature of
New Jersey, praying that the territory described
therein be set off as a separate township. In accord-
ance with the request set forth, an act passed the Sen-
• The sketch of this family, contributed by Bev. J. B. Thompson.
t Pronounced Sor, an abbreviation for Saertje (pronounced Sor-chy),
the Dutch diminutive for Sarah.
t Her father was the only brother of Catharine De Mott, who married
Abraham Post. (See p. 488.)
764
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
ate and Assembly, and was approved April 5th. in
that year, as follows :
" Sec. 1. All that part of the township of Bridgewater, in the county
of Somerset, contained within the following hounds that is to say, he-
ginning on the/K)rner of lands of Ahraham C. Van Doren and William "
I. Voorhees, in the line between Hunterdon and Somerset, and running
from thence down the South Branch of Raritan Eiver and the line of
Hillsborough township, the several courses thereof, to the junction of
the North and South Branches thereof; thence up the North Branch to
the Lamington River; thence up the Lamington Kiver to the line be-
tween Hunterdon and Somerset ; thence along said line, the several
courses thereof (southerly), to the place of beginning shall be, and here-
by is, set off from the township of Bridgewater, in the connty of Somerset,
and made a new township, to be called and known by the name of * The
Township of Branchburg;' provided that this act shall not take effect
and be in force until from and after the second Monday of April next.
" Sec. 2. Provided that tlie inhabitants be constituted a body politic
and corporate in law, and entitled to all the rights, privileges, and advan-
tages, and subject to the same regulations, government, and liabilities, as
the inhabitants of_other townships in the county of Somerset are or may
be entitled or subjected to by the existing laws of the State.
Sec. 3. Provided that the first town-meeting should be held at the "
bouse of Isaac H. Hall on the day appointed by law for holding annual
town-meetings in the other townships in the county of Somerset.
" Sec. 4. Provided that the town committees of Bridgewater and Branch-
burg meet on Monday next after the annual town-meetings, at the inn
lately occupied by David Sanderson, at Somerville, and there allot and
divide between the townships all properties and moneys on hand and due
proportionately. "
In accordance with the provisions of the act, a
town-naeeting was held at the house of Isaac H. Hall.
A copy of the proceedings is here given :
April 14, 1845.
" At a meeting of the inhabitants of the township of Branchburg,
Leld this day at the house of Isaac H. Hall, for the purpose of electing
officers for the ensuing year, the following were elected, viz. : Peter
Van Nuys, Moderator; Andrew A. Ten Eyck, Town Clerk; Peter
Van Nuys, Assessor; Samuel Hall, Collector; Aaron J. Auten, Henry
Ammerman, Tunis Myers, Frederick D. Brokaw, and John W. Hall,
Town Committee; James Hageman and John P. Van Doren,* Chosen
Freeholders; Andrew A. Ten Eyck, Jacob Ten Eyck, and Thomas I.
Hall, School Committee; Peter Flag, Peter Q. Brokaw, Surveyors of the
Highways ; Isaac Dumont, Andrew A. Ten Eyck, Lewis L. Nevius, Com-
missioners of Appeal ; John Little, Samuel Hall, Overseers of the Poor;
Abraham I. Van Doren, Andrew Fleming, Justices of the Peace. "
At this first meeting, by vote, money was appropri-
ated for various purposes, as follows : $400 for repair-
ing highways; $50 for common schools; $50 for
schooling poor children ; and $200 for the support of
the poor.
On the 21st day of April (it being the Monday after
town-meeting) the town committees of Bridgewater
and Branchburg met to devise means to settle accounts
between the townships. John W. Wortman and John
I. Todd were selected to represent Bridgewater, Aaron
J. Auten and John W, Hall, Branchburg. On the
26th of April a meeting was held by these represen-
tatives, and after due consideration the accounts were
arranged by the agreement on the part of the com-
mittee representing Bridgewater to pay to the town-
ship of Branchburg $250.
The following is a list of the names of the free-
holders, township clerks, town committees, school
committees, superintendents of schools, surveyors of
highways, commissioners of appeals, and overseers of
* John W. Hail was elected one of the town committee Sept. 4, 1845,
in place of John Van Doren, deceased.
the poor, from the organization of the township to th.e
present time, as far as can be ascertained from the
township records :
FREEHOLDERS.
1846, James Hageman, Isaac Hall; 1847-49, Aaron J. Auten, Frederick
D. Brokaw; 1850, Frederick D. Brokaw, Peter Q. Brokaw; 1851,
Samuel Hall, Peter Q. Brokaw ; 1852, Isaac H. Hall ; 1853-58, Henry
Ammerman ; 1859, Jacob Kershaw ; 1860-62, Abraham P. Tunison ;
1863-6G, John Vosaeller; 1867, Sylvester Robins; 1868-70, Joseph
Reed; 1871, Samuel B. Little; 1872, Joseph Reed; 1873, John V.
Stillwell ; 1874-75, Cornelius Dumont ; 1876-80, Hugh Gaston.
TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1846-19, Gilbert Sutphin ; 1850-52, Andrew Hageman ; 1853-55, Corne-
lius T. Cox; 1856, Cornelius J. Brokaw; 1857-63, Ralph Van Pelt;
1864, Sylvester Robins ; 1865, Joseph B. Smith ; 1866-75, Aaron J.
Auten; 1876-80, Peter Dumont.
COLLECTORS.
1846-47, Peter Tan Nuys; 1848-52, Henry Ammerman; 1853-63, Fred-
erick D. Brokaw; 1864, William N. Adair; 1865-76, Frederick D.
Brokaw; 1877-80, John B. D. Myers.
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1846, Aaron J. Auten, Henry Ammerman, Tunis D. Myers, Frederick D.
Brokaw, John W.Hall; 1847, Syrenus T. Sti-yker, H. Ammerman,
T. D. Myera, J. P. Voorhees, Jasper Berger ; 1848, Syrenus Stryker,
Abraham A. Ammerman, Tunis D. Myers, John P. Voorhees, Jaaper
Berger; 1849-50, Bergen B. Smith, A. A. Ammeiman, T. D. Myers,
J. P. Voorhees, Jasper Berger ; 1851, Isaac Dumont, A. A, Ammer-
man, William B. Higgins, John P. Voorhees, John Vosseller; 1852,
William B. Higgins, John Vosseller, Andrew A. Ten Eyck, Jr. ; 1854-
65, John P. Voorhees, Tanis D. Myers, Edwin B. Lever ; 1856-58, A.
A. Ammerman, William B. Higgins, E. B. Lever; 1859, David K.
Craig, Joseph Thompson, John P. Voorhees; 1860, David K. Craig,
Gilbert L. Kershaw, John P. Voorhees ; 1861, Samuel B. Little, Gil-
bert L. Kershaw, John P. Voorhees ; 1862-63, Samuel B. Little, Gil-
bert L. Kershaw, David K. Craig; 1864, Samuel B. Little, Gilbert L.
Kershaw, John Runyon ; 1865, Samuel B. Little, Abraham Van Nest,
Joseph Thompson; 1866-67, Samuel B. Little, Joseph Reed, Joseph
Thompson; 1868-70, Cornelius N. Dumont, John V. Williams, Jacob
E. Hall ; 1871-72, Cornelius N. Dumont, William H. Ammerman,
Alexander B. Brokaw ; 1873, Cornelius N. Dumont, William H. Am-
merman, Peter P. Dilta ; 1874, J, Depue Field, William H. Ammer-
man, Joseph Brokaw ; 1875, J. Depue Field, John A. Demun, Alex-
ander B. Brokaw ; 1876, Aaron J. Auten, John A . Demun, Alexander
B. Brokaw; 1877, Aaron J. Auten, John A. Demun, Henry Field,
John Dally, Garret T. Quick ; 1878, Aaron J. Auten, Peter L. Kline,
Henry Field, John Dally, Garret T. Quick ; 1879, Aaron J. Auten,
John Dally, John Voorhees; 1880, Aaron J. Auten, John Voorhees,
F. D. Brokaw.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1846, Samuel Little, Abraham A. Ammerman, Thomas I. Hall.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
1847-49, Andrew Fleming; 1850-53, George W. Vroom; 1854-58, John
Cox ; 1859-66, Theodore Vosseller.
SURVEYORS OF THE HIGHWAYS.
1846-49, Peter Flag, Peter Q. Brokaw; 1850, Andrew Fleming, Isaac
Hall; 1851-52, Simon Nevius, Peter Flag; 1853, John P. Voorhees,
Simon Nevius ; 1854-55, John P. Voorhees, Peter Q. Brokaw ; 1856-
58, John P. Voorhees, William P. Barkman ; 1859, Cyrenus T. Stry-
ker, John P. Voorhees; 1860-62, William Wortman, Cornelius C.
Williamson ; 1863-64, Daniel Ammerman, Thomas Van Nest ; 1865-
66, Daniel Ammerman, Joseph Reed; 1867, Aaron J. Auten, Joseph
Reed; 1868-70, Aaron J. Auten, Jacob E.Hall; 1871, William H.
Ammerman, Alex. B. Brokaw; 1872, William H. Ammerman, Henry
Schenck ; 1873, Samuel B. Little, Henrj' Schenck ; 1874-75, Henry
Scheuck, Peter Dumont; 1880, Henry Bacon, John V.Williams.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
1846, Jacob Vosseller; 1848^9, Abraham Tunison; 1850-52, Henry Am-
merman, Isaac H. Hall; 1853-54, Frederick D. Brokaw, Isaac H.
Hall ; 1855-66, Isaac H. Hall; 1867, Frederick D. Brokaw; 1868-80,
Isaac H. Hall.
BRANCHBURG.
Y65
EARLY EOADS.
Soon after the " Great Eoad" was laid out from
Piscataqua to tte North Branch, in 1686, a road was
established from the termination of that road to the
Delaware River across what is now Branchburg town-
ship. The " Old York Road" branched off from this
about a mile west of the North Branch. No record
of any road is obtained from that time till 1748. The
following copy of a record is taken from the " Old
Book," page 15, record of roads, now in the county
clerk's office in Somerville :
" Application being made by some of the freeholders and inhabitants
of the South Branch of the Raritan to ye Commissioners of the County
of Somerset and a Petition from them to us sent complaining of their in-
conveniences of coming to mill and market, We, the under written per-
sons as Commissioners of said county of Somerset, do hereby lay out a
road according to their request, as follows, viz. : Beginning at ye foard
called ' Cornelius Viin Campen's Riding Place,' along the line of Kam Van
Derbeek and Peter Quick to a two rod road, a rodd on said Van Derbeek
and a rodd on said Quick's Laiid, until it comes to the corm^r nf Andreas
Ten Eyck, and so along ye Line of Ten Eyck and Van Dei-beek a rodd
on each side to the old road. Thence along ye old road to ye Mills, an
open road from the place of beginning to said Mills, and from said mills
we do lay out a four rodd road as foUoweth from the Mills as the road
lays: now to Ten Eyck's line, thence along the Bank as the road goeth
Two rod on the Bank and two rod below the Bank across the point to Ten
Eyck's corner tree at the River, opposite the North Branch, and so across
ye main river to ye great Road, In witness whereof we have hereunto
set our hands this seventeenth day of September, 1748.
Fbedebiok Van Lavee, Coenelius Van Campen, "
"William Titsobt, Hendrick Pittenser,
Alexandee Van Nest, Reyok SunAM. "
" The under written Ram Van Derbeek do hereby promise to grant an
open road, as far bs it apertaineth to me, from Van Campen's Riding Place
to the Mills, and do hereby bind my heirs and assigns to the performance
of this; in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th Day
of September, 1748.
Ram Van Deebeek. "
"Witness present,
William Titsort, "
VotKEET Dow.
On the 22d day of March, 1759, a two-rod road was
laid out, beginning from the main road leading from
Van Home's Mill, near the east corner of Mr. Leslie's
cleared field, across the brook along the edge of a
hill and up the hollow upon a small run, up the hill
and upon the bank, "and as straight as can be to the
corner of Dr. Sackett's land and Peter Wortman;
thence as the line goes between Dr. Sackett's, Peter
Demund, and Tunis Post till it meets the main road
leading from Leake's Mill to the North Branch."
This road was relaid May 30th, the same year, and
its course changed to run "by the south side of
Peter Wortman's meadow to a white-oak tree ; thence
with a straight course through lands of Dr. Sackett
to the corner of Tunis Post's garden ; thence along
the south side of Tunis Post's garden to the main
road leading from Leake's Mill to the North Branch."
Few roads were laid in the township from this time
till about 1820.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
There is no church edifice within the limits of the
township. The house of worship of the North Branch
congregation is on the east side of the North Branch
of the Raritan River, and many of its members live
in Branchburg. The Neshanic church is on the south
side of the South Branch of the Raritan, but its con-
gregation is largely composed of members living in
this township. On the west are the meeting-houses
of the White House and Readington Churches.
The cemetery at North Branch is on the old Ten
Eyck farm, and was for many years used as a family
burial-place. About the year 1830 a plot of about
one acre of land was sold to the congregation of the
North Branch Church, including the old burial-ground.
It is inclosed by a thorn hedge. Here "the rude
forefathers of the hamlet sleep." The following are
the names of some of the persons buried here : Jacob
Ten Eyck, born 1693, died Oct. 26, 1753 ; Jemima, his
wife, died Aug. 4, 1792, aged ninety -two years ; Jacob
(son of Jacob), born Aug. 26, 1738, died Nov. 7, 1794,
aged sixty-one years ; Margaret, his wife, born Dec.
20, 1733, died Feb. 15, 1820, aged eighty-six years ;
Rynear Van Nest, died April 15, 1784, aged eighty-
six years ; Jannetje Rappelye, his wife, died Jan. 15,
1792, aged eighty- four years ; Teunis Post, died Sept.
10, 1764, aged sixty-four years ; John Van Nostrand
and his wife Margaret ; Rev. Rynier Van Nest, died
July 9, 1813, aged seventy-four years ; Ann, his wife,
died 1858, aged eighty-four years.
Another burial-place, older than the preceding, is
located on the old Van Kampen tract, now owned by
Peter Van Camp. This plot is also inclosed with a
thorn hedge. Several of the early stones are common
slate. The earliest record is " Anno 1728." The in-
scription is written in Low Dutch. The following are
some of initials, names, and dates found in the inclo-
sure: "Anno 1746, 0. P.," "A. L.," "L L.," "R. L.,"
H. S., A.D. 1773, "C. S., A.D. 1777," "L H., a.d.
1786," " M. L., A.D. 1798," " I. V. C, A.d. 1799," " L.
V. C, A.D. 1782," " C. v.. C, A.D. 1786," " 0. Van
Camp," "T. V. C," "C. V. C," "Sacred to the
memory of Magdalen, wife of John Hall and daugh-
ter of Isaac and Sarah Goveneor, died Aug. 12, 1773,
aged seventy-two years;" John Hall, died Oct. 29,
1766, aged sixty-three; Eebekah Hall, first wife or
William Hall, died March 6, 1799, aged fifty-five ;
Catharine, second wife of William Hall, died July 12,
1799, aged sixty-three ; William Hall, died Aug. 31,
1819, aged seventy-four ; Denise Stryker, died March
12, 1777, aged fifty-seven ; Lanah Hoagland, wife ot
Denise Stryker, died Jan. 2, 1792, aged sixty-seven ;
Richard Hall, died Feb. 26, 1801, aged fifty-nine;
Jane Vroom, his wife, died Dec. 4, 1843, aged eighty-
six; Joseph Stevens, died June 26, 1811, aged sev-
enty-five ; Abraham Quick, died June 27, 1819, aged
fifty-three; Catharine Quick, died May 3, 1848, aged
eighty-two ; Christopher Stryker, died June 27, 1826,
aged seventy; Judith, his wife, died Nov. 20, 1830,
aged seventy-one; John Simonson, died June 20,
1804, aged sixty-one; Elizabeth H., his wife, died
Dec' 29, 1831.
A burial-place of the Van Nest family, near Van
A
766
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Derveer's mills, was used as early as 1740. Dur-
ing the Revolution about twenty soldiers who died
with the smallpox were buried in a row on the east
side. The line of graves is now plowed up, and is just
outside of the fence.
SCHOOLS.
The earliest record pertaining to schools in the
township is found in the following copy of a paper
now in the possession of Tunis Ten Eyck, and is evi-
dence that at that early day schools were taught in
the neighborhood :
" At a meeting of the Proprietors of the School House held yesterday,
the expense of erecting and finishing the said School house was calcu-
lated, when it waa found to amount to about thirty pounds. But the
proprietors being generously disposed to make no account of the timber
or a great part of their labour, if they can only collect as much money
from those which has not assisted at the building as will defray the ex-
pense of boards, nails, the making of the shingles, etc., have agreed to the
following sums to be paid in wheat or money within two months after
date, which, if complied with on the part of the subscribers, it shall Inti-
tle them to a right in the School House in as full and ample a manner
as if they had assisted at the building of it.
Jacob Ten Eyck, }^ bushel of weat. "
" .Joseph StuU, ^ bushel of ri.
North Branch, Oct. 30, 1782."" "
No knowledge has been obtained of where the
house was located or by whom the school was kept.
In the north part of the township, those who can
still remember the school-days relate that a log
school-house was erected on the east side of the river,
where Dr. Berg now lives ; this was afterwards re-
placed by a frame. Later the site was used for the
erection of the Dutch Reformed church, and the
school built where it at present stands. Another was
on the edge of the wood on the Van Kampen or Van
Camp tract. The present districts are of compara-
tively recent date. The township is divided into four
districts, as follows: North Branch, No. 19; Cedar
Grove, No. 20; South Branch, No. 22; Fairview,
No. 23.
The whole number of children in the township be-
tween five and eighteen years of age is 458, of which
North Branch District has 183 ; Cedar Grove, 86 ;
South Branch, 115 ; Fairview, 74. Valuation of school
property, $4600, North Branch, $600 ; Cedar Grove,
$500; South Branch, $2500; Fairview, $1000. The
total amount of money received from all sources was
.$1802.11, of which North Branch received $716.08 ;
Cedar Grove, $374.37 ; South Branch, $411.71 ; Fair-
view, $300. One female and three male teachers are
employed, at an average salary of $35 per month.
HAMLETS.
Branchburg has no village within its limits. North
Branch, situated on the North Branch of the Raritan,
was laid out Dec. 25, 1844, by Joseph Thompson, at
the request of Garret Stryker, on whose land it was.
It contains 120 inhabitants, a hotel, post-office, store,
grist-mill, school -house, blacksmith-shop, wagon-
shop, and two wheelwrights. Here prior to the Rev-
olution 100 acres were purchased of the Ten Eycks
for a mill-site, and a mill was built upon it with two
large undershot-wheels. About 1812 (the property
then belonging to John Baylis) a smaller wheel was
added. This continued until 1840, at which time the
property came into the hands of John Runk, by
whom the mill was remodeled and the fulling-mill
removed. From that time to the present it has been
a grist-mill. It is now owned by the estate of a Mr.
Beekman of New York.
A tavern was there in 1773, and kept by Dr. Abra-
ham Bertron till 1795. It has changed hands many
times. At an early day it was kept by Flummerfelt
and by John Baylis. It is now owned and kept by
S. A. Coddington. A post-office was established be-
yond the memory of those living in the neighborhood,
but among the postmasters were Edward Barto, Ralph
Van Pelt, J. B. Smith, A. Rigger, and the present
incumbent, Abraham Van Nest. The only other
post-office in the town is at the North Branch Station.
This office was established in 1862, and has had the
following postmasters : David K. Craig, William Van
Doren, Peter L. Kline, Abraham S. Gaston, and Peter
S. Cramer.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. CALVIN CORLB.
Hon. Calvin Corle is a native of Hillsborough town-
ship, Somerset Co., N. J., where he was born on Jan.
22, 1830. His father, Charles Corle, was born in
Delaware township, Hunterdon Co., on May 2, 1798.
He married a lady of that county, Hannah Hoag-
land, by whom he had three children, viz., Calvin,
the subject of this notice; Benjamin, who died in
1847 ; and Ellen Elizabeth, who died at the age of
three years and ten months. Charles Corle spent the
early portion of his life, until the age of thirty, in
Hunterdon County, where he was a farmer by occu-
pation. In 1827 he removed with his wife, whom he
had recently married, to Hillsborough township,
where, in connection with his brother Samuel, he
purchased the Beekman mills, and engaged in farm-
ing, milling, and storekeeping until Mr. Corle's
death, which occurred on Nov. 5, 1857. He was for
many years a justice of the peace in the township of
Hillsborough, and was known as a man of probity
and strict integrity of character.
Mr. and Mrs. Corle both died during the same
week, of typhoid fever.
The subject of this sketch was brought up at the
mills in Hillsborough township, and, besides attend-
ing the common schools of his district, received an
academical education at Pennington Seminary, New
Jersey. In October, 1852, he married Hannah Van
Camp for his first wife, by whom he had two chil-
dren, Charles and Hannah M. Corle, both deceased.
^^^^ ^^^
BRANCHBURa.
767
Mrs. Corle died in March, 1869, and he married for
his second wife Anna Hankins, of Allentowu, N. J.,
on May 9, 1871. He has had no children by the sec-
ond marriage.
Mr. Corle has all his life been engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits, and may be regarded as a model farmer
in the section of country where he resides. He re-
moved to his present residence, in the township of
Branchburg, in March, 1860, and has recently pur-
chased the adjoining farm. He now owns one of the
most beautiful estates in this rich valley, consisting
of two hundred and forty acres of land under a high
state of cultivation.
In politics Mr. Corle is a Democrat, and has always
firmly adhered to the principles of that party. In
the fall of 1869 he was elected to represent Somerset
County in the State Senate, and served in that body
during the sessions of 1870, 1871, and 1872, acting as
a member of several important committees. He has
taken an active interest in all public improvements
in his township and county, and is highly esteemed
as a patriotic, liberal, and enterprising citizen. His
integrity and honor are above suspicion or reproach.
Mr. Corle, as trustee, executor, and administrator, has
been largely engaged in the settlement of estates.
Since November, 1879, he has held the responsible
position of president of the Somerset County Bank,
at Somerville.
REV. HENRY VAN DERVEER VOORHEBS.
Eev. Henry Van Derveer Voorhees, whose portrait
appears in this work, represents in himself some
of the oldest, most prominent, and most highly
respected fainilies of the State. His maternal grand-
mother, Alche (Letitia) Schenk, who married Israel
Harris, a brilliant lawyer and judge, and once sheriff
of Somerset County, was one of the five sisters of that
name who, by their marriage with strong men, and
by their careful training of their children in right
principles, have indelibly stamped the impress of
their names upon the annals of the State and nation.
The eldest sister, Mary, married Dr. Lawrence Van
Derveer, a great and good man ; the second, Catharine,
married Elias Van Derveer, his brother, who died at
the age of thirty-three from the effects of cruel treat-
ment during a long imprisonment by the British
during the Revolutionary war (his son was the cele-
brated Dr. Henry Van Derveer, late of Pluckamin) ;
the third, Gertrude, married Gen. Frederick Freling-
huysen, of Millstone, and became the mother of the
three prominent representatives of that family in the
State, John, Theodore, and Frederick ; and the fifth
(Alche being the fourth) sister married Gen. Peter I.
Stryker, a popular physician of Somerville for many
years. Their brother, Dr. Henry Schenk, of Neshanic,
married Eleanor Hardenberg, daughter of Rev. Dr.
Jacob R. Hardenberg, a prominent Dutch Reformed
minister and former president of Rutgers College,
N. J., and of Dinah Van Berg, his wife, historically
called " Juffrow" Hardenberg, who was the widow of
Rev. John Frelinghuysen. One branch of the Schenk
family can be traced back' thirteen hundred years.
It received its elevation to the peerage and its patent
of nobility from the hand of Charlemagne himself.
In the coat-of-arms decreed to the family the shield
is in the form of a goblet, with " Die Schenken" (the
Dutch for "cup-bearer") in German text at the bot-
tom.
The genealogy of the Voorhees family is more dis-
tinctly traceable, link by link, to their origin in Hol-
land than most other families of foreign extraction in
this country. They take their name from their estates
before the village of Hies, south of Ruinen, in the
province of Drenthe, Holland, a part of ancient
Friesland. The last ancestor of the family at that
place, prior to the departure to these shores, was
Coert Albertse. His son Steven Coerte, born in the
year 1600, who received at his birth the name of
Van Voorhees, emigrated to this country, with his
wife and seven children, in the ship " Bonticoe," Capt.
Pieter Lucassen, and arrived at New York in April,
1660. His son, Lucas Stevens Van Voorhees, resided
in 1685 at Hackensack, N. J., through whom the
succession runs to the second son, Jan Lucasse, who
removed to Flat Lands, L. I. The first son, Eldert,
and his descendants dropped the surname of Van
Voorhees, substituted that of Eldert, and thus
branched off.
Jan Lucasse, of Flat Lands, married three times.
By his first wife, Anna Vanduyckhuysen, he had one
son, Johannes Lucas Voorhees. By his second, Mayke
R. Schenk, he had twelve children, the seventh child
and sixth son of whom was Isaac, baptized March 23,
1716, the great-grandfather of Rev. Henry V. Voor-
hees. The third wife of Jan Lucasse was Fametje
Remsen, by whom he had no issue.
Isaac Voorhees was also twice married. By his
first wife, Sarah, he had John, who married Miss
Rodney, of Maryland, and Stephen, a Presbyterian
minister, and father of Robert Voorhees, of Prince-
ton, N. J. His second wife was Helena, daughter of
Derrick and Jannetje Van Arsdale Barkalo, of Mon-
mouth Co., N. J. She was born Dec. 22, 1723, and
the children of the marriage were Derrick, baptized
June 22, 1755, who moved to Ohio and became the
ancestor of United States senator Daniel Voorhees ;
David, born Dec. 4, 1757 ; Jane (Mrs. Du Bois) ; and
Maria (Mrs. Huff, of Neshanic).
David, the second child of Isaac and Helena Voor-
hees, when eighteen or nineteen years of age, was
left in charge of the Voorhees residence at Middle-
bush, N. J., during the Revolutionary struggle. Seeing
a portion of Lord Howe's army approaching, he took
his musket and went alone from the field to the house
to protect the property. He was soon overpowered
and bound, but, having a tenacious memory, he kejjt
account of all that the enemy destroyed, and, escaping
768
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
from his captors, was afterwards able to write out a
list of the articles destroyed, witli their value, which
the lawful authorities recognized as just, and upon
which remunerative payment was made. David
Voorhees married Eve Oakey on May 2, 1788, and
settled in New Brunswick, N. J., where he became a
successful grain-merchant. His second son, Abraham
Oakey Voorhees, was born Aug. 23, 1791, and mar-
ried, March 24, 1814, Margaret P. Harris, of Middle-
brook. Their seventh child and fourth son was Rev.
Henry V. Voorhees, who was born in New Brunswick,
N. J., on Dec. 19, 1826. When six weeks old he was
removed by his parents to New York City, where his
father engaged in the grain business as a member of
the firm of Voorhees & Wilbur, and where he enjoyed
a reputation for probity and fair dealing that any one
might justly envy.
Rev. Henry V. Voorhees was born with a delicate
physical and nervous organization, and it was only
with the greatest care that he was raised. When ten
years of age he was deprived by death of his excellent
mother, whose special care he had been to that time.
A few years later he removed with his father to
Princeton, N. J., the latter having been made execu-
tor of the will of his cousin, Robert Voorhees, and
the settlement of his large estate requiring his con-
stant care and attention. His father subsequently
purchased a farm in the vicinity of Rocky Hill, N. J.,
where he resided until his death, on June 27, 1866.
After the death of his mother, Mr. Voorhees passed
to the fostering care of his grandmother Harris, but
in a few years she also passed away, at Princeton, on
Aug. 9, 1840, leaving him to the care of the eldest
sister, Catharine Letitia, who subsequently became
the wife of Kev. Winthrop Bailey, of Long Island.
Mr. Voorhees received his preliminary educational
training in the schools at Princeton with a view of
entering the excellent college at that place, but, yield-
ing to the wishes of his father, who clung to the
Dutch traditions of the family, he entered Rutgers
College as a sophomore in 1844, whence he was grad-
uated in the class of 1847. He subsequently entered
the seminary at New Brunswick, and was graduated
in 1850. In April following he was invited to supply
the church at Geneva, N. Y., for six months, and at
the close of that period he was unanimously chosen
its pastor. While he entered upon the discharge of
his duties without experience and under many diffi-
culties, he continued for four years in the pastorate,
achieving great success and popularity, and leaving
behind him a united congregation and a lively and
warm recollection of his excellencies and virtues as a
Christian minister. In the year 1854, though suffer-
ing from a severe attack of sore throat, Mr. Voorhees
was urgently invited to become the pastor of the
Broome Street Reformed Church, of New York,
which was then laboring under some difficulties. In
the early summer of 1855, yielding to a mistaken
sense of duty, he accepted the call ; he was shortly
after, however, prostrated by sunstroke, and compelled
to seek the seclusion of the country for absolute rest.
Later still he suffered from a severe attack of conges-
tion of the brain, which confined him to the bed for
six months and disabled him for duty for two years.
As soon as he could write he sent in his resignation
of his pastoral office. This was in 1856. His min-
istry had been providentially interfered with, but
among its fruits was the conversion of Leonard W.
Kip, now a gifted and successful minister of Amoy,
China.
In January, 1858, Mr. Voorhees became the pastor
of the church at Bound Brook, and, shortly after, a
glorious revival of religion ensued. On Nov. 3, 1859,
he was united in marriage to Jane Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Hon. Thomas G. Talmage, late mayor of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., and a judge and State senator of New
York. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr.
Bethune, a life-long friend and patron of both Mr.
and Mrs. Voorhees. In 1862, owing to internal dis-
sensions in his church, caused by the civil war, Mr.
Voorhees withdrew from Bound Brook. His next
field of labor was in one of the enterprises of the
Board of Domestic Missions in One Hundred and
Fifty-Second Street, New York, then known as Car-
mansville. Here he remained in charge of a weak
and struggling church until the spring of 1865, when
he resigned. He had taken it under a misapprehen-
sion of facts, and found it in no condition to be per-
manently benefited. His next pastoral charge was
the South Bushwick Church, Brooklyn, the call to
which he accepted in 1867. He retired from this
ministry two years later because of the unhealthy
condition of the locality, both himself and family
suffering from ill health and one child being removed
by death. On Jan. 1, 1871, he became the pastor of
the church at Nyack, N. Y., where he labored with
much success, until, worn out by hard work during
a succession of warm revival seasons, he was com-
pelled to resign his charge in 1878. He was the
more willing to do this because the church was at that
time laboring under great financial difficulties.
Mr. Voorhees, since his resignation, has taken up
his residence in his beautiful home near North
Branch, N. J., where he has lived at intervals for
the past fifteen years. The surroundings of the place
are delightful, well calculated for rest and recuper-
ation, and please the eye with the beauty of its
scenery. As a speaker Mr. Voorhees takes high rank
among the oratoi-s of his day. His style, at first ex-
pository, then argumentative, leads him to the expres-
sion of the most graceful and chaste imagery, and the
whole combined leads to certain conviction in the
minds and hearts of his hearers. Though not as rich
in fancy as his gifted brother Robert, of Harlingen,
one of the most accomplished speakers of the State,
his style is better adapted to sustain those cogent
appeals to the consciences of his hearers which this
gospel preacher makes at the close of his discourses.
William Fleming, father of the above,
born in 1770, married Elizabeth, daughter of
Jacob Cook ; was a farmer, and spent most of
his life in the township of Alexandria, Hunter-
don Co., where he was identified with the local
interests of the vicinity. He was for many
years a trustee of the Presbyterian Church there,
and was officially connected with that body as
elder. For a short time he was a resident of
Oxford township, Warren Co., and was a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church there. He
died in 1833, aged sixty-three years.
His children were Eleanor, Jacob C, Thomas,
Andrew, William, Joanna, Tylee, and Abbott.
Andrew Fleming was born in Alexandria
township, Oct. 23, 1805. At the age of eleven
years he went from home to care for himself,
and until he was twenty-six years of age was
mostly engaged working on a farm. For six
years following he was a huckster in Hunterdon
and Warren Counties. In 1838 he married
Margaret, daughter of John Lawshe, of Union
township. She was born May 10, 1817.
Following his marriage, in 1839, he settled in
the township of Branchburg, Somerset Co., and
engaged in farming and milling at Milltown,
where he rented the Van der Veer farm and
mill.
In 1846 he purchased the farm upon which
he now resides, at that time consisting of two
hundred acres, a part of which he sold to
Jonathan Robbins. A subsequent purchase of
twenty-five acres makes his present farm one
hundred and twenty-five acres, upon which he
erected a brick house in 1850.
Besides his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Flem-
ing has been a director for twenty-two years,
and treasurer for twenty-four years, of the Far-
mers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of New
Jersey, located at Readington.
He has been interested in all questions affect-
ing the interests of the vicinity in w^hich he has
lived, and always conscientiously acting in poli-
tics upon principles that seemed right and just
to him, irrespective of the party men who repre-
sented them. For five years he has officiated
as justice of the peace, which position he filled
with honor to himself and justice to those who
received his counsel. He was several years
superintendent of public schools in Branch-
burg, and has always taken great interest in
educational matters.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have been born
fifteen children. Those who reached maturity
were John; Jane; Ann, wife of Alonzo Butler,
of Holland township ; George, resides in Clin-
ton, and is the principal of the institute there;
Levi, a teacher in Easton, Pa., died in 1875,
aged twenty-eight; Robins, a civil engineer
in Cleveland, Ohio; Kate, wife of Alfred But-
ler, of Chambersburg, N. J.; Asher, at home;
and John, who is also a teacher.
^u2o7uJ o-a/?iJ ^iX/rriJo
Tunis Van Camp is a grandson of Thomas Van Camp,
who was a resident of the territory comprising the pres-
ent township of Branchburg at an early day, and occu-
pied one hundred and seventy-five acres of land where
Christian V. D. Corle now resides. He served as a
soldier in the Revolutionary war throughout its entire
duration, and was taken prisoner by the British and
confined for seven months, at the expiration of which
time he was paroled. His wife was Catharine Van
Middlesworth, and the issue of the marriage were
Cornelius, Tunis and John (twins), and Jane. The
latter became the wife of Abraham Smock, of Eead-
ington.
John, son of Thomas Van Camp, was born on his
father's farm on May 30, 1784, and in 1806 purchased
of his cousin, Cornelius Van Camp, the place where
Peter Van Camp now resides, which became the family
homestead thereafter. Here he lived, engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, for over half a century.
He was one of the old substantial citizens of the town-
ship, to whose industry and enterprise much of its pres-
ent prosperity is due. His farm comprised two hundred
and eighty-six acres of rich and productive land, and
to its cultivation he devoted all of his energies. He died
on Aug. 6, 1875, over ninety-one years of age. His wife
was Jane, daughter of Gilbert Lane, of North Branch,
whom he married Oct. 6, 1804. Her father served as a
drummer in the Eevolutionary war, where he was one
of the Minute-Men. She was boi'n April 16, 1784, and
died about 1872. The children of the marriage were
Gilbert L., born March 9, 1807, died Nov. 28, 1864;
Tunis, born Nov. 19, 1811 ; Peter; Susan D. and Rebecca
Elizabeth (twins), born Jan. 29, 1815; and Jane. Susan
became the wife of Cornelius P. Brokaw, of Eoycefield,
N. J. ; Pvebecca married Frederick Ten Eyck, of Mill-
stone ; Jane became the wife of George Barber, of Hun-
terdon County.
Tunis Van Camp, the subject of this sketch, was born
on the old homestead on Nov. 19, 1811, and is the oldest
male representative of the family now living. His edu-
cational advantages were limited to those afibrded by
the district schools of his locality. In 1843 he pur-
chased a farm near his father's, comprising one hundred
and sixty-seven acres, which he occupied until a few years
ago. He now resides at' Neshanic Depot, in a pleasant
home, and has retired from the active duties of life.
Mr. Van Camp has always been identified with the
Democratic party, though he has abstained from seeking
or filling public office. He is a regular attendant of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Neshanic, of
which his wife is now a member. His life has been a
worthy and industrious one, exemplifying the principles
of integrity and honor, and being crowned with that
success that it so richly deserves.
On Nov. 20, 1844, Mr. Van Camp was united in mar-
riage to Ida, daughter of Gilbert Schenck, formerly of
Ringos, and latterly of Hillsborough township. Her
mother was Rachel, daughter of Dennis Van Liew one
of the early substantial citizens of Hillsborough, and
who lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Van Camp now living
are Jeannette, widow of Dr. Richard Ludlow, who re-
sides at Neshanic ; John, who occupies his father's farm
in Branchburg; and Rachel Anna.
BRANCHBURG.
169
Mr. Voorliees is yet in the prime of life, enjoying
the companionsliip of a loving helpmeet and cher-
ished family, and doubtless has many years of use-
fulness before him.
JAMES TEN EYCK.®
James Ten Eyck was the fifth in line of descent
from Coenradt Ten Eyck, who emigrated from Am-
sterdam, Holland, to this country in the year 1650
and located in N ew York City, where he owned what is
now called Coenties Slip. A portion of this tract is
still owned by a descendant, Mrs. Susan T. ^Villiamson,
of Elizabeth, N. J. Coenradt Ten Eyok was a farmer
by occupation, and passed his days in tilling the soil
and conquering for the uses of agriculture the virgin
forests of the New World. He died in New York
City, and his remains are supposed to be interred be-
neath the "old post-office." He married Maria
Boele, who came with him from Holland and bore
him eleven children, of whom six were born in
America.
Mattys was the youngest of these children, and was
born in New York City on May 18, 1658. At an
early age he removed to Old Hurley, Ulster Co.,
N. Y., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and,
to some extent, in the transportation business on the
Hudson Eiver. The " Documentary History of the
* Somelimes spelled Ten Eycke.
State of New York" mentions him in the list of free-
holders of Hurley in 1728, and a namesake, Matthew,
who died June 11, 1809, aged eighty years, was one
of the one hundred and sixty-eight proprietors among
whom the common lands of that town were divided
by act of the Legislature of New York passed April
4, 1806. In 1751 the latter was one of three millers
of Hurley who recorded their brand-marks. Mattys
Ten Eyck was a man of influence and prominence,
was assessor of the town in 1722, supervisor in 1725,
and filled an important place in the community. He
was one of the founders of the Reformed Church of
Hurley. He died in 1741, and a humble stone in the
burying-ground at Hurley village marks his resting-
place. He married Jannekin, a daughter of Aldert
Eoosa, another pioneer settler of Hurley, on Oct. 22,
1679, and had children, Albert, Andries, Coenradt,
Jacob, Abraham, Wyntie (wife of Jan Hendricks),
Marietie (wife of Tjerck Van Keuren), Grietie (wife
of William Burhans), Sarah (wife of Lawrence Cort-
right), and Ragell (wife of Cornelius Newkirk).
Jacob, son of Mattys, was born in Hurley in 1693.
On Oct. 20, 1725, he received by deed flrom his father,
for the consideration of five hundred pounds current
money, five hundred acres of land on the northerly
side of the North Branch of the Raritan River, which
the latter had purchased of John Johnson on Nov.
12, 1700, and Jan. 7, 1702. Jacob early took up his
residence on the tract and added more to it. He
erected a one-and-a-half-story house on the site of the
present residence of Miss Isabella Ten Eyck. This
structure was of Low Dutch style, and the upper part
was used for a granary, in which were stored the pro-
ducts of the field. Jacob Ten Eyck married Jemima
Van Nest, daughter of Jerome Van Nest, of Somer-
ville, N. J., and the fruits of the union were Jacob'',
Matthew, Coonrod, Peter, Cattrin, Jaen, and Han-
nah. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in
1758, willing his property to his son Jacob. His wife
died in 1792, aged ninety-two.
Jacob Ten Eyck'' was born in the old stone house
erected by his father at North Branch on Aug. 25,
1733. He succeeded his father in following the
peaceful pursuits of agriculture on the old home
place, and married, on March 16, 1758, Margaret,
daughter of James Hagaman, of Raritan. He served
as a captain in the Revolutionary war. The children
of his marriage were Jacob', Jane, Margaret, Cath-
arine, Jemima, and James. In 1792 he erected the
substantial stone house occupied by Miss Isabella Ten
Eyck, and in 1794 he was laid to rest in the old bury-
ing-ground of the family at North Branch. This,
which is now used in connection with the Reformed
Dutch church at North Branch, was originally laid
out as a private burial-place by Jacob Ten 'EjcV and
his wife, and the former was among the first who
were interred beneath its sod. Jacob and James pur-
chased the interest of their sisters in their father's
land, and divided it in the year 1800, each receiving
770
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
one hundred and fifty-five acres. James Ten Eyck,
the subject of this memoir, was born in the home
residence on May 2, 1773. He was a man of plain
habits, modest and unassuming, and passed his days
within the inner circles of life as a farmer. Identi-
fied with the Democratic party, he held aloof from
public ofiice, and neither sought nor obtained politi-
cal station. He was a member of the Eeformed Pro-
testant Dutch Church of North Branch, and filled the
offices of both deacon and elder. On Oct. 4, 1798, he
was united in marriage to Esther, daughter of James
Hankerson, of Monmouth County, and had the fol-
lowing children, viz., Margaret (who married Gideon
Cox), born Oct. 28, 1799 ; Isabella, born March 15,
1802; Jacob, born March 10, 1804; James, born May
2, 1806 ; Peter, born Aug. 28, 1808 ; Mary Ann (wife
of Abraham Van Nest), born Feb. 14, 1811 ; John,
bom Sept. 28, 1813 ; Tunis, born June 9, 1816 ; and
J. C. Jane (wife of George H. Duyckinck), born Aug.
21, 1823. Of these children, Margaret and John are
dead, Peter resides at Fair View, 111., and J. C. Jane
resides at Lamington, N. J. The remainder live at
North Branch, on portions of the old estate. After a
life of toil, self-denial, and care, James Ten Eyck
passed away on July 4, 1854, at the age of eighty-one
years. He had reared his family carefully, and left
to them, besides a good estate and a good name, the
richer legacy of a bright example, embodying correct
principles of life and habits of industry, frugality,
and thrift.
SIMON A. NEVIUS.
David Nevius lived early near Van Derveer's Mills,
in the township of Branchburg, where Mr. Van Nest
Stilwell resides. His first wife was Mary Addis, by
whom he had four children, Simon, Adrian, Ellen,
and Sarah. Mrs. Nevius died about 1834. His
second wife was Jemima Ten Brook, who died leav-
ing no children. David Nevius removed to North
Branch a few months prior to his death, about 1857.
He was for many years a member of the Reformed
Church of Eeadington, and officiated both as deacon
and elder.
Simon A. Nevius spent his minority in the usual
routine of farm-work and attending the district school.
Soon after his marriage to Miss Brachia Simonson,
who was horn in June, 1796, he began farming on a
portion of his father's farm, where John Clawson now
resides. He subsequently resided where Eev. Henry
V. Voorhees now lives, and spent his latter days with
his son, Abraham V. He never sought political pre-
ferment, but remained a firm supporter of the Demo-
cratic party during his life. He was a man of good
judgment and correct habits, and possessed that ster-
ling integrity that secured the esteem of all who knew
him.
He was a promoter of all worthy enterprises, and
for many years deacon and elder of the Eeformed
Church at North Branch. He died Feb. 28, 1863,
having been born Dec. 13, 1796. His wife died Dec.
9, 1875. Their children were David, Jr., born April
3, 1818; John S., born July 24, 1820, resides in
â– ^-^^^^O^-CryrO
'jZyU^^
Illinois; Mary Ellen, born Nov. 13, 1822, wife of
Van Doren Voorhees ; Simon P., born April 10,
1825, resides in Illinois; Elizabeth Ann, born Dec.
13, 1828, wife of Matthew Lane, of Bedminster;
Dennis S., born April 12, 1830 ; Abraham V., born
April 16, 1833 ; Garret, born Feb. 23, 1836, resides in
Illinois ; Anna Jane, born Sept. 11, 1839, died in
childhood, Jan. 11, 1841.
David, Jr., married, Feb. 28, 1851, Eachel, daughter
of John Eyan, and granddaughter of John Eyan, a
soldier in the Eevolutionary war. Of their three
children, John died in infancy, Simon P., born 1854,
and Sally H., born in 1868. Abraham V. married,
Feb. 10, 1864, Anna, daughter of Henry B. Staats, of
Bridgewater township. They have four children,
Simon A., Gertrude, died in infancy, Anna E., and
Henry Staats. David, Jr., and Abraham V. are far-
mers in the township of Bridgewater, near North
Branch.
ISAAC DDMONT.
Abraham Diimont was one of the early settlers of
Branchburg, and resided on the old Dumont farm
along the turnpike. He married Jane P., daughter
of Isaac Van Cleef, of Millstone. Their children
were four daughters and two sons, Isaac and Peter.
Abraham Dumont was a farmer during his life, was
ISAAC DUMONT.
BRANCHBUEG.
771
known as a man of strict integrity in all his business
relations. Isaac Dumont, subject of this sketch, was
born June 21, 1797. His wife was Mrs. Maria Ne-
vius, formerly Maria Van Doren, daughter of Jacob
Van Doren, of Millstone, whom he married Oct.
23, 1828. She was born July 10, 1806. Their chil-
dren are CorneUus N., born Aug. 19, 1829; Jane, wife
of William D. Smith, born Aug. 2, 1831 ; Mary Eliza-
beth, widow of John Van Doren, of Middlebush;
Abraham, born Aug. 8, 1835 ; Joanna M., born March
17, 1838 ; Phebe Lodema, born July 21, 1840, mar-
ried David Wortman, of Long Branch; Peter, born
Dec. 15, 1844 ; Jacob, died young.
Isaac Dumont spent his younger days on his father's
farm and at the district school. At the time of his
marriage he was carrying on his father's farm. In
1833 he removed to the place now occupied by his
son Abraham, near the North Branch depot, where he
resided until about 1862, when he removed to the
place where his son "Peter now resides, and where he
died in 1863.
He was politically a life-long Democrat, and never
aspired to office. He was liberal in matters of public
enterprise, and a promoter of church and kindred in-
terests. For many years he was a deacon and elder
of the North Branch Reformed Church, ofaciating as
elder at the time of his death.
Cornelius N. Dumont, a farmer in Branchburg,
was a member of the Centennial Board of Free-
holders in 1876, married Rachel, daughter of Peter
Brokaw. They have four children, Isaac N., Peter
Q., Frank N., and Jacob, all living. Abraham mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Samuel Potter, of Lamington,
N. J. They have two daughters and one son, Jennie,
Anna, and William E. Peter married Naomi, daugh-
ter of John Gaston ; they have three children, John
G., Cora, and Oliver.
ABRAHAM VAN NEST.
Among the first to penetrate the wilds of Somerset
County and to seek out a home in its virgin forests
was Peter Van Nest, who came from Long Island in
1683 and located on the Raritan, near Somerville.
From a conveyance of one hundred acres of land made
by him to his children in 1724, we learn that the latter
were Peter, Jeromus, John, George, Bernardus, Judith,
Catharine, Yacominca, and Hannah.
Jeromus is believed to have been the ancestor of
the subject of this sketch. His grandfather was
Abraham, who located soon after the close of the
Revolutionary war ^here his grandson, Jerome Van
Nest, resides, in Bedminster township, which became
the family seat of his line. Here he passed a long
and useful life as a farmer, doing his part cheerfully
and energetically to develop the resources of the
country and to establish its institutions. He married
Sarah Boovam, and his children were Jerome, John
A., Abraham, Rebecca, Anna, and Catharine.
John A. Van Nest was born on the home farm on
Jan. 23, 1782. In December, 1803, he married Jane,
daughter of George Van Nest. She was born on
Dec. 11, 1782. He passed his life engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits and abstained from all publicity,
living within the inner circles of society. He was
known as a man of integrity in all the relations of
life, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all
who knew him. He died on Jan. 19, 1858, aged
seventy-six years. His children were Catharine, wife
of George Lane, of Bridgewater, born Sept. 11, 1804;
Abraham, born Oct. 6, 1806 ; George, born April 5,
1810; and Sarah Ann, wife of Abraham Powelson,
of Bridgewater, born April 14, 1813. George was a
farmer, and succeeded his father on the home place.
He died of cholera on Nov. 12, 1866. His widow,
nie Margaret Davenport, and his sons, John, Abra-
ham, and Henry, occupy his late residence, near North
Branch.
The subject of this sketch was born where Mrs.
Margaret Van Nest resides, in Bridgewater township,
at the date given above. When eighteen years of
age he commenced learning the trade of a shoemaker
with Philip Vroom, of Bedminster, and followed that
pursuit for eleven years. In 1840 he established him-
self in the mercantile business at North Branch,
where he has since remained. He is purely a self-
made man, and from a humble position in life has by
industry and correct business habits and personal
deportment achieved success in the world, and, be-
sides accumulating a large and valuable estate, he
772
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
enjoys the confidence and respect of a wide range of
acquaintances and friends. He is a Eepublican in
politics, though he has never been a seeker after place.
He has been postmaster at North Branch for a decade
of years, having been appointed by President Grant
early in his first administration. He is a liberal con-
tributor to all worthy purposes, and has been actively
and oflicially connected with the Reformed Protestant
Dutch Church of North Branch for a long term of
years, filling the position of elder at the present writ-
ing (1880).
On Oct. 22, 1841, Mr. Van Nest married Mary Ann,
daughter of James Ten Eyck, of North Branch. Two
children were born to the union, viz., Esther J., wife
of Dr. James D. Van Derveer, of Liberty Corner, and
Catharine Isabel, who died in infancy.
a. VOORHEES QUICK.
G. Voorhees Quick is a grandson of Abraham
Quick, who was born in Hillsborough township, mar-
ried Catharine Beekman, born in Harlingen, and about
1776 settled the homestead, now occupied by our sub-
ject, and erected the house now standing on the place
and occupied as a tenant-house. He was a man of
sound judgment, an active member of the Reformed
Church of Neshanic, where he filled the offices of both
deacon and elder. He died about the year 1800. His
children were Joakim, Christopher, Abraham, Catha-
rine, Martha, Glis, Maria, Magdalene, and Anna.
His maternal grandfather was Uriah Van Deripe,
who married Ann Voorhees, by whom he had two
children, Jerianna and John.
Joakim Quick, his father, born in 1789, died on
the homestead in his sixty-sixth year, having passed
his days as a farmer on the old place. He enjoyed
the same connections witb the Neshanic Church as his
father. His wife was Jerriana, daughter of Jere-
miah Van Deripe, by whom he had four children,
viz., John, Catharine, Abraham J., and G. V. Quick.
Catharine became the wife of Calvin Pepper, of New
York City, John resides at Clover Hill, and Abraham
J. is a minister at Rochester, N. H. Joakim Quick
died in 1855.
G. Voorhees Quick was born on the home farm on
March 5, 1835, where he has since resided, engaged in
agricultural pursuits. His farm comprises one hun-
dred and thirty-four acres. He erected his tasteful
residence in 1876. He is a Republican in politics, but
no office-seeker, though he has served on the town
committee two years. He is a member of the Reformed
Church at South Branch, where he fills the office of
deacon. He is recognized as one of the successful,
representative farmers of his section of country, and
respected for his upright and consistent course of life.
On Nov. 28, 1860, he was united in marriage to Ju-
liana, daughter of John and Doratha (Welch) Craig,
of Tewksbury township, Hunterdon Co. Her great-
grandfather was a physician, served in the Revolu-
tionary war, and was a close friend of Gen. Washing-
ton. The children are Arthur Craig, born Oct. 22,
1864, and Louis Woodward, born June 20, 1871.
PETER G. SCHOMP.
Peter G. Schomp is a grandson of Peter Schomp,
one of the first settlers of the township of Readington,
Hunterdon Co. He was a farmer by occupation, and
a wealthy landowner, the tract of land that he owned
comprising about a thousand acres. His wife was
Margaret Hoff'man, of Flemington, N. J. Of the ten
children born to the marriage, George P., John P.,
Peter P., David P., and Jacob P. were the sons. Peter
Schomp was a devout member of the Reformed Church
of Readington, and died in 1809.
George P. Schomp was the oldest son of Peter
Schomp, and was born in Readington township.
Upon attaining manhood he engaged in agricultural
pursuits, and in that avocation passed his life. He
was an adherent of the Republican party, and, though
no aspirant for public position, filled various minor
offices in his township. He was an active and worthy
member of the Readington Reformed Church. He
was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth,
daughter of George Anderson, of Readington, who
bore him the following children, viz., Ann, who be-
came the wife of Cornelius M. Wyckofi", Peter G.,
George A., Jacob G., John G., David G., and Corne-
lius W. Mrs. Schomp died Nov. 2, 1818, and a few
'0-^yyj-42_^
^^W-C^ ^ «J^Q^
Tunis D. Myers was a grandson of Burtis Myers,
an early resident of Hunterdon County. His father,
Peter Myers, was a farmer by occupation, and resided
in Kingwood township in that county. Peter Myers
married Elizabeth Dilly, and had one child by the
union, Tunis D. Myers, the subject of this sketch.
The latter was born on May 2, 1806, and passed
the earlier years of his life on his father's farm. His
only educational advantages were an attendance at
seven quarters of school under nine school-teachers.
With this modest preparation for life's duties, his
father being poor, he left home at the age of eighteen
years to do for himself. He repaired to the old De-
mun farm in Branchburg, at present occupied by
John Vosseller, and began life as a farm laborer.
Later on he worked the place on shares for a number
of years, and in 1854 he purchased one hundred and
three acres of land, where his son, John B. D.
Myers, now resides. Here he remained twelve years,
when, owing to failing health, he removed to South
Branch, N. J., where he lived a retired life until his
death, May 30, 1880, at the age of seventy-four.
While Mr. Myers confined his attention closely to
his duties as a farmer, he was nevertheless active in
public afiairs, and took great interest in all matters
tending towards the advancement of the material
interests of his locality. He was a member of the
Democratic party and a strong supporter of the war.
but was never an aspirant for political place. He was
one of the founders of the township of Branchburg,
and a devout member of the Reformed Church of
Readington, with which he was officially connected
both as deacon and as elder. He contributed with a
liberal and generous hand to all worthy enterprises,
and was actively identified with the various public
movements of his day. At his death he enjoyed the
confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
His wife, who survives him, was Ann, daughter of
John Naylor, whom he married on Dec. 1, 1834, and
their children have been John B. D. and Elizabeth
Myers. The latter is the wife of John K. Reger, of
South Branch, and has a son, William M. Reger, who
was born Nov. 14, 1871.
John B. D. Myers was born July 3, 1839, and was
brought up on his father's farm. His education was
obtained at the district school and at the Trenton
(N. J.) Academy. He began the life of a farmer at
the age of twenty-two years on his present farm, and
has since resided there. He occupies an influential
position in the township ; is a Republican in politics,
and has filled the oflices of assessor, justice of the
peace, and collector, being an incumbent of the last
two positions in 1880. On March 13, 1866, he was
united in marriage to Mary L., daughter of Jacob
Vosseller, and has one child, Roger, born Aug. 29,
1871
HILLSBOROUGH.
773
years later Mr. Schomp married Mrs. Mary Vosseller.
By this marriage were born Tunis C. and Henry P.
Schomp. Mr. Schomp died on March 21, 1847, in
the sixty-ninth year of his age, and was buried on
his own farm.
Peter G. Schomp, to whom this sketch is dedicated,
was born on his father's farm in Readington on Aug.
28, 1801. His early advantages were limited, and his
daily life was that common among the farmers' sons
of his day. About the age of twenty-one years he
received a small allowance from his father and com-
menced farming in Readington on his own account.
In 1838 he purchased of Garret Probasco one hun-
dred and forty acres of land in Branchbiirg township,
Somerset Co., which his son George now occupies,
and here he took up his residence. To this tract Mr.
Schomp subsequently made additions, so that at pres-
ent (1880) he owns a fine farm of 200 acres, under a
good state of cultivation. He erected his present
substantial and handsome residence in 1860.
In the year 1821, Mr. Schomp was united in mar-
riage to Catharine, daughter of Aaron Kline, of Read-
ington. His children were George ; Catharine Ann,
who married John Sutphin, of Branchburg, and who
died in January, 1880 ; Elizabeth, who married Wil-
liam Wyckoff, of Branchburg, and who died May 3,
1863 ; Caroline, wife of Abraham H. Lane, of Branch-
burg ; and John, who died July 31, 1846, aged five
years.
Mr. Schomp has now attained the advanced age of
seventy-nine years, and is still a well-preserved and
energetic old gentleman. His has been a singularly
active and laborious life, and the success which has
crowned it has been due to his energy of character
and to close and faithful performance of duty. By
industry and economy he has gathered together a fine
estate, and he enjoys the highest respect and esteem
of all who know him. While he has always been a
supporter of the principles of the Democratic party,
he has avoided political strife and confined his labors
strictly to his chosen avocation. He has always been
a liberal supporter of the benevolent and philan-
thropic enterprises of the day, and has been a mem-
ber of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of
Readington for about forty years, a portion of this
time filling the offices of deacon and elder.
hillsboeough;
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This is the largest township in the county of Som-
erset. Its present boundaries are as follows : North
by the Raritan River, which separates it from the
town of Bridgewater ; northwest by the South Branch
of the Raritan, which separates it from the town of
Branchburg ; southwest by the county line, which
separates it from the towns of Raritan and East Am-
well. In Hunterdon County; south by the town of
Montgomery; east by the Millstone River, which
separates it fi-om the town of Franklin. The town-
ship contains 389 farms, and its superficial area is
37,894 acres, or 59.21 square miles. Its population,
as given in the census of 1880, is 3249.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the eastern part is level or gently
undulating; the soil is red sandstone. The surface
of the western part is hilly ; the soil consists of clay
and loam. Neshanic Mountain, composed of trap
rock, enters the southwest corner and extends into
the township about 5 miles ; it is about 500 feet high.
With the exception of the top of this mountain, the
* By EeT. E. T. Corwin, D.D.
whole township is well cultivated. But very little
timber-land is now to be seen.
The streams wholly within the township are com-
paratively small. The Neshanic River crosses the
northwest corner, and after a northeasterly course of
about 3 miles flows into the South Branch of the Rar-
itan. Royce Brook has several sources at the foot of
Neshanic Mountain, near Flaggtown, and after flow-
ing southeasterly about 3 miles, and northeasterly
about 4 miles, with a sudden turn to the south for
a quarter of a mile, it flows into the Millstone at
Weston. No Pike Brook courses southeasterly about
3 miles on the southern border, and, turning south-
ward, flows through Montgomery township into
Beeden's Brook. Cattail Bun, or Rock Brook, passes
through a gorge in Neshanic Mountain, near the
southwest corner of the township, at Bock Mills, and
becomes the north branch of Beeden's Brook. Very
many small streams, a mile or two long, issuing from
springs, flow into the larger brooks or the rivers on
the borders. The Millstone River forms a crooked
boundary on the east, extending about 8 miles by the
course of the river. This stream, owing to the level
character of the country and the mill-dams upon it,
is more than 100 feet wide and 5 or 6 feet deep. It
flows into the Raritan.
774
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
LESAL DESCRIPTION OP THE TOWNSHIP.
There seems to be no record preserved of the for-
mation of Hillsborough township. In 1693 the Legis-
lative Assembly divided the counties into townships,
extending Piscataway, on the south side of the Rari-
tan, from the Somerset line of 1683 (see Map) to the
South River and the western bounds of the province.
This included nearly all of Franklin, the southeast-
ern part of Hillsborough, the southeastern half of
Montgomery, and much more territory besides. In
subsequent acts, when the towns are specified for as-
sessment and other causes, we always find the county
of Somerset named with the towns of the province.*
Bridgewater received a royal patent or charter in
1749. It is highly probable that the southern part of
the county (all south of the Raritan) received a char-
ter at the same time.
In 1760 an act was passed for running the lines
between the several counties and respective town-
ships.! -'^t tl'is time Hillsborough, including Mont-
gomery, was styled the " Western Precinct" ; it was
more commonly known, however, as Hillsborough.
In 1775 this title was in common use, and gave name
to the church of Millstone, which was then incorpo-
rated as " Hillsborough."
In 1798, under the general law for the incorporation
of each of the several townships of the State, it was
directed that the township of Hillsborough should be
styled and known by the name of " The Inhabitants
of the Township of Hillsborough, in the County of
Somerset."
LAND TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
Hillsborough township was long disputed ground
between the proprietors of East and West Jersey.
Keith's partition line, which was run in 1687, consti-
tutes the present western boundary of the town and
of the county. But Lawrence's line, which was run in
1743, threw by far the larger portion of the township
into West Jersey. According to Map No. II. in the
Elizabethtown bill of chancery (1747), Lawrence's
line runs about a mile west of the present Millstone
church. The same is true according to the map of
the commissioners of 1769, appointed by the Legisla-
tive Assembly of the province. This latter map is
reissued in the reprint of Smith's " History of New
Jersey," 1877. But if we take the tree by the John
M. Mann house, just west of Somerville, as a true
point on the line, and run a straight course on our
present maps to Little Egg Harbor, the line falls a
quarter of a mile east of Millstone, in Franklin town-
ship.
The present line between the townships of Still-
water and Hampton, in Sussex County, is a remnant
of Lawrence's line. But this, if extended on our latest
maps, crosses the Millstone at Weston, runs nearly
two miles east of Millstone, and falls into the sea far
» See laws of 1695, p. 354; 1698, pp. 371-74; 1713, p. 16; 1726, p. 69.
â– f Allison's Laws, p. 327.
to the east of Little Egg Harbor. It is also stated in
the preamble to the laws subsequently passed con-
cerning this line that private parties had often mu-
tually agreed as to where the line should run between
their respective plantations. Some of the land titles
in the village of Millstone, and north of it along the
river, are recorded at Burlington, while others farther
west are recorded at Amboy. The deed of the origi-
nal parsonage farm, in 1774 (now owned by Joseph
V. S. Van Doren), nearly a mile north of the village,
and on the west side of the Millstone, is described as
being in Middlesex County ! Millstone village often
passed under the name of Hillsborough, and is some-
times called Middleburg in early deeds. Many titles
along the Millstone are on record at Trenton, in the
office of the Secretary of State, while others were re-
corded in Middlesex County, long after Somerset was
formed. It is not likely that the burning of two suc-
cessive court-houses (at Six-Mile Run in 1787, and at
Millstone in 1779) caused the loss of many valuable
papers, as several early statutes required titles to be
recorded at the capital of the province. Perhaps only
the books of the board of freeholders and justices,
together with the charter of Hillsborough and Frank-
lin, with some loose papers on current business, were
lost.
Under the Dutch sway there was no land formally
taken up within this township, with perhaps a single
exception. The late Rockhill Robeson, of Weston,
in 1866 assured the writer that family papers showed
his ancestors settled on the Millstone River (on which
side was not stated) as early as 1642, and that they
removed to Philadelphia in 1666.
It was under the twenty-four proprietors that the
valleys of the Millstone and the Raritan began to be
permanently settled. Their government lasted for
twenty years from 1682. Of these proprietors. Son-
mans, Hart, Plumstead, Cooper, Lawrie, and Barker
had land set ofi" to them in what afterwards became
the township of Hillsborough. Lawrie sold 250 acres
of the meadows on the south side of the Raritan, in
1682, to James Graham, John White, Samuel Winder,
and Cornelius Courzer.J The proprietors in posses-
sion, in the same year, sold 3000 acres in the angle
of the Raritan and Millstone Rivers (exclusive of
the above meadows) to Capt. Anthony Brockholls,
William Rinborne, John Robinson, Capt. Mathias
Nicholls, and Samuel Edsall. In 1683, John Ben-
nett purchased an irregular plot at the northwest of
the township, embracing Neshanic and Clover Hill.
In 1685, John Royce bought the tract at the angle of
the Raritan and Millstone of Brockholls & Co.,| and
required a title from the proprietors, || as well as from
the above company. This plot extended up the Mill-
stone to " Indian Wigwam" (now the place of Isaac
Brower, Esq.), and up the Raritan 3J miles (opposite
X Amboy Records, Lib. A, 273 ; Trenton, Lib. A, 251.
g Trenton, Lib. A, 202, 206.
1 Ibid., 273, 274.
Early Purchasers
~X^^^j^^4.iiaBroolL^, LLS B r'o U GHr~M oTl T GOm'e'r ^(
I |.7i?rW,.-r*' ^^C^^^ ' franklin'townships ^
CompilcBl fr-am JlcedsMap KSS
(uuiXocdlirops
Jlcvltcd 5y XJ.X.COIIWIX.'JJD.
^awfhct afSottLfTsct
RESIDENTS IN 1766.»
\
\ 'B'^iod Jjots
10
11
12
13
14
16
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
Dr. Meroer (in Middlesex).
Philip Freneh.
Henry Gnart.
Philip French (at One-Mile
P. French's Farm House.
Eoad to Millstone.
John Shanks.
John Kent.
Three-Mile Bun.
Cornelius Waldron's Tavern.
John Van Liew.
Jooobus Cornell.
(John Bennett.
Cornelius Bennett.
Samuel Oarretson.
Fulkert Van Nostrandts.
Rot. John Light (Leydt).
William Williamson.
Nicholas Van Lewon.
Jacob Wikoff.
Simon Wikoff.
John Pyatt.
Six-Mile Run (Brook).
Philip Kearney,
f Simon Hagaman.
I Benjamin Hagaman.
I Peter Suydam.
( John Suydam.
â– 27.
28
29
Ran, west side of brook) .
26. Widow Stryker.
Peter Pomme (Pumyea).
John Manley.
f William Stothoff.
\ John Stothoff.
30. Widow Wood's Tarem.
31. Dutch Chnroh.
32. Joseph Qifford (Tavern).
33. Adrian Manley.
34. Nioholas Johnson.
36. Nine-Mile Rnn (Widow Hoagland),
36. Jacobus Wyokoff.
37. Daniel Barcalow.
38. Peter Qulick (Gate).
39. Still House.
40. DoUis Hegeman.
41. Jacobus Labre.
42. John Qulick.
43. Tunis Quick.
44. Jacob Van Dyke.
46. William Donaldson.
46. William Williamson (Tavern).
47. Cornelius De Hart.
48. Benjamin Comlin.
49. Jedediah Higgins.
60. Presbyterian Church at Kingston.
61. Dr. Hendrickson.
62. Forman's Mill.
63. Barefoot 3rinson.
54. Richard Stockton (Whitehouse).
65. Capt, Howard.
56. Samuel Brinson.
57. John Opdike.
58. Richard Stookton, Esq.
59. Ezekiel Forman.
60. Joseph Olden.
61. Robert Stookton.
62. Joseph Stockton.
63. Sylvanus Hunt.
64. Worth's Mill.
66. Samuel Worth.
66. Samuel Stockton.
67. Edward Bainbridge.
68. Hendrik Bergen (place of Simcoe's capture).
69. Peter Rapalje.
70. John Spader.
71. Fred. Van Liew.
72. Garret Voorhees.
73. Benjamin Van Doren.
74. John Sehureman.
75. Denice Van Liew (De Heiater's fort).
76. Hend. Probasco (and fort).
77. Ann Van Liew (Cornwallis' fort).
*Takfcn from a survey In 1766, in posaeasiun of Che. Deshler,
of New BruDBwIck
HILLSBOROUan.
775
th.e present village of Raritan), its southwestern cor-
ner being near the present Roycefield school. It was
stipulated that this plot should be called Eoycefield.
Boyce was obliged to confirm Graham & Co. in the
possession of their meadow-land,* and he soon after
sold 1100 acres of this plot to John Robinson.f
Glowing appeals were now made and eager pur-
chasers soon arrived. June 10, 1688, William Dock-
wra, having induced large emigration from England
and Scotland to New Jersey, received patents for
2000 acres in the valleys of the Millstone and Rari-
tan, and for 3815 acres on the tributaries of the Mill-
stone, to be subsequently located. Oldmixon, in his
History of the British Empire, says :
" The western part of Middlesex County is watered by Millstone Eiver,
which runs through a pleasant valley belonging to Mr. William Dockwra,
of London. "
These lands were on both sides of the Millstone.
In Hillsborough land was allotted to him southwest
of Royce's great tract, corresponding roughly with
the present Bloomingdale school district.
About 1690, Capt. Clement Plumstead obtained a
large grant on the west side of Millstone River, ex-
tending from Peace Brook to Blackwell's Mills, and
west a little beyond the road passing by the residence
of Joseph Van Cleef. Thom'as Barker had the next
plantation on the Millstone, extending from Black-
well's Mills to the present southerly bound of the
township, and west as far as Plumstead's land. In
the same year Thomas Cooper purchased the large
plot on the south side of the Raritan, containing 2000
acres; what is now called Beekman's Lane is the
westerly bound of this plot. In 1692 the proprietors
sold 640 acres to Daniel Hooper, extending down the
Raritan half a mile and up the South Branch a mile,
embracing the present village of Branchville.
Arent Sonmans became possessed of five full shares
of East Jersey, but these were not located in his life-
time. His son Peter inherited his rights. In 1693 he
became possessed of all the remainder of our present
Hillsborough township not previously taken up, and
the greater part of Montgomery. His line began
near Clover Hill, and ran southeasterly along the
county line 6^ miles to a point about 2 miles south-
west of Blawenburg; thence east, and southeast to
the Millstone River, near Rocky Hill, and thence
down the river a mile and a half to the plantation of
Benthall. Following near the western lines of Ben-
thall. Hart, Barker, Plumstead, and Royce (leaving a
considerable gore, however), it struck the Raritan,
and, with the said river, wound around the planta-
tions of Cooper, Hooper, and Bennett; it returned to
the western county line near Clover Hill, the place of
beginning.
Thus, within eleven years after the proprietors
came into power, aU the land of Hillsborough was
taken up. It began to be permanently settled about
1690
This territory was not to be exempt from confusion
of titles. The sales of John Royce are involved in
considerable perplexity on account of conflicting
grants and of Royce's dishonesty. Mr. Royce ob-
tained a second patent, extending his plantation
westward so as to encroach on Cooper and southward
on Plumstead. He must also have encroached on
Dockwra on the southwest. While he originally re-
ceived about 5 square miles, in 1685, he now claimed
about 8. In 1693 he mortgaged this large plot for
one thousand years to Charles Winder for £206, with
the privilege of redeeming it in three years.J This
he never did, but still continued to dispose of the
lands, and the executors of both parties claimed the
same territory. If Royce should redeem the land of
Winder by Oct. 25, 1696, then Winder's estate should
cease in said tract, and the premises were to go to
Peter Van Nest and Michael Dimockson. July 15,
1698, Dimockson granted Eoycefield embracing
about 8 square miles at the angle of the Raritan and
Millstone to Barnett R. Q. Miller for £300. It is
described as beginning on the north side of a meadow
heretofore belonging to John Robinson, and thence
running south on the east side of Cooper's land, 8
miles, and thence in a straight line to the head of
Peace Brook, and down Peace Brook to Millstone
River, and down the Millstone and up the Raritan to
the place of beginning. Graham's meadows are again
excepted.?
But, notwithstanding the above, we find Royce and
Dockwra selling 2300 acres of land on Millstone River
and Royce's Brook to John Covers, June 1, 1702.
March 6, 1711, Covers sold the same tract, styled
meadow-land, to William Post for £300. || June 10,
1702, Thomas Cooper, of London, by his attorneys,
Richard Hartshorne and Richard Salter, sold to Peter
Demunt, for £380, his tract of land on the Raritan,
containing 2000 acres. 1[
On June 3, 1703, Royce sold to Andrew Coejeman,.
of Albany, for £80, a tract of land on the south side
of the Raritan, to be specifically known as Royce-
field:
" Beginning at a small maple-tree at the mouth of a small stream of
water, in a gully by Edward Drinkwater's land ; thence running south 9i
chains ; thence west 48 chains ; thence north 123 chains j thence north 3°
west 23 chains to the said river; thence by the said river west 6 chains
and 25 links ; thence south 3° east 23 chains; thence east 6 chains and 26^
links to a walnut-tree ; thence east by a meadow formerly sold by Boyce
to Graham, and so to the flrst-mentioned maple-tree, containing 600
acres.**
April 13, 1705, Royce sold a tract of land on the
Millstone River to Derick Volkerse.
In 1708, Royce died, and Nov. 22, 1709, his execu-
tors, John Barron, John Harrison, and Mary Craw-
ley, sold to Philip Hedman, according to Royce's will,
a tract of land on the Raritan. It is described as.
* Trenton, Lib. A, 251.
t Ibid., 213, 214.
X Ibid., Lib. E, 527-29.
g Ibid., Lib. F, 663.
I Early records at New Brunswick, 160.
K Ibid., p. 171.
** Parchment deed at Amboy.
776
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
lying between Earitan River, John Van Dine's land,
Ananias Allen's land, Royce's Brook, and Millstone
River. Its value was £1350.* In 1712, Hedman sold
the same tract to Michael Van Vechte and his asso-
ciates, viz., Dirck Volkerae, William Post, Ananias
Allen, John Wortman, John Tunison, Cornelius Tu-
nison, Uria Andriese, and Peter Van Nest. But this
land, as well as the adjoining tract on the south of
Royce Brook, was also claimed by the executors of
Winder. This Dutch company, however, having
come in some way into possession of £500 of Royce's
estate, from which they had honestly purchased the
tract, with this money leased the two tracts of Win-
der's executors for the yet unexpired term of Win-
der's lease, viz., 979 years, mutually binding one
another to make up the £500 if Royce's heirs should
ever recover it.f Thus were the titles of Van Vechte
6 Co. made perfect. In 1703, therefore, the Dutch
came into Roycefield, and in 1712 into Royston, a
name now forgotten by the inhabitants of Harmony
Plains.J
June 10, 1710, Peter Sonmans sold out of his great
tract what is called the Harlingen or 9000-acre tract.
It was an irregularly-shaped plot, about two-thirds of
it lying in Hillsborough and one-third of it in Mont-
gomery township. The Dutch company who made
this purchase consisted of Octavio Conraats, Abram
Wendell, merchant, Adrian Hooglant, Isaac Gover-
neur, all of the city of New York ; Anna Volkerse,
widow, of Kings Co., L. I. ; Henry Hegeman, Francis
Van Lewen, William Beekman, all of Queens Co.,
L. I ; Joseph Hegeman, Hendrick Veghte, Cornelius
Van Duyn, Wouten Van Pelt, Ort Van Pelt, all of
Kings Co., L. I. ; Dirck Volkerse, of New .lersey ;
Peter Cortelyou, Jacob Van Dyke, Claas Volkerse,
all of Kings Co., L. I. It was bounded as follows :
Beginning at the south (north ?) corner of land of William Plumetead, "
being 1}^ miles and 4 chains from Millstone River; thence south-south-
west 2-)^ miles and 8 chains: thence west-northwest 1 mile and 18 chains;
thence south-southwest 2% miles and 7 chains; thence west 3)^ miles
and 3 chains to the partition line between East and "West Jersey ; thence
north 14° west 30 cliains, along said division line ;^ thence north 53° east
7 miles and 20 chains; thence east, 1 mile and 17 chains to the place of
beginning; having the lands of Plumstea^I, Barker, Hart, and Bcnthall
on the east, the division line on the west, and lands of said Sonmans on
the north and south."
Peter Sonmans sold another tract of 320 acres, for
£30, March 13, 1711, to Isaac De-Riemer, of New
York. This plot was at the northeast corner of the
Harlingen tract, and the deed is now in possession of
Rynier Staats, son of John R. Staats. It was be-
tween the lands of Royce on the northeast, Thomas
Cooper on the northwest, and on the southeast were
the lands of Veghte, Lawrence, Volkerse, and Cortel-
you, of the Harlingen tract. This plot was subse-
quently purchased by John Staats, previously of Mill-
stone. He sold the property to his son ,Iohn in 1770.
* Early records at New Brunswick, 174.
t Ibid., 192.
t Ibid.
g This is on the top of Neshanic Mountain.
The latter was the grandfather of the late John R.
Staats, who lived on the place; it is now owned by
Garret Cortelyou. The west part of it is now in pos-
session of the Strykers.ll
Feb. 28, 1742, Clement Plumstead gave his plot of
2000 acres to William Plumstead (a brother or son).
At this time Plumstead's tract was still bounded by
Barker's land on the south, and on the west by Cor-
telyou's, Volkerse's, Lawrence's, and Veghte's (of the
Harlingen tract), and on the north by Peace Brook,
which separated Plumstead's land from that of Post
and Powelson. About 1750, William Plumstead sold
the land between the Amwell road and Peace Brook
to Benjamin Thompson, and May 1, 1752, he sold
246 acres on the south side of the Amwell road, run-
ning west 1 mile and 13 chains, and south about 25
chains, to Christian Van Doron for £740. Dec. 12,
1755, the latter sold the same to his son, John Van
Doren, for £100. Lawrence Van Cleef had already
bought to the south and west of the Van Doren tract,
and Henry Van Derveer had purchased to the west of
Thompson.
About 1720-30, Hendrick Wilson, of Long Island,
bought the southern part of Volkerse's tract, which
lay north of the new Amwell road, and between the
Millstone River and Royce Brook. In 1755, Hen-
drick Wilson, Sr., sold to Hendrick Wilson, Jr., a
tract of land containing 88| acres, having about 150
feet on the Millstone River, and running back about a
mile and a half in a west-southwest direction.1[ This
plot was bounded by Peter Stryker's land on the north
(next to the river), by Wyndert Wilson's on the north
(farther west), and by the land of Hendrick Wilson,
Sr., on the west and south. The purchaser was to
pay to the heirs of John Royce, yearly, upon the 25th
of March, one halfpenny sterling for each acre, in-
stead of all other rents, quit-rents, etc.
Hendrick Wilson's will was written in 1750. In
1765 his estate was separated into nine lots, to be di-
vided among his four sons Myndert, John, Henry,
and Peter and his daughter Hannah. John Brokaw,
Esq., made the map to show the division. Myndert
received tlie place now owned by William French;
Henry, part of that now owned by John Brokaw;
John received land now owned by Albert Voorhees;
while Peter received the farm now owned by Joseph V.
S. Van Doren. The farm now owned by Isaac Brower
passed, before 1771, into the hands of John Brokaw.
He sold this place in 1771 to Abram Brokaw for £170.
Henry Wilson sold his place in 1777 to Mrs. Sarah
Yard, of Philadelphia. It consisted of 205 acres.**
The following year Mrs. Yard deeded this place to
her daughter Ann. ft She married Gen. Frederick
Frelinghuysen (after the death of his fir^t wife, in
1794), and this place ultimately passed into the pos-
II Lib. J (?), 398-400.
1[ Burlington re&jrds. Lib. II ^
** Il)ld.,322.
tt lijld., 330.
@
fi
â– it
H
W
IMI
g
i
S
IP
@
S)
@
'' ^ J^5S^\^
/^' ,t>; f5^;L
^T4^^
J.
bft ""-' 11-7 iMaSuV^ SS"i
>^~r'.
LiArl Wy %^^0£oJ^
Joseph H. Van CLEEr is a grandson of Oornelius
Van Cleof, whose father, Isaac, was the first settler of the
Van Cleefs in Somerset Co., N. J., selecting his farm
about one-half of a mile south of Millstone, where he
reared a family of ten children, the youngest of whom.
Van Marter, is living at Millstone, in 1880, in the eighty-
ninth year of his age.
Cornelius Van Cleof, born Jan. 21, 1777, on the old
homestead, married, Feb. 17, 1799, Margaret Kershow,
who bore him children as follows: Cornelius, born Sept.
16, 1799; Isaac, born Aug. 15, 1801; George, born July
2, 1804; Jane, wife of John D. Post, born Feb. 18, 1808;
and Matilda, wife of Garret Hageman, born June 13,
1811. Cornelius Van Cleef purchased and settled on one
hundred and fifty-six acres of land in 1812, in the town-
ship of Hillsborough, the same being now owned and
occupied by his grandson, the subject of this sketch.
Here he lived the remainder of his days leading the
quiet life of a farmer, although he was by trade a car-
penter and joiner. . He belonged to the old Federal
party, and was a member of the Whig party during its
existence. He died July 10, 1855. His wife died April
20, 1856.
George Van Cleef, father of our subject, succeeded to
the old homestead. Married Achsah , daughter of Joseph
and Fanny (Drake) Holcombe, of Lambertville, Sept.
24, 1834. She was born Oct. 26, 1807, and died Feb.
14, 1866. He died Dec. 4, 1865. He was a farmer
through life, and a, man of strict integrity in all his
business relations. He took no active part in politics,
yet was a firm supporter of the Whig and Republican
parties. He was known as an unobtrusive and upright
Christian man, and was for some thirty j'ears a mem-
ber of the Dutch Eeformed Church at Harlingen. Both
he and his father before him represented their church in
the Reformed Church Synod. His children arc Cornelius
G., born May 16, 1836; Joseph Holcombe, born Jan. 25,
1838; Sophia Somers, wife of John Vreeland, of Mill-
stone, born April 24, 1841 ; and George Spencer, born
Feb. 8, 1845.
Joseph H. received a good education during his
minority, but choosing a business instead of a profes-
sional life, he succeeded his father on the homestead
purchased by his grandfather, and has since been en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. His commodious and
elegantly constructed buildings, and all that pertains to
the farm, show the hand of an intelligent, thrifty, and
judicious farmer. Mr. Van Cleef is interested in all
worthy local enterprises, and contributes liberally to
their support. He is a member of the Dutch Reformed
Church at Millstone, and has ofBciated as deacon. In
this church he takes a leading part in the service of song,
and has acted as leader of the choir for several years.
In politics he is a Republican, and during the war was
elected one of the township committee, which position
he filled for seven consecutive years, doing efficient
service. He has been chosen to fill other minor offices.
He married, Sept. 18, 1861, Miss Mary Jane, daughter of
Richard, and granddaughter of Jeremiah Field, of Pis-
cataway, Middlesex Co., JST. J. The children born of
this union are Mamie Cropsey and Emma Dey Van
Cleef.
Pbter N. Betekman was born in Hillsborough town-
ship, Marcli 22, 1808. His great-grandfather, Gerardus,
settled in Somerset County during its early history, and
purchased a large tract of land where Griggstown is
now located.
Abraham, grandfather of our subject and son of Ge-
rardus, was born at Griggstown about the year 1738.
and there resided during his life, a farmer. His wife
was Ann Voorhees, who died May 25, 1817, aged sixty-
five years. He died Sept. 3, 1818. His children were
G-erardus, John A., Kalph V., Abraham A., Jacob,
Isaac, Ellen, and Catherine.
Abraham A. Beekman, father of our subject, born
Jan. 23, 1784, died Aug. 20, 1862. His wife was Ma-
tilda, daughter of Peter L. Nevius. of Hillsborough,
whom he married Nov. 4, 1806. She was born Sept. 5,
1789, and died Jan. 8, 1873. He was u, shoemaker by
trade, and followed that business until 1815, when he
purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres,
about a mile south of Millstone, where his only son, Peter
N. Beekman, now resides, the farm having been in pos-
session of the family since its purchase. Here he resided
the remainder of his life and carried on farming. He
subsequently added fifty acres to his original purchase,
making the number of acres one hundred and eighty-
two. He was the first man in his township to use a lime
fertilizer on his land, and was in every sense of the term
a, representative farmer.
In politics he was a Whig, and became a member of
the Eepublican party upon its formation. For several
years he was justice of the peace. He was a man of
great energy and strong resolution, and possessed those
qualities of integrity in all his business relations that
make a good citizen. Peter N. Beekman received lim-
ited opportunities for obtaining an education, but so im-
proved them at the common school and under private
instruction_as to obtain a good education for boys of
iZ^^
his time. He has resided on the farm where he now is
since its purchase by his father. For many years he
followed surveying in his own and adjoining townships,
beginning as early as 1822, and a noticeable fact in con-
nection with this business is, that during his many years'
experience he has settled and fixed the boundaries of
many lines in dispute, and thus avoided litigation of the
parties by his counsel and exact surveys and measure-
ments.
For nine years beginning with 1844 he was secretary
of the Hillsborough Fire Insurance Company, and for
some time was assistant engineer of the Millstone and
New Brunswick Eailroad. He is a member of the Ee-
publican party, and was formerly a Whig. He bus been
interested in all local enterprises tending to the improve-
ment of the township and' the prosperity of its people,
and has always been especially interested in the educa-
tion of the rising generation. Under the old law he
was township superintendent of schools of Hillsborough
for several years, and has acted on the township com-
mittee. For very many years he has done conveyan-
cing in the vicinity, and was commissioner of deeds for
some ten years.
During the last six years prior to 1880 Mr. Beekman
has been an invalid and unable to attend to the usual
duties of life, but his life has been one of activity and
devoted to business pursuits. He is known as a man of
correct habits and sterling integrity. For his first wife
he married, Jan. 28, 1835, Ann Elizabeth, daughter of
Col. Henry Duryoe, of Blawenburg, N. J., who died
Jan. 2, 1837, having been born Aug. 6, 1812. His second
wife, Rachel Ann, daughter of W^illiam Beardslee, of
Bound Brook, but formerly of Sussex County, he mar-
ried Jan. 27, 1841. She died May 22, 1867, having been
born March 26, 1820. His children by this union are
Matilda, widow of the late Ferdinand S. Wilson, a law-
yer at Millstone, Fannie Maria, and Abram A. Beekman.
HILLSBOROUGH.
Tvr
session of Dr. James B. Elmendorf, who married
their daughter Elizabeth.
The property on each side of Peace Brook had
passed into the hands of Abram Duryea, of New
York. In 1790 he sold it to Gen. Frederick Freling-
huysen for £1500. It contained 29 acres, extending
about a mile and a quarter west from the church lot,
being bounded on the west by lands of Ezekiel Elli-
son and Adrian Merrill, on the north by those of Er-
nestus Van Harlingen, and touched a lot of Mershon
on the northeast, and the lot of Dr. Van Buren on the
southeast ; it did not extend to the river. Hon. Theo-
dore Frelinghuysen inherited the portion of this farm
lying south of Peace Brook about 1809, and sold it
to Daniel Disborough in 1811 for $6462 ; it contained
161 acres. Frederick Frelinghuysen, a brother of
Theodore, retained that part of the farm north of
Peace Brook until 1820, when he died. It subse-
quently passed into the possession of William Beards-
lee, and is now owfled by Edward Baker, an English-
man.
John Harrison, who owned extensive plots in Frank-
lin, at an early date became also the owner of a tract
of land in the southeastern part of Hillsborough, pre-
viously belonging to Thomas Barker. In 1714, Harri-
son sold 215 acres to Cornelius Cornell, of Kings Co.,
L. I., for £641. This plot was bounded south by
lands of Rip Van Dam, the noted lawyer of New
York, west by those of Peter Sonmans, north by lands
of Jacques Durys. In 1725, Cornelius Cornell sold
this plot to William Cornell, having the same neigh-
bors, except in the north, where Daniel Polhemus
owned land. This is now in part the farm of Peter
I. Nevius.
Isaac Van Nuys, son of Jan, the ancestor of a now
numerous family, came to Hillsborough, southwest
of Somerville, where Abraham Voorhees now lives.
His brother Jacobus lived where Joseph Davis now
resides.
Derrick Van Veghten resided on the banks of the
Raritan, near what is now called the " old bridge."
The American army was quartered on his land in the
winter of 1778-79. He died Nov. 29, 1781, aged
eighty-four.
Henry Veghte,* who married the daughter of John
Van Middlesworth, purchased a large tract of land
in Eoycefield, afterwards owned and occupied by
Capt. Jchn Wyckoff. He and his wife died young,
leaving three children ; one son, Eynier, died in Feb-
ruary, 1833, in his eightieth year, leaving two sons,
Henry (who was the father of R. H. Veghte, now
living on the homestead farm, and also of Benjamin
T., John, and Henry Veghte) and Eynier, who left
one son, John V., who resides now on the farm where
his father died in 1871, aged eighty-three.
The following family histories are taken mostly
* A Bon of Eynier, who was son of Hendrick, and grandson of the emi-
grant who came in 1660 and settled on Long Island.
50
from Hon. Ealph Voorhees' papers, and give us a
good idea of the original settlers.
THE VAN CLEEF FAMILY.
Jan Van Cleef was born in 1628. He married Engeltje Louwerens,
daughter of Louwereus Preterse, prior to 1661, and settled at New
Utrecht, L. I,, as early as 1659. His children, and years of their baptism,
were: 1, Catharine, 1681 ; 2. Benjamin, 1683; 3. Joseph, 1083; 4. Angelica;
5. Ceytie, 1688; 6, Isbrant; 7. Nelke; 8. Cornelius, who married Fem-
mei^e Van de Water. His children were John, of Giavesend, the ancestor
of the Gravesend and New Utrecht Van Cleef families, and Laurens, who
settled in New Jersey.
The children of Benjamin (2) are as follows: 9. Lysbeth, who married
William Cowenhoven ; 10. Joannes, who married (1) Maria Kroffert and
(2) Sarah Cowenhoven ; 11. Derick, who died young; 12. Marike, married
Jane Berkan; 13. Derick, married Elizabeth Leek; 14. Benjamin, mar-
ried Helen Cowenhoven in 1741 ; 15. Nelke, who married Hendrick
Vanderbilt; 16. Laurens, who died prior to 1780 (married Jannetje Laan);
17. Helena, who married John Brown ; 18. Joseph, who married Sytio
Van Wickelen; 19. Elsie, who married William Bayrt (Bayard?); 20.
Antje, who married Jan Wilson.
The children of Laurens (16) are as follows : 21. Jacob, 1731 ; 22. Fem-
metje, 1733; 23. Laurens, 1737 ; 24. Jannetje, 1739 ; 25. Isaac, born 1742,
and married Dorcas Pumyea, 1769 (she was born April 13, 1749, and died
March 28, 1812 ; he died June 30, 1804) ; 26. Jacob.
The children of Isaac (25), with dates of birth and death, are as fol-
lows: 27. Jane, Feb. 1, 1770, June 5,1851; 28. Mary, Oct. 4,1771, Feb.
11,1861; 29. Laurence, Feb. 2, 1773, Jan. 8, 1862; 30. Peter, Nov. 30,
1774, June 27, 1842 ; 31. Cornelius, Jan. 21, 1777, Jnly 10, 1856 ; 32. Jacob,
May 27, 1779, Nov. 19, 18-17 ; 33. Isaac, Feb. 16, 1781, Feb. 2, 1863 ; 34.
Abraham, July 3, 1786, March 7, 1870 ; 35. John, Nov. 22, 1786, Dec. 3,
1858 (married Jane Ann Duryea, of Millstone) ; 36. Margaret, March 30,.
1789, May 14, 1790 ; 37. Van Mater, May 21, 1792, still living, 1880.
The children of John (35) are as follows : 38. Rev. Paul Duryea Van
Cleef, D.D., of Jersey City (born July 31, 1821, and married (1) Catalina
Onderdonk and (2) Amelia Leutot) ; 39. John V. N., of New Brunswick v
40. Isaac; 41. Whitney; 42. JaneD.; 43. Elizabeth; 44. Theodore F.
The Van Cleefs are now very numerous in Somerset County. Those-
in the vicinity of Millstone are mostly descended from Isaac (25).
John Van Cleef, Sr., of Six.Mile Bun, married Grietje, widow of John
Vleet, Jr., and had children who were baptized and married as follows t
Rebecca, 1764, George Wyckoff, of Potterstown ; Maria, 1756, Capt. Simon
Addis, Six-Mile Run ; Sarah, 1769,<Abraham De Hart, Six-Mile Bun ;
John, 1762, Sarah Van Dyke, of Harlingen ; Johanna, 1765. John Wyckoff
(father of John V. C.) lived and died at Millstone, where his son lives.
During the Revolution some British soldiers came to the house of John
Van Cleef, Sr., and, in order to tantalize and provoke him, ordered him
to march along with them as their prisoner. Being a cripple, he was
compelled to walk with two canes. Having gone with them to the main
road, one of the soldiers exclaimed, " Let the d d rebel go I He is not
worth taking along." He then hobbled back the way in which he
came.t
BEEKMAN FAMILY.
Wilhelmus or William Beekmang was born at Hassett, province of
Overyssel, Holland, in 1623, was sent to this country in 1647 by the Dutch
West India Company as one of their agents, and was among the earliest
magistrates of New Amsterdam. In July, 1658, he was appointed vice-
director at AJtona, on the Delaware, being invested with all the power of
the company in that region. In New York for many years he served as
schepen (aldeiman) and burgomaster (mayor), also as schont (sheritF).
His lands lay principally in the vicinity of what are now Beekman and
William streets, New York, which were named after him. He died in
1707 aged eighty-ttve. By his wife, Catharine de Bough, he had four
sons Henry, Gerardus, William, and John and at least one daughter,
Maria, who married Nicholas, son of Peter Stuyvesant. Gerardus was a
physician, and settled at Flatbnsh, L. L He possessed large tracts on the
Raritan and Millstone Rivers.
Christopher, son of Dr. (otherwise " Col.") Gerardus Beekman, settled
in Somerset County, and was the first of the name here. His children,
named in his will, were Gerardus, Adrian, Christopher, Abraham, Cor
nelia, Magdalena, M aria, and Catharine.
•j- See Corwin's " Manual."
X See Van Vleet family.
3 The original name of Beekman was Boeckman in German. To escape
death they fled from Germany into HoUand, where they found a refuge
from persecution.
â– 778
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Henry, son of Col. Gerardus, appears never to have been married, for
in his will (1760) he bequeathed and devised to the children of his brother
Martin deceased, all his real and personal property, to be equally divided
between them. Their names were Elizabeth, Henry, Samuel, Anna, and
John. Under this will these children came into possession of Col. Gerar-
dus Beekman's land, on the south side of the Baritan, 2 or 3 miles above
Somerville. The brother Martin, named in this will, married a daugh-
ter of Resolvent Waldron, June 21, 1724. (She may have been a grand-
daughter.)
Samuel, Martin's second son, had children, viz., Samuel, bom Sept.
21, 1767, married Helena Ten Broek, daughter of Cornelius Ten Broek,
of Harlingen, N. J.; Elizabeth, born July 8, 1768, married William
Baker, died Nov. 11, 1791; Cornelia, born Aug. i:i, 1770, married Benja-
min, son of Henry Beekman, died Jan. 24, 1858; Martin, born May 14,
1773, died in 1844; Ann, born Feb, 24, 1780, died Feb. 26, 184C.
Samuel, oldest son of Samuel, and generally known as '* Capt." Samuel
Beekman, owned at one time the old Beekman homestead, on the south
bank of the Raritan, which he sold to his sister Cornelia, wife of Benja-
min, after his marriage to Helena Ten Broek. He lived tho rest of his
life on the old Ten Broek homestead, near Harlingen, N. J. He died in
1851;*
The children of Capt. Samuel Beekman were Cornelius Ten Broek,
born October, 1789, and resided the latter part of hia life near Harlingen ;
Peter T., born April 21, 1796, married Eliza Carpenter;! Jacob T., born
April 10, 1801, a preacher of the Dutch Reformed Church ; Abraham T.,
born July 15, 1803, married Eliza Van Derveer; and daughters, Eliza-
beth, 1788; Margaret, 1792; Cornelia, 1794 (married' Nicholaa Veghten,
both living on a farm near Griggstown) ; Anna, 1798 (married Abraham
J. Dumont); Catharine, Nov. 25, 1805.
Christopher, the son of Gerardus, had Gerardus, Aaron, Christopher,
Mary, and Magdalen, Gerardus was a farmer, and lived and died near
â– Griggstown.
The children of the last Gerardus were John, who died about nineteen
years of age; Christopher, who lived on the rear of the old homestead
Gear Harlingen and died about 1820, aged ninety-six ; Gerardus, who died
-about 1821, aged eighty-six ; Abraham, born July 27, 1739, lived on the
old farm at Griggstown, married Ann, daughter of Garret Voorhees, Sr.,
of Middlebush, May 3, 1776, and died May 25, 1817 ; Mary, who married
Thomas Skillman; Ann, who married Garret Voorhees; Catharine, Mag-
dalene, and Cornelia,
Abraham, who married Ann Voorhees, had eight children, Gerardus,
(born July 12, 1778, died Feb. 28, 1815; Eleanor, Dec. 17, 1779, married
Jacob Quick, of Ten-Mile Run, and died Nov. 12, 1865; John, Feb. 3,
1782, married, first, Johanna Nevius, second, AUetta Rappelye, and was
killed by the fall of a tree at Griggstown, Sept. 21, 1829; Abraham, Jan.
13, 1784, married Matilda Nevius, lived at Millstone, and died Aug. 20,
1862 ; Ralph V., Dec. 17, 1785, married Elizabeth Ten Broek, was a mer-
chant, and died in Brooklyn, June 30, 1873 ; Jacob, Dec. 17, 1787, married
Sarah Garretson, and died in Michigan, April 7, 1837; Isaac, Sept. 14,
1790, lived single, and died in North Carolina, Sept. 23, 1823; Catharine
Ann, Aug. 2, 1797, died, single, Sept. 24, 1828.
THE STAATS FAMILY.
Abram and Joachim Staats came from Holland in 1642. The sons of
the former were Abram, Samuel, Joachim, and Jacob. There is a refer-
ence in the '* Documentary History of New York" to tlie residence of an
Abram Staats at Gowanus, L. I. Reter, of Long Island, wa-s no doubt
connected with these earlier ones mentioned ; his birtli would be about
1670. His son John had several children, viz., 1. Peter, born July 6,
1738, at the " Brookie." He settled, lived, and died on a farm now occu-
pied by Ditmars Coe, south of Millstone. He married Susannah Van
Middlesworth. 2. John, who lived in Roycefield. He bought a farm of
Isaac de Riemer in 17114 3. Abram, who lived at Bound Brook, and
was a surveyor. He married Margaret Du Bois, and had five daughtei-s
and one son, Isaac. 4. Rynear, wliu lived at Griggstown. He had two
sons, John and Abram, and Hon. Rynear A. is a son of Abram.
The children of Peter (I) were Pliebe, John, Susanna, and Maria, all
of whonj died unmarried ; Nellie, wlio married Heni-y Quick ; Magdalen,
who married John Van Derveer; Hendiick, who married Elizabeth
Schenck ; Peter, who married Catharine Voorhees and moved to Illinois
about 1840; Abram, who married Jane Ty<ion, whose descendants are
* His sister Cornelia, the only survivor of this large and respectable
family, lives on the south bnnk of the Raritan, where she was born.
t He owned and conducted for some time the mills on the South
Branch afterwards called Corle's Mills.
t See Land Titles.
now in Orange County, N. Y. Rev. John A. Staats, of Goshen, is a son.
The descendants of Hendrick are mostly in this township.
John Staats (2) lived at Roycefield, about 2 miles east of Flaggtown,
on the Amwell road. His children were Peter, born about 1770, died in
1846, who was the father of Cornelius P., John P., and Peter P. Staats,
the latter two of whom are yet living ; John, who was born in 1740, and
died about 1805, bought the farm on Koyce's Brook (now owned by his
grandson, Peter B. Staats) in 1790 of his brother Rynear, for £1000, com-
prising 194 acres ; Abram, who lived on the new Arawell road, on a farm op-
posite Isaac Van Cleers ; James, who moved to North Branch (his children,
were Gertrude, who married Peter Wortman; John, who died young;
Henry, now living at North Branch ; and Peter, who now lives at Mid-
dlebush and is the father of Rev. Bergen Brokaw Staats, of West Hur-
ley, N. Y.) ; Rynear, who first owned the Brook farm, and sold it to hia
brother John in 1791 (he was the father of the late Hon. John R. Staats,
recently in the Legislature, and who resided on the old homestead on
the Amwell road) ; Phebe ; Maria, married a Nevius and settled at Six-
Mile Run.
THE FRELINGHUYSEN FAMILY
was first represented in the township by Gen. Frederick, who removed
to Millstone from Franklin, soon after 1787, with hia family .g It was in
Hillsborough his family was reared. His first wife, Gertrude Schenck,
died in March, 1794, at Millstone, leaving five children, John, Maria,
Theodore, Frederick, and Catharine. He subsequently married Ann
Yard, and had two children, Elizabeth, the wife of the late James B.
Elmendorf, M.D., of Millstone, and Sarah, who died young. Gen. Fred-
erick Frelinghuysen died on his fifty-first birthday, April 13, 1804, and
was buried in the family burial-ground at Weston.
THE QUICK FAMILY.
About 300 yards above the farm recently owned by Isaac Gulick, de-
ceased, on the Somerset side of the road, and the one now owned and
resided on by John M. Garretson, in 1776 was the house of Tunis Quick.
The precise time when he settled along the Old Path is not known. It
must have been early, for in 1703 he was one of a small number who
signed a paper the object of which was to raise money to pay the expenses
of a minister to come to them from Holland and take charge of a congre-
gation purporting to be that of Three-Mile Run, which appears to have
been organized at that time.
Tunis had a son named Abraham, who was a colonel in the Revo-
lutionary war. He was born in 1732, lived and died on the homestead,
was twice married, and had twelve children. By his first wife, Matilda
Wyckoff, he had four children, Jemima, baptized Nov. 20, 1757 ; Tunis,
April 11, 1762 ; Rynear, Feb. 17^ 1765 ; Hendricks, Nov. 18, 1770. By his
second wife Charity, Jacob, baptized June 20, 1772 (a coach-maker, and
married Nelly Beekman, of Griggstown); Abraham, April 10, 1774 (mar-
ried a daughter of John Van Derveer, and lived near North Branch) ;J
Margretie, June 30, 1776 (married Henry Black well) ; Ann, June 7, 1778 ;
Johannes or John, March 5, 1780 (married a Staats, the widow of Elbert
Nevius); Peter, Aug. 4, 1782; Elsha, Jan. 16, 1785, died in childhood;
Elsha (2d), Jan. 1, 1788. The colonel died in 1805, aged seventy-three
years, four months, and twenty-four days, Eia inscribed on his tombstone,
standing in a burying-ground about one mile south of the present Six-
Mile Run church.
Tunis, the colonel's eldest son, died May 4, 1836; married Alche or
Aletta, daughter of Jacques Voorhees, born June 20, 1766, died Feb. 10,
1845. Their cliildren were Lydia, who married Jacob Kline; Nilly
Voorhees, married Peter Spader, and died Sept. 9, 185o.lf
The original Quick homestead has had the following owners: Tunis
Quick, Col. Abraham, Jacob Quick, Martin Garretson, and his sop, John
M., now owning and residing thereon, great-great-grandson of the origi-
nal settler.**
THE VAN NEST FAMILY,
Peter Van Neste came from Amsterdam to Long Island in 1647. He
was the common ancestor of the Van Nest or Van Neste family .ff In
1681 a certain Peter Van Nest came to Somerset Co., N. J. He was the
g See lengthy sketch in '* Bench and Bar of Somerset County,"
I He was a justice, and member of the Reformed Church of North
Branch. His daughter Jane became the wife of David Miller, of Som-
erville.
^ Tunis lived and died in Readington township, Hunterdon Co, He
was a miller, and a major in the militia.
** Ralph Voorhees, in Fredonian.
ft For an account of a prominent man by the name of Van Nest in
Holland, see Messler's " History of Somerset County," page 16.
HILLSBOROUGH.
779
father of Bev. Rynier Van Neste, who wae t)ora in 1738.* Peter Yan
Neste waa appointed to raise the tax in Somerset in 1694. Out of a
tax of £150 for the province, Somerset's proportion was only £4 16s
Gd.f In 1712, Peter Yan Nest was one of the purchasers of Royston, in
Hillsborough township, of Philip Hedman, on which place some of his
sons settled; this brought the family to what is now called Weston. In
1721, Joses Van Neste was one of the Consistory of the Raritan Church,
*nd Jeronemus Van Neste was a contemporary. "Weston was previously
known by the name of Van Neste.J Hon. Abram Van Neste, a member
of council for Somerset, died on Aug. 15, 1779. At a meeting of the As-
sembly of the State, in Princeton College, on Sept. 13, 1776, he was
appointed a judge. This Abram was probably the father of George Van
Neste, whose family record is given below.
George Yan Neste was bom Oct. 27, 1747, and died at Weston, Oct. 4,
1806. He was married, May 7, 1772, to Lemmetje Staats, who was born
Deo. 24, 1749, and died Feb. 27, 1816. He was an industrious, stable, and
religious citizen. His children were as follows: 1. Abraham G. Van
Neste, M.D. Ho was bom Aug. 31, 1773, and died Aug. 27, 1824. On
Sept. 15, 1799, he married Elizabeth Van Yalkenburgh. She married (2)
William Bell, M.D., Feb. 24, 1844, and both died at Cliarlestoo, Mont-
gomery Co., N. T. In the same place Dr. Abraham G. Van Neste had
died; he had been a regular practicing physician there duriug most of
his professional career. He was highly esteemed, both socially and pro-
fessionally. 2. Phebe G., born July 24, 1776, aud died March 18, 1849, at
South Branch, N. J. 3. Sarah G., born Nov. 8, 1780, and died May 14,
1860, at South Branch, N. J. She became the second wife of John J.
Schenck, of that place. 4. John G., born Oct. 24, 1784, and died Nov. 29,
1844. He married Sarah, daughter of Peter Wortman, on April 14, 1814.
She was born Dec. 21, 1792, and died Nov. 30, 1844.
The children of John G. Van Neste (4) are as follows : 5. Lemmetje
Staats, Ijorn Feb. 15, 1815; married Henry Hagaman, Nov. 3, 1737. 6.
Peter Wortman, born Aug. 3, 1816, died Nov. 21, 1872 ; married Gertrude
S. Yan Pelt, Jan. 24, 1842. 7. Ann Field, born May 9, 1819 ; married
Abram N. Veghte, Oct. 4, 1843. 8. Rev. George J., born Sept. 7, 1822 ;
married Margaret Anna Buckelew, Sept. 23, 1845.g 9. Abraham G., born
April 15, 1824 ; died Dec. 7, 1862, in the hospital at Alexandria, Va. He
was a volunteer in the Union army, and is buried iu the Frelinghuysen
graveyard, at Weston. He married Maria S. French, Oct. 4, 1848. Rev.
John A. Yan Neste, now of Ridgewood, N. J., is their son. 10. John
Vredenburg, born July 7, 1827 ; married Tabitha Stryker, Feb. 26, 1846 ;
now living on the homestead at Weston.
The original Van Neste homestead, at Weston, stood a little south of
the presentone, and opposite the road which crosses the Millstone. John
G. Yan Neate (4) rented the Bayard Mills, near by, and dealt largely in
meal, which he transported to New Brunswick and Amboy in a large
canoe made by him from a tree of great dimensions on the farm of Isaac
Coevert, Lodi, Seneca Co., N. Y. This was floated down the Mohawk and
Hudson, and up the Raritan to Weston. It still remaius on the home-
stead, being now a feeding-trough for cattle. Twice, in the early part of
the century, he and his wife journeyed in an English-body wagon, with-
out springs, from Weston to the " lake country," as Seneca Co., N. T., was
then called, to visit a cousin, George Van Neste, who resided at Owasco
Outlet. It was in this family that those frightful murders were perpe-
trated by a negro from Auburn in 1846. John G. Vau Neste introduced
the wheat of Central New York to this section by bringing a small quan-
tity with him in one of his visits and sowing it with great care until a
sufficient quantity was secured He and bis wife died within one day of
each other, and their funerals were held together. At the time of bis
death he was the owner of about 450 acres at Weston, of which about
175 acres have passed out of the family.
THE WILSON FAMILY.
1. Hendrick Wilson, of Long Island, bought a large tract north of the
new Amwell road in the second quarter of the last century.] Perhaps
he never lived iu Somerset Couuty. He was born in 1680, and died in
1760. His children were: 2. Myudert, born 171G, died 1800; 3. John;
4. Hendrick K., bom 1723, and died June 27, 1801 ; 6. Peter ; 6. Hannah.
The children of Myndert (2) were: 7. Hendrick; 8. William; 9. Myn-
dert, born 1758, died 1840 ; 10. Jacob.
Hendrick (7) left children : 11. John ; 12. Jacob ; 13. Henry. He mar-
ried Mary Ann Schenck, daughter of Sheriff Martin Scheuck. aud left
several children, among whom was the late Ferdinand S. Wilson, a lawyer
of Millstone, born in 18:33.
William (8) left children: 14. Myndert; 16. William ; 16. George.
* See Corwin's " Manual." t " Millstone Centennial," p. 24.
t See map of 1767. g See Corwin's " Manual." | See Land Titles.
Myndert (9) left several children : 17. Henry; 18. William, born about
1790, father of the Rev. James B., Peter (2d), and Frederick Wilson; 19.
Douw ; 20. Jane, born 1788 ; 21. Myndert.
TAVERNS.
Probably the first tavern in the township was at
Millstone at least as early as 1738. Inns were also
established at an early period at Neshanic, Flaggtown,
and at what is called Wood's Tavern, a couple of
miles east of Flaggtown, on the road leading to Mill-
stone. There is at present only one tavern in the
township licensed to sell intoxicating liquors ; this is
at Millstone. A temperance hotel is kept at Neshanic.
Wood's tavern and the one at Flaggtown have
been closed for the last eight or ten years, both having
been turned into dwellings.
PHYSICIANS.
Abram Van Buren was probably the first prac-
titioner of medicine at Millstone. His professional
labors extended from about 1750 to 1813. Other
early physicians here were Peter I. Stryker, who
commenced to practice about 1804 and continued
until 1810, when he removed to Somerville ; Peter
Vredenbergh, who practiced at Millstone about 1805 ;
and Wm. D. McKissaok, who practiced the healing
art at the same place from 1807 to 1853.
An early physician at Roycefield was Lawrence
Van Derveer, who practiced for many years, until his
death, in 1815. He was succeeded by Henry Van
Derveer.
At Neshanic, Jacob R. Schenck practiced for some
years, and Abram T. B. Van Doren was associated
with him for a time.
ROADS.
The first roads in Hillsborough would naturally be
where the first settlements were made, and these were
along the south side of the Raritan and the South
Branch. While at first the inhabitants would use the
river as a route of travel, a road would also naturally
and quickly develop on the borders of the upland
and meadows, corresponding in general to the one
which now runs along the northern border of the
township. This was formed in part certainly by 1700.
In 1710 a Dutch company settled the Harlingen
tract, the northern half of which is in Hillsborough.
Means of ingress and egress at once became a neces-
sity. The northeastern part of their plot was only
about a mile and a half from the present village of
Millstone. What is now called the Amwell road
must have been opened soon after 1710 for their ac-
commodation. The next road from the Harlingen
tract to the Millstone River was probably the one on
the line between the Barker and Hart patents, the
present division line between Hillsborough and Mont-
gomery. A road was run somewhat later, probably
through the centre of the Barker tract, reaching the
Millstone where the union school-house now stands.
The people from the southern end of the Harlingen.
tract needed one or more roads to the Millstone, not
780
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
only for business, but also to attend church at Six-
Mile Kun, which they did until 1727.
By 1720, when Amwell began to be settled, the Am-
well road was no doubt extended from Wood's tavern
(the northeastern corner of the Harlingen tract) to
Flaggtown, Neshanic, and Clover Hill. In 1712 the
northeastern corner of the township was settled by a
Dutch company,* and a road along the eastern border
of the township, connecting them with Millstone, and
giving them an easy egress to Middlebush and New
Brunswick, as well as to the Harlingen tract, must
soon have become a necessity. A bridge was probably
built at Millstone by 1720.t The court-house having
been located at Millstone in 1737, we may justly in-
fer that there were then roads concentring there
from all parts of Hillsborough and Franklin. Before
1737, therefore, a road must have been extended along
the western bank of the Millstone, at least to Griggs-
town, if not to Rocky Hill and Princeton, the latter
place then being in Somerset County.
A bridge over the Earitan must have been built
very early at the northern end of the road which runs
along the west bank of the Millstone, both to connect
it with the east-and-west road north of the Earitan,
and to accommodate the people in the whole north-
eastern quarter of Hillsborough in attending church,
for the First Dutch church of Somerville stood for
eighty years, or until 1779, on the bank of the Ear-
itan between the present Finderne Station and the
river, and some distance to the east of the present
road. Indeed, the construction of this bridge (long
called Van Vechten's bridge) may very likely have
entered into consideration when the Dutch com-
pany bought the plot called Eoyston, now known as
Harmony Plains. The following is given from the
minutes of the justices and freeholders : In 1771,
Hillsborough was ordered to raise £10 proclamation,
Bridgewater £13, and Bedminster £7, towards repair-
ing the Earitan bridge. Capt. Conrad Ten Eyck,
Mat. Ten Eyck, and Col. MacDonald were appointed
managers. The minutes of the freeholders show that
Van Veghten's bridge was rebuilt in 1774. Stone
piers were then used, and new timbers put on them.
Matthias Denike (Ten Eyck?) and Conrad Denike
were managers, with full powers; £500 were to be
raised for this work. â–
There was a bridge at Branchville before 1775. In
that year John Gaston was engaged to build a new
Wooden bridge at that place ; cost, £117. In 1781
the board of freeholders and justices directed a bridge
with stone abutments to be built across Neshanic
River, in the northwestern part of the township.
A road was early opened along the west side of the
Thomas Cooper (subsequently Du Mont) tract, since
known as Beekman's Lane, also one along the east
side. The northeastern line of John Bennet's tract
became the line of the straight road running from S.
* See â– ' Land Titles," this township history,
â– j- See " Roads," in Franlclin township history.
Corle's across the Amwell road, west of Flaggtown,
to a corner near A. M. Baird's dwelling. The road
running from Peter S. Van Doren's, by Cross-Eoads,
was in a gore between the western bounds of the
Plumstead and Barker tracts and the most easterly
line of the Harlingen tracts. These tracts did not
reach each other, but an unclaimed strip of land ran
between them, growing narrower towards the northern
end. The road from the covered bridge on to the
Roycefield school-house seems to represent the orig-
inal western bound of Royce's patent, although he
subsequently claimed much farther west. These are
the original and early roads. Other cross-roads have
been opened from time to time, as the exigencies of
the inhabitants required.
THE POOR.
Overseers of the poor are first mentioned in Hills-
borough in 1748 ; the names of the early overseers
have not been preserved. The first appropriation of
money on record is in 1765, when it was ordered that
£200 should be assessed for the poor. Amounts have
been appropriated from that time onward almost
every year, from 1765 to 1780 ranging from £80 to
$300 ; from 1800 to 1840 averaging about $500 a year ;
from that date to the present the amount raised has
averaged about $250 per annum, in 1880 being $300.
In 1786 the overseers were instructed to purchase
or hire a house wherein to keep, maintain, and em-
ploy the poor of said town. In 1808 an effort to
secure a county poor-house did not receive the appro-
bation of Hillsborough. In 1824 the town ordered
the overseers to unite with those of Montgomery town-
ship in the purchase of a situation for the accommo-
dation of the poor of both townships. This was done,
and the poor establishment of the two towns was con-
ducted jointly until 1867, when the farm was sold to
the committee of Montgomery at $34.90 per acre.
The Hillsborough committee then purchased the farm
known as the "Indian Farm," owned by Mr. Young,
containing 120 J acres, for $45 per acre. J
At the township-meeting May 9, 1858, it was de-
termined not to repair, but to rebuild entirely in a new
location, to be selected by the building committee,
Is. Whitenack, Henry Wilson, and Cornelius Bergen.?
ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST.
The earliest entries in the minute-book of this
township are in the middle of the volume, and refer
to the several brands or special marks by which farm-
ers designated their cattle and horses. Those who
desired could have these special marks recorded, and
then they could generally find and claim the animals
which might stray away. We give a few specimens :
" 1746, Deo. y« Cth. Then Becorded the Bar-mark of Roeloff Van
Dnin a crap of the neer ear and a slit in the of Ear and the brand of
said van duin with these letters R VD on the neer Thigh. "
" 1746, Dec. y« 25th. Then Recorded the Ear-mark of abrabam du-
X West of Neshanic.
g Extracts from town minutes.
HILLSBOROUGH.
781
KDOndt a Crap of the neer Ear and a swollerfork in the of E&r and the
brand of said Dnmondt AD on the neer thigh. "
"1746, December yo 25th. Then Recorded the Ear-mark of George
Bergen, a half-penny ont of the onderside of the neer Ear and a nick in
the foreside o f the same Ear and the brand of said Bergen with this
letter B on the neer thigh. "
The first entries in the volume of minutes of the
township of Hillshorough are the following :
*' Whereas there is alluance in the law for . . . ttosfa ... of the asces-
sor and if the allouance is not enough the freeholders and inholders that
are here now met on the second tuesday in March think it highly Kea-
flinable that there sail be an addition made by the Justices and free-
holders." [No date.]
" it is agreed by the magarrate* of this Presinct that the towusmeet-
ing of the westering Presinct of the County of Somerset shall be held
at the house of George Bergen the Enshuing year. [No date.] "
*' It is agreed by the magarrate^^ of this Presinct that the Towns Meet-
ing of the Westering Presinct of the County of Somerset shall be held
at the house of Daniel Prine the Enshuing year and to continue there
for six year*. Agreed upon March ye 12th, 1754."
Next after these entries is a series of 456 items, ex-
tending from 1748-72, concerning strayed animals.
These cover forty-eight closely-written pages. The
earlier minutes of the town-meetings were not re-
corded, but only, as seen above, the place selected for
holding the next town-meeting was entered in the
book. Somewhat interspersed with the subsequent
minutes, but mostly in a separate part of the volume,
occur about 550 more notices of strayed animals, giv-
ing their special marks or brands, extending from
1772-1865.
The names of those who took up strayed cattle or
horses, and of those who claimed them, will supply a
pretty full list of the actual inhabitants in Hillsbor-
ough until the period of the Revolution. The list
extends down to 1865, but the later names are well
known, from other sources.
1748. Tennis Jong, John Stryker, George Bergen, Christopher Beek-
man, Herbert Hummer.
1749._Gerrit Dorland, Al. Duboy, William Kise, John Skillman, Dirck
Volkerse, Genit Hogelant, Christopher Hogclant, Dirck Gulick,
Peter Dumondt, Alexander Van Pelt, Gabriel Furman, Hendrik
Sawdor, Pouwel VanderToort, John Bruar, Ab. Van Middles-
worth.
1750. Joseph Bennet, Hendrik Van Middlesworth, Isaac Brokaw, Isaac
Snedeker, Gerrit Hogeland, Jeremiah Dote, Ab. Lott, Cor. Low,
John Updike, Bern Vanderbeek, Jacobus Ammerman, Jacob
Van Derveer, Andrew Mackmacker (near Princeton), Chris-
topher Hogeland, Gerrit Dorland, Jacob Wenter, John B. Du-
mondt, Adam Smith (on Bynier Dumondt'e plantation).
1761. Jurrian Brees, Goisbert Sutfln, Court Williamson, Samuel Bry-
ant, Zaccheus Van Voorhees, William Sickles, John Disberry,
Joseph Hegemen, John Hogeland, Garrit Hogeland, Christopher
Hogeland, Joseph Stockton, Hendrick Gulick, Philip Van Ars-
dale, Peter de Biemer, Jacob Van Derveer, Ram Vanderveer,
Bynier Dnmondt.
1762. John Mackrary, Coorato Ten Nike, Bynier Veghten, Christopher
Beekman, John Staats, John Van Nuiae, Thomas Leonard,
Samuel Brenflon, Jacob Winter, Adrian Hegeman, Lucas Nee-
fuB, Eoeloff Crapster, Steven Gens, Onke Ryneerson, Ab. Du-
boys, Thomas Skillman, Ida Stoothoff (widow), Mindert Wilson,
William Moffet, Teunes Van Middlesworth.
1763. Derick Volkerson, Peter Perrine, William Moffett, Rynoar Du-
mont, Derrik Gulik, loris Bergen, Cornelius Voorhees, Joseph
Hegeman, Henry Silcock, Samuel Furman, John Skillman,
Ivast Durye, Lucas Voorhees, Andries Powelson, Isaac Van
Nnys, Tunis Jong, Ab. Lot, Jacob Van Derveer, Samuel Brinson,
Bam Garretson, Peter Perrine.
* Mojority.
1754. Jacques Vanderbeek, John Stockton, Peter Perrine, Joseph Coiy
nell, Jacobus Hegemen, Francis Walderon, Geisbert Laan,
Philip Van Arsdalen, Cornelius Low, John Stou[t], Christopher
Van Arsdalen, Martin Hogelant.
1755. Ram Vanderbeek, Daniel Perrine, Hendrik Wilson, Peter Voor-
hees, Nicholas Golder, John Van Felt, Hendrick Van Dike^
Thomas Brite, John Johnson, loris Brokaw, Isaac Brokaw, Ab.
Hegeman.
1756. Gerrit Van Arsdalen, Freeman Runyon, Thomas Peterson, Ab.
Voorhees, Dirck Low, Peter Nefus, Albert Voorhees, Peter Per-
rine, Christopher Hogeland, Lyman Van Arsdalen, Cornelius
Van Arsdalen, Thomas Kock, Lawrence De Mott, Thomap
Peterson, Thomas Skillman.
1757. Christopher Van Arsdalen, Andries Poualson, Joseph Folkerson,
Joseph Stockton, John Ten Eick, Nicholas Amerman, BeDJamin
Whitbeck, Hendrick Cannaday, Jacobus Hegeman, Peter Case,
Tunis Jong, Peter De Kiemer, Roelof Crapster, Ab. Van Mid-
dlesworth, John Brokaw.
1758. Hendrik Wilson, Thomas Peterson, Jacob Skillman, Daniel Stock-
ton, Peter Voorheese, Gerrit Terhune, Zaccheus Voorhees, John
Wilson, Mindert Wilson, Noual Furman, Joseph Van Derveer,
Aris Van Arsdalen, John Waglom, David Snoth, Hendrick Van-
derveer, Roelof Van Duyn, Thomas Skillman, John Skillman,
Richard Cox, Mycol Blew, John Opdike, Joseph Stockton, John
Van Middlesworth, Ryneer Dumondt.
1759. Benjamin Whitbeck, Noordtwick, Lucas Neefyos, William
Baird. Uoeloff Cowenhoven, Peter Voorheese, John Kock. Peter
Case, Peter Perrine, Cornelius Voorhees, Nicholas Wikeoff, Wil-
liam Poste, Peter Winter, Henry Cauaday, Joseph Hegeman,
Richard Peppinger.
1760. Robert Stockton, Nicholas Wikeoff, Is. Misheroll, Benjamin Den-
mctt, Nat. Randolph, Peter Wikeoff, Zac, Voorhees, Jac. Stry-
ker, Garret Van Aradalen, Dominicus Stryker, Hend Van Dike,
Hend. Wilson, Ab. Van Nest, Benjamin Tayl[oue?], Roeloff Van
Doune, Johannes Baker, Hend. Polhemus, John Brokaw, Peter
Case.
1761. Peter Nefeus, Thomas Cox, Joris Bergen, William Tomson, Jac
Van Nuys, Jr., Cor. Lott, Jacques Vanderbeek, Tunis Jonguo,
Ab. Dnboys, Dirck Gulick, William Tomson, Bergen Brokaw,
Martin Nevius, Peter Wikehuff.
1762. Jacques Vanderbeek, Thomas Leonard, Garret Dorlands, Joseph
Hegeman, John Whiteknecht, Jas. Horsfer, Dirck Low, Peter
Perrine, Mindert Wilson, Samuel Totten, Symon Van Arsdale,
Jr., Martin Nevius, Bergen A. Brokaw, Johannes Schenck,
Hend. Solter, Cor. Lott, John Salter, John Brokaw. John Voor-
heese.
1763. Cor. Stevenson (blacksmith at Rocky Hill), Hend. Van Middles-
worth, Is. Brockaw, John Updike, Dirick Low, Lammert Dor-
landt, Hugh Maccolm, Mycol Hegeman, Albert Voorhees, Ab.
Lett, Is. Van Nuys, Jr., Joseph Vander Veer, Bergen Brokaw,
Cor. Low, Ab. Polhemus, Johannes Stryker, Johannes White;
knecht, Ab. Stryker, Geisbert Gulick, Jacobus Amerman.
1764. Peter Nevius, John Furman, Thomas Cock, Ab. Dumondt, John
Bennet, John [L?]euaene, Cor. Van Noyse, Jac. Quick, Jacobus
Amerman, Barnardus Van Zant, Jr., Jac. Hogeland.
1765. Noual Furreman, Thomas Peterson, Ab.Dumont, John Staats, Jr.,
Lambert Dorland, Martin Nevius, Barnet Stryker, Samuel [?]
Gulick, Henry Gomer, Jac. Nefeus.
1766. Nicholas Goodler, Stephen Stevenson, Conrad Ten Eick, Samuel
^ Beekman, Ch. Hogeland, Jr., Henry Harrison, Andreas Mats,
John Voorheese.
1767. Ab. Dnboys, Ram Ditmars, Ichabod Leigh, Peter Weikhof, John
Ten Eyck, William Cornell, Benjamin Wliitelock, Jacobus Ger-
ritson, Nicholas [?]ight, Nowel Furman, Jac. Quick, Gerrit Van
Arsdalen, John Weykhof, Jac. Hogeland, Roelof Terhune, John
Van Horn.
1768. Hend. Van Middlesworth, Henry Gomer, Richard Stockton, Albert
Voorhees, John Bergen, John Cock, Sr., William Williamson,
Ab Staats, Hend. Cannaday, Nicholas Amerman, Gerrit Terhune,
Albert Voorheese, Johannes Van Arsdalen, Jacobus Gerritson,
Dynah Hogeland (widow), Peter Wyckoff, Ryneer Smock, Myn-
dert Wilson, Richard Compton, John Staats, Millstone, Jac.
Hogeland.
1769. Hend. Van Middlesworth, Jacobus Quick, Hend. Gulick, Dinah
Hogeland, Peter Custer (Luster?!, Hend. Berrien, Daniel Pol-
homels, Tunis Van Middlesworth (son of Hendrick), Conrad
Ton Eyck, Ban Hegeman (widow), Hend. Gulick.
782
SOMEKSBT COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
1770. John Senteny, Joseph Stryker, Kam Gamtaen, Evert Brokaw,
John Stryker, Ram Ditmars, Powl Ammerman, Joseph Hege-
man.
1771. Kathan Funnan, John Voorhees, Powel Ammerman, Cor. Sebrant,
Kichard Compton, John Sortor.
1772. John B. Dumont, Lawrence Vander Veer, Cor. Van Arsdalen,
Hend. Hogeland, Dominicns Stryker, Conrad Ten Eick, Law-
rence Vanderveer, Garrit Garreson.
1773. John William Bellis, John Ditmars, Rynier Veghte, Dowe Dit-
mars, Conrad Ten Eyck, Roelof Peterson, Benjamin Taylor,
Tunis Covert, Ernestus Tan Harlingen, Roeloff Nevius.
1774. Jedediah Higgms (on Sourland Mouiitaiii), Rynier Veghte, Law-
rence Van Cleef, Lucas Voorhees, Peter Vroom, Jacobus Ammer-
man, Ab. Pippinger, Lawrence Vanderveer.
1775. Jacobus Nafies, Rynier Veghte (taken out by John Stryker, Abra-
ham Brokaw, and Joseph Arrowsmith), John "William Bellis,
John Covenhoven, John Ten Eyck.
1776. John Nevius, Abraham Dumont, Elce Ten Eyck, Court Voorhees.
In the midst of these entries of lost animals, in the
year 1765, the following minutes the first recorded
list of town officers occur :
" Tuesday, March 10, 1772.
Then By Majority of Votes According to an Act of Assembly Chosen "
for the Township of Hillsbury in the County of Somerset and Province
of New Jersy. For Town Clark, William Spader, Jr.; Freeholders, John
Babtist Demont, Derrick Low ; Esseseor, John States; Colector, Coonraud
teneick ; Oversears of the Poor, Coonrate teneick ; Comisionere, Garret
Vanarsdalen, marlines hogeland ; Cunstable, John Smock ; Oversears of
the high Ways: John Ditmes, from the Devision of Hillsburry to Chris-
tophel Van arsdalen included ; Peter States, tp peas Brook ; Bryant Lef-
ferty, from peas Brook to Baritan Bridg; Samuel Bakeman,from the
millstone Road Down to the South Branch Bridg, and then Back a gain
to thomas Cocks, on Amwell Road; Domenicua Stryker, from Garrit
Garresons to John Smocks; Ruleph Terbunen, from the millstone road
to half ways of the Road that Runs on the Line from Daniel polhamels
to Domenes; Jacobus ammer man, from the Line Between Luke Covert
and Abraham Loot to Lanah Brewers ; Stephen Vorehase and Jacob Pro-
basco, Senier, from thomas Cocks to the Devision Line, to Be de vided by
them; Cornelius Van nuys, from Amwell Road to the Devision Line;
Richard Comton, on the Road that Leads past Sentneys mills ; John Van
Zant, from the millstone Road to Demonts Line.
'* Voated to Rais one hundred Pound for the Poor.
"At the close of this town meeting it was agreed by majority of voats
that the next town meeting is to Be held at the house where Garrit Gar-
reson now is liveing on the second tuseday of march, 1773. "
By request of the Congress, Hillsborough township
appointed a town committee in 1776 and 1777 to act
in behalf of their country when necessary. The fol-
lowing were the committees :
1776. John B. Dumont, Abraham Dubois, Johannes Demott, Cornelius
Sebiiog, Peter A. Dumont, Lawrence Van Kleef, Garret Ter-
hune, Jr.
1777. Abraham Dubois, John Dumont, Cornelius Sebring, Peter A. Du-
mont, Isaac Vannuys, Peter H. Dumont, Derrick Low, Peter
Stryker, Jr.
MEMORANDA FROM THE TOWN RECORDS.
1774, March 8. Ordered that for the future the town-meetings be held
half the time at the court-house and half the time at Jacob Flagg's, at
New Shannock, and at the house of Garret Garritson.
1779. Agreed that the town committee do, and may, raise any sum
of money for the us? of the town, not exceeding ^00.
1808. A dog-tax first imposed to reimburse damages done to sheep.
1823. The town for the first, after several previous attempts, resolved
to repair the roads by hire, and ordered the sum of 81000 to be assessed
and collected for that purpose. This was repeated year by year after-
wards.
1828. The town committee was required to publish in the BomerviUe
Messenger, the week before the town-meeting, a detailed report of the
amount of tax assessed and collected, and the manner in which it had
been expended; and to post in some conspicuous place, on the day and
at the place of town-meeting, a copy of the same.
1834. Ordered That the officers, at the next town- meeting, be chosen
by ballot ; also that officei-s shall not serve longer than three years.
1835. Ordered That the overplus money of the dog-tax be used by the
overseers of the poor to defray the debt of the township. The members
of the town committee are allowed $1.75 per day for their services, and
they support themselves.
The following are the public-houses at which the
town-meetings were held :
Before 1754, at the house of George Bergen; 1754-64, Daniel Perrine;
1764-70, George Bergen; 1774, Ordered that half the time the meet-
ings should be at the couit-house (Millstone), and the other half at
Jacob Flagg's inn at New Shannock, and at Garret Garretson's inn;
1775, Garret Garretson ; 1776, court-house; 1777-81, Garret Garret-
son ; 1782-83, Henry Post; 1784-85, Garret Garretson ; 1786-99, Jacob
Flagg; 1800-3, Cor. Williamson; 1804. Al. Bennett; 1805-10, John
T. Van Middlesworth ; 1811, Peter Williamson : 1812-14, John Kuge-
lar ; 1815-16, John T. Van Middlesworth ; 1817, Mary Rislar ; 1818-19,
Chas. Clerk ; 1820-21, William Van Arsdalen; 1822-26, Samuel Tay-
lor; 18'27-29, Peter Van Doren, Flaggtown; 1830-31, Samuel Taylor,
Flaggtown ; 18i2-39, John Porter, Flaggtown ; 1840-41, John M. Ste-
vens, Flaggtown ; 1842, Hall Doty, Flaggtown ; 1843, Chas. P. Hol-
comb, Flaggtown ; 1844-47, Albert Hoagland, Flaggtown ; 1848-49,
William W. Bennet, Flaggtown; 1850-52, William N. Hoagland;
1853-54, U. V, C. Hoagland ; 1855, John B. Case ; 1856-57, Flaggtown ;
1858, Albert B. Hoagland; 1S59, "William A. Hall: 1860-71, Albert
B. Uoaglau.l, Flaggtown.
First District*
1872-78, John M. Stevens, Neshanic.
Second District.
1872, Is. H. Hall, Millstone ; 1873-77, George Hancock, Millstone ; 1878,
John McAdams, Millstone.
PLACES OF HOLDING ELECTIONS.
First Day. Second Day.
1800-1. Cor. & Jac. Low, Millstone. Al. Bennet, Shannick.
1802. Al. Bennet. Cor. Low.
1803. Al. Bennet. Jac. C. Ten Eyck, Millstone.
1804. Cor. Low. John Flagg, Shannick.
1805. John Flagg. Cor. Low.
1806. Joseph Hall, Shannick. Cor. Low.
1807. Cor. Low. Jos. HalL
1808. Jos. Hall. Cor. Low.
1809. Cor. Low. Jos. Hall.
ISIO. Jac. Drake, Shannick.
1811. Cor. Low, Millstone. John Ten Eyck, Shannick.
1812. John Ten Eyck. Cor. Low.
1813. Cor. Low. John Ten Eyck.
1814. Jac. Drake, Cor. Low.
1815. Cor. Low. John Ten Eyck.
1816. Shannick. Cor. Low.
1817. Cor. Low, John Ten Eyck.
1818. Shannick. Millstone.
1818. Chs. Clerk (special).'
1819. Gilbert B. Taylor, Millstone. Ellen Ten Eyck. Shannick.
1820. Shannick. Gilbert B. Taylors, Middleburg [i.e*
Millstone].
1821. Ten Eyck. Middlebnrg [i.e. Millstone].
1822. Wm. Smith, Millstone, Wm. Van Arsdalen, Shannick.
1823. Wm. Van Arsdalen. Cor. Low.
1824. Cor. Low. Wm. Van Arsdalen, Shannick.
1825. Millstone. Wm. Van Arsdalen, Shannick.
1826. Millstone. Juhn Flagg, Shannick,
1827. Wm. Van Arsdalen. Wm. Van Arsdalen.
1828. John W. Porter.
1829. John E. Porter.
1830. John E. Porter, Ricefield [i.e., Wm. Van Arsdalen.
Wood's Tavern].
1831. Wm. Van Arsdalen. John Porter, Ricefield.
1832. Wm. Hartmann. Amos Williamson, Shannick.
*By Chapter CCCXIV. of the Laws of New Jersey (approved March
22, 1872) the township of Hillsborough was divided into two election dis-
tricts. The act directs that one clerk and three judges of election shall
be chosen for each district.
HILLSBOROUGH.
783
1833. Ricefleld.
1834. Amos Williamson.
1838. Peter Van Boren.
1836. Amos Williamson.
1837. John Porter, Flaggtown.
1838. Amos Williamson.
1839. Euos L. Blue, Millstone.
1840. Amos Williamson.
1841. MUlstone.
1842. Amos Williamson.
1843. J. W. Wilson.
1844. J. M. Williamson.
Amos Williamson, Shannick.
Peter Van Doreu, Millstone.
Amos Williamson.
Jacob Voorhees, Ricefleld.
Kicefield.
John M. Stevens, Flaggtown.
AmoB WLUiamsou.
E. L. Blue.
J. M. Stevens. Shannick.
Jonathan W. Wilson, Millstone.
J. M. Stevens.
J. W. Wilson.
1846. Flaggtown from this time nntil 1871, when thetownship was divided
into two election districts.
The following list of the principal township officers
is given :
rEEEHOLrEKS.
1772, John B. Dumont ; 1773-7G, Hend. V. Middlesworth : 1772-73, 1776-77,
Derrick Low ; 1774-75, Johannes Dumont; 1777-78, Ab. Voorhees ;
1778-79, Guisbert BoRard ; 1779-80, John Ver Bryck ; 1780-81, John
Van Doren ; 1781, Buliff I'eterson ; 1782-83, Bernardns Ver Bryck,
Lawrence Van Cleef ; 1784, Peter Ditmars ; 1784-So, Harman Van-
deripe; 1785, Arcliibald Mercer; 1780-88, Peter Staats; 1786-89,
Nathan Aller; 1789, Peter H. Staats ; 1790-U6, 1799-lao2, Jacobus
Gerritson ; 1790-97, Eynear Veghte ; 1796-98, Garret Torhuue ; 1798-
99, 1802, 1809-14, 1819, Nich. Du Bois ; 1800, Peter WycUoff; 1801,
Henry Veghte; 180:j-4, Nich. Williamson; 1805-8, John Freling-
huysen ; 1803-14, 1818-20, Martin Scheuck ; 1816-18, Eiederic Fre-
linghuysen; 1815-17, Cornelius Peterson ; 1820-27, John Sutphin;
1821, Henry Van Derveer; 1822, John Garretsiin; 1826-27, James
Stryker; 1828-31, Peter Garretson ; 1828-33, James D. Stryker, Esq.;
1832-36, Joachim G. Quick ; 1834, James W. Todd ; 1835, Chas. Corle ;
1836, 1838-40, Henry Wilson; 1837, Ab. V. Polhemus, Wm. Black-
well ; 1838-41, Jacob Salter; 1841-44, Emestus Schenck ; 1842-45,
John C. Van Liew ; 1845-47, 1852-55, Abr. Van Nuys; 1846-49, Cor.
Bergen; 1848-51, John Van Doren ; 1860-51, Ezekiel Blue ; 1856-59,
Peter A. Dumont; 1860-62, Henry Wilson; 1863-65, John H. Wil-
son; 1866-08, John H. Brokaw ; 1869-71, Eichard Hall; 1872-74,
John Van Neste ; 1876-77, Henry H. Garretson;. 1878, Peter W.
Wyckoff; 1879-80, George W. Vroom.
TOWN CLBEKS.
1772, William Spader, Jr. ; 1773-76, Eynear Veghte ; 1777, John.Van Ars-
dalen; 1778-83, Eynear Veghte; 1784^94, Dowe Ditmars; 1796-99,
Nicholas Williamson; 1800-1, Cornelius Boorum; 1802-14, Nicholas
Williamson; 1815, Peter Staats; 1816-36, Nicholas Williamson;
1837-38, James S. Taylor; 1839-53, William E. Smith; 1854-65,
Isaac V. D. Williamson; 1866-71, WilUam E. Smith; 1872-80, Peter
N. Van Nuys.
ASSESSOES.
1766-72, John Staats; 1773-74, Conrad Ten Eyck; 1776, Cornelius Se-
bring; 1776, Conrad Ten Eyck ; 1777-78, Peter H. Dumont ; 1779-83,
Eynear Veghte; 1784-87, John Staats; 1788-89, Nicholas Du Bois;
1790-94, Peter D. Vroom; 1795, John Staats; 1796-97, Peter D.
Vroom; 1798-99, And. Van Middlesworth; 1800-2, John Staats;
1803-17, Peter D. Vroom, Esq.; 1818-24, Henry Brokaw; 1823-
26, Petor Staats; 1827-36, Abraham Van Doren; 1836, Abraham
Van Nuys; 1837, A. J. Van Doren; 1838-44, John M. Wyckoff;
1845^9, Henry Wilson ; 1850-61, Abr. Van Nuys ; 1852-56, Ezekiel
Blue • 1867-69, Peter V. Davis; 1860-62, John H. Wilson ; 1S63, Is-
rael H. Hill; 1864^66, James A. Van Nuys ; 1867-69, Peter V. Davis ;
1870-72, James Van Nuys ; 1873-76, Daniel Stryker ; 1876-78, James
A. Van Nuys ; 1879-80, Wesley H. Horner.
COLLECTOES.
1772 Conrad Ten Eyck; 1773, Cornelius Lott; 1774, CorneliuB Sebring;
1775, Derrick Low; 1776, John Stryker; 1777, John Van Arsdalen;
1778, William Cock; 1779-81, Joseph Van Doren; 1782-83, John
Staats; 1784, Nicholas Du Bois; 1786-88, And. Van Middleswart;
1789-96 Capt. Ab. Van Arsdalen; 1796-97, Nicholas Williamson;
1798, Ab. Van Arsdalen ; 1799, Nicholas Williamson ; 1800-17, Henry
Brokaw; 1818-22, Peter J. Staats; 1823, Peter Staats; 1824^33,
Christopher Van Arsdalen ; 18;i4-37, James D. Stryker; 1838-44, Ab.
J Van Nnys; 1845-48, Ezekiel Blue; 1849-51, Elisha B. Wood;
186''-64, John C. Van Liew; 1865-67, E. B. Wood; 1868-60, Thomas
C Stryker; 1861-63, John B. Brokaw; 1861-66, Elias Wilson- â– ""â– â– ''-
69, John M. Baird; 1870-71 , John Ammerman ; 1872-74, Joseph H.
Van Cleef; 1875-77, Cornelius P. Quick; 1878-80, Elias Wilson.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE.
1772, Garret Van Arsdalen, Martin Hoagland; 1776,* John B. Du Mont,
Ab. Du Bois, Johaunes De Mott, Cor. Sebring, Peter A. Du Mont,
Lawrence Van Kleef, Garret Terhune, Jr., Is. Van Nuys, Jr., Peter
H. Du Mont ; 1777,* Al. Du Bois, John DuMont, Cor. Sebring, P. A.
Du Mont, Is. Van Nuys, P. H. Du Mont, Derrick Low, Peter Stryker,
Jr. ;t 1798, Peter D. Vroom, Esq., Fred. Frelinghuyson, Peter B. Du-
mont, John Staats, Jacobus Garretson ; 1799, Peter D. Vroom, Esq.,
Eynear Staats, Nich. Williamson, Jos. Van Doren, Jacobus Garrets
son ; 1800, Garret R. Garretson, Ab. Van Arsdalen, Henry Veghte,
Peter B. Du Mont, Peter J. Stryker, Esq. ; 1801-2, Garret E. Garret--
Bon, Ab. Van Arsdalen, Nich. Williamson, Peter B. Du Mont, Peter
I. Stryker, Esq. ; 1803, Eynear Staats, Ab. Van Arsdalen, Nich. Wil-
liamson, Peter B.Du Mont, Peter I. Stryker, Esq.; 1804, Eynear
Staats, Nich. Du Bois, Esq., Nich. Williamson, Peter B. Du Mont,
Peter Stryker, Esq.; 1805-6, Eynear Staats, Israel Harris, Willet
Taylor, Peter B. Du Mont, Peter I. Stryker, Esq. ; 1807, Bynear
Staats, Nich. Du Bois, Willet Taylor, Peter D. Vroom, Martin
Schenck ; 1808, Eynear Staats, Peter I. Siryker, Willet Taylor, Pe-
ter D. Vroom, Martin Schenck ; 1809, K.vueur Staats, Ab. Spader,
Nich. Du Bois, Peter D. Vroom, Martin Scbeuck; 1810-17, Eynear
Staats, John Sutphen, Nich. Du Bois, Petei- D. Vruom, Martin Schenck;
1818-19, Rynear Staats, John Sutpben, Kicli.Du Bois, Peter D. Vroom,
Chrislian Van Arsdalen ; 1820, Jacolins Quick, Cor. Peterson, Ed.
Van Harlingen, Peter D. Vroom, Cbristiiin Van Arsdalen; 1821,
James Quick, Cor. Peterson, Ed. Van Harlingen, Garret Quick,
Christian Van Arsdalen; 1822, Ab. Van Doren, Cor. Peterson, Ed.
Van Harlingen, Nich. Du Bois, Esq., Christian Van Arsdalen; 1823,
Ab. Van Doren, Cor. Peteiison, Ed. Van Harlingen, Nich. Du Bois,
Esq., Christian Van Arsdalen ; 1824, Ab. Van Doren, Cor. Peteraon,
Albert P. Voorhees, A. Deekman, John G. Van Nest; 1825-26, Ab.
Van Doreu, Eynear Veghte, Jr., Albert P. Voorhees, Ab. Beekman,
Peter La Tourette; 1827-28, Ab. P. Quick, Brogiin S. Brokaw; Al-
beit P. Voorhees, John G. Van Nest, Peter La Tourette; 1829, Ab. P.
Quick, Joachim G. Quick, Albert P. Voorhees, John G. Van Nest,
Peter La Tourette ; 1830, Cor. T. Beekman, Joachim G. Quick, Albert
P. Voorhees, John G. Van Nest, Peter La Tourette; 1831, Cor. T.
Beekman, Joachim G. Quick, Albert P. Voorhees, Peter P. Staats,
Peter La Tourette ; 1832, Cor. T. Beekman, Isaac Van Cleef, Albert
P. Voorhees, Peter P. Staats, Peter La Tourette ; 1833, Cor. T. Beek-
man, Isaac Van Cleef, Albert P. Voorhees, Peter C. Van Arsdalen,
Peter La Tourette ; 1834-36, Henry Herder, Isaac Van Cleef, Albert
P. Voorhees, Peter G. Quick, Peter La Tourette ; 1837, Henry Herder,
Isaac Van Cleef, Albert P. Voorhees, Cor. J. Nevlus, Caleb Brokaw ;
1838-39, Henry Herder, James Bergen, Albert P. Voorhees, Cor. J.
Nevius, Henry P. Staats ; 1840, Ezekiel Blue, Jas Bergen, Cor. Bergen,
Cor. J. Nevius, Henry P. Staats ; 1841, Ezekiel Blue, Henry P. Staats,
Jas. Bergen, Cornelius Eergon, Garret Beekman; 1842-43, Ezekiel
Blue, Henry P. Staats, Jas. Bergen, Henry H. Brokaw, Garret Beek-
man • 1844, Ezekiel Blue, Peter N. Beekmiin, Ab. Quick. .Ir., Henry
H. Brokaw, Garret Beekman ; 1845, E,alpb T. Sutpben, Peter N.
Beekman, Ab. Quick, .Jr., Henry H. Brokaw, Garret Beekman ; 1846,
Ealph T Sutpben, Peter N. Beekman, Ab. Quick, Jr., Peter P.
Staats, Garret Beekman: 1847^8, Ralph T.Sutplieli, Peter N.Beek-
man, Peter C. Petereon, Peter P. Stimts. John B. Brokaw; 1849,
Ealph T. Sutpben, Thomas Howard, Peter C. Peterson, Peter A. Da
Mont, John B. Brokaw; 1860, Ealph T. Sntphen, Jas. L. Voorhees,
Peter C Peterson, Peter A. Du Mont, John B. Brokaw : 1861, Ealph
T Sutpben, Jas. L. Voorhees, James Van Nnys, John Ammerman,
1867-
John B. Brokaw ; 1852,t Jas. L. Voorhees, James Van Nnys, John
Ammerman ; 1853, Joseph A. Howell, James Van Nuys, John Am-
merman ; 1854, Joseph A. Howell, James Van Nnys, Charles Corle;
1855-57, Joseph A. Howell, Cor. N. Allen, Charies Corle; 1858-60,
James L. Voorhees, Cor. N. Allen, John L. Bellis; 1861, James L.^
Voorhees, Cor. N. Allen, Ezekiel Blue; 1862, John C. Van Liew,
ThoB C Stryker, Ezekiel Blue; 1863, David J. Bellis, ThoS. C. Stry-
ker Ezekiel Blue; 1864-68, Joseph H. Van CTeef, Thos. C. Stryker
Ezekiel Blue; 1869, Joseph H. Van Cleef, Ab. Ammerman, Ezekiel
* These committees were appointed by request of the Congress.
t No committee appointed again till 1798, according to township mjn-
"Tonly tljree (18521, withDavid K. Auten and Peter A. Du Mont styled
supernumerary members.
784
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Blue ; 1870, Joseph H. Van Cleef, Ab. Ammerman, Edward Sutphen ;
1871, Abram Veglite, Ab. Ammerman, Edward Sutphen ; 1872-73, Hen-
ry Wilson, Jas. L. Voorheea, Edward Sutphen ; 1874, Henry S. Van
Nuys, Edward 0. Bennett, Geo. W. Vroom ; 1876, Henry S. Tan Nuys,
Henry H. Garretson, Garret Beekman ; 1876, Bvnrj S. Van Nuys,
Gar. P. Cortelyou, Garret Beekman, David K. Auten, John F. Hall ;
1877, Ab. N. Veghte, Gar. P, Cortelyou, Garret Beekman, David K.
Auten, John F. Hall ;â– 1878, Ab. N. Veghte, Jas. W. Gulick, Andrew
M. Baird; 1879, John F.Hall, Keuben H. Hulick, Jas. Z. Bergen ;
1880, H. V. D. Van Liew, Eeuben H. Hulick, Jas. Z. Bergen.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Millstone is a small village on the left bank of
Millstone River, 3 J miles from its mouth, by the
course of the river. It is a rural hamlet, without
legal bounds. It contains (1880) 262 inhabitants,
about fifty-five dwellings, one Eeformed (Dutch)
church, with a neat lecture- and Sunday-school room
adjoining. There are three stores, one blacksmith-
shop, two wheelwright-shops, and a district school.
Although lying low, comparatively, the place is noted
for its healthfulness.
Millstone was probably the most important place in
the county in 1738, as the vote of the citizens of the
county then determined that it was the ptoper place
for the county-seat. A bridge over the river, in all
probability, existed here at that date, as it was here
that the Amwell road passed. The farmers in this
vicinity made this the point of shipment for their
produce. The farms were being taken up along the
river, as reference to the article on land titles will
show. The Harlingen tract was also already occu-
pied. In 1738 there were about fifty families within
three miles of the present village.
With the location here of the court-house there
arose the necessity, if it did not exist before, of a
public-house. Probably such a house existed before
1738. Two taverns flourished in the time of the
Revolution, one on the site still occupied, a little
northeast of the church, the other near the bridge,
in what constitutes the door-yard of the present resi-
dence of James Elmendorf. The court-house and
jail stood a little south of this inn, on the premises
now owned by Joseph Conover and wife, formerly by
Miss Mary SuyJam. Some of the large stones of its
foundation are yet lying about. It must have been
near by that the negro was burned for murdering his
master, Jacob Van Nest, in 1752.
In 1760 the inhabitants built the small Presbyterian
church, and in 1767 the Dutch church was erected on
the site still occupied.
In 1800 there was no school-house, the children
crossing the river into Franklin ; the church stood on
the present site. Jacob Van Nuys lived in the house
east of the church now occupied by Dr. Fred. Black-
well. This house was used some time before 1800 by
Henry Quick, a cabinet-maker. A hatter by the
name of Jobes succeeded Van Nuys. In 1812, Dom-
inie Zabriskie became its occupant, the church hav-
ing bought it for a parsonage.*
* See Millstone Centennial,"" 1876. "
In 1800, Cornelius Lowe, an old bachelor, kept the
hotel near by; Isaac Fisher and Lowe Fisher pre-
ceded him. The next building on the east side of
the street was the Presbyterian church, or the Eng-
lish church, as it was popularly called by the Dutch,
opposite the present residence of Fred. V. L. Disbor-
ough. Next was the house of Dr. Abram Van Buren,
a sketch of whose life will be found elsewhere in this
work ; the site is now occupied by Van Mater Van
Cleef. John Van Nest occupied the house on the
north side of Peace Brook, next to the river, lately
occupied by Nelly Van Tine ; he had at this time a
son named Ezekiel. Paul Duryea occupied a house
directly north, keeping in it a small store ; it was
subsequently resided in by the Suydams. After Dur-
yea's death, his widow built a house about 100 feet
farther north, leaving vacant the lots of the old
court-house and jail, which were burned by the British
in 1779.
John Christopher had a shoemaker-shop where the
present wheelwright-shop is located, at the north
end of the village, near the river, and a dwelling
adjoining. The road at this time came down the
hill to the bridge and followed the river, winding
around between John Van Nest's and Dr. Van
Buren's. The straight road west of James Elmen-
dorf 's house was opened about 1830.
Edward Van Harlingen lived in the house now on
the straight road, at the foot of the hill. Here, also,
the younger Dominie Van Harlingen lived for
eighteen years preceding his death, in 1813. In
this house the exercises of Queens College were
held for a while during the Revolution.!
In 1800, Dr. Stryker lived in the house on top of
the hill, long occupied by Dr. McKissack ; he had
previously resided at Blackwell's Mills, in the house
opposite the brick stable. Peter Hulick lived where
his nephew Eeuben Hulick now is, while Isaac Lott
lived directly across the road. Martin Schenck had
the next farm on the east side of the road, which had
been the parsonage for Dominie Foering during the
Revolution. Previous to 1800, Mr. Schenck had once
lived on the lot east of the church, and had there kept
a blacksmith-shop. On the west side of the road, the
farm now possessed by John Brokaw was owned in
1800 by Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen, who had mar-
ried Miss Ann Yard a few years previously ; the latter
received that farm in 1778. North of this place we
come successively to the farms of the Strykers, the
Wilsons, and the Van Nests.
To return to the village of Millstone proper : Gen.
Frelinghuysen in 1800 occupied the place now owned
t " Hillsborough, May 25th, 1780. The vacation of Queens College, at
Hillsborough, in the county of Somerset, and of the grammar school in
the city of New Brunswick, is expired, and the business of each is again
commenced. Good lodgings may be procured in both places at aa low a
rate as in any part of the State. By order of the Faculty,
" JoHK Tayloe,
Clerk, pro teii»."" "
HILLSBOROUGH.
785
by Edward Baker ;* his farm included also the Dis-
borough place. There were no houses between the
last mentioned and the Dutch church. Directly west
of the churchyard lived John Broach ; a Mr. Marshall
had occupied that place previously. Cyrenius Thomp-
son, long famous as the sexton, lived on the next lot,
now occupied by John De Camp. Mrs. Thompson
sold cakes and beer to the people between the two ser-
vices on Sundays. Dominie Cannon, the pastor, was
living near Six-Mile Eun at this time.
Only one other house existed on the road west of
the church, located on the lot lately owned by Garret
Brokaw, and now by Mrs. Van Buskirk ; John Gallo-
way then lived on this lot. John Atkinson lived on
the corner south of the church, so long occupied by
Gershom Bernart ; Mr. Atkinson was a blacksmith,
and had a shop in the northwest corner of the present
parsonage-yard. John Broach had previously lived
on the Atkinson place, and kept a cooper-shop ; Peter
Lewis lived on the same spot after Atkinson. West-
ward on the Amwell road there was no house in 1800
until we reach the present place of Peter Sutphen
Van Doren ; James Ellison then lived there.
The Van Doren farm was the one first south of the
church. It had been in possession of the family since
1763, and is yet owned by them. The next place was
that of Isaac Van Cleef ; he had moved there some
years prior to 1800, having come from the neighbor-
hood of Pluckamin. The house stood where Garret
Van Cleef now resides. Isaac Van Cleef died in
1804, and four years later the farm was sold ; the
sons Isaac and Peter bought it. Peter afterwards
sold the northern part to Schenck Van Derveer. It is
now occupied by Paul Beardslee.
Peter Ditmars occupied the next farm. He sold it
to Abraham Beekman in 1815. Dr. McKissack mar-
ried a daughter of this Ditmars, and they were the
parents of Peter Ditmars McKissack, M.D., who died
in 1872.
Mr. Cornell occupied the next farm, now owned by
Jacob Schomp ; he soon died, and his widow engaged
Frederick Probasco to work the farm, and afterwards
married him. Mr. Cornell's son Joseph subsequently
came into possession ; he sold the place to Ber-
rien for about $70 an acre. Joseph Cornell then
went West. John Blackwell bought it in 1816 for
about $15 an acre.
Peter Staats occupied the place now owned by the
Coe family ; his son Abram was the father of Rev.
John A. Staats, who was born on this place. Archi-
bald Mercer was the proprietor of the mill subse-
quently known as Blackwell's Mills.
Millstone became, after the canal was opened, a
place of considerable business. As many as 100,000
bushels of grain have been stored there at one time,
* When Gen. Frederick FrelinghuyBen lived at Millstone his home was
visited by some of the great statesmen of the day. On one occasion John
Adams and Thomas Jefferson were traveling together on horeoback, and
honored MilUtone by stopping orer-night at the FreUnghuysen mansion.
waiting for the opening of the canal. There were in
1834 four stores, three taverns, several mechanics,
three storehouses for grain, and an extensive lumber-
yard. With the opening of the railroad to New
Brunswick, in 1856, the development of this village
was perhaps retarded, as East Millstone, in Franklin,
became the terminus of the railroad. In 1872 con-
siderable property in and near Millstone was pur-
chased by A. D. Melick & Co., of New York; it
consisted of 1632 acres, for which they paid $241,550.
In 1873 the railroad was opened to Somerset Junc-
tion, on the Delaware, to anticipate the new railroad
from Bound Brook to Philadelphia. But the latter
succeeded, being opened in 1876, and in 1880 the
Mercer and Somerset road was abandoned.
Neshanic is situated at the northwest declivity of
Neshanic Mountain. It contains (1881) one Reformed
(Dutch) church, one hotel (temperance), a district
school, two stores, and some twenty-five dwellings.
About ten more are at Neshanic Station. The
country around is undulating and beautiful.
The land for some distance around Neshanic was
owned in 1683 by John Bennett. The tract embraced
several hundred acres, extended to the division line
between East and West Jersey, and was bounded on
the north by the South Branch. Neshanic tavern was
kept by the Bennett family "in a time whereof the
memory of man runneth not to the contrary." It was
a nucleus about which a village afterwards gathered.
Some of the earliest settlers were the Lows, Lotts,
Huffs, Coersens (now Corson), Ryersons, Ten Eycks,
Terhunes, Posts, Middaghs, Nevius, Wyckofia, Hage-
mans, Bergens, Van Arsdales, Strykers, Voorhees, etc.
The old house of Dirick and Rebecca Low is yet stand-
ing, on the farm occupied by Henry Van Derveer, on
the Neshanic, near West's Mills. Another old house,
the first homestead of the Lows, stands on the farm of
John J. Van Liew, on the road leading from the Am-
well road to the South Branch.
Bergen Huff built the first mill at Neshanic, about
1770. It stood some distance below the present one,
and was abandoned about 1810. Some remains of it
are still to be seen. The present mills were erected
about 1810. In 1836 they were purchased firom Cor-
nelius and Peter Beekman by Judge Corle, and have
since been known as Corle's Mills. They were again
sold several years since by Judge Corle, and have been
owned by at least five different parties ; but, notwith-
standing these frequent changes, they have " done the.
town grinding" and made large shipments since the
railroad has been in operation. The old miller Nich-
olas Huff was a Revolutionary pensioner, and great-
uncle of Abraham Huff, who was born 1788. He says
that his uncle Nicholas had his knee shattered by a
musket-ball while on the retreat in the battle of Ger-
mantown. Pa.
The old school-house stood on the spot where John
Tunison's house now is, at the corner of Garret Voor-
hees' field. The most prominent teacher then wa^
18&
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Nathan Loring, whose memory is affectionately cher-
ished. John Allen, a saddle- and harness-maker,
lived with John Minor, the tanner, who carried on
husiness not far from the old school-house. Garret
Voorhees and John Allen lived on the south side of
the hrook. Sally Andrews lived close hy the school-
house, and from her spring the troop of children
quenched their thirst. A store was kept in a build-
ing that stood in front of the residence of Judge
Corle. Among others who did business here were
Mr. Phillips and Sheriff John Wyckoff.
FlaGtGTOWN" is situated a couple of miles east of
Neshanic. It contains about twenty scattered dwell-
ings, a store, and a school.
Clover Hill is on the Amwell road where it
enters Hunterdon County, and lies partly in both
counties. It contains about fifteen dwellings, a Re-
formed Dutch church, and a school.
Blackwell's is situated on the west bank of the
Millstone, about two miles south of the village of Mill-
stone. Here is a flourishing flour- and grist-mill,
owned by John L. Oakey, Esq. Half a dozen houses
are in the immediate vicinity, a store kept by Corne-
lius H. Broach, and a school near by. A bridge crosses
the Millstone at this point to Franklin township. A
mill has existed here since 1746, originally built by
Peter Schenck. A post-office was established in 1872.
South Branch, sometimes known by the name of
Branchville, is situated on the South Branch, near
its junction with the Earitan. It contains about fif-
teen dwellings, a large store, and a Reformed Dutch
church.
Rock Mill is in the southwestern part of the
township, in a depression in the Neshanic Mountain.
It is partly in Montgomery township. Here are ten
or twelve dwellings, a Methodist Episcopal church, a
saw-mill, and a store.
ROYCEFIELD is located upon the South Branch.
Railroad, about 2} miles from Somerville. Since the
railroad was opened the name of the station has been
changed to " Ricefield," trouble having been experi-
enced from the fact of there being another village of
the same name in the State. Two country stores, a
blacksmith-shop, two hay-presses, a school, and a
post-ofBce, besides the railroad buildings and a cluster
of dwellings, constitute the village. James Hageman
is station-agent, and also postmaster.
Roycefield derived its name from the early land-
owner of this vicinity, John Eoyce.
There are now in Hillsborough township the fol-
lowing post-offices: Millstone, Blackwell's Mills,
Flaggtown, Hillsborough, Neshanic, Roycefield (now
called Ricefield), and South Branch.
SCHOOLS.
This township has (1880) within its bounds fourteen
district schools. The following gives the statistical
report for the year ending Aug. 31, 1879:
i,
1
1
a
£
£
.sl
In
â– 3
o
.a .
a S
s
8>
a^
" s
NtTMBER AND NAME
OF District.
£ o
1
^4i
â– og
li
3l
11
II
3S
â– =.2
o
a
H
1^
o
-5
O
CO
39. Woodville
$300.00
SUM
8500.00
1,600.00
61
80
10.
9.6
28
63
50.
40. HarDiony Plains
50
300.00
300 00
600.00
1,200.00
600.00
46
60
^-
24
60
60
4-2, Liberty
40
43. Blooniingdale
300.00
48
10.
32
40
44. Millstone
400.00
1,000.00
91
9.
67
70
300 00
1 000 00
67
9.
54
40
386.00
300.00
800.00
800.00
66
48
9.6
9.5
62
37
40
47. Pleasant View
40
48. Mountain
300.00
350 00
200.00
1,600.00
84
62
9.
11.
37
67
40
60. Flaggtown Station.
70
1,183.08
300.00
26.00
500 00
in
47
9.
9
66
44
4U
53. Clover Hill
400.72
800.00
80
11.5
71
$5,633.84
810,925.00
941
9.6
681
670
But few of these schools can be traced back to their
origin, except in cases where school districts have
been divided within the memory of those yet living.
The first school in Hillsborough was probably on
the south side of the Raritan, situated on a little
knoll on the roadside, on the line of the farms of
Jacobus Quick and Peter Du Mont; it was abandoned
as a school-house towards the close of the last century.
It probably dates back to 1720 or 1780. William
Parrish early taught in this school.
About 1795 it was determined to build a house
about a mile farther west, so as to accommodate the
whole northwestern corner of the township. This
would take in the present New Centre District, Flagg-
town Station, the westerly portions of Woodville and
Liberty, and the northern part of Bloomingdale. In
that section, about 1790, there was a large number of
children. The site chosen was a little strip of land
between the road and the river, on the north end of
John Van Middlesworth's farm. On the east was a
small stream called Paw-ne-pack by the Indians.
The building was about 24 feet square; a spacious
fireplace was on one side. The structure was painted
red, with white casings to the doors and windows. It
was known as the Red School-House, and in later
years as the Old Red School-House.
Master John Warburton was the first teacher. He
was English by birth, and was supposed to have been
in the British army in the Revolution. He had also
taught in the preceding school-house, and was well
known and respected by all. He was now about sixty
•years old, and, while kind in his government, was
very decided. He believed in the efficacy of the
birch. The English Primer,"" Dilworth's spelling- "
book and arithmetic, and the Bible were the only
books used ; Webster's spelling-book made but slow
progress in that community. Master Warburton's
HILLSBOROUGH.
78T
great points were order and method. The writing-
books of Ms scholars were patterns of neatness;
every line was fixed by scale and dividers. Thus
he made the children proud of themselves and of
work.
Mr. "Warburton did not "board 'round," as was
usual with teachers in olden times, but he lived alto-
gether in the school-house. Each employer supplied
him with food for a week. On Sunday morning he
would breakfast with the family who was to supply
him for the coming week, and would carry his own
basket of provisions that day. He slept in a little
garret over his school-room. Late in life he left this
school and taught for a while in another, near the
old Earitan bridge. He finally bought a few acres
on the Second Mountain, north of Somerville. Here
he built a small house, and dug a cave which he
sometimes used. Some old friends supplied his wants
until he died. The Old Ked School-House stood
until about 1830.* Peter G. Quick, of Millstone,
now ninety-two years of age, attended in 1794-95,
and was a pupil for three years under Master War-
burton. The school districts of New Centre and
Woodville finally took the place of this famous old
school. Peter Stryker (afterwards Rev. Peter Stry-
ker), in 1782, was school-teacher at or near Mill-
stone, f
Another school was at an early day located on the
farm of Peter Wyckofi" (more recently Capt. John
Wyckoff's). The school-house stood on the hill,
close by the brook, and on the east side of the Am-
well road. Mr. Gordon was a teacher here. This
disappeared not far from the opening of the present
century.
About the same time Dr. Lawrence Van Derveer
gave land for a school lot a little south of the small
graveyard on his place, and this district was divided
about 1837 into the present Eoycefield and Blooming-
dale districts. With the cessation of the school on
the Wyckoflf place, a school -building which had stood
in the bed of the canal as it now runs, about 250
yards north of the East Millstone canal bridge, was
removed to Millstone and located on the Amwell
road west of the church, where Mr. HoflFman now
lives; this was in 1807. James Ellison (residing
where Peter Sutphen Van Doren now lives) was the
teacher in this school. He was a carpenter by trade,
but a man of considerable ability. Mr. Belcher suc-
ceeded him. The school remained on this site until
1814, when Daniel Disborough gave for a school lot
the plot, 38 by 130 feet, now occupied by the lecture-
room. A two-story building, known as the academy,
was here erected. The second story was used for
prayer-meetings and religious lectures, and at first,
for a time, for the smaller children in the day-school,
while the lower story was occupied as the school-
* See Governor Vroom's description of this school and teachers in Dr.
Messler's county history,
f See Corwin's " Manual," pp. 474, 476.
room proper. Abram Montfort was the teacher, in
the academy, in 1814 ; Mr. Wallbridge in 1821-28.
In 1860, by an act of the Legislature of the State,
this school district (No. 44) obtained permission to
sell this lot, in order to locate the school on the hill,
north of the town, its present position. The former
school lot, in the rear of the church, was bought by
certain trustees in behalf of the members of the
church of Hillsborough living in said school district,
to be used by them for educational and moral pur-
poses.! William Lytle taught in the academy in
1832-33, and was succeeded by Mr. Kingsley, Stephen
H. Rowan (afterwards lost at sea), James S. Taylor,
and Mr. Pillsbury (married Matilda Nevius).
The inhabitants of the northeastern part of Hills-
borough at first sent their children to a school near
the small graveyard at Weston. This continued for
about a hundred years, until 1834, when the building
was burned and the present Harmony Plains district
formed. Weston was then, according to a State map
of 1767, called Van Nest's.
Until 1840 the present Cross-Eoads and Pleasant
View districts were united. The school-house stood
near where the railroad now crosses the farm of I. J.
Stryker. ^ The school in the southeastern part of the
township was originally north of Blackwell's Mills,
where the brick stable now stands. It probably origi-
nated about the time the mill was built, 1746. In
1813 the location was changed to the southeast corner
of Theodore Layton's farm. The school near the
Neshanic church probably dates back to 1750. A
new school-house was in 1856 erected in the Wood-
ville district, on the northwest corner of land of
Thomas F. Smith, at an expense of $688.
At Eoycefield (old District No. 13), in 1836, a new
house was erected on the land of John Van Zandt ;
Brogun J. Brokaw, Peter Van Zandt, and William
Wilson were the building committee. F. D. Brokaw,
James J. Bergen, and John Van Zandt were the trus-
tees. March 28, 1837, the new house was called "The
Liberty School-House." Albert Hulce was the first
teacher.
New Centre district in 1856 built a new school-
house on land of Cornelius Peterson, at an expense of
about $600.
In 1829 the township embraced twelve school dis-
tricts. § In 1830 the school committee|| divided these)
into eleven, and in 1838 into fifteen. There were
some subsequent changes, but in 1871, a county school
superintendent having been appointed, the numbers
I " Millstone Centennial," 44.
§ The twelve districts emhraced thirteen schools and 332 scholars.
n The first school committee of Hillsborough township (1829) was com-
posed of James Elmendorf, Peter P. Vroom, and Jacob B. Schencln ; the
last (1846), Dr. James B. Elmendorf, Gilbert B. Taylor, and Dr. C. a
Hoagland, the latter becoming the first township superintendent of
schools in the following year; he remained six years. Peter N. Beok-
man served In 1861-62 ; John L. Bellis in 1856-60, and 1861-63 ; William
R. Smith in 1867-60 and 1804-66, when, the office of county superinten-
dent being established, they were no longer appointed.
788
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
of the districts ia the township were changed to a
general system including the whole county.
CLASSICAL SCHOOLS IN HILLSBOEOUGH.
Queens College, about 1780, on account of the
dangers of the Eevolution, was temporarily located
at Millstone, and Dominie Van Harlingen, about the
opening of the century, was accustomed to teach the
classics to those desiring to prepare for college.
Abram G. Voorhees subsequently taught a Latin
class at the house of Dominie Zabriskie, and the dom-
inie himself at times heard recitations. In 1826-27,
Mr. Zabriskie had a class studying Latin with him ;
it consisted of James Van Derveer (afterwards M.D.
at North Branch), Peter D. McKissack (afterwards
M.D. at Millstone), Outhout Van Harlingen, J. V.
D. Hoagland, John B. Staats, John A. Staats (after-
wards Eev.), and John Broach.
Rev. John Cornell conducted a classical school at
Millstone from 1828 to 1835. He lived on the Fre-
linghuysen place, now occupied by Edward Baker.
This school was continued by Mr. Addis, Joseph P.
Bradley (now one of the justices of the United States
Supreme Court), and William I. Thompson. A clas-
sical school was also kept by Rev. P. D. Oakey, at
Neshanic Station, from 1870 to 1876.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
Hillsborough township has long been famed for its
religious privileges. The Dutch Church has indeed
had the field almost exclusively. The inhabitants of
the northern part of the township have always sought
their spiritual instruction at Somerville or Raritan ;
a few have gone to Bound Brook. In early times,
the people of the southern and eastern parts went to
Six-Mile Run or Three-Mile Run, in Franklin. There
are now four Reformed (Dutch) Churches in the town-
ship, viz., Neshanic, Hillsborough (or Millstone),
Clover Hill, and Branchville. There was a Presby-
terian Church at Millstone from about 1759 to 1800.
The Dutch Church at Clover Hill became Presbyterian
in 1840, and so remained until 1862, when it returned
to the Dutch body. There is also a Presbyterian mis-
sion church on the top of Neshanic Mountain, sup-
ported by the neighboring Dutch and Presbyterian
, Churches on either side ; also one small Methodist
Chiurch at Rock Mill. A Roman Catholic Church
exists in East Millstone.
In the records of the Lutheran Church near Sauger-
ties, N. Y., we find that Daniel Falckner, a Lutheran
minister who itinerated considerably among the Ger-
man settlements, signed himself, in 1724, " Pastor at
Millstone and in the mountains near the River
Raritan." There may have been a few Germans in
the township to whom he ministered ; those on the
Raritan were probably in Hunterdon County.
PRESBTTEKIAN CHUKCHES.
Millstone. Oct. 30, 1759, the Presbytery of New
Brunswick, assembled at Basking Ridge, received a
petition fi-om the people of Millstone asking permis-
sion to enjoy one-fourth of the services of Eev. Israel
Reed, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bound
Brook, which request was granted. He continued to
preach in Millstone about ten years. The Presby-
terians and the Dutch united and built a church on
land given by a Mr. Ten Eyck, opposite the present
residence of Frederick V. L. Disborough. It is known
that some of the Smiths from about Weston and Mr.
Thompson, who owned land along the Amwell road,
were active in this church. The Dutch also used the
same building, and had supplies about once a month,
until the Dutch Church was organized, in 1766. After
the arrangement with Mr. Reed was ended, the Pres-
byterians are known to have had the following sup-
plies : Oct. 9, 1770, a licentiate, William Schenck ;*
April 10, 1771, Rev. Samuel Kennedy, of Basking
Ridge; second Sabbath of May, 1772, a Mr. Van
Arsdale; second Sabbath in November, 1772, Rev.
Thomas Smith, of Cranberry. Mr. Van Arsdale again
supplied once or oftener in 1773. In 1775 this church
united with the Presbyterian Church of Kingston in
calling a pastor, but without success. April 23, 1776,
they petitioned the Presbytery for a minister to assist
Mr. Elmer to administer the Lord's Supper and to
ordain elders, and Rev. Mr. Kennedy, of Basking
Ridge, was appointed. This Mr. Elmer is the Eev.
Jonathan Elmer, who was the first of this family in
New Jersey. From 1757 to 1793 he was a supply at
New Providence, officiating occasionally in this church,
and died in 1807.
During the Eevolution the building was maltreated
by the British. The following extract from the vol-
ume (No. 172) at Trenton containing the affidavits of
parties who suffered from the depredations of the
enemy will be interesting :
*' Inventory of the damage to the Presbyterian English meeting-houBe
by the British army and their adherents in December, 1776, and June,
1777, delivered by Jonathan Smith, one of the elders, at Millstone, in
Hillsborough.
" The damage done to said meeting-house is valued at £80.
The said Jonathan Smith, being sworn according to law, depoaeth "
and saith that the said meeting-house was in good repair, as it usually
was, when the British army came first to Millstone; and after the British
left Millstone, in June, 1777, the said meeting-house was much destroyed;
and he found some of the doors, and some part of the windows, shutters,
and part of the breast-work of the gallery in the British encampment;
and that he never received any pay or satisfaction for the same.
"Sworn before NATnA*L AYEE8.
Oct. 22, 1782."" "
There was some correspondence between the Classis
of New Brunswick and the Presbytery of New Bruns-
wick concerning their respective rights to this terri-
tory. The growth of the Dutch Church, the popula-
tion of that nationality being vastly in the majority,
caused the Presbyterian Church to dwindle, and prob-
ably with the conclusion of Mr. Elmer's ministry it§
doors were closed. The building, becoming unsafe,
was taken down about 1809. The land was sold and
the proceeds distributed among the heirs of the orig-
* See " Manual Beformed Church," p. 663.
HILLSBOROUaH.
789
inal donor. A small graveyard around the building
lias long since disappeared.
Clover Bill. ^The Reformed Dutch Church of this
place resolved itself into a Presbyterian Church in
1840. It was served by the same ministers who offici-
ated at Eeaville, Hunterdon Co., as follows: Eev.
David Hull, 1840 to April 16, 1844; Eev. Benjamin
Carroll, Nov. 26, 1844, to April 11, 1859 ; Rev. George
P. Van Wyck, Jan. 31, 1860, to Oct. 22, 1862. In
1862 it returned to its former relation with the Classis
of Philadelphia (Reformed Dutch), and its history
may be found on subsequent pages of this work.
KEFOEMBD (DUTCH) CHTIECHBS.
Neshanio. ^This church was formed Aug. 25, 1752,
by Bernardus Verbryck and wife, Abraham Dubois,
Sr., Abraham Dubois, .Jr., Albert Low and wife, Wil-
liam Low, John Dumont and wife, and John Mont-
fort and wife, eleven persons dismissed by the North
Branch Church for the purpose of forming a new con-
gregation. Bernardus Verbryck and Abraham Du-
bois were chosen elders, and Johannes De Mott and
William Low deacons. The record which gives us
the date of the organization of the Neshanic Church
and the members of the first Consistory is in the
handwriting of Dominie Johannes Frelinghuysen.
On the 11th of October succeeding it is recorded
that the site for the church was determined to be on
the Amwell road, between the residences of Lawrence
and John De Mott, on the knoll on the north side of
said road. The next record is dated May 21, 1757,
and refers to the election of a Consistory under the
direction of Eev. John Leydt, of New Brunswick, at
the house of Andreas Ten Eyck. John De Mott was
chosen elder, and John Montfort deacon ; and then it
recites that they were ordained on the 13th January
succeeding, in the church at North Branch, by Dom-
inie Eomeyn.
The register of baptisms commences May 23, 1760,
with the names of Jan and Sarah Wycoff presenting
a daughter, Neeltjie, and Jacobus and Elizabeth
Hegeman, a son, Pieter, and Daniel and Catlyntie
Hunt, a daughter, Catlyntie, all on the same day.
This register is complete, and has been continued
until the present time. We gather from its earlier
years some names which it may be of interest to pre-
serve as belonging to the congregation in its begin-
nings: John Huff, George Bergen, More Beyaert,
John Cox, Bernardus Van Zant, Thomas Hall, Peter
Petersen, Hendrick Dilts, Dominicus Stryker, John
Van Nest, Abraham Voorhees, Tennis Cornell, Hen-
drick Jansen, Heugh Higse, Dominicus Van Dyke,
Joris Brocaw, and Hendrick Pippenger.
Aug. 28, 1758, Eem Vanderbeek was appointed
elder, and Lawrence De Mott deacon, and July 29,
1759, Bernardus Verbryck was ordained as elder in
the room of Johannes De Mott, whose term of ser-
vice had expired. Neshanic united with the other
congregations in Somerset County in calling the Eev.
Jacob Eutsen Hardenburgh as their pastor. They
had all been vacant since John Frelinghuysen'a
death, in 1754.
In 1762, Neshanic withdrew from its connection with
the other four churches and formed a union with
Harlingen, or Sourland, as then called, to obtain the
services of Eev. Johannes Martinus Van Harlingen.
This proved to be a lasting connection, and continued
until it was dissolved, in 1795, by Mr. Van Harlin-
gen's death. In 1780, in order to obtain more preach-
ing, however, Neshanic united with Millstone in ob-
taining a part of the services of Solomon Froeligh,
and this connection continued until 1786. Then,
feeling the necessity of having preaching in the Eng-
lish language for the benefit of the junior members of
the congregation, they called, in conjunction with Har-
lingen, the Rev. William E. Smith. He was to preach
two Sabbaths at Neshanic, and one at Harlingen.
He was thus more entirely identified with the people
of Neshanic than with those of Harlingen. He also
made his residence in the bounds of the congregation,
living on a parsonage farm, less than two miles east
of the church. His long ministry ended only with
his death, in 1820.
Eev. Henry Polhemus was called as a colleague of
Mr. Smith in 1798. He continued until 1809, when
Eev. Peter Labagh was called to Harlingen, and be-
came also colleague of Mr. Smith. He continued to
serve Neshanic until 1821, when he took charge of
Harlingen alone. Neshanic had been united with
other churches in the support of a minister for sixty-
eight years, when a call was given to the candidate
Gabriel Ludlow, which was accepted. He was or-
dained and installed by the Classis of Philadelphia,
Sept. 5, 1821, and continued pastor for the remarka-
bly long period of fifty-seven years. He died in 1878.
During his active ministry 400 made a profession of
faith. He solemnized 500 marriages in the same
period, and baptized 910 infants.
Eev. John Hart was called as a colleague of Dr.
Ludlow in 1875. He continues the faithful and en-
ergetic pastor of this church, which now numbers 170
families and nearly 300 members. It has four Sab-
bath-schools, with 235 children in them.
Millsborough. When the Dutch and English peo-
ple united in building the small Presbyterian church
in Millstone, the pastors of the neighboring Dutch
churches supplied them about once a month. These
were Rev. John Leydt, who lived at Three-Mile Run,
Rev. Jacob E. Hardenburgh, at Somerville, and Eev.
John M. Van Harlingen, pastor at Neshanic and
Harlingen. This arrangement of supplies continued
from 1760 to 1774. In the mean time, owing, proba-
bly, to some difficulties about the use of the Presby-
terian building, the Dutch being also vastly in the
majority, they organized a church and erected a
building for themselves.
July 26, 1766, seventy heads of families, being
members of the congregations of the Earitan, New
790
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Brunswick, Six-Mile Eun, and Over-the-Millstone
(now Harlingen) Cliurches, addressed a petition to
the ministers and elders of the same, expressing their
desire to be established as a new congregation. Aug.
11, 1766, the church was organized at the house of
Peter Schenck (at what is now called Blackwell's
Mills), under the name of "New Millstone." They
elected Joseph Cornell and Peter Schenck elders, and
Johannes Hoagland and Abram Van Buren, M.D.,
deacons. Thus the church of Millstone was the first
regularly-constituted organization in the county.
The three neighboring ministers, by an arrange-
ment entered into with their congregations, each
preached at New Millstone four times a year, giving
them conjointly a service once a month. Thus mat-
ters stood for eight years. A subscription was begun in
December, 1766, which received seventy-eight names,
and an aggregate amount of £446. Subscriptions were
also solicited for help in New York and on Long Island,
and £104 10s. llrf. were thus received for the original
building of the church.
John Van Doren gave land to the church imme-
diately north of the present parsonage lot, on what is
now the garden of Dr. Fred. Blackwell. But John
Smock, who owned the plot where the church now
stands, being willing to exchange with the Consistory,
they gladly accepted of the proposal on account of
the superiority of the site, and hence the deed for the
ground stands in the name of John Smock, dated
Jan. 7, 1767, to certain trustees in behalf of the con-
gregation. The land, less than an acre, was valued at
£10. This plot was subsequently increased by three
different purchases, which together constitute the
present churchyard.
This first house of worship was probably completed
within a year and a quarter from the organization of
the church. Its breadth, like that of many of the old
churches, was greater than its depth. It contained in
all sixty-six pews, two being reserved by the pulpit
for the Consistory, one by the west wall (the wall
pews faced the congregation) for the justice, and two
tiers or eight pews in the back of the church were
free. A stairway ran up in the southwest corner to
the belfry. The church contained three aisles, and
two large pillars arose in the midst of either block of
pews to support the roof. This building, though oon-
siderably damaged by fire in the Revolution, and
having undergone a couple of thorough repairings,
stood for sixty years.
The baptismal register of the church begins April
3, 1767, when Eva, daughter of Dr. Van Buren, one
of the deacons, was baptized, and baptisms occurred
afterwards every few months, showing regular ser-
vices. But only fifteen formed the original member-
ship of the church, including officers, and ten were
added by profession and two by certificate during the
period that they remained without a pastor.
In the summer of 1774 they bought a parsonage
farm, containing about 53 acres, for £348. Four and
a half acres additional were added the next spring.
It is the place now occupied by Joseph V. S. Van
Doren. The house was at once repaired, Henry Wil-
son, Peter Stryker, Sr., John Stryker, Henry Pro-
basco, and Lawrence Van Cleef being the building
committee, and when ready for use the Consistory
found themselves indebted £393.
In the fall of 1774 the Consistory renewed their
invitation to Mr. Foering, and he accepted in the
early part of October, 1774, and moved the following
month. He states in a letter that the Low Dutch
language was rapidly passing away in Millstone, and
that he was called to preach altogether in English.
During the first eighteen months of his ministry, which
brings us down to the Declaration of Independence,
eighteen persons united with the church on pro-
fession of their faith; during the next three years,
down to his death, not a single one. The excite-
ment, the party strife, and the frequent proximity of
the armies seriously interfered with even the religious
services.
On April 5, 1775, the church was incorporated by a
royal charter. The title was changed from "New Mill-
stone" to " Hillsborough," the name of the township.
This was done to distinguish it from the present church
at Harlingen, which had generally been called Mill-
stone previously. Trustees had held the property for
the church, but with the charter all the deeds were
rewritten in the name of the Consistory. This was
the last charter granted to a Dutch Church by the
English government, and about the last that George
III. granted to any American institution. It was in
the "fifteenth year" of his reign, 1775.*
During the Revolution the church and parsonage
were very much injured,t the damage being invoiced
at £250 16s. 6d.
In the fall of 1778, after the battle of Freehold,
Washington took up his winter quarters again at Mid-
dlebrook. About this time Mr. Foering preached a
very patriotic sermon, which led to the formation
of a company from 'his congregation. The British
sent out a party to capture him, so as to prevent his
efforts among his people. But, although sick in bed
at the time, by his wife's help he started for a place
of safety, probably to Washington's camp, and his
wife returned into the house to her three children,
the oldest but eight years of age. " In a very short
time the enemy came up, and in their angry search
for one whom with oaths they stigmatized as 'that
rebel Foering' thrust their swords through every bed
in the house." Mr. Foering, leaving home sick and
subjected to exposure in his flight, took a heavy cold,
* Recorded in Liber AB., of commissions and charters, pp. 182-85, iu
secretary's office, Perth Amboy.
f See narrative of Sergt. Grant, of the British army, quoted in " Col.
Hist, of N. Y.," viii. pp. 728-30, and also the " Inventory of Damages done
to the Dutch Presbyterian Church and Parsonage, Millstone, by the Brit-
ish Army, in December, 1776, and June, 1777, Delivered by Iluudrick
Probasco and Peter Ditmarse, a Committee appointed by said Congrega-
tion," recorded in vol. clxxii., State-House, Trenton.
HILLSBOKOUGH.
791
from which consumption resulted, and March 29,
1779, the first pastor of this church breathed his last.
His body was deposited under the church, in front of
the sacred desk whence had issued the kindred lessons
of religion and liberty, and his dust yet reposes be-
neath the second edifice.
The congregation knew not where to look for an-
other minister in those troublous times, and were re-
duced to their former dependence upon the neighbor-
ing churches, when unexpectedly a refugee preacher,
Solomon Froeligh, arrived in their midst. He
appeared in Millstone in the spring of 1780, one year
after Mr. Foering's death, and the Consistory at once
secured his services. They offered to give him as
salary 268 bushels of wheat a year, each bushel to
weigh 60 pounds.
The Neshanic Church desiring to secure a part of
Mr. Froeligh's services, articles of agreement were
entered into, and Mr. Froeligh's call, as finally ap-
proved, stands in the name of the two churches, and
is dated Sept. 4, 1780. He was to preach two Sun-
days out of three at Millstone and one at Neshanic,
and was to alternate between the Dutch and English.
In 1784, by mutual consent, his salary was changed
to £120 proclamation money, of which Neshanic paid
£40 and Millstone £80 a year.
The war now being over, and no further dangers
being apprehended, the Consistory felt the necessity
of efiectually repairing the church, but had suffered
so much from the raids and depredations of the
enemy that they were really unable to go to the
necessary expense. They therefore appointed a com-
mittee, consisting of Mr. Froeligh, Capt. Cornelius
Lott, and Peter Ditmarse, to visit Long Island' and
solicit help, as the congregations there had suffered
very little, they having been in the British lines
throughout the war. They secured thus, on Long
Island, the sum of £85, and the church was repaired
and rendered again comfortable.
In 1786, Dominie Froeligh left this church, and
with his departure the union between Neshanic and
Millstone ended. The Six-Mile Run and Millstone
Churches then entered into an agreement to call a min-
ister together, and invited John M. Van Harlingen, the
son of Ernestus Van Harlingen, and nephew of the
old pastor of the same name at Sourland. He was
ordained during the summer. His own father was
one of his elders. He labored in these churches
about eight years. It was during his ministry that
the title and incorporation of the church were finally
fixed. In 1784 they took measures to have their old
English charter confirmed by the General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey and all their former legal acts
jatified, and in 1790 repudiated their old charter, that
they might incorporate according to the new law of
1789. In 1790, therefore, the Consistory became in-
corporated under the laws of the United States and
the State of New Jersey, by the name of the new
corporation of " The Minister, Elders, and Deacons
of the Congregation of Hillsborough." Each of the
churches had a parsonage, and in reference to this
they agreed that Mr. Van Harlingen should live in
the parsonage at Millstone, on the hill, that Six-Mile
Run should sell theirs, and that half the money they
received should be paid to Millstone, which was
accordingly done.
Mr. Van Harlingen, for reasons not stated, resigned
in the summer of 1795, but continued to live in this
village. He died June 16, 1813, in the fifty-second
year of his age. His remains lie in the adjacent
churchyard.
The next pastor was James Spencer Cannon. Six-
Mile Run again united with Millstone in the call ; he
was ordained and installed at Millstone, May 1, 1797,
but resided at Six-Mile Run. The old church in this
year again received a thorough repairing, and the
seats were taxed to defray the expenses. Four years
later the music of a church-bell first resounded over
these fields. Mr. Cannon, early in 1807, after ten
years of labor, resigned his call to Millstone, and the
ecclesiastical relation with Six-Mile Run was at the
same time dissolved, the latter church calling Mr.
Cannon alone. He has left a list of the actual num-
ber of communicants for the year 1801, whence it ap-
pears that this church then had seventy members.
But another list in his own hand in 1806 reports only
fifty-five.
Rev. John Schureman became the fifth pastor. He
was called on April 20, 1807, from the church of Beil-
minster, and began his duties here soon after. The
Consistory having no parsonage, having sold out their
interest in their last property to Six-Mile Run Church,
Mr. Schureman lived on the place now occupied by
Mr. Jacob Van Cleve, near Blackwell's Mills. In
the fall of 1809 (November 17th) the Consistory
agreed to his request to dissolve their relations, he
having accepted a call to the Collegiate Church, in
New York.
The Rev. John L. Zabriskie preached at Millstone
for the first time in February, 1810, and took charge
of the church, moving his family into the village in
May, 1811. He was installed by Dr. Cannon, and re-
mained with the church as one of her most faithful
pastors until he died, Aug. 15, 1850, thirty-nine
years and three months.
Shortly after Mr. Zabriskie's settlement here, early
in 1812, the Consistory again provided a parsonage
property for themselves, on the plot now occupied by
Dr. Fred. Blackwell, bought from Dan. Disborough,
at a cost of $2232. But this place was occupied only
three or four years, when Mr. Zabriskie purchased a
property of his own on the hill, where he resided till
his death. The Consistory sold their parsonage to
Dr. Wm. McKissack.
During the first eighteen years of Mr. Zabriskie's
ministry here he preached in the old church, but it had
long been felt that the building was too small for the
growing congregation, and repeated efforts had been
192
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
made to remedy tlie evil. Therefore, in 1827, a new
church edifice was erected, in size 70 by 55 feet. The
building committee was Stephen Garretson, Dan. H.
Disborough, and Ab. Beekman. They contracted
with Joachim G. Quicls: for $5000, including the old
church material. Extra expenses accrued, amount-
ing to $317. The corner-stone was laid June 8, 1828 ;
the church was dedicated on Christmas Sabbath, 1828.
The following Thursday the pews were sold, and
$7689 were realized, leaving a considerable surplus in
the hands of Consistory. The church was at this
time partly surrounded by a grove of towering Lom-
bardy poplars.
Mr. Zabriskie's ministry was very successful. There
was one remarkable revival, at which he received 108
on profession at a single communion. He received
nearly 500 on profession and 162 by certificate during
his ministry. His last report to Classis, in the spring
of 1850, makes the church-membership to be then
291, and 176 families. The congregation was indeed
built up to great strength in numbers during his long
pastorate here. The membership had nearly trebled.
Father Zabriskie died Aug. 15, 1850, at the age of
seventy-one. His dust lies in the adjoining church-
yard, where his memorial monument reminds the
passer-by of the venerable "Minister of God" of
more than half a century's service. Dr. Messier says
of him, â–
" He was one of the moat laborious and successful pastors in Somerset
County. He preached and lectured more, visited more families, and
attended more carefully to all his public duties than almost any other
minister of his time. He was considered by all an example not only, but
a mtmitor in his ofBcial life. "
In the spring of 1850, Eev. John De Witt was called,
and installed August 20th.
The following year the Consistory provided the
present parsonage property, consisting of a little more
than three acres of land, which they bought of John
Van Doren for $755. They immediately built the
pleasant and substantial house which now adorns the
plot, using for this purpose certain legacies which had
been left by members for the support of the gospel at
Millstone.
During Dr. De Witt's ministry here the church
building, having reached more than a quarter of a
century of age, was thoroughly repaired, the pews
and pulpit modified to their present neat and beauti-
flil appearance, and the walls frescoed. He received
during his ministry here 201 on profession of faith,
and 79 by certificate. Dr. De Witt's last report made
the church to contain 299 members in full commu-
nion. His connection with this church ceased on
Sept. 1, 1863.
But a short vacancy ensued. A call was then made
on Rev. Edward T. Corwin, of Paramus, N. J. This
was accepted, and he was installed Dec. 29, 1863, and
is the present pastor.*
Aug. 11, 1866, this church celebrated its centennial
* See biographical notice at close of this township history.
anniversary. A vast concourse of people assembled.
The pastor delivered a historical discourse, which
was shortly after published. In 1878, fifty years
having passed since the erection of the present
church edifice, the congregation celebrated the event
as a jubilee.
In 1870 a revival added 50 to the church at a single
communion. In 1876, 72 were added at one time on
profession of their faith. In all, 410 have united with
the church under the present pastor, about one-
third by certificate. More than 1500 members have
been connected with this church since its organiza-
tion. It now reports 150 families and 347 communi-
cants. About 200 children are in the Sabbath-schools.
Clover Sill. This church was organized on Sept.
4, 1834, on which occasion Rev. Samuel A. Bumstead,
of Manayunk, Pa., preached and ordained a Consis-
tory composed of Henry Van Derveer and Peter 0.
Schenck as elders, and John W. Bellis and Jacob
Nevius as deacons. A church edifice had been al-
ready built, and was dedicated a month later, Octo-
ber 5th. Rev. Dr. Cannon, professor in the seminary,
preached on that occasion.
Rev. Garret C. Schenck was called as the first pas-
tor. He settled in 1835, and remained only two years.
He was born at Mattawan, N. J., Sept. 14, 1806, was
graduated from Rutgers College in 1828, and from
the New Brunswick Seminary in 1832. He was pre-
viously settled at Walpack, and subsequently at
Pompton Plains. He is now living at Marlboro',.
N.J.
Rev. William Demarest succeeded him in 1838, and
remained two years.f The church of Clover Hill
now became Presbyterian, and continued so for
twenty-two years.t In 1862 it returned to the Dutch
denomination, and in 1863 called Rev. William B..
Voorhees. He was born at Readington, N. J., in
1835, was graduated at Rutgers College in 1860, andi
from the New Brunswick Seminary in 1863. He con-
tinued pastor at Clover Hill till 1871, when he ac-
cepted a call at Blawenburg. He was succeeded in
1871, by Rev. Matthew N. Oliver, who was graduated,
at Union College in 1857, and from the New Bruns-
wick Seminary in 1871, and is the present pastor..
The church now reports 75 families and 148 members,,
with 75 children in the Sabbath-school.
Branchville. This church was formed out of fami-
lies from the churches of Readington and Neshanic,
with a few from those in Somerville. It grew out of
the necessity of public worship in this growing vil-
lage, and was organized May 2, 1850, by a committee
from the Classis of Raritan, consisting of Dr. Mes-
sier, Eev. J. E. Campbell, Rev. Goyn Talmage, and
G_. J. Van Neste. The first Consistory were John Van
Dyke, Cornelius Bergen, Garret Beekman, and Henry
P. Stryker, elders, and Lucas H. Hoagland, Gilbert.
t For a sketch of him see Ref. Ch, of Bound Brook.
X See Presbyterian churches.
HILLSBOKOUGH.
793
S. Amerman, John Vosseller, and Jolin Veghte,
deacons.
Preparations to erect a suitable house of worship
were immediately begun, and the corner-stone was
laid amid a large concourse of people. Addresses
were delivered by Eev. Messrs. Chambers, Campbell,
Talmage, and Messier. The church was dedicated in
1850, after a sermon by Eev. Dr. Messier, and on the
next day the candidate, Henry Dater, was ordained
and installed as pastor. He remained at Branchville
from 1850 to 1853, when he removed to Hyde Park,
N. Y. He was succeeded in 1854 by Eev. William
Pitcher, who continued for twenty-five years, when
he resigned, from ill health. Rev. William E. Davis
was then called, was installed at Branchville in 1880,
and is the present pastor.
There is also a small Methodist Church at Eock
Mills which has been in existence for nearly forty
years, but the particulars of its history have not been
obtained. Near by, and at the very southwestern
corner of the township, there is an African Methodist
Church which has existed for ten or fifteen years.
THE MOUNTAIN MISSION*
is an enterprise of recent origin, having for its ob-
ject the evangelization of the districts of Sourland
Mountain hitherto unreached by religious organiza-
tions. These neglected portions were more or less
bordered by Eeformed and Presbyterian Churches,
which felt reproached at the long-continued destitu-
tion prevailing in such close proximity to them.
They therefore formed an association for the support of
a mountain mission. The following delegates con-
vened near the close of the autumn of 1876 in the
Reformed church of Neshanic for the purpose of con-
summating the association: Rev. George S. Mott,
D.D. (appointed chairman) and Elder S. B. Stothoflf,
of the Presbyterian Church of Flemington; Rev.
John Gardner and Elder D. Stryker, of the Reformed
Church of Harlingen ; Rev. Charles S. Converse and
Elder John W. Bellis, of the Presbyterian Church at
Larison Comers ; Rev. John Hart and Elder Peter
P. Dilts, of the Reformed Church of Neshanic ; Rev.
W. B. Voorhees and Elder P. I. Stryker, from the
Reformed Church of Blawenburg ; Rev. M. N. Oli-
ver and Elder Levi Reed, from the Eeformed Church
of Clover Hill ; Rev. J. S. Beekman (who acted as
clerk) and Elder Abram J. Prall, from the Presby-
terian Church at Reaville; Elder Burniston, from the
Reformed Church of South Branch; Eev. John
Smock, from the Eeformed Church of Eeadington ;
Rev. Herman C. Berg, from the Eeformed Church of
Rocky Hill ; Rev. J. H. Hewit, from the Presbyterian
Church at Ringos.
The association, thus formed, proceeded at once to
the execution of its mission. A chapel was erected at
a suitable place on the mountain, and a missionary em-
ployed to conduct religious services, organize Sabbath-
schools, visit families, pray with the sick, bury the
dead, and labor for souls. The following is excerpted
from the report of the missionary for the year 1879,
made to the association at their annual meeting :
" Kegular religioua services have been held in chapel tvrice a Sabbath
during the year ; attendance good; ten have been received into the mem-
bership of the church on confession ; baptized sixteen, of whom iive vrere
adults ; have officiated at three funerals and six marriages. The mem-
bership of the church is 34. About 40 children are enrolled in the Sab-
bath-school, the regular attendance of which is about 30. Two of the
Sabbath-school scholars have united with the church; the remaining
eight, who became church-members, were heads of families. In family
visitation, am well received. There are between 30 and 40 families that
make the chapel their religious home. There are about 200 families on
both sides of the mountain. "
The following churches have contributed for the
benefit of the mission the past year : the Eeformed
Churches of Neshanic, Blawenburg, Clover Hill, Sec-
ond Somerville, Millstone, East Millstone, Harlingen,
South Branch, and the Presbyterian Churches of Ein-
gos, Larison, Flemington, Mount Airy, Lambertville,
and Eeaville. Personal contributions have also been
made by Paul Tulane, of Princeton, Hon. F. T:
Frelinghuysen, of Newark, Mr. Caleb S. Green, of
Trenton, Mr. Harvey Fisk, of New York, and Mr.
Henry H. Palmer, of New Brunswick.
The missionary in the employ of the association is
Eev. F. A. Farrow. The officers are Eev. John Gard-
ner, President; Eev. M. N. Oliver, Secretary; John-
B. Hopewell, Treasurer. The executive committee
consists of the following ministers : Voorhees, Con-
: verse. Hart, Oliver, and Dr. Mott, with an elder from
each of their churches.
Hillsborough township has also been the birth-
place of not a few clergymen. The following is a
list of them :
John M. Van Harlingen, John Van Liew, Isaac N. Wyckoff, Heniy V,
WyckofF, Garret I. Garretson, Jacob T. B. Beekman, Peter. J. Quick, John
J. Quick, N. Du Bois Williamson, John A. Staata, Paul Duryea Van Cleef,
Elbert S. Porter, James B, Bernart, George J. Van Neste, James B. Wil-
son, Peter Q. Wilson, Frederick F. Wilson, John Van Neste Schenck,
John Garretson, Cornelius P., DitmaTS, Bergen Broliaw Staats, Charles
W. Higgins.t
CEMETERIES.
Only one Indian burial-ground can now be identi-
fied in Hillsborough. It is on the south side of the
Earitan, opposite the house of Hageman Garretson.
Almost all the old families at first had burial-plots of
their own, or sometimes several would combine, as
was the case with the Harlingen company who settled
in 1710. The church land given by Peter Sonmans,
where the first Harlingen church stood, was also used
as a cemetery, and is probably the oldest in the town-
ship. It is just on the border of Hillsborough, near
Van Aken Station, on the Philadelphia Eailroad. A
graveyard exists also by the Millstone church, and no
doubt began to be used with the building of the first
church, in 1766. The oldest stone that can now be
found dates back to 1774, and commemorates a Peter
* By Eev. M. N. Oliver, of Clover Hill.
f For farther particulars see Corwin's " Manual," third ed., 1879.
61
T94
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Stryker, who died Dec. 18, 1774, in the seventieth
year of his age. Several of the Frelinghuysena are
buried here, but there is a Frelinghuysen yard about
two miles north of Millstone, near Weston, sur-
rounded by a brick wall. Here lie the remains of
Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen, who died in 1804.
There are two cemeteries on the banks of the Rari-
tan, near the beginning of the South Branch, re-
spectively on the places of Vredenberg and Strykur.
A graveyard also exists on the Amwell road, a little
west of Flaggtown. A Staats graveyard exists on the
farm of Peter P. Staats, and near by another, belong-
ing to the Ditmars family, on the farm of Pinter S.
Ditmars. There is an old yard near Blaokwell's, on
the farm of James Henry Hageman, and another on
the farm of Peter I. Nevius, in the southeast corner
of the township ; this was originally started by Cor-
nelius Cornell, who settled there in 1714. A single
stone of a former yard belonging to Brokaw yet
stands, opposite the entrance of Isaac V. Brower's
place, which these Brokaws formerly owned. Many
other private yards no doubt exist.
The articles of incorporation of the " Neshanic
Cemetery Association" were filed in the county clerk's
office April 28, 1880. The officers for 1880 were : Pres-
ident, A. A. Cortelyou ; Vice-PrcMidont, Israel H.
Hill ; Treasurer, Gilbert Lane ; Secretary, M. W.
Scully.
SOCIETIES.
The only institution other than those of a religious
character in this township is "The Hillsborough
Mutual Fire Assurance Association," chartered by
the Legislature in 1844. Its first corporators were
William Blackwell, Abr. A. Beekman, John M.
Wyckoff, Rynier S. Merrill, Dennis Van Liew, Jr.,
Lawrence V. D. Davis, Henry Brokaw, John H.
Wilson. Supplementary acts have been passed in
1853, 1854, 1858, and 1867.
INDUSTRIES.
Agriculture is the principal business of the town-
ship, which contains 389 fVirms and no incorporated
towns. Formerly there was considerable distilling
carried on, but now very little. Nicholas Du Bois,
Esq., had a still-house near Flaggtown for the
making of cider and whisky. It was there in 1788,
and probably before the Revolution, and was taken
down about 1820. A Mr. Everett also owned a still
about a mile west of Flaggtown, built about 1802;
he died about 1820. Abr. Ditmars also owned a still
in the same vicinity; it was built about 1812, and
continued till about 1830. Abr. Spader built a still
about 1806, near the union of the North and South
Branches of the Raritan ; it was taken down about
1845. A Mr. Diltz has a still in Hillsborough, near
Posttown. Nicholas Bainbridge had a still at Hills-
borough (formerly Cross-Roads); it was built about
1820, and continued some forty years. Henry Pow-
elson succeeded him on the place, and subsequently
Abram Davis. There was formerly a still at Nesh-
anic, owned by a Mr. Low. There was also a still at
Branchville, built about 1850, and owned by a Mr.
Amerman, in which whisky was made; it was taken
down about two years ago.
One of the first floiiring-mills in Hillsborough was
on Royce's Brook, near Mr. Gabriel's. A mill was
early located on Peace Brook, a little west of the
present village of Millstone; the remains of the dam
are yet to be seen. What is now known as Black-
well's Mill was first erected in 1746, probably by
Peter Schenck, who died Jan. 27, 1780. Arc.tubald
Mercer was the next proprietor, from 1780-1806, when
the mill was l)urned ; subsequently rebuilt, and owned
by an uncle of William Blackwell ; the nephew soon
became the proprietor. He held it until 1864, when
his son John became the projirietor, and held it
until 1871. A Mr. Van Zandt, of Blawonburg, llien
bought it, and a few years later John Oakey, who is
the present proprietor.
In the western parts of the townHhip mills were
erected at a very early date. Isaac Van Doren (born
1744) owned and operated one on the Neshanic River
long before the Revolution. Joseph, his brother,
operated a mill on the South Branch at an early
period, and there was also one located at what is now
called Neshanic Station perhaps as early as the mid-
dle of the last century.
Higgins & Brother have a grist-mill on the South
Branch, in the extreme northwest corner of the town-
ship. Jacob West is the proprietor of a grist-mill
on Neshanic River, near the Amwell road; this was
previously owned by John L. Oakey. Andrew Lane
is proprietor of a grist-mill on the South Branch, at
Neshanic Station ; this was formerly known as Corle's
mill. There is also a grist-mill at Branchville, and
two south of Millstone. There was also once a tan-
nery at Neshanic.
In 1834 there were in Hillsborough township nine
stores, one tannery, one pottery, one flouring-mill, six
grist-mills, one oil-mill, ten schools, with 266 scholars,
and a population of 2863. It now (1881) contains
about the same number of stores, four gfist-mills, two
saw-mills, fourteen schools, with 941 children, and a
population of 8569.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EDWARD TANJORE CORWIN, D.D.*
Rev. Dr. Corwin, pastor of the Reformed Cliurch
at Millstone, N. J., was born in New York City, July
12, ] 834. On his father's side he is descended from
the Puritan stock of Massachusetts; on his mother's
side from the Dutch and French. The ancestor of
the family, Matthias Corwin, took part in the settling
of Ipswich in 1630, and of the New Haven colony in
• By BoT. J. D. Thompnon.
E. T. CORWIN, D.D.
,( ^
HILLSBOROUGH.
^95
i
1638. He subsequently removed with that part of
the colony which located at Southold, L. I., where
the family remained almost unbroken for a century
and a quarter, until scattered by the Eevolutionary
war. Several branches of it, especially those who
signed the petition to support the Continental Con-
gress, were forced or found it expedient to leave their
homes. They crossed Long Island Sound to Con-
necticut, and, passing over the country to Fishkill
and Newburgh, settled in Orange Co., N. Y. Here a
large portion of them have remained to the present
time. Almost every State of the Union, however,
now has representatives of this family. (See " Cor-
win Genealogy," New York, 1872.)
James Corwin, one of those who fled to Orange
County, subsequently sold his farm on Long Island,
taking Continental money in exchange, and lost all.
His grandson, Edward C. Corwin (born 1807 at Mid-
dletown, N. Y., died 1856 in Jersey City, N. J.), was
the father of the subject of this sketch.
In childhood. Dr. Corwin attended the public
schools in the city of New York, which were then
in a most flourishing state. From these he passed, at
the age of fourteen and a half years (1849), into the
new college organized by the Legislature of the State
of New York, and now known as the College of the
City of New York, and was graduated in 1853, with
the first class which that institution sent forth. He
then entered the theological seminary of the Re-
formed (Dutch) Church at New Brunswick, and was
duly graduated and licensed to preach the gospel in
1856. He remained, after licensure, one year longer
in New Brunswick for the purpose of prosecuting
further the study of the Oriental languages, espe-
cially Arabic. Having received and accepted a call
to the church of Paramus, N. J., he was installed as
pastor in that field Sept. 22, 1857. His farewell ser-
mon there was delivered Nov. 29, 1863, having re-
ceived and accepted a call to the church of Millstone,
N. J., in which he was installed December 29th of the
same year.
Early in his college course he mastered Pitman's
system of phonography, and he has used it all his
life. He writes and reads it with great fluency. This
knowledge has enabled him greatly to abridge the
time usually occupied by clergymen in writing ser-
mons. It is not too much to say that without this art
he could not have collected the vast amount of his-
torical data which has accumulated in his hands, and
which he has digested and given in his different works
to the public. For seventeen years he preached from
phonographic manuscript. Since 1873, however, he
has used no manuscript whatever, his theory being
that the best preparation for preaching is to under-
stand thoroughly the text and the context. While
fond of history and antiquities, his favorite pursuit
has been the exegetical study of the word of God.
With a taste for language, and a fair knowlege of the
Hebrew and of the New Testament Greek, he has
gone critically and carefully through many books of
the Bible, embodying the results of his studies in
elaborate paraphrases. These studies furnish him the
chief material for his sermons, which are expository
and scriptural, and eminently instructive rather than
showy or rhetorical.
From 1869 for ten years he had in his family, or
under his care, several of the Japanese youth sent by
their government to this country to learn the secret
of the prosperity of Western institutions. These are
now in important positions in their native land.
Several of them, sooner or later, before leaving
America became professors of the Christian religion.
He was married, July 25, 1861, to Mary Esther Kipp,
of Geneva, N. Y. Dr. Corwin is recognized as the
historiographer of the Church. For his publications
see " Authors of Somerset County," in another por-
tion of this work.
ABRAHAM VAN NUTS.
Abraham Van Nuys, of Hillsborough township, is
a great-grandson of Isaac, who with his three brothers
left Long Island to seek other homes and carve out
fortunes for themselves. One brother, John, settled
near New Brunswick, Isaac and Jacobus settled in
Hillsborough township, and Cornelius settled in
Princeton, N. J. Isaac located his farm near Mill-
stone in the early part of the eighteenth century, and
there reared a family of children, viz.. Jacobus, Cor-
nelius, Isaac, John, and Maria.
t96
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
His grandfather, John, born in 1720, married Mar-
tha Van Arsdale, who bore him children as follows,
viz., Isaac, John, Jacobus, Cornelius, Jane, wife of
Peter Bergen, Catherine, wife of Bergen Covert, and
Maria, wife of William Terhune. The grandfather
died at the beginning of the Eevolutionary war.
His father, Jacobus, born on April 16, 1753, mar-
ried Catherine, daughter of Hiram Ditmars, who bore
him children as follows : John, born Nov. 30, 1781 ;
Peter, born Dec. 20, 1785 ; Abraham, born July 15,
1791 ; Cornelius, born May 23, 1793 ; and James, born
Aug. 29, 1799. All are deceased except the subject of
this sketch. Jacobus Van Nuys was a soldier in the
Eevolutionary war.
Abraham Van Nuys spent most of his minority on
the farm of his father. At the age of eighteen years
he went with his brother Peter to learn shoemaking
at Flaggtown. He was drafted to serve in the war of
1812, and served under Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck, and
was most of the time of his five months' service at
Highlands, off Sandy Hook, Col. Abrams command-
ing.
He married, Feb. 9, 1815, Mary, daugiter of John
and Ann (Voorhees) Powelson. She was born April
17, 1791, and bore him children as follows : James,
born March 28, 1818, a farmer, married, Jan. 2, 1840,
Eebecca Maria, daughter of Elias Van Fleet (they
have one son, Abraham, and one daughter, Maria,
wife of Charles M. Young) ; Maria, born Jan. 13, 1822,
wife of John H. Brokaw ; Peter Nevius, born July 5,
1828, married, May 22, 1850, Margaret Ann, daughter
of Isaac Van Cleef. Eeturning from the war, " Squire
Van Nuys," as he is familiarly known, worked at his
trade until about 1827, when he purchased fifty acres
of land where his son Peter now resides, to which he
afterwards added thirty acres, and here he resides, in
1880, having led an active and industrious life, and
now passing into his ninetieth year of age, and re-
taining all the faculties of both body and mind.
He was an active man in the old State militia, and
as early as 1822 raised a company of fifty men, whom
he commanded as captain. He was connected with
military organizations for a period of thirty years.
His first vote was cast for President Madison, as a
Federalist, and he has since been an unswerving
member of the "W^iig a^nd Eepublican parties. For
twenty years he has officiated as justice of the peace
in his township, and a noticeable fact in this connec-
tion is that no appeal was ever made from his decision.
His counsel has been, regarded by his townsmen as
safe in all cases, and many are the cases' fhait' caine
before him while acting as justice that were settled
through his advice without entering upon continued
litigation. He was freeholder for some seven years
and has held minor offices, always acting with that
integrity which characterized him in his own business
affairs. He has been a promoter of all worthy local
interests. Since 1817 he has been a member of the
Harlingen Dutch Eeformed Church, and has officiated
as deacon and elder. His wife, a zealous and devoted
Christian woman, became a member of the same
church at the same time, and remained constant in
her profession to the end of her life. She died Feb.
20, 1868.
The Van Nuys family are of Dutch origin, and the
progenitor of the family here settled on Long Island,
from Holland, at an early day.
PETER G. QUICK.
Peter G. Quick, born in the town of Hillsborough,
Somerset Co., N, J., Sept. 15, 1788, is a descendant in
the third generation from Joachim Quick, whose
father came from Long Island and was one of the
early settlers of the township, where many members
of the family have since resided. Peter Q. Quick's
father was Garret, second son of Joachim Quick, and
one in a family of four sons and one daughter men-
tioned in the sketch of Peter P. Quick found in this
work. Garret Quick was born Feb. 2, 1761, and mar-
ried, for his first wife, Catherine, daughter of Henry
Stryker, of Montgomery township. She was born Feb.
3, 1764, and died Oct. 7, 1807. He died in the sixty-
first year of his age. There children were Joachim,
Henry, Catherine, Peter G., Lucretia, Garret, Cath-
erine second, wife of Peter Van Nuys, Garret second,
Joseph, who resides in Michigan; Aletta, wife of
Alexander Brokaw ; James, who resides in Michigan ;
and Ann, wife of Joseph Stephens, Michigan. Six of
these children are living, the youngest being over
seventy years of age.
After the death of his first wife Garret Quick was
twice married, but had no children born of either
union. He was a farmer through life, was patriotic,
and fought as a soldier under Washington at the
battle of Monmouth, during the war for independ-
ence, and during that engagement saw three horses
shot from under the great general and Father of our
Country.
Peter G. Quick, now in the ninety-second year of
his age, is able at this writing to give the facts and
most of the dates for this sketch. He recollects when
at the age of six years, of his father taking him to
see the battle-field of Monmouth, and at the age of
twelve, upon the death of Gen. Washington, in com-
mon with all, he wore crape on his arm for thirty
days.
Five years after the treaty of peace was signed
whereby Great Britain acknowledged the independ-
ence of the United States, Peter G. Quick was born,
on the old homestead of his forefathers. He has
lived to watch the rapid growth and prosperity of the
young republic ripen into a vast nation of thirty-nine
States, containing a population of fi% millions of
people, to see steam-power utilized in rapid transit
on both sea and land, and the thoughts of man tra-
verse with lightning speed continent and ocean alike.
The reaper, the mower, the revolving rake for facil-
B -■« tf?
S^^ ^d^A^
HILLSBOROUGH.
797"
itating the labors of the farmer, the knitting-, sewing-,
and weaving-machines, and inventions in machinery
numbered by the hundreds, have all found a place
during the life of this aged patriarch, which reaches
back to within twelve years of the Declaration of In-
dependence. His early education was obtained at
the Raritan River school, where he attended for three
summers and three winters, and which was distant
from his home three miles. He remained at home
engaged in farm-work until- he was twenty -seven years
of age, when, in 1816, he purchased a farm about one
mile northwest from Millstone, upon which he resided
until 1860, and then retired from the more active
duties of life. His first vote was cast for the fourth
President of the United States, as a member of the
old Federal party.. He has followed the same line of
politics through life, and has been an unswerving
supporter of the Whig and subsequently of the Re-
publican party. Mr. Quick has led a quiet and unos-
tentatious life, and never sought political preferment,
although he has been selected to hold some minor
offices. He has ever been known as a man of good
judgment, fidelity in every undertaking, and pos-
sessed of sterling integrity. He was often selected
as a guardian and administrator was for twenty
years in one case, and twenty-seven years in another
case administrator of estates, and for twenty years
he acted as guardian over his brother's children. In
the performance of all these duties his integrity and
honor remained unimpeached.
He has always been a promoter of good in society,
and since 1810, a period of seventy years, he has been
a supporter of church interests, In 1866 he became
a member of the Dutch Reformed Church at Mill-
stone, and remains constant in his profession. His
wife was Catherine, a daughter of Isaac Van Nuys,
of Hillsborough township, whom he married in 1809.
She was born in 1785, and died in 1862. She was a
woman of purity of life, as shown in her every-day
work. She was known for her kind heart and many
acts of charity, her even temperament and womanly
virtues.
12, 1848. The brothers of James- Auten were John,
Thomas, Abraham, Isaac, and Peter. The three
eldest lived to be old men. All lived in Bridgewater
township except Abraham, who resided at Richmond,
DAVID K. AUTEN.
David K. Auten was born in the township of
Bridgewater, Somerset Co., N. J., Nov. 2, 1807.
His father, James Auten, born May 24, 1774, mar-
ried, March 14, 1801, Hannah, daughter of Squire
David Kelley. He was a wheelwright and farmer,
and resided about two miles north of Somerville, on
the Pluckamin road. He died June 4, 1809, leaving
a widow and children, viz., Mary Ann, born June
30, 1802, wife of James Kelley, first of Seneca Co.,
N. J., and then of Wisconsin, where she died ; Aaron,
born Jan. 18, 1804, of North Branch; Elizabeth Stry-
ker, born Dec. 10, 1805, wife of Joseph Perrine, of
Bound Brook ; and David K. The mother of these
children was born pet. 29, 1778, and died March
on Staten Island, where he attained prominence, and
was sherifi" or deputy for some thirty years.
David K. Auten, at the age of seventeen, went to
learn the hatter's trade at Somerville with Aaron Van
Natta, where he remained for four years. He was
then a partner of Dennis Tuniaon in the business at
Farmersville, Seneca Co., N. Y., for three years, and
in 1826 returned to his native State and spent some
time with his brother Aaron, a wheelwright, at North
Branch. He worked at that business for three years
at Branchville, in Hillsborough township. On Sept.
12, 1838, he married Matilda, daughter of William
Burniston, of Hillsborougli. She died Sept. 15, 1854,
aged thirty-five years. Their children were Aaron,
born June 29, 1839; Maria Elizabeth, died young;
Mary Ann Kelley, born Dec. 16, 1842, wife of Jona-
than Prall, of New York City; Hannah Rebecca,
born Dec. 10, 1844, wife of Jacob R. Sutphin, of
Hillsborough ; Sarah Louisa, born Nov. 15, 1846, wife
of John B. French, of Mercer Co., N. J. ; James
Franklin, born Jan. 9, 1849 ; Eliza Matilda, bom
April 16, 1851, wife of Charles Hamblin, of Hillsbor--
ough ; and Malvenah, who died in her eleventh year.
His second wife was Emily, seventh daughter of
Enoch and Jane (Covert) Stewart, of Senfeca Co.;
N Y whom he married Sept. 27, 1856. She was
f
%
798
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
born Dec. 9, 1817. Her parents were born in Som-
erset County, were married in Seneca Co., N. Y.,
where they settled in 1791 as farmers, and were mem-
bers of the Dutch Eeformed Church. She died at
the age of eighty-three. He died in Lodi, Nov. 27,
1865, aged ninety-seven years and eight months.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Auten, in 1840, pur-
chased a farm of eighty acres, now occupied by his
son James. He has since added one hundred and
fifty acres, and built a substantial residence in 1854.
He built the residence where he now resides, adjoin-
ing his old farm, in 1873.
Mr. Auten has spent a life of industry and activity,
wholly devoted to business pursuits. In politics he
is a Eepublican, having formerly been a Whig. He
has been a member of the Eeformed Church since
1839, and has officiated as elder, first at Somerville
and subsequently at Earitan. His wife is also a mem-
ber of the same church.
Third Eeformed Church at Earitan. In his early
manhood he was identified with the old Whig party,
and is now a Eepublican. For several years he has
only voted at Presidential elections. Now nearly
eighty-six years of age, Mr. Quick remains quite
active in body, and is able to dictate nearly all of the
facts for this sketch.
PETER PETERSON QUICK.
Peter Peterson Quick is the grandson of Joachim
Quick, whose father came from Long Island and
settled in Hillsborough township when the country
was a wilderness. Joachim married a Miss Schnid-
aker, who bore him five children, viz., Peter, Garret,
James, Abraham, and Maria.
Peter Quick, son of Joachim, was born Sept. 19,
1758, and married, Nov. 27, 1799, Aletta, daughter of
Peter Peterson ; she was born Jan. 30, 1762. He was
a farmer near the river in Hillsborough township for
many years, and in the year 1800 purchased andTe*
moved to the place now owned and occupied by the
subject of this sketch. He was a soldier in the Eevo-
lutionary war, and .was in the battle of Monmouth
and in the skirmish at Springfield. .Joachim Quick
also served in that war.
Peter Quick died Aug. 29, 1842. His wife died
May 6, 1838. Their children were Anna, born Sept.
29, 1780; Jacob, born Sept. 30, 1782; Catharine, -born
Dec. 9, 1788 ; Nelly, born June 20, 1788 ; Maria, bom
March 25, 1792 ; Peter P., born June 27, 1795 ; Aletta,
born May 24, 1799; Jacob (2d), born Feb. 9, 1805.
Only one of these children, besides Peter P., is living,
viz., Aletta, widow of the late Dr. Whitenack, of
Earitan. Most of them lived to advanced ages.
Peter P. Quick received a common-school educa-
tion, and in early life became inured to farm-work,
early "in life learning those valuable lessons, industry
and economy. He succeeded his father on the farm,
which originally contained two hundred and sixty
acres, but now consists of one hundred and fifty -five
acres. His life has been almost wholly devoted to
agricultural pursuits, and he has been successful in
the acquisition of property. He has ever been known
as a man of good mind, and moral and upright in his
life. For many years he has been a member of the
JACOB DILTS.
Jacob Dilts' great-grandfather emigrated from Ger-
many, and was one of the first settlers of the township
of Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., N. J.
His grandfather, Jacob, married Miss Heath, who
died in 1828, aged sixty-nine years. He was a farmer
through life, and died in West Amwell township in
1828, aged seventy-two years. His children were
John, Paul K., Henry, Andrew, Asher, Eichard,
Hiram, Ann, and Mahaleh, wife of George Dilts, who
lives at Lambertville, N. J. The latter is the only
one living, except Paul K., who was born April 8,
1788, married, Feb. 28, 1811, Sarah, daughter of
Elisha Sharp. She was born Feb. 18, 1798, and died
Aug. 22, 1876. Paul K. Dilts is living, in 1880, in
East Amwell township, and in comparatively good
health. He followed the trade of a carpenter in early
manhood, subsequently was a miller, but has spent the
major part of his active business life as a farmer. He
was formerly a Whig, and has been a member of the
Eepublican party since its' organization. Both he and
his wife were members of the Dutch Eeformed ChurcK
at Clover Hill, of which he was also elder- for some
B^fe
4v'
^
YVerab 'ffeiS'
â– 1 ^3^/*"'
'-^ ^.f^=-^
s_»
^^^^^..^/^^^.-^ ^.^^^^.^^
HILLSBOROUGH.
799
time. Their children are Isaac S., resides at Clover
Hill on the old homestead; Jacoh; Elisha, died in
Fairview, 111.; Sarah M. (deceased), wife of John L.
Bellows.
Jacob, son of Paul K. Dilts, was born in Amwell
township, Hunterdon Co., Oct. 25, 1813. He re-
mained at home on the farm until he reached his
majority. He married, Oct. 13, 1836, Margaret K.,
daughter of David Bellis, of Amwell township. She
was born Jan. 8, 1813, and died June 8, 1859. The
children of this union are Augustus ; Sarah Elizabeth,
wife of Peter J. Quick, of South Branch ; Mary Sut-
phen, wife of Talbot C. Gulick, of Readington ;
Eleanor; Charlotte B., wife of Eichard H. Layton, of
Somerville. For his second wife he married, Aug.
26, 1862, Catharine M., daughter of Dennis and Eliz-
abeth (Perrine) Huff, of Hillsborough. She was born
Jan. 11, 1820.
For several years after his marriage Mr. Dilts
rented farms, but in 1848 he purchased the farm of
eighty-six acres where he now resides, in the town-
ship of Hillsborough, and on which he built his present
residence, and nearly all other buildings on the place.
Mr. Dilts has led an industrious and active life, and
unassisted pecuniarily has, by good management and
economy, secured a fair competence. He is a man of
strict integrity and correct habits, and a promoter of
all worthy enterprises. He cast his first vote for
Gen. Harrison, and is a member of the Eepublican
party, but no seeker after place. For forty-one years
he has been a member of the Reformed Church, first
at Somerville, but now at Earitan. He has officiated
both as deacon and elder.
JOHN VAN DOKBN.
The great-grandfather of John Van Doren, belong-
ing to one of the old Dutch families who settled New
York City, came firom Long Island, and was one of
the early settlers of Franklin township, Somerset
Co. There he reared a family of fifteen children,
of whom one son, John, purchased and settled the
farm now owned and occupied by our subject, near
Millstone, in Hillsborough township, some time pre-
vious to the Eevolutionary war. Here he erected a
house, covered it with shingle, and the same building
is in 1880 in a good state of repair, still being the home
residence of his grandson. In this house Gen. Wash-
ington often slept, during the ever-memorable strug-
gle, as he was passing to and fro through New Jersey.
It was on this farm that the Hessians, after clearing
off a large piece of woodland, established their hos-
pital for wounded and sicS soldiers. His wife was
Miss Marretye Lott, who at one time during the war
was taken a prisoner by the British troops, a rope
put around her neck, and ordered to disclose certain
things relative to the enemy. The attempt was un-
successftil, and she was released. She died April 27,
1855, aged seventy-seven years. The children of John
Van Doren were Abraham, Christianus, John, Corne-
lius, Jacob I., William, and Mrs. Tunis Hoagland.
John Van Doren was a farmer through life, was a
supporter of all worthy enterprises of his town and
county, gave the ground to the Dutch Eeformed
Church where their church edifice now stands at
Millstone, and died in 1815, aged eighty-nine years.
Jacob I., father of our subject, was born onthehome-
stead Dec. 26, 1761, succeeded the senior Van Doren
on the old homestead, and then carried on agricultu-
ral pursuits during his life. He married Mrs. Hoag-
land, formerly Miss Mattie Ditmars, of Hillsborough,
who bore him one son, John, and one daughter, Maria,
widow of the late Isaac Dumont, of Branchburgh.
His wife was born Nov. 10, 1767, and died April 8,
1852. Jacob Van Doren and his wife lived a quiet
life, were members of the Dutch Eeformed Church at
Millstone, and were interred in the burial-place near
that church, where his parents were also buried. He
was a firm supporter of the old Whig party of his
day, but never sought or held office. He died July
27, 1828, aged sixty-six years.
One brother, John, was a soldier in the Eevolu-
tionary war, was taken prisoner by the British, and
for some time confined in New York City.
John Van Doren, the subject of 'this narrative, was
born on the homestead Feb. 3, 1804. He received a
fair common-school education while young, but after
reaching the age of twelve years was kept at work on
the farm during the summer months.
In January, 1829, he married Charity, daughter of
Eynier and Catharine (Voorhees) Staats, of Hills-
borough township. She was born in 1807, and died in
1872. Their children are Eynier, born Oct. 15,
1829, who resides in Franklin township ; Jacob, born
February, 1831, now carrying on the home farm ; and
Catharine, born in April, 1833, wife of George W.
Metlar, of Earitan Landing, N. J. Mr. Van Doren
is known as a man of strict integrity, correct habits,
and sterling principles. His life has been spent on
the farm where he was born, which originally con;
tained one hundred and thirty-five acres, but now
contains one hundred and thirty-two acres. He
was formerly a member of the Whig party, but upoi^
the formation of the Eepublican party became a sup-
porter of its principles. He has held the office of
freeholder for four years. He has been a member of
the church of his forefathers since about 1840, and
has officiated for some time as deacon and elder. His
wife was a zealous, devoted Christian woman, and for
many years a member of the same church.
ISAAC V. D. HALL.
Isaac V. D. Hall, son of George and Sarah (Van
Doren) Hall, was born at Neshanic, Dec. 18, 1817.
His father was a miller by occupation, and died
near Clinton, aged about sixty-six years.
His mother was a relative of the Van Doren family
(
800
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY,
who settled near Millstone, N. J. The other children
of George Hall were John (deceased), Magdalen, who
married Edward Losee, and William G., who resides
at Earitan.
Isaac V. D. Hall received only a common-school
education. He went to learn the carpenter and join-
er's trade at the age of nineteen, and worked at this
husiness until he was fifty-five years of age. He mar-
ried, in March, 1855, Ann, daughter of Dominicus
and Aletta (Whitenack) Stryker. She was bom May
9, 1824, and is living in 1880 on the place purchased
by her husband in 1858. Their children are William
Wesley, born Nov. 3, 1856, died Oct. 2, 1877, and one
died in infancy.
Mr. Hall resided for three years at Neshanic Sta-
tion before purchasing his place near Flaggtown. He
was a man of correct habits, and esteemed by all who
knew him. Both he and his wife became members of
the church at Neshanic, and gave liberally of their
means for the support of Christianity.
PETER W. YOUNG.
Peter W. Young, son of William P. and Lydia
(Hagaman) Young, was born in East Amwell town-
ship, Hunterdon -Co., Oct. 8, 1807. His great-grand-
father, Peter, was a native of Niewit, Germany, and
the progenitor of the family here. He purchased and
settled one thousand acres of land in Amwell town-
ship. His grandfather, Peter, born in Montgomery
township, Somerset Co., N. J., March 16, 1731, marr
ried Mary, daughter of Christopher Snyder, who bore
him one son, Peter, born March 2, 1756, and one
daughter, Mary, born Aug. 20, 1757. His wife died
in 1758. He married, in February, 1759, for his second
wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Herbert Hummer, who
bore him the following children : Ann, born Sept. 14,
1764; Herbert, born Aug. 14, 1766; Jacob, bom Oct.
12, 1768; Elizabeth, born June 6, 1771; Margaret and
Sarah, bom Jan. 12, 1774; John, bom July 31, 1778;
Elsie, born July 11, 1781 ; William, bom Dec. 20, 1783.
The mother of these children died in 1808. Their
father died in 1809. He settled on five hundred acres
of land purchased by his father, and built a residence,
where he resided during the remainder of his life.
Upon his death his sons William and John purchased
the other heirs' interest in their father's estate and
settled on the property. William sold his interest in
the estate in 1840, and settled on one hundred acres of
land near Neshanic, where he followed farming until
about 1853, when he gave up the active duties of life,
and afterwards resided with his children until his
death, July 29, 1856. His wife died Feb. 7, 1845.
She was a daughter of Ealph and Mary Hagaman,
who were married Sept. 27, 1806. Their children
were Peter W., subject of this sketch, and Catharine
Maria, born Aug. 12, 1814, wife of Henry D. Johnson,
of Blawenburg, Montgomery township.
William P. Young was a man of strict integrity in
all the relations of life. He was a member of the
Dutch Reformed Church at Neshanic for many years,
and for some time officiated as deacon. He never
sought political preferment, although he was a firm
adherent of the old Whig party.
Peter W. Young, only son of William P., received
a limited common-school education, but so improved
the opportunities afforded as early in life to develop
his natural business ability. He resided on the home
farm until Nov. 27, 1829, when he married Penelope,
daughter of Henry and Ann (Staats) Herder, of Nesh-
anic. She was born Sept. 25, 1807. Their only child,
William P., born Oct. 12, 1837, died Sept. 24, 1851.
After his marriage, Mr. Young, in 1830, settled on
the farm, of three hundred acres, where he has since
resided and carried on agricultural pursuits. He ia
one of the largest land-owners in Somerset County, and
in every sense of the term a representative farmer,
Mr. Young is known as a man of sterling integrity,
energetic in business, and judicious in its manage-
ment. He is a promoter of all worthy local enter-
prises, and a liberal supporter of church and kindred
interests. He became a member of the Dutch Ee-
formed Church at Neshanic in 1854, and has continu-
ously served that church as treasurer since 1855. Mr.
Young possesses that force of character and btisiness
capacity that places him among the leading financiers
of his township. He has kept aloof fi-om place in
political matters, although often solicited to accept
office. Following in the line of his ancestors, he is a
staunch supporter of the Republican party.
•C/V^t^^'
â– } i . â– J I
/^c/^'^/yX y^m/^-
^^^^^
Fredeeick V. L. YoOEHEES is a descendant
of Koert Voorhees, of New Utrecht and Graves-
end, L. I., from which place his great-grand-
father, Jacques, came and settled in Franklin
township, Somerset Co., where John Voorhees
now resides. His grandfather, Jacques, resided
on the old homestead. Married Dinah Stryker,
of the same place, who bore him children, viz.,
John, Jacques, Abram, Cornelia, wife of Dr.
Pomeroy, of Utica, N. Y., and Ellen, wife of
Lewis D. Hardenbergh, of New Brunswick.
Only Mrs. Pomeroy is now living. His wife
died May 10, 1831, aged sixty-three years.
Jacques, father of our subject, born March 27,
1792, on the old homestead, married Ann,
daughter of Frederick Van Liew and Ann
Rappleyea, of Three-Mile Run, of Franklin.
She was born March 15, 1795, and died at the
age of seventy-five years. Their children were
Jacques, born Oct. 18, 1815; Matilda, wife of
John Demott, born Sept. 8, 1817; Frederick
Van Liew, born March 22, 1820; John, born
April 23, 1822; and Abram, born April 7, 1826,
all living. The father was a farmer through life,
a member of the Dutch Reformed Church at Six-
Mile Run (now called Franklin Park), and died
on the old homestead where he spent his life,
Sept. 21, 1828.
Frederick V. L. Voorhees spent his minority
at home on the farm, and received a liberal ed-
ucation in the district school and at a boarding-
school in New Brunswick, N. J. It was during
the memorable time of the tornado in June, 1835,
that he was away at school in New Brunswick.
After the death of his father his mother carried
on the farm, and in this way kept the family
together, and not only taught her children the
value of labor and economy, but gave them such
an education as she could afford. Mr. Voorhees
married, Aug. 20, 1845, Eliza T., the eldest in a
family of five daughters of Abram C. and Eliza
(Houghton) Beekman, of Hopewell, N. J. She
was born on June 24, 1823. Her father died
Feb. 24, 1877, at New Brunswick, and her
mother died at her old home, Aug. 2, J 864, aged
seventy-three years. Mr. Voorhees purchased
a farm near Blackwell's Mills, in the township
of Hillsborough, containing one hundred and
sixty acres, in 1844, upon which he has since
resided.
He has not been active in politics, yet interested
in all matters in any way adding to the prosperity
of the people and the establishment of our gov-
ernment upon a firm basis. He was formerly
identified with the Whig party, and naturally
espoused Republican ideas upon the formation
of that party. He took an active part in the
construction of the Millstone Railroad, running
through the township of Franklin. His chil-
dren are Abram B., Elizabeth H., wife of Eugene
Nevius, of Franklin, Jacques J., Ida Van Liew,
Frederick A., and C. Beekman.
^^e^vL^
Zacheds Behgen (James.s Evert,* Hans Joris^ (George),
Joris Hansen,^ Hans Hansen^), of Hillsborough township,
Somerset Co., N. J., was sixth in regular line of descent from
Hans Hansen Bergen, common ancestor of the Bergen family of
Long Island, New Jersey, and their vicinity, a native of Bergen,
in Norway, a ship-carpenter by trade, and removed from thence
to Holland. From Holland he emigrated in 1633 to New Amster-
dam, now New York, arriving in April of that year, with Wou-
ter Van Twiller, the second director-general, in one of the ves-
sels of the fleet, consisting of the West India Company's ships,
the " Salt Mountiin," of twenty guns, commanded by Juriaen
Blanck, the "Carvel," ''St. Martyn," and the "Hope," which
vessels accompanied the " Salt Mountain" in her voyage from
the Fatherland.
Hans Hansen Bergen married, in 1639, Sarah, daughter of
Joris Jansen Rapalie, a French Huguenot from Rochelle, who
emigrated in 1623, in the ship " Unity." She was born on June
9, 1625, and is said to have been the first white female child of
European parentage born in the colony of New Netherlands.
Of their children, four sons and four daughters, Joris (George)
was fifth child, baptized July 18, 1649, in New Amsterdam,
living as late as 1736 ; married, Aug. 11, 1678, Sara, daughter
of Jan Strycker, of Flatbush. " Capt. Joris Hansen Ber-
gen's" family in 1693 consisted of " one man, one woman,
eleven children, and two slaves." In the same year and in 1 702
he was an elder in the church in Brooklyn. In 1690 he was
elected one of the trustees or commissioners of common lands,
which office he held until 1702. "In 1700 ho was a member
of the grand jury and foreman of the same, and the same year
he was captain of the foot company of militia of Brookland."
Hans Joris, son of Joris Hansen, baptized Aug. 31, 1684, in
New Utrecht, died in 1726; married, Aug. 16, 1711, Sylje,
daughter of Evert Van Wicklen, of New Lots. His children
were George, born Oct. 9, 1712, and Evert, born in 1717, died
Nov. 17, 1776.
Evert Bergen married Jane, daughter of Dennyse Hegeman,
of Flatbush, a descendant of Adrian Hegeman, who emigrated
from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1660. In his younger days Evert
Bergen resided in New Lots. In 1737 he purchased and set-
tled a tract of one hundred and forty acres of land at Royee-
field, Hillsborough township, and also a farm at Whitehouse,
nine miles from Somorville. He brought a pear tree with him
from Flatbush to New Jersey which bore fruit until 1861, oyer
one hundred and twenty years, when it was blown down during
a violent storm. His children were John, born Sept. 26, 1 746 j
Jane, baptized Ajig. 5, 1750, in Somerville Reformed Dutch
Church; James, born Sept. 11,1765; and Evert, born in 1756.
James Bergen, father of our subject, married. May 20, 1779,
Ann, daughter of Zacheus Van Voorhees. who was born Feb.
20, 1761, and died Jan. 11, 1852, in her ninety-first year. He
inherited from his father and occupied the homestead farm in
Roycefield, N. J., to which he added by purchase two hundred
and twenty acres. Dying intestate, his land was equally di-
vided among his children. He died Jan. 30, 1830. His brother
Evert was a soldier in the American army, and engaged in the
battle of Monmouth in the war of the Revolution.
The children of James Bergen were Evert, born Oct. 30,
1780; Mary, born May 6, 17S6; John, born Feb. 19, 1790;
Zacheus, born Oct. 1, 1792; Jane, born March 16, 1794, died in
infancy; Jane, born April 12, 1797; and James, born Aug.
30, L799. Zacheus Bergen married, Jan. 18, 1816, Mary Simon-
son, who wiis born April 29, 1789, and died Feb. 24, 1 880. Their
children are Joanna Voorhees, born Sept. 4, 1817, wife of Rev.
J. A. Van Dorcn, of Millstone; Elizabeth, born Aug. 14, 1819,
widow of the late Simon S. Van Liew, of Somerville; at the time
of his death, May 24, 1880, he was sherifi'of Somerset County;
Mary S. Staats, born May 5, 1822 ; Gertrude, born June 19, 1826,
wife of John A. Voorhees; James Z., born Dec. 19, 1827.
Zacheus Bergen, at the time of his death, resided on the farm
where he was born. His portion of his father's estate was thirty
acres which included the homestead, to which he added by pur-
chase of the other heirs some eighty-seven acres. Here, like
his ancestors, he followed agricultural pursuits. His life was
one of activity, energy, and perseverance, uninterrupted by the
bickerings of political strife or seeking after place. Of a natu-
rally robust frame, and possessed of a strong constitution, he
retained in the later years of his life to a remarkable degree
the vigor of both body and mind which characterized his earlier
years. He was afflicted for about seventy years with deafness,
and was unable to engage in conversation save by the use of
writing. Notwithstanding this difficulty, Mr. Bergen never
relaxed his desire for reading, and was always interested in
and conversant with the current political topics of the day, and
especially well read in Scripture history. He was positive and
decided in his opinions, and possessed force of character and
integrity of purpose in all his undertakings. Following in the
footsteps of his ancestry, he was interested in all worthy local
enterprises, and performed his part well, and was ever foremost
in the establishment and propagation of school and church
interests. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church
of Somerville nearly his whole life, and officiated as deacon and
elder. His wife was also a member of this church, a devoted
wife, and a kind Christian woman. This old family, of which
Mr. Bergen was the oldest living representative in 1880 in
Somerset County, dating back nearly one hundred and fifty
years prior to the Declaration of Independence, became mem-
bers of the Federal party upon the close of the Revolutionary
struggle, and have kept their principles inviolable through the
subsequent Whig and Republican parties, never seeking place
or political preferment, but ever patriotic and true to the best
interests of the republic.
Mr. Bergen built his residence in 1851, which, with its sur-
roundings, presented a striking contrast with the wilderness
home and the log cabin of his grandfather, the first settler of
the family here, showing industry, judicious management, and
thrift through a period of nearly a century and a half.
Mr. Bergen died Nov. 14, 1880, aged eighty-eight years, one
month, and fourteen days.
*
Henry Vak Aksdale, grandfather of Peter 0., was
born in Hillsborough township, resided near Somerville,
and sold his property during the Revolutionary war, tak-
ing his pay in Continental money, which becoming value-
less reduced him to poverty. He was a soldier in that war,
and belonged to the old Federalist party. He died about
1817, aged eighty-eight. His wife, Sarah Dumont, died
at the age of eighty-three. His father, Christopher, born
April 20, 1760, married Sarah, daughter of Peter A.
Dumont, of Hillsborough. She was bora March 24,
1764, and died in 1844. He was an officer and served
some three years in the Kevolutionary war; was in the
battle of "Weston, and after the close of the war received
a pension. He was a linen-weaver by trade, but followed
farming in Hillsborough during the latter part of his
life. He was a member of and officiated as deacon
and elder in the Somerville Dutch Reformed Church.
He died in 1840. Their children were Sarah (deceased),
wife of James I. Voorhees ; Henry (deceased) ; Peter 0. ;
Ann (deceased), wife of John Opie ; Catherine, wife of
Jacob Quick ; Aletta, wife of James Ross, residing in
Jerseyville, Ills.
Peter C. Van Arsdale was born Nov. 4, 1794. He
learned weaving with his father, and followed it, in
connection with farming, until 1878. At the age of
fourteen he went into the busy world for himself, and
began life by working at his trade most of the year, only
working on the farm during the busy season. In 1817
he settled on the farm where he now resides, containing
fifty-four acres, which was a part of his father-in-law's
old homestead. Until 1871 he did most of his own
work and carried on his own farm. He has been a
member of the Dutch Reformed Church at North Branch
since 1854. In politics he was originally a Whig, and
is now a Republican. His brother Henry was a soldier
in the war of 1812, and served at Sandy Hook.
His first wife was Maria, daughter of Tunis Van
Millsworth, of Hillsborough, whom ho married Dec.
30, 1815, and who bore him children as follows: Re-
becca, wife of Abraham Burnhart ; Henry; Sarah,
wife of Tunis Deatsj Jane, wife of J. Brown, deceased,
but present wife of James Longstreetj and Tunis. She
was born Dec. 5, 1798, and died Nov. 1, 1827. His
second wife was Nancy, daughter of James Opie, whom
he married Oct. 15, 1828. She was born Jan. 23, 1792,
and died in 1846, leaving children, Catherine Maria,
wife of Henry Brokaw ; Wilhelmina, wife of John
Carcuff ; Aletta Ann, wife of Isaac S. Lewis ; Eliza-
beth, widow of the late Abraham Q. CoVert ; and Chris-
topher.
Mr. Van Arsdale is now nearly eighty-six years of
age, and is able from memory alone to dictate the facts
for this sketch. He has lived to vyatch the growth and
prosperity of his offspring, and has at this writing
eleven children, forty-eight grandchildren, and thirteen
great-grandchildren. He is a man of strong constitution
and rugged frame, and in his advanced age enjoys in
a remarkable degree the vigor of younger manhood ;
being a man of plain habits and unostentatious ways,
he has lived a quiet and worthy life, and will leave to
his offspring the rich legacy of a pure and noble ex-
ample.
^(Tfj^l)
-^jLe//i6
Benaiah Everett, father of John, was born
April 23, 1786, died Nov. 29, 1863. Married
Ann, daughter of Philip and Ann (Peterson)
Van Arsdale, born Oct. 3, 1786, died Nov.
29, 1863. The children of this union were
Sarah Ann, born Sept. 2, 1814 (wife of John
Van der Veer); John, born May 11, 1818; and
Philip Van Arsdale. Benaiah Everett was a
farmer, and lived a quiet and unostentatious life.
He was a Democrat, but took no very active part
in politics. He was a man of correct habits,
perseverance, and resolution.
His grandfather, Nicholas Everett, also lived
atNeshanic, and died about 1822, at an advanced
age. His children were Ezekiel, John, Eliza
(who married Peter Ditmars, and resided in
New York State), and Benaiah.
John Everett, eldest son of Benaiah, received
limited opportunities for obtaining an education
from books, and without pecuniary assistance in
early manhood has worked his own way to his
present position of opulence. For several years
after reaching his majority he served with his
father for wages. On Feb. 13, 1845, he married
Margaret, daughter of Albert P. and Helena
(Longstreet) Voorhees, of Hillsborough town-
ship. She was born Sept. 14, 1822, is one of
fourteen children, nine girls, five boys, and
a sister of Peter A. Voorhees, of Franklin town-
ship, whose ancestry is traced to the progenitor
of the family in this country. The children of
this union are Beftaiah, Julia, Albert Voorhees,
Anna (wife of Augustus Higgins), Matilda Van
Nuys (wife of John Opie), and Mary Emma
(wife of Isaac Stryker).
Mr. Everett resided near Neshanic for some
eighteen years following his marriage, and then
settled on the old Voorhees homestead where
his wife was born. This property he purchased
in 1863, containing two hundred and one acres,
and it is one of the most desirable and best im-
proved farms in Somerset County. Mr. Everett
is a member of the Democratic party, but gives
little attention to politics. He is ranked among
the substantial agriculturists of his township,
and by economy and judicious management has
accumulated a fine property.
The Everett? are of English descent, and the
Van Arsdales of Dutch origin, and his grand-
father, Nicholas Everett, is supposed to have
been the first settler of the family in Somerset
County.
CycTT'c:^. , /^C^<<^0-^^J
Heemantjs, great-grandfather of the above,
supposed to be the first settler of this branch
of the family in Hillsborough, was born Feb.
18, 1681, and married Adreat Stotehuff, who
was born Jan. 11, 1688, and died Aug. 18,
1761. He died Nov. 8, 1771, leaving the
following children : Hermanns, born Jan. 1,
1725; Stinche V., born Dec. 22, 1734; and
Lucas, born April 24, 1753.
Lucas, grandfather of our subject, died May
22, 1821. Married Mary Bunn, who was born
March 15, 1755, and died Aug. 14, 1835. He
owned some two hundred acres of land where
Abraham L. now resides, and also two hundred
acres in the township of Branchburg. Lucas
L., next to the youngest child of Lucas and
Mary Hoagland, was born March 22, 1792, and
died Feb. 17, 1846. His wife was Elizabeth
Peterson, whom he married April 11, 1816.
The children of this union are Elizabeth, wife
of John Dayley, born March 5, 1821 ; Mary,
wife of Gershom Hall, born Feb. 8, 1823;
Peter P., died young; and Abraham L., born
March 20, 1827.
Abraham L. Hoagland resides on the old
homestead, and is a farmer by occupation. He
received a liberal education during his minority,
and is well read in the current topics of the day.
Following in the same line of politics as his an-
cestors, he is a Republican, but not a seeker
after place. Three generations of this family
have been connected with the same Church of
which he is a member, and of which he has
been deacon, and' is at present acting elder. He
is a man free from ostentation, preferring the
quiet avocation of the agriculturist to the
bickerings of politics, yet he is unswerving in
his political predilections, and interested in all
measures that in any way affect the prosperity
of the people. He married, Dec. 14, 1854,
Sarah Maria, daughter of Henry H. and Mag-
dalen (Staats) Brokaw. She was born June
26, 1832. Their only son and child is Peter
A., who was born Nov. 26, 1855.
HILLSBOROUGH.
801
ANDREW LANE.
Cornelius C. Lane, grandfather of Andrew, married
Judith Van Fleet, who bore him the following chil-
dren : Gilbert, Andrew, John C, Cornelius C, Mrs.
Stephen Ten Eyck, Mrs. Jacob Van Doren, Betsey,
wife of John Brokaw. He was by trade a blacksmith'
and carried on that business at Readington, where
also he was a farmer.
^yi^
John C. Lane, father of our subject, born in 1807,
married, in 1828, Mary Ann, daughter of Andrew
Hageman, of Readington. She was born in 1806.
He has followed agricultural pursuits during his life
in his native township, and has ever been interested
in all worthy local objects. He is a member of the
Dutch Eeformed Church, and has served as deacon
and elder. In' politics he is a Democrat, but his
father was a member of the old Whig party. His
children are Cornelius, born in 1829, died in 1868 ;
Andrew ; Martha Ann, wife of Stephen Weaver, of
South Branch ; John (deceased) ; Sarah Jane ; Mary
Elizabeth, widow of the late Levi Fleming ; James,
Phebe, and Gilbert.
Andrew, eldest living son of John C. Lane, was
bom in Readington, Dec. 5, 1831. His boyhood was
spent on his father's farm. At the age of seventeen
he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and at the
age of twenty-one started business for himself, and
during the following five years built some of the most
substantial residences in Readington. He followed
farming for seven years, and in 1864 purchased a farm
in Clinton township, which he carried on for five years,
when he came to Neshanic (1870), where he purchased
the mill property and store. Here he has resided
since, and has been engaged in carrying on a gen-
eral merchandise business, flouring-mill, saw-mill,
plaster- and phosphate-mill. Mr. Lane received no
pecuniary assistance in starting out in life for himself,
but by economy, enterprise, and judicious manage-
ment he has secured a fine property. He is safely-
classed among the most active and thrifty business
men of his township and Somerset County. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat, but has never been a seeker
after place. He is a member of the Eeformed Church
at Neshanic. He married, Feb. 17, 1858, Margarette,
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Wyckofi;
of Lebanon, N. J., who was born March 8, 1840.
Their children are Martin W-, Mary Ann, and Lizzie.
PETER Q. HOAGLAND.
Peter Q. Hoagland, son of John A. and Jane
(Voorhees) Hoagland, was bom in the township of
Readington, Oct. 20, 1826. The Hoaglands were early
settlers on the farm where Peter Q. now resides, the
land being owned by his great-grandfather, which
being inherited by his sons, Peter receiving seventy-
seven acres, and Albert, grandfather of our subject,
and brother of Peter, sixty-six acres ^has remained in
the family since its first purchase, and is now owned
by Peter Q. Hoagland. His grandfather, Albert,
mtoied Mary A. Kingland, who was bom Sept. 18,
1762, and died on the homestead in March, 1852.
Albert Hoagland was born Oct. 7, 1762, and died
March 24, 1822. After his death, Mrs. Hoagland
carried on the farm and kept possession of it during
the remainder of her life, when it was purchased by
its present occupant, and now contains one hundred
and eighty acres. John A. Hoagland, father of Peter
Q., was born Feb. 18, 1793, married Feb. 20, 1820,
and died April 3, 1868. His first wife, Jane Voorhees,
born Aug. 27, 1800, died July 22, 1837, leaving chil-
dren, viz., Catherine, bom April 23, 1821, died at the
age of thirteen; Peter Quick; Sarah, born Aug. 11,
1831, wife of Henry 0. Van Doren ; Jane, born April
22, 1834, wife of Lawrence- Johnson. His second wife
was Catherine Miner, whom he married Nov. 14, 1839.
She died Aug. 15, 1846.
John A. Hoagland began life as a farmer at Rocky
Hill, and subsequently followed that occupation on
the old homestead. He was in the war of 1812, and
served at Sandy Hook. He was also connected for
many years with the old State militia. He was a
member of the Whig party, and afterwards of the
Republican party. For many years both he and his
wife were members of the Dutch Reformed Church at
Neshanic. He was industrious, energetic, and judi-
cious in his business afiairs, a man of exemplary habits,
and esteemed by all who knew him.
Peter Q. Hoagland received only the advantages of
the common school for any education. At the age of
sixteen he began'to learn'the"carpenter's trade, which
802
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
business he followed for thirty years. He married,
Dec. 25, 1850, Rachel Ann, daughter of George and
Gertrude (Stryker) Corwin, of Hillsborough. She was
born Dec. 25, 1832. Their children are John B., Ger-
trude Stryker, Ann Elizabeth, Peter, and George Cor-
win. Upon his marriage he settled in Franklin
township, where he remained only two years, and pur-
chased the old homestead, upon which he has since
resided. He built his present elegant and commodi-
ous farm residence himself in 1868, and the improve-
ments about his premises indicate the management of
a careful and intelligent farmer. Two railroads cross
his farm, South Branch and the Eastern and Amboy
Railroads. He worked at his trade more or less
until 1878, since when he has given his time exclu-
sively to his farm. Mr. Hoagland is a Republican in
politics, and follows the same line as his ancestors
before him. He has been little connected with public
office, and has only served in a public capacity as
commissioner of appeal and as surveyor of the Hills-
borough Fire Insurance Company.
Mr. Hoagland is a liberal supporter of church and
school interests, and a promoter of all worthy local
enterprises. His wife is a member of the church.
business for himself his short life was spent as a
farmer in his native township. In 1874, finding his
health failing, he visited South Carolina, where he
ABRAHAM VAN DOEEN" STAATS.
Abraham Van Doren Staats, son of John P. and
Joanna M. (Van Doren) Staats, was born at Millstone,
N. J., July 4, 1836. He received a good common-
school education, and through life was fond of read-
ing and study. At the age of twenty he united with
the Reformed Church at Millstone, and subsequently
officiated as deacon. He was a young man of correct
habits, and in all the relations of life fulfilled the full
duties of the citizen. He was decided and positive
in his opinions, and possessed force and energy to
accomplish whatever he undertook. After he began
^.K /-P~ vfez::?^
spent the winter, and returned apparently invigo-
rated, but his disease relaxed only to obtain a surer
footing, and he died May 22, 1875. His wife, Matilda,
is a daughter of Rynier S. and Jane (Wilson) Merrell,
of Hillsborough township. She was born April 20,
1838, and has three children, Maria Louisa, William,
and John P.
F K A N" K L I N;
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
This town forms the southeast corner of Somerset
County. It is of a triangular shape, and is hounded
as follows: Northeast by the Raritan River, which
separates it irom the town of Piscataway, in Middlesex
County, and One Mile Run, which separates it from
the city of New Brunswick; southeast by North
Brunswick and South Brunswick townships, both
in Middlesex County; west by the Millstone River,
â–º By Kev. E. T. Corwin, D,D.
which separates it from the townships of Hillsborough
and Montgomery. On the northwest the Raritan
washes the township for about two miles, separating it
from Bridgewater, and the southwestern corner of the
township is also separated by Millstone River from
Princeton township, in Mercer County. The town-
ship contains 322 farms, and its superficial area is
31,610 acres, or 49.39 square miles. Its population,
as given in the census of 1880, is 3819.
The surface is level or gently undulating, except
where Ten-Mile Run Mountain reaches an elevation
FRANKLIN.
803
of 355 feet and stretches across the southern point of
the township, which is here about three miles wide.
The streams lying wholly in its limits are all small.
The northeastern part is drained by a series of gullies
running northeast towards the Earitan. The other
streams of the township, which are quite numerous,
flow westerly into the Millstone Eiver. Of these,
Six-Mile Eun is the chief; it is fed by numerous
rivulets between Voorhees Station and Franklin
Park. Ten-Mile Run rises in the mountain of that
name, and by a northeasterly course of two miles, and a
northwesterly course of three, falls into the Millstone
below Griggstown. The Millstone washes the western
border of this town for about fifteen miles by the course
of the river. Its sources are in Millstone township,
Monmouth Co., and its length is about thirty-five
miles.
LAND TITLES AND SETTLEMENTS.
Of the twenty-four proprietors, Eobert West,
Thomas Willox,* and Edward Byllinge had dividends
of land set off to them in the bounds of the present
township of Franklin. It was under these that this
town began to be settled. The southwestern part was
thrown into West Jersey by Lawrence's line of 1743.
Some of the early titles are therefore to be sought at
Burlington, as well as at Amboy, New Brunswick,
and Somerville. The year before the proprietors be-
gan to operate, John Inians & Co. purchased of the
Indians, for the benefit of Lady Elizabeth Carteret,
the present lady-proprietrix of the province, a tract
of land called Ahanderhamock by the Indians. It
lay upon the south side of the Earitan, and extended
from Bound Brook to Lawrence's Brook, and took in
about one-third of Franklin -township.
Nov. 10, 1681, John Inians,t one of this company,
and a merchant of New York, purchased a portion
of this tract containing 1280 acres, bounded on the
northeast by the Earitan Eiver, on the west by An-
drew Bowne, southeast and southwest by laud not yet
surveyed. The Earitan lots immediately north of
Inians' patent contained each 500 acres. Each had
nearly half a mile of river-front, and extended back
about two miles. In 1681 they were owned by Andrew
Bowne, Eichard Jones, George Foreman, Joseph
Snelling, Andrew Gibbs, Gershom Brown, Jeremiah
Tuthill, Joseph Benbrigge, Thomas Matthew, and Ed-
ward Gibbon; but in four years, showing the rapid
changes or the speculation in land, these had all
changed owners, t
The last one of these lots, having its face on the
Earitan immediately below Bound Brook, and with
• Also spelled Willocka.
t John Inians, of Raritan BlYer, was appointed a member of Gfovernor
Hamilton's Conncil on Sept. 14, 1692. Nothing is known of his place of
residence or his history, but that he was a very extensive purchaser of
lands and a man of great wealth for the times are inferred from his large
transactions found on the records of proprietors at Amboy and volumes of
deeds at Trenton. His large plot was subsequently purchased by Philip
French.
X See Heed's map of 1685.
the adjoining plot in the south, belonged to William^
Dockwra. Behind these, facing the Millstone, were
two lots reaching some distance above Weston, the
lower, containing 800 acres, belonging to George
Willocks, and the upper, containing 500, belonging to.
William Dockwra. These three lots of Dockwra and
the one of Willocks represent that part of Franklin
which was set off to Somerset County in 1688.
It becomes not a little difficult, if not impossible,
to harmonize the subsequent sales in the centre of
Franklin township and those on the east side of the
Millstone. Indian and proprietary deeds came in
conflict, and the same land was sold by different par-
ties. Sept. 1, 1694, the proprietors sold to Daniel Cox,
of London, one of their fellow-proprietors, the great
quadrangular plot lying east of the Middlebush road,
stretching from the Earitan lots to beyond Ten-Mile
Eun, and extending some distance into the present
Middlesex County.? It appears from this deed that,
previous to 1694, Daniel Cox had bought a large plot
between the Middlebush road and the Millstone
Eiver, but we have not met with the record of it.
But soon after we find all the land between the Mid-
dlebush road on the east, the Amwell road as it lies
near Middlebush church, and the extension of the
course of that piece of road to the present farm of
Mr. Cropsey on the north and the Millstone Eiver oh
the west, deeded in two large plots to John Harrison
and George Willocks, and the still larger plot which
was deeded to Daniel Cox, as above described, now
deeded to Harrison and Willocks also. The first tract
extended from the present farm of G. W. Cropsey
almost to Griggstown, and back to the Middlebush
road; the second extended from a little north of
Griggstown to a point opposite Eocky Hill, and east
to a line protracted on the course of the Middlebush
road ; while the third embraced the rest of Franklin
township except the Earitan lots; and extended some
distance into Middlesex County. These three tracts
are described in Amboy Eecords, Lib. G, p. 314, etc.
In 1701 a Dutch company from Long Island bought
from John Harrison a tract of 10,000 acres in the
heart of Franklin township. The company consisted
of Peter Cortelyou, Stoffel Probasco, Theodore ToV
hemus, Hendrick Lott, Hendrick Hendricks, Jacques
Cortelyou, Denis Tunis, and Cornelius Wyckoff. The
plot extended from the Earitan lots on the north to a
line running east and west near Six-Mile Eiin, and
from the Millstone Eiver on the west to the Indian
path on the east. It was divided into eight parts and
numbered, commencing at the rear of the Earitan
lots. No. 1 was on the north side of the Amwell
road; No. 2, where the village of Middlebush is; No.
5, where Jacob Wyckoff lives ; No. 8, where Peter
s'tothoff, Moore Baker, and J. Staats Nevius reside,
The lines run fi'om the Indian path in a westerly di-
rection across to the Millstone Eiver, making eight
g Perth Amboy Records, Lib. E, p. 366.
804
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
divisions. A line was also run from the rear of the
Earitan lots in a southerly course to the distance of
eight miles, ending on Eocky Hill in the neighborhood
of Upper Ten-Mile Eun. This was called the " Middle
Line," and on it was laid the road from the present
Middlebush church to the Griggstown road, which
passes by Garret Neviua. This last-mentioned line
divided the tract into sixteen parts, and was settled
upon principally by the purchasers or their descend-
ants.
In 1723, Christian Van Doren bought a plot con-
taining 359 acres north of the Middlebush church.
This tract is now divided into seven farms.
Some time before 1764, John Hoagland had bought
176 acres on the east side of the Millstone Eiver, as
in that year he bought another plot, at the southeast
corner of the first plot, containing 40 acres, of John
Lott, of Long Island ; he paid for this £200. On the
south of John Hoagland's land, in 1791, were lands
of John and Cornelius Wyckoff ; while east of the
40-acre plot was land of John Wyckoff; on the north
was land of John Van Liew ; and next, to the river,
land of John Bennett.
In 1791 the executors of John Hoagland Wil-
liam and John Hoagland, of Somerset, and Garret
Terhune, of Middlesex sold both these plots to
Tunis Hoagland. The widow of John was Matje
Hoagland, who gave a quit-claim on her husband's
estate March 9, 1791. Tunis paid £1370 14s. for the
two plots, containing 216 acres.
EAKLT SETTLERS, PIONEER FAMILIES, Etc.
These early patentees or land-owners did not by
any means always settle on the tracts which they pur-
chased. Some of them were never in America. The
follovring family histories are herewith appended, and
show the settlement and development of the actual
population. They are largely condensed from the
family histories collected by the late Hon. Ralph
Voorhees, of Middlebush, and published in " Our
Home" in 1873, and in the New Brunswick Fredonian
in 1874r-78 :
Od both sides of the Indian path settlements must have commeDced
lis early as 1703, when John Van Houten, Tunis Quick, and Dollies Hage-
man, of Ten-Mile Run, Frederick "Van Liew, Jacob and Abm. Bennet,
and others of Three-Mile Run, signed a subscription for the purpose of
catling a minister from Holland to supply the congregation of Three-
Hlle Run,
In 1701, John Harrison and George Willocks owned a tract, which had
been purchased from the Indians, commencing at or near Rocky Hill, at
the Millstone River, running east-southeast 2 miles; then easterly 3^
miles to a point opposite the bouse of the late Samuel Steward ; then
northwesterly to the Raritan lots, and following in their rear to the Mill-
Btone River, and from thence up said river to place of beginning, contain-
ing 17,800 acres. The 5-mile line commencing at Steward's and running
\o the rear of the river-lots Is the one of which our parents used to speak
BO frequently half a century since as causing much violent contention and
litigation. It was settled by a jury summoned for that purpose, and was
thereafter called the Jury-Line.
- John Harrison was an early settler at Rocky Hill, and in 1717 built
the first mill on the Millstone in that place. It stood on the east side of
the river, near the present one on the opposite side. It is supposed that
he resided where the old Berrian house stands, in which Gen. Washing-
ton wrote his Farewell Address. Harrison came from Long Island, and
was noted for his enterprise and activity; he held numerous and import-
ant offices, and was captain and commissai-y of a company of troops sent
in 1709 by the provincial government to defend our northern borders
from the encroachments of the French. He owned a lot at Somerset
Court-house in 1723, when at Six-Mile Run, and died at Amboy in the
same year.
A certain Grace Harrison was assessed for an acre of land in 1735, lo-
cated in the township of Franklin, at Rocky Hill.
Francis Harrison, supposed to be one of John's sons, succeeded him at
Rocky Hill. He was an excellent writer, and a coroner in Somerset
County in 1729. In the same year he circulated a subscription from
Rocky Hill down the old path to the Raritan, and on both sides of the
river to Bound Brook, obtaining subscribers to it, to raise money for the
purpose of calling a minister from Holland for the congregation of Three-
Mile Run, of which he seems to have been an active supporter. His father
was an Episcopalian. Francis appears to have had a son John, who in
Rev. John Frelinghuysen's time (1752) was a supporter of the old church
of Six-Mile Run while it was located at the brook. The old Indian path
ran through the whole of the upper and a part of the lower soction of the
Harrison tract.
THE HAGEMAN FAMILY.
As early aa 1703, Dollies, Denice, Adrian, and Jacobus Hagemen, grand-
sons of Aaron* the emigrant, appear to have located at Six-Mile Run
and its vicinity. Adrian married Maria, a daughter of John Yleet, whose
lands joined his on the north, purchased land, and built a house where
John Garretaon resides, on the Somerset side of the old path. He
had sons Hendrick, Adrian, Joseph, Simon, Jacobus, and Benjamin
and daughters, Gaertie, who married John Manley ; Mary, Adrian
Hageman ; and Catharine, Samuel Waldron. He was buried about 300
yards west of his dwelling, along the line between his and the oldStryker
property, where his wife, Mary, and others of the family were also buried.
In his will, proved July 27, 1762, he left his real estate to his sons Ben-
jamin and Simon, to Benjamin, the parts on which the buildings were ;
to Simon, that part where Henry P. Cortelyou now lives.
Benjamin's first wife's name was Sarah, and they lived on the home-
stead. His children were Mary, who married Jacob Skillman; Jane,
Cornelius "Waldron ; and Gertrude, John P. Nevius, who removed to Wes-
tern New York ; A dria'n, who married Frances Wyckoff and lived and
died at Six-Mile Bun; Benjamin (2d), who married Lena Garretson, of
Middlebush.
Simon married Ida Suydam and moved to Ohio ; William had three
wives, and lived and died at Three-Mile Run; Isaac married Maria Van
Derveer, and lived and died at Harlingen ; Peter married Nancy Suydam,
lived, owned, and died on the homestead. He had three children, Sarah,
who lived and died single; Benjamin, who moved to Dayton, Ohio, and
married there. He was captain of a rifle company raised in Franklin
township, and was a brave officer. He was afterwards appointed major of
the Second Battalion, Third Regiment, of Somerset Brigade, commanded
by Col. Barcalow.
Adrian, the first settler, was succeeded on the homestead by his son
Benjamin, he by his son Peter, he by Abraham Bodine, he by Hoppock,
who enlarged and remodeled the old house, and he by John Garretson,
who owns and has resided on the property for about twenty years.
The farm of ex-Sheriff Voorhees, lying in the rear of the homestead,
extending to the Middlebush road, and first settled on by Ryke Suydam,
then containing 168 acres, was a part of the original Hageman tract.
In 1766, Simon, the son of Adrian, lived In a house built on bis half of
the old tract, on the site now occupied by Henry P. Cortelyou. Although
singular, nothing further has been traced connected with his family or
his children. He was succeeded on the place by Benjamin (2d), son of
Benjamin (1st), who married Lena Garretson, of Middlebush, and who
resided on it until his death. He was succeeded by Dr. Wilkins, who
built a new house thereon ; he by Henry P. Cortelyou, now residing on
the property, who enlarged the house, improved the outbuildings, and
made many other important changes, among which is the large and
beautiful lawn with its many green trees, from which it has been very
appropriately named " Greenlawn Farm."
Aaron Hh geman came in possession, and owned for a time the rear parts
of the tract which eictended ta the Middlebush road, and built on it. It
is now owned by Abraham Voorhees, president of the State Bank, at New
Brunswick. Henry Bound owned and lived on a pa^rt lying near the
middle of the old tract, which has had the following owners : Adrian
* Aaron Hageman and Catharine, his wife, came from Holland, resided
in New Amsterdam a short time, and then settled at Flatbush in 1661,
He died in 1672.
'X^P'T'^nyUy^
DoLis or DoUius, Nyse or Denyse, Adrian, and
Jacobus Hegeman, of the Rnritans and vicinity of
New Brunswick in 1703, were sons of Denyse and
Liurstia Hegeman, of Flatbush, and grandsons of
Adrian, the emigrant, who came over in 1650 or 1651
and settled in Flatbush.
The subject of this sketch is a grandson of Benja-
min Hegeman, and a great-grandson of Adrian Hege-
man, who served in the Revolutionary war. The
former occupied the old homestead of the family at
Six-Mile Run, where John Garretson now resides.
His first wife, Gertrude, bore him five sons and three
• daughters. The sons were Adrian, Benjamin, Peter,
Simon, and William. Ann died aged eighteen ;
Mary married Jacob Skillman ; and Jane, Cornelius
Waldron. For a second wife he married the widow
Sarah Brown, and had a son, Isaac, and a daughter,
Gertrude, who married John Nevius. He died June
14, 1804, over seventy-three years of age, and was buried
on his own farm. His first wife died Feb. 6, 1777.
Benjamin, father of our subject, was born on the
old homestead in 1762. He married Magdalene,
daughter of Bernardus and Leah Garretson, in 1809,
and had two sons, Bernardus G., born Jan. 5, 1810,
died April 14, 1864, unmarried, and Benjamin B.
Mr. Hageman died Feb. 15, 1829, aged sixty-seven.
His wife died April 19, 1S14, aged forty years five
months and twenty-four days.
Benjamin B. Hageman was born on the north-
eastern half of the old homestead, where Henry P.
Cortelyou now resides, March 2, 1812. When two
years of age his mother died, and he was taken to the
old Garretson homestead at Middlebush, where he now
resides, and which has been in the possession of the
descendants of that family since Feb. 14, 1756. He
grew up on the farm and attended the common schools
of his day. In February, 1845, he married Jane
Ann, daughter of Samuel V. T. and Catherine
(Smith) Van Wickle, of Middlesex County, and for
sixteen years engaged in farming operations near
Somerville. March 20, 1861, he returned to the
Garretson homestead in Franklin township, erecting
his attractive residence the same year. His barns
were built in 1876-77.
Mr. Hageman is of a quiet and unostentatious
temperament, and, while he has always taken a deep
interest in events transpiring around him, he has kept
aloof from the strifes and contentions of public life.
He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the
Reformed Church of Middlebush. He is recognized
as a man of integrity in all the relations of life, and
enjoys the confidence and respect of all. His chil-
dren are Garretson, a graduate of Rutgers College in
1868, residing on the home farm, engaged in survey-
ing and civil engineering and notary ; and Samuel
Van Wickle, born July 13, 1853, and died March 25,
1S78, a graduate of Eastman's Business College,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1874.
i
FRANKLIN.
0.805
^Ist), his son Simon, Benjamin (2d), Abraham Yoorheea, Henry- Bound,
and Henry P. Cortelyou, now residing on the homestead part.
HENDBICK FISHER..
Hendrick Fisher was- born in 1697, in the Palatinate, and emigrated
to this country as a young man. He was received into the church
In 1721, and was soon appointed a deacon, then an elder, and con-
tinued an ardent friend of Bev. T. J. FreliEghuysen until his death.
A mechanic by trade, he was yet a man of more than ordinary intel-
ligence and capacity for business. In civil life he was one of the
most influential men of bis day. When, on motion of the legislative
bodies of Mafisachusetts andBhode Island, a congress was called to meet
in New York on the first Tuesday of October, 1765, Hendrick Fiaher was
one of the three men whom New Jersey sent. He continued to represent
New Jersey in Congress until the Declaration of Independence. He re-
sided below Bound Brook, on the south side of the river, and the home-
stead is now owned by Abraham I. Brokaw. His remains rest in a
family graveyard on his farm, where a plain slab bears the following
inscription: "In memory of Hendrick Fisher, who departed this life Au-
gust 16th, 1779, in the 82nd year of his age."*
" Inventory of the goods and chatties of the Estate of Hendrik Fisher,
deed, taken by the British. Army in the months of Dec, 1776, and on the
13th of April, 1777, brought in by Jeremiah Fi8her,f Executor of the
estate of said Hend. Fisher;
£ B. d.
To 8 milch cows 40
Cash taken out of the house 45 "
" 2 Bulls, four years old 7
1 Steer, five "
4 Heifers, three
6 Steers, two
5 one year
6
, 12
. 11 5
6 15
_ milch calves 1 10
" 3 large hogs, weighing about 200 pounds each.. 6 10
3 steers, three years old 5 10 0"" "
THE SCHENCK FAMILY.
The Schencks along the Karitan are descended from .Johannes (John),
who came to this county about 1683. He had five children, who grew
up and were married, two sons and three daughtei-s, as follows: 1. Su-
sannah, who married Johannes Johnson; 2. Johannes, born April 30,
1691, died April 1, 1729 ; 3. Peter, married Elizabeth , lived at New-
town, died about 1737 ; 4. Margaretta, married John Stryker, died August,
1721 ; 5. Cornelia, married Charles Derje. Of the sons, Johannes mar-
Tied Maria I/ott and had children,- Johannes, bom Oct. 26, 1715, died
1777 ; Hendrick, born July 15, 1717, died about January, 1767 ; Abraham,
bom Aug. 6, 1720, died 1790; Peter, bom March 27,1722; Cornelius,
born Jan. 27, 1724, died Nov. 15, 1744 ; Catherine, born Jan. 14, 1728, died
April 9, 1793.
Of the children just named, Catherine married her cousin, Theunis
Schenck, son of her father's brother Peter, and they lived on the old
homestead of their great-grandfather at Bushwick, and had a family of
eight sons and four daughters.
Isaac, it appears, followed the seas, and probably died young; at least,
he left no descendants as far as has been discovered. Cornelius married
Abigeltie Lefierta and had a daughter Maria, who died when about
twenty. The other four brotherB all settled, or at least lived for a time,
along the Earitan and Millstone Rivera, at what precise dates we are un-
able to state, but prwbably when young men. They were there married
and settled in Ufe from 1735 t» 1745. One account states that the mill
next above Millstone (long called Blackwell's) was owned by the
Schencks as early as 1730. If so, it must have been by the father of
these brothers, as another account, of 1745, speaks of them as "the
newly-erected mills of Hendrick Schenck."
Johannes married, Oct. 25, 1746, Neltie Remsen, of Long Island, settled
at what is now called Branchville, and had there a farm, mill, and store.
He had but one son, John, born Aug. 3, 1748, died at Baritan Landing,
Aug. 17, 1784. This John had again but one son, the late John J., of
Branchville, and grandfather of the late Bev. John V. N. Schenck. who
died ^t Pompton Plains in October, 1871, and with whom this branch in
the male line has become extinct.
Hendrick married Magdalena Van Liew,-of Middlebush, lived at Mill-
stone, or Weston, and had a store and mill. He died about Jan. 1, 1767,
and left three sons and five daughtera.-John H., Henry, Abraham,
Mary, Catharine, Gertrude, Letitia, and Magdalena. John H. was a colo-
nel in the Bevolutionary army, and married, first, Sarah Denton; of New-
berg, and, second, Jane Schenck (or Widow Conover), of Monmouth;
Henry H., the doctor, of Neshanic, married Nellie Hardenburgh, and was
.captain of a troop of light-horse and surgeon during the Revolution;
Abraham married Eva Van Buren, of Millstone, daughter of Dr, Abra^
ham Van Buren ; Mary married Dr. Lawrence Van Derveer, of Boyce-
field; Catherine married Elias Van Derveer, father of Dr. Henry Van
Derveer, of Vanderstadt, near Pluckamin, whose will was the subr
ject of so much litigation in the courts of this State; Gertrude married
Gen. Frederick Frelinghuysen ; Letitia married Judge Israel Harris,
who was at one time the owner of the mill at Weston; Magdalena mar-
ried Dr. Peter I. Stryker.
Abraham, the brother of Hendrick, married Elsie Van Devoort, and
lived at Millstone until 1748, when he removed to Bnshwick, then to
Fishkill, and died there. He had fifteen children, six sons and nine
daughters; several died young, and some others were unmarried. One
of these sons was Henry, the father of Abraham H. and grandfather of
the late Rev. George Schenck, of Bedminster.
Peter married Maria Vulkerson, lived near Millstone, and probably
owned both the mills at Weston and Blackwell's, at which last place he
kept a Btore. He was one of the first elders of the church of Millstone, in
1766, also a member of the Provincial CoDgress. He had three children. A
son, John P., married a Miss Loure, and had a daughter, Maria, who died
unmarried. Of the daughters, Mary married Archibald Mercer, of New
York, and Gertrude married a Mr. Tyson, of St. Kitts. Archibald Mer-
cer owned and conducted the mills after the decease of his father-in-law,
about 1800. His daughter, Gertrude, married Gen. John Frelinghuysen;
Charlotte married Theodore Frelinghuysen, president of Rutgers Col-
lege, where she last lived, and died in April, 1854.
Martin Schenck, born Feb. 18, 1738, married, firat, June 7, 1760, Mari^
Conover, of New Utrecht, and second, Henrietta Van Sinderen, of Long
Island. Maria was horn Oct. 28, 1743. Her children were John, horn
March 28, 1761; Ann, born Jan. 1, 1763, married John M. Bogart; Gar-
ret, horn April 12, 1765, married Catharine Garretson ; Phebe, born Feb.
12, 1767, married John Garretson ; Martin, born May 9, 1770, married
Margaret, daughter of Ferdinand Schureman, and lived at Millstone;
Sarah, who married, first, Aaron Van Deventer, of Bound Brook, and
second, Joseph Van Doren, of Middlebush ; Ellen, who married Joseph
Annin; and Mary Ann, who married Henry Wilson, a highly esteemed
citizen of this county. The sheriff had by his second wife one child,
horn March 14, 1808, named Ulpean Van Sinderen, who died at fourteen.
Sheriff Martin had a brother, Johannes, who married, first, Jane Still-
well (whose daughter, Sarah J., married Isaac Brokaw, of Bound Brook),
and second, Ann De Qroot.
Opposite the house of Daniel D. Stelle, and on the Somerset side of the
old road, in 1766, was a tavern kept by Adrian Manley, afterwards by a
Mershon, and lastly by a Widow Selover. About 1810 the proper^ was
purchased by Dr. Ferdinand S. Schenck,! who purchased adjoining lands
until he obtained a good-sized farm. In 1818 he took down the old
tavern-house, in which he had resided, and built the one in which Daniel
D. Stelle now resides, with the outbuildings. The doctor a short time
before hie death enlarged and modernized the dwelling-house and brought
â– it to the condition in which it is now seen.
THE DE HART FAMILY.
Among the early settlers along the old Indian path was Cornelius De
Hart, a son of Simon De Hart, of French origin, who came to this country
in 1664, and bought prior to 1673 a farm of about 300 acres at Gowanus,
L. I. He had sons, Simon, who remained there ; Elyas, who settled in
Monmouth Co., N. J., also a grandson, Cornelius, who in 1720 settled at
Six-Mile Bun, Middlesex Co., N. J.
Corneliuspurchaaed of the Indians 210 acres of land, but was compelled
to repurchase it from the proprietors, paying twice, therefore, for the
same property. He had sons and several daughters; some of his sons
died early. His sons who survived were Cornelius, Guisbert, and Abra^
ham. After the death of the father, Cornelius owned and lived on the
one-third part of the land now in the possession of Charles Dunham.
Guisbert and Abraham had the remaining part, and lived in the house
which the father erected, and to which additions and improvements have
been made; it is the one in which John S. Voorhees and family reside.
One of his daughters, Sarah, married Boeloff Voorhees, grandfather of
Abram D., of Adam's Station. Another daughter, Ann, married Jacobus
De Hart.
* See Dr. Steele's " Historical Discourse," Dr. Messler's " Historical
-Notes." Oorwin'8 " MUlstone Centennial," and p. 636 of this work.
â– j- Son of Hendrick.
t See biographic account in chapter on the " Medical Profession of
Somerset County," in this work.
806»
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Cornelius located in the woods at the upper forks of the Six -Mile Kun.
He was a euccessful deer-hunter, and his large shot-gun, nearly eight feet
long, hoB been preserved in the family. With his near neighbors, Simon
"Wyckoff, John Vleet, and Adrian Hageman, he signed the paper con-
taining the complaint against the Rev. T. J. Frelinghuyaen. They be-
longed to the party in the church called the Conferentie,
Guisbert never married, and lived with bis brother Abraham until his
decease. Abraham owned at his death 376 acres, besides 111 at Law-
rence's Brook. He married Sarah Van Cleef, daughter of John Van
Cleef, Sr., and died Aug. 21, 1832, in his seventy-fourth year. Sarah
survived him, and died Oot. 7, 1844, in her eighty -seventh year. Their
children were John, who married Anna Ayers, and died May 13, 1819, in
his twenty-sixth year; Cornelius, who died Sept. 18, 1805, aged nine
years and six months ; Moyca, born Aug. 20, 1791, died June 16, 1868, mar-
Tied Peter P., son of Peter Van Doren.of Millstone, and a grandson of
Christian Van Doren, one of the first settlers of Middlebush. "
After the death of Abraham De Hart his heirs scld the Lawrence's
Brook land of 111 acres, leaving the homestead to contain 376 acres,
heing the largest old-times farm in the township.
Peter P. Van Doren, the husband of Moyca, died Feb. 16, 1857, in his
seventy-third year, Moyca in her seventy-sixth, after which the estate
was inherited by their daughters, Margaret and Saiah Ann, who, with
John S. Voorhees, the husband of Sarah, have resided on it.
Adjoining the De Hart property on the north, in 1766, nearly opposite
to the house of the present John W. Williamson, across the old path, was
the house of John Pyatt, who appears to have married in one of the
Wyckoff families. He was succeeded on the place by Rynear Merrill,
:and he by Isaac Silcocks. At the commencement of the present century
the old house was taken down. The name of Pyatt appears to have he-
<;ome extinct in this section of the country. The Pyatt property is now
owned by Frank Peunel, a house having been erected recently a few
yards north of the old one, in which he resides.
THE COKTELTOU FAMILY.
Jacques Cortelyou (sometimes written Cortilleau) arrived in New Am-
sterdam in 1651 or 1652, with Cornelius Van Werkhoven, as private tutor
to his children. His wife was Neiy e Van Duyn, and both were of French
extraction. His children were Jacques, Peter, Cornelius, Helena, Maria,
and WilUam.
Hendrick {1st), son of the second Jacques, was horn April 11, 1711, and
settled on lands owned by his father in 1704, containing 300 acres, situ-
-ated on the south of and adjoining the tract of 10,000 acres purchased
by Peter Cortelyou and others of John Harrison in 1701. This 300-acre
tract is at present included in the farms of John Baker, Jr., Daniel
â– Steele, and Henry Rule, and the church and village lots extending from
the main road at Six-Mile Bun to the Middlebush road. Hendrick was
succeeded on the homestead by BoelofF Voorheee, who died thereon in
1811
Hendrick (2d), son of Hendrick (1st), married Antie Coerte Van Voor-
hees, Aug. 3, 1731. He had twelve children, of whom Jacques, Hen-
drick, and Harman lived in Franklin township. Hendrick married Sarah
Stothoff and lived at Ten-Mile Run, and Harman married Catharine
Van Dyke, resided at Three-Mile Run, and for some time kept a public-
house in that place.
Hendrick (3d), born 1761, married, first, Ann De Hart, 1787 ; second,
Elizabeth Voorhees, 1795, and lived at Ten-Mile Run. Of his brothers
and sisters who attained mature age, William married Maria Voorhees ;
John, Ellen Voorhees; Harman, Sarah Garreteon ; Jacques, Johanna
Van Tine (no issue) ; Abram, first, Dinah Garretson ; second, Johanna
Polhemns; Albert, Ida Burling; Peter, Margaret Fry (no issue).
Hendrick, the fourth son of Hendrick (3d), was bom Nov. 5, 1789, died
1856, married Maria Voorhees. There was a Mary next. Peter was horn
in 1796, first married Mary Ann Gulick, and afterwards Julia Beekman.
He resides at Ten-Mile Run. His children are Elizabeth, born 1821, first
married to Van Cleef Voorjiees, then to Garret Q. Brokaw; Henry P.
born 1823, married Margaret Hageman; Peter, born 1848, married to
Annie Voorhees.
In 1671, Capt. Jacques Cortelyou acted as one of the commissioners to
settle the disputed boundary line between Bi-unswick and Newtown. He
was also the surveyor on that occasion. His sons Jacques and Peter were
"also prominent land-purveyors. Jacques (2d or 3d) surveyed the Harri-
son tract in 1703, and received from the company as compensation a tract
of 280 acres extending from the Middlebush road to the Millstone River
adjoining the Six-Mile Brook, and on a part of which John J. Voorhees
now resides. Jacques (1st) is represented as having been somewhat sin-
gular and eccentric in his ways.
The Cortelyou families in this section have been uniformly distin-
guished for industry, economy, peaceful demeanor as citizens, and their
friendship to the prosperity of the Chui'ch and her institutions.
THE SUTDAM FAMILY.
Among the many adventurers from Holland to seek a home in the
wilds of New Netherlands were Abrm. Guysbert and Rynear and Hen-
drick Rycken, from whom the Ryker and Snydajn families in New York
and other States have descended, Hendrick Byckeu came from Holland
in 1663 and located in the suburbs of New Amsterdam, remained there
for some time, and then removed to Flatbush. He acquired a large es-
tate, and died iu 1701. In about 1710 his children adopted the name of
Suydam. His son Jacob was born in 1666, and married Syche Jacobs.
He died in 1738, aged seventy-one. His eon Ryke removed to Six-Mile
Run, Somerset Co., N. J., about 1728, and settled on 158 acres of land on
the western corner of lot No. 7, which he received in exchange for about
the same number of acres which he purchased of Joost Schomp, lying
opposite to it, and along the path on which Adrian Hageman built, lived,
and died. Ryke died in 1798, aged ninety-five; his children were Peter,
Jacobus, Abram, Isaac, Ryke, Mary, and Ida, of whom Peter (Ist) in 1743
purchased a lot of land of Peter Southard and built a house thereon,
standing in 1766 across the road and nearly opposite to where John Gar-
retson, Sr., now resides. It was taken down in about 1806. His first
child was Ryke, who married Rachel Merrill. Their children were
Peter, who married Catharine Priest, now his widow and living in New
Brunswick ; Phebe, married George Van Derveer; John, married Anetie
Williamson; William, married Charlotte Andrews; Ryke, a Miss Hoag-
land ; Sarah, married John T. Davis ; Cornelia, Garret Garretson.
Lawrence, son of Peter (1st), married Abbey Fry, and lived about 300
yards farther up the road, in the house where John Garretson, Jr., now
lives, and which in 1766 was occupied, according to the map, by John S\iy-
dam, of whom nothing further is known. Lawrence, during a thunder-
show^er, while standing in the door of his house, was struck dead by
lightning. He had ten children, Phebe, who married Samuel Gulick;
Ann, married Cornelius Van Liew; Veter L., married, first, Mary Oakey»
second, widow of David Nevius, both deceased (he died in 1876, aged
eighty) ; John S., married, first, a daughter of John Elbertson, of Griggs-
town, second, Cornelia, daughter of Dr. James S. Cannon ; William, mar-
ried Cornelia, daughter of Garret Polhemus, of Middlebush, lived and
died there, both deceased ; Abram, a successful merchant in J^fiw Bruns-
wick, and while president of the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of that
city cruelly murdered by Peter Robinson, who was tried, convicted, and
executed April 16, 1841; Isaac, died unmarried; Jacob, died young;
Catharine Sarah, married Henry Snyder (he survived her and lives at
Six-Mile Run); Maria, married Henry Bound, lived at Six-Mile Run,
both deceased.
Peter, son of Peter (1st), married Jane Cox, and lived and died at
Three-Mile Run.
Of Abram, son of Peter (1st), nothing is known. Ann, daughter of
Peter (1st), married William Williamson, of Three-Mile Run. He was
an elder in the church of Six-Mile Bun. They had nine children, Wil-
liam, who married Williamson, lived and died in New Brunswick ;
Phebe, married John. Eodgers, and lived and died at Six-Mile Bun (no
children) ; Isaac, married Ida Van Tine, and lived and died at Three-
Mile Bun ; Peter (nothing known) ; Anetie, or Agnes, married John
Suydam. Their children were William, died young; Eyke, married
Elizabeth Davidson; Peter, married Sarah French, who survives him;
Lawrence, unmanied ; Abram, married Eliza Scott, who survives him
and lives at Franklin Park; Lowe, or Lawrence, went to Illinois, and
died there unmarried ; Jane, lived and died unmarried ; Sarah, married
John Scott, of Six-Mile Run, moved to and lives in Western New York.
The road leading from the union school-house of Three-Mile Run to
George's road was settled originally by the Williamsons and Suydams.
From the intermarriages which have taken place between their descend-
ants, it has been called Cousins' Lane."" "
THE BARCALOW FAMILY.
In 1766, on the south side of the road leading from Six-Mile Bun to
Kingston, and between the Nine- and Ten-Mile Runs, is located, ton the
surveyor's map, the house of Daniel Barcalow.
William Jans Van Barkelo emigrated at an early period from Zntphen,
in Guilderland, and finally settled in Flatlands, L. I. About the com-
mencement of the last century a young married couple, each mounted
on a pony, with perhaps a pack-horse or two, started from Long Island
on an exploring expedition in New Jersey in search of a new home.
After crossing the Baritan at the fording place at New Brunswick, they
followed the road laid on the old Indian path towards the Delaware.
They crossed a stream called by the whites and Indians Nine-Mile Eun.
FRANKLIN.
0.807
They there resorted to a green, shady epot, where they rested theEnBelves
and their animals, which to them was so inviting that here they located,
built a house, and settled for life. Some of their descendants have suc-
ceeded them on the property down to the present day. The young couple
â– were Conrad Barkelow (son of William Jans Yan Barkelu, before men-
tioned) and his wife. The number of their children is not known.
Conrad's son, Daniel, succeeded him on the homestead and reared a
large family. His sons were Farrington, William, Cornelius, and Chria-
toffel; the daughters were Catharine, Elizabeth, Ann, and Kebecca.
They were models of sobriety, industry, economy, and perseverance.
Daniers son, John, lived many years at Dayton, He was a man of
business and much respected. He had children and died there. Farring-
ton lived for many years at Rhode Hall. ChrlstofTel manied a Miss
Beekman, of Harlingen, lived some years in Middlebush, and moved to
Basking Bidge. He had children and died there.
Elizabeth, one of the daughters, married Henry Van Dyke ; they lived
and died at Mapleton. Ann married Simon Duryea, of Blawenburg, and
left no children. Catharine married Moses Whitlock and had many
children. Rebecca, the youngest, married William Swaim, and had two
children.
There was a Dirck Barkelo and Janetie Van Arsdale, his wife, who
settled on the Baritan in 1717. In 1745 there were a Daniel and a Far-
rington Barcalow living along the east side of the Millstone Biver, about
half a mile or more above Blackwell's. One of them married a daughter
of Abraham Voorhees, of Middlebush, who owned 300 acres and was one
of the first settlers along that part of the Six-Mile Bun, lying on both
aides of it. After the death of Voorhees, the son-in-law, Daniel or Far-
rington,* came into the possession of that part lying next to the river,
containing about 150 acres of land. Col. Fanington and Cornelius Bar-
calow, who lived in Middlebush, were the children of either Daniel or
Farrington. Cornelius had no descendants, moved to the West late in
life, and died there. Farrington the colonel was noted for his military
talents, had a large family of children, of which Widow Ellen Shaw,
George Washington, and ComeUus are living at East Millstone, and
Jemima, widow of John King, at Spring Lake, IlL Culver Barcalow,
son of William Barcalow, and grandson of the colonel, lives at Somerville.
THE WTCKOFF FAMILY.
Peter Claes Wyckoff came from Holland in 1636; he bought land at
Flatbnsh, L. I. In 1653 he superintended the farm and stock of Director
Stuyvesant. He was a magistrate in Flatbush in 1655, 1658, 1662, and
i663. His wife was Grietje, daughter of Hendrick Van Ness. One of his
sons, Cornelius Preterse Wyckoff, married Gertrude Simons, davighter of
Simon Van Arsdalen, Oct. 13, 1678. He was one of the Dutch company
which purchased 10,000 acres at Middlebush in 1701. The deed for his
share of the land, given by his partners, bears date June 1, 1703, and
conveys 1200 acres lying across the central part of the township from the
county line at Three-Mile Run to the Millstone Biver. Tradition says
he had eight sons, four of whom he settled on these lands, each having
300 acres. Their names were John, Peter, Simon, and Jacob. John had
his home in Middlebush, where Samuel Garretson now lives, and his
oldest son, Cornelius, was born there, being the first child born in the
settlement. John had six children, four sons and two daughters.
Corneliufl, the eldest, kept the homestead, which remained in his family
until 1800. John, the second son, built along the Millstone on the rear
of the farm. It has remained in the family, William Wyckofi; one of his
descendants, now living thereon, in an elegant building erected by him
in 1872. Simon settled at Three-Mile Bun. John Vliet, Jr., a son of the
owner of the adjoining tract, married one of his daughters, and upon
the death of their parents a part of the farm of Simon was united to that
of VUet. After the death of John Vliet, Jr., his widow held the prop-
erty; she -afterwards married John Van Cleef. They remained upon
the farm, and after their death their son, John Van Cleef, Jr., bought the
tract where his grandson, Balph Voorhees, Jr., recently lived. The sons
of Simon setUed in the neighborhood of White House, and have become
a numerous family. Jacob settled at Three-Mile Bun also. He died
quite young, leaving two sons, Cornelius and Jacob. They inherited his
lands, Cornelius Uving where Abm. J. Suydam now lives. He died
young, leaving one daughter, Ida, who married Denice Van Liew and
lived upon the property. It remained in the family until 1850 or 1851.
* In the old baptismal book of the congregation of Six-Mile Bun we
find that, in 1756, Isaac Voorhees and his wife, Helena Barcalow. had a
child baptized (when the church was at the brook) named David. She
was doubtless a granddaughter of Conrad, the first settler, and the
mother of David, the brave Bevolutionary soldier, and father of Ira C.
Voorhees now residing in New Brunswick.
Jacob, Jr., took the homestead of his father. He left three daughters,
who inherited his lands. Frances, wife of Aaron Hageman, had the
homestead, which is still held by her heirs. Peter settled at Middlebush,
where he lived and died. He left six sons and foar daughters. His
oldest son, Cornelius, settled below New Brunswick, and is the ancestor
of the Wyckofis in that vicinity. Aurt, or Arthur, and John settled at
or near Cranberry, and founded the families of that name around there.
Peter, Jr., left two daughters. Jacob left no children. Simon, the fifth
son, after his father's death, bought the farm, living where his father
did. Simon left four sons, the eldest of whom, Christian, settled west of
Albany, N. T. The second son, Peter, lived in New York, and his de-
scendants now live at Brooklyn. The two younger sons, Jacob and
Simon, upon the death of their father, bought the farm, Jacob taking the
rear, and building where his son, Cornelius W., now lives, and Simon
taking the homestead, where he lived, and which at his death was pur-
chased by his son, Jacob, now living thereon. His brother, Simon, re-
sides at Fairview, HI., Joseph on a farm at Woodhull, Mich., and Chris-
tian at Lamington, Somerset Co., N. J.
The Cornelius above alluded to, who was the first white child bom at
Middlebush, was afi"ected with a severe rheumatiflm, which caused him
much stiffness and pain. He had a friendly Indian living in front of his
residence, across the road and brook, in a little hut. This Indian told
Cornelius at a certain time that he "looked very bad, and if he did not
get help soon he would live but a short time." " What can I do for it?"
asked Wyckoff. "I think I can cure you," said the Indian. At length
he submitted to the Indian's course of treatment, who took his patient
to a little sod structure built in the side of a hill by a pond of water, where
he applied the means necessary to produce an extraordinary perspiration.
He then cut a hole in the ice of the brook, and into this Wyckoflf was
plunged. The Indian now brought him out, wrapped him up in a blan-
ket, carried him to the house, put him to bed, and then heaped blankets
over him until, as it was told, "the pei"spiration ran down the bedposts."
The patient became entirely well, and lived many years afterwards.
Tradition says that Mrs. Simon Wyckoff was bitten by a rattlesnake
the first night she and her family were in their new house. The Indians
sleeping along the brook immediately proffered their friendly aid; one of
them applied their usual remedy, and she was speedily cured of the effect
of the bite.
Simon Wyckoff, at the brook, died in 1765. He had eight children,
viz.: John, Comehus (lived and died near the White House), Moycha,
Anitie, Margaret, Grietie (married John Vliet), and a daughter (married
Addis). In his will, recorded in the same year, he left his son John
a silver tankard, marked with the letter W. To the daughters named
and the grandchildren of Addis, the father of Capt. Simon Addis,
each a negro woman and thirty pounds in money, his executors to sell
his real and personal estate and divide the proceeds among his children^
his grandchildren to receive one-eighth part. Their names were John,
Simon. Gaertie, and Maria. He also gives to his wife one silver tankard,
marked with the letter W, and appoints his son Cornelius, and his sons-
in-law, Fulkert Van Nostrand and Cornelius Van Horn, as his executors.
It is supposed that John settled on that part of the tract of 400 acres
where Theodore Skillman now lives, and that Jacob, who married Le-
meche Stryker, was his sou, who by his will appointed Lemeche his execu-
trix and, in case of her death, his son Cornelius and John Stryker to be
the executors.
Jacob's widow. Lemetie, married Minna Van Voorhees, of New Bruns-
wick (great-grandfather of Hon. Ralph Voorhees, who died in 1878), and
lived there until his death, about 1735. After the death of Minna, Le-
metie returned to and resided on the farm, and was living in 1745.
Jacob had three sons Cornelius, Jacob, and Garrett^-and two daughters,
Guertie and Styntie, the wife of William Hyer. Jacob was doubtlesa
the one who lived on the place in 1766, as described on the map of that
date, whose daughter Anatie married a Lupardus, who succeeded his
father-in-law on the place, and whose widow married David Fleet.
Frances manied Aaron Hageman. The farm just described has had the
following owners : Simon Wyckoff, his son John, his son Jacob, his grand-
son Jacob Lupardus, David Fleet, John Skillman, and lastly Theodore
Skillman, now residing thereon.
Some time after the death of Simon Wyckoff the old homestead came
into the possession of Jacob Wyckoff, Esq., then of Aaron and Frances
Hageman, who in 1802 took the old house down and built a new one on
the property, where Sarah, the widow of his son Peter, now Uvea.
Aaron Hageman and Frances, bis wife, a daughter of Jacob, Esq., had
eleven children. In Elm Bidge cemetery we find the tombstones of two
pairs of twins ; the first died in 1785, the other in 1790. Also Aaron in
the same year, aged six months ; Jacob in 1793, in his eleventh year ; Ag-
nes in 1794, in her third year; Gitty, in her sixty-third year, who had.
-808
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
lived BiDgle. Peter, the husband of Sarah De Hart, now living on the
homeBtead, died April, 1869.
Benjamin married, first, Cynthia, daughter of Peter G. Voorhees, of
Middlebush, who died about 1835. He afterwards removed to Columbus,
in Wisconsin, married a second time, and died there in 1860, aged eighty-
two. Wyckoff married Catharine De Hart, of Ten-Mile Kun, moved to
Fairview, 111., and died there about 1868, aged seventy-eight.
The "Wyckoff homestead has had the following owners : Simon Wyckoff,
Jacob Wyckoff, Esq., Aaron Hageman, William Williamson, John Wil-
liamson, Peter Hageman. It is now owned and resided on by his widow,
-Sarah Hageman, who is a daughter of John De Hart, formerly of Blaw-
©nbnrg.
The farms of Mrs. Peter Hageman, Theodore Skillman, Abraham Tot-
ten, and Daniel Polhemus are all parts of the original tract
THE WILLIAMSON FAMILY.
The first of this name was a Lawrence Williamson, who with his wife,
Sarah, was a member of the Dutch Church at New Brunswick at its or-
ganization, in 1717. and in which he was an elder in 1719. In what part
of the congregation he lived is not known. There was also a William,
an elder there in 1750. There was a Jacobus living in the neighborhood
of Ten-Mile Kun in 1735, and a William in this section, who had several
children baptized in the old Six-Mile Run church, at the brook, at an
early date. Whether they were connected with William, whose history
is here given, is not known. William Williamson may have been the
elderwhowas elected in the church at New Brunswick in 1750. He was
A true patriot, a captain in Col. Neilson^s regiment of State troops, an in-
timate friend of den. Washington, of whom it is said that he sometimes
quartered him at his house. He died in 1799, owning a large tract of
land, commencing where Isaac W. Pumyea lives, at the line between
lands of William A. Williamson and the late Ephraim Van Tine, and
running in the old path to the line formerly of the De Harts, and extend-
ing from the path to near George's road, and including a tract of 100
acres in Somerset County, containing in all about 640 acres. These lands
were devised to his six children by his will made Sept. 7, 1779, and were
divided by commissioners, George Van Neste, Simon Addis, and John
Stryker. The division was as follows:
1. To Isaac, born in 1759, who married Ann Van Harlingen and lived
on that part of the tract now owned and resided on by William A. Wil-
liamson. Isaac died in 1835, aged seventy-six; his wife, Ann, died in
1837, aged seventy-nine.
2. To William, born 1762, married Ann Suydam, lived where G. J. Rink
lives. One of his sons, Abraham, married Eliza, daughter of William
Scott. She has survived him, and lives in the village of Franklin Park.
William's daughter, called Nettie, named after her grandmother, Ange-
netie, resides with Peter S. De Hart near Elm Ridge cemetery, on land
formerly owned by Capt. Williamson, and separated from the original
tract by the Franklin and Georgetown turnpike. William belonged to a
troop of horse in the Revolution.
3. To John, born in 1764, married, first, Maria Bennett, of Pennsylva-
nia, second, Elizabeth, widow of Rem Garretson and a daughter of Hen-
drick Veghten. They had nine children. .Tohn lived on that part of the
Williamson tract now owned and resided on by Martin Johnson. One of
his sons, William, married Catharine Lowden. William was born in 1791,
and died in 1850. Catharine died in 1869, aged eighty-four. Their daugh-
ter, Grertrude Ann, married John F. Babcock, of the New Brunswick I^e-
donian. John, son of William and Catharine, owns and lives in the house
which his father built, where he lived and died, and which was erected
on the old foundation of the house in which Simon Wyckoff, one of the
fii^t settlers of that section, lived and died.
4. To Antie, or Ann, born 1770, married Abraham Meserol. They lived
and died on that part of the tract now owned by Abm, D. Voorhees. The
old buildiogs, with their surroundings, have all disappeared, except the
old well and its sweep.
5. To George, who married Ida Pumyea, daughter of Peter Pumyea, Sr.,
of Six -Mile Run. The 100-acre tract in Somerset County was allotted to
him by the commissioners. He afterwards purchased, built, lived, and
died on the property near George's road now owned by Benjamin P.
Ruckman. He died inT830, aged sixty-two ; his wife, Ida, in 1842, aged
seventy-six.
6. To Jane, who married John Pumyea, and who lived and died on that
part of the tract where their son, William, who married Sarah Tunison,
lives. John was bom in 1771, and died in 1 852 ; his wife, Jane, was born
in 1780, and died in 1859, Their children were Agnes, Peter, Ida, Wil-
liam, John, Ann, Isaac W., and Mary.
Isaac W. Pumyea, who married Catharine Van Dyke, lives on the prop-
erty formerly owned and resided on by his uncle, George Williamson,
who there followed hlacksmithing previous to 1800. His shop stood
across the road, on the northerly corner of his brother Isaac's land. A
tradition in the Williamson family states that the captain's father's name
was William and that he owned an immense tract of land, extending
from the Millstone River to Lawrence's Brook, containing several thou-
sand acres.
THE VLEET FAMILY.
Adjoining the property of Simon Wyckoff on the south was that of John
Vliet. The first emigrant of the Vliet family to this country appears to
have been Dircks Jans Vander Vliedt. The name has been variously
written Vleet, Van Vliet, Fleet, Van Fleet, etc. He was doubtless the
great ancestor of them all.
Dircks Jans appears to have come from Ryleveltto New Amsterdam as
one of the soldiers in the ship " Spotted Cow," in April, 1660. In April,
1663 his wife, Grietie, with two children, arrived in the same vessel, and
the family settled in Flatbush. He married, first, Lyntie Aertson ; second,
Grietie Van Kirken. His children were Hendrick, Jans, Maria, Gaertie,
and Garret. The father, mother, and Jans (or John) were members of
the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatbush in 1680. His son John waa
bom in Wellen, and married, Dec. 2, 1683, Grietie Van Kirken, of Buer-
raalzen, in Guilderland. He belonged to a troop of horse in Kings Co.,
L. I., of which Daniel Remsen was captain, and Byck Sudam lieutenant.
With his father he took the oath of allegiance in 1687.
In 1717 the son, John Vliet, bought of TheodorePolhemua, of Jamaica,
L. I., a tract of land lying at Six-Mile Bun,* part in the county of Somer-
set and a part in the county of Middlesex, commencing at the path, a few
yards east of the present house of Henry P. Cortelyou, and running
nearly a northeasterly course to a marked tree to the middle-line (now
Middlebush) road ; then in a northerly course along the same to a
marked tree in the line of Peter Cortelyou; then along his line to a
marked tree at the brook, in front of the house of the present Henry
Lewis, to the path; then following the same to the place of beginning;
being 44 chains in width, containing 500 acres more or less, being lot
No. 6 of the Harrison tract.
John soon removed to and built a house on the land, about 300 yards
from the path. The house stood until after the Revolution. Previous to
that time a new one was built on the opposite side of the dell, which was
enlarged by John Van Cleef in 1812, and is the one now occupied by Ralph
Voorhees, Jr. He had six children, viz., Gretie, John, Derrick (died
young), Sarah, Rebecca, and Maria. Grietie married Simon Wyckoff,
another daughter, Fulkert Van Nostrand ; and Maria, Adrian Hage-
man. John married Gretie, a daughter of Simon Wyckoff.
According to his will, recorded in Trenton in 1754, he ordered that his
land be divided into six equal parts, and that each child have a part. To
his wife Gretie he left his household goods, and they, after her death, to
be equally shared by his children.
After the death of John Vliet, Sr., his son John, who had purchased the
brewery of his father with all that pertained to it, came into possession
of the farm, and was called John the Brewer, and he, in 1736, sold the
brewery for £50 to his son John the Weaver, it being the custom at that
time to call men after their occupation. John the Brewer had formerly
owned and resided on the farm now owned by Peter Hoagland, at Ten-
Mile Bun, Middlesex Co.
Nearly all the first settlers along the Indian path, from the Ford to
Rocky Hill, were descendants of those who emigrated from the Nether-
lands and settled on Long Island. John Vliet was the only one bom be-
yond the sea.
After the death of John Vliet (the first settler), his son John's wife,
Gretie, the daughter of Simon Wyckoff, came in possession of the prop-
erty of her father-in-law. About this time it appears that Lucas Voor-
hees, or his father Jaques, purchased from the rear part of th.e farm 125
acres, on which he built the mill at the Middlebush road. The Vleet
tract of 500 acres, which was purchased for £800, was then reduced to
375 acres, and remained thus for nearly a century after.
John Vleet, Jr., had three children, John, born 1745, and afterwards
removed to Sussex County ; Simon, born 1747, married Ann Terhune, and
lived and died at Lamington; Gretie, born 1750, married Aaron Dean.
* The different streams crossing the old path gave name to the places by
which they are called according to their several distances from the ford-
Ing-place at the Raritan. Hence the name of Mile Run, Three-Mile
Run, Six-Mile Run, Nine- and Ten-Mile Run. Except the Mile Run, the
distances of the others are incorrect. The Six-Mile Bun could have been
no more than five miles from the river by the path. These names were
given, with their distances, by travelers and their Indian guides, doubt*
less long before the places named were, settled by the whites.
FRANKLIN.
809
Aflor tlio death of Joba Vleot, Jr., his widow, Grotto, married John Van
Cleef, Sr.
John Van Cleef, Sr., married, second, the widow Emmons, whose
maiden name was Sarah (a daughter of William Van Dnyn, of Barltan).
He died In May, 1811, In the uighty-flrst year of his oge. Sarah died
Jan: 7, ISM, in her soventy-soTonth year. After the deatli of his father.
Job n Van Cleef inherited all his real estate, and his throe sisters the per-
aoual. The farm now contains 412 acres.
John Van Cleef, Jr., married Sarah Van Dyke, Oct. 4, 1701. He died
Nov. 28, 1847, in the eighty-sixth year of his age ; Sarah died March 26,
1742, aged sovonty-two. He died intestate. Uis children were Margaret,
born Deo. 16, 1794; Siirnh, born April 4, 1800, married Ralph A'oorhoes
(boro June 20, 1700), of Mlddlobush ; Garrotta, born April 27, 1802, mar-
ried Abraham Quick, of Korth Branch (born 1800). His land was divided
between his three daughters, each part containing 137 acres. Sarah
drew by lot the part containing the buildings, Margaret the middle part,
and Garretta that port which Henry Garretson now owns and resides on.
In former times It was a custom with parents In their wills to leave an
extra share of their estates to one of the sons, so as to enable him to re-
tain the homestead in the family from generation to generation. The
custom has changed. There are but four of the old homesteads {^"om
New Brunswick to Franklin Park, on both sides of the old Indian path,
now owned by descendants of those who first settled on them.
The VIeet homestead has had the following owners : John Vleet, Sr.,
his daughter Gretle, John Van Cleef, Sr., John Van Cleef, Jr., his
daughter Sarah, and Ralph Voorhees, Jr., recently removed to Middle-
bush.
THE VAN LIEW FAMILY.
From the burylng-ground across the old road where Henry Oakason
resides, in 176C lived Johannes Van Llewen, a sou of Frederick Van
Liewen, or Van Laver, as he woe called at that time by the Dutch. His
father came from Holland and settled at Jamaica, L. I., In 1070. He was
a son'of Hendrlck Van Llewen, in Holland, of French extracllon. Hen-
drlck, of JanuUca, inherited a share of his fatlier*s estate In Holland
after his decease.
Frederick married Helena, a daughter of Jaques Denice, of the Nai*-
rows. Long Island, where he kept a ferry in 1703, his boats plying be-
tween that and Staten Island, and in the prosecution of hie business was
accidentally drowned. His mother was very probably a daughter of
Jaques Cortelyou, who came from Holland and settled at New Utrecht,
L. I., in 1652, the groat ancestor of the Cortelyous In America.
From ancient records preserved and found at the Van Liew home-
stead we have the following names and dates ; Frederick Van Liew, son
of Frederick Hondrickson, the emigrant, died Nov. 27, 1760; Helena
Deuioe, his wife, died March 0, 17S4, aged eighty-four. Tlieir children
were Dinali, born 1718, married Veghteu, died Nov. 22, 1700;
Helena, born Oct.16, 1724, married Rem Dltmara, of Millstone, died July
6,1778; Maria, born March 17, 1724, married Dnryea, Oct. 20,
1701 ; Frederick, born Feb. 6, 1727, married Hondrickson, lived at
Middlebush, was succeo'dod by his son Frederick, grandson Frederick,
and he by P. S. Brokaw on the homestead. His land extended from the
Middlebush roud about half-way to Millstone. On Its eaatern corner the
Middlebush church was built, in 1834. He died May 26, 1768. Nice, or
Donlce, born Jan. 7, 1734, married Ida, widow of Jacob Wyckotr, of
Three-Mile Bun, diod Oct..l7, 1777. She was a daughter of John Stryker,
of SIx-Jllle Bun. Cornelius, Imrn April 10, 1730, married Ann Van
Llewen, lived at Mlllstone.where the lavorn at tlio canal bridge has been
kept since about 1830. East Millstone is built on the western part of his
land. It extended eastwardly on the south side of the Amwell rood to
whore It Joined the land of his brother Frederick, of Middlebush. On
the homestead he was succeeded by Henry Dlsborongh, then by Henry's
sou John, then by John Wyckoff, Sr., and afterwai-ds by his sou John V.
C. The present owner is Howoll. Cornelius and his wife were members
of the Befoi-med Church of MiUstono in 1778; he died Jan. 29, 1777.
Johannes, Iwrn April 10, 1730, lived on the homestead, married Dorothy
Lott, and died Oct 10, 1794 ; she died Oct. 9, 1813. The date of their
faUier's settlement ot Throe-Mile Run, on lot No. 1 of the Harrison tract,
is not definitely known. He married Helene Denice, 1716. He was the
largest land and stockowner in the township of Franklin. Frederick
Van Liew, of Middlebush, was a great-grandson of Frederick (2d) ; he
married Maria, a daughter of Peter Voorhees, who survives him ond Is
living with her daughter, Ellso MoKracken, at Batavia, III. He died lu
1836 or 1830.
Bern ritmars, who married Holona, was a grondson of John Johnson,
who emigrated from Ditmnrsen, in Denmark, and was living on a farm
ut Dutch Kills, L. I., In 1040. Two of his grandchlldron, Bom and Dowc.
62
settled on a tract of land lying on the west side of tho Millstone River,
and running back ftom it for two miles to the nelgliborhood of Royce-
field. Bom's part joined the river and remained in the family until
about 1810, when, after the death of his son's widow, it was purchased
and resided on by Abraham Boekman until his death. Since that time,
Peter N., son of Abraham, has owned and resided on the old homestead.
The land now owned by Jacob Schomp, adjoining it on the south, was a
port of Rein's farm. Dowe lived in Boycefleld. Rem was an active mem-
ber of (ho Reformed Church at Millstone at the time of its organization
in 1707. He had a son, Peter, also an active member, who lived on
that part of the place now owned and resided on by Jacob Schomp.
THE FRELINGHUYSEN FAMILY.
This distinguished family, of which Theodorus Jacobiis Frellnghnysen,
born in 1091, was tho founder la Somerset County, presents the remark-
able feature of the first two generations being all ministers, and of tho
four succeeding ones (from Rev. John, the son of Rev. Theodorus Jaco-
bus) being quite as distinctively members of the bar. The sons of Theo-
dorus Jacobus wore; 1. Rev. Theodore, born in 1724, pastor at Albany
fifteen years, went to Holland, and never returned ; 2. Rev. Jacobus, died
during his passage to America, after being licensed by the Clossls of
Utrecht, In 1763, m route to Ulster Co., N. Y.; 3. Rev. Ferdinandus,
licensed la Holland, perished at sea, with his brother, while on his way
home to America; 4. Rev. John, born in 1727, preached at Itaritan, and
died in 1754 ; 5. Rev. Henrlcus, preached in Ulster Co., N. Y., and died in
1767, of smallpox. The two daughters, Anna and Mary, also married
clergymen. These children were all born in Franklin township, thid
county.
The John above mentioned was the only son of Theodorus Jacobus who
left descendant-i, and is therefore the ancestor of all who have since borne
that name. He left two children, one of whom. Gen. Frederick, was the
progenitor of a race of eudnent lawyers. (See the chapter on the " Bench
and Bar of Somerset County.'")
Tlie residence of Itev. T. J. Frelinghuysen " during the last years of his
life was on a farm of 200 acres, bought of Daniel Hendrickson for £650,
near Three-Mllo Run, forming a part of the land now or lately owned by
John Brunson. It is described as bounded on the southeast by the land
of Daniel Hendrickson, northeast by the pretended line of the heii-s of
Peter Sonmans, northwest by David Seguire, sontliwost and northwest by
Cornelius Bonnet."*
THE VAN DOREN FAMILY.f
In 1874 tho writer had the pleasure of meeting at The Hague, in Hol-
land, the Baron de Wostplm'la, as his title was, who held the more
active position of lord chamberlain to King William III., a position he
hod retidned for at least eighteen years.J He was a Von Doren (spelled
in Holland by a small uj, a descendant of the same oncestoi-s trom whom
the American families of that name are derived. By his aid access wos
gained to the gencological record ofllce, and tho early "family recoi-d" of
tho Van Dorens in Holland secured. There is no other copy, so far as
we know, in this country. It makes the head of tho family one Jan van
Doren, who mai-ried Clyd van Damp; no dates given. In connection
with one of his throe children (Nicholas) the date 1480 is mentioned.
From this head twelve genpi-utions, containing forty-six names, brings
the record to 1700, where it stops. The exact place of connection be-
tween this family and the Pletor named below the record did not supply,
nor are wo yet possessed of the information requisite to note exactly
where link tits to link.
The ancestor of the Van Dorens In this connti-j' was probably Pieter
Van Doom, who, Willi bis wife, JaiinetjoUancheu, had a child, Jannetje,
biiplizod, as appears fi-oni the Collegiate Church records, April 12, lOoD.
There was a Cornells Lnmborson Von Doom, who came over to Albany
lu 1042, but, whotovor hU relationship to Pieter, the hitter seems to be
tho hood of the New Jersey families of the name.g A Jacobus Van
Doom, probobly Pieter's son (the evidence is circumstanllal only), was
certainly the head of the next generation, as his history is well known.
He removed trom the western end of Long Island to Monmouth County
about 1098. His wife wos Marytje Bonnet. The 070 acres ho owned in
Monmouth, In the beautiful spot known as Pleasant Valley, near tho
present village of Hillsdale, may still bo ascertained by distinct bouu-
» " Eight Memorial Sermons," Rev. A. Messier, p. 184.
f Prepored by A. V. D. Honoynian, Esq.
J See Rev. William H. Vau Doren's article in " Our Home," p. 313.
S Except a branch In Monmouth County which droiiped the Van and
spoil it Dorn j they oome from Diedlof Van Djorn, who married, in 1031,
Elsie Janrions, on Long Island.
\:
810
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
dary liaeB, nnd the northwest corner of it, owned now hy a Daniel Yan
Doren, has come down in a direct line through the family for one hun-
dred and eighty years. The homestead residence was on the spot where
Thomas Ely now lives.* Jacobus Van Doren's will, of 171fl, is on file at
Trenton, and from it the names of his ten children are cleaily ascer-
tained, viz.: 1. Aria, bom about 1G05; 2. Engeltje, born about 1697,
whose descendants settled at Peapack, Somerset Co., Amwell, Hunter-
don Co., and elsewhere; 3. Chiistyjan (Christian), born 1699, and the
father of nearly all tlie Somerset County Van Dorene; 4. 'WilUam, born
about ITOl ; 5. Jacob, born 1793, whose descendants chiefly settled at
Peapack, Somerset Co.; 6. Angenyctie, born 1705, married William
"Wyckoff, of Freehold ; 7. Catharine, born 1707, married Cornelius Wyck-
off; 8. Abraham, born 1709, settled at Middlebush, Somerset Co., and
became sheriff of the county; 9. Peter, bom 1711, died a young man;
10. Isaac, born 1714, unmarried. The singular interval of only two years
between the births will be noted.
The descendants of ono of these children only will receive attention
here, inasmuch as they constitute the great bulk of the Van Dorens in
this region.f Christian (as he spelled hia own name), the third son,
married Altje Schenck. They were the parents of the famous seventeen
children, famous because of the number, and because all of them
save one married and raised families. At the time of her death, aged
about ninety-six, she had no fewer than 352 descendants, viz., 17
children, 129 grandchildren, 200 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-
grandchildren. J
Christian and Abram together removed from Monmouth to Somerset.
They purchased 525 acres at Middlebush about 1723, and divided it
into two farms. Christian took 359 acres fronting on the Amwell road,
Abram IGG acres to the north of the first-named tract. There was some
deception in the sale of this plot of 526 acres, a false agent of John
Bennett having sold it to the Van Dorens. The latter repuichased it in
1763, paying $5.75 per acre. Christian erected a log house on his tract,
about 150 yards northeast of the present Middlebush churcli, and planted
an orchard, two of the trees of which lived and bore fruit in 18C5, one
hundred and twenty-five years afier planting.^ A frame building sup-
planted the log one, erected a quarter of a mile farther west; it stood
about one hundred years, and was burned down in 1809, the present
residence of John B. 'Weleh being on its site. The lands of the two
brothel's, embracing the 525 acres, are now divided up into the following
tracts: Walter J. Toulmiu, Thomas Conner, John Egbert, Marcus Ben- "
nett, Mr. Burbanks, Mr. Woulsey, Heni-y G. Hummer, John B. Welsh,
John H.Thurman, Abram Van Deventer, Isaac Covert, and the Franklin
l^oor-farm.
The names of the seventeen children were: 1. Jacob, born 1724;
married, first, Phebe Van Derveer ; second, Jane Ditmars ; a farmer wlio
lived and died in Bedminister township. 2. John, born 1726; married
Martha Scott; a farmer at Millstone. The Van Doiens at White House
are his descendants. 3. William, born 1727; married, firbt, Catharine
Hoff; second, Maria Wyckoff; a farmer of Middlebush. 4. Maria, born
1729; married Petnis Neviup, of South Branch; died aged ninety-three.
5. Aaron, born 1730; married Blargaret Stilhvell; settled at Peapack;
from bini the present Peapack Van Dorens appear to be descended. 6.
Sarah, born 1732; married, first, Jeremiah Lambert; second, Robert
Hood. 7. Christian, born 1734; married, first, Alche Van Bryck ; second,
Maria Kevins; a farmer of Pluckamin. 8. Alche, born 1735; wife of
Simon M'yckoff, of Middlebush, grandfather to Jacob Wyckoff, of that
place. 9. Kellie, born 1737; wife of Jaques Voorheea, of Middlebush.
30. Abraham, born 1738; of Griggstown; married Ann Van Dyke;
grandfather to Kev. Isaac Van Doren, of Hopewell, N. Y., and had the
most children who grew up and raised families of any of Cliristian's
sons. 11. Peter, bom 1740 ; married Frances Huff; a farmer of Millstone.
12. Jane, born 1741; married John Sutphen, farmer of Ten-Mile Run.
13. Roeliff, bom 1743 ; died young. 14. Isaac, horn 1744 ; married Sarah
Opie; lived at Neshanic. 15. Cornelius, born 1746; mariied Elizabeth
Wyckoff; a famicr of Middlebush. 16, Joseph, born 1748; married
* Or did in 1783. Tho above facts are abridged from the letter of Rev.
G. C. Schenck iu " Our Home," December, 1873, whore is to be found all
that is known concerning Jacobus.
f The writer being engaged upon a complete history of the Van Doren
family to tho present generation, and "Our Home" for 1873 giving, in
sevt-ral articles, nil the dates known concerning the family in the seven-
teenth and eighteenth centuries, it has not not been deemed of historical
service that these many names, with dates already published and to be
republihhed in book-form, should he here noted.
X For her great vii-tnee, etc., see " Our Home," p. 54.
g Ualph VoorheeP, iu '• Our Hume," p. 338.
Sarah Vanderbilt; owned mills at South Branch. 17. Benjamin, horn
1751 ; married, first, Sophia Van Dyke ; second, Dinah Ditmars.
THE NEVIUS FAMILY.)!
Johannes Nevius was the first sire of the families of that name in
America, including the many who have resided in the valley of the Rari-
tan. He was from Solen (probably Solingen, in Westphalia), and in
early life became a trader. Venturing to engage in mercantile pursuits
within the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, he finally settled there per-
manently. The records of the Dutch Church show that, Nov. 18, 1653,
the banns of marriage were published between Johannes Nevius, from
Solen, and Araientje Bleyck, from Batavia, isle of Java, East Indies.
Johannes was elected a city schepeo,l[ and in 1658 became "secretary of
the court of burgomasters and schepens," He seemed to have spelled
his surname " Nevius," as is yet generally adopted, but the family name
has been variously spelled by many ob Nafiua, Nefyes, Nevus, Neefus,
Neviua, Nevyus, etc.
Johannes had eight children, viz., Johannes, bom in 1654; Sara,
1656; Cornelie, 1G57; Marie, 1G58; Cornelis (second), 1661; Petrae,
1662 ; Sara Catharine, 1664 ; and Johanna, 1667 or 1 668.
Little is known of the children of Johannes save Petnis. He was the
one through whom comes the Somerset County line. He was born as
stated, and was yet living at Flatlands in 1698 with his wife, Janetje
Roeluff Schenck, seven children, and one slave. One of his children,
David, was born in 1702, and UaiJtize.d at Brooklyn. This David Nevius
(NevyuSf as he spelled it) was the assessor of Franklin township who made
out the tax-list for 1745. He had six children, Albert, William, Peter
D., Neltje, Janetje, and Altje. Peter D. had five children, Garret, David,
Peter, John, Elbert. Garret was the father of J. Staats Neviua, at pres-
ent of Pleasant Plains, Somerset Co., Mrs. Robert Todd, deceased, of
Lamington, N. J., and Peter Garret, the son of J, Staat Nevius, who
owns the homestead at Pleasant Plains, and is of the sixth generation of
the family who has possessed this same larni, Petrus was another child
and possibly Martin** and Cornelis, who, with the Petrus last named, were
privates in the Fifty-first Company of Kings County militia in 1715. The
second Petma married Allie Ten Ej-ck, March 30, 1717, and had a son
Petrus, who was born in July, 1718, and died Dec. 2, 1793; he removed
to Somerset after 1738. His children were Peter P., David, Martin, and
Wilhelniina.
Peter P. lived and died on the prenent farm of Isaac Voorhees, at
Pleasant Plains; lie married June Stuthoff. His children were : 1, Peter,
who lived a while in Pennsylvania, but returned to Six-Mile Run. 2.
John, who married Gertrude Hageman, and had children, Peter, Ben-
jamin,ft and Elbert; the latter is a Reformed (Dutch) minister, once a
missionary in China. 3. Elbert, who married Sarah Staats, and left no
children.
Martin lived at Blaweuburg, and married Sarah Stothoff. Ilis chil-
dren were Johanna and John. This John had six children, of whom
one, Martin, lives in the old homestead at Blawenburg.
David was born Juno 2, 1758, and died March 12, 1825. He ^married,
Nov. 4, 1781, Elizabeth Schurenian, a granddaughter of John Schureman,
the emigrant. David Nevius had twelve children : 1. Peter S., born Aug.
23, 1782, died Sept. 27, 1870. He married Maria Van Doren. He was
long a farmer at Pleasant IMains, and was one of the judges of the Som-
erset courts for a number of years. 2. Ann, born May 8, 1784, married
Peter Bognrt, who lived at Princeton and was lung the steward of the
seminary there. Hie children were Gilbert, who lives South ; Eliza, wife
of Rev. William Ncal ; William, who is South ; Margaret, also in the
South ; John, and David, the latter a lawyer, 3. John S., born Nov. 30,
1785, married Lydia Van Dyke. William J., now of Princeton, John, of
New York, Rev. Henry, of Kentucky, and Archibald were their children.
4. David, bom Aug. 19, 1787, married Margaret Schureman, his cousin,
and lived near New Brunswick. 5. Wilhelmina, bom July 4, 1789, mar-
ried Isaac Skillman, a farmer, and lived near Ringos. 6. James S., born
April 30, 1791, died Aug. IG, 1794. 7. Martin, born Feb. 28, 1793, died
Aug. 14, 1794. 8. Elizabeth S., born Nov. 14,1794, died May, 1800. 9.
James S. (2d), horn Sept, 16, 179G, died in 1859.J| He married Catharine
Polhemus. His children were Elizabeth, Mary, Catharine (wife of Rev.
Dr. D. D. Demarest). Henry, Jane, and James. 10. Margaret, born April
3, 1799, died about 1864. She married William Van Dyke, of Kingston.
li By A. V. D. Honey man, Esq.
1[ A schepen held about the rank of a modem alderman.
** He had a son Johannes. This, or some other Johannes, had five
children, Martin, Abraham, John, David, and Margaret,
tt His son, Rev. John L. Nevius, is now a missionary in China.
XX See page 589 of this work.
11
s
* f
V. f
'M^,
\
/
FRANKLIN.
811
Tbe children were Mnrgnret, who married Howard Malcolm, of Pliila-
delpbia; Elizabetb, wife of Bev. Joseph Wliite, missionary to China;
James ; Augustus ; Edward, a physician in Philadelphia ; Henry, a law-
yer in Princeton ; William, and Annie. 11. Martin, who died July 30,
1817, a young man. 12. Isaac, horn Oct. 8, 1803, died about 1866. He
married Susan Hutchings, and lived at Titusville, N.J.
THE VOORHEES FAMILY.
According to a custom prevailing in former times of adopting the
Christian name of the father as the surname of the child, the great an-
cestor of the Toorhees family was an Albert of Holland, who was bom
probably in the early part of the fifteenth century. His children were
Stephen, Courten, Heudrick, Jan, Hilbert, Wiavil, Gertian, and Mergin.
Stephen Courten Tan Voorbees,* or Voorhuj-sen, son of Courten Albert,
settled in Flatlands and married Wellimpie Koeliffs. Stephen Courten
emigrated from near Hesse, in Holland, in April, 16G0. His children were
Mergin, Hendrick, Lucas, Jan, Albert, Abram, Alche, and Janelje.
minna Van "Voorheea, son of Lucas Stevens, the first emigrant, wjis bom
in Flatlands, and married, April 25, 1717, Antie, daughter of Garret Pieter-
son Wyckoff, removing to New Brunswick, N. J., about tho .same year.
He was afterwards married to Lemitje Stryker, widow of Jacob Wyckoff,
of Six-Mile Run. Three of his brothers, John, Koelofl', Albert, also two
sisters, Catrincbe and Wellemtje, removed with him.
Garret, brother to Minna, lived and died in Middlebush, in the house
where John P. Smith now lives, and was tho owner of the farm of 183
acres connected with it. A part of the house was built of and now con-
tains some of the timber of the old mill of Lucas Voorbees, which stood
on the Six-Mile Run Brook." He was bom May 13, 1720, and married,
first, Neltje Nevius, daughter of Petrus Kevins, of South Branch. She
died Dec. 9, 1780. He married, second, Sarah StothotT, of Six-Mile Bun,
in 17S3, and died a short time after.
Garret, son of the first G;uTet, was born March 4, 1750, married Ma-
tilda, daughter of Rem Ditmars, of Millstone, lived at Middlebush, re-
moved to Six-Mile Run in April, 1820, and died Oct. 18, 1823. His
widow, Matilda, died March 21, 1827. The other children of the first
Garret were Ann, bom July 10, 1752, married Abraham Beekman, lived
at Griggstown, and died May 25, 1817 ; Catrltiche, Dec. 27, 1754, and died
Nov. 26, 1764; Peter, May 7, 1758, mariied Margaret Boice, and died on
the old homestead ; Neltje, in 17G0, and married Brogun Van Doren, who
lived at Pluckamin, where he died, and was the father of Mrs. John
Hardcastle, of Soraei-villo, and Mrs. William Van Doren, of North
Branch, both lately deceased ; and Catalina, May 21, 1764, married John
Van Doren, of Millstone (father of Dr. Garret Van Doren), and lived at
Bound Brook.
Tbe children of Garret Voorbees and Matilda Ditmars were the follow-
ing: Garret, born Nov. 22, 1776, died March 23, 1777; Lena, March 11,
1778, married Peter Voorbees, lived at New Brunswick, died Jan. 28,
1827; Nelly, May 27, 1780, never married, died at Middlebush, Feb. 18,
1810; Jane, Sept. 13,1782, married Richard Mauley,lived atNew Bruns-
wick, and died September, 1845; Garrct,t Nov. 6, 1784, married Sarah
Whitaker, lived at Mine Brook; Dinah, May 11, 1787, never married;
Ann, Sept. 24, 1789, manied Samuel W. Scott, lived in Yates Co., N. Y.;
John G., Jan. 17, 1793, married Rebecca Van Den-eer, lived at Fairview,
111., died March 31, .1869; Ralph (the writer), June 20,1796, married
Sarah Van Deef, daughter of John Van Cleef, of Six-Mile Run; and
Maria, Oct. 20, 1798, married Daniel Polhemus, and lives now at Fair-
view, 111.
Could all the names of the descendants of the first Voorbees emigi-ant
to this country be collected, they would be very numerous. Besides be-
ing in New York and New Jersey, they are in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio,
and Illinois. To the three first-named Western States many families
emigi-ated prior to and at the commencement of the present century.
Albert Voorbees, recently a judge of the Court of Appeals, and also
Lieutenant-Governor of the State of Louisiana, is a descendant of the
seventh generation of Cornelius, of Middlesex County. Daniel W., a
recent member of Congress from Indiana, is the great-grandson of
Stephen, of New Jersey, who married Margaret Van Dyke, March 25,
1762, and whose son, Peter, married Lemma Van Arsdale, of Kentucky,
in 1796, and removed to Butler Co., Ohio, about 18U0.
Jaques (1st) was bom with a crooked foot, and, being unable to walk,
traveled about over the country or his farm on horseback or in his phae-
ton. He married Nellie Van Doren, danghter of Christian, and had three
* Van Voorbees means " from before Hesse."
t Samuel, one of his sons, resides on the homestead, and Nathaniel,
cashier of the Clinton Bank and one of the judges of the Court of Common
Pleas of Hunterdon County, Is at Clinton.
children, Jaques, Altje, and Abram. Although a cripple, Jaques (1st) wa»
a man of unusual enterprise and perseverance. He managed a large farm,
and discharged the duties of county treasurer for a long time. He dealt
much in Government money during' and succeeding the Revolution, and
afterwards was a partner with Col. and Judge Nelson, of New Brunswick,
in owning a vessel called the " Favorite," which plied between that place
and the island of Madeira, exportingproduceand bringing wines. Jaques
also kept a store in the east end of his large house, the collar of which
was constantly stocked with different wines. An old store account-book,
yet well preserved, contains the following accounts with noted persons
living at some distance from the store :
" 1792, Oct. 8th. Major Farmer. To acc't for wine, lu gal., @ 12s.=
£6 128. Od.
Dec. 12th. lOgals, @12s.=£612a. 6d. "
" Oct. 23d. Governor Patterson. 1 pipe London marked wine,
£05 Es. Od.
May 30th. Richard Stockton. To 1 pipe marked, £00 Os. Od. "
" June 23d. James Parker. To ]4 pipe wine, £30 Os. Od.
Nov. 19tb. Andrew Kirkpatrick. To }^ pipe wine, £32 Os. Od. "
1793, Aug. 27th. Dr. John Witherepoon. 27 gal. wine, @ 15s.^
,fcO Os. Od."
Lucas Voorhees, brother to Jaques (1st), built the mill opposite Jaques*
store, and owned the farm on which his great-grandson, Abram, now
resides. His daughter, Lucj', married Peter Quick, of Ten-Mile Bnn.J
Jaques (2d), son of Jaques (1st), married Dinah Stryker, March 11,
1788. Their children, with dates of birth, were : John, 1790 ; Jaques,
1702; Abram, 1795; Peter, 1796; Cornelia, 1800; Ellen, 1803. This
Jaques was the first in this section to sow and raise clover seed, prior to
1800
Jaques (3d), son of Jaques (2d), had children, Jaques, Matilda (who
married John De Mott and lives at Middlebush), Frederick, V. L. (who
married Eliza Beekman), Abram (who married Sarah Ann Bucnson), and
John.
JOHN nONEYMAN,
of Griggstown, had a strange, eventful history, which was never told in
print until related by Hon. John Van Dyke in " Our Home," 1873. The
particulars of bis conduct as •' a spy of Gen. Washington" would almost
seem to be mythical, hut for the corroborative proofs subsequently
brought forward by Judge Van Dyke when his statements were chal-
lenged by a local newspaper.^ This man, born in Armagh, Ireland,
about 1727, of Scottish ancestry, had come to America in 1758 on the
English frigate' "Boyne" as a soldier to fi^ht in the French and Indian
war. On the passage he had saved Gen. Wolfe's life, the latter having
been a fellow-passenger, and was rewarded by being made one of his
body-guards. He fought at Quebec, where Wolfe fell, and aided in hear-
ing his commander from the field. With an honorable discharge he
went to Philadelphia, married Mary Henry, an Irish girl from Colttrain,
and when the Revoliltionary war broke out sought and obtained an in-
troduction to Washington, with what result will appear.
Early in 177G, Honeyman removed to Griggstown, to tbe house now
opposite the road which leads in from Franklin Park, the older por-
tion of which still stands. Hero he soon became known as a sympa-
thizer with the British, and was proclaimed a Tory. That his removal
to this point was designed there can be little doubt. He acted the part
of a tradesman in cattle, and the British, believing him a Tory, allowed
him to pass and repass within their lines. The Council of Safety', when
in session .at Princeton, ordered that " he be committed to Trenton Gaol
for High Treason," but subsequently took bail in £300 |! They believed
him, perhaps, to be a traitor ; none but Washington knew his guilt was
feigned.
About Dec. 20, 1776, he made a thorough examination of the disposi-
tion of the British forces at Trenton from within their lines, and escaped
to the American army.Tf Seized by the Americans and imprisoned,
Washington interviewed him and allowed him to fiee. Three days after,
Washington was with his army in Trenton, Rahl was captured, and the
country safe.
Says Judge Van Dyke, in reference to the effect of the knowledge of
the spy's escape from imprisonment by the A merican soldiery upon the
{ See also the Voorhees family in Montgnmery township.
3 See the " In Meinorinni" voUime of Dr. John Iloneymao, by his son,
A. V. D. Honeyman, publiahed in 1874, foot-note, pp. 10-13.
( " Minutes of the Council of Safety," 1777, pp. 109, 176.
T[ The particulars are interesting ; see " Our, Home," pp. 448, 419.
\
sr.
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
people of Griggstown, who now believed him all the more a Tory, from
having been within the British lines: " The news of the capture and es-
ciipe of Honeyman speedily reached his own neighborhod of Griggstown,
where the indignatiou and excitemunt reached the highest point. It
vas well known there that he had gone over to the English army, and
he had already received the -title of 'Tory John Honeyman,' but now
' British spy, traitor, and cut-throat,' and various other disagreeable epi-
thets, were heard on every side. His house was surrounded at midnight
by a crowd of his exasperated neighbors, who, bj' arrangement, had ap-
proached it from different directions, supposing he might be there. They
demanded the surrender of the traitor or that tlie premises should be
thorouRhly searched, and perhaps leduced to ashes. His wife protested
that s!ie knew nothing of his whereabouts and seemed grieved at his
misconduct, but this only increased the demand and tumult. She soon
after unlocked the door, and, waving her hand, asked the crowd to listen
a moment. They became quiet, and she inquired who was their leader.
Tlie auswer, ' Abraham Baird,' came from all directions. Now, Abraham
Baird waa one of her well-known neighbors, a young man only eighteen
years of age, of stalwart frame, unshrinking courage, and unexception-
able character, who had from the first espoused the cause of the colonies
with all the energy and enthusiasm of youth. He was afterwards in the
service, and came out of it bearing the title of major. In his old age he
Deceived an honorable pension from the guveriiment. The writer was
well acquainted with him during his latter years, and he was one of flie
persons from whom nmch of the information herein narrated was re-
ceived. When the wife of Honeyman heard the name of Baird her ap-
prehensions subsided, for she knew him well, and knew that uo harm
could come to her or her children so long as ho controlled allairs. She
invited him to her, uud he went. She handed hira a paper and asked
him to read it uloud to those outside. He did so, after first carefully
looking it over himself. The paper which he road was as follows;
" ' Amf.rican Camp, New Jersey, Nov., a.d. 1776.
' To the good people of Neuj Jersey, and all others whom it mat/ voucem : "
"'It is hereby ordered that the wife and children of John Honeyman, of
Griggstown, the notorious Tory, now within the British lines, and proba-
bly acting the part of a spy, shall be and hereby are protected from all
barm and annoyance from every quarter, until further ordeis. But this
furnishes no protectiou to Honeyman himself.
* Geo. AVashington, "
" ' CoTii.-in~ Chief, ^
'•After the reading of this paper the wife invited Baird and his asso-
ciates tD make such examination of the premises sis tliey thought proper,
but no one seemed anxious to proceed any further. A long silence en- "
sued. Tlie assemblage was somewhat confused and confounded, and soon
after gradually dispersed.
" This paper was not only signed by AVashington, but was all written
by liini, and remained in the family for many years afterwards. It was
seen jind read by the cliildren as well as by many others. "
When the war closed, Joliu Honeyman, whose whereabouts from Janu-
ary, 1777, to the close of the war cannot be certainly determined, but who
Avas not at Griggstown, returned home the greatest hero of the hour,
*' The same neighbors who bad once surrounded his humble dwelling and
sought his life not only again surrounded it, but pressed vigorously for
admittance, not to harm but to thank and bless and honor him, and to
congratulate and applaud his long suffering but heroic wife. Many
American officers came to viait him, Washington himself being among
the fiist."
He removed ten years later to near Lamiugton, whore he died, in 1S22,
at the ripe old age of ninety-five.
BAKON STEUBEN.
In Bloomington, on the turnpike leading to New Brunswick, and be-
tween it and the Itaritan Eiver, stood the old Abraham Staiits mansion,
in its eurly days a building of some pretensions, but a few years since de-
molished. In this house Baron Steuben had his winter quarters in 1788
and 1789. Here he slept, planned, wrote, and held his councils.
TAVERNS.
In 1766, a few yards east of the present church of
Six-Mile Run was a tavern kept by the Widow Wood.
Her husband, William Wood, kept it in 1745. The
old house was afterwards for a long time owned and
resided in by Robert Priest. Their daughter Catha-
rine, widow of Peter R. Suydana, now living in New
Brunswick, is in the possession of the property. The
house is doubtless the same one occupied by William
Wood, and may be one hundred and fifty years old or
more.
Where the new hotel of C. C. Beekman now stands,
in 1766 was a tavern kept by Joseph GiiFord. In
1796, Moore Baker began to keep this public-house,
and continued for fortjr-four years. His son William
kept it for twenty-eight years, and William William-
son for six, when the old building, called the Franklin
House, was taken down and the new hotel erected on
its site.
In 1766 there were six taverns between New Bruns-
wick and Upper Ten-Mile Run ; two at Three-Mile
Run, one kept by John Kent, about 150 yards east
of the railroad, the other by Cornelius Waldron,*
where Jacob Christopher now lives; three at Six-Mile
Run, kept by Wood, Gifford, and Manley ; and one
at Ten-Mile Run, by William Williamson, and after-
wards for a time by Elias Baker.
LOSSES DURING THE REVOLUTION.
Partial list of persons damaged by the British in
1776 and 1777 in Franklin township, taken from Vol.
XV., in the State Library at Trenton. Detailed lists
of all goods, chattels, etc., taken or destroyed are
given, with the affidavits of the parties. Here anly
the gross amounts are given :
£ s. d.
Hendrick Fisher, near Bound Brook 145 10
Garret Voorbees, Bliddlebush 451 17 8
Philip Folkerson, Middlebush 199 19 9
John Stootlioff, Middlebush 29 15 3
Abraham Van Doren, Middlebush 67 10 5
Peter Kappleyear, Middlebush 393 7
John speeder, Middlebush 12G 16 6
Samuel Gurretson, Middlebush 82 3 6
John French, near New Brunswick 151 15 6
John Bray, Itaritan Landiiig 246 5
John Slmnk, Three-Mile Run 147 19 6
Jane Pattereon, Three-Mile Run 39 10 11
Benjamin Hegeman, Six-Mile Run 59 19 5
Jacques Voorbees 112
Jacobus Wickofl (Middlebush?) IIG 5 9
Peter T. Scbenck, Uaritan Landing 218 8 10
John Stootlioff (Six-Miie Run?) 19
Peter Runyea, Six-Mile Run 99 2 G
Cornelius Van Liew, Three-Mile Run 18 2 10
Peter Jorks, Six-Mile Run IG 17
Adrian Van Nostrand, Three-Mile Run 08 18 9
Cornelius Van Heugeb-n. Middlebush 60 19 :i
John Stryker, Six-Mile Run i 2ii0
Johannes Van Liew, Three-Mile Run 519 IG 5
Rev. John Light (Leydt)f 92 9 10
* Waldron's tavern was afterwards owned and occupied for a time by
Daniel Bninson, who conducted the tailoring business until 1806, when
he sold it to Samuel King and removed about half a mile down the road,
where ho kept the " Rising Sun," or what was for a long time called the
Bmnson tavern, now the Do Mott House, Samuel King lived on the
old tavern property, added a second story to a part of the old house, en-
larged and remodeled it in other respects, and established and conducted
the tanning and currying business, which has been continued there until
the present time. He died in 1835. He had a son, John, who married
Jemima, a daughter of Col. Farriugton Barcalow; he died early. His
widow now lives at Spring Lake, III.
After King's death, in 183G, Peter Mahan purchased the property -and
resided on it. From Mahan the property went into the possession of John
Christopher, from him to that of his sou, Jacob, now residing thereon,
and who has added to it the LefTert Waldron property, which was pur-
chased of Daniel Hendrickson in 1732.
t This last item was for damnges done by-Bi-itish in 1782'.
^, ^f^'^^^^^^^y
Hon. Charles B. Moobb is a grandson of Josiah
Moore, who settled at Flemington, N. J., prior to the
year 1800. His parents were Elnathan and Mary (Eun-
kle) Moore, the former of whom was a prominent hotel-
keeper at Flemington for many years. His father died
at Ten-Mile Run, Franklin township, on May 3, 1857.
in the seventy-third year of his age, and his mother in
New Brunswick, N. J., Oct. 26, 1871, in her ninety-third
year. Both lie buried at Kingston, N. J.
Senator Moore was the youngest of a family of six
children, and was born at Flemington on Jan. 6, 1822.
His brothers and sisters were William, who resides at
Flemington ; Austin (deceased) ; Hannah, who married
Isaac Stout, of Eocky Hill, and who is dead ; Hart, pro-
prietor of the County Hotel at Somcrville ; and John,
residing at Kingston.
The earlier years of Mr. Moore's life were passed at
home, and his educational training was completed at the
Lawrenceville (N. J.) Academy. At the age of fifteen
he left school, and began the active duties of life as a
clerk in the store of T. J. Skillman, of Eocky Hill.
He then passed to the store of Farlee & Depue, of Flem-
ington, where he clerked for a time, and at the age of
seventeen he located at Kingston, N. J., clerking for P.
H. Barker for two years. "With what small capital he
had gathered together he started, when nineteen years
of age, a small grocery-store at Kingston, where he con-
tinued in trade until 1864, in which year he removed
his store to its present location at that place. Here he
still remains in trade. He also operates a hay-press at
Kingston, and engages extensively in the lumber and
coal business. He occupies and tills a fertile farm near
Kingston, which he purchased in 1857.
"While Mr. Moore is recognized as one of the purely
self-made and successful business men of Somerset
County, it is in the broader sphere of public life that he
has become best known. Politically he is a Democrat,
and enjoys a controlling influence in the councils of his
party. He was a, member of the town committee of
Franklin township for three years, and in 1871 was de-
•feated for the oflice of sheriff by only a few votes. In
1875 he was elected to represent Somerset County in the
State Senate, and was one of the most popular and influ-
ential members of that body, being chairman of the
committee on railroads and canals, and a member of the
judiciary committee. Upon his retirement from the
Senate, in 1879, Mr. Moore was appointed to the office
of supervisor of the New Jersey State prison by a board
consisting of the Governor, chief-justice of the Supreme
Court, the chancellor, and the attorney-general. This
is a position of great importance and responsibility, con-
trolling the contract system of the prison, its victualing
and general supplies, and is still held by him.
In social and home life Mr. Moore is eminently popu-
lar and agreeable, and is the ruling spirit of the section
of country in which he resides. He is in active sym-
pathy with all movements tending to improve and elevate
the community, and is looked upon as a man of integrity
and a politician without guile. No corrupting hand
has ever been laid on him. He has been for several
years the president and treasurer of the board of trustees
of the Presbyterian Church at Kingston. He is also
the president of two loan associations at that place, and
a member of the board of trustees of the school district.
Senator Moore was married in June, 1847, to Margaret
A., daughter of John and Margaret Van Tilberg, of
Kingston, N. J. His children are Sarah, wife of J. F.
Johnston, of Princeton, N. J. ; William, who is in the "
coal and lumber business at Kingston ; Charles E., who
is in his father's store ; and Adeline, residing at home.
FRANKLIN.
813
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
It is impossible to arrive at entirely definite in-
formation about the opening of tlie first roads, since
they were mere bridle-paths through the forests.
The road from Inian's Ferry (afterwards New Bruns-
wick), to the Falls of the Delaware (afterwards Tren-
ton) was probably the first road opened through
Franklin township. It at first followed the old In-
dian path, and hence its many crooks. A road (or
path) was certainly opened on the south side of the
Earitan by 1700, if not before, as the Earitan lots
were already then beginning to be settled. The 8-
mile line through the middle of the twelve Middle-
bush lots, which was first run about 1703, must have
become a path or road soon after that date, as the
houses were built along this line that the owners
might be near the centres of their farms, which ran
east and west. Then, from near the northern end of this
Middlebush road, a road was needed to Inian's Ferry.
This bore off to the south, and joined the Six-Mile
Eun road about two miles east of the Earitan. But
settlers were already locating along the Millstone,
and the Harlingen tract was settled in 1710. These
people needed a means of ingress and egress. A
road from Middlebush to Millstone and westward to
Wood's tavern (the northern limit of the Harlingen
tract), must have been opened soon after 1710. As
necessity required it to be extended farther west into
Hunterdon County, this was done ; and when Amwell
township was set ofi', this important easterly and
westerly road received the name of the Amwell road,
by which it is yet known.
A branch was run from the Amwell road at Mid-
dlebush to Weston, through the Cedar Grove District,
at an early period, probably by 1715 or 1720, to ac-
commodate the people who had settled at Weston and
Harmony Plains. The latter place began to be set-
tled in 1712. Then, again, a road was opened by 1717
from Six-Mile Eun to Blackwell's Mills to accommo-
date the people from the southern end of the Harlin-
gen tract, who attended church at Six-Mile Eun until
1727. The Millstone was at first forded at Millstone
and then at Blackwell's and Weston, and thus they
continued to cross for several years. When mill-
dams were erected at Weston and Blackwell's, about
1740, the river continued to be forded below, but be-
came impassable at Millstone, and a bridge became
then, if not befoxe, a necessity. It is quite probable
that a rude bridge was built at Millstone as early as
1715 or 1720.
There were six bridges across the Millstone, along
the western border of Franklin township, long before
the Eevolution, the dates of which are approximately
as follows : At Kingston, 1710 ; Millstone, 1720 ; Wes-
ton, Blackwell's, and Griggstown, 1740-50 ; Eock-
ing Hill, 1760.*
* The following appears in the records of the Freeholders: •
" 1774. Allowed Abram Van Neste, Esq., 6«. light money, for planks
for the bridge near his house. [Weston.] "
See also general chapter on " Eoads and Bridges,"
commencing at page 573 of this work, for much in-
formation concerning roads of this township.
CIVIL HISTORY AND CIVIL LISTS.
There seems to be no record preserved of the for-
mation of the present township of Franklin. In
1693 the township of Piscataway was extended to the
south side of the Earitan, and the larger part of our
present Franklin remained as a part of Piscataway,
Middlesex Co., until 1709. Only about three or four
square miles in the northwestern corner of the town-
ship were in Somerset, by the law of 1688.t AVhen,
in 1709, the southern line of Somerset was fixed on
Lawrence's Brook, the domain of Piscataway town-
ship, on the south side of the Earitan, passed away.
Franklin then became a part of the county and town
of Somerset, which were identical. As early as 1746
the county began to be divided into towns, and Frank-
lin was subsequently called the "Eastern Precinct."
In 1760 an act was passed forming and making the
county and township lines.J The bounds of Frank-
lin were fixed by the rivers on the northeast and
west. The southern bound of the town fluctuated
with the southern bound of the county. The town-
ship no doubt received the name of Franklin during
Governor Franklin's administration, which lasted
from 1762 to 1776. In 1798 the general law for the
incorporation of townships directed that the cor-
porate name of this township should be " The In-
habitants of the Township of Franklin, in the County
of Somerset." In 1850 a triangle of land at the
eastern point of the county, between the Mile Eun
brook on the west, Albany and Somerset Streets, in
the city of New Brunswick, on the south, and the
Earitan Eiver on the east, was set off from Franklin
to the city of New Brunswick. Except for this
change, the literary and theological institutions in
New Brunswick would belong to this township.
A volume^ is in the county clerk's office entitled
"Franklin Township Proceedings, commenced April
9, 1798 ; Clerk's Book. The following are the min- "
utes of the first meeting :
" The Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Township of Franklin, in
the county of Somerset, met at the house of Mrs. .Tane Spader (widow ),
in Middle Bush, on Monday, the ninth day of April, 1798, to choose offi-
cers for said town, as follows : John Bayard, Moderator ; Jacob Tallman ,
Town Clerk; Jacob II. Hardenbergh, Adrian V. Nostraud, Benjamin
Smith, Hendi-ick Suydam, Pound Keepers ; John Bray, Garret Voorhis ,
Uendrick Berrien, A committee to prepare regulations and by-laws to be
June, 1778. Michael Vanderveer repaired the bridge at Peter "
Schenck's Mill (now Blackwell's). lie was allowed £4 IQn."
" Dec. 2, 1779. £500 were directed to be raised by a tax on the inhabi-
tants of the connty to repair the bridge at Griggstown. "
"June 18,1781. Archibald Mercer was authorized to repair the bridge
by his mill (now BlackwelFb), and to use the old planks from the court-
house bridge for this purpose. "
f See map.
I See Hillsborough.
g The first volume of minutes extends from 1798 to 1871; the second
and present volume begins in 1872. The business is kept much more in
detail since 1872. The first volume is deposited in the county clerk's
office for safekeeping.
8U
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
laid before the next town-meeting; Abraham Nevine, Assessor; Bulif
Voorhis, Collector; David Kevins, Garret Yoorhis, Chosen Freeholders;
Abram Nevius, Moses Scott, Ilulif Voorhies, Adrian Van Nostrand, Over-
seers of the Poor; Abram A. Voorhies, Peter Runyea, Garret Voorhies,
Commissioners of Appeals; Abram Nevius, Fred. V. Liew, Surveyors of
the Highways ; Peter Montfort, Jonas Solomon, Constables ; Jacob K.
Hardenbergh, James V. Duyn, John Stryker, Garret Voorhies, Ab. Quick,
Township Committee; James Y. Duyn, Kichard Fulkerson, John De
Grow, John Stryker, Israel Harris, Henry Disbro, Ephraira Yates, Ilen-
drick Gulick, Ab. Quick, Farrin|,'ton Barcalow, Jac. V. Dike, Lucas Voor-
hies, John F. V. Liew, Tunis Hoagland, Henry Van Nortwick, Jacobus
Garretson, Isaac Silcox, Overseers of the Road; John Stryker, Judge of
Annual Election.
" Agreed that the sum of £230 be raised for the support of the poor for
the present year.
Tlie next annual election for the purpose of choosing representatives "
will be opened in this place.
"The next annual meeting will be opened at Mr. Baker's, Six-Mile
Run.
John Bayard, Moderator, "
" Jacob Tallman, Totcn ClerJ:**
The names of -clerks, assessors, collectors, chosen
freeholders, and township committees are given.
These- sufficiently indicate the leading men in the
town, all of whose names pass in review sooner or
later.
TOWN CLERKS.
1798, Jacob Tallman ; 1709-1815, Fred. Van Liew ; 181G-21, Abram Voor-
hees; 1822-23, Ralph Voorhees; 182-t, Abram A. Voorhees; 1825-30,
Ralph VoorheeB ; 1S31-3-2, Peter A. Voorhees ; 1833-37, John G. Voor-
hees ; 1838-40, John De Mott; 1811, Peleg H. Barker; 1842-48, Simon
Wyckoff; 1S49, Randolph Martin ; 1850-52, John N. Hoagland; 1853
-55, Peter S. Broka\v ; 1S5G, AVillinm Williamson ; 1S57-59, B. B. Van
Nuys; 18G0-G2, Alfred J.Voorlioes; 18G3, J. Boyd Van Boren; 1804-
CG, Alfred J. Voorhees; 1867-G9, Cor. V. Oppie; 1870-71, George R.
Suydam; 1872-73, Dr. Jacob W. Voorhees; 1874r-76, Alfred J. Voor-
hees ; 1877-79, H. B. Skillman ; 1880, D. Weljster Yeghte.
ASSESSORS.
1798, Abraham Novius ; 1799-1800, Hendrick Cortelyou ; 1801-14, David
Nevius; 1815, William Scott; 181G, James A''an Nuys; 1817-21, An-
drew Brown; 1822, Simon 'Wycofif; 1823-25, Abraham A. Voorhees;
182G-30, Simon Wyckoff; 1831-32, Farriugton Barcalow; 18'^3-38,
Peter A. Voorhees ; 1839-40, Abram Perlee ; 1841-44, John De DIott ;
1845-48, Joseph Brokaw; 1849-51, Simon Wyckoff, Jr.; 1S52-54, J.
Van Doren Hoagland; 1855-57, John II. Voorhees ; 1858-GO, Jncob
Wyckoff; 18GI-G3, John J. Van Nostrand ; 1SG4, Simon Wyckoff; 1865
-67, Jacob W. Veglite ; 18G8-71, John J. Van Kostrand ; 1872-74, Ja-
cob Wyckoff; 1875, Robert P. Nevius ; 187G, P. V. W. Cannon ; 1877-
78, Joseph Waker; 1879-80, David J. Voorhees.
COLLECTORS.
179S-1S07, Rloff Voorhees; 1808-11, John P. Nevius ; 1812-15, Andrew
Brown; 181G-23, Jerome Rappleye;^ Jr. ; 1824-2G, William Philips;
1827-33, Peter S. Nevius ; 1834-40, Abram A. Voorhees ; 1841-44, John
V. M. Wyckoff; 1845-49, John W. Branson; 1850-52, Henry Hong-
land^ 1853-55, Ab. J. Suydam; 185G-58, James J. Garretson; 1859-Gl,
Ab. J. Cortelynu; 1862-65, John Vegbte; 1866-71, Isaac J. Van Nuys;
1872-74, Henr}' R Cortelyou; 1875-78, Cor. G. Van Cleef; 1879-80,
Isaac J. Van Nuj-s.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1798, Ab. Quick, Henry Borrian ; 1797-1800, Jacob Van Dyke, Henry Ber-
rian;18tll-9, Jacob Van Dyke, Albert Stothoff; 1810, Henry Suydam,
Albert Stothoff; 1811-12, Henry Suydam, Jerome Rappleyea; 1813-
16, John P. Novius, Garret Sulienck; 1817-20, Jacob Van Dyke, Gar-
ret Schenck; 1821-24, Aug. R. Taylor, Garret Scbenck; 1825-27,
Aug. R. Taylor, Jaiiques J. Voorhees; 1S2S, Cornelius L. Harden-
Lurgh, â– William T. Rotlgers; 1829-30, Ferdinand S.Sulienck, William
T. Rodgers ; 1831, Dr. Aug. R. Taylor, Daniel Polhemns ; 1832-3:1, Dr.
Ang. R. Taylor, William T. Rodgers; 183-1-35, Dr. Aug. R; Taylor,
Daniel Pc?lhemUs ; 1836-39, Dr. Aug. It. Taylor, J. V. M. Wyckoff; "
1840, Dr. Aug. R. Taylor, Elijah Stout; 1841^5, Miles C. Smith, Eli-
jah Stout; 184G-49, Nicholas Van Wickle, Elijah Stout; 1850-52, Jo-
siah Schenck, H. V. De Mott ; 1853-55, John W. Brunson ; 1850-60,
Josiah S. Schenck ; 18G1-G2, Ab. J. Suydam ; 1863-64, J. V. D. Hoag-
land: 1865-67, Peter S. Brokaw ; 1868-70, Jac. W. Vegbte ; 1871-73,
James Stothoff; 1874-75, Joseph Waker; 1876-78, Henry P. Cor-
telyou; 1879-80, Is. J. Voorhees,
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES.*
1798-99, Jac. R. Hardenbergh, James Van Duyn, John Stryker, Garret
Voorhees, Ab. Quick ; 1800, Jacob Van Dike, Elbert Stoothoff, John
Stryker, Jacques Voorhees; 1801-2, Jacob Van Dike, Elbert Stot-
lioff, John Stryker, Peter Voorhees, Jacques Voorhees ; 1803, Jacob
Van Dike, Elbert Stothoff, John Stryker, Peter Voorhees, Hendrick
Berrian; 1804-6, Jacob Van Dike, Elbert Stothoff, John Stryker,
Peter Voorhees, Hendrick Berrian; 1807-9, Jacob Van Dike, Elbert
Stothoff, John Strj-ker, Peter Voorhees, Jacob Quick ; 1810-11, Josiah
Schenck, Elbert Stothoff, John Stryker, Peter Voorliees, Jacob Quick ;
1812-14, John P. Nevius, Elbert Stothoff, John Stryker, Peter Voor-
hees, Jacob Quick ; 1815, Peter J. Nevius, Elbert Stoothoff, Jerome
Rappleyea, Josiah Schenck, Jacob Quick ; 181G, Andrew Brown,
Jacques Voorhees, Cornelius Cowenhoven, Jerome Rappleyea, Sr.,
John R. Van Liew ; J 817-18, Daniel Polhemus, Joseph Patterson, Cor-
nelius Cowenhoven, Jerome Rappleyea, Sr., John R. Van Liew; 1819,
Daniel Polhemus, Jacques A. Voorhees, Cornelius Cowenhoven, Ab.
Van Doren, John R. Van Liew; 1820-21, Daniel Polhemus, Jacques
A. Voorhees, Cornelius Cowenhoven, Ab. Van Doren, Samuel Hol-
comb; 1822, Daniel Polhemus, Jacques A. Voorhees, Jerome Rap-
pleyea, Ab. Van Doren, William Philips; 1823, Daniel Polhemus,
Jacques A. Voorhees, Jeromo Rappleyea, Sr., Elijah Stout, William
Philips; 1824, Henry V. De Mott, Jacques A. Voorhees, Jerome Rap-
pleyea, Sr., Elijah Stout, John Stoothoff; 1825, Henry V. De Mott,
Jacques A. Voorhees, Jacob Wyckoff, Cornelius De Hart, Peter S.
Nevius; 182G-27, Henry V. De Mott, .Jacques A. Voorhees, Jacob
Wyckoff, Cornelius De Hart, Rntsen Hardenbergh; 1S28, William
T. Rodgers, John Stotthoff, Jacob Wyckoff, Ralph Voorhees, John S.
Nevius; 1829, Willium T. Rodgers, William Crnser, Jacob Wyckoff,
Ralph Voorhees, John S. Nevius ; 1830, Ab. S. Clark, Stephen Garret-
son, Jacob Wyckoff, Henry V.De Mott, John S. Novius; 1831, James C.
Van Dike, Stephen Garretson, John Van Tilbnrgh, Henry V. De Mott,-
Ab. Vegbte; 1832, Nicholas Conover, James S. Novius, John Van Til-
burgh, Henry V. De Mott, John G. Voorhees ; 1833, Nicholas Conover,
Ralph Voorlipps, John Van Tilhurgh, Henry V. De Mott, William H.
Lupp ; 1834, Nicholas Conover, Ralph Voorhees, John Van Tilhurgh,
Henry V. Do Mott, William Packer; 1835, Nicholas Conover, Ralph
Voorhees, Nicholas Veghte, Henry V. De Mott, "William Packer ; 1 83G,
Simon Wyckoff, Ralph Voorhees, Nicholas Veghte, Henry V. De Mott,
William Packer; 1837, Simon Wyckoff, Ralph Voorhees, Jeremiah
Garretson, Elijah Stout, William Packer; 1838, Simon Wyckoff,
Jeremiah Voorhees, Jeremiah Garretson, Elijah Stout; 1839, Simon
AVyckoff, Jeremiah Voorhees, Jeremiah Garretson, Lewis Boisnot,
William Packer; 1840, Ab. J. Suydam, Jeremiah Voorhees, Jer-
emiah Garretson, Ralph Voorhees, Augustus F. Taylor; 1841, Au-
gustus F. Taylor, Ralph Voorhees, John W. Brutison, Lewis Bois-
not, Ab. J. Suvdam; 1842, Ab. J. CJortelyou, James J. Garretson,
John "W. Brunson, Lewis Boisnot, Ab, J. Suydam; 1843-44, Ab. J.
Cortelyou, John P. Chamberlain, Johu W. Brunson, Lewis Boisnot,
Ab. J. Suydam ; 1845, Ab. J. Cortelyou, John P. Chamberhdn, Johu
Nevius, Lewis Boisnot, William Polhemus; 184G, Ab. J. Cortelyou,
John P. Cbaniherlain, Augustus F. Taylor, Lewis Boisnot, Wiiiium
Polhemus; 1847, Jac. R. Skillman, John P. Chamberlain, Augustus
F. Taylor, Lewis Boisnot, William Polhemus; 1848, Jac. B. Skill-
man, Jobn-P. Chamberlain, Augustus F. Taylor, Lewis Boisnot,
John H. Voorhees; 18-19, Henry V. De Mott, John P. Chamberlain,
Cornelius S. Nevius, Lewis Boisnot, John H. Voorhees; 1850, Peter
S. Brokaw, Michael R. Nevius, Cornelius S. Nevius, James S. Gar-
retson, John H. Voorhees; 1851, Peter S. Broka\V, Michael R.
Nevius, Cornelius S. Nevius, James J. Garretson, Dr. Lewis H.
Mosher; 1852, Peter S. Brokaw, Michael R: Nevius, Cornelius Stout,
Jiimes J. Garretson, Jos. Brokaw; 1853-^, Ab. J. Cortelyou, HI arltn
S. Garretson, Cornelius Stout; 1855, Ab. J. Cortelyou, Martin S. Ga.r-
retson, John V. D. Hoagland ; 1856-57, John V. M. Wyckoff, Michael
R. Nevius, John V. D. Hoagland ; 1858, John V. M, Wyckoff, Isaac L.
Van Cleef, Simon Wyckoff; 1859-GO, Isaac "W. Pomyea, Charles B.
Moore, Simon Wyckoff; 1861, Isaac W. Pomyea, Charles B. Moore,
Jacob Wyckoff; 1862, Ab. J. Cortelyou, Jacob "W. Veghte,' Jacob
Wyckoff; 1863, Cornelius G. Hoagland, Jacob W. Veghte, Jacob
* We have not found any record of town committees prior to 1798.
Such were no doubt verbally appointed from as early a date as 1740-50.
PETER STOOTHOFF.
Elbert, Johannes, Petrus, Cornelius, and Garret
Stoothoff, who resided in the vicinity of the Raritans
as early as 1717, were children of Garret Elbertse
and Johanna Nevius, and grandchildren of Elbert
Elbertse Stoothoff, who emigrated from Nieunkirken,
Holland, in 1637, and finally settled in Flatlands,
where he held large tracts of land. Elbert appears
to have returned to Flatlands, and from him are
descended the Long Island branch of the family.
The subject of this sketch is the great-great-grand-
sOp of Garret. His great-grandfather was Albert,
his grandfather William, and his father Peter. Wil-
liam married Sarah Stoothoff. and had a number of
children, of whom Peter alone reached mature years.
The latter was born April 11, 1746. His first wife
was a Cortelyou, by whom he had three daughters.
His second wife was Juda Sutphen, who was born
Oct. 25, 1764, and whom he married March 29, 1798.
Peter Stoothoff occupied two hundred and twenty-
five acres of land at Six-Mile Run, and the fifth gen-
eration of the family is still on the tract. He was a
member of the Reformed Church of Six-Mile Run,
where he held the office of deacon and elder, and died
Aug. 7, 1826. His wife died Dec. 24, 1847.
Peter Stoothoff, son of Peter, was the only child
who grew to manhood. He was born on the home-
farm Oct. 2, 1804, and passed his earlier years at
work on the old place and in obtaining a common-
school education. After the death of his father he
came into possession of the homestead, and has re-
sided there since, engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He has been a member of the Republican party since
the war, though he has had no political aspirations.
He is a member of the Reformed Church at Franklin
Park, with which he has been officially connected both
as deacon and elder. He has been an active promoter
of the worthy enterprises of his day, and so passed
his life as to command the respect and confidence of
his friends. He now lives in retirement on his farm,
and has attained a ripe old age.
Mr. Stoothoff has been twice married. His first
wife was Eliza, daughter of Peter Quick, of Ten-
Mile Run, whom he married Sept. 8, 1830. She was
born Jan. 6, 1806. By this marriage was born a
daughter, Ellen, Jan. 21, 1832, died July 3, 1844.
Mrs. Stoothoff died June 17, 1832; and on May
1, 1844, Mr. Stoothoof married his present wife,
the widow of John S. Garretson, of Readington.
She was born May 9, 1811. Of this union have
been born Judith A., April 18, 1845, and wife of
Charles B. Wyckoff, of Brooklyn; John H., Feb.
27, 1847, at present farming the houie-place ; Sarah,
Sept. 27, 1852, residing at home; and Maria, March
15, 1855, died Dec. 12, 1868.
FKANKLIN.
815
Wyckoff ; 1864, CorDeliiis G. Hongl»nd. Jacob W. Veghte, Peter A.
Voorhees ; 1865, Cornelius G. Hoagland, Benjamin S. Totten, Peter A.
Toorhees ; 1866-67, J. V. D. Hoagland, Benjamin S. Totten, Peter A.
Voorhees ; 1868-70, J. V. D. Hoagland, Cornelius W. Wyokoff, John
B. Van Doren ; 1871, Garretson Hageman, Alfred J. Voorhees, John
B. Van Boren; 1872, Garretson Hageman, Peter J. Staats, Alfred J.
Voorhees; 1873, Peter J> Staats; 1874, John M. Garretson, Peter J.
Staats, Isaac J. Van Nuys; 1875, John M. Garretson, William H.
Ayres, Isaac J. Van Nuys ; 187B, William H. Gulick, William H.
Ayres, Isaac J. Van Nuys ; 1877, William H. Gulick, William H.
Ayres, Isaac J. Voorhees, Garret Voorhees, Jr., John De Mott ; 1878,
William H. Gulick, I. J. Van Nuys, Isaac J. Voorhees, Garret Voor-
hees, C. N. Staats; 1879, James Cropsey, Garret Voorhees, C. N.
Staats ; 1880, jEunes Cropsey, C. Kelson Staats, Matthew Suydam.
FRANKLIN TAX-LIST, 1735.
The following tax-lists show the number of acres
of land, number of cattle, number of sheep, and the
amount of tax of every taxable inhabitant of the
township of Franklin at a very early date. The figures
are arranged in parallel columns, but, for convenience,
they are given as below, with the simple explanation
that a. is for acres, c. for cattle, s. for sheep, and t. for
tax. The spelling of the names is retained, but not
the capitalizing.
Corel (Col ) Faermer. (Nothing).
John Wytknegt, a. 100 ; c. 7 ; (. £1 Is. 3d.
Abraham Van Voorhees, a. 297 ; c. 10 ; t. £2 lis.
John Graie, a. 3 ; c. 4 ; /. 5s. Id.
Hendreryk Van Derbylt, a. 100; c. 12; (. £1 8s.
Lymon Van Aare Dalen, u. 200; c. 19 ; «. 13 ; (. £2 lis. 3d.
Peterus Wyckof, a. 300; c. 20; s. 20; (. £3 7s.
John Wyckoff, a. 300 ; c. 15 ; s. 20 ; (. £3 3d.
Jacob Fontyn, a. 120; c. 12 ; «. 5; t. £1 98. 3d.
John Metselaer, a. 50 ; c. 9 ; ». 6 ; (. £1 23. 2d.
Pieter Metselaer, a. 100 ; c. 9 ; «. 8 ; <. £1 5s. 2d.
James Herker, c. 4 ; i. 5s.
Eeynier Fontyn, a. 100; c. 13; t. £1 9s. Id.
Christyaen Van Dom, a. 350 ; c. 18 ; (. £3 4s.
Henderik Blau, a. 140 ; c. 10 ; «. 9 ; i. £1 7s. 2(1.
Jacob Buys, a. 50 ; c. 14 ; ». 14 ; (. £1 10s.
Johanes Sebrunt, c. 16; ». 3 ; t. £1 8s. 2d.
Folkert Folkerse, c. 150 ; c. 15 ; s. 8 ; (. £2 3s. 2d.
Charles Fontyn, Sr., a. 150 ; c. 15 ; ». 10 ; (. £2 38. 3d.
John Fontyn, c. 6 ; (. 7s. 2d.
Denys Van Duyn, a. 200 ; c. 9 ; ». 6 ; (. £1 lOs. Id.
Isack Tanse, a. 154 ; c. 13 ; 8. 7 ; <. £2 Is.
Gomeles PieteiBe, a. 100; c. 10; (. £1 5s. 2d.
Abraham Ouke, a. 6!) ; c. 14 ; ». 15 ; (. £1 lOs. 3d.
Comeles Sudam, a. 250 ; c. 14 ; ». 20 ; (. £2 9b.
George Andcrse, a. 250; c. 12; «. 12; (. £2 5s. Id.
Charles Fontyn, <r. 10 ; a. 9 ; (. £1 Is. 3d.
Jacus Fontyn, a. 350 ; c. 19 ; «. 14 ; (. £3 78. Id.
Abraham Fontyn, a. 200 ; c. 14 ; s. 14 ; (. £2 5s. 2d.
John Smack, a. 140; c. 6 ; 8. 3; (. £1 2s.
Willem Van Dnyn, a. 250 ; c. 10 ; s. 11 ; (. £2 2s. 3d.
Samuel Molferd, a. 50; s. 13; t. £1 6s. 3d.
Symon Van Wikele, a. 250; c. 16; 8. 16; t. £2 lis.
Boeloff Sebrunt, a. 330 ; c. 20 ; 8. 15 ; (. £3 7s. 3d.
Philip Folkers, o. 400 ; c. 17 ; ». 16 ; (. £3 8b.
Joseph Folkers, c. 4 ; t. 5s.
John Anter, a. 230 ; c. 15 ; 8. 11 ; (. £2 88.
Johannes Koelbak, a. 150 ; c. 5 ; (. £1 Is. 3d.
Philip You, a. 150 ; 8. 3 ; (. lis. Id.
Tuenes Montanye, o. 100; o. 9 ; 8. 7 ; £1 5s. Id.
Gerbrant Pietersc, a. 200; c. 10; I. £1 10s. 2d.
John Broca, a. 390 ; c. 28 ; a. 30 ; (. £4 lis.
Pieter Broca, o. 400 ; c. 24 ; 8. 18 ; (. £4 4s. 3d.
George Davids, c. 7 ; (. 8s. 3d,
Pieter Woertman, c. 5 ; t. 6s. 3d.
Pieter Buma, •^. (100 ?) ; c. 12 ; (. £1 88.
Pieter Belyn, o. ( ); c. 4; 1. £5.
Burgon Koevert, a. 266 ; c. 3; t, £1 6s.
Isaac Hover, c. 2 ; (. 2s. 2d.
Mariettae Kovert, a. 200 ; o. ; 8. 4 ; (. £2 Is. Id.
Tomas Burt, a. 100 ; c. 7 ; 8. 11 ; (. £1 3s. 2d.
Philip Folkerse, Jr., a. 25 ; c. 12 ; i. £1 48. Id.
Henry Wals, a. 2: c. 4; (. 5s,
Jacob Probasco, a. 300 ; c. 16 ; s. 14 ; (. £3 Is.
Christoffel Probasco, c. 4 ; i. 5s.
Cornells Van Aarsdalen, a. 200 ; c. 12 ; (. £2 Is.
Jacobus Willerase, a. 160 ; c. 11 ; «. 3 ; (. £1 IDs. Id.
Henderik Gulick, a. 150 ; c. 9 ; (. £1 6s. 3d.
Jookem Gulick, a. 180 ; c. 9 ; «. 6; (. £1 9s. Id.
Tomas Van Dick, a. 32 ; c. 6 ; (. 9s.
Henderik Cortelyou, a. 300 ; c. 12 ; (. £2 Os.
Elbert Stoothof. a. 290 ; o. 23 ; 8. 16; (. £3 9s. 3d.
Tuenes Van Pelt, a. 200 : c. 14 ; «. 4 ; (. £2 4s.
Isack Symense, a. 300 ; <•. 8 ; (. £2 Is.
Dirck Hogelant, o. 150 ; c. 10; (. £1 8s.
David Kevius, a. 300 ; o. 16 ; 8. 11 ; (. £3 2d.
Hendrick Fanner, a. 100 ; c. 11 ; (. £1 Os. Id.
Jacob Kinne, a. 130 ; c. 10 ; s. 6 ; (. £1 8s.
James Priue, a. 300 ; c. 17 ; «. 20 ; (. £3 3s. Id.
leffert Hagewont, c. 3 ; (. 3s. 3d.
Sammtiel Greggs, a. 150 ; c. 5 ; 8. 3 ; ^ £1 23. 2d,
Obaddie Wilkens, a. 160 ; c. 9 ; s. 8 ; (. £1 8s.
John Neiel, a. 100 ; c. 9 ; 1. £1 4s. Id.
Beuyeman Greggs, a. 4 : c. 5 ; I. Gs. 2d.
John Musset, a. 1 ; c. 3 ; t. 3s. 3d.
Franses Feurt, a. 3 ; c. 1 ; (. Is. 2d.
Tomas Greggs, a. 3U ; c. 5 ; (. 7s. 3d.
Obaddia Homes, a. 80 ; c. 5 ; i. 10s. Id.
Samuel Gulick, a. 200 ; c. 8 ; s. 7 ; (. £1 9s.
Willem Smiet, a. 100; c. 6; (. £1 2d,
Lewis Moere, a. 1 ; c. 2 ; (. £2 28.
Grace Harresen, a. 1 ; c. 2 ; (. 28. 2d.
Tumas Soden, a. 90 ; c. 10 ; 8. 16 ; (. £1 5s.
John Berien, a. 130 ; c. 1 ; t. 78. 3d.
Samuel Comeles, a. 50 ; c. 3 ; i. 68. Id.
Willem Willense, a. 100; c. 6; (. lis. Id.
Thomas Logges, a. 12 ; c. 3 ; (. 4s. Id.
Henerik Emans, a. 450; c. 10; j. C ; (. £3,
Beniamen Emans, a. 150 ; c. 7 ; /. £1 5s. Id.
Tomas Tates, a. 200 ; c. 8 ; «. 19 ; (. £1 10s. 3d,
Corneles Wilmse, o. 60; c. 5; (. 8b. 3d.
Tuenis Quick, u. 100 ; c. 14 ; «. 3 ; (. £1 lis.
Corneles De Hart, a. 8 ; c. 4 ; 1. 5s. 2d.
Pieter Gulick, a. 130 ; c. 7; «. 7 ; (. £1 38. Id.
Tuenes Gulick, o. 50 ; c. 3 ; (. 6b. Id.
Marten Polen, c. 5 ; t. 6s. Id.
John Stephens, a. 250 ; c. 11 ; «. 10 ; I. £2 3s. 3d.
Willem Wallen, a. 1 ; c. 8 ; <. 10s.
Daniel Greggs, a. 136 ; c. 9 ; 8.7; t. £1 7a.
Joeep Leigh, c. 4 ; /. 58.
John Corle, a. 250; c. 25; (. £3 78. 3d.
Pieter Pomie, a. 8 ; o. 3 ; /. 4b.
John Stryker, a. 290; c. 15 ; (. £2 9b. Id.
Kobert Lawrence, a. 110 ; c. 4 ; (. 5s. 2d.
John Vliet, a. 600 ; c. 17 ; 1. 10 ; (. £3 10s. Id.
Jacob Wicof, a. 150 ; c. 11 ; (. £1 9s. Id.
John Folkers, a. 299 ; c. 15 ; e. 10 ; (. £2 Is. Id.
Daniel Hendericse, c. 4 ; t. 5b.
Christoffel Probasco, a. 100 ; c. 12 ; t. £1 8s.
Frcderik Van Lou, a. 400 ; c. 19 ; 1. 15 ; (. £3 10s.
Daniel Andervet, a. 1 ; c. 4 ; (. 58.
Elifls Burger, a. 4 ; c. 5 ; (. 6b. 2d.
Paule Miller, c. 4 ; i. 5s.
Koert Van Voorhees, a. 160 ; c. 9 ; (. £1 7b. Id.
Abraham Hyer, c. 3 ; (. 3b. 3d.
Corneles Wyckof, a. 200 ; c. 12 ; t. £2 Is.
Symon Wyckof, a. 300 ; c. 24 ; ». 14 ; (. f 3 1 Oa .
Adrcaen Hegeman, a. 150 ; c. 12 ; 8. 9 ; 1. £1 lis. 3d.
Ayck Sudam, a. 158 ; c. 8 ; (. £1 6s.
JeroniemaiB Eappalye, a. 221 ; c. 22 ; 8. 21 ; t. £3 5s. 2d.
John Frana, c. 4 ; (. 58.
Abraham Van Dorn, a. 150 ; c. 10 ; t. £1 88.
Lucas Koevert, a. 145 ; o. 8 ; f. £1 5s. Id.
Willem Tanse, a. 140 ; c. 10 ; 8. 10 ; (. £1 9s.
Willem Eobens, c. 6 ; (, 78. 2d.
816
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
There were thus taxed in Franklin township, at
this time, 1206 cattle and 592 sheep.
Another tax-list of Franklin, for the year 1745, is
given in " Our Home," pp. 406-7, to which the reader
is referred.
Six-Mile Eun is situated on the road which forms
the division line between Middlesex and Somerset
Counties, about six miles southwest of New Brunswick.
Its post-office has sometimes been in the one county
and sometimes in the other, according to which side
of the road the postmaster for the time being lived.
The post-office at Six-Mile Run, now Franklin
Park, was established in 1826. The first postmaster
was Lewis Boisnot, followed by William M. Baker,
Henry H. Stryker, Cornelius Hoagland, with C. C.
Beekman, the present incumbent.
The place contains one Reformed (Dutch) church,
ii fine district school-house, the usual conveniences
for the mechanical arts, and about a dozen dwellings
near the church, on the Somerset side of the road.
There are about fifty dwellings within a mile of the
church, without regarding the present county line.
This hamlet began to assume some importance about
1710. A church was built about 1718, at what is now
Elm Ridge Cemetery, and stood there for forty-eight
years. The first court-house of the county was at
Six-Mile Eun, and must have been built about 1714.
At this date this was the most important locality in
the county. This court-house was accidentally burned
in 1737 ; when rebuilt it was located at Millstone.
But a single example of the business done in it re-
mains.*
In 1766 the county line was surveyed, and the
houses indicated, along the Six-Mile Eun road.f Di-
rectly west of the church was Joseph Gifford's tavern,
about half a mile west Adrian Manley's tavern, and
opposite, on the Middlesex side, a little back in the
field, the house of Nicholas Johnson. At Nine-Mile
Eun, on the Middlesex side and the east side of the
brook, lived the Widow Hoagland, and opposite, on
the west side of the brook. Jacobus Wyckoff. Half
a mile farther west was a gate ; Peter Gulick's house
on the Somerset side, and Daniel Barcalow, some
distance in the field, opposite. A still-house stood
just east of Ten-Mile Eun, and Dallis Hageman re-
sided opposite. Jacobus Labre lived just over the
run, and Jacob Van Dyke half a mile farther on ;
while on the Somerset side we find the names of John
Gulick, Tunis Quick, William Donaldson, and Wil-
liam Williamson, who kept tavern where the road
forks westward to Eocky Hill.
Directly east of the Six-Mile Eun church was a
tavern kept by the Widow Woods, and the houses of
John Stothoff, William Stothofi', John Manley, Peter
Pomme, Widow Strieker, Benjamin Hageman, and
Simon Hageman are marked between the church and
the brook. Opposite the house of Benjamin Hage-
* See p. 566 of this work.
f See map of Innd patents, etc., elsewhere.
man stood those of John Suydam and Peter Suydam,
while that of Philip Kearney was on the south side
of the road, but on the north of the county line,
which curved around it.
East of Six-Mile Eun, and on the Somerset side of
the road, occur the names of Simon Wyckoff (near
the brook), Jacob Wyckoff, Nicholas Van Lewen
(Liew?), Rev. John Leydt, Fulkert Van Nostrand,
John Van Lever, John Kent's tavern, and John
Shank's. Here a road is marked as forking oflf to-
wards Millstone. On the west side of the Mile Run
is a house of Philip French.
On the south side of the road, opposite Simon
Wyckoff's, was the house of John Pyatt. Opposite
Nicholas Van Lewen's was William Williamson's,
while eastward, on the Middlesex side, occur the
names of Samuel Garretson, Cornelius Bennet, Esq.,
John Bennet, and then comes a road leading to
George's road. East of this is Jacobus Cornell's
place, Leffert Waldron's house, and close to the
Three-Mile Run his tavern. Three-quarters of a mile
farther east is placed Philip French's farm-house.
His dwelling was in New Brunswick.
June 25, 1872, the name of Six-Mile Run was
changed to Franklin Park.
East Millstone is situated in the western part
of Franklin township, on the Delaware and Raritan
Canal. It has a population, according to the census
of 1880, of 431. It contains about ninety dwellings,
three churches (Reformed Dutch, a Methodist, and a
Roman Catholic), a district school and a high school,
two general stores, two hotels,! two grain-stores, a
hardware-store, a drug-store, a distillery, two black-
smith-shops, a wagon-manufactory and wheelwright-
shop, two coal-yard.-i, a hay -press, and, until recently,
a lumber-yard. It is the present terminus of the
Millstone and New Brunswick Railroad. The Cedar
Hill Cemetery is on the borders of the village. In
1873 the inhabitants secured an act of the Legislature
authorizing them to make certain improvements in
the streets.
Until about 1855 the place was known as Johns-
ville. In that year the Millstone and New Bruns-
wick Railroad was built, with a charter permitting
the company to extend it to the western bounds of
Hillsborough township. The building of the railroad
gave an impetus to the growth of the village, which
from that time was called East Millstone. In 1872
the railroad was extended across the river, under a
new charter, and ran by a southwe'sterly course to the
Delaware, at Somerset Junction. This was done to
anticipate and prevent the building of the Bound
Brook and Philadelphia road. As the latter suc-
ceeded, however, the extension of the Millstone road
to the Delaware was abandoned in 1879. The track
was taken up, and the trestle-work across the meadows
is now in process of demolition.
t Tlie "Franklin House," established in 1829, and "Pace's Hotel,"
Etftrted in 1856, and now kept by Mr, Hulsizer.
FRANKLIN.
817
Bloomingtoit is situated at the most northern
point of Franklin township, in a curve of the Kari-
tan River. It is opposite the village of Bound Brook,
and has at times been known by the name of South
Bound Brook. The Delaware and Earitan Canal
passes through the place. It contains more than one
hundred dwellings, a population of 611, according to
the census of 1880, a Reformed (Dutch) Church, an
Episcopal Church, a blacksmith-shop, a wheelwright-
shop, a store, an extensive lumber-yard, two steam
saw-mills, and a grist-mill. A beautiful iron bridge
crosses the Raritan, connecting Bloomington with
Bound Brook.
Weston is on the Millstone River, about two miles
north of East Millstone ; the Delaware and Raritan
Canal passes through the place. It was formerly
known by the name of Frogtown, but when William
T. Rodgers became proprietor of the mill at this
place he gave it the name of Weston; in the last
century it was known as Van Nest's. There is a dis-
trict school in this place, with a post-offlce, a black-
smith-shop, a store, a grist-mill, a saw-mill, and about
fifteen dwellings. An iron bridge crosses the Mill-
stone at this point. A skirmish took place at Weston,
Jan. 20, 1777, between Gen. Philemon Dickinson and
a foraging-party of the British, sent out from New
Brunswick.*
Rocky Hill proper is in Montgomery township,
but opposite, in Franklin township, a village is be-
ginning to grow up. The Delaware and Earitan
Canal passes here, and has an extensive basin. The
Rocky Hill Railroad, connecting with the main Penn-
sylvania Railroad, baa its termination here. There
are about a dozen dwellings, a store-house, a lumber-
yard, a sash-and-blind factory, and the railroad
engine-house.
MiDDLEBUSH is a small village near the centre of
Franklin township. The Millstone and New Brnns-
wick Railroad passes through the place. It contains
about twenty-five dwellings, with a population of 84,
according to the census of 1880, a Reformed (Dutch)
church, organized in 1834, a district school, a high
school, a store, a hay-press, a blacksmith-shop, a
wheelwright-shop, and a post-ofiice.
Gkiggstown is a small village near the southern
end of Franklin township; the Delaware and Raritan
Canal passes through the place. It contains about
twenty-five dwellings, a Reformed (Dutch) church
(organized in 1842), a district school, a blacksmith-
and wheelwright-shop, a store, and a grist-mill, run
by water from the canal. In 1834 it contained only
half a dozen dwellings, a tavern, and a store. A for-
mer grist-mill had been destroyed to make way for the
canal. A copper-mine was formerly worked near this
place, but with very little success.
Kingston is situated on the right bank of the
Millstone, at the extreme southern point of Franklin
township and of Somerset County. Indeed, the
greater part of the village is in Middlesex County, sis
the main road is the division line. It contains a
Presbyterian church, about a dozen dwellings on the
Somerset side of the line, and about as many on the
Middlesex side. There are others on the south side
of the river. This was an important point in the
Eevolutionary struggle. It was just half-way between
New York and Philadelphia.
The name of Gulick occurs frequently here in early
times, and the family is still numerous in this and
adjoining counties. Maj. John Gulick died in 1828.
He and his son Jacob towards the close of the last
century owned the mill now possessed by Mr. Isaac
Gulick. It was owned by Lewis Scudder about the
time of the Revolution. The bridge, built in 1798, is
the third known at Kingston.
Joachim Gulick is said to be the first of the name
who came to this country. He lived not far from
Kingston, and owned a considerable quantity of land.
He married a lady named Ben-Ami, of Turkish origin,
and originally Mohammedan ; at least, they once had
a copy of the Koran in the house. Their advent into
this country is involved in mystery.
The Van Tilburg family once owned a large por-
tion of the land on both sides of the road at Kingston.
They kept the tavern for several generations, in the
old building, lately torn down, opposite the present
hotel. The Withington property lay east of Van Til-
burg's, and a portion of it is still in the family.
In 1834, besides the church and academy, the town
had four stores, a large grist-mill, a saw-mill, and
woolen-factory, all driven by the Millstone Eiver.
SCHOOLS.
This township has (1880) within its bounds fourteen
district schools. The following statistical report is for
the year ending Aug. 31, 1879 :
t See Bancroft's " United States," ix. 252 ; " Millstone Centennial," 61.
** 3
B^
1
Pi
a'S
years
r.
ve at-
n.
S
n
§
*B
Sg-
urn
1
Districts.
11
o
o
B
•si
11
1^
â– sS
11
11
^^
10
11
9.5
10.5
10.2
10
10.5
Sr
£•§
^^
^
38
102
29
24
72
28
29
^3
>.*
^â– s
II
11
<
18
60
12
14
32
13
14
1
.S
i
m
60
120
40
30
60
36
40
%
1
â– s
%
%
8300
678.09
300
300
350.85
300
300
$1,000.00
2,000.00
600
400
1,000.00
800
400
92
162
81
48
89
44
47
66. South Middlebush...
67 Pleasant Plains
68. Three-Mile Bun
451.33
300
300
700
500
500
68
75
46
10
9
10.5
41
32
15
â– 16
60
40
70 Ten-Mile Knn
71. Up. Ten-Mile Run..
73. East Millstone
300.0C
600
68
10
2,533.43
300
360
600
600
800
153
69
68
10
9
9.6
92
62
56
705
36
26
344
40
60
716
87,063.70
810,300.00
1,090
10
14
/-
818
SOMERSET COUNTr, NEW JERSEY.
The first schoolmaster in this township, if not in
the county, was Jacobus Schureman, the ancestor of
the family of that name. He was a well-educated
man and noted for his piety. He came from Holland
in 1720, in company with Dominie Frelinghuysen ;
they married sisters. The labors of Mr. Schureman
were not confined to one locality, but he itinerated
through all the charges of Mr. Frelinghuysen. Prob-
ably the school at Three-Mile Eun must be dated
back to 1720, for he then lived in that vicinity.
The school-house at Weston, near the graveyard,
between the river and the present canal, dates back
to 1730 or 1740. It was located here to accommodate
the large settlement in the northeast corner of Hills-
borough (Royston, or Harmony Plains) and those in
the northern part of Franklin. The place where it
was located was known before the Eevolution as
Van Neste. The house was first built of logs.
About 1798 a Mr. Gordon taught there ; about 1800,
Edward Belcher. Abraham and Garret Montfort are
remembered as teachers about 1824. About 1834 this
building was burned, and the district was then di-
vided into Harmony Plains, in Hillsborough, and
Weston, in Franklin.
Another very early school was at what is now called
East Millstone. It stood about 250 yards south of
the present canal bridge, and the canal now passes
over its site. It accommodated the present Millstone
district, on the west side of the river, and a large sec-
tion in the west of Franklin. This building was re-
moved to a location west of Millstone church in 1807.
Teachers named Flannery and Welsh are remembered
by the older people as being here about the opening
of the century.
The first school-house erected at Middlebush, about
1730, stood opposite the present house of John Wyck-
off', and adjacent to an Indian hut then standing ; in it
a Mr. Maxwell taught for some time. The second was
opposite the present residence of Hon. J. Newton Voor-
hees, being then on the land of Garret Voorhees, Sr.,
and was attended by scholars from the Raritan and
near the Landing. The third stood on the present
land of John C. Wyckoff, and opposite the house now
owned by Jeremiah Voorhees, at the Middlebush
road. The fourth was on the opposite side of the
road, on land formerly of Frederick Van Liew, de-
ceased. The fifth was, and still is, in the rear of the
present Middlebush church. The sixth is the " Mid-
dlebush Institute,'' erected during the past year by its
principal, J. Newton Voorhees. The South Middle-
bush school district was formed and the house built
in 1858. Abraham Van Nuys, of Harlingen, remem-
bers seeing one of the " old-time'' school-houses, cov-
ered with a thatch of straw. Doubtless the furniture
corresponded with the exterior of the building.
At Three-Mile Run, Luke Whitlock, a brother of
Mrs. Daniel Branson, was a successful teacher during
the first quarter of the present century. He removed
with his family to Ohio about 1825. Other teachers
at that time were Groves, Eightmire, Vredenberg,
Hardcastle, Belcher, etc., all successful.
A school committee began to be appointed in 1833.*
This was discontinued in 1847, when a "school super-
intendent" took the place of the committee.
SCHOOL OK TOWSr SUPEEINTENDEN-TS.
1847-48, Rev. J. A. Van Doron ; 1849-51, Balph Voorhees ; 1852, Dr.
Lewis H. Moaher; 1853, Rev, George J. Van Neste; 1854^-55, John
N. Hoaglnnd ; 1866-58, John J. Van Nostrand ; 1S59-G1, Ralph Toor-
hees; 1862, Benjamin S. Totten ; 1863-64, Eev. J. A. Van Doren;
1865-66, Jer. B. Williamson.
POST-OFFICES.
Before 1800 there were few if any post-offices in
Franklin township. The town now has the follow-
ing: Griggstown, Kingston, Middlebush, East Mill-
stone (Franklin Park, or Six-Mile Run, is on the
Middlesex side of the road), Weston, Ten-Mile Eun.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
Franklin township, like Hillsborough, has been
noted for its religious character. Yet there was no
church in the interior of this township until that of
Middlebush was organized, in 1834. Until that date
the churches were either on the border or beyond in
other townships. The people of the northern part,
if able to understand English, attended service at
the Presbyterian church of Bound Brook from 1700
onward; those of the eastern portion, if English,
went to Woodbridge (where a Presbyterian Church
was organized in 1694) until a Presbyterian Church
was constituted in New Brunswick ; those of the
southern portion went to Kingston. The Dutch in-
habitants were at first supplied occasionally by Rev.
Guilliam Bertholf, of Hackensack, and perhaps by
ministers from New York and Long Island whose
churches these people had formerly attended.
The Dutch Churches which exist or have existed in
this township are Three-Mile Run, 1703-54, when it
finally became extinct; Six-Mile Run, 1717 (or pos-
sibly 1710); Middlebush, 1834; Griggstown, 1842;
Bound Brook, 1846 ; East Millstone, 1855. A Pres-
byterian Church was organized at Kingston before
1800, an Episcopal Church at Bound Brook a little
later, and a Methodist Church at East Millstone in
1854. There is also a colored Methodist Church of
recent origin at South Middlebush.
In compiling the history of these churches we have
freely used or changed, abridged, or amplified, as
seemed expedient, the language of the "Millstone
Centennial" (1866), of Dr. Steele's " Historical Dis-
courses" (1867), and Dr.Messler's "Historical Notes"
(1873) . Considerable new matter has also been added.
REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCHES.
The Church at Three-Mile Bun. As early as 1703,
if not before, we find a church in existence at Three-
Mile Eun. The people probably also possessed a
* 1833-38, James S. Novius, Ralph Voorhees, Wm. Lytle ; 1839-46,
John Terhune, Ralph Voorhees, Wm. L^'tle.
FRANKLIN.
819
building suited to their circumstances. It was a little
east of the old graveyard in that locality, and near
the residence of Abram J. Voorhees. There are no
records of Consistory known to be in existence. In
1703 we find a list of persons subscribing to the
amount of £10 16s. 6d. to pay the expenses of a min-
ister from Holland, if one could be found willing to
locate among them. These families had settled on
the Harrison tract and on the Earitan lots, and a few
came from beyond the Millstone. Their names are
Dolis Hageman, Tunis Quick, Hendrick Emans,
Thomas Court, Jacob Probasco, Nicholas Wyckoff,
Aaron L. Draver, Michael L. Moore, John Schede-
man, Nicholas Van Dyke, John Van Houten, William
Bennet, Folkerd Van Nostrand, Isaac Bennet, Hen-
drick Fanger, Abraham Bennet, Cornelius Peterson,
Philip Folkeisen, George Anderson, Stophel Probasco,
Isaac La Priere, Simon Van Wicklen, Cobes Benat,
Garrit Oatman, Lucas Coevert, Brogun Coevert, Wil-
liam Van Duyn, John Folkerson, Jost Bennet. The
church was not successful in procuring a minister.
Eev. Guilliam Bertholf, of Hackensack, N. J., no
doubt often ofBciated.
But not many years passed before it was discovered
that a mistake had been made in locating a church at
Three-Mile Eun. The grouping of the people was at
Inian's Ferry and at Six-Mile Eun. At both these
points the subject of organizing a church was agitated,
no doubt as early as 1710. Several meetings seem to
have been held concerning this matter; and on April
12, 1717, "in order to prevent disturbance and con-
tention, and thereby to establish peace in the church,"
the following plan was harmoniously adopted :
" That the church built near Abrahnni Bennet's shall be considered as
belonging to the church of Lawrence Brook and on the river; and that
the members of the congregation residing in the neighborhood of Six-
and Ten-Mile Kuns shall also build a church for themselves at either of
these places, or at somo point intervening, as they may agree. "
It was also determined that the church at the river
(New Brunswick) and at Three-Mile Eun should
each have a Consistory, who should co-operate with
each other, and, " notwithstanding these two places
of worship, the two congregations shall form one
church; and in matters of great importance the two
Consistories shall meet as one body." Pieter Kinnie
was appointed elder, and Elbert Stoothoif deacon, for
that portion of the congregation near Six-Mile Eun.
In 1720, Eev. Mr. Frelinghuysen took up his abode
at this place, and no doubt occasionally preached in
the building, but the project of maintaining a sepa-
rate organization must have been soon abandoned.
Nevertheless, with the disaffection excited by the
evangelical preaching of Frelinghuysen, an attempt
was made in 1729 to revive this church. Francis
Harrison in that year circulated a paper, signed by
many of the Three-Mile Eun congregation, pledging
the salary of a Low Dutch Eeformed preacher under
the Synodical Order of Dort, whom they expected' on
the issue of their call.
Again, in 1747, when Frelinghuysen was becoming
enfeebled by long service, Eev. John Arondeus, of
Long Island, came to these parts, and was the cause
of no little trouble.
As late as 1867 some old people remembered the
remains of the foundation of the Three-Mile Eun
church. It stood about fifty years.
Six-Mile Run. The first inhabitants of this locality
worshiped at Three-Mile Eun, and formed a constitu-
ent portion of that congregation. By referring to
the history of that church it will be seen that in 1717,
"Pieter Kinnie was appointed elder, and Elbert
Stoothoff deacon, for that portion of the congrega-
tion that was near Six-Mile Eun. As early as 1710 "
the organization of a church in the neighborhood of
Six-Mile Eun had been discussed. About 1717 the
combined churches of the Earitan and Millstone val-
leys united in sending a blank call to Holland. It
was filled after two years of waiting, and Eev. Theo-
dorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen took the spiritual charge
of all the Dutch in Somerset and Middlesex Counties.
Either just before or just after his coming a church
edifice was built. It was located on the road running
along the south side of the Six-Mile Eun, a mile east
of the present church. It was a plain building, and
resembled a barn more than a church. It was never
finished, having simply weather-boarding, a roof, and
a ground-floor, and, instead of seats, the people used
the chairs from their wagons or else stood during ser-
vice. The exact date of its erection cannot now be
ascertained, but it was probably soon after the meet-
ing in 1717, noticed above. It was, after the Three-
Mile Eun church, the first in that vicinity, and con-
tinued to be the place of public worship until 1766.
It was in this church that Frelinghuysen preached
his famous sermon on the earthquake in 1737. The
present register of baptisms at Six-Mile Eun com-
mences in 1787. The minutes of Consistory, with the
first register, were burnt in the house of David Nevius,
clerk of Consistory, in 1796. The loss is irreparable,
and cuts us off' from a knowledge of many things in
the history of this church previous to this date which
might have been important and interesting.
Eev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen was born
in 1691, at Lingen, in East Friesland, now a province
of Hanover, and was educated at his native place
under the instruction of Eev. Otto Verbrugge, pro-
fessor of theology and Oriental literature. He was
ordained to the ministry at the age of twenty-six, and
for about two years was the pastor of a church at
Embden, in his native country. While thus engaged
he received the call from the churches in New Jersey
to labor in this destitute field. Failing to secure an
assistant. Dominie Frelinghuysen resorted to the ex-
pedient of appointing "helpers," after the plan of the
apostles. This plan was remarkable in the Dutch
Church.
Oct. 18, 1736, a Consistory meeting was held at
Earitan, there being a full representation of the four
820
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
churches. An address was then resolved upon, to be
published to the people of the four churches. This
address is given in full in " Our Home," 1873, page
570. The helper appointed for the Six-Mile Church
was Elbert Stoothof.
Dominie Frelinghuysen died early in 1748, when
he had not yet reached his fifty-seventh year. He is
buried, according to all the evidence we can gather,
in the old yard of the Six-Mile Eun church, and a
spot is still pointed out as his last resting-place.
The following names embrace the heads of families
in Six-Mile Run during the time of T. J. Freling-
huysen : Koert Van Voorhees, Isaac Haenrooncot, J.
Perrine, Cornells Cornel, R. Merril, Peter Schenck,
Gerret Veghten, Isaac Symonse, Hendrik Van Dyke,
Jakobus Van Voorhees, Tobias Nevius, Aric Van
Arsdalen, Jakobus Strycker, Cornells Van Arsdalen,
Abram Van Arsdalen, Jeremias Douty, Theodorus
Montfort, Fredrik Van Lieuw, Jan Pijet, Jesse Van
Arsdalen, Jochem Gulick, Elbert Stoothof, Cornells
Tunise, Johannes Stryker, Fredrik Ferdon, Jacobus
Wyckoff, Abraham Vandoren, Benjamin Tailor, Chris-
tofel Van Arsdalen, Martynus Voorhees, Jan Van
Voorhees, Nichlos Veghten, Daniel Van Vleet, Sam-
uel Polen, Albert Schenk, Lucus Van Voorhees, Mar-
ten Polen, Johannis Vonk, John Van Arsdalen, Christ.
Davidts, Nys Hagaman, Jan Fyne, Cor. Stothoff", E.
Suydam, Johannes Bennet, Cornelis Wyckoff", Alex-
ander Beert, Dirck Williamse, Jan Sutphin, Hendrik
Schenk.
Upon the death of Mr. Frelinghuysen the churches
of New Brunswick and Six-Mile Run formed an eccle-
siastical connection for the settlement of a minister
who should devote himself entirely to this field. They
called Rev. Johannes Leydt, who became the second
pastor of the church of Six-Mile Run. He was a
Hollander by birth, born in 1718, but the date of his
emigration to America is not known. He was form-
ally called on Sept. 27, 1748, and soon after regularly
ordained and installed.
The Consistories purchased a parsonage with 50
acres of land. This property was located at Three-
Mile Run, and is known as the Skillman farm, now
in the possession of Isaac W. Pumyea. The old house
is still standing, a short distance from the road, in
which Mr. Leydt lived during his entire ministry of
thirty-five years.
Very shortly after his settlement Mr. Leydt inter-
ested himself in procuring a charter from the royal
Governor for the churches originally embraced in the
charge of Mr. Frelinghuysen. This instrument was
obtained under the administration of Jonathan Bel-
cher, Esq., Governor-in-Chief of the province of New
Jersey, and was executed on the 7th of June, in the
twenty-sixth year of the reign of King George II.
(1753). The trustees under the charter were Rev. Jo-
hannes Leydt and Rev. John Frelinghuysen, with
the several members of the Consistories of the five
churches. The first meeting of the new corporation
was held at Raritan, Oct. 31, 1753, when Hendrick
Fisher, one of the elders of this church, was chosen
president of the board, and arrangements made to
carry out the provisions of the charter.
About this time the following additional names of
families occur: Joseph Folkerse, Benjamin Emans,
Johannes Wytneght, Nicholas Boerum, Nicklas Wil-
lemse, Lamert Dorlandt, Johannes Pouelse, Gerret
Veghten, Nicolas Jonson, Peter Van Zaudt, James
Pruyn, Abraham Lott, Johannes Vonk, Bergun Bro-
ka, Martyies Hooglandt, Cornelius Van Houteu,
Peter Van Nest, Leffert Waldron, Johannes Van
Pelt, Jan Sperling, Rem Gerritse, Jonitan Stout, Jan
Vander Veer, Ab. Riemer, Jacobus Leek, Isaac Sned-
eker, Hendrick Cortelyou, Peter Berrien, Peter Pum-
yea, Jan Harrison, William Van Tilburgh, Petrus
Nevius, Jost Duryea, Imrias Van Cleef, Michael Van
Buren, Alexander Beert, Ab. Simonson, Jan Terhu-
nen, Cor. De Hart, AVilliam Dannelsen, Abram Van
Doren, Jacobus Vander Voort, Syme Kinne, Jokem
Gulick, Cor. Van Harlengen, Joseph Brower, Isaac
Snediker, Jonathan Provost, Peter Juricks, Ferdi-
nandus Schureman, Johannes Groendyke, Johannes
Coevert.
The services in the church of Six-Mile Run were
held on each alternate Sabbath, and there was great
punctuality in the administration of the ordinances.
Mr. Leydt was a very laborious minister, and, while
he does not seem to have left any distinct impression
of his pulpit talents, he is represented to have been
very faithful as a pastor. He took an active part in
all the public enterprises of the day, and was one of
the prominent movers in the establishment of Queens
(now Rutgers) College.
During the pastorate of Leydt, in 1766, Six-Mile
Run built a new church and located it in the village,
a few yards south of the then existing court-house.
It was inclosed with shingles and painted red, except
the front, which was white. It was ceiled with boards,
and never painted inside. Its roof had four sides, ter-
minating in a cupola. It stood until 1817, when it
was removed to make room for another edifice.
The ministry of Mr. Leydt was brought to a close
by his sudden death, June 2, 1783, in the sixty-fifth
year of his age and the thirty-fifth of his pastorate.
He preached on Sabbath morning, the day preceding,
and was smitten down by paralysis about noon. His
funeral was attended from his residence, and he was
buried in the yard at Three-Mile Run.* He left two
sons, both of whom graduated from Queens College
and subsequently entered the ministry. Matthew
was pastor of a church in Bucks Co., Pa., and died
Nov. 24, 1783. Peter was settled at Ramapo, and
* The graveyard had no connection with the old church at this spot, as
it was not need us a place of burial until some years after the building
was removed. Mr. Leydt'a tombstone stands immediately in front of the
gate, with an inscription stating the day of his death and age. His wife,
Treyntje Sleight, died Dec. 2, 1703, aged thirty-six, and is buried by liis
side. Two other stones mark the graves of his children, Elizabeth, died
Oct. 27, 17G0, aged twelve ; and Anna, died June loth, aged seven months.
FRANKLIN.
821
died at that place June 12, 1796. None of tLe de-
scendants of Mr. Leydt are now living. His preach-
ing was in the Dutch language, during the early part
of his ministry, exclusively; in his latter years he
preached in English half the time.
At the close of the Eevolution this church and
Millstone united in calling John M. Van Harlingen,
who continued in the charge, residing in Millstone
village, until 1795. After being two years without a
pastor, James Spencer Cannon, D.D., in 1797, as-
sumed the care of the two churches. In 1807, Mill-
stone withdrew from the connection, but he continued
with this church until 1826. During Dr. Cannon's
ministry (in 1817) a new house of worship was
erected on the site of that of 1766. In 1827, Rev.
James Romeyn became its pastor, and served for six
years, being followed by Rev. Jacob C. Sears in 1833.
He removed to Six-Mile Run on September 5th of the
same year. At the commencement of his ministry
the Six-Mile Run congregation had a circumference
of not less than 35 miles. It reached from the Am-
well road at Middlebush to Cranberry turnpike, and
from Three-Mile Run to Rocky Hill. In this terri-
tory several new churches have since been established.
During these forty years he admitted to the church
300 on profession of faith and 121 by certificate ; 607
children and 34 adults were baptized, and 346 mar-
riages solemnized. He was made pastor emeritus in
1878
Jan. 7, 1879, the church building, erected in 1817,
was burned to the ground. An organ was being
placed in the church, and the fire originated in con-
nection with that work. A new edifice was at once
erected on the same site, and dedicated in December.
In the mean time the church had determined to call
a colleague to the venerable Dr. Sears. The candi-
date Rev. Rivers Taylor (son of Rev. Dr. Wm. J. R.
Taylor, of Newark, N. J.) was called in the summer
of 1879, and ordained and installed on the same day
the church was dedicated. In 1880 there were 130
families, 290 members (being a revised list), and 200
scholars in the Sabbath-school.
Middlebush. This church was organized March 17,
1834, out of families belonging to the church of New
Brunswick. Prior to this it had been an outpost, a
place of catechisation. The edifice was finished in 1834,
and Rev. Jacob J. Schultz called from White House
and Lebanon to take charge of the new congregation.
He continued from 1834 to 1838, when he resigned, in
consequence of mental infirmities. He was succeeded
in 1838 by Rev. John A. Van Doren, who continued
the efficient pastor until 1866. He was subsequently
settled at Clinton Station, N. J., 1866-72, and has
since resided at East Millstone.
Rev George Swaim became the next pastor, and
served from 1866-68. Rev. Stephen L. Mershon suc-
ceeded, remaining from 1869 until 1874.*
*Hi8 first wife, Mary Talmage, was sister to the Talmage brothers,
KevB. James, John, Goyn, and T. De Witt ; she died in 1872. A couple of
Rev. James Le Fevre is the present pastor, having
entered upon his duties in January, 1875. He is a
native of New Paltz, N. Y., and was graduated at
Rutgers College in 1854, and at the New Brunswick
Seminary in 1857. The church now numbers 100
families, 200 communicants, and 140 children in the
Sabbath-school.
T!ie Church of Origgstown. This church was or-
ganized in June, 1842, out of families worshiping
previously at Six-Mile Run and Harlingen. The
movement grew out of a desire on the part of the
people to enjoy the sacred ordinances nearer their
homes. The church assumed the title of the " First
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Griggstown."
The sermon was preached by Rev. A. Messier, of
Somerville. The names of the first Consistory were
Abraham Perlee, Joseph Cornell, John S. Hoagland,
and Rynier P. Staats, elders, and Rynier A. Staats,
Garret Wyckofif, Peter Cornell, and Martin N. Gulick,
deacons. Immediately the Consistory commenced
the erection of a church edifice. It was completed
and dedicated Aug. 8, 1843. The sermon was preached
by Rev. Jeremiah S. Lord, who had been called as
pastor, and on the afternoon of the same day he was
ordained and installed. He continued to serve until
1847
Rev. John A. Todd became the Second pastor. He
immediately settled at Griggstown, where he re-
mained for seven years, and was succeeded by Rev.
Edward P. Livingston, who served for three years,
1855-58. Rev. Stephen Searle served from 1859 to
1873
Rev. R. G. Williams, a native of Wales, was next
called ; Griggstown was his first settlement, 1874-77.
He was succeeded, in 1878, by Rev. John Preston
Searle, son of Rev. Samuel T., and nephew of the
preceding pastor of the same name. In December,
1880, he severed his connection with this church, to
accept a call to the First Reformed Church of Som-
erville. This church now reports 50 families and
161 communicants, with 100 children in the Sabbath-
school.
Bound Brooh.1h.\s church was formed principally
from families who had been connected with the Pres-
byterian Church of Bound Brook, with a few from
Somerville and Millstone, and was organized on Aug.
20, 1846, in the Franklin school-house. The first
Consistory were John Lane, Cornelius Messier, Jacob
H. Wyckofi", and Caleb C. Brokaw, elders, and An-
drew Todd, Daniel H. Voorhees, Elias B. Van Ars-
dale, and Henry C. Brokaw, deacons. It began under
excellent auspices, and with sufficient numbers to
become at once efficient and self-sustaining. A suit-
able building was soon erected. It was dedicated
May 10, 1848.
Its first pastor was Rev. George I. Van Neste, a
years after, he consummated a second marriage with the daughter of Key.
James Talmage, hut he went from the bridal altar to the sick-bed, and
in three days he died, April 11, 1874.
822
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
native of Weston, this county, Bound Brook being
his first charge. Here he remained for six years,
1847-53.
Key. William Demarest became the second pastor,
in 1854, and continued for three years. Eev. Henry
V. Voorhees, the third pastor, remained about four
years, from January, 1858, to 1862.
Rev. Benjamin F. Komaine succeeded. For five
years (1842-47) he was editor of the American Spec-
tator, at Albany, N. Y. He was settled at Bound
Brook from 1862 to 1868, when he removed to Colum-
bus, Ohio, and became secretary of the Colonization
Society in that State, and died a few years ago. Eev.
Jacob C. Dutcher came next. He was settled at
Bound Brook for twelve years, 1868-80.
The present pastor is Rev. William E. Lyall. After
supplying this church for several months, he was
called and installed on May 11, 1880. The church
now numbers 69 families and 107 communicants,
with 105 children in the Sabbath-school.
East Millstone. This church grew out .of the in-
crease of the village on the east side of the Millstone
when the Millstone Railroad was built. Three men
were most active in securing an organization,
Ernestus Schenck, Dr. Garret Van Doren, and John
V. A. Merrill. July 19, 1855, Eev. Mesick, J. A. H.
Cornell, William "Pitcher, and the elder Jeremiah
Whitenack organized the church. It consisted of
eighteen members. The first Consistory were Cor-
nelius Broach and John V. A. Merrill, elders, and
Richard A. Kuhl and John Stines, deacons. Er-
nestus Schenck, J. V. A. Merrill, and Peter Wort-
man were appointed a building committee. Rev.
John Ludlow addressed the people on the laying of
the corner-stone, and Rev. J. M. Matthews, of New
York, preached the dedication sermon. The entire
cost of the lot, building, and bell was $5748.23. ,
The first pastor. Rev. Giles Vander Wall, was in-
stalled July 9, 1856, and the connection was dissolved
June 8, 1858. Mr. Wall went subsequently as mis-
sionary to South Africa.
Rev. David Cole was called Nov. 23, 1858. He re-
mained until April 1, 1863, when he became professor
of Latin and Greek in Rutgers College. Rev. Martin
L. Berger was called in 1863, and remained until
1866. He was succeeded by Eev. William H.
Phraner, from 1866 to 1870. Eev. Alexander Mc-
William became the fifth pastor, in 1870, and still
continues. He is a native of Scotland, and a gradu-
ate from Union College, and the Associate Eeformed
Seminary at Newburg. The church now reports 75
families and 155 communicants, with 80 children in
the Sabbath-school.
PEESBTTEEIAN.
The Presbyterian Church of Kingston was estab-
lished not later than 1732. It is one of the oldest of
that denomination in the State. The building stood
near the northeast corner of the cemetery and the
school-house. Before there was a church at Prince-
ton the people came from that locality to Kingston to
worship. The cemetery has in it tombstones dating
back to 1756. The first building was a log cabin.
The second edifice was built in 1792 ; the third in
1852. It is said that a Eev. Thomas Evans officiated
here and at Millstone as early as 1737, but this has
not been verified.
The following is a list of the ministers from the
records of the Presbytery, furnished by Eev. A. L.
Armstrong, stated clerk :
1. William Tennent, original member of Presbj'tery of New Brunswick,
organized 1738 ; died 1750.
2. Jacob Van Arsdaleu, June 19, 1771 ; relntion dissolved Dec. 13,1775.
3. Stephen Voorhees, Kingston and Assunpink, June 12, 1703; died
Nov. 23, 179G.*
4. David Comfort, Kingston and Dutch Neck, June 4,1850; relation to
Kingston dissolved April 24, 1850; died Dec. 28, 1853.
5. James C. Watson, Feb. 19, 1851 ; relation dissolved Oct. 17, 1854.
6. Thomas L. Janeway, Nov. 1, 1865 ; relation dissolved Aug. 2, 1801.
7. James H. Callen, May 1, 1802; relation dissolved April 20, 1861.
8. Edward B. Wall, May 3, 1865; relation dissolved Aug. 13, 1807.
9. Joseph R. Mann, Oct. 24, 1867; relation dissolved April 8, 1873.
10. Jubn H. Scofleld, March 25, 1874 ; relation dissolved July 6, 1680.
The church now reports 195 members, and 200 chil-
dren in the Sabbath-school.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHDBCH OF EAST MILLSTONE
was organized in 1855. Its pastors, most of whom
served but one year, have been as follows : J. C. Crate,
1856-57; G. W. Batcheldor, 1857-58; G. Neal,
1858-59; H. Butty, 1859-60; J. Hanlon (2 years),
1860-62 ; T. Frazee, 1862-63 ; J. B. Faulks, 1863-64 ;
W. W. Wheaton, 1864-65 ; W. Tompkinson, 1865-66 ;
E. F. Hadley (2 years), 1866-68; T. Stratton, 1868-
69 ; S. Decker (2 years), 1869-71 ; E. Wilson (3 years),
1871-74; J. O. Winner (3 years), 1874-77; "c. H.
Benson, 1877-78; D. W. Eyder (2 years), 1878-80;
S. M. Hilliard, present pastor, 1880.
Eev. Edward Wilson, one of the above, was born
in Liverpool, England, in 1820, and came to the
United States in 1840. He was licensed in 1846, by
the Methodist Episcopal Church in Indiana. The
next year he went to England, and occupied various
posts of usefulness. In 1869 he returned to America
and settled at Metuchen, N. J. He supplied the
Methodist Church of East Millstone for three years,
and then became pastor of St. James' Methodist
Episcopal Church, New Brunswick. He subse-
quently joined the Reformed Episcopal Church, and
has lately been elected bishop for Canada.
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHUECH OF BOUND BBOOK
was organized Oct. 6, 1861. The first officers were
Capt. T. Augustus Craven, Senior Warden ; Capt.
John S. Nicholas, Junior Warden ; John L. Van De-
water, Col. Daniel Talmage, Isaac R. Cornell, Thomas
L. Wells, Cornelius W. La Tourette, David Mack,
and James Eyder, Vestrymen. Its rectors to date
have been Eevs. William B. Otis, E. Isaac, Henry A.
* Sec Corwin's " Manual of Eeformed Church."
FKANKLIN.
823
Dows, J. Van Linge, and C. A. Wenman, the present
rector. Prior to building meetings were held in the
district school-house, South Bound Brook. The pres-
ent number of communicants is 36.
The officers are David Mack, Senior Warden ; E.
H. Brokaw, Junior Warden ; J. Howard Brown, Fred.
Brunhurst, George Briggs, John Waterhouse, C. W.
Thomas, F. I. Dibbell, G. W. La Tourette, Vestry-
men ; J. Howard Brown, Clerk ; R. H. Brokaw, Treas-
urer.
The Sunday-school was reorganized Oct. 1, 1879.
It has now 35 scholars and 8 teachers. F. I. Dibbell
is the superintendent, and 0. W. Thomas the libra-
rian.
The corner-stone was laid Dec. 26, 1861, by the Rt.
Eev. William H. Odenheimer. The edifice was com-
pleted in January, 1863, at a cost of about $2000.
On the 26th of August, 1862, the building committee
entered into a contract with Mr. James N. Voorhees,
of Plainfield, N. J., to erect a frame building on the
already existing stone foundation, which was com-
pleted by him in January, 1863. The above facts are
from parish register.
ArEICAlI METHODIST CHTJKCH AT MIDDLEBUSH.
This congregation bought a building at South Mid-
dlebush, Sept. 4, 1876, and were duly organized into
a church on Sept. 20th, with Rev. R. Fauset as pastor,
and Francis Van Dyke, Samuel S. Garretspn, Lewis
Schenck, and William Opdyke as trustees. Mr. Fau-
set served three years. In 1879 he was succeeded
by Eev. Thomas A. Cuff, the present pastor. The
church has 45 members and a Sabbath-school with 32
scholars and 5 teachers.
Another small African church exists at Ten-Mile
Run.
ROM.VN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF EAST MILLSTONE.
This church, erected at East Millstone in 1864, was
at first under charge of Eev. John Rodgers, of New
Brunswick, and his curates. Rev. Mr. Nederhouse,
Eev. Mr. Mezlington, and Rev. Mr. Lynch, during
the first six years of its existence. It was enlarged
about 1870. Afterwards it was supplied by the priests
of Raritan, viz.. Rev. Mr. Keader, 1870-74; Rev.
Mr. Marshall, 1874-76 ; and Rev. Mr. Ziramer, for six
months. It has been served by Rev. Mr. Vanden Bo-
gart, of Bound Brook, since 1876, who is the present
incumbent.
Franklin township has also been the birthplace of
a large number of clergymen. The following is a
list (for full biographies, particulars, and character-
ization see Corwin's "Manual of the Dutch Re-
formed Church" and Messler's "Historical Notes"):
John Frelinghuysen, Theodore Frelinghuysen, Ja-
cobus Frelinghuysen, Ferdinandus Frelinghuysen,
Henricus Frelinghuysen, Garret I. Garretson, Martin
Schenck, John W. Schenck, T. B. Romeyn, Albert V.
Gulick, Uriah D. Gulick, Jacob W. Schenck, Isaac S.
Schenck, Isaac P. Brokaw, Ralph W. Brokaw, John
A. Van Neste, Benjamin V. D. Wyckoff, John Oppie,
William H. Van Doren.
CEMETERIES.
Only one Indian burying-ground can now be iden-
tified. It is at the mouth of the One-Mile Eun, near
Earitan Landing. In a survey of an ancient line
between the lots of Inians and Bainbridge, it is de-
scribed as commencing at the bank of the Earitan, in
an " Indian burying-ground."
Almost all the old families had places of sepulture
on their farms; occasionally several as when a com-
pany purchased land together would use a common
plot. The first burial-place was probably that on the
Middlebush road, south of the church. The burying-
ground of the Van Doren family was begun in 1743 ;
in 1836 the title passed to the church. There is a
brick-walled family yard between Bound Brook and
Weston, opposite the mouth of the Millstone Eiver.
The Elm Eidge Cemetery, used largely by the people
of Six-Mile Eun, is just over the line, in Middlesex,
as is also the cemetery at Three-Mile Eun. There is
also a graveyard a little north of Griggstown, used by
the inhabitants of that locality. Another yard exists
on the farm of H. Van Doren, between Franklin
Park and Blackwell's. Another is found on the farm
of J. Veghte, near Pleasant Plains school. An old
yard also exists at Weston, near the canal. Other
family plots no doubt exist, but they are unknown to
the writer.
At East Millstone is the largest cemetery in the
township. It is known as the " Cedar Hill Cemetery,"
and was started in 1859. It is owned by a stock com-
pany, which, under the title of the "Cedar Hill
Cemetery Association," was incorporated in 1859 by
Ernestus Schenck. Joseph Howell, John V. A. Merrill,
John V. D. Hoagland, Joseph H. Olcott, Peter N.
Beekman, and Peter P. Wortman, " and such other
persons as are now their associates, or shall hereafter
become associated with them." The size of the ceme-
tery is limited to ten acres. The business is con-
ducted by a board of seven managers. The lands of
the association, and the burial-lots made out of the
same, are to be forever exempt from taxation. No
street or road can be laid through the cemetery with-
out the consent of the association.
THE MILLSTONE
BUILDING
TION
AND LOAN AS50CIA-
was organized March 1, 1871, under an act of the
Legislature approved Feb. 28, 1849. Its members
pay $1 per month upon each share, upon which they
are entitled to borrow of the association $200; this
precise sum is called " a loan." If a loan is awarded
to a member at a premium of 5 per cent., he receives
$190, but pays interest on $200. This feature is legal-
ized by the Legislature, so that it shall not be deemed
usurious. The first officers were : President, Adrian
/
824
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Olcott ; Treasurer, J. V. D. Hoagland ; Secretary and
Solicitor, N. S. Wilson ; Directors : for three years,
F. V. L. Disborough, William B. Eibble; for two
years, R. H. Hulick, W. E. Corliss; for one year,
0. G. Van Cleef, J. H. Stryker.
THE FRANKLIN FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE ASSUR-
ANCE ASSOCIATION
was incorporated May 26, 1879, by Jobn M. Garret-
son, Peter S. Ditmars, Peter N. Van Nuys, Ditmars
Coe, Peter J. Staats, Andrew T. Vroom, James Z.
Bergen, Is. V. C. Wyckoff, Isaac L. Voorhees, Peter
W. Wikoff, James A. Van Nuys, Matthew Suydam, and
Ralph Voorhees ; its general place of meeting is East
Millstone. The company insures dwellings and other
buildings, household goods, and personal property
against loss or damage by fire or lightning. The
amount of premium notes actually given in at its
organization was $.5000. It was to begin business on
June 2, 1879, or as soon as the agreements for insur-
ance reached the sum of $150,000. The company is
to cease on June 2d, 1909.
INDUSTRIES.
Agriculture is the principal business of Franklin
township, which contains 322 farms.
Formerly there was considerable distillation carried
on in this township, but now very little. Isaac Davis
for many years manufactured whisky and cider on the
place now owned by Nelson Staats. Isaac Brokaw
carried on the same business on the same place after
Davis died. When the canal was built, in 1832, the
still-house was taken down.
There was also a still-house at Weston owned by John
M. Bayard. It stood opposite the present grist-mill,
where the store now stands, and was started in 1805.
It was taken down by William T. Rodgers, a sub-
sequent owner of the property.
Adam Smith had a tannery at Weston, near the
present blacksmith-shop, anterior to the Revolution.
He died about 1830, a very old man. Washington
Barcalow also formerly had a tannery at Middlebush.
In 1846 there was a flax- and husk-mill built at
East Millstone to prepare husks for mattresses. This
was altered in 1858 into a distillery. The building
was burned in 1859, but at once rebuilt. High-wines
were manufactured. The mill was originally built
by Olcott Brothers. It was carried on by them until
1872. Then it was run under the name of J. H. Ol-
cott & Co., the silent partner being John M. Prudens ;
in 1875 it was bought by John M. Prudens &
Brother. In 1877, Kupfer & Co. became proprietors ;
they made yeast and high-wines. In 1879 it passed
into the hands of Tauskey & Co. Gaff, Fleischman
& Co. became the owners in 1880.
MILLS.
The first mills were erected on the smaller streams
to avoid the expense of too large dams. One was
erected on the Mile-Run Brook, near the Raritan, at
a very early period, probably soon after 1700. It
was built and owned by a Voorhees. It was taken
down previous to 1765, when the road by Voorhees'
house is described as passing over the old mill-dam.
There was another mill on the next small stream
above the Mile Run, which also flowed into the Rari-
tan ; this was 2J miles above New Brunswick. The
land early belonged to Gerardus Beekman, but sub-
sequently came into the possession of the Van Tines.
Jacques Van Tine was operating a mill on this stream,
known later as Rappelye Brook, in 1735.
The Dutch settlers at Middlebush needed mills,
and no less than three were located on the Six-Mile
Run. One was near the Middlebush road, and was
owned by Lucas Voorhees ; another was a mile farther
up the stream, and owned by Simon Wyckoff. The
writer is unable to locate the third.
Mills were built on the Millstone at a very early
period ; John Harrison is said to have had one at
Rocky Hill as early as 1716. One or more were built
nearGriggstown between 1730-4:0, if not earlier. After
the canal was opened, in 1832, the Griggstown Mill
was located on its bank.
The mill at Weston was erected between 1740 and
1750 by Henry Schenck, brother of Peter, who had
erected about the same time the one now known as
Blackwell's. The following have been owners of
the Weston Mills: Henry Schenck (died Jan. 31,
1767, aged fifty years) ; Abram Van Neste (died Aug.
15, 1779); Israel Harris, 1779 (?)-1803 ; John M.
Bayard, 1803-19 ; William T. Rodgers, 1819^3 ; Isaac
R. Cornell, 1848-65; Rockhill Robeson, 1865-75; and
Adrian Olcott, 1875. These proprietors have occa-
sionally rented out the mill to other parties. \
Jacob Shurts built a grist-mill at South Bound •'?
Brook (now Bloomington) about 1840. It stands on
the bank of the canal.
The following account of the mills in 1735 is from
Ralph Voorhees' papers. The description differs
slightly from the preceding :
" There appear to liave been six, four on the smaller streams, ^being
owned as follows ; 1. Coert A'an Voorhees, on the Mile-Kiin Brook, at the
Landing; 2. Jacus Fontine, about a mile farther up the river, on what
was palled the Kappleye Brook ; 3. John Folkers, on the old Folkerson
property, upon the brook emptying into the Raritan, a few yards east of
the house now owned aud occupied by Abram Sebring; 4. Simon Wyckoff,
on Six-Mile Run, about 1^ miles below the old road running from Six-
Mile Run to New Brunswick. The otlier two were located on the east
side of the Millstone, one being owned by Lewis Moore, successor to John
Harrison, the great landholder, who built this mill previoxis to 1716, and
was located on the east side of the river, at Rocky Hill. The other, 2
miles below the former, was owned by Benjamin Griggs.* Tliis last-
named mill was owned in 1762 by Kicholas Veghten, and afterwards by
Abraham Van Doren. It was taken down in 1831 to make way for the
Delaware and Raritan Canal. "
MILITARY.
Franklin township suffered during the Revolution
to a great extent. It lay in the path of the two
armies crossing and recrossing the State, and in the
varying fortunes of war was at one time in the hands
♦ Griggstown must have received its name from Benjamin Griggs.
^^^ ^^^y^^^
'>L</>'\^
y^z-^-^vs^wi
/'Vv
)
FEANKLIN.
829
of the enemy and at another under the protection of
Mends. During the winter of 1776-77 the country
was frequently ravaged by foraging-parties. At Three-
Mile Eun the buildings were all plundered, and fre-
quently fired. Barns were torn down to supply tim-
ber for the construction of a temporary bridge over
the Raritan, and some of the most wanton cruelties
were inflicted.*
During the late civil war this township sustained
an honorable record, and contributed its full share of
men and means to suppress the rebellion.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ALBERT V. GARRETSON.
James Garretson, grandfather of Albert V., lived at
an early period in Hillsborough township, about one
mile and a half from Blaokwell's Mills. His wife's
name was Helena, and the issue of the marriage Peter,
John, Garret, Stephen, Samuel, Sarah, who married
Herman Cortelyou ; Ida, who married John Stothoff ;
and another, who married Abraham Cortelyou.
Samuel Garretson, father of our subject, was born
on March 11, 1776 ; married, Nov. 28, 1799, Helen,
daughter of Peter Voorhees (born March 17, 1782),
and had the following children, viz., Magdalene,
bom Sept. 23, 1800, who became the wife of John P.
Voorhees; Maria, born Dec. 25, 1802; Peter, born
Jan. 29, 1805 ; James, born April 2, 1807 ; Albert V.,
born Nov. 2, 1809 ; John, born June 29, 1812 ; Ry-
nier Staats, born Oct. 4, 1814 ; Peter, born March 9,
1817 ; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Smith, born May 25,
1820 ; Hiram, born Oct. 16, 1802 ; and Samuel, born
June 3, 1826. Samuel Garretson passed his days as a
farmer where his grandson, by the same name, now
resides, in Franklin township. He lived a quiet,
peaceful life, and was respected in the community for
his integrity and fair dealing. He was formerly a
* The following schedule of property taken from Mr. John Van Liew,
of Three.Mile Kan, will illustrate the ruthless spirit of the enemy and
the hardships encountered hy the inhabitants dqring the war. The list
is valuable as exhibiting the price of different articles at the commence-
ment of the Kevolution, £1 representing $2.60 of our currency. Only
the more important articles taken by the " BegulaTS" are enumerated :
£ s.
X span horses 36
1 colt, two years old 12
60 bushels com 12 10
28 bushels wheat 10
Kiding chair and harness 15
30 tons of hay 105
cows 51 15
26 head of sheep 17 10
38 Albany boards i 15
700 thin Albany boards 2 9
1 house bui'ned SO
15 bushels potatoes 1 17
300cwt. flour 2 M
100 fowls 3 16
8 turkeys 1
60 pounds of pork 5<J. per pound
Floors of house and barn taken up. One negro, twenty-three years
old, smart and active, £105.
53
member of the Reformed Church of Middlebush,
where he officiated both as deacon and elder, but at
the time of his death, on Oct. 14, 1847, he was a
member of the Reformed Church of Six-Mile Run.
His wife died on May 8, 1849.
Albert V. Garretson was born on the homestead, in
Franklin township, purchased by his father near the
opening of the present century. His earlier years
were passed upon the home farm, and his educational
training was such as the common schools of his day
afforded. On Nov. 3, 1840, he was united in mar-
riage to Magdalene, daughter of Herman and Sarah
(Garretson) Cortelyou. She was born April 29, 1811^
on the place where she has since resided.
After his marriage Mr. Garretson purchased the
farm of Herman Cortelyou, his wife's father, com-
prising about one hundred acres. Here he has since
lived, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has con-
fined his labors strictly to his chosen avocation and,
though a member of the Republican party, he has
been no seeker after place. He has always been a
liberal contributor to the religious and benevolent
enterprises of his day, and, with his wife, is a member
of the Middlebush Reformed Church, where he has
held the offices of deacon and elder.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Garretson have been
Garret, born Jan. 14, 1846, who is a farmer in Hills-
borough township ; John, who died Oct. 11, 1863 ;
Sarah Maria, born Nov. 4, 1848, who married Jacob
Schomp, of Pleasant Plains ; Joanna, born July 2,
1851, wife of Courtney Gordon, of Mattawan, N. J. ;
and Samuel, born Sept. 4, 1854, and who resides on
the home farm.
STEPHEN GARRITSON.f
Stephen Garritson is a grandson of a gentleman by
the same name who occupied at an early day two
hundred acres of land, now composing the farms ot
the subject of this sketch and of Peter I. Voorhees, in
the central portion of Franklin township. Here the
grandfather engaged in agricultural pursuits until
his death, at the age of forty, at the commencement of
the Revolutionary war. He was twice married. By his
first wife, a Miss Voorhees, he had no children. His
second wife was Phebe Dumont, who bore him three
sons, Rem, John, and Peter Garritson. The former
spent the closing years of his life in New York City.
Peter was a merchant in New Brunswick, and died
there. Stephen Garritson was a devout member of
the Reformed Church at Six-Mile Run. His wife
died about 1824, in her eighty-first year.
John, second son of Stephen Garritson, was born
on the old homestead. He married Phebe, daughter
of Martin and Sarah (Covenhoven) Schenck. Of his
children, seven reached mature years. Sarah became
the wife of Jacob Beekman, and died in Michigan ;
Abraham was a son ; Johanna married Luke S. Van
#NAME?
826
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Derveer, and resides in Princeton, N. J. ; John, a
popular minister of the Dutch Eeformed denomina-
tion, died in November, 1875, while rector of Herzog
Hall, New Brunswick ; Martin was a farmer at Ten-
Mile Eun ; Phehe Ann died unmarried, at the age of
thirty-six; Stephen, our subject, was the youngest.
John Garritson died in 1842, in his eightieth year,
and his wife in 1847, in her eighty-second year.
Stephen Garritson was born on the old place, Sept.
19, 1808, where he passed his earlier years, enjoying
the benefits of a common-school education. In the
year 1836 he married, for his first wife, Catharine C,
daughter of Peter 0. and Ann (Lowe) Schenck, of
Clover Hill, N. J., and three years later he purchased
of his father the one hundred acres of the home tract
which he has since occupied. In that year he erected
his present tasteful residence and planted the beauti-
ful trees which now adorn his place. The barns which
he erected were destroyed by fire, caused by lightning,
and were replaced by those now in use. A view of
this attractive place, so full of memories of home to
himself and children, and manifesting the industry,
thrift, and taste of the owner, may be seen on another
page of this work. Here Mr. Garritson has passed a
long life of labor and toil, feeling a just pride in the
ancestral memories that cluster around his home. He
has confined his labors strictly to the cultivation and
improvement of his farm, and, while a life-long Demo-
crat, has persistently refused political place. He is
extremely modest in manner, thoroughly devoted to
home and family, and is one who, by a life of recti-
tude and honor, has earned a place among the influ-
ential and representative men of his class. He has
been a liberal contributor to church and kindred in-
terests, and has long been a member of the Reformed
Church of Six-Mile Eun, officiating at various times
as deacon and as elder. At the age of seventy-two he
presents the appearance of a much younger man, and
is in the full possession of all his faculties.
The children of Mr. Garritson by his first marriage
are Anna, who resides at home, and Catharine, widow
of Liscom Opdyke, also living at home. Their mother
died in 1845. His present wife is Eleanor, daughter
of David and Eliza (Simmons) Bush, of Jersey City,
to whom he was united in 1847. Her children are
Adelaide Lamar, wife of Eev. Robert Doag, pastor of
. the Reformed Church at Berne, N. Y., and Julia An-
nette, unmarried.
JAMES S. GARRETSON.
James S. Garretson is a son of Samuel Garretson,
formerly of South Middlebush, who is more particu-
larly referred to elsewhere in this work. He was
born on his father's homestead on April 2, 1807,
where his earlier years were passed. About the year
1820 his father's slaves, of which he had seven, were
made free by legislative enactment, and, the work and
labor on the farm becoming heavier thereby, young
James was kept busy turning over the paternal
acres. He enjoyed no schooling advantages after he
attained the^age of twelve.
In December, 1831, Mr. Garretson was united in
*iiii!ffl/ ifillpp^"'' ' " *
JAMES S. GARRETSON.
marriage to Catharine, daughter of Jonathan and
Nancy (Brown) Smith, of Harmony Plains, N. J.,
and shortly after that event he purchased one hun-
dred and four acres of land near " Short Hills," Mid-
dlesex Co., where he pursued farming until 1864.
He disposed of his farm advantageously during that
year, and returned to Middlebush for one year. The
year following he removed to East Millstone, N. J.,
where he has since resided, being engaged in no
active business; He is of quiet, unostentatious man-
ners, a good citizen, and one who contributes his
share cheerfully to the various progressive move-
ments of the day. He is a Republican in politics,
but has always persistently refused to hold office.
His children have been Samuel, who occupies the
Garretson homestead, at Middlebush, and Jonathan
Smith, a grocer in Plainfield.
JACOB WTCKOFF.
Peter Claes WyckofF, the common ancestor of the
Wyckoff family, emigrated from the Netherlands in
the year 1636. He bought lands on which he settled
at Flatbush, L. I. In the year 1655 he superintended
the farm and stock of Director Stuyvesant. He was
magistrate of the town for the years 1655, 1658,1662,
and 1663. His wife was Gretia, daughter of Hendrick
Van Ness, and his children were Annetje, Mayken,
FRANKLIN.
82f
Geertie, Claes, Cornelius, Hendrict, Garret, Martin,
Pieter, and Jan.
His son, Cornelius Pieterse Wyckoff, married Ger-
trude, daughter of Simon Van Arsdalen, Oct. 13,
1678. He was one of the company who purchased a
large tract of land in Franklin township of John
Harrison, the deed for which bears date Nov. 7, 1701.
The deed for his share of the tract, given hy his part-
ners, bears date June 1, 1703, and conveys twelve
hundred acres lying across the central part of the
township from the county line at Three-Mile Eun to
the Millstone River. His children were Peter, Mary
(1st), Simon, Nicholas, Jacob, Hendrick, Charles,
John, Peternella, Mary (2d), Margaret, Hannah, Cor-
nelius, and Martin. Of these, Peter, Simon, Jacob,
and John settled on the tract mentioned above, each
receiving about three hundred acres. John had his
home in Middlebush, where Samuel Garretson now
lives, and his oldest son, Cornelius, who was born
there, was the first white child born in the settlement.
Simon and Jacob settled at Three-Mile Run. Part
of all these lands are still in the possession of their
respective descendants.
Peter, oldest son of Cornelius Pieterse Wyckoff,
settled where Jacob Wyckoff now resides, about the
year 1710. He married, Sept. 5, 1709, Elizabeth,
daughter of Aurt Van Pelt, and had children, Cor-
nelius, Nelly, Aurt, Peter, Elizabeth, Maria, Ger-
trude, John, Simon, and Jacob. His second wife was
Gertrude Romeyn. He died in the winter of 1776-77.
His son Simon was born in the year 1730, and suc-
ceeded his father on the old farm. He married Alche,
daughter of Christian and Alche Van Doren, on June
10, 1756. Their children were Christian, Elizabeth,
Alche, Gertrude, Maria, Sarah, Peter, Nelly, Jacob,
and Simon. Simon Wyckoff died Oct. 22, 1802, and
his wife Dec. 13, 1828.
Simon, youngest son of Simon Wyckoff, was born
May 17, 1778, married Sophia, daughter of Benjamin
and Sophia Van Doren, of Middlebush, and occupied
the old homestead throughout his life. He died April
11, 1856, and his wife, who was born Dec. 16, 1783,
died February, 1871. Their children were Simon,
now living at Fairview, 111. ; Benjamin V. D., lived
and died at Middlebush ; Adeline, who was deprived
of sight at the age of sixteen, died on the home-
stead shortly after her father ; Sophia, married Corne-
lius S. Nevius, lived and died at Middlebush ; Chris-
tian, resides in Russell Co., Kan. ; Joseph, resides in
Shiawassee Co., Mich. ; Jacob ; Isaac, lived and died
at Middlebush; and Ellen, who married Peter S.
Brokaw, and died at Middlebush.
Jacob, fifth son of Simon and Sophia Wyckoff, was
born on the old homestead Dec. 20, 1818, where he
has passed his entire life as a farmer, with the excep-
tion of four years, during which he occupied a farm
in the neighborhood. His educational advantages
were such as the district school of his locality af-
forded. On Jan. 20, 1842, he was united in marriage
to Sarah Jane, daughter of Albert P. and Helena
(Longstreet) Voorhees. She was born Oct. 21, 1818.
Until the breaking out of the war Mr. Wyckoff was
identified with the Democratic party, but at that time,
being in sympathy with the principles of the Repub-
lican party, he united with that body, with which he
has since acted. He has followed the occupation of
a surveyor for many years, and was for twenty-five
years a commissioner of deeds. He has also held the
office of justice of the peace, of assessor for six years,
and has filled other minor ofBces. He has never been
a seeker after place. Mr. Wyckoff has been largely
interested in the settlement and adjustment of estates,
in the capacity of executor, administrator, trustee,
and commissioner, and has fulfilled his various duties
with singular exactness and fidelity.
Mr. Wyckoff and his wife early united with the
Reformed Church of Middlebush, and the former has
frequently held the offices of deacon and elder, filling
the office of elder at the present writing (1880). He
has also represented his church in the Classis, and
the latter at the General Synod of his denomination.
He is known as a man of strict integrity, conscien-
tious and devoted to principle, and one who enjoys
the respect and confidence of all.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff have been
Simon, died in infancy ; Albert Voorhees, sergeant-
major of the Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers, who
fell at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864 ;
Martin Nevius, graduated at Rutgers College, New
Jersey, in 1872, and who for five years thereafter was
professor of natural philosophy and chemistry, and
of the English language, in the employ of the Japan-
ese government : since his return he has been princi-
pal of a classical school at Somerville, N. J. ; James
Longstreet, died an infant; Benjamin Van Doren,
graduated from Rutgers College, 1875, from the the-
ological seminary. New Brunswick, 1878, and has
since been the settled pastor of the Reformed Church
of Preakness, N. J. ; Sarah Helena, who died in the
fourth year of her age ; and Jacob, who resides on
the home farm with his parents, and who is the
sixth in line from Peter Claes, the original ancestor
of the family, and the fifth who has resided on the
home farm. Jacob, son of Martin N., and grandson
of Jacob Wyckoff, was born in Japan, June 15, 1876,
and is the seventh of the family in line from Peter
Claes.
PBTBE WYCKOFF.
The late Peter Wyckoff was a descendant of Peter
Claes Wyckoff, who emigrated to this country in
1636, and who was the progenitor of the family of
that name in Somerset County. His direct ancestor
was Cornelius, one of the six sons of Cornelius Peterse
Wyckoff. He was baptized in New York, Dec. 19,
1694, married Sarah Duryea, and settled in Mill-
stone.
828
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
William Wyckoff, grandfather of Peter, early re-
sided near Millstone, N. J., where he engaged in
agricultural pursuits. His sons, John and Cornelius,
also passed their lives near Millstone as farmers.
PETER WTCKOrP.
, John occupied the homestead of his father, and Cor-
nelius settled on the farm lately occupied by his son,
Peter. Cornelius married Catharine, daughter of
Peter Wyckoff, and his children were Catharine,
Mary, Cornelia, Peter, and William. The first be-
came the wife of William Van Vliet, and Mary, of
William Van Dorn.
Peter Wyckoff, son of Cornelius, was born in 1802,
and grew up on his father's farm. He enjoyed a
common-school education. In 1842 he was united in
marriage to Phebe V., daughter of Dennis and Ger-
trude Van Duyn, lately residing near Bound Brook.
He succeeded his father on the home farm, compris-
ing one hundred acres, where he passed his days
quietly as a farmer. He took no active part in poli-
tics, though affiliating with the Republican party.
He was of large, powerful person, generous impulses,
and was a liberal supporter of church and kindred
institutions. He died on May 23, 1880, aged seventy-
eight years and five months, his aged wife surviving
him. No children were born to this couple.
JOSIAH SCHANCK.
Josiah Schanck is a grandson of William Schanck,
who came from Monmouth Co., N. J., long prior to
the Revolutionary war, and settled near Ringos, in
Hunterdon County. His wife was Mary Winters,
and among his children were Ralph, John, Josiah,
William, Abraham, Ann, Polly, and another who
married a Probasco.
Josiah Schanck, the father of the subject of this
memoir, was born in Hunterdon County. In 1798
he removed to Weston, Somerset Co., where he pur-
chased three hundred acres of Gen. Frelinghuysen,
and where he lived and died. His wife was Alche
Wyckoff, who bore him fourteen children, namely,
Elizabeth, who married Hendrick Staats ; William ;
Gertrude, who married Abraham Davis ; Mary, who
married Henry Sallaman ; Ann, who married Corne-
lius Conover ; Josiah, Jacob W., Simon W., and Le-
titia, who married Maj. Isaac Brokaw. Of this large
family of children all are dead save Josiah and Simon.
Josiah Schanck served three years in the army during
the Revolutionary war, crossed the Delaware with
Washington when he surprised the Hessians, and
nearly lost his life by the upsetting of a wagon on
that occasion. He was a member of the Reformed
Church of West Millstone, where he filled the office
of deacon. He died in 1824 or 1825, and his wife a
few years later.
Josiah Schanck, the subject of this sketch, was
born at Weston, N. J., on April 6, 1799, and is now
a well-preserved old gentleman of eighty-one years.
He remained on his father's farm until he reached the
age of fourteen, when he went to New Brunswick to
learn the trade of a carpenter. There he remained
six years, when he commenced work at his trade, and
continued until 1828. In 1822 or 1823 he purchased
FRANKLIN.
829
a farm of one hundred acres, in Franklin township,
of Aaron Prall, where he erected the farm-buildings,
built a fish-pond, and made other improvements. He
resided on this place sixteen and a half years, and in
1840 bought forty-one acres of land adjoining the old
homestead, at Weston, for which he paid one hundred
dollars an acre, and on which he erected a new house.
He remained there thirteen years, and then removed
to West Millstone, and after a year and a half to East
Millstone, where he has since resided.
Mr. Schanck has passed a busy, active, and indus-
trious life, and found little time for matters outside of
his regular avocation. He is a Eepublican in poli-
tics, and has twice filled the office of freeholder of
Franklin township. He was formerly a member of
the West Millstone Reformed Church, where he offi-
ciated as deacon and elder, and which he helped to
build in 1825. He is now a member of the Eeformed
Church of East Millstone. In the year 1820 he was
united in marriage to Sarah, daughter of Tunis and
Rebecca (Probasco) Van Middlesworth, who was
born May 23, 1803, and who still survives. No
children have been born to the union.
PETER A. VOOUHEES.
Steven Courte, or Courten, the common ancestor of
the Voorhees, or Van Voorhies, family of Long Island
and New Jersey, emigrated with his family from
Eeinen, Dreuthe, in the Netherlands, in April, 1660.
This family by old letters can be traced back one
generation in the Fatherland, and, like most of the
early settlers, had no proper surname, adopting as
such the name of the village or locality from whence
they emigrated.
The father of Steven Courten, or Koers, as he wrote
it, was Court Alberts, who resided in front of Hies,
Hees, or " Voorhies," in Holland. In process of time
the surname Van Voorhees, or Voorhees, has been
adopted by general consent of those who bear the
name. It was also the custom among the early set-
tlers to adopt the Christian name of the father as
the surname of the child, which makes it difficult
often to trace the different members of the family.
Albert Courten, son of Court Stevense, and grand-
son of Steven Courten, the emigrant, died about
1748. His son, Kourt Van Voorhees, the elder, of
New Utrecht, L. I., bought of Jacob Van Dyke, in
1726, lands in Sourland (now Harlingen), in Somerset
Co., N. J., on which his son, Albert Van Voorhees,
settled about 1740. This was the homestead on which
the late Albert P. Voorhees died, and where John
Everett, who married his daughter Margaret, now re-
sides. When his father died is uncertain ; his mother,
Annetje, died July 25, 1776.
Albert was born Aug. 1, 1716, and his wife, Katrina
Deremer, on August 28th of the same year. They were
married Nov. 22, 1737, and their children were An-
ietje, born Sept. 4, 1741; Isaac, born July 20, 1744;
Ann, born Dec. 19, 1746; Koert, born March 15,
1749; Albert, born April 9, 1753; and Peter, born
Feb. 12, 1756. The first child died in infancy.
Katrina, wife of Albert, died April 1, 1775, and the
latter married for his second wife Nelly Van Nostrand,
and died Sept. 26, 1784. Annetje married Isaac Van
Brunt, of New Utrecht, L. L, and died Feb. 15, 1820.
Isaac died June 30, 1814, in Eoycefield, N. J., on the
farm now owned by his grandson of the same name.
Albert died Oct. 4, 1795, near New Utrecht, L. I.
Ann married Peter Vredenburg, of New Brunswick,
and died there Sept. 24, 1816. Peter inherited the
old homestead mentioned above, and was generally
known as " Peter at the brook." His farm by several
additions comprised about three hundred acres of
land. He married Maria, a daughter of Eem Dit-
mars, of Millstone, N. J., on Feb. 12, 1779, and had
children, Albert P., born June 30, 1780 ; Lena, who
married Samuel Garretson, of Middlebush, born Feb.
18, 1788, died March 8, 1849 ; Catharine, who married
Rynier Staats, and died March 4, 1866 ; and Maria,
born Aug. 25, 1794, who married Capt. John M.
Wyckoff, and died Jan. 17, 1860. Peter Voorhees
died June 21, 1842, and his wife, Maria, on Jan. 22,
1831
Albert P. Voorhees, father of the subject of this
sketch, married Helena Longstreet, born Oct. 11,
1785, and had fourteen children, namely, Peter A.;
James L., deceased; Maria, widow of Abraham
Stryker, of Franklin Park ; Eliza Ann, who married
John N. Gulick, removed to Illinois, and died there ;
John V. P. Voorhees, residing near Hightstown,
N. J. ; Catharine, who married Lorenzo S. P. Vaughn,
of Kentucky, who is dead ; Martha, widow of Martin
N. Gulick, of Hillsborough ; Adeline, who married
Garret J. Quick, and who lives in Illinois; Sarah
Jane, wife of Jacob Wyckoff, of Middlebush; Helen,
who married Peter V. Hageman, of Illinois, both de-
ceased; Margaret, who married John Everitt and
lives on the old homestead, in' Hillsborough ; Eynier
S., residing in Illinois ; Aaron Longstreet, who died
in Kentucky; and Matilda B., who married John
Van Nuys and died in Illinois. Albert P. Voorhees
passed his life as a farmer in Hillsborough township,
and died March 12, 1861. His wife died May 2, 1849.
He was not in any sense a public man, although he
held minor offices. He was a member of the Har-
lingen Eeformed Church, of which he was for many
years elder.
Sheriff Peter A. Voorhees, as he is familiarly
known was born on his father's homestead, in Hills-
borough, on Nov. 6, 1802. His father's family being
a large one, and the farm affording them but a pre-
carious support, Mr. Voorhees' boyhood was one
of incessant toil and drudgery, and his educational
advantages were very meagre. With what scraps of
knowledge he had gained young Voorhees became
the teacher of the district school of his neighbor-
hood at the age of- nineteen, and in teaching he was
83Q
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
largely taught. In 1824, as a member of tlie Somer-
set County Cavaliy Brigade, he assisted in escorting
Gen. La Fayette from Eahway to New Brunswick,
while that illustrious soldier was making his triumphal
tour through the country to which he had contributed
his patriotic services. On Jan. 18, 1825, he entered
into matrimonial relations with Maria, only child of
John and Charity Suydam, of Six-Mile Run. Her
grandfather was Jacobus, and her great-grandfather
Eyke, who was the pioneer of the Suydam family in
Somerset County, and who came from Long Island at
an early day.
Soon after his marriage Sheriff Voorhees purchased
the Suydam farm, at Six-Mile Run, comprising One
hundred and fifty acres. Here he has since resided,
engaged in farming, his present tract being one hun-
dred and eighty acres. While the sheriff has con-
fined his energies largely to the cultivation and
improvement of his farm, and to the care of his
pleasant home, he has been led by his natural energy
of character, his interest in his native county, and
his zeal in the promotion of all good works, to engage
largely in public affairs.
Politically, Mr. Voorhees was formerly a member
of the Old-Line Whig party, and is now identified
with the Republican party. He was town clerk of
Franklin township from 1831 to 1833, and assessor
â– from 1833 to 1838. From 1838 to 1841 he held the
office of sheriff of Somerset County ; from 1857 to
1862 he was collector of the county, and in 1867 he
represented Somerset County in the State Legislature.
He was an active supporter of the war,- and rendered
important service in that hour of need, advancing
money from his own purse to aid in raising the neces-
sary quota of men from his township. He has also
lent liberal encouragement to the cause of education,
and has donated considerable sums of money to
Rutgers College, N. J., and assisted several young
men in their preparation for the ministerial office.
He is a member of the board of superintendents of
the theological seminary at New Brunswick. He is
purely a self-made man, and has, by integrity, energy,
and uprightness, in spite of inferior educational op-
portunities, attained a prominent place among the
liberal and progressive men of the county. Mr.
Voorhees has been a member of the Reformed Church
of Six-Mile Run since 1826, been officially connected
with that body as elder and deacon, and has been a
representative to Classis and to the Particular and
General Synods of his denomination. In the Sab-
bath-school and Bible cause he has been particularly
prominent. He organized, in 1827, the first Sabbath-
school at Pleasant Plains, and was its superintendent
for nearly thirty years. He also organized a neigh-
borhood prayer-meeting at the same time, which still
continues. He has assisted largely in the organiza-
tion of Sabbath-schools throughout the State, has
filled the office of president of both the County and
State Sabbath- School Associations, of the County
Bible Society, and, for twenty years, of the Young
Men's Bible Society of Six-Mile Run, and was presi-
dent of the New Jersey State Agricultural Society
for 1863 and 1864. He has been for many years a
director of the New Brunswick National Bank. His
wife is still the honored helpmeet of his home. But
two children have been born to this venerable couple,
Garretta, wife of J. Boyd Van Dorn, residing near
Princeton, N. J., and Mary H., wife of J. Calvin
Hoagland, of Henry, 111.
WILLIAM H. GULICK.
Joachim Gulick, the ancestor of the Gulick fam-
ily in this county, came from Holland in 1653, and
settled at Gravesend, L. I., where he took the oath of
allegiance in 1687. In 1717 he lived at Six-Mile
Run, Franklin township. He had four sons and two
daughters. The sons were Benjamin, Henry, John,
and William. Of these, John served as a major in
the Revolutionary war. Henry, William, and John
lived in Franklin township near the close of last cen-
tury, and were early proprietors of the stage-line be-
tween Trenton and New Brunswick.
Henry Gulick married Margaret Skillman, and had
children, Rebecca, Sarah, Joachim, Mary, Ann (who
died young), and Margaret. Rebecca became the
wife of John Van Tilberg, Sarah of Phineas With-
ington, and Mary of Jacob Van Dyke. The home-
stead of Henry Gulick stood where Wm. H. Gulick
((((((((
JfJS,- , . /^J
CORNELIUS BAECALOW.
FKANKLIN.
831
now resides. Here lie passed his life, engaged largely
in agricultural pursuits, until his demise, in 1834,
aged sixty-eight years. His wife died the same year,
aged sixty-five.
Joachim, only son of Henry Gulick, was born on
his father's farm, in Franklin township, where his
early years were passed. On April 20, 1825, he mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Frederick and Catharine
(Van Dyke) Cruser, born Jan. 1, 1805. Her father
was a prominent man in the county, was a justice of
the peace for many years, and one of the lay judges
of Somerset County.' The children of Joachim and
Mary (Cruser) Gulick were Margaret, who married
John McPherson ; William Henry, the subject of this
sketch ; Catharine, who died in infancy ; Frederick,
who also died in infancy ; and George, who died at
the age of five years. Joachim Gulick died in 1867,
aged seventy-one years. His farm of two hundred
and forty acres was equally divided at his death be-
tween Wm. H. Gulick and his sisters. Mrs. Gulick
is living (1880), and occupies a residence near her
sons, built by her husband in 1827.
Wm. H. Gulick was born in Franklin township on
March 19, 1831, near his present residence. He grew
up on his father's farm, and enjoyed the advantages
of only a common-school education. On Oct. 27,
1853, he married Theodosia, daughter of Garret
Schenck, and about that time he took up his residence
on his grandfather's homestead, where he still resides,
having erected his present dwelling in 1879. This
structure took the place of the old home residence
which had withstood the changes of a century of time.
Mr. Gulick is a Kepublican in politics, and has
served on the township committee and filled other
local offices. His principal attention has been given
to the cultivation of his farm. He is also largely in-
terested in the sale of milk. His children have been
Anna Mary, who died in infancy, and Willard S. and
Joachim, who live at home.
CORNELIUS BARCALOW.
Cornelius Barcalow is a grandson of William Bar-
calow, who was one of the pioneer settlers at Six-
Mile Eun, in Franklin township. His wife was
named Jachaminah, and his children were Farring-
ton, Cornelius, and Polly, who married Isaac Fisher,
of Bound Brook.
Farrington, eldest son of William Barcalow, was
born in Franklin township, on Oct. 4, 1771. He
married Hannah, daughter of James Bennett, one of
the earliest merchants of New Brunswick and once
mayor of the city, and his children were William,
bom Sept. 10, 1794; Jachaminah and Ellen, born
Aug. 27, 1796 ; James B., born Oct. 6, 1798 ; George
W., bom Oct. 1, 1800; Henry and Cornelius, born
Dec. 30, 1803 ; John, bom Jan. 24, 1806 ; Hannah,
born June 6, 1810 ; and Maria, born Nov. 9, 1812. Of
these children, Jachaminah married John King, of
Three-Mile Kun; Ellen married Aaron Shaw, of
Monmouth County ; Hannah married John Tunison,
of Somerville ; and Maria married John P. Staats.
Farrington Barcalow resided at Middlebush through-
out his life, where he occupied one hundred and sixty
acres of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He was a man of influence and prominence in the
town and county, and held positions of importance.
He was colonel of a militia regiment in Somerset
County, and went, with his staff, to Trenton in 1824,
to assist in escorting Gen. La Fayette, then on a visit
to this country, through New Jersey. In politics he
was a Democrat, was assessor and collector of Frank-
'lin township, a justice of the peace, and lay judge of
Somerset County for twenty years. He was also a
candidate for sheriff of the county, and was defeated
by only a small number of votes. He was active in
all good works, a zealous promoter of school and
church interests, and was one who enjoyed the confi-
dence of all. He was a great bass singer and pro-
ficient in instrumental music, and an exemplary
member of the Reformed Church of Millstone, and
was officially connected with that body as deacon and
elder for many years. He died on March 2, 1854,
and his wife, who was born Feb. 27, 1775, on July
23d of the same year.
The life of Cornelius Barcalow, whose portrait
appears in this work, is a singular illustration of
what industry, energy, and correct business and per-
sonal habits will accomplish, in spite of adverse con-
ditions of life. Born at Middlebush, N. J., on Dec.
30, 1803, he remained upon his father's farm until he
attained the age of sixteen, when he started forth in
life for himself, having enjoyed simply a common-
school education, but fortified with a purpose to do
and to succeed. He first went to learn the trade of a
blacksmith with Bergen Huff, of Somerville, where
he remained five years, completing his apprentice-
ship. He then repaired to New Brunswick, and en-
tered into the trade of coach-making with Richard
Laportia, and after a. service . of three- months he
started for New York City with a capital of five dol-
lars in pocket. Four dollars and seventy-five cente
of this sum he paid for one week's board in advance,
and with the remaining twenty-five cents he began
active business life.
As a journeyman carriage-maker he commenced
work with Andrew Curtis, whose shop stood on Grand
Street, between Elizabeth and the Bowery, with whom
he remained about three months. He then worked,
in turn, for Richard Emery about six months, one
Quick about a year, and Arthur Reynolds for the
same length of time, and finally went into business
for himself, with James Brady as' a partner, on Nas-
sau Street, where the Bible Society building now
stands. This venture lasted two and a half years, at
the end of which time the partnership was dissolved,
and Mr. Barcalow resumed work as a journeyman.
He shortly after resumed business alone on Broome
832
SOMBKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Street, near Elizabeth, and after a few years removed
to Cherry Street for two years, and finally to his old
site near the Bowery. In each of these places he
carried on the business of carriage-making with suc-
cess. In 1832 he purchased his father's farm at Mid-
dlebush, and erected a carriage-manufacturing estab-
lishment at that place, "working his farm at the same
time that he carried on his manufacturing business.
Here he remained five years, at the expiration of
which time he exchanged his farm for property in
Fourth Street, New York, with one John Laforge,
where he pursued the business of carriage-making
for eight years. He then purchased a portion of the
old farm at Middlebush, changed his factory in New
York into tenement-houses, and after eight years ex-
changed his farm, with a further money considera-
tion, for property in New York, which he still owns,
and which has proved a profitable investment. In
1861 he removed to East Millstone, erected his pres-
ent attractive residence, and has since lived at that
place, taking an active part in local affairs and filling
an important place in the community. He is a Dem-
ocrat in politics, but has always persistently refused
oflBce. Mr. Barcalow was first a member of the Ee-
formed Dutch Church of Somerville, and finally of
the Berean Baptist Church of New York City ; then
of the East Millstone Methodist Episcopal Church,
where he held the position of class-leader and was a
member of the board of stewards, and is now a mem-
ber of the Eeformed Church of Millstone. The first
Methodist prayer-meeting at Middlebush was held
under his charge and in his own house. He has
taken an active interest in educational matters, and
is the present trustee of District No. 73, the new
school-house having been erected under his supervis-
ion. He enjoys the confidence of many friends, and
by industry, economy, and thrift has acquired a hand-
some competency. He is one of the best-preserved
men of his age in the county.
Mr. Barcalow has been twice married. His first
wife was Catharine, daughter of Dr. Willard, of New
York City, to whom he was united on Sept. 13, 1827,
and who died Oct. 6, 1876, aged eighty years and
twenty-eight days. Of this marriage were born
Arabella W. Barcalow, his only surviving child,
Jan. 16, 1848 ; Hannah Maria, born Dec. 5, 1829,
died Feb. 1, 1832 ; and Cornelius W., born Feb. 7,
1841, died March 26, 1841. Alfred H. Maryott, a
grandson whom he educated, is a minister in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. His second and present
wife was Elizabeth Mayer, whom he married Nov. 7,
1877
The Barcalow family were among the early settlers
of New Utrecht, L. I. Daniel Barcalow resided, in
1766, on the farm near Ten-Mile Eun, in Middle-
sex County, owned by Columbus Beekman. He was
the father of Capt. Stoffel Barcalow, who purchased
and died upon the " Sterling farm,'' near Basking
Eidge, and whose son, Christopher Barcalow, mar-
ried Mary, a daughter of Brogun B. Huff, formerly of
Somerville. The family are descendants of William
Janse Borkelo, who emigrated at an early period
from Zutphen, in Guilderland, and who located in
Flat Lands. Coenrad Barkelo, his son, was a settler on
the Earitan in 1714, and Dirk, another son, in 1717.
ABRAHAM J. SUTDAM.
Hendrick Eycken Suydam, the ancestor of the
family in this country, with his wife, Ida Jacobs, emi-
grated from south of the dam ( " Zuidam" ), in Holland,
in 1663. Hence the name of the family. Eyck Suy-
dam, who settled in Monmouth County at an early
date, was born in 1697 and died in 1750. He was a
son of Eyck, of Flatbush, and a grandson of the first-
named Hendrick. Cornelius Suydam settled on the
Earitan as early as 1717. He was a son of Hendrick
and a grandson of Eyck, of Flat Lands. He died in
1771
Abraham J. Suydam, the subject of this sketch, is
a grandson of Abraham and a great-grandson of Eyck
Suydam. The latter was the owner of the old Suy-
dam homestead, in Franklin township, now occupied
by Sheriff Peter A. Voorhees. Here also dwelt his
son Abraham, who married Jane Voorhees, and who
died quite young. Their children were Maria, who
married Jacob Wyckoff; Joseph A., Peter, and Ann,
FREDERICK T. L. NEVIUS
is a grandson of Peter D. Nev-
ius, whoso ancestry is more
particularly referred to in the
biographical sketch of John S.
Nevius, in this work. His
father, Albert, born April 16,
1787. purchased fifty acres of
the farm now occupied by our
subject, in 1813, of Joseph
Brokaw. Subsequent additions
have made the tract one hun-
dred and twenty-five acres. The
first family residence was built
by Albert Nevius in 1S20, and
was replaced in lSfiO-61 by the
present attractive residence of
Frederick V. L. NeviuF, who
also erected the barns and out-
houses the same year. The
trees that adorn and beautify
the place were set out by father
and son.
Albert Nevius married, for
bis first wife, Williampe Gulick
(born Aug. 20, 1789), on Nov. 6,
1S08, and by this marriage had
one child, Sarah Ann Nevius,
born May 18, 1811, died June
22, 18B6. Mrs. Nevius died
Dec. 7, 1811, and on April 6,
1813, Mr. Nevius was united in
marriage to his second wife,
Sarah Van Liew. She was born
April 5, 1783, Of this
were born Peter A . Nevius
wire,
jept" oA^c/^^^/^'A^ u^ X^ Qyy^-'i^^^^
25, 1816 J Frederick Van Liew,
born July 2, 1819 j Elizabeth
Jane, born Sept. 27, 1825; and
James Romeyn, born Oct. 10,
1827, died Feb. 14,1 8J2. Albert
Nevius died Jan. 31, 1852, and
his wife on Aug. 6, 1854.
Upon the death of his fnther,
Frederick V. L. Nevius came
into possession of the home-
farm, where he has since resi-
ded, engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Though identified
with the Republican party, he
has abstained from political
strife, and been no seeker after
position. He is a liberal sup-
porter of all worthy enterprise?,
and bears the reputation of an
industrious and successful farm-
er, and of a man of integrity
and moral worth. His labors
are confined to his farm. He is
essentially a home-man, and
feels a just pride in his beautiful
home-surroundings. He united
with the Reformed Church at
Franklin Park in 1854, and has
twice filled the office of deacon.
Mr. Nevius was married on
Jan. 10, 1849, to Eleanor Long-
street, daughter of Samuel and
Phebe Ann (Brokaw) Cruser,
an old family of Hillsborough
township. She was born Nov.
2, 1829. There have been no
children.
[^11
©[^ l^-iai^Hl^Otglt^ ^. [L« [TflE^Qtyi, [Fia^IRllISlkaiFfl ?!?>», iOIRaiE^iHT ©©., IFO. ^.
FRANKLIN.
833
who married Jacob Van Nostrand. The mother sub-
sequently married Garret Neviua.
Joseph A. Suydam was born on the old homestead,
Dec. 14, 17T2. He married Mary, daughter of Mat-
thew Brown, of Six-Mile Run, Sept. 25, 1797. She
was bom May 3, 1774. The issue of the marriage
were Abraham J., bom July 21, 1798; Matthew,
born Feb. 22, iSOl, died Feb. 26,1824; Jane Voor-
hees, born Oct. 2, 1803, died Dec. 26, 1820 ; Andrew,
born Aug. 9, 1806, now deceased ; Peter, born Dec.
18, 1808; John, born Oct. 18, 1810, died June 21,
1846 ; and Isaac, born Sept. 2, 1816, died Jan. 6, 1836.
Joseph A. Suydam passed his life as a farmer where
Peter J. Suydam now lives. He died Dec. 22, 1867,
atfad his wife on May 21, 1851.
Abraham J. Suydam was born on his father's home-
stead, at Pleasant Plains, on the date mentioned
above. He enjoyed the benefits of a common-school
education, and married, on May 3, 1826, Ida, daughter
of John and Jane Williamson Pumyea, of Three-Mile
Run. She was born Oct. 23, 1802. He then engaged
in farming at Three-Mile Run, on a farm which he
still owns. In the year 1850 he purchased his present
farm, of the estate of Simon Van Liew, where he
has since resided. The life of Mr. Suydam has been
a quiet and unostentatious one, free from public an-
noyances and the strife and confusion of political life.
In politics he is a Republican, and has served on tiie
town committee of Franklin township, as collector,
overseer of the poor, and as freeholder for three years.
He bears an unblemished reputation, and enjoys the
ftill confidence of his friends and acquaintances. H^
has contributed cheerfully tp all, worthy purposes
throughout a long life, and is a member of the Re-
formed Church of Six-Mile Run. His wife died Aug.
18,1875?.'^' " '." .. '\ ', "
The children of Mr. Suydam have b,e'eii Jane, born
April 27, 1827, died Feb. iBj 186|;' John P., born
Oct. 12, 1829, residing in Newark ; Mary, bpiai June
15, 1831, died March 1, 1852; Mayhew, born Jan.
27, 1833, living on the home farm ; Agnes Ann, born
Sept. 22, 1835, married Theodore Skillman, June 1,
1859; Isaac A., born April 9, 1837, died Sept. 11,
1863 ; Abraham A., born Dec. 23, 1838, died May 9,
1865 ; and Peter P., born Aug. 23, 1846, died Dec.
28, 1846. ' â–
JOHN S. NEVIUS.
Johannes Nevius, from Solen (probably Solingen,
in Westphalia), was the ancestor of the Nevius family
in America. He was'a ISiie^ by occupation, and
through his traffic witW th^ Dtitbh colony of New Am-
sterdam finally settled at me latter place. The rec-
ords of the Dutch Churcli show that on Nov. 18,
1653, the banns of marriage were declared between
Johannes Nevius, from Solen; and Araientje Bleyck,
from Batavia, isle of Java, East Indies'. ,'J'ohannes
oflfered a loan of forty dollars to the city of ^ew Am-
sterdam that same year for erecting the palisades,
and in 1635 he. was taxed twenty dollars to defray the ,
expenses of constructing the city defenses. In this
latter year he was also elected a city schepeh, and in
1658 he succeeded to the office of " secretary of the
court of burgomasters and schepens." While fill-
ing this position he occupied the City Hall, on the
present line of Pearl Street, opposite Coenties Slip,
and was at one time granted permission to sow grain
in the front yard of the hall. When New Amster-
dam surrendered to the English, in 1665, he was. su-
perseded in office by Nicholas Bayard, after which he
resided at the ferry-landing on Long Island,- prob-
ably until his death. '
Johannes Nevius had eight children, viz^, Jo-
hannes, born in 1654; Sara, born in 1656; Oomelis,
born in 1657 ; Marie, born in 1658 ; Cornells (sec-
ond), born in 1661 ; Petrus, born in 1662 ; Sara Cath-
arine, born in 1664 ; and Johanna, born in 1667 or
1668. '•*â– â– â–
Petrus was the one through whom comes the Som-
erset County line. He was baptized in New Amster-
dam on Feb. 4, 1663. In 1683 he was living at Flat
Lands. In 1687 he took the oath of allegiance to the
English, and was yet living at Flat Lands in 1698^ with
his wife, Janetje Roeloflf Schenck (whom he inarried
June 22, 1684), seven children, and one sUve;. His
son, David, was born in 1702, and was baptized at
Brooklyn. He was the assesspr of Franklin town-
ship, Somerset Co;, in 1745, and had six children,
834
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
viz., Albert, William, Peter D., Neltje, Janetje, and
Altje. Peter D. had five children, Garret, David,
'Peter, John, and Albert.
John S. Nevius, the subject of this sketch, is the
son of Garret, and was horn Oct. 19, 1797, at Griggs-
town, N. J., where his father was a blacksmith
and farmer. His mother was Mary, daughter of
John Staats, of Hillsborough township. Mr. Nevius
passed the earlier years of his life at home, and en-
joyed the benefits of a common-school education. In
the year 1812 his father came into possession of the
family homestead, at present occupied by our subject,
and at his death, in 1819, it passed by will to the latter
and his brother, Peter G., then comprising one hundred
and fifty-three acres. Soon after, Mr. Nevius purchased
the interest of his brother in the property, and resided
there until 1845. He then purchased the farm of one
hundred and fifty acres where Abraham V. Polhemus
resides, and resided there twenty years, after which he
returned to the home farm, which, with his son. Garret,
and his grandson, is now occupied by the sixth genera-
tion of the family. Mr. Nevius has confined his life-
work to the cultivation of the soil, and by industry, fru-
gality, and conscientious principles of life has accumu-
lated a large estate and placed himself in the front rank
of the agriculturists of his township. He is a Demo-
crat of the Jacksonian school, but has held only minor
offices. He is a liberal supporter of the various be-
nevolent enterprises of his day, and a member of the
Franklin Park Reformed Church.
His first wife was Mary, daughter of Andrew
Brown, of Six-Mile Run, whom he married in 1819.
The children were Garret, who occupies the old home-
stead with his father, and Ann (deceased), wife of
Frederick Disbrow, of Millstone. Their mother, who
was born in 1796, died in 1830. In 1844, Mr. Nevius
married a second wife, the widow of Jaques Voor-
hees, who died in 1870, aged seventy-five.
MONTGOMERY.
LOCATION AREA BOUNDARY.
MONTGOMEEY is the southernmost township of
Somerset County. Hillsborough bounds it on the
north ; on the east the Millstone River separates it from
Franklin and Mercer Counties, while East Amwell
township bounds it on the west. In the " New Jersey
State Gazetteer" of 1834 the township is described as
being 8 miles long by 8 wide, and as having an area
of 36,500 acres. It should be remembered, however,
that at the time this description was given the town-
ship included a large tract of land subsequently taken
ofi' and annexed to the township of Princeton, in Mer-
cer County.
An act of the Legislature passed Feb. 27, 1838,
established the following as the boundaries of Mont-
gomery :
" All that part of the township of Montgomery, in the county of Som-
ereet, which lies south of the following line to wit: Beginning on the
Millstone River, where the boundary line between the countieB of Mid-
dlesex and Somerset crosses the same, continuing down said river to the
original southeasterly corner of a tract of land called the Van Horn
tract, and thence running westerly along the original south boundary of
said tract, and continuing on in the same course to the middle of the
road called the Pennington Boad, leading from the village of Rocky
Hill to the village of Pennington, and thence westerly along the middle
of said road to the boundary line of the county of Somersel: shall be,
and the same is hereby, attached to and made a part of the county of
Mercer ; ... and said line shall hereafter be the boundary line between
the county of Mercer and the county of Somerset. * "
The territory thus taken off contained 16,910 acres,
leaving the present area of Montgomery 19,590 acres.
• Acts of the Assembly, 1838, p. 209.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface is hilly, the soil clay, sandy loam, and
red shale. Along the water-courses there is a large
amount of fine bottom-land, in which the red shale is
predominant.
Beeden's Brook flows through the southern part of
the township. The north branch of Beeden's, and
Black, Roaring, and No-Pike Brooks, are tributaries
of Beeden's.
In the western portion of the township is the Sour-
land Ridge, one of whose peaks rises to a height
of several hundred feet. The "Roaring Rocks"
are in this chain. They consist of a series of rocks
and caves, beneath which is a constantly-flowing
stream, the waters of which make a peculiar echo or
roar as they dash from rock to rock. The "Devil's
Half-Acre" is another point of interest in the Sour-
land Ridge. It is a wild spot, and takes its name
from a number of rocks thrown in great disorder over
a apace of about half an acre, as indicated in the
name. Some of these rocks are of very curious con-
formation. One is known as "Table Rock." The
locality is unfit for human habitation, and to our
superstitious forefathers it was a spot to be avoided,
as if it was the veritable abode of the Evil One.
Robbed of its superstitious terrors, it has become, in
these latter days, a favorite resort for picnic-parties.
The spot is now the property of David C. Voorhees,
who purchased it a few years ago.
MONTGOMERY.
835
EARLY TITLES AND SETTLEMENT.
Peter Sonmans,* son of Arent Sonmans, one of the
twenty-four, proprietors, in 1693 obtained a deed for
a tract of about 36 square miles, embracing a large
part of Montgomery. His line began near Clover
Hill, and ran southeast along the present county
line for 6i miles, to a point directly west of Blawen-
burg, and thence east and southeast, bordering on the
land of Dr. Greenland, to the Millstone River, near
Rocky Hill ; thence down the river IJ miles to the
previous river grants {Benthall, etc.), and so along
the southerly and westerly sides of these and the lands
of Royce until it struck the Raritan, following which
and the South Branch, and winding around a couple
of plantations previously ceded to Daniel Hooper and
John Bennett (1683), his bounds returned to Clover
Hill, the place of beginning. The southern portion
of this tract, being 6800 acres in Montgomery town-
ship, in 1706 came into the possession of William
Dockwra, who sold it the next year to John Van
Home.
South of Sonmans' tract were the plots of Richard
Stocking, on the west, and Dr. Henry Greenland, on
the east, extending to the Millstone, both in this town-
ship. That of Greenland was purchased prior to 1685,
nearly or quite ten years before Peter Sonmans be-
came a land-owner here. He was away up the Mill-
stone, " solitary and alone in the wilderness," in the
vicinity of what, no doubt, is now Rocky Hill.f
In the north part of what is now Montgomery town-
ship, on the east, were the lots of Thomas Hart and
Walter Benthall (1690), and, on the west, the "Har-
lingen tract," of 8939 acres, which was the central
third part of the Sonmans possessions.
Thomas Hart, of London, one of the proprietors of
East Jersey, by his attorney. Rip Van Dam, of New
York, conveyed 4000 acres to Gerardus Beekman,
Adrian Beekman, William Crood, John Aortson,
Thomas Casdale, and Lancaster Symes ; this transfer
was consummated December 14th, in the sixth year
of the reign of William HI. October 26th, in the
first year of the reign of George II., William Beek-
man and Catharine, his wife, sold 1333 acres of the
above-mentioned tract to Christopher Hoagland.J
The Harlingen tract was the purchase of seventeen
Dutch settlers, in 1710, of Peter Sonmans ; their names
were Octavio Conraats, Ab. Wendell, merchant, Adrian
Hooglandt, Isaac Governeur, of New York City, Anna
Volkers, widow, of Kings Co., L. I., Henry Hegeman,
Francis Van Lewen, William Be ekman, of Queens
« Mr Sonmans was a native of Holland, educated at Leyden, and held
important offices under King William III., He was surveyor-general of
Jersey four years, a member of the Council, a judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas, and represented Bergen County in the General Assembly.
Although a churchman by profession, he gave land for a dissenting
church at HopeweU and for a Dutch church at what is now HarUngen.-
Colonud Biit. Neu! York, vol. v. pp. 204, 328, etc.
.f Dr. Corwin's " Centennial Memorial of Millstone D. K. Church, '
1866. „ . ^
X From a deed in possession of Henry V. Hoagland, of Gnggstown,
N.J.
Co., L. I., Joseph Hegeman, Hendrick Veghte, Cor.
Van Duyn, Wouten Van Pelt, Ort Van Pelt, of Kings
Co., L. I., Dirck Volkers, of New Jersey, Peter Cor-
telyou, Jacob Van Dyke, and Claas Volkertse, of
Kings Co., L. I. It was bounded as follows :
'* Beginning at the south corner of land of William Flumstead, bein^
IJ^ miles and 4 chains from Millstone Eiver (by what is now the New
Amwell Road) ; thence south-southwest 2^ miles and 8 chains, west-
northwest 1 mile 18 chains, south-southwest 2% miles and 7 chains,
west 3^2 miles and 3 chains to the partition line between East and West
Jersey ; thence north 14° west 30 chains, north 53° east 7 miles and 20
chains, east 1 mile and 17 chains, to place of beginning, having lands of
Plumstead, Barker, Hart, and Benthall on the east, and the division line
and other lands of Peter Sonmans on the west."
The eastern and southern line of this tract ran from
the present farm of Adrian Merrill, west of Millstone,
along the present road, which is on that line, to the
present farm of Theodore Wyckoff, thence to the old
Harlingen cemetery, and thence southwest and west
to Rock Mills.
Not quite two-thirds of the Harlingen tract lay
within this township, all north of the church lot and
William Beekman's land being in Hillsborough.^
John Harrison was an early settler, residing at
Rocky Hill in 1717, or possibly some years earlier.
He was engaged in 1701, by the Governor and pro-
prietors of East Jersey, to extinguish the Indian
title to lands in their province. In a deed obtained
from Nowenock, an Indian chief, dated June 24, 1717,
he is called " John Harrison, of Rockie Hill." He
is accredited with owning the first mills on the
Millstone, which were built previous to 1716, with
purchasing large tracts of land still earlier, and is
known to have been a member of Assembly from
Somerset County in 1703, and again in 1707 ; it is
therefore not unlikely that he settled here about the^
beginning of the eighteenth century. ||
Hendrick PolhemusH settled in Harlingen at an
unknown date (probably about 1730), upon a large
tract of land said to contain 708 acres, and extend-
ing fi-om the Millstone River to Harlingen, which
was purchased by his father, Daniel, in 1728, jointly
with Cornelius Cornell, of Rip Van Dam and Lan-
caster Symes, for £1775. Daniel did not occupy this-
land, but, dying soon after the purchase (just prior to-
1730), his son, Hendrick, came into possession, Cor-
l See map of land titles, in this work.
1 See, further, sketch of the Harrison family in Tranklin township-
history.
f The original name was Polheem, the Latin terminal i« being afttxed,
as a mark of eminence, according to a custom once prevalent in Holland
among men of distinction. Anciently some members of this family en-
Joyed celebrity in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent. Bleazer Polhemus
was a learned jurist and burgomaster of Antwerp in 1310. Johannel
Theodorus Polhemus, the progenitor of all the famiUes of the name in
America, was a minister of the Eeformed Church of Holland ; he came
in 1654, was pastor of the church at Tlatbush from 1664 to 1666, and of
that at Brooklyn until his death, June 9, 1676. His wife was Catharina
Van Werven; his children were Theodorus, Daniel, EUzabeth, Adriana,
Anna and Margaret. Daniel left sons, Cornelius, Daniel, Hendrick
(the pioneer of HarUngen), and Jacob. All left families. See " Biker's
Annals of New Town" (Long Island), for further particulars of thesft
families.
836
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
nell releasing to him his half-interest. Hendrick
very soon after removed to and settled upon it ; there
he built a log house. He was succeeded on the home-
stead by his son Hendrick ; Hendrick by his son Dan-
iel (the father of Hendrick Polhemus, for some time
pastor of the churches of Harlingen and Neshanic, who
died in 1813) ; Daniel by his son Isaac ; and Isaac by
his son Isaac, lately deceased, brother of Bernard Pol-
hemus, now of Somerville, and Peter G. Polhemus, now
of New Brunswick. The old homestead is now owned
by William Williamson, who resides thereon. It was
in the possession of the Polhemus family for nearly
five generations. The farm is the northern strip of
the original patent of Mr. Hart.
Henry Polhemus, for years pastor of the Harlingen
Reformed Dutch Church, was a native of Montgomery
township, Harlingen being his birthplace. He was
a great-great-grandson of the Daniel Polhemus who
was a captain of the troops in Kings County, super-
visor of Flatbush in 1705, afterwards county judge, the
purchaser of the 708-acre tract in Montgomery, Som-
erset Co., and who died in 1728 or 1729. He was also
a great-grandson of the first of the name in Harlin-
gen, the Hendrick mentioned in the preceding para-
graph.
The Beekmans* were among the earliest settlers in
this township. Gerardus was a physician at Flatbush,
L. I., a member of Leisler's council, and afterwards of
the council of New York from Cornbury's time until
his death, in 1723. One of his sons, William, was
a, purchaser in the Harlingen tract of 1710, and several
of his descendants settled between 1700 and 1722 on
the Millstone Eiver. From one of these ultimately
sprang Bev. Jacob T. B. Beekman, who was born on
the Ten Broeck homestead, near Harlingen. He
died April 23, 1875. His son. Judge George C, is a
prominent lawyer and jurist of Monmouth County.
Samuel Beekman (oldest son of Samuel, who was
the second son of Martin) generally known as
Capt. ^was born Sept. 21, 1767. After his mar-
riage to Helena Ten Broeck, of Montgomery, he sold
the old Beekman homestead, on the south bank of
the Raritan, which he had inherited, to his sister
Cornelia, and lived the remainder of his days on the
Ten Broeck homestead, near Harlingen. His wife was
the daughter of Cornelius Teii Broeck, originally from
Ulster Co., N. Y. Capt. Beekman died in 1851 ; he
was one of the most active members of the Harlingen
Dutch Reformed Church. His son, Cornelius T. B.,
born October, 1789, resided the latter part of his life
at Harlingen ; another son, Peter T. (born April 21,
1796, married Eliza Carpenter, who died in May,
1833), owned and conducted Corle's Mills for some
years, and was a member of the State Legislature.
Christopher Beekman, son of Gerardus, and a de-
scendant of Col. Gerardus, the early settler and mem-
ber of the Provincial Council, " lived on the rear of
* This waa BcecJcman in German.
the old homestead near Harlingen, and died about
1820, ninety-six years of age."t One of the descend-
ants, John A., was killed by a falling tree at Griggs-
town, Sept. 21, 1829.t
In 1710, Hendrick Hageman, probably a son of
Aaron, the emigrant, was one of the owners of the
Harlingen tract, purchased of Peter Sonmans. Aaron
and his wife, Catharine, settled at Flatbush, N. Y.,
in 1661. He had seven children, Joseph, Hendrick,
Jacobus, Abram, Denice, Benjamin, and Elizabeth. |
Joost Duryee was a native of France. In 1753 he
purchased 264J acres, in Montgomery township, of
Abraham Van Horn, merchant, of New York, for
£1058, current money of the colony of New York.
Joost Duryee was the great-great-grandfather of Al-
exander D., who now lives on the old homestead.
The cottage erected by him remained standing on this
land until twenty-four years ago. It was of the
Dutch style of architecture, high-pointed gables,
and the eaves so low that they could be reached by a
man of ordinary stature. It was torn down in 1856,
and the residence of Garret Vreeland erected on the
site. William Duryee was his son, and the grand-
father of Alexander D. He married Anna Berrien,
and had one child, Henry, who was father of the
following: William (deceased), Ann (deceased),
Catharine, Abraham, Mary, Henry, Sarah Emma,
Augustus (deceased), and Alexander D. The father
)Henry) died in 1870, at the age of eighty-four; his
wife died in 1854. Of his children five married,
viz., William, Eveline Barnum, in Illinois ; Ann,
Peter TST. Beekman, of Millstone, who (1880) survives
her ; Catharine, Jacob S. Williamson, of Clover Hill ;
Henry, Mary Baker, of New Brunswick ; Alexander,
Elizabeth C. Vreeland, of Bergen, a suburb of New
Brunswick. The homestead is occupied by Alexander
and his sisters. Misses Mary and Emma.
Ann Duryea, of Blawenburg, married James
Barcalow, a son of Col. Farrington Barcalow, of
Millstone.
Rynear Staats, son of Abram (?), purchased of Cor-
nelius WyckofF some 350 acres, located on the Mill-
stone about a mile below Griggstown. Seytje Van
Nest, his wife, was born, it is thought, in Hillsborough
township, as was her husband, whose father was one
of its early settlers. He had two sons, of whom Abram
was the oldest, and three daughters. Abram had five
sons John, Henry, Abram, Rynear, and Gerret •
and four daughters, Maria, Martha, Phoebe, and
Petrunella. All are deceased except Rynear and
Abram ;. the latter has been a resident of Cayuga
Co., N. Y., since 1836. Rynear is living upon a part
of the old homestead ; his wife was Mary Van Derveer.
t Ralph Voorheea, " The Raritan," etc., p. 494.
X See further mention of this family in the history of Hillsborougli
township.
g See a general sketch of the Hageman family in Franklin township
history ; also mention of Andrew, Rev. Chas. S., and John F. Hageman,
Bsij., on pp. 591-92, 619-20, and 641 ; and of Dr. A. P. Hageman, on
page . 840.
@
(IS)
&
@
M
S3
@
@
@
Ik!.
@
MONTGOMERY.
837
Of the old family of Maj. Jolin Baird, formerly re-
siding at the river bridge near Griggstown, none now
remain in the township ; one son, Benjamin, is living
at Ten-Mile Run.
THE YOORHBES FAMILY.
John Stevens Van Voorhees came from Flatbush
(or riatlands), L. I., to Montgomery township in
1738, purchasing a farm of 345 acres southeast of
Blawenburg, on the road to Princeton. An old
parchment deed shows that he purchased this land
of Nicholas Lake, of New Brunswick, for £427. He
lived there for sixteen years, and in 1754 purchased
what is now known as the Voorhees homestead. The
deed bears date of "the first day of May, in the
twenty-seventh year of the reign of our Sovereign
Lord, George the second, Anno Domini one thousand
seven hundred and fifty-four," and is between " Abra-
ham Van Home, of, the city of New York, merchant,
and Catharine, his wife, of the one part, and John
Van Voorhees, of the county of Somerset and Eastern
division of the Province of New Jersey, yeoman, of
the other part." For the 201J acres of land therein
mentioned he gave £806, " current money of the
colony of New York," about $20 per acre. This
was located on the north branch of Beden's Brook,
in the township of Montgomery.
Both John Van Voorhees and his wife lived to a
good old age, the former being nearly one hundred,
the latter eighty-nine, when they died. Their young-
est sons, Abram and Jeremiah, who were both at
home when the father died, purchased the interest of
the other three brothers in the estate, and lived to-
gether until the latter died. He was fourteen years
older than Abraham, and had never married ; Abram
married at the age of thirty -nine. John Stevens Van
Voorhees married Jeanetta Kirshaw, at Long Island,
in 1730. They had five children. Abraham Voorhees
(here "Van" is dropped from the name), son of John
Stevens Van Voorhees, was born May 19, 1753, and
married Leah Nevius Voorhees, May 5, 1792; they
had three children, viz., John A., Sarah, and Jennie.
His wife, Leah, died in 1803, and in 1805 he married
Jane Kirshaw, who bore him no children., He died
Sept. 14, 1828; his wife survived him twenty-four
years. His son John A. married Elizabeth Skillman ;
died in 1821; had eight children, viz., Abraham
(deceased), Henry Skillman, Peter (deceased), John
I. (deceased! Martin (deceased), William (deceased),
Sarah P., and David C. Henry S. enlisted in the war
of the Rebellion, and served as orderly sergeant in
the Sixth New York Cavalry; he was afterwards
quartermaster in the same regiment. Sarah P. mar-
ried Peter Q. Staats, and had two children, John
and Elizabeth Skillman. David C. married Mary
Sorter, and has four children, Annetta Stanley,
May, George Edwin (deceased), and Hugh Russell.*
Maplewood is the residence, at Blawenburg, of
* From information furnished by Mrs. J. L. E. Meaick.
David C. Voorhees, previously mentioned as one of the
sons of John A., and great-grandson of John Stevens
Van Voorhees, the first of this family at Blawenburg.
The children of David C. are the fifth generation
who have lived on the place. There four generations
have been born and three died during the one hundred
and twenty-six years that have elapsed since its pur-
chase, in 1754. A view of this homestead may be
seen on the opposite page.
Another branch of the Voorhees family is that
which is descended from Peter Voorhees (1st), the
great-great-grandfather of John S. Voorhees, and son
of Garret Courten, who in 1720 bought 231 acres of
the Van Horn tract, lying about a mile west of Blaw-
enburg, and settled upon it. It is possible that he
was an uncle of the John Stevens Van Voorhees
(previously mentioned) who came in 1738. Peter
was twice married, both his wives being named
Nevius. His children were Mary, Jane, Peter, John,
Leah, and Sarah. Peter (2d), like his father, was
twice married, and by his first wife had Peter (3d),
who married Catharine Skillman ; Leah, who mar-
ried Abram Voorhees; and Martin, who married
Altje Van Dyke, and lived and died at Harlingen.
Martin had children, Peter (4th), who married
Jane Schenck, daughter of Capt. John Schenck, of
Amwell, a brave and daring officer in the Revolution ;
John, M.D., remained unmarried, died in the South,
where he had gone for his health, and was for some
time an inmate of the family of Gen. Jackson ; Leah,
married Dr. Ferdinand F. Schenck, M.D., lived and
died at Six-Mile Run ; Charity, married Joseph Pat-
terson, lived and died at Ten-Mile Run ; Sarah, mar-
ried Abraham Cruser, for some time sheriff of Mid-
dlesex County, lived and died near Kingston ; Fred-
erick v., married Cornelia, daughter of Rev. Henry
Polhemus, lived and died on homestead at Harlingen.
Peter (4th), who married Jane Schenck, lived on the
homestead, being of the fifth generation and the last
of the Voorhees family who owned and occupied it.
He was esteemed as a worthy member and supporter
of the church at Blawenburg, and rendered im-
portant aid in the organization of the congregation
and the building of the church edifice in 1830. He
was for a time judge of the Court of Common Pleas,
and for three years a member of the Legislature at
the time the constitution was revised and amended.
He had other important public trusts committed to
him, which he executed, enjoying the confidence of
his fellow-citizens. He had seven children : Alice,
who married John D. V. Joline, M.D., of Princeton;
John S., married Sarah Ann Van Doren, of Six-Mile
Run ; Charity, married Samuel D. Bergen, and now
lives 'at Princeton ; Mary, married Reuben A. Drake,
lived and died at Hopewell; Ada H. ; Jane P., mar-
ried Rev. J. B. Davis, at present pastor of Presby-
terian Church at Hightstown. She died in 1873.
Peter (5th) married Anna, a sister to WiUiam L.
838
SOMEESET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Dayton. Peter is a counselor-at-law, and lives in Cam-
den. Fredericlc is unmarried, is a counselor-at-law,
and practices at Mount Holly.
Judge Peter's sister Leah married Ferdinand H.
Schenck, of the fifth generation of John Schenok,
who came from Holland in 1650 and settled at Flat-
lands, L. r. His father was Martin Schenck, of Mill-
stone, who enjoyed public favor in a remarkable de-
gree, serving in various public capacities, as member
of Assembly, judge of the court, sheriff of the county,
etc. An active member of the Reformed Church at
Millstone, he was an esteemed friend of Oen. Fred-
erick FrelJnghuysen, who did much to advance his
public and private interests. Sheriff Martin's chil-
dren were Ferdinand S., who married Leali Voorhees ;
Sarah, married, first, Aaron Van Deventcr, of Bound
Brook, and, second, .Joseiih Van ].)oren, of Middle-
bush; Ellen, married .Joseph Annin; Mary Ann, mar-
ried Henry Wilson, Esq., of Millstone ; and Uplean
Van Sinderen, died young. Peter Voorhees (.Oth)
died on the homestead July 4, IHfiH, aged sixty-six;
his wife, Jane Schenck, died aged about fifty.
Cornelius and Abram, sons of Cornelius, the first
settler, both served in the lievolutionury army.
THE HOAGLAND FAMILY.
The old homestead of the Ifoagland family (of
which see illustration accompanying) is situat<'d in
Somerset County, on the west bank of the Millstone
Biver, about a quarter of a mile from the village of
Griggstown, and directly in front of one of those
remarkable curves so characteristic of that stream.
The bridge, which is now about a hundred yards
down the stream, formerly crossed the river nearly in
front of the house ; many of the stones of it are yet
to be seen. It is said that Washingtfjn, after the
battle of Princeton, in his retreat before the rein-
forced British army, crossed the old bridge, and then
ordered it torn down in order to detain his fiursuers,
who were within sight, near the present residence of
Abram Van Dom. The bridge was probably re-
paired at that time, and used for some years after-
wards, as there are papers in possession of the family
which refer to the building of one in 1787, probably
on the present site.
The old family homestead of the Hoaglands pre-
sents a cafe somewhat remarkaljle in this country, as
having been in possession of the family in the direct
male line (son succeeding father) since the earliest
settlement of the country, and also in the fact that
there has never been a mortgage upon it on reward.
The family burying-ground, after the manner of
our Dutch ancestry, is on the farm, within sight of
the house, a few hundred yards distant. In that
modest, secluded spot lie buried not less than four
Christopher Hoaglands, all living to be old men, the
first dying about 1748, the second in 1777, the third
in 180.5, the fourth in 18fi7, the suc-essive heads of
the family down to the present owner, Henry V.
Hoagland, who is now living on the farm, an old man
of seventy-seven. Near by is ground set apart for
the burial-place of the servants.
The present house was built in 1808, inclosed prin-
cipally with shingles, and is still in good repair.
Timbers in the cellar show that material from the
old house was used in its construction ; they ap-
pear as sound as when first laid. In the ball
stands the old clock, made in London, at what
time can only be conjectured. It has come down
through the generations, and is beyond doubt one
of the oldest docks in the county. On the face
is the narhe of '^' Franc Dc La fialle, London," and
the case is figured with wliat appears to be carved
work. It in still the" old reliable" as a timekeeper,
and, from present appearances, will yet tick in and
out many generations more.
Two barns are standing; the newer one, built, it is
said, in ]7fi5, is 40 by 52, and the older one, 28 by 4<)
feet, is probably the original one, built in 1727 or
thereabouts. Children of the present owner remem-
ber when both had the long pointed roof's whose, eaves
a tall man could reach from the ground. Tliat part
of their shape has been changed, but their frames re-
main as the original construi',t<'jrs njade them, appa-
rently as sound as when put up.
Among the old papers is a deed for 4000 a^;res of
land purch-ased of Thomas Hart, London, in 1702,
beginning at a point on the Millstone River known as
Punch-Bowl Meadow, next the Barker tract, running
west to "unappropriated lands," south to a point on
the stream known as No-Pike Brook, following it«
course to the river, and thence down that stream to
place of beginning. This tract, as the papers show,
was subdivided int^j three cj{ua,] parte by the original
purchasers. One of thfise divisions, containing over
1.^00 acres, was divided into four " lots," of about ''M
acres each, and the Hoagland farm was called lot No.
1. It was purchased of a Dr. William fieekman, of
New York, a son of one of the original fiurchascrs,
in 1727, by Christopher Hoagland. A deed in pos-
session of the family shows that he bought a tract in
Piscataway township, on the 'â– .iw.t side of Earitan
Eiver, in MM, from Cornelius Powell, in which in-
strument he is referrwl to as "Christopher Hoagland,
late of Flat Lands, L. I." From thiii location he re-
moved to near Griggstown, in Somerset County, in
1727. The papers show tb^t he died about 1748,
leaving three sons, .lohn, Christopher, and Marten-
ius. In a quit-clairn deed, dated in 1770, the heirs of
John and Martenius quit-claim all their right, title,
and int'-rest in the two-thirds x^art of the estate of
Christopher Hoagland and Catrena Cregier, his wife,
late of the city of New York, to Christopher Hoag-
land, the grandson, as the paper states, of tliis Chris-
topher Hoagland, of Xew York. This ia signed by
Jacob Hoagland, John Van Neste, Jores JV;rgen, .Jr.,
and Christopher Hoagland, executfjrs of John Hoag-
land, deceased, and by Phebe Hoagland, Oakey
5:00
5:00
Q
^_
to'
O
cq
#NAME?
a
I
ii 1^' :
«^ 'hi
r«;i
111 I
r
MONTGOMERY.
839
Hoagland, and Christopher Hoagland, "son of Mar-
tenius." John Hoagland was in the Council of the
province of New Jersey in 1763. The Christopher
above referred to died in 1777, leaving one son, Chris-
topher, and eight daughters. Among the papers is
an inventory of his property taken by Christopher
Hoagland, Jr., and Peter Stryker, as executors, and
appraised by William Baird and Peter Van Derveer,
dated April 10, 1777. Also the vendue-book, dated
April 21, 1777, with conditions of sale, articles sold,
and the purchasers. Interest attaches to these as
showing who were the actors on the stage in the long,
long ago, and the value at that time of the various
articles belonging to the farm. In the list is the
valuation and selling-price of several colored persons,
known then as slaves.
The son Christopher who followed him, living on
the farm until his death, in 1805, must have been a
man of considerable force of character. He was in
the Legislature in 1778, and among his papers is a
commission from Governor Livingston, dated 1776,
making him justice of the peace for the county of
Somerset, and his docket while acting in that capac-
ity is among his papers, showing who were the liti-
gants of that early day, the matters in dispute, and
decisions rendered. In glancing hastily over them we
find one man arraigned for profane swearing and fined.
Among the penalties imposed in some cases was the
lash ; but the consent of the owner of the slave seems
to have been required. It is noticeable, then as now,
that grievances seemed to befall particular individuals
with a sad frequency. Among the papers is a call on
the Rev. Peter Lowe, of Long Island, dated 1795, to
become the pastor of the churches of Six-Mile Eun
and Millstone, with the names of the elders and
deacons of each church signed thereto. Christopher
Hoagland heads the list from the church of Six-
Mile Eun. A letter from Fred. Frelinghuysen to C.
Hoagland, dated Aug. 19, 1800, advises him to settle
a matter in dispute about the support of an old col-
ored woman named Philis, which he seems to have
been inclined to litigate, wherein the wise observation
is made that lawsuits rarely result to the satisfaction
of either party. Other papers show that the matter
was settled.
Strange as it may seem, in those days the naviga-
tion of the Millstone was regarded as of much impor-
tance. The mill-owners were required to so arrange
their dams that the boats could pass up and down,
and Christopher Hoagland and Benjamin Griggs were
authorized to see that the law or agreement was en-
forced; also that these dams should be opened for
the passage of fish from the 20th of March to the 20th
of May of each year.
In those days a well-regulated homestead contained
within itself the appliances for making almost every-
thing necessary in carrying on the farm. On this
place were a tannery, blacksmith-shop, wheelwright-
shop, looms where the linen and other articles of fam-
ily use were woven, machines for breaking flax and
others for dressing it, spinning-wheels of various sizes
and sorts, rope-works, etc.
The following is the genealogy of the Hoagland
family : 1. Christopher Hoagland, of Haerlem, Hol-
land, died about 1684 or 1686. He married, June 23,
1661, in New York, Catharine Cregier, of Amster-
dam, Holland. (Will written March 13, 1676; re-
corded Lib. 3, p. 83, in New York surrogate's office.)
His children were : 2. Dirck, baptized Nov. 1, 1662,
in New York; married Maria Kip, in New York,
March 4, 1687. 8. Lysbeth, born 1664, died young.
4. Harman, baptized in New York, March 28, 1666 ;
died young. 5. Martin. 6. Christopher, baptized
Nov. 24, 1669, in New York; married (1) Catalyntie,
(2) Neeltje Voorhees ; resided in 1665 in Pearl Street,
New York ; lived in Flat Lands in 1706. 7. Francis,
baptized April 1, 1672, in New York. 8. Jacob, bap-
tized Oct. 25, 1676, in New York. 9. Deynoot. 10. Har-
man, baptized March 28, 1681 ; married Adriantje
, of Flat Lands, L. I., in 1716.
Christopher (6) had a son, 11. Christopher, who
was born Sept. 5, 1699, and died in April, 1777. He
probably had brothers, John and William, and pos-
sibly others. The children of Christopher (11) were :
12. Helena, born 1725; 13. Christoffel, born 1727;
14. Maria, born 1729; 15. Catrina, born 1732; 16.
Sara, born 1734 ; 17. Ariantje, born 1735 ; 18. Marga-
rita, born 1738; 19. Harman, born 1739; 20. Sara,
born 1741 ; 21. Femmetje, born 1743 ; 22. Dinah, born
1745 ; 23. John, born about 1747 ; 24. Martin, born
about 1749.
The children of Christoffel (13), who married Sarah
Voorhees about 1752 (she died 1813), were: 25. Cata-
line, born 1753, married William Baird; 26. Ida,
born 1755, married Martin (?) Nevius ; 27. Sarah,
born 1756, married John Baker; 28. Jannetje, born
1758, married Cornelius Nevius ; 29. Christoffel, born
1765, died 1837, married on Nov. 4, 1790, Nelly Wyck-
oflf (she was born March 8, 1772) ; 30. Leanah, born
1767, married Isaac Hulick; 31. Lucas, born 1770,
married Phebe Staats; 32. Isaac, born 1772, married
Michet; 33. Jacob, bom 1773, married Betsy
Veghte ; 34. Abraham, born 1775.
The children of Christoffel (29) were: 35. Abraham,
born Dec. 22, 1791, and married Sarah Wilson, Jan.
6, 1816, whose children were Ellen, 1816 ; Isaac N.,
1820 ; Henry W., 1823 ; Isaac N., 1825. No descend-
ants now living. 36. Peter W., born Sept. 10, 1794 ;
married Mary Cruser, Feb. 14, 1823. She was born
June 29, 1797; died 1861. Their children were
Christopher, Dec. 7, 1824; Alexander C, Oct. 15,
1826; Anna, May 26,1829; James Eomeyn, March
7 1832; Peter V., Jan. 3, 1835; Isaac W., 1842.
37. Lucas, born Nov. 20, 1797 ; married Sarah Nevius,
Dec. 5, 1821. She was born 1801, and died 1862.
Their children were twelve in number. 38. Henry
Veghte, born Nov. 30, 1803; married Phebe William-
son Nov. 30, 1826. She was born July 3, 1808.
840
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Their children are John Calvin, 1827; Peter Wil-
liamson, 1829; Josiah W., 1830; Mary Ellen, 1834;
Henry W., 1886 ; Emily, 1839 ; Sarah, 1841 ; Phebe
Ann, 1848; William J., 1847; Christopher A., 1850;
Theodore B., 1852. 39. Sarah, born 1805; died
young. 40. Isaac, born 1808 ; died young. 41. Chris-
topher Columbus, born May 10, 1810 ; died April 11,
1869 ; married Gertrude M. Labagh Sept. 11, 1832.
He left thirteen children.
The children of Lucas (31) were twelve in num-
ber.
We find that a John Hoagland had bought 176
acres (the farm of the late Cornelius Hoagland, of
East Millstone) before 1754. It extended 18 chains
along the east bank of the Millstone, and about a
mile and a half in depth. He was probably the
father of Tunis, born about 1750, and of a William
Hoagland. Tunis died in 1836. He was the father
of Cornelius, bom 1793, who died at East Millstone
in 1876. Cornelius had several sons, Tunis, Isaac
B., and Hon. John Van Doren. The latter was born
Dec. 8, 1812. He was appointed justice of the peace
in 1852, and has continued in this office, with the
exception of a single year (1872), ever since. He
was one of the judges of the Inferior Court of Com-
mon Pleas, 1867-69, and again, 187-^-79.
Sketches of other early families who have repre-
sentatives in this township may be found in the his-
tories of Hillsborough and Franklin townships, and
elsewhere in this work.
EAELY PHYSICIANS.
One of the first practitioners was John Reeve, born
in 1765, who settled at Rocky Hill about 1787, or
earlier. He became quite noted, and had a large ride.*
Abram Prall Hageman was also an early practitioner.
He was born two miles west of Harlingen, and com-
menced practice in that village in 1810. His name
appears in 1826 in connection with a bill presented for
medicine and attendance on one Nathaniel Hutch,
which was rejected on the ground that Hutch was a
pauper of Monmouth County. J. F. Hageman, Esq.,
of Princeton, is a son of Dr. Abram.
Rocky Hill has in its surroundings everything sug-
gestive of legend and historic events. It was pressed
by the feet of many a Revolutionary hero, nay, by
those of the great chieftain himself. After the battle
of Princeton, when Washington took the main road
towards New Brunswick, the British, frightened and
flying, made towards the heights of Rocky Hill,
crossed Beeden's Brook, and crowded on until they
reached the point formed by the junction of the brook
with the Millstone River, just in front of what is now
known as the old Van Derveer homestead. Abraham
Van Derveer says they came on a run, but when they
reached the forks they halted, finding the ice much
* See page 595 of this work for further account.
broken. They then procured rails, laid them on the
ice, and passed over. The Van Derveers had a large
pot of mush, just taken from the fire, and intended
for their breakfast. The British, hastily scooping it
out of the pot with their hands, soon devoured it, and
pursued their march, remarking that they had had
nothing but hot bullets for breakfast.
The oldest house at Rocky Hill was demolished
shortly before 1870. It was once a tavern, and stood
on the Georgetown (Lambertville) turnpike, in the
middle of the village ; this was the old Cruser home-
stead. The family was of Huguenot descent, and set-
tled on Staten Island at the close of the seventeenth
century. A representative of this family, Hendrick
Cruser, great-uncle of M. Van Dyke Cruser, settled
at Rocky Hill early in the last century, and erected
the flouring-mill now owned by David H. Mount &
Co. In 1777 this mill was sold at sherifi''s sale, and
was bought by Abraham Cruser, Hendrick's brother,
and grandfather of M. V. D. Cruser. He put his son,
Frederick, into the mill to work, and he grew up in
that locality. Frederick! was the father of M. V. D.
The land on which the latter now lives was a part
of the patent of Walter Benthall, by whom it was
conveyed to Nicholas Lake. A deed still in the pos-
session of M. V. D. Cruser shows that the land was
conveyed, April 16, 1739, by Nicholas Lake and
Mary, his wife, to John Gordon. In March, 1775, it
was transferred by Gordon and Anna, his wife, to
Jacob Schenck, and by subsequent purchase to Fred-
erick Cruser, whose son, M. Van Dyke, now owns
and occupies it.
John Van Horn was another early settler. He
lived about half a mile northwest of Rocky Hill, and
owned over 1000 acres. He was a friend of Gen.
Washington, who often visited him. He had no chil-
dren, and when he died he left his property to rela-
tives, by whom it was divided and sold.J
Kalm, the Swedish traveler, mentions Rocky Hill
in his " Travels." He says,
" This morning [Oct. 29, 1746] wo proceeded on our journey [from
Princeton]. The country was pretty well peopled ; however, there were
great woods in many places. They all consisted of deciduous trees, and
I did not perceive a single tree of the iir kind. ... On a hill, covered
with trees, and called Rockhill, I saw several pieces of stone or rock so
big that they would have required three men to roll them down. . . .
About noon we arrived at New Brunswick, etc.g "
It is said that in 1795 there were but three houses
on the site of Rocky Hill village, and one of them
was a tavern ; the other two were the residences of
Thomas J. Skillman, near the river, and John Van
Horn, where Henry Brinkerhoff now lives. He
owned 1500 acres, 1000 of which was woodland, run-
t He was a student at Princeton when those connected with it turned
out, he among them, to defend their country. But he was so very young
and small that his gun was taken from him, and he was sent back to
college.
X See Barber's " Historical Collections of New Jersey" for reminiscences
relating to Mr. Van Horn, Gen. Washington, and the painter Dunlap
(pp. 462, 463).
g Hist. Coll. New Jersey, p, 312.
MONTGOMERY.
841
ning south of the village and over the hill, the re-
maining 500 being a fertile plain lying northwest
of the village, now making twelve farms, one of
which is owned by Abraham Van Derveer. Peter,
who originally bought the land, was a son of the first
Van Derveer who came from Holland to Long Island ;
he died before the close of the Revolution.
Judge John Berrien owned the tract south of Van
Derveer's land. He was one of the justices of the
Supreme Court of the province. Dr. Thomas West
Montgomery was his son-in-law, he marrying, in
1788, the judge's daughter Mary, among whose chil-
dren were several who afterwards became distin-
guished. One was the wife of John B. Shaw, purser
in the United States navy, and mother of Mrs.
(Bishop) Odenheimer; another became the wife of
the late Com. Inman ; one son, John B., was after-
wards commodore of the United States navy ; Na-
thaniel L., in the navy during the war of 1812, lost
an arm, and was aide to Com. McDonough on Lake
Champlain, in 1814 ; while a daughter, Eliza L., is
now the wife of Bishop McCoskry, of Michigan.*
Still another daughter became the wife of Dr. John
B. Eicker, a surgeon in the Continental army; he
also rendered valuable service as a guide on several
occasions, and was taken prisoner by Simcoe, of the
Queen's American Bangers.! Ealph Voorhees
says John Berrien succeeded John Harrison as land-
owner at Eocky Hill, and doubtless erected the house
there in which Washington's " Farewell Address to
the Army" was written. His grandson. Judge J. Mc-
Pherson Berrien, was a prominent orator and states-
man, t
ORGANIZATION.
At no place in the public records is it stated when
the township first assumed its civil status. It was
doubtless between 1762 and 1772. About 1762-63 the
inhabitants of the "southern part of the western pre-
cinct" petitioned Governor Franklin to grant them a
patent for a new town, to be called after himself*
This petition was finally granted, but the town was
called Montgomery. Although this may have oc-
curred within a year of the above action, it is quite
as likely that it may have been deferred several years,
possibly until 1772, the date of the first record in the
oldest public document now extant in the township,
the volume in which are recorded the township elec-
tions. This first minute appears to be the record of
the first town-meeting held in Montgomery, and is in
the following words:
" Purauant to an act of the generil assembly of the Province of New
Jersey, the freeholders and Inhabitants of the western presink meet To-
gether on the 2d thuesday of March, 1772, at the house of William Jones
in sd presink, and by pniallity of vootes Choose in the following Officers,
viz. : Hendrick Vandike, Town Clerk ; Wm. Stryker, Gisbert lane, Free-
holders; Cornelius Tenbrook, Assessor; Thomas Skillman, OoUector and
Overseer of the Poore ; Derick Longstret, David Snowden, Surveyors of
the Eoads; Overseers of the Highways: Henry Sillcock, Nuel Furman,
John Heth, John Stockton, Nicholas Golder, Aderain Hegeman, Wil-
liam Lake, Daniel Hegeman, Powel Ammerman, Daniel Stout, Martin
Nufes.
A Committee appointed as above said for settling the presink business "
with the township of hillsborrow, and to raise the poore moneyg)f S*
western presink, Viz., Joseph Stockton, Christopher Hogeland, Junr.,
John Vandike, and Derick Longstret.
" And by appointment of S*^ Day, the town-meeting is to he held the
Next Tear at the house of wm Jones at Rocke Hill.
Henry Vandike, Clerk. "
this 10th day of March.
It may be safe to assume, in view of the above doc-
umentary proof, that Montgomery township was set
off from Hillsborough about 1772.
ROAD DISTRICTS.
The following were the road districts laid out in
1779-80, with the names of the overseers :
Kocky Hill road, Aaron Longstreet; Kingston road, Thomas Skillman;
road from Van Dyke's to Rocky Hill, Gen. Morris ; road from Wins-
ton to Kingston, James Moore ; from Winston to Kocky Hill, Wil-
* Genealogy of Montgomery family, et aliia.
f Wickes' Hist, of Med. in New Jersey.
X See biography on page 640, this work.
3 The petition was as follows :
"To his Excellency William Franklin Esqr Governor and Comman-
der in Chief in and over the Province of New Jersey and Territories
thereon depending in America Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same ;
The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Southern part of the "
Westering Precinct of the County of Somerset and Province of New
Jersey humbly pray that your Excellency would be pleased to Grant a
Patient for a Township to be known by the name of the Townsh^ of
Franklin for the Inhabitants of the said Southern part of the said Wes-
tering precinct, the Bounderies of which are as follows,-
" Viz : Beginiag at Millstone Elver on the line of Joseph Cornel and
Greatye Cornell and also at the beginning of the Township of Hillsbor
ough thence along the line of the said Township of Hillsborough the
several courses thereof until it comes to the East and West '-^-^1^^'
that is to say first along the line of the said Joseph Cornell and Gr^tye
Cornell west north west until it comes to the land of Daniel Po hemus
and Toghyas Voorheese, thence along their line as it runs until it comes
to the Southeasterly Corner of the land of Isaac Van Nuys thence along
his line West north West until it comes to the Southwest Corner of Ja-
cobus Van Nuys Jun land thence North North East until it comes to a "
64
Southeasterly Corner of the land of George Bergen, thence west as his
line runs until it comes to the Southeasterly Corner of the land of Ja-
cobus Ammerman and the Northeasterly Corner of the division of the
Sowerland Lots thence as the line between the small division of the Sower-
land Lots run South Uventy-nine degrees west until it comes to the Cor-
ner between Lot No. 13 and No. 14 in the small division being the South-
easterly Corner of the Lot of Johana Ditmarse, thence west between said
Lots until it intersects the Rear Line of the New Shanneck Lots thence
along the Rear Line as it runs South fifty degrees west until it Intersects
the division line between the Bast and West Jerseys thence south four-
teen degrees East as the line between East and West Jersey Runs until
it comes to the Great Post Road that leads from Trenton to Bnanswick
thence Northerly along the line between the Counties of Somerset &
Middlesex until it comes to the said Millstone River thence down the
said River the Several Courses thereof to the place of beginning and
your humble Petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever pray.
Christopher Hoaoland, Jun â– "
"Joseph Cornell
Barekt Striker "
" Peter Van Der Veer
Gerardus Beekman "
" Gerardus Beekman Jun
Thomas Quick "
" Thomas Skillman
Benjamin Baird "
" John Vandike
William Baied "
" Christoffel Hogelant
RoELOP Van Dike "
" Aaron Haqeman
Cornelius Tenbroeok
Arthur Sutphen
TuRCK Tenbroeok
Jacob Tenbroeok
John Voorhees
Zebulon Stout
John Voorhees
Jos Salyear
Abraham Stryker
Henry Vandike
Peter Wikeofp
Charles Salyear
Jos Stockton. "
842
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
liam Goa; from the proTince line to Rocky Hill, Daniel Slack;
from province line to Rocky Hill school-house, Hezekiah Stout;
Pennington and Princeton road, James Finley; from Rocky Hill to
Garret Yoorhees' smith-shop. Garret Van Pelt; from Voorhees' shop
to Griggstown, Nathan Allen ; from the school-bouse to Hillshorough,
William Bard; from Pennington to Winston, Samuel Carman.
THE POOR-FARM.
The township early provided for its paupers, as in
1772 we find records of money raised for this object
by the overseers. A reciprocal method of sustaining
this class at a later date suggested itself to some, and
it was proposed that a farm be purchased where the
labor of these mendicants could be made an equiva-
lent for support received. At a special meeting of the
town committee, held at Oppie's inn, Jan. 21, 1835,
William Duryea and Peter Voorhees, overseers of the
poor, reported that they had purchased a farm, in
company with the committee from the township of
Hillsborough, for the maintenance of the indigent
residents of both townships. It was from the estate
of John Van Pelt, deceased, and contained 230 acres.
In 1867 Hillsborough withdrew from this joint action,
since which time each township has supported its own
poor-farm.
The farm is under the immediate supervision of the
overseers of the poor, which office is at present filled
by John H. Schomp and William Oppie, of this town-
ship. It is free from debt, and at the present time
has but four inmates.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE TOWNSHIP, 1772-1880.
CLERKS.
17Y2-74, Hendrick Van Dyke; 1776-84, David Snowden; 1785-89, Henry
Van Dyke ; 1790-1802, Frederick Cruser ; 1803-4, Roelef H. Van
Dyke; 1806-8, John Skillman ; 1809-16, Henry Duryea; 1817, Peter
Voorhees ; 1818-24, Henry Duryea ; 1826-31, F. V. D. Voorhees ; 1832,
A.J. Dumont; 1834, Lloyd Van Derveer; 1835, Thomaa I. Sldllman;
1837-41, Peter D. Van Del-veer ; 1842-46, Joseph H. Voorhees ; 1846-
48, Martin Yoorhees ; 1849-51, Stephen Voorhees, Jr. ; 1852-54, John
D. Voorhees ; 1855-55, Luther Van Derveer ; 1857-58, Cornelius A.
Cruser; 1859, William T. F. Ayres; 1860-61, Isaac H, Oppie; 1862,
Luther Van Derveer; 1863-64, Charles M. Stryker; 1865, Theodore
F. Hoagland; 1866-71, A. H. Stryker; 1872-74, William Oppie; 1875
-78, John N. Van Zandt ; 1879-80, Ahram S. Hageman.
ASSESSORS.
1772-73, Cornelius Ten Broeck ; 1774, Christopher Hoagland, Jr. ; 1775,
John Johnston ; 1776, Peter Wykoff; 1777, Icliabod Leigh ; 1778-80,
Christopher Hoagland ; 1781, Derick Longstreet ; 1782, Christopher
Hoagland; 1783, Peter Wykoff; 1784, Christopher Hoagland; 1785,
Thannes Voorhees; 1786-88, John Voorhees; 1789, David Coven-
hoven ; 1790-91, John Voorhees ; 1792-95, David Covenhoven ; 1796-
98, David Conover; 1799, Ezekiel Blue; 1800-1, James Stryker;
1802-7, Ezekiel Blue; 1808-17, John D. W. Ten Brook; 1818-27,
Maj. William Duryea; 1828, Peter Voorhees; 1829, Henry Duryea;
1830, Peter Voorhees; 1831-32, Cornelius Kershow; 1833-36, John
Simonson ; 1837-40, Lloyd Van Derveer ; 1841-42, Cornelius Ker-
show ; 1843-45, P. D. V. Van Derveer ; 1846, Joseph H. Voorhees j
1847-49, S. D. Bergen; 1850-52, Abram S. Williamson; 1853-56,
Stephen Voorhees; 1856-58, Benjamin Randolph; 1859-61, James
Oppie; 1862, Cornelius J. Brokaw; 1863-65, James Van Zandt; 1866
-71, Luther Van Derveer; 1872-74, William A. Weart; 1876-80,
William Oppie.
COLLECTORS.
1772-73, Thomas Skillman; 1774, John Johnston; 1775, Christopher
Hoagland; 1776, John Johnston; 1777, Thomas Skillman; 1778,
Aaron Longstreet; 1779, Derick Longstreet; 1780, Thomas Skill-
man; 1781-84, John Voorhees; 1785-88, Henry Berrien; 1789-90,
Jacob Tenbrook ; 1791, David Covenhoven ; 1792-95, Jacob Tenbrook ;
1796-98, Ezekiel Blue; 1799, James Stryker; 1800-1, Ezekiel Blue;
1802-4, Samuel Beekman ; 1806-17, Maj. William Dui-yea; 1818, John
D. W. Ten Broeck ; 1819, Samuel Beekman ; 1820-27, Peter Voor-
hees ; 1828-30, Cornelius Kershow; 1831-32, Henry Duryea; 1833,
Ralph Johnson; 1834-36, F. V. D. Voorhees; 1836-37, CorneHus S.
Stryker; 1838, Cornelius Kershow; 1839^3, John S. Hoagland;
1844-51, C.S. Stryker; 1862, Abraham Van Arsdale; 1853-64, C. S.
Stryker; 1855, Samuel D. Bergen; 1866-69, Tunis C. Schomp; 1860-
63, William Race; 1864, Henry P. Apgar; 1866-66, Peler D. Staats;
1867, Charles M. Stryker; 1868-80, John H. Schomp.
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.
1772-73, William Stryker, Gisbert Lane ; 1774-75. Abraham Stryker, Gis-
bert Lane ; 1776, Derick Longstreet, Ahram Sti-yker ; 1777, Derick
Longstreet, Hendiick Stryker; 1778, Ichabod Leigh, Aaron Long-
street; 1779, Cornelius Tenbrook, Jacobus Lake; 1780, Henry Can-
ady, David Covenhoven ; 1781, Peter Wykoff, Ichabod Leigh; 1782,
Peter Wykoff, Cornelius Tenbrook ; 1783, Thomas Skillman, David
Snowden; 1784, Jacob Schenck, David Covenhoven; 1785, Jacob Ten-
brook, David Covenhoven ; 1786, Peter Wykoff, David Covenhoven ;
1787, 0. Hoagland, Henry Van Dyke ; 1788, C. Hoagland, BnoE Kel-
sey ; 1789-92, Enos Kelsey, Zebulon Stout ; 1793, Enos Kelsey, 0.
Hoagland ; 1794, Enos Kelsey, Cornelius Cornell ; 1795, Cornelius
Cornell, Garret Van Derveer ; 1796, Barnet Cornell, Garret Van Der-
veer; 1797-98, Garret Van Derveer, Samuel Beekman; 1799-1802,
Henry Van Dyke, Samuel Beekman; 1803-4, Abraham Skillman,
Samuel Beekman; 1805, Suniuel Beekman, John Stout ; 1806, Sam-
uel Beekman, William Covenhoven ; 1807, William Covenhoven,
Abram Van Arsdale; 1808-10, William Covenhoven, John Salter;
1811-12, Abram Van Arsdale, James Stryker; 1813, Elijah Clark,
Samuel Beekman ; 1814-18, Jeremiah Williamson, Samuel Beekman;
1819-22, Jeremiali Williamson, Ralph Johnson; 1823-25, Ralph
Johnson, Cornelius Cruser; 1826-27, John Skillman, Henry Duryea;
1828, Josiah S. Worth, Henry Duryea; 1829-30, Josiah S. Worth,
Cornelius Cruser: 1831, A. P. Hageman, Cornelius Worth; 1832, F.
V. D. Voorhees, Peter Voorhees: 1833, Abram Van Derveer, Maj.
Cornelius Cniser; 1S34, Henry Dui-yea, Peter Voorhees; 18:35-37,
Abram Van Derveer, Ralph Johnson; 1838, Peter Voorhees, F. V.
D. Voorhees ; 18:i9-40, F. V. D. Voorhees, Abram P. Hageman ; 1841-
42, F. V. D. Voorliees, Cliristopher Voorhees; 1843, Abniin Van
Arsdale, F. V. D. A'oorhees; 1844-46, Abraham Van Arsdale, John S.
Hoagluixl ; 1S46, J. W. llpdyke, P. Y. D. Van Derveer; 1847, John S.
Hoagland, J. W. Updyke ; 1848, J. W. Updyke, P. V. D. Van Deiveer ;
1849, P. V. D. Van Derveer, A. V. A. Skillman; 18S0-51, A. V. A.
Skillman, Martin Voorhees; 1852-54, John N. Skillman ; 1855-57,
Joseph H. Voorhees; 1858, John J. Voorhees; 1859, Abram S. Wil-
liamson ; 1860-61, John J. Voorhees; 1862-64, John N. Sldllman;
1865-67, Henry V. Hoagland; 1868-70, Jeremiah W. Updyke; 1871-
73, Charles M. Stryker ; 1874-77, Jacob M. Vreeland ; 1878-79, Cor-
nelius I. Van Oleef ; 1880, John V. H. Whitlock.
TOWN COMMITTEE.
1772-73, Joseph Stockton, John Van Dyke, Christopher Hoagland, Jr.;
1774-76, Eckbert Leigh, Peter Wykoff, Thomas Skillman, D. Long-
street; 1776, Robert Stockton, Roelef Van Dyke, Ichabod Leigh,
Derick Longstreet ; 1777, Ichabod Leigh, Peter Wykoff, Derick Long-
street, Zebulon Stout : 1778-82, Robert Stockton, David Snowdon,
Jacobus Lake, Grodus Beekman; 1783, Robert Stockton, Jacobus
Lake, Grodus Beekman ; 1784, Peter Wykoff, Robert Stockton, .Jaco-
bus Lake; 1785, Jacob Schenck, Cliristopher Hoagland, Roliort
Stockton ; 1786, Jacob Schenck, Cornelius Tenbrook, Cornelius Cor-
nell ; 1787-89, Jacob Schenck, Terrick Tenbrook, Joseph Stryker;
1790-91, Jacob Schenck, Joseph Stryker, John Beard ; 1702, Henry
Van Dyke, John Van Horn, David Snowdon ; 1793, Henry Van Dyke,
Capt. James Moore, Albert Monfort; 1794-06, John Van Horn,
Heniy Van Dyke, J. Moore ; 1790, Henry Van Dyke, J. Moore, David
Conover: 1797, H. Van Dyke, J. Moore, Wm. Conover; 1798, Stephen
Monfort, Robert Stockton, David Conover; 1799-1800, Wm. Conover,
Henry Van Dyke, Stephen Murford, Robert Stockton, David Cono-
ver; 1801-2, William Conover, Henry Van Dyke, Stephen Morford,
Robert Stockton, John Van Horno ; 1803, Henry Van Dyke, William
Conover, Stephen Morford, John N. Simpson, John Van Home; 1804-
6, John Tenbrook, William Covenhoven, Stephen Morford, John N.
Simpson, John Van Home; 1800, John Tenbrook, Abram Van Ai-a-
MONTGOMERY.
843
dalen, Stephen Morford, John Van Home, William Covenhoven;
1807, John Tenbrook, Abram Van Arsdalen, Stephen Morford, Isaac
Horner, William Covenhoven ; 1808-9, John Strylcer, Abram Van
Arsdaleu, Stephen Morford, Isaac Horner ; 1810, John Stryker, Abram
Van Arsdalen, Martin Voorhees, Isaac Horner, William Covenhoven ;
1811, William Davis, John Stryker, Martin Voorhees, Isaac Horner,
William Garrison ; 1812, John Stryker, William Davis, Martin Vor-
hees, Isaac Horner, John Skillman ; 1813, William Davis, Garret Van
Derveer, Martin Voorhees, John Skillman, Isaac Horner ; 1814-17,
William Davis, Garret Van Derveer, Christopher Hoagland, John
Skillman, Isaac Horner ; 1818, William Davie, Garret Van Derveer,
0. Hoagland, Henry Duryea; 1819, John D. W. Tenbrook, G. Hoag-
land. Garret Van Derveer, Henry Duryea, Isaac Horner; 1820, J. D.
W. Tenbrook, C. Hoagland, J. H. Skelton, William Cruser, John
Stout; 1821, J. D. W. Tenbrook, C. Hoagland, Elias Covenhoven, John
Stont; 1822, J. D. W. Tenbrook, C. Hoagland, Aaron tlpdyke, John
Stout ; 1823, Garret Van Derveer, Josiah S. Worth, Cornelius Kershaw,
Aarou Hpdyke, John Stont ; 1824, John Skillman, Josiah S. Worth,
C. Kershaw, Aaron Updyke, John Stout ; 1825, C. Kershaw, Josiah
S. Worth, Aaron Van Dyke, Henry K. Van Dyke, Henry Duryea ;
1826, William Cruser, J. S. Worth, Thomas Davis, Aaron Updyke,
Abram Staats ; 1827, William Cruser, J. S. Worth, Cornelius Kershaw,
Thomas White ; 1828, William Cruser, Garret Beekman, Kalph John-
son, Thomas White ; 1829, William Duryea, Peter Voorhees, Thomas
White, Abraham P. Hageman, John Skillman ; 1830, Thomas White,
A. P. Hageman, Cornelius Stryker, Heury R. Van Dyke, Emley Olden ;
1831, Henry K. Van Dyke, Cornelius C. Whitenact, Thomas White,
Cornelius Stryker, John Simonson ; 1832, Heury K. Van Dyke, John
Oppie, Emley Olden, Cornelius Stryker, John Simonson ; 1833, Cor-
nelius Stryker, John S. leigh, John Oppie, Henry Higgins, Uriaa
Sti-yker; 18;i4, Cornelins Strjker, Thomas White, Abraham A. Staats,
Emley Olden, Christopher Voorhees ; 1836, Henry Higgins, Roelef
H. Van Dyke, J. S. Leigh, Abraham I. Dumont, J. Oppie ; 1836, John
Davison, A. I. Dumont, Emley Olden, J. A. Perriue, t. Van Derveer;
1837, A. I. Dumont, Emley Olden, Isaac Van Derveer, J. S. Worth,
John A. Voorhees ; 1838, Cornelius S. Sti-yker, Jolin A. Voorhees,
Zephaniah Stout, Christopher Voorhees, Aiiron Cruser; 1839, Corne-
lius S. Stryker, John A. Voorhees, Isaac Van Derveer, Henry V.
Hoagland, Aaron Cruser; 1840, Cornelius Kershaw, Cornelius S.
Stryker, John A. Voorhees, John H. Polhemus, Isaac Van Derveer;
1841, Cornelius S. Stryker, Isaac Van Derveer, John A. Voorhees, John
H. Voorhees; 1842, Peter Voorhees, Isaac Van Derveer, P. V. D. Van
Derveer, Abraham Van Arsdale, Zephaniah Stout; 1843, Peter Voor-
hees, Isaac Van Derveer, Court Williamson, Court S. Stryker, Samuel
H. Stout; 1844, Peter Voorhees, Isaac Van Derveer, Garret S. Voor-
hees, Uri'as Stryker, Abraham Cruser ; 1845, Peter Voorhees, Bynear
A. Staats, Garret S. Voorhees, Cornelius Kershaw, A. V. A. Skillman ;
1846, Peter Voorhees, Wilson Metier, Garret S. Voorhees, Cornelius
Kershaw, A. V. A. Skillman ; 1847, Peter Voorhees, Wilson Metier,
Cornelius Kershaw, B. J. Staats, H. V. Hoagland; 1848, Peter Voor-
hees, John N. Skillman, Garret S. Voorhees, Thomas J. Skillman,
Abraham Van Arsdale; 1849, Beynear J. Staats, John N. Skillman,
John J. Voorhees, A. Van Arsdale, Thomas J. Skillman ; 1850, A. Van
Arsdale, John J. Voorhees, John N. Skillman, Samuel D. Bergen, John
K Van Derveer ; 1861, John N. Skillman, A. Van Arsdale, Samuel D.
Bergen, K. J. Staats, John J. Voorhees ; 1852, Peter Voorhees, Garret
S Voorhees, Cornelius Kershaw; 1853, Peter Voorhees, Garret S.
Voorhees, John J. Voorhees; 1854, James Van Zandt, Abraham
Cruser, Abraham Williamson ; 1855, James Van Zandt, John Beek-
man, Benjamin Bandolph ; 1856, Cornelius Cruser, James Van Zandt,
J. N. Skillman , 1857, J. A. Weart, J. N. Skillman, S. Voorhees ; 1858-
69, John N.SkiUman, Stephen Voorhees, William A. Weart; 1860-61,
Peter D. Staats, John V. H. Whitlock, Cornelius A. Cruser; 1862,
J V H. Whitlock, Peter D. Staats, Joseph H. Voorhees; 1863, Au-
gustus Van Zandt, Joseph H, Voorhees, Peter D. Staats; 1804, Isaac
Van Derveer, Cornelius A. Cruser, Court V. Sutphen ; 1866, Court V.
Sutphen, Cornelius M. Vreeland, Cornelius S. Stryker; 1866, Corne-
lius M Vreeland, 0. V. Sutphen, Matthew H. Whitlock; 1867-68,
John S. Hoagland, Cornelius M. Vreeland, Matthew H. Whitlock;
1869-71, John S. Hoagland, William H. Vreeland, David C. Voorhees;
1872-73, Peter D. Staats, J. M. Vreeland, Abraham C. Wyckoff; 1874,
Peter D. Staats, Abram C. Wykoff, Luther C. Van Zandt ; 1876-77, Peter
D Staats, Luther C. Van Zandt, Frederick P. Voorhees; 1878, Peter
D. Staats, John Q. Weart, David H. Mount, Abraham 0. Wykoff, Jo-
seph V. H. Eeed; 1879, Peter D. Staats, John Q, Weart, David H.
Mount; 1880, David C. Voorhees, David H. Mount, John Q. Weart.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS.
1847-48, Henry D. Johnson; 1849-52, P. V. D. Van Derveer; 1863, Abra-
ham V. A. Skillman ; 1864, Cornelius S. Stryker ; 1865, Abraham V.
A. Skillman; 1856, Cornelius S. Stryker; 1867-59, Lawrence Van
Derveer ; 1860-64, Cornelius S.' Stryker ; 1865, William T. F. Ayers ;
1866, Joseph H. Voorhees.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Harlingen", the principal village of this township,
is situated north of the centre. It is not directly on
the line of any railroad, although the Philadelphia
and Beading established a station, about a mile dis-
tant, on their line some years ago, bearing the name of
Harlingen.
Th'e village has a very good hotel, lately kept by
Mrs. E. A. Schomp ;* the only store is kept by John
C. Labaugh & Son. The mechanic arts are repre-
sented by George Anderson, shoemaker ; William H.
"Van Doren, wagon- and carriage-maker ; William B.
Dungan, harness-maker ; and John Darling, carpen-
ter ; the professions by Drs. Peter Skillman, L. D.
Tompkins, and J. V. S. Eibble ; Eev. John Gard-
ner, and his son, Eev. John 0. Gardner.
EoCKY Hill is situated in the southeast corner of
the township. It was known by its present name at
the very beginning of the last century ; John Harri- "
son, of Eockie Hill," is mentioned in 1701. During
the Eevolution, Eocky Hill and its immediate vicinity
witnessed some very important events in that struggle.
Opposite the village is the house in which Gen. Wash-
ington had his headquarters in 1783, and in which he
prepared his " Farewell Address."
The following is a summary of the mercantile in-
terests at the present time : a hotel, William Gabriel
proprietor ; the flouring-mill of David H. Mount &
Co., receiving its motive-power from the Millstone
Eiver ; two stores, of which Isaac Williamson and
A. T. Lewis are the respective proprietors; Erwin
Walker, saddle- and harness-maker; Henry Covert
and S. Higgins, shoemakers ; D. Hughes and Stephen
Cromwell, wheelwrights ; and L. T. Conover and Pe-
ter Weston, blacksmiths. There are three churches,
Reformed, Protestant Episcopal, and Methodist
Episcopal.
Blawenbueg is a small village situated in the
southwestern part of the township, near Beeden's
Brook. The only store is kept by John N. Van
Zandt. There is a church of the Reformed denomi-
nation, of which Eev. W. B. Voorhees is the present
pastor.
The other villages of the township are Stoutsbueg,
Rock Mill, Plainville, and Bridgepoint. They
are mostly located upon the boundary lines of the
township, and are to a considerable extent without
the limits of Montgomery, Stoutsburg being partly
in Mercer County, and Rock Mill principally m
Hillsborough township.
f Died in August, 1880.
844
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The following table, compiled from the last report
of the county school superintendent (1879), shows the
present condition of the township schools :
d .
!^
o
«
^
r3
i|
1
0
c
as
No. AND Name
OF District.
â– si
.a
o
â– a
p.
S'3
U
•c a
CJ.9
o a
0.3
H
11
§
li
I'D
1
1
S
•o
a ^
i§
ga
sS
a 5
â– t:a
fl
> -^
3 U
3
<
Ch
|2i
â– <
S
^
:2i'
IZi
54. Harlingen ...
$318.05
SI ,200
R5
10
2
25
70
55. Blawenburg.
435.78
1,200
106
9
74
39
48
56. Rocky Hill...
501.25
800
129
10
109
63
ion
57. Griggstown..
300
500
.â– iS
9
32
12
40
58. Hollow
300
400
70
9
m
24
0.3
59, Unionville...
300
700
77
9.6
45
372
18
40
S2,152.08
$4,800
619
9.4
181
328
6
Of the total amount received ($2152.08), $1843.95
was from the State appropriation, $198.13 from the
surplus revenue, and $110 from district school tax,
voted to be used for building, purchasing, hiring, re-
pairing, or furnishing public school-houses. The
average salaries paid the teachers in 1879 was about
$35 per month, ranging from $30 to $45. The school-
houses will compare favorably with those of any rural
township in the State, and the citizens take a com-
mendable pride in the schools.
In vivid contrast with the above were the one or
two " old-time" log school-houses of the last century,
such as Abraham Van Nuys, of Harlingen, remem-
bers of seeing when he was a boy, a log house " cov-
ered with a thatch of straw,'' and whose furniture
corresponded with the exterior of the building.*
John S. Hoagland is the present teacher of the
Griggstown school, and Miss Skillman has for many
years taught in this township.
CHURCHES.
There are five religious organizations, representing
the Keformed Dutch, Protestant Episcopal, and Meth-
odist Episcopal denominations, the first named being
the oldest and the leading church. Almost simulta-
neous with the settlement of this portion of Somerset
County the Reformed Dutch Church was established
at Harlingen.
EEFOEMED DUTCH CHURCH OF HABLINOEN.f
By a deed bearing date June, 1710, Peter Sonmans,
in conveying 9000 acres to seventeen proprietors, con-
cludes the instrument by giving 160 acres for the
benefit of a church founded upon the basis of the
Confession of Faith adopted by the Synod of Dort,
1618. But the Eeformed Church of Harlingen was
* "Our Home," p. 195.
t By Eev. J. S. Gardner.
not constituted until May 18, 1727, and then with
but seven members. It was organized by Rev. Hen-
ricus Coens, then of Aquackanonck, and was first
known by the name of the " Churoh-over-the-Mill-
stone."t It was so called until 1766, when what is
now known as the church of Millstone was formed.
This one then being designated as the church of
Sourland, it went by this name until Oct. 1, 1801 ; on
that date the Consistory voted to change the title
from "Sourland" to "Harlingen,'' in honor of the
late pastor, Eev. J. M. Van Harlingen.^ The first
building was in the southeast corner of the old church
cemetery, just north of the crossing of the Delaware
and Bound Brook Railroad. This building was a
square wooden structure.
In 1752 the Coetus or evangelical party finished a
new building on the site of the present one, in the
village of Harlingen. The old building in the cem-
etery, which belonged to the Conferentie, was finally
left to itself, and after a time demolished. The new
church cost £400, and is represented as " being in
the Dutch style of architecture, with high gables and
steep roof, an aisle on one side, from which a door
opened. Along the sides were short pews for the
men, while the body of the church was divided into
small squares occupied by chairs, on which sat the
women and children.''
In November, 1803, Consistory resolved to build a
new house of worship ; it was completed before the
beginning of January, 1804. and hence must have
been pushed with great rapidity. It stood on precisely
the same spot as the one which preceded it. The cost
of this church, together with the fence ivhich inclosed
it, was $4410.80. In 1851 the church found the struc-
ture too small for the needs of the congregation, and
so resolved to build again. Then was erected the
present edifice, which is the fourth the congregation
has had, the third upon the same ground.
Although the church was founded in 1727, it did
not enjoy regular services until 1729, and even then
at only far-separated intervals. The first pastor was
Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen, who lived at Three-Mile
Run, and who also had under his care the churches
of Raritan, Readington, New Brunswick, and Frank-
lin Park. He died in 1747. In 1750 this church,
with Raritan and Readington, called the son of their
late pastor. Rev. John Frelinghuysen. He lived at
Somerville, and was in reality the first pastor. His
father's work was very much interrupted, owing to the
fact that the Harlingen Church up to 1750 was greatly
under the influence of the Conferentie party ; in fact,
it was their headquarters for this county. || But now
X Die Kerk op der Millstone.
g The churcli was incorporated in 1801 under the name of Harlingen.
Rev. B. T. Corwin.
II Harlingen especially seems to have been an important point in the
Coetus and Conferentie diiBculties. The original house of worship at the
cemetery and the church records fell into the hands of the Conferentie.
The Coetus party, therefore, who could not be limited and restrained by
the formalities of the other, erected a new church in 1749, near the pres-
MONTGOMEKY.
845
a new future opened: the churcli became evangelical.
This party had strength sufficient to build their new
church (1752) on the site of the present one, the old
one being left to the Conferentie party. John Fre-
linghuysen served but four years, dying in 1754, at
the early age of twenty-eight.
During the two years which followed the younger
Frelinghuysen's death, this church fared very badly,
having but three or four services in that time. In
1758 these churches caUed Eev. Jacob R. Harden-
burgh. He went to Holland for about two years, and
during his absence the churches of Neshanic and
Harlingen withdrew from the other three, leaving
Hardenburgh to be their pastor, and they in 1762
caUed the Rev. J. M. Van Harlingen,* who preached
until 1795, when he died. He was buried under the
pulpit of the church at Harlingen. He was the first
pastor who lived among them, residing on the par-
sonage farm. In 1795, Rev. W. E. Smith was called.
His brothers were presidents, the one of Princeton,
the other of Union, then of Hampton and Sydney.
"With him began preaching in English. He officiated
two Sabbaths at Neshanic and one at Harlingen, re-
siding at the former place. In 1798 the two churches
called Rev. Henry Polhemus,t born in Harlingen, as
assistant to Mr. Smith. From this date Harlingen
had regular services each Sabbath; he remained until
1808. In 1809, Eev. Peter Labagh became assistant.
Mr. Smith continued preaching until 1817, when he
was stricken with paralysis in the pulpit. He lived
until 1820, but enfeebled in mind and body. At his
death the churches separated, Mr. Labagh remaining
with that of Harlingen ; he continued until 1844, when
he resigned. In 1844 the present pastor, Rev. John
Gardner, was called. He desiring to live nearer the
church, the parsonage farm, which Sonmans gave in
1710, was sold in 1846. From the proceeds of this
sale the present parsonage was built. In the spring
of 1880, owing to the failing health of the pastor, his
ent Bite, and kept a distinct record of their own. Both records have come
down to the present time. On May 9, 1734^ Dominie Antonides met some
Conferentie friends at the house of Bynier Veghte and ordained a new
Consistory, in opposition to Frelinghuysen's Consistory, namely, Koert
Voorhees and Daniel Folhemus, elders. This new Consistory secured
possession of the church books, and hence Frelinghuysen was obliged to
begin a new book of records in 1737. In this is noted the arrival, in
1750, of his son John, who preached his first sermon in that locality,
August 19th of that year, in the house of Simon Van Arsdalen. His
first sermon was preached in the church December 2d. Fi-om Sleele^s IHsc,
at New BrunawicJc, 1867.
Among the contributors to the building of the edifice of 1749 were
*' Simon, Aris, and Cornelius Van Arsdalen, Peter NeviuB, Gisbert Lane,
Derick Gulyck, Martynus Hoaglandt, Garret Willems, Zachyus Van
Yoorhees, Jan, Isaac, and Jacobus Van Kuys, Joseph, Barent, and Jan
Hegeman, Eeynier Veghte, Douw and Eem Ditmars, Paul Amerman,
Hendrick Van der Veer, Joris Bergen, Peter and Johannes Stryker, John
Covenhoven, Ab. Polhemus, etc.
* A. native of Millstone, but educated in Holland. He was no doubt a
descendant of Francis Van Harlingen, of Holland, with whom Dr. Liv-
ingston frequently stayed when in that country. Gunn^s Livingston,
p. 80.
f See sketch of Folhemus family in Early Settlement,"" history of this "
township.
son. Rev. John S. Gardner, was called for a year as
assistant, t
The records of this church (commenced in Dutch,
by Rev. Coens, in 1727) show the following members
up to the Revolution :^
^''^'^--S^rbrand Peterso, Johannes Koelbagh, Eesolvert Waldron, An-
netje Bennet, Maria Cortsilius, Jannetje Meyers, Jannetje
Steinmetz, " by certificate from other churches."
1728. Isaac Governeur, William Boos, Jannetje Coejmans, Gertrude
Staata, Elizabeth Krom, Madg. Gouverneur, Margarita Gouver-
neur, Christina and Susanna Poeters, Hendrick Smock, Johannes
Van Houten, Tryntje Poterse, Anna Gertruid Ervesen, Anna
Woertman, Casparus Van Noordstrand, Ab. Sloner, Crusje Rnn-
yen, Lucas and Sophia Schermerhorn, the last five on confes-
sion.
1729. Dina Kouwenhoven.
1730. Marietje Lange, Johanna Gouverneur, Metje Van Mekkele, Aaltje
Van Home, Helena Van Leuven.
1732. Denys and Antye Van Duyn, Simon Van Wickelen, Philip long,
Jacob Wynand, Eva and Marietje Thiese, Marietje Sloner.
1746. Machteltie Van Duyn (wife of Hendrick Staat8).|
1752. Geurtry Ammerman, Jacobus Van Nnys, Gysbert Vroom, Antie
Schenck (wife of Jan Gordon), A. Van Arsdalen, Dirk Olilick,
Gysbert Laan (Lane) and Seeltje Smock, Garret Van Arsdalen
and Cresje Hegeman, Peter Riemer and Wyntie Kingsberry,
Catrina Broach (widow), Catrina Booshear (wife of H. Can-
nedey), Hyltje Van Arsdalen (widow of I. Durland), Alida
Hoagland (widow of Jacob Van Arsdalen), Creesje Voorhees
(wife of Garret Van Arsdalen), Cupina Hegeman (widow of J.
M. Hegeman).
1763. Magdalen Durye (widow of Jan Staats), Johannis Powelsen, Jau-
ne^e Cornell (widow of John Nevius).
1764. Johannes and Dina Hooghlandt, Femiltje Buys (Boice), wife of
Eolkert Folkerse, Coert WUliameon, Matje Van Arsdalen (wid-
ow of Jan Van Nuys).
1765. Marie Van Nuys (widow of Abr. Van Arsdalen).
1766. Adriaan Hegeman, Roelef Van Dyke and Catharine Emans, Gerrit
Voorhees and Hannaatje Beekman, Maria Probasco (wife of
Joris Bergen), Catharina Snedeker (wife of Joachim Quick).
1767. Bernhardus Van Zandt and Beelitje Lattin, Lea Bange, Com.
Measelaar.
1768. Ennie Stryker (wife of Coert Willemsen).
1769. Elizabeth Van Deursen (wife of Do. J. M. Van Harlingen), Chris-
tophel Beekman and Martha Veghte, Jacobus Van Nuys, Hen-
drick Stryker, Joseph Hegeman, Petrus Voorhees, Adrian^e
Van Ai-sdalen, Peter Parlie, Cath. Voorhees (widow of Jan Cou-
wenboven), Jannetje Cussjouw (Kershaw), wife of Jan Voor-
hees.
1770. Maria Gulik (widow of Petrus Quick), Theunis Maria Coeper
( wife of Jacob Jeng), Elizabeth Van Arsdalen, Jacobus Leek.
1771. Com. Van Houten, Jacobus Nevius.
1774. Jacobus Van Nuys and Maria HooglanJ, Antje Me6ch (wife ot
John Tyne).
1775. Sara (or Lena) Amerman (wife of Jan Wykkoff), .Joseph Hege-
man and Lucreesju Willemse, Jeromis Bappulje, and Sarah
Willemsen.
1776. Stephen Terhune and Margretta.
1777. Jan Amerman.
1779. Jobs. Voorhees and Jannetje, Margretha Bendel (wife of Jacob
Van Nuys).
1780. Thomas, Dennis, and Catharine Couenhoven.
EEFOEMED DUTCH CHUEOH OF EOCKT HILL.
In the latter part of the winter of 1855-56 a few of
the church-going citizens of Rocky Hill began se-
I In writing this article use has been made of Corwin's " Centennial
Memorial," Messler's " Historical Notes," and the minutes of the church. ,
g The orthography of the record has been copied, so far as possible.
II Between 1746 and 1752 (date not given) Allebert Lou, Abraham Du-
booiz, Eeynier Vegh tin, Jan Staats, Bern Ditmars, Joris Bergen, Cornelius
Lou, Ab. Hegeman, Eeynier Van Heugelin, Ab. Polhemus, Hendrick
Herder, Johannes Gribling, Peter Couenhoven, Susannah Lou, Deyna,
and Helena Van Leuwe, Meeya Lakmier, Goertie Folkersen, Autis
Couenhoven, Maria Hurder. ■•
846
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
riously to advocate the building of a Reformed Dutch
church in the village. After private consultation it
was deemed expedient to test, by voluntary subscrip-
tion, the feeling of the citizens of the village and
vicinity before calling a public meeting. Samuel
Brearly and Abraham Van Derveer were constituted
(March 10th) a committee to solicit in behalf of the
enterprise. In this labor they were quite successful.
After obtaining a certain amount of money pledged
to the undertaking, a public meeting was called, and
held the 31st of March, 1856. On that occasion a
committee was chosen to select a suitable site for
the location of the proposed church, and to report at
a subsequent meeting. At a meeting held June 7th
the committee reported that they had selected a site
for the church, which report was accepted, and the
committee instructed to purchase the lot. A building
committee was also chosen, consisting of Samuel
Brearly, Thomas J. Skillman, and Wesley Morris,
who, after mature deliberation, decided upon the
plans and specifications of H. W. Leard, of Prince-
ton, for a building 37 x 65 feet, of Gothic architec-
ture. The plans being unanimously approved at a
subsequent meeting, the building committee pro-
ceeded in the matter of its erection. On the 4th of
August, same year, they closed a contract with Mr.
Leard for its erection; it cost $4245. It was com-
pleted in the spring of 1857, when an application was
made to Classis of Philadelphia to organize a church
at Eocky Hill, which was accordingly done on May
6, 1857. The Classis appointed Revs. T. B. Romeyn,
John Gardner, and Peter Labagh to organize the
church ; and May 6, 1857, certificates of membership
were received from the following :
Michael Vrp.eland and Ann, his wife; Myndert Vreeland and Anuetrje
Van Riper, his wife, of the Reformed Dutch Church of Bergen, N. J,
From Griggstown : Isaac Van Derveer and Mary Skillman, hia wife ;
Francis Stout, wife of Alexander Van Dike ; 'James Skillman. From
Harlingen; Sally Ann Tenbrook, wife of M. V. D. 'Crueer; Joseph
H. Voorhees and wife, Sarah 0. Westbrook. From Blawenburg :
Mrs. Sarah Stryker, wife of William Cruser, deceased; Misses
Cornelia M., Ann, Matilda, and Sarah Cruser ; Samuel Brearly and
wife, Maria V. Conover; John A. Saurus and wife, Caroline Case;
Cornelius Vreeland and wife, Gertrude Van Marter; Henry Vree-
land and wife, Margaret ; W. H. Vreeland and wife, Mary Ann Stry-
ker ; Abr. Van Derveer and wife, Phebe Reeves ; Abby Van Derveer,
wife of Abm. 0. Voorhees ; Miss Catharine Jane Vreeland ; Dr. C. R.
Van Doren and wife, Amanda Meeker ; Jacob Vreeland, Jr., and
wife, Parmelia Van Dike. Number of members, 34.
The building was all completed and free from debt
at its dedication, June 10th following. Rev. Dr. B.
C. Taylor preached the dedicatory sermon, and the
venerable Rev. Dr. Peter Labagh took part in the
exercises. The pews were sold, and a pastor called
as soon as possible. Rev. Martin L. Schenck, the
first pastor, took charge of the congregation in Sep-
tember, 1857, and remained until July, 1865. A
joint request was made to Classis by pastor and peo-
ple to dissolve the connection, which was done Aug.
9, 1865. The following month, in response to a call,
the Rev. Oscar Gesner assumed the pastoral charge,
and sustained the relation until May, 1871. The en-
suing year the church was dependent upon supplies,
but in May, 1872, the Rev. H. C. Berg accepted a call
from the congregation, and soon after entered upon
his duties. This connection was dissolved Jan. 1,
1879, from which time until Aug. 1, 1879, the church
was without a pastor. A call had, however, been
made to the Rev. C. 0. Lansing, and accepted by him;
he was duly installed August 1st, and has continued
his ministrations until the present time.
About ten years ago (1870) a lecture- and Sunday-
school room, of 24 by 50 feet, was erected, of Gothic
architecture, to correspond with the church. The
parsonage is new, commodious, and tastefully planned.
The Sabbath-school of Rooky Hill was organized
in the spring of 1817 by Misses Jane, Catharine, and
Sarah Van Derveer, Eliza and Sarah Reeves, and
Mary Dunham, and conducted by them for many
years, superintended by Jane Van Derveer, who sub-
sequently went as a missionary to India. Prior to
the organization of the Rocky Hill Church this school
was attended by the children of the Kingston, Har-
lingen, Blawenburg, and Griggstown Churches. This
Sunday-school was the successor of the one established
in 1815 for colored children by Abr. Stryker, of the
Reformed Church of Harlingen, Jacob W. Lane, of
the Presbyterian Church of Princeton, and Cornelius
Van Derveer, of Kingston. For a year or two this
was in existence, holding sessions on Sunday, a short
distance west of the village.
The first elders and deacons, ordained May 24, 1857,
were : Elders, Myndert Vreeland, Samuel Brearly,
Isaac Van Derveer, and J. H. Voorhees ; Deacons,
John A. Saums, Michael Vreeland, Dr. C. R. Van
Doren, and Jacob Vreeland, Jr. These and the fol-
lowing have served at different times, up to the
present, 1880 :
Elders. Abram Van Derveer, Henry Vreeland, Garret Vreeland, J. V. D.
Baker, Blias Baker, Michael Vreeland, Wm. G. Shults, Jacob Vreeland,
Jr., John C. Whitlock, Stephen Voorhees, Jacob J. Vreeland, M. S. Van
Derveer, Stephen Cromwell, William Holmes, Thomas Plant, Garret
Voorhees, Isaac Van Zandt, and T. F. Stryker.
DeacOTjt. Cornelius Vreeland, William Holmes, William G. Shults,
William H. Vreeland, James Skillman, Frederick Cruser, Cornelius
Baker, Jacob M. Vreeland, Stephen Cromwell, Thomas G. Plant, Garret
Voorhees, 0. F. Brokaw, John Bastide, T. F. Stryker, F. V. D. Voorhees,
F. Manley, William A. Cortelyou, Fred. P. Voorhees, Isaac Shults, Law-
rence Conover, David H. Mount, Edwin S. Voorhees, Michael J. Vree-
land, James G. Hageman, Charles L. Williamson, and Samuel B. Voorhees*
This church has a present (1881) membership of
157, embracing 70 families.*
THE REFORMED CHURCH OF BLAWENBURG.
In 1830 the present edifice was erected at Blawen-
burg by the society at Harlingen, probably as a
matter of convenience to many of their members who
lived at localities so remote as made regular attend-
ance at the Harlingen church inconvenient, except-
ing in the most favorable weather. This continued
* We are under many obligations to Stephen Voorhees for the material
facts contained in this sketch.
MONTGOMERY.
847
to exist as a branch of the parent church until 1832.
March 2d of that year it was
" Rasolved, That the church he known and called by the name of the
Beformed Dutch Church of Blawenburg.* "
Eev. Henry Hermance was the pastor at that time,
and so continued until 1836. He was succeeded by
the Rev. James R. Talmage, who had the pastoral
care until 1849. Mr. Talmage was succeeded by the
Rev. Theodore B. Romeyn, who continued until 1865,
when he severed his connection, and Rev. C. "W.
Fritts was called to the charge. He discharged the
duties of pastor until 1871, when he retired, and Rev.
W. B. Voorhees, the present pastor, was called as his
successor.
The church now has a membership of 250, and the
Sunday-school, of which J. V. H. Reed is superin-
tendent, has an average attendance of 40.
Tife METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUBCH OF EOCKT HILL.
The society was organized in the spring of 1869,
and worshiped in a temporary building on the land of
William Fairbanks. There were about twenty con-
stituent members. Nov. 23, 1869, the corner-stone of
the present house was laid, and the building was first
occupied for public worship in the spring of 1870.
The church is valued at $4000, and has a seating ca-
pacity for 270 persons.
The pastors have been Revs. Wiley, Atwood, Bos-
well, Patterson, Morris, Hanly, Sawre, and Ogborn.
The last named, Rev. W. N. Ogborn, is the present
pastor.
Services have been held regularly since the organi-
zation of the church.
TBINITT CHUBCH (PKOTESTANT EPISCOPAL), EOCKT HILL.f
Rocky Hill appears among the stations visited by
the Rev. John Brooke, a missionary of the Society for
the Propagation of the Gospel, who, after faithfully
serving three or four years in New Jersey, was lost at
sea about the close of 1707. His successor, Mr.
Vaughan, probably visited this station, but no per-
manent congregation seems to have been gathered
here by him or his successors. The earliest services
in recent times of which information has been ob-
tained were conducted by the Rev. G. Emlen Hare,
first rector of Trinity Church, Princeton, about 1840.
Succeeding rectors of this church officiated from time
to time at Rocky Hill, and such occasional ministra-
tions became more fi-equent after the removal to this
place of Mr. Henry McFarlane, in 1853. At his
house regular services were begun Nov. 10, 1862,
under the oversight of Eev. W. A. Dod, D.D., of
Princeton, by Rev. W. G. Andrews, their lately or-
dained deacon. A church containing a hundred sit-
tings was built in 1864 by Mr. McFarlane's nephew,
Harry Stone, of New York, and was consecrated July
« Among the familiee who went from Harlingen to Blawenburg were
those of Van Zandt, Sutphen, Voorheea, Schenck, etc,
•j- Bev. W. G. Andrews.
15th in that year ; there were at that time nine com-
municants. The parish was organized Nov. 25, 1865,
the first wardens being Henry McFarlane and Benja-
min Jackson, and the first vestrymen Edwin B. Gu-
lick, Abram Voorhees, Peter Weston, William B. Mc-
Farlane, and Isaac Bulman.
Mr. Andrews remained in charge as missionary
until April 25, 1866. He was succeeded by the Rev.
Lewis H. Lighthipe, who became the first rector of
the parish, and resigned in December, 1867. The
Rev. Messrs. Daniel Shaver, Arthur R. Morris, and
Ezra Isaacs each spent somewhat less than a year at
Rocky Hill, the financial weakness of the parish
making it difficult to provide adequate support for a
rector. The Rev. Asa S. Oolton, residing in Princeton,
supplied for the most part during the vacancies. In
December, 1873, the Rev. William B. Bolmer became
missionary under the care of the Convocation of New
Brunswick ; he was chosen rector May 15, 1880, and re-
signed in the following December.
The present wardens are Thomas Arrowsmith (re-
moved) and Horace C. Mahan; the vestrymen are
Messrs. James B. Powell, Homer H. Mahan, Eugene
B. McCarty, Emil Widder, and Peter V. Outcalt.
Communicants, as reported at the last diocesan con-
vention, 47.
BURIAL-PLACES.
EOOKT HILL CBMETEBY ASSOCIATION.
Aug. 10, 1858, Samuel Brearley, Daniel H. Mount,
and William Holmes purchased six acres near the vil-
lage, of Stephen Cromwell, for $600, in trust for the
above-named association. Since that time the com-
pany have sold burial-lots in the cemetery to ninety
persons. The present officers (1880) are Thomas J.
Skillman, President; David H. Mount, Treasurer;
Stephen Voorhees, Secretary and Superintendent.
Among the private or family burial-grounds in
this township are the following :
THE DUEYEA CBMETEBY,
a private cemetery back of the residence of Alex-
ander Duryea. A few of the inscriptions are here
given :
" In memory of Maria Van Liew, wife of George Duryee. Born March
14,1724; died October 28, 1761. "
" In memory of George Duryee, son of George and Magdalen Dnryee,
who died October 3, 1776, aged 6 years and 6 months. "
In memory of George Duryee. Died October 2, 1794, aged 66 years.
" In memory Magdalen Baird, wife of George Duryee. Died December
5, 1793, aged 66 years. "
" Maria Statesur, wife of Simon Duryee. Died Feb. 2, 1804, in the 4l8t
year of her age. "
HAELINGEN CEMETEBY.
" Juffrouw Sarah Van Harlingen Gebooren â– . Stryker Gehooren
Den. 1. luny A» 1744. EnoTorleeden Den. 27 Decenber A 1766."" "
" Here lies y» body of M. Peter Perlee he Departed this Life April y»
18ti», 1781 In y 40*'* yeare of his Age."" "
" In memory of Catharine.iwife of Jacob Kershow, who died June 27«',
1777, in the 66 year of her age. "
" Here lies y body of Albert Voorfiees, who died Sep' y 26't, 1784, io
yo 69* year of his age. i "
" In memory of the Bey. Johannes Martinus Tan Harlingen, Pastor oF
848
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
the Beformed dutch congregation of Sourland and new Shannick, who
died December 23^ 1795, in the 7lBt year of hia age. "
" In memory of Harriet Eomeyn, daughter of the Rev. Peter and
Maria Lahaugh, who died February 27, 1814, aged 2 years 11 mo 17
days. "
" In memory Hendricli Yan Harlingen, who was born Oct. the 15th,
1796, and died JanJ the 21 1780."" "
A HISTORIC WELL.
The following circumstance, which at the time of
its occurrence was trivial enough, has, in the interve-
ning years, hecome fraught with historic interest, from
its connection with the terrible struggle by which our
land gained its independence.
In 1783 a detachment of Gen. Washington's army
en route to the headquarters of their commander, at
Rocky Hill, came along the road leading by Mr.
Duryea's farm, and stopped at the well to drink and
fill their canteens with its delicious contents. Tired
and thirsty and almost choked with the dust of a long
march, each man drank copiously, and, although
Nature did her best, by means of an unfailing spring
at the bottom of the well, to replenish the water thus
consumed, the demand was greatly in excess of the
supply, and by the time each thirsty soldier had sup-
plied his want the water was literally exhausted. â–
The well is only about ten feet deep, but its supply
of water had never before failed to meet the demand,
neither has it done so since. It is located on the
present estate of Alexander D. Duryea.
BIOGPtAPHIOAL SKETCHES.
JOHN VAN ZANDT.
JOHN VAN ZANDT.
The subject of this memoir was the great-grandson
of Bemardua Van Zandt, who was born in Holland,
Oct. 3, 1700, and came to this country at a date of
which we have no record. Soon after his arrival here
he purchased a tract of two hundred and twenty-six
acres of land, adjoining the Voorhees estate, in Mont-
gomery township, Somerset Co., then a part of the
Eastern Division of the Province of New Jersey.
He died March 27, 1778.
Nicholas, the second son of Bernardus, was born
Dec. 25, 1737. He married Lucretia Van Brunt, and
succeeded to the homestead on the decease of his
father, where he continued to reside until the time of
his death, in 1805. The old homestead was then
eonveyed by the other heirs to Capt. Bernardus Van
Zandt, who was the second son of Nicholas. He
married, Jan. 7, 1790, Sarah Sutphen, a most amiable
lady.
The marked ability of Capt. Bernardus in the man-
agement of his farm and the excellent qualities of
his wife attracted the attention of her uncle, James
Nevius. He had no family and lived alone upon an
adjacent farm, and finally, in 1809, persuaded his
niece and her husband to leave the old homestead and
live with him. He died about- two years afterwards,
leaving hia large farm by " will" to Capt. Bernardus,
subject, however, to the payment of certain legacies.
They remained upon the Nevius farim as long as they
lived and raised a family of two sons and eight daugh-
ters, three of whom are still living (January, 1881).
Their second son, Nicholas, lived upon the old
MONTGOMERY.
8i9-
homestead, and it is still in the possession of his
heirs, and within the same boundary lines as when
purchased, nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.
The eldest of the ten children, John Van Zandt,
was horn June 10, 1791. He married, Nov. 20, 1817,
Anna, the eldest daughter of Stephen Voorhees, a
woman of lovely disposition and unaffected piety.
They succeeded to the Nevius farm in 1850, by " will"
of his father, and resided there until their decease.
They had six children, two of whom died in their
youth. Their sons James and Augustus and daugh-
ters Sarah and Anna Eliza are still living.
Mr. Van Zandt was a prominent member of the Re-
formed Dutch Church of Harlingen until nearly fifty
years since, when he and a few of his neighbors
founded the Reformed Dutch Church of Blawen-
burg. He was one of a most excellent building com-
mittee who, by their liberality, zeal, and personal
labor, erected what must then have been a hand-
some and substantial church edifice, and it remains
to-day an enduring monument of their philanthropy
and piety. He cherished the welfare of that church
with greatest ardor, and was always glad to give his
time, his labor, and his money to promote its interests.
He served in the offices of elder and deacon at vari-
ous times. He was -a most liberal contributor, and
was identified with every beneficial interest of the
church.
His educational advantages were only such as the
district school afforded, but he was intelligent and
fond of reading, and in his later years was well in-
formed. He received a "second sight," and read
without glasses.
A marked peculiarity of his old age was that he
took a great interest in every new project and in-
vention.
In politics he was a staunch Whig and afterwards
a Republican, never failing in duty at the polls. He
lived under the administrations of nineteen Presidents
of the United States, commencing with Washington,
and probably voted at sixteen Presidential elections.
After a long and useful life of integrity, piety, la-
bor, and success in every particular, he died Jan. 2,
1881, in the ninetieth year of his age, respected, hon-
ored, and beloved by' all who knew him. Just two
weeks afterwards his amiable wife died also, and was
buried by his side in the cemetery at Blawenburg.
They leave, surviving them, four children, twenty
grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, nearly
all of whom are living in the vicinity of their ances-
tral home.
JAMES N. VAN ZANDT.
James N. Van Zandt, a view of whose attractive
place endeared to himself and children by memories
of home, and so indicative of the industry, thrift, and
cultured taste of the owner may be seen on another
page of this work, is the eldest son of John Van
Zandt, of Blawenburg, and is regarded as one of the
model agriculturists of Somerset County. He first
purchased of Garret Van Zandt a small farm of
seventy -two acres, situated in Montgomery township,
near Blawenburg, to which, in 1860, was added one
hundred acres of the old homestead of his father. In
that year he erected thereon a large brick residence
with outbuildings. He has confined his labors
strictly to the cultivation and improvement of his
farm, expending time and money in under-draining
it, adopting all of the practical modern improvements
tending to facilitate the operations of agriculture.
He is a gentleman extremely modest and unassuming
in manner, devoted to his home and family, and' by
his manly Christian life has earned for himself a
place among the most respected representative men
of his vicinity.
ABRAM C. WIKOFf!
Abram C. Wikofif, the third son of Samuel and Abi-
gail (Bembridge) Wikoff", and grandson of Garret
Wikoflf, was born in- the township of Hillsborough,
Somerset Co., N. J., Feb. 29, 1826, and removed to
Montgomery township, to the place where he now re-
sides, in 1850. He is by occupation a farmer, and is
among the leading agriculturists of the township.'
Dec. 18, 1849, he married Louisa M. Garretson,
daughter of James Garretson, of Raritan Landing.
They have four children, viz., Catharine, Samuel,
Hannah M., and James Wikoff. Catharine married
Stephen Gano, a civil engineer, residing at Fleming-
ton, N. J., and has one child, Frederick.
850
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Mrs. Louisa M., wife of Mr. Wikoff, was born at
Weston, Hillsborough township, Oct. 3, 1825.
Mr. WikoiT was formerly a Whig, but since the dis-
solution of that party has been a staunch Republican.
He has never sought office, but has filled several offi-
cial positions in his township, and has been surveyor
for Bound Brook Fire Insurance Company for several
years. He is an active member of the Reformed
Church of Harlingen, and has at various times held
the offices of deacon and elder, the latter of which he
now holds.
Samuel and Abigail Wikoff had, besides the subject
of this notice, the following-named children : Garret,
Adrenna, John B., Peter W., Isaac V. C, Maria,
Jacob T., William Henry, Matilda, and Samuel L.
Abigail Bembridge, the wife of Samuel Wikoff, was
a daughter of John Bembridge, of Hillsborough.
DAVID 0. VOOilHEES.
The subject of this notice was born in Blawenburg,
Somerset Co., N. J., Aug. 3, 1816. He is a son of
.Brunei, &' 'Vo-cnI.Au
Okey Voorhees, who was born Aug. 29, 1743, and died
May 21, 1819. His wife's name was Allemma Ker-
shaw, who ' was born Aug. 3, 1781, and died March
2'3,'iS6'i'. They had two children, viz., Peter O.,
born March 6,1806, and David 0., as stated above.
Peter 0. married Frances B., daughter of Stephen
Stryker, of Harlingen, N. J., by whom he had six
children, four of whom are now living (1880), two
.having died in infancy.
Stephen S., the first son of Peter 0., married Se-
lina, the daughter of Peter J. Stryker, of Blawenburg.
They have two children. Mary Ann married Peter
Oortelyou; they have five children.
Mr. Oortleyou and his family are now residing in
Sommerset, Kan. David P. married Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of John Moore, of Hopewell, Mercer Co., N. J.
They have one child. Allemma Voorhees is still single.
David 0. was married, Deo. 15, 1839, to Rebecca Ann,
daughter of Samuel H. and Mary S. Hageman, of
Blawenburg, by whom he has one son. Holmes Hage-
man Voorhees, born Sept. 9, 1857. Mr. Voorhees has
been brought up on a farm and is strictly an agri-
culturist ; has received such an education aa was
usually acquired at the common town or district
schools of his time. He has never taken great inter-
est in political affairs ; has been a Whig, and since
the Republican paity has been the dominant one he
has been identified with that. Mr. Voorhees has been
a " freeholder" of his township one term ; has been a
member of the Reformed Church of Blawenburg
about thirty years, holding at different times the
principal offices pertaining thereto.
PETER STRYKER STOUT.
Peter Stryker Stout is a lineal descendant of Richard
Stout, the general paternal ancestor, probably, of all
PETER STRYKER STOUT.
the families of that name in America. He came over
to this country from Nottinghamshire, England, some
time between 1640 and 1648.
William Stout was the grandfather of Peter Stryker
Stout, and married Rachel Carr. They had a family
â– tUXy^><XJljll,
f^'^^UA^oCiuflj^
CgjC-^
Lawrence Van der Veer is the great-great-grandson of
Cornelis Jansen Van der Veer, who arrived in this country
from Amsterdam, Holland, in February, 1659, on the good ship
Otter, and was probably the progenitor of all the Van der
Veers at present in America. He came originally from Hemsflete,
in North Holland. On arriving he settled in the vicinity of Flat-
bush, L. I., and afterwards married Gillis de Mandeville. The
only one of his children who interests us in this connection, how-
ever, is his son, Cornelis Cornelissen, who married and reared a
numerous family of sons, who, although their father seems to
hare lived and died at Flatbush, themselves possessed more of
the spirit of adventure, and sought new homes in New Jersey
and elsewhere. His youngest son, Petrus or Peter, born in
1720, might perhaps be called the immediate progenitor of
the branch of the family with which we have to deal, as he
moved from Flatbush to Montgomery township in 1761, and
purchased about six hundred acres of land along the Millstone
River and its tributaries, and erected a house which is at present
standing close to the banks of the river, and in tolerably good
repair. From this house he was taken prisoner by the British
on their retreat from Princeton, but succeeded in escaping. He
married Jane Schenck, by whom he had the following children :
Cornelius, Luke, Garret, Jeremiah, Mary, and Catherine. He
died in 1777.
Garret Van der Veer, the father of our subject, was born on
the old homestead in 1776. He married Mary Merlett, and
died in 1837, leaving eight children, to wit, Eliza Ann, John
Reeve, Lloyd, Peter Van Dyke, Lawrence, Martin Schenck,
Mary, and Luther,
Garret Van der Veer was an agriculturist, an active and con-
sistent member of the Reformed Church, and a man of more than
ordinary intelligence and ability, though possessing only the ad-
vantages of a common-school education. He was frequently
called upon by the citizens of the town to settle their accounts,
write deeds and other legal documents.
Lawrence Van der Veer, of whom this sketch is written, was
born on the Van der Veer estate in Montgomery, Somerset Co.,
N. J., Nov. 3, 1815, and has ever since resided there. His
opportunities for education were those only of the common
schools. Like his progenitors he has pursued the occupation
of a farmer. Has been identified with the Reformed Church
since 1843, filling the ofiioes of deacon and elder for several
terms, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and town super-
intendent of public schools. He was formerly an Old-Line
Whig, and continued such till the organization of the Repub-
lican party, since when he has taken an active part in promoting
the interests of the latter.
Mr. Van der Veer has improved the old homestead where he
lives by erecting a fine large residence in 1866, and other ac-
companying buildings upon the place. The home is called
Brookside, being near the Millstone River and Beden's
Brook, the latter of which flows through the farm near the
house, and is a beautiful and never-failing stream. The resi-
dence stands on a fine large lawn, and the buildings are sur-
rounded by stately forest trees and evergreens, making it one
of the most picturesque and desirable homes in the country.
Mr. Van der Veer married, March 13, 1844, Rachel Labagh,
daughter of the Rev. Peter L.abagb, D.D., by whom he had two
children, Maria Labagh Van der Veer, born March 19, 1845,
and Peter Labagh Van der Veer, born Sept. 30, 1846. Maria
married Henry "W. Hoagland; they have one child, Lawrence
Van der Veer Hoagland. Peter L. is a graduate of Rutgers
College, New Jersey, and has spent some time at the universities
of Berlin and Gottingen, Germany. He is at the present time
(1880) practicing law in the city of New York.
Rev. Peter Labagh, D.D., father of Mrs. Lawrence Van der
Veer, was born in Beaver Street, New York, Nov. 10, 1773.
He was an eminent minister of the Reformed Church, one of
the founders of the Somerset County Bible Society, and a faith-
ful missionary and pastor for more than half a century. He
died Oct. 25, 1858, at the age eighty-four years.*
* See "Life of Eev. Peter Liibagta, D.D.," by Hev. John A. Todd, puh-
llstaed in 18G0.
Zf'€cocf/^2^^-^^^'<^^'^-^
Col. Henry Duryee, the subject of this
memoir, was of French origin, his great-grand-
father, Joost Diiryee, having come from France
to lliis country some time anterior to 1753,
as in that year he purchased of Abrani Van
Horn three hundred and sixty-four and a half
acres of land, situated in the then " Eastern
Division of the Province of New Jersey," now
known as Montgomery township, Somerset Co.,
N. J., for which he paid "one thousand and
fifty-eight pounds, current money of the Colony
of New York." The original deed of said pur-
chase is now in the possession of Alexander D.
Duryee, the present owner of the estate. No
further record is to be had at this time of this
paternal ancestor of the families in America
bearing his name more than that he died leav-
ing one son named George, who was twice
married and left two sons, to wit, William
and George. William married Anna Emmens
Berrien, who had one son, Henry, born May
18, 1786, the subject of this sketch. He mar-
ried, Oct. 15, 1809, Sarah, daughter of Abram
Williamson, of Hunterdon Co., N. J., of which
union were born nine children, viz., William
R. S., Ann Elizabeth, Catharine Williamson,
Mary Davis, Abram Williamson, Henry Ber-
rien, Sarah Emma, Augustus Taylor, and Alex-
ander Davis, six of whom are still living
(1880).
Col. Duryee spent the most of his days upon
the old homestead in Montgomery township
where he wa.s born, jnirsuing the occupation of
an agriculturist. His educational advantages
were only those afforded by the common schools.
He was a man of more than ordinary intel-
ligence and ability, and was often called upon
by the citizens of his township to look after their
business interests, to write deeds, administer
estates, etc., etc. He was an active, efficient, and
consistent member of the Reformed Church for
many years, filling the offices at different times
of deacon and elder. In politics he was a Whig
till after the organization of the Republican
party, when he affiliated with the latter, and took
quite an active part in the interests of the domi-
nant political party; though he never sought
office, he was appointed to several minor positions
in his township.
Col. Duryee, like some of his kinsmen, took
a great interest in military affairs, and for many
years was an able and efficient officer of the
State militia. He died July 27, 1870, honored
and lamented by all who knew him.
WARREN.
851
of nine children, ^five sons and four daughters. One
of the sons, John W., married, in 1813, Eliza Conover,
of which union were born four children, to wit,
James Nelson, Peter Stryker, Jane, and Ura.
Peter Stryker Stout, subject of this sketch, is the
second son of John W., and was born Feb. 4, 1824.
He married, in 1850, Caroline D. Bergen, daughter of
John 0. Bergen, of Mercer Co., N. J., by whom
he has two children, John B. and Anna. John B.
married Hannah Etta Putney, daughter of William
Putney. Hannah E. married Abram V. D. Dilts;
they have one child, Carrie Stout Dilts. Mr. Stout
was brought up on a farm, receiving such an educa-
tion only as he could obtain at the common schools
of his district. Politically he was formerly an " Old-
Line Whig," but upon the disorganization of that
party he affiliated with the Democratic party, though
never taking a very active part in political affairs.
He has been an active and worthy member of the
Reformed Church for about twenty years, and has
filled some of the principal offices connected there-
with. He is a plain, unassuming gentleman, who
by a life of industry and strict integrity has secured
for himself the respect and friendship of all who know
him. His pleasant homestead and farm is situated
partly in Hillsborough and partly in Montgomery
townships, the residence and accompanying buildings
being in Hillsborough. It is near the Bound Brook
and Delaware Railroad, about one mile west of Van
Aken Station.
warren;
SITUATION AND BOUNDARIES.
The township of Warren is situated in the east part
of Somerset County, and is bounded north by the
Passaic and Dead Rivers, which separate it from Pas-
saic township, in Morris County, and from Bernard,
in Somerset; east by New Providence, in Union
County; southeast by North Plainfield; southwest
and west by Bridgewater and Bernard townships, of
which it originally formed a part. The act for the
erection of the township, passed March 5, 1806, de-
fines its limits as follows :
"All that part of the townships of Bridgewater and Bernard lying
within the following boundaries-to wit : Beginning at Passaic River, at
the corner of Somerset and ISssex Counties ; thence up said nver to Dead
Kiver on the Une between Somerset and Morris; thence up Bead River
to the bridge over the same, near the house of Thomas Ganltry ; thence
on the road southerly 230 chains, to Bridgewater line, and along the
same, as it runs on the top of the Second Mountain, to the brook below
Aaron Coon's mill; thence down said brook 70 chains, to the ea^t
branch of Middle Brook, to Moses Riggs' saw-mill pond; thence south
48° east 100 chains to Bound Brook; thence up the same on the line of
Somerset and Middlesex, and Somerset and Essex, to the head of Green
Brook; thence north 180° west 126 chains to the place of beginnmg-
shall be, and the same is hereby, set off from the townships of Bridge-
water and Bernard, and the same is hereby established a separate town-
ship, to be caUed by the name of â– The Township of Warren, t
The above description applies to the township be-
fore North Plainfield was taken off in 1872.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The township of Warren comprises an area of
32.26 square miles, or 20,646 acres. The surface is
generally quite hilly, rough, and broken in places,
but contains several fine agricultural valleys of con-
siderable extent. The southeast boundary ot tue
* By Prof. W. W. Clayton.
t Digest of the Laws of New Jersey, p. 527.
township, separating it from North Plainfield, runs
along the summit of the First Mountain, a contin-
uous ridge which rises at Pluckamin, in Somerset
County, and extends 43 miles eastward, terminating
near Siccomac. This mountain has an east-southeast
trend for 7 miles to the gorge at Middle Brook ; it
then continues in an east-northeast course through
the townships of Warren and North Plainfield to
Milburn, a distance of 16 miles, where it is intersected
by a valley IJ miles in width. From Milburn to
Paterson, where it is broken by the valley of the
Passaic River, its course is a little east of north, and
beyond Paterson, after gradually attaining its usual
height, it curves slightly to the west towards the
highland.
Besides the two great depressions at Milburn and
Paterson, there are also gaps or notches through
which the waters of the valleys intervening between
it and the Second Mountain make their way to the
ocean. Middle Brook, north of Bound Brook, Story
Brook, near Plainfield, and Green Brook, at Scotch
Plains, occupy these gaps. The prominent and char-
acteristic feature of this mountain is the great differ-
ence between its inner and outer slopes. That towards
the Second Mountain is gentle, while that towards the
plains is steep and in many places precipitous.
Parallel to this First Mountain is the inner range
known locally as the Second Mountain. It is sepa-
rated from the former by a long and narrow valley
bearing the name of Washington Valley, Vernon
Valley, etc. This range is longer than the First
Mountain, being prolonged on the southwest beyond
Pluckamin to Bernardsville, and on the northeast its
curve is extended quite to the gneiss of Ramapo
852
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Mountain. Excepting the gap at Little Falls, there
are no breaks in this range, although it is in places
much lower than the average altitude. The height
of this range in Warren township is about 500 feet
above tide-water, and 400 above the red sandstone
country at Plainfield. Both of the mountains are
rough and rocky, and consequently most of their
surface is covered with timber. Washington Valley
is probably as good an agricultural section as is to be
found in the township. Lying between the Second
Mountain and Stony Hill is another valley, of higher
elevation and less extent, which also contains good
farming-lands.
The whole township is well watered. Through
Washington Valley flows the east branch of Middle
Brook, uniting with another branch running through
Dockwatch Hollow, near the southwestern boundary
of the township. This branch of Middle Brook is
fed by springs and rivulets running from both sides
of the valley. Stony Brook, rising in Washington
Valley, passes through a deep gorge in the First
Mountain and joins Green Brook near the city of
Plainfield, affording in its passage several mill-sites,
which are well improved. Pumpkin-Patch Branch
runs through the second valley and empties into the
Passaic River, and Pound Brook flows north into
Dead River. Both take their rise at Coontown.
Several freestone quarries have formerly been worked
in the township, yielding a beautiful and fine quality
of building-stone, but at present they are discontinued.
The original tracts of land purchased in Warren
township were as follows : The east portion of the
William Penn tract lay in the northwest part of the
town. East of the Penn tract and east of Mordecai
Brook and south of Passaic River were then small
lots, as follows : No. 108, taken up by Ephraim Dun-
ham, March 1, 1730, 100 acres joining Penn's, & 20 "
chs on Passaic River ;" Nos. 130, 131, by Peter Run-
yan, June 16, 1743, 30 acres, and 2.5 acres "on south
side of Pasaick, at the first brook above Duckwra's
upper corner of his 3000 ;" No. 49, William Dockwra,
May 20, 1690, "3000 acres on south side of Pasaick,
begins at his lowest corner."
A tier of lots between the First and Second Moun-
tains, as follows : 104, to the west, was taken by Daniel
Hollinshead, March 25, 1727, 393 acres " between 1st
& 2d mountains, at Elisha Parker's;" 96, same date,
to John Parker, 165 acres, between Hollinshead and
Hamilton; 90, to John Hamilton, same date, 500
acres between First and Second Mountains.*
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Settlements were made at a considerable period be-
fore the Revolution, though the exact date of any one
of them cannot now be ascertained. The court-house,
with the deeds and records of Somerset County, was
destroyed by fire during the Revolution, and the
means of ascertaining and establishing many valuable
* Elizabethtown bill in chancery.
facts was consequently lost. Mr. Jacob Manning, of
Plainfield, born in 1799, is authority for saying that
the earliest settlements in the township were made
near the Passaic River and in Washington Valley, on
account of the little value which the pioneers attached
to the land on the plains.
Joseph and Henry Allen were among the first set-
tlers, and came from England over two hundred years
ago. Henry settled on Long Island, and Joseph
came to Washington Valley, in Warren township,
then a wilderness. He settled on the run, about 600
yards from where his great-grandson, William Allen,
now resides at the age of seventy-six. William Allen
was born within half a mile of his present residence,
in 1805, and has never been 50 miles from home during
his long life. He is the grandson of Joseph Allen, son
of the first Joseph, and a son of William Allen, who
was born on the homestead in February, 1766, and was
a carpenter and farmer by occupation. He married
Nancy Marshall and reared a family of seven chil-
dren, of whom William was the youngest, and is the
sole survivor. He married Huldah Cole, daughter of
Amos Cole, of Scotch Plains, and had five children,
all deceased, George, William, Marsh, Nancy, and
Elizabeth. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Allen
were Marsh, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Jane, and Jo-
seph. Marsh lived and died in what is now North
Plainfield. Elizabeth married Hon. David D. Smal-
ley, a prominent farmer of Warren township, which
he represented in the Legislature of the State.
David Allen, eleventh son of David, Jr., married
Susan Townley, and was an early resident of Wash-
ington Valley. He had children, Aaron, who mar-
ried Maria, daughter of Thomas Stead, and had So-
phia Elizabeth ; Sarah Anne, who married Israel, sou
of Moses Moore, Feb. 21, 1849, and had David Allen ;
Elias, who married Elizabeth C. Spencer, daughter of
James L. Spencer, Feb. 28, 1849, and had Cornelia ;
David, John, and Mary. In the Allen burying-
ground, the oldest in the township, rest the remains
of many of the old pioneers and their descendants.
Anthony Badgley was an early settler. He was the
third son of Anthony, the third son of James Badgley,
who came to the Valley between the First and Second
Mountains in 1736-37, where he had surveyed to him
by the Elizabethtown surveyor a tract of 400 acres
lying above Blue Brook, and extending south to the
top of the First Mountain. The descendants were
very numerous, and some of them settled in Warren
township. Hence we find Alfred Badgley holding
ofSce in the township in 1849.
George Brown, son of Andrew, lived on Stony Hill,
where John W. Hand afterwards resided. His wife's
name was Elizabeth Martin, of Woodbridge. She
died Aug. 6, 1777, aged twenty-five, and he afterwards
married a Wood, sister of Samuel, of Dayton, and of
Esther, the wife of Jonathan Totten. His children
were Thompson, whose name occurs frequently in the
town records; Noah, who died at about twenty-two;
WAREEN.
853
Elizabeth, who married Lewis Badgley and removed
to Paterson. Thompson Brown married Patty, daugh-
ter of Andrew Wade, of Morris County. He removed
to Westfield, and owned there a large distillery. He
left his wife and children there and went to Ohio,
where his daughter Mary afterwards married John
Keith. His son, Andrew Wade, married a daughter
of Jesse V. Douglas and moved to Sayer's Bridge, in
Springfield township.
William Cole lived on the north side of Green
Brook. His wife was Betsey Dennis, and had six
children. William, his oldest son, married Elizabeth,
daughter of William Williamson, of Plainfield, and
had eight children. He was a surveyor and school-
master, and was known as " Master Cole." He lived
where his father did, and left numerous descendants,
among whom have been a number of men of some
prominence.
Mulford Cory, the oldest child of Rev. Benjamin,
lived on a place near Union village. He had seven
children, among whom were Joseph and Benjamin,
twin-brothers, who entered Princeton College together
and graduated in the same class. They si died the-
ology, were licensed on the same day to preach, in
1834, were both ordained at the same session of the
Presbytery, in April, 1835, -Joseph over the church
at New Vernon, Morris Co., and Benjamin over that
at Perth Amboy, Middlesex Co.
There were, and are still, several branches of the
Cory family in this township and contiguous territory.
Daniel, who lived on the north side of Long Hill
(New Providence township), was an elder in the Pres-
byterian Church of New Providence, and died on
June 26, 1815, aged eighty-two. He left a large fam-
ily of children, from whom numerous descendants
have sprung. Daniel Cory, of Warren township, is
the son of John Cory, who resided on the same farm.
John Cory was born March 5, 1762, on Long Island.
His first wife was Martha Berry, born in Rockaway,
Morris Co., in 1767 ; married Jan. 26, 1784 ; died April
30, 1799. His second wife was Phebe Euckman
(mother of Daniel Cory), born July 11, 1785 ; mar-
ried to John Cory, June 29, 1800. John Cory died
July 16, 1834; Phebe (Ruckman) died Oct. 18, 1875.
Children: Daniel, born June 17, 1808; Lot, born
June 10, 1813, died May 16, 1814; Jonathan, born
June 13, 1815, an attorney and counselor-at-law in
San Jose, 111. Daniel married Rachel Willet, Dec.
3, 1831 ; she was born Nov. 15, 1808. Their children
and grandchildren are Matilda, born Dec. 3, 1832,
married Samuel Titus, Nov. 5, 1853 (children, An-
nette Titus, born Dec. 24, 1854 ; Isaac Titus, Oct. 18,
1857 ; Edwin F. Titus, March 29, 1859) ; John, born
May 24, 1834, married Mary French, Sept. 5, 1863
• (children, Ella M.,born Nov. 20, 1866; Mary Emma,
July 30, 1868 ; Nettie L., Nov. 15, 1872 ; Maggie E.,
Jan. 28, 1875) ; Phebe E., born Dec. 20, 1835, married
Jacob Adams (children, Daniel C, born Nov. 20,
1865 ; Rachel F., April 14, 1867, died May 16, 1877 ;
Mary, Aug. 28, 1868) ; Hannah W., born June 10,
1838, died Sept. 21, 1860; Preston C, born March 1,
1840, died March 25, 1871 ; Edwin F., born Dec. 13,
1841, died Nov. 11, 1866 ; Eugene, born Jan. 24, 1844,
died March 24, 1844; Thomas W., born April 1, 1845,
died May 4, 1845 ; Rachel, born July 14, 1846, died
April 23, 1863 ; Zachary Taylor, born March 4, 1849,
died March 21, 1873.
Both Daniel and his brother, Jonathan Cory, were
members of the Legislature from Somerset County.
Enos Mundy came from Middlesex County and set-
tled in Washington Valley about 1800. He had chil-
dren, David, Lewis, Fanny, Peter, Margaret, Cath-
arine, and Isaac, in the order named. Lewis, Fanny,
and Catharine are still living. Lewis married Mary
Swazey, of Chester, Morris Co., and lived at Mount
Bethel, on the farm now occupied by his son, Ira.
He had children, Ira, Simeon, Catharine, Mary,
Julia Ann, and Sarah. Ira has been twice married,
his first wife being Mary, daughter of William B.
Coddington, and his second wife Hannah Titus, widow
of Philip Winans. He has one son by the first mar-
riage, Lewis Mundy, who is married and resides in
Bernard township. Catharine married Jacob Van
Dyke of Bridgewater. Julia Ann married Thomas
Coddington, former sheriff of Somerset County. Mary
married Jonathan Moore, of Warren township. Sarah
married Thomas Hays, now residing in Kentucky.
Simeon married Catharine Todd, and is a farmer in
Bernard township ; he has a family of six children.
Benjamin, Archibald, and John Coddington settled
at Mount Horeb before the Revolution. Their de-
scendants have been prominent in the civil afiairs of
both township and county. The name appears to
have been originally spelled Corrington, and may be
so found in some of the early records. Archibald
married Mary Coon and had children, Isaiah, Jere-
miah, Caty (who married a Campbell), Sarah (Mrs.
Bird), Abigail (Mrs. Compton), John (who died at
the age of eight), Benjamin, David (born 1797),
Israel, William A., Isaac V., and Archibald. Wil-
liam A., Isaac V., and Archibald are still living.
Thomas Coddington is the oldest son of his grand-
father's oldest son, Isaiah. He was born Feb. 8,
1821, and married Julia Ann Mundy. They have
children, ^William, Lewis, and Marietta. Mr. Cod-
dington was elected sherifi" of Somerset County in
1868, and discharged the duties of that responsible
office three years.
John Coddington, brother of the first Benjamin and
Archibald, married Mary Coon (of another family)
and had children, Harriet, Catharine, Ann, George
W., Reuben, John, Bartholomew, and Mercy. George
W., of this family, lives in Bernard township, and has
a large family. Bartholomew is a resident of Warren
township ; he married a daughter of William B. Cod-
dington. His children are David, William, Reuben,
and Charles, who reside in this township, and daugh-
ters, Catharine, Jane, Mary, etc.
854
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Benjamin Coddington, tlie first of that name in
Warren, married Hannah Coon. Of his children
were William B., Isaac, Aaron, and Millard. Israel
0., George C, and William H. are all descended
from William B., and are worthy citizens of the
township of Warren. One of the daughters of Ben-
jamin married an Alward, and lived many years ago
where Thomas Coddington, the ex-sheriff, now resides.
One of them married Maxfield Miller, and another a
Mr. McKinney.
Israel C. Coddington married Christiana M. Rob-
erts and has two children, Mary B. and Ida L.
George C. married Harriet Moore, and has four chil-
dren, Christian, Ezra, Harriet, and Emma Jane.
William H. married Mary Spencer, and his children
are Joel, Franklin P., James, Kirch, and Horace.
Another of the old settlers was Edward Drake.
He came from Piscataway and settled in Washington
Valley. From him are descended Jeremiah, Andrew,
Noah, Ezra, Jonathan, Humphrey, Martin, Randolph,
Edward, William, Nathaniel, and a long line who
perpetuate the name of their worthy ancestor. Sev-
eral of these names, with many others of the promi-
nent old settlers, will be found in the civil list of the
township.
David French came from Connecticut Farms, now
Union, and settled about a mile from David Smalley's
old homestead. He had a brother, John, who lived
on the place where Thomas Coon resided at a later
day.
James Marshall was an early settler in Stony Hill
Valley. He was a son of James, Sr., of Rahway, and
married Phcebe Marsh, of that place. His children
intermarried largely with early families in Warren.
Mary married Peter, son of Joseph Allen, of Wash-
ington Valley; Nancy, William, brother of Peter;
James, Mary, daughter of Isaac Moore ; John, born
in 1789, Hannah Wilcox, and lived on Stony Hill,
where he reared a family of three children, the oldest
of whom was Stephen, who married Amanda, daugh-
ter of Samuel Smalley.
Isaac Moore, son of John, lived in the Passaic val-
ley, in Warren township, and had a family of seven-
teen children, few of whom, however, remained in the
township. Susan, the seventeenth child, married Wil-
liam, son of James Stevens, and lived on Wolf Hill,
near Union Village.
Other early settlers were Jonathan Ruckman and
his sons, Nathan and Levi. Jonathan's place was on
Stony Hill, south of David Smalley's. David was the
son of John Smalley, the first settler of that name in
the township ; he had a brother, James, who lived
near the Passaic River, where his father did. The
sons of James were Abner, David I., John, Reuben,
Jacob I., and Benjamin. Isaac was a son of John,
and lived on the Mahlon Smalley place, on Stony
Hill. Jacob was the son of John and Tabitha Moore.
The sons of David Smalley were Henry, Daniel,
Samuel, and David D., who owns a large estate in
Warren, in the Passaic valley. Smalleytown takes
its name from this family, who have been numerous
and influential citizens.
William Stites settled early at Mount Bethel. He
was a descendant of John, who was born in England
in 1595, and emigrated to New England in the time
of Oliver Cromwell. He finally settled on Long
Island, where he died at the remarkable age of one
hundred and twenty-two. Richard, son of John, was
born in 1640. He lived at Hempstead, L. I., and died
in 1702. He had a son, William, born in 1676, who
settled in Springfield, N. J., and had seven children,
one of whom, William, Jr., died at Mount Bethel,
aged ninety-one. He married a Searing for his first
wife, and, for his second, Sarah, widow of Amos But-
ler. His children were John, William, and Isaac,
from whom the numerous family of that name have
descended.
Samuel Giddis, of this township, is descended from
a long line of early residents. Others who came in
later are deserving of mention, particularly the thrifty
and influential German settlers. Many of this nation-
ality have taken the places of the older American
families. Andrew Mantz bought the old Aaron Coon
farm, at the head of Dockwatch Hollow, about 1840.
On this farm was a grist-mill. Andrew Mantz had
sons Martin, George, and Andrew, Jr. and two
daughters, Mrs. Theodore Brogley and Mrs. Jacob
Gunten. Another daughter married Jacob Voehl, of
North Plainfield.
Peter Winans is a son of John, son of William, who
settled in Washington Valley, where Peter, his great-
grandson, now lives. William Winans owned here a
large tract of land, on which the following persons
now live : Lyman Hasley, David E. Mundy, Hannah
Winans, David M. Leinbarger, John Kelly, William
Rose, Chester A. Cleaves, Emmanuel Dealman, Wil-
liam Krause, Charles Ward. William Winans ahd
six sons and two daughters ; four of the sons settled
here, viz., John, Lewis, Winant, and Philip, but
have no descendants in the township except Peter
Winans and his family. Peter was born Oct. 31, 1818 ;
married Rachel Ann Martin. They have one child,
Walter Wesley. Mr. Winans has followed the occu-
pation of a farmer all his life.
CIVIL OEGANIZATION.
The township of Warren was organized as a civil
municipality by an act of the Legislature passed
March 5, 1806. The records open with the minutes
of the first town-meeting held at the house of David
Stewart, innkeeper, April, 14, 1806, when Jacob
Smalley was chosen moderator, and Thomas Terrell
township clerk. The inhabitants then proceeded to
elect a full set of ofiicers for the ensuing year. We
give below a list of the principal township officers
elected from that meeting to the present time :
FEEBHOLDEES.
1806, Alexander Kirkpatrick, Frederic Termeule; 1807, Alexander
Kirkpatrick, James Wimyess; 1808-9, Alexander Kirkpatrick, Amos-
WARREN.
855
lane ; 1810, Alexander Kirkpatrick, Parkhurst Cory ; 1811, Jacob
SmaJley, Samuel Cosad; 1812, Noah Drake, Nathaniol Taynor;
1813-16, Jacob Smalley, Alexander Kirkpatrick; 1816-18, Alex-
ander Kirkpatrick, Parkhnrst Cory ; 1819, Jacob Smalley, Charles
Toms; 1820-21, Jacob Smalley, Stephen Brown; 1822, Charles
Toms, Jacob Smalley ; 1823, Noah Brake, Alexander Kirkpatrick ;
1824, Ealph Shotwell, Enos B. Townley; 1825, Edward A. Darey,
Stephen Brown; 1826, Ralph Shotwell, Stephen Brown; 1827,
Uoah Drake, Stephen Brown ; 1828, Thompson Brown, 'William
D. Stewart ; 1829, Thompson Brown, Samuel A. Ross ; 1830,
Stephen Brown, Noah Drake ; 1831, William D. Stewart, Samuel
Pope, Jr. ; 1832, William D. Stewart, Isaac V. Coddington; 1833-34,
William A. Coddington, Noah Drake; 1836-36, William A. Codding-
ton, Isaac T. Smalley ; 1837-38, Lewis Mundy, Noah Drake ; 1839,
William A. Coddington, Jonathan Cory ; 1840, William A. Codding-
ton, Squier Kunyon; 1841, Squier Kunyon, Joel Coddington; 1842,
Bandolph Drake, Joel Coddington ; 1843, Randolph Drake, Isaac J.
Smalley; 1844, Isaac J. Smalley, Joseph Vail; 1845, Joseph Vail,
George W. Coddington ; 1846, George W. Coddington, Mahlon Smal-
ley; 1847, Mahlon Smalley, Stephen Pangborn; 1848-49, Archibald
Coddington, John Coulter ; 1850, Joel Pangborn, Joseph Vail, Jr. ;
1851, Reuben Coddington, John W. Adams ; 1852, Lewis JI. Force ;
1853-66, Joel Coddington ; 1856-62, Daniel Cory ; 1863, ThomaB Cod-
dington ; 1864-66, Peter D. Baldwin ; 1867-70, Daniel Cory ; 1871-73,
Peter Newmiller ; 1874^-80, Daniel Cory.
CLERKS.
1806-8, Thomas Terrell; 1808-11, John Kirkpatrick; 1811-25, Thomas
Terrell; 1826-30, William D. Stewart; 1830-31, Thomas Terrell;
1831-32, Madison Terrell ; 1832-33, Josiah Coddington ; 1833-36,
David Coon; 1835-38, John Coon; 1838-39, James S. DraKe ; 1839-
40, Archibald Coddington ; 1840-42, William Jennings ; 1842-46,
Peter Moore ; 1846^6, William Jennings ; 1846-47, Ira B. Pang-
born ; 1847-49, William D. Stewart ; 1 849-60, William Jennings ;
1850-63, Isaac Titus ; 1853-56, Lewis Kirkpatrick ; 1866-59, George
W. Mundy; 1869-61, L. C. Spencer; 1861-62, Thomas Burton; 1862-
64, John Cory; 1864-66, Amos K. Brownell; 1866-70, George W.
Mundy; 1870-75, George Terrell; 1876-77, George B. Whitten;
1877-79, George F. Quidort ; 1879-80, George W. Mundy.
ASSESSORS.
1806-14, David Smalley ; 1814-18, Edward Campbell; 1818-21, Isaac Van
Doren; 1821-23, Thompson Brown; 1823-24, William Stewart; 1824-
28, Thompson Brown; 1828-33, Squier Terrell ; 1833-34, Joel Cory;
1834-35, John Jennings; 1835-36, David Coon ; 1836-38, Daniel Cory ;
1838-40, JohnWaldron; 1840-41, David Coon; 1841-43, Archibald
Coddington; 1843-45, Daniel Cory; 1845-47, Jonathan Cory; 1847-60,
Squier Terrell ; 1850-61, Clark Johnson ; 1861-62, John Waldron ;
1862-63, David Coon ; 1853-64, John Waldron ; 1864-66, Squier Terrell ;
1865-56, John Waldron; 1856-57, Archibald Coddington; 1857-60,
Squier Terrell ; 1860-63, Daniel Cory ; 1863-66, Squier Terrell ; 1866-
67, Amos K. Brownell ; 1867-70, George C. Owen ; 1870-72, Israel A.
Coddington; 1872-74, Amos Giddis; 1874-78, John B. Coddington;
1878-80, George Terrell.
COLLECTORS.
1806-12, John Penington ; 1812-14, Zebnlon Ayres ; 1814-15, Isaac Van
Doren ; 1815-16, Parkhurst Cory ; 1816-18, Frederic Vermeule ; 1818-
23, Charles Toms ; 1823-24, Freeman Cole ; 1824J28, Isaiah Codding-
ton; 1828-32, Restores Cox; 1832-34, Mahlon Smalley; 1834-35,
Lewis Mundy ; 1836-37, Mahlon Smalley ; 1837-39, Isaiah Codding-
ton ; 1839-41, Isaac Titus; 1841-43, Restores Cox; 1843-46, Isaac
Titus ; 1846-47, John Stine ; 1847-49, Restores Cox ; 1849-61, Thomas
Coddington; 1861-53, Alfred Berry; 1853-54, David Bird; 1864-55,
Joel Pangborn ; 1856-66, David Bird ; 1856-58, David D. Smalley ;
186^-60, Joel Pangborn; 1860-63, David Bird; 1863-66, Stephen
Pangborn ; 1866-68, Thomas Coddington ; 1868-71, Moses H. French ;
1871-72, George Demler; 1872-74, Daniel Cory; 1874-78, George C.
Coddington; 1878-80, Israel J. Coon.
COMMISSIONERS OF APPEALS.
1806, David Kelly, Francis Dnnn, Edward Randolph ; 1807, Francis Dunn,
Aaron Coon, Frederic Vermeule ; 1808, Francis Dunn, Zebnlon Ayres,
Parkhurst Cory; 1809, Fram is Dunn, John Allen, Dugald Ayers;
1810, Francis Dunn, Samuel Cosad, Dugald Ayers ; 1811, Noah Drake,
Nathaniel Taynor, Aaron Coon; 1812, Reuben Comptm, Edward
Campbell, Nathaniel Taynor, Ralph Shotwell ; 1813, Noah Drake,
Samuel Pope, George Townley; 1814, Noah Drake, Samuel Pope,
George Townley ; 1815, Noah Drake, Isaac Van Doren, George
Townley ; 1816, Noah Drake, EnoB Runyon, Stephen Brown ; 1817-18,
Noah Drake, Enos Runyon, Stephen Brown ; 1819-20, Thompson
Brown, Enos Runyon, Stephen Brown ; 1821, David Line, Stephen
Brown, Edward Vail ; 1822, Stephen Brown, Ralph Shotwell, David
Boice; 1823, John Stites, John Hine, Joseph Vail ; 1824, John Stites,
David Allen, Thomas Runyon ; 1826-26, David Ruckman, David
Allen, Squier Runyon ; 1827, David Ruckman, Edward Vail, David
Allen; 1828, John Stites, Edward Vail, David Allen; 1829, John
Stites, David Leason, David Allen ; 1830, John Stites, Squier Run-
yon, David Allen; 1831, David Ruckman, John Stites, David Allen;
1832-34, John Stites, David Ruckman, John Smalley; 1835, John
Stites, David Ruckman, Freeman Cole ; 1836, Lewis N. Miller, David
Ruckman, Phineas M. French; 1837, David Ruckman, Phineas M.
French, Randolph Drake; 1838, David Ruckman, Cornelius Cad-
mus, Randolph Drake; 1839, David Ruckman, Ira Pangborn, David
French ; 1840, Joseph Vail, Lewis N. Miller, Benjamin Moore; 1841,
Garrett P. Mouutfort, Ephraim Penington, Benjamin Moore ; 1842,
Ephraim Penington, Garrett P. Mountfort, Isaac B. Moore ; 1843,
John Titus, David Ruckman, Phineas M. French ; 1844, William W.
Drake, Isaac B. Moore, Ephraim P. Chandler; 1846, William A.
Tompkins, Isaac B. Moore, Ephraim P. Chandler ; 1846, Jeremiah
Van Derventer, Isaac French, Thomas Adams; 1847, Jeremiah Van
Derventer, John W. Adams, David French ; 1848-49, Benjamin T.
Moore, Thomas Adams, William W. Drake ; 1860, Asa Lawler, Wil-
liam W. Drake, Aaron Coddington ; 1851, Benjamin M, Coddington,
Aaron Allen, Ephraim Giles; 1852-53, Anthony Compton, Jeremiah
Van Derventer, George W. Leason ; 1854, George W. Leason, Henry
Moore, Jr., Thomas Vail ; 1855, Firman Coon, Thomas Coddington,
Anthony Compton; 1866, Firman Coon, Benjamin Moore, Anthony
Compton ; 1867, Benjamin Moore, Anthony Compton, David French ;
18ri8-59, Jeremiah Jennings, Aaron B. Allen ; 1860, William H.
Stites, A. HuSBon, George Friday ; 1861, A. HuHson, George Friday,
Phineas M. French ; 1862, Peter Newmiller, George Friday, William
H. Stites ; 1863-64, Aaron B. Allen, Blias Bird, William H. Stites ;
1866, Ephraim Giles, William H. Stites, Ephraim P. Chandler; 1866,
Ephraim P. Chandler, Aaron B. Allen, William H. Stites; 1867,
Frederick Parker, WiUiam H, Stites, Peter A. Mabie; 1868-69, John
Kirch, Phineas M. French, William Stites ; 1870, John Kirch, Phioeaa
M. French, Peter A. Mabie ; 1871, John Kirch, Phineas M. French,
Abraham Coriell; 1872, David Bird, William I. Moore, John Kirch ;
1873-77, George C. Owen, David Bird, William H. Stites; 1878, David
Bird, William H. Stites, Thomas Coddington ; 1879, David Bird, Wil-
liam H. Stites, George C. Wood; 1880, George C. Wood, William H.
Stites, John Ammon.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES.
1806, John Wilson, Alexander Kirkpatrick, James Wimyess; 1807-8,
Frederic Vermeule, Edward J. Randolph, James Wimyess, Archibald
Coddington, Samuel Cosad ; 1809, Frederic Vermeule, Lewis Smalley,
Francis Dunn, Zebulon Ayers, Jacob Finley; 1810, Frederic Ver-
meule, Benjamin Moore, Joel Vail, Zebulon Ayers, Jacob Finley;
1811, Frederic Vermeule, Benjamin Moore, Edward F. Bandolph,
Zebulon Ayers, Stephen Brown ; 1812, Frederic Vermeule, John Cod-
dington, Edward F. Randolph, Blias Cole, Isaac Smalley ; 1813, Na-
thaniel Taynor. Dugald Ayers, John Penington, Reuben Dunn, Isaac
Smalley ; 1814-16, Edward F. Randolph, Frederic Vermeule, George
Townley, Nathaniel Taynor, Isaac Smalley; 1816, Isaac Van Doren,
Edward F. Randolph, Nathaniel Taynor, Charles Toms, David
Smalley ; 1817, David Stewart, Isaac Smalle.v, John Titus, Nathaniel
Taynor, Edward Campbell ; 1818, Edward P. Randolph, Freeman
Cole, Jacob Smalley, William Worth, Samuel Cosad ; 1819, B. F.
Randolph, Daniel Eichfleld, William D. Sherwood, Jacob Smalley,
William Worth ; 1820, Ralph Shotwell, William D. Sherwood, Jacob
Smalley, William Worth ; 1821, Stephen Brown, Ralph Shotwell,
William D. Sherwood, Jacob Smalley, Lewis Mundy; 1822, Ralph
Shotwell, Stephen Brown, Isaac B. Moore, Jacob Smalley, S. Ran-
dolph ; 1823, Benjamin Jennings, Restores Cox, Daniel Cooper, Enos
Townley, Alfred Hariott; 1824, Freeman Cole, John Stine, Jacob
Smalley,'stelle Randolph, Isaac B. Moore; 1825, Restores Cox, Stelle
Randolph, Isaac B. Moore, Samuel A. Ross, Jacob Smalley ; 1826,
Restores Cox, Stelle Bandolph, John Waldron, Jacob Smalley, Isaac
B. Moore ; 1827, Restores Cox, Stelle Randolph, Squier Terrell, John
Waldron, David D. Smalley; 1828, Thomas Stead, Stelle Bandolph,
Joel Corey. Benjamin A. Coddington, Blam Genung; 1829, Noah
Drake, Stelle Randolph, Joel Corey, Isaiah Coddington, Blam Go-
S56
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
nung ; 1S30, William D. Stewart, lewis Mundy, Stelle T. Kandolph,
Elam Genuug, John PeDington ; 1S31, Squier Runyon, Isaac V. Cod-
dingtoD, Jacob Smalley, Nathaniel Penington, Stephen Brown;
1832, Squier Runyon, Madison Terrell, Jacob Smalley, Benjamin A.
Coddington, Stephen Brown ; 1833, Sqnier Runyon, Madison Terrell,
Maxwell Miller, Nathaniel Penington, Clark Squier; 1834, Squier
Knnyon, William Genung, William Titus, Nathaniel Penington,
Isiiiah Coddington ; 1835, James Ross, Squier Terrell, William Titus,
Nathaniel Penington, Isaiah Coddington ; 1836, Stelle F. Randolph,'
William Jennings, William Titus, Isaac B. Moore, LefFord Waldron,
Jr.; 1837, James Hariott, William Jennings, John Smalley, William
B. Coddington, Lefford Waldron, Jr. ; 1838, Squier Runyon, John
Coon, John Smalley, Peter Moore, William Titus ; 1839, Squier Run-
yon, John Coon, Lefford Waldron, William B. Coddington, William
Titus; 1840, William H. Sebriug, Isaac B. Moore, Israel C. Mundy,
Lines Tucker, William B. Coddington ; 1841, William H. Sehring,
Isaac B. Moore, Israel C. Mundy, Aaron Coddington, Lines Tucker;
1842, Lewis Mundy, Abram H. Harris, Aaron Coddington, William
T. Moore, Joseph Vail ; 1843, John Mundy, Millard Coddington, Ira
R. Pangborn, Benjamin Fisher, David French; 1844, Lewis Mnndy,
John Mundy, Benjamin Jennings, Isaiah Coddington, John Wal-
dron ; 1845, Lewis Mundy, Ephraim Giles, Benjamin Jennings, Isaiah
Coddington, John Waldron ; 1846, Jacob Shotwell, Azariah Mundy,
Abraham H. Harris, Isaac B. Moore, Ephraim Giles; 1847, Joshua
Seaman, David Coulter, Henry Bird, Phineas M. French, James B.
Coon ; 1848, Azariah Mundy, David Coulter, Jacob S. Brown, John
Waldron, John Coriell; 1849, John Coriell, Jacob S. Brown, John
Waldron, Patterson A^'aldrou, Alfred Badgley; 1850, William H.
Sehring, Squier Runyon, Patterson Waldron, Harvey A. Bird, John
Mundy; 1851, Squier Runyon, Thomas Adams, Lewis Mundy, John
Mundy, Lefford Waldron ; 1852, LefFord Waldron, George Brown,
Lewis Mundy; 1853, George Brown, James L. Spencer, Amos Gid-
dis; 1854, Samuel J. Pooley, Amos Giddis, George Brown; 1855, John
W. Adams, George Brown, James L. Spencer; 1856, John W. Adams,
Elias Allen, James L. Spencer ; 1857, John Spencer, Peter D. Bald-
win, Elias Allen ; 1858-^9, Peter D. Baldwin, John Spencer, George
C. Coddington ; 1860, Phineas M. French, George Brown, Moses H.
French; 1861, Moses H. French, George Brown, Phineas M. French;
1862-63, George Dernier, James L. Spencer, Amos K. Brownell;
1864-65, George Friday, George Dernier, Moses H. French; 1866,
John A. Coddington, Peter Nowmiller, John Mundy ; 1S67-69, Peter
Newmiller, Daniel Cory, James Verdon; 1870, Phineas M. French,
Peter A. Mabie, James Haley ; 1871, Augustus Mobus, James Verdon,
George Friday ; 1872, Daniel Cory, George Friday, Israel J, Coon ;
1873-74, John D, Kirch, Israel J. Coon, John Wendell; 1875, David
D. Smalley, John Wendell, Israel C. Coddington; 1876, David D.
Smalley, Israel C. Coddington, John Kirch ; 1877, David D. Smalley,
James Ralph, John Kirch, George E. Whitten, Peter Newmiller;
1878, Samuel Voorhees, James Ralph, John C. Toms; 1879, Peter
Newmiller, James Ralph, Samuel Voorhees; 1880, James Ralph,
Samuel Voorhees, Thomaa Rodgers.
JUSTICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE.
1844, Benjamin Jennings, Peter Moore; 1848, Amos Giddis; 1860, John
Waldron, William Jennings; 1862, David Coon; 1854, William W.
Drake, Amos Giddis; 1856, John Waldron, William Jennings, Lewis
Kirkpatrick, Amos Giddis; 1861, Ephraim Giles, James Verdon,
Israel C. Coddington, John Mundy ; 1865, James Verdon, Peter A.
Mabie, Ephraim Giles, Isroel C. Coddington ; 1867, Peter A. Mabie ;
1880, John E. Flemmer.
TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS.
April 12, 1847, a town superintendent of schools
was elected in the place of a committee of three who
had previously served in that capacity. Daniel Cory
was chosen, and filled the ofiice each year 'by con-
secutive elections till April, 1853, when LefFord AVal-
dron was elected in his place. Mr. AValdron held the
office two years, and was superseded by John W.
Craig, M.D., elected in April, 1855. He held the
office till April 9, 1860, when David Coon was elected
and held two years. The next was George C. Owen,
who served till the office was abolished, in 1866.
SCHOOLS.
The township of Warren is divided into five school
districts, as follows : Smalleytown, Dead River, In-
dependent, Warrenville, and Springdale. The school-
houses in Smalleytown and Warrenville are of stone,
the others wood. The report of the State board of
education for the year ending Aug. 1, 1S79, gives the
following statistics for the township : Present value
of property, $3200 ; number of children of school age,
437 ; number of months taught in the year, 10 ; num-
ber enrolled, 573 ; average attendance, 311 ; number
of teachers employed, 5, males 3, females 2 ; total
amount of money received for school purposes,
$1752.80.
CHURCHES.
BAPTIST CHURCH AT MOUNT BETHEL.
This is the oldest church in the eastern portion of
Somerset County. It was constituted Oct. 29, 1767.
The original members were eighteen, viz., Benjamin
Sutton, Sr., Benjamin Sutton, Jr., David Jennings,
Abner Sutton, William Worth, Jr., John Pound,
John Worth, James Sutton, Elizabeth Tingley, Han-
nah Coon, Mary Sutton, Rachel Consart, Anna
Worth, Lois Sutton, Dinah Worth, Patience Bloom,
Alche Worth, Elizabeth Hayden.
The record of this church, now in possesion of Dan-
iel Cory, reads as follows :
" The Minutes of the Church of Christ, Bernard Township, in the
County of Somerset and Province of New Jersey, holding bellevere' bap-
tism by immereion, eternal election, &o., held at the meeting-house Nov.
11, 1767.
1. The meeting opened with prayer by the Eev. Mr. Crosley. "
" 2. Benjamin Sutton chose Moderator.
3. Abner Sutton chose Clark to keep books. "
"4. John Worth chose Clark to set the Psalms.
5. Benjamin Sutton, Sen., chose Reading Clark. "
" 6. Agreed upon by the Church that it wos expedient to send a mes-
senger with a request to the Piscataway Church for David Sutton, Sen.,
to come off fi-om those in order to join with us.
7. Benjamin Sutton, Sen., chose to go with the request, "
"8. Agreed upon by the Church to have Communiou the fourth Sab-
bath of this instant.
9. Agreed upon by the Church to hold our next monthly meeting "
the last Wednesday in December next.
"10. Agreed that tlie Rev. Mr. Benjamin Miller, and likewise some of
the leoding men of that church, should be sent for in order to consult
something relative to our brother James Sutton. "
It appears from the above minutes, and also from
those which Tollow, that a meeting-house had been
built at the date of these entries.
" Minutes of the meeting held at the house of Rev. Mr, Orosley, Deo.
30, 1767.
1. Meeting opened by prayer. "
" 2. Benjamin Sutton, Jr., chose Moderator.
3. Agreed to have our Communion the second Sabbath in January "
next, and thenonce In'two mouths successiTely.
"4. Agreed by the Church that our brother James Sutton should bo
under examination concerning his call to the work of the ministry.
Accordingly, he came under examination.
5. Agreed that he should come upon trial."" "
At a meeting at the house of Rev. Mr. Crosley
March 2, 1768 : '
" Meeting opened by prayer. Agreed to have our next day of business
at the meeting-house. "
SAMUEL GIDDES.
Samuel Giddes was born in Warren town-
ship, Somerset Co., on the place where he now
resides, Oct. 8, 1816. John Giddes was the
first of the name who settled in the township,
and was the great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch. His grandfather was Jeremiah
Giddes. He is a son of Jacob and Lydia A.
Giddes, who had a family of six children,
to wit, John, Christiana, Samuel, Amos, Eliza,
and Caroline, of whom Samuel, Amos, and
Caroline are residents of the same vicinity.
Caroline married John Spencer, a farmer, of
Warren township. Amos Giddes is also a
neighboring farmer, and has carried on mercan-
tile business and held for a number of years the
office of justice of the peace.
Samuel Giddes married for his first wife
Sophia Sebring, daughter of Cornelius Sebring,
by whom he had five children, four of whom
are living. Mrs. Giddes died in March, 1854,
and he married for his second wife Mary Ann
McCord, Aug. 4, 1855. Mrs, Giddes' ances-
tors came from Ireland and settled in Bernard
township. Her father, Nathaniel McCord, was
a farmer, and during the latter part of his life
kept a hotel at Martinville, where he died in
April, 1870. Her grandmother lived to the
remarkable age of one hundred and two years
lacking two months. She had celebrated her
one hundredth anniversary, calling together her
children and grandchildren, and reciting to them
the catechism in which she had been instructed
when a school-girl. Her memory of early
events was remarkable, and she retained a
vigorous command of her faculties far beyond
one of her years.
By the second marriage Mr. Giddes has had
seven children; one daughter, Anna M., is
married to Francis Haines, of Morris County.
Mr. Giddes and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Horeb,
and are of exemplary and Christian deportment.
He is eminently a man of peace and of a re-
tiring disposition, seeking the discharge of his
duties in a quiet, unostentatious manner rather
than the conflicts and competitions of public
position. He is universally esteemed for his
integrity and genial personal traits of character.
"WARREN.
857
We And the following trustees in 1803 : Oliver
Stelle, Francis Dunn, John Kelly, Isaac Stites, David
Ayres, Elijah Smith, and John Worth.
The following clergymen have preached for this
church, beginning with the first minister: Eev.
Henry Crosley, Eev. Keuna Runyon (supplied once a
month), Eev. Abner Sutton, Eev. Lebbeus Lathrop,
Rev. John Ellis, Eev. John Watson, Eev. Morgan r!
Cox, Eev. Edward C. Ambler, Eev. Thomas W.
Haynes, Eev. Messrs. Timberman, Cole, Pike, Hop-
per, and the present pastor, Eev. Mr. Gibb. Deacons
Ayers, Worth, Stelle, Smalley, Moore, Compton, and
others have been among the influential meu of the
church.
The church was divided in 1851, and a branch
formed the Millington Baptist Church in the town-
ship of Bernard.
The present meeting-house was built before the
Revolution, and is thus alluded to in a report made in
1851:
Within vho9e sacred walls many a fervent prayer from pious hearts "
ascended to the God of battles to crown their efforts with a permanent
and glorious victory."
This church began its career with 18 members;
according to a report made in 1851 it had increased to
more than 200. Its present membership does not
exceed 60.
MOUNT HOEEB METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Methodist preachers who officiated in this
immediate vicinity were Eevs. Elom Genung, Stephen
Day, and John Hancock, all local preachers. They
held their services in the houses of John Smith, John
and Benjamin Coddington, David Euckman, and
Eobert Adams. In 1820, Eev. Bartholomew Weed,
of the Philadelphia Conference (which then included
the State of New Jersey), preached in the vicinity
and organized a class of eight persons in the house
of Benjamin Coddington, about a mile and a half east
of the present church. The class consisted of Isaiah,
Benjamin, and Hannah Coddington, David and Eliza-
beth Euckman, Charity Bird, Eachel Adams, and
others.
The first house of worship was erected in 1824, at
a cost of $1500. The names of the members at that
time were Jacob and Lydia Giddis, John Smith, Wil-
liam King, John and Rachel Gordon, Isaiah Eaton,
Nancy Blue, David Coddington, Mary Tunison,
Henry Moore, Matty Richards, and Thomas Thomas.
The first slick of timber for the building was hauled
upon the site by William King. Eev. Joseph Bush-
ing, of New Brunswick, preached the dedicatory
sermon.
The church became a regular charge under Eev.
Lawrence McCombs, of New Brunswick, about the
time of the erection of the building, being probably
included in the Essex Circuit. The following min-
isters, members of the Philadelphia Conference,
preached to this church from 1824 to 1831 : Eevs.
55
Isaac Winner, David Best, William A. Wiggins,
George Banghart, Anthony Atwood, Sedgwick Eus-
ling, Benjamin Collins, and John K. Shaw. In 1831
it became a part of Somerset mission, with Eevs.
David Bartine and John S. Gilder as preachers.
Since then the following have been the pastors or
ministers of the circuit in which Mount Horeb is
included :
1832, John S. Gilder ; 1833, Charles T. Ford, Benjamin Day ; 1834, James
Buckley; 1835, Isaac Cross; 183G, E. Thomas, James 0. Eogors;
1837, Abram Gearhart, George Hutchins ; 1838, George F. Brown,
William K. Kogers ; 1839-40,* James 0. Rogers; 1841-42, J. S.
Beegle ; 1843, S. E. Post; 1844-45, Oliver Bagley; 1846, J. F. Can-
fleld; 1847, P. D. Day, William H. Jeffreys; 1848, David Kline;
1840-50, B. D. Palmer ; 1851-52, Enoch Green ; 1853-54, D. McCurdy ;
1856-58, John B. Mathis ; 1857-68, John L. Hays ; 1869, 6. W. Hor-
ton; 1860, Jeremiah Cowins; 1861-62, Cornelius Clark, Sr.; 18G3-
65, A. H. Belles; 1866-08, G. 0. Carmichael; 1860-70, T. E. Gordon;
1871, J. H. Dally ; 1872, D. B. F. Randolph ; 1873, H. B. Shultz ; 1874
-76, G. T. Jackson ; 1877-70, C. A. Wambaugh ; 1880, G. F. Apgar.
In 1885 the name was changed to " The New Ger-
mantown and Somerset Mission."
In 1844 the parsonage was purchased, and furnished
in 1845. The society worshiped in the old church
for a period of forty-three years, or until 1867, when
a new and commodious edifice was erected at a cost
of about $11,000.
A Sunday-school was early established. The record
shows that in, 1850 it had 9 officers and teachers, 30
scholars, and 70 volumes in the library. The present
number of members of the school is 80; of the
church, 125.
SPBINGDALE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church is included in the Mount Horeb charge.
It was many years ago a Protestant Methodist Church,
and was founded by Eev. Mr. Woodrufi", of the New
York Conference. Among the first members were
John Waldron, William Winans, Asa Lawler, Ben-
jamin Lawler, David Lawler, Mrs. Keziah Waldron,
Mrs. Ann Eliza Lawler, David Coulter and wife,
Azariah Mundy, and others. Sept. 7, 1858, the church
property was deeded by the trustees of the Protestant
Methodist Society David Coulter, John Mundy, and
Asa Lawler to Peter Winans, Jerome Waldron, Pat-
terson Waldron, James Humble, and Andrew J.
Fauroat, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Some of the pastors prior to 1858 were Eev. Messrs.
Woodruff", Langdon, Turford, Burch, Haff", and Black-
more. Since then it has been served by ministers
from Mount Horeb.
The church has undergone repairs, and is a neat
and convenient house of worship. The present trus-
tees are Peter Winans, George W. Mundy, Peter
Bowers, Matthias Giddis, and Eevaud K. E. Wal-
dron; Stewards, Samuel Voorhees, Peter Winans,
George W. Mundy ; Class-Leader, Samuel Voorhees.
The church has a Sunday-school, and a present
membership of 50.
* Mount Horeb made a separate charge, 1S40.
858
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
UNION VILLAGE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
is included in the charge at New Proyidence. Before
the erection of the house of worship, in 1822, meet-
ings were for a long time held in private houses.
Elom Genung, a local preacher residing in the town-
ship, was largely instrumental in building the church.
The present trustees are David D. Smalley, Sr.,
Charles Major, and Charles Sage ; Stewards, Israel J.
Coon, David D. Smalley, Jr. ; Class-Leader, Israel J.
Coon ; Pastor, Eev. J. B. Heward, New Providence.
COXGEEGATIONAL CHUECH, COONTOWN.
This church is known as the First Congregational
Church in Warren. It was founded in 1849, and the
services are conducted in the German language.
Among the members at the time af the organization
were George Kline, William Miller, Martin Miller,
John Miller, George Baker, Emmanuel Dealmann,
Morris Dealmann, George Friday, Sebastian Zimmer-
mann, Ferdinand Dumb, Mr. Newmiller, Adam Her-
rich, and Peter Wilhelm. The first minister, Eev.
Basil Wure, was a German Lutheran. His successors
have been Rev. Messrs. Geier, Oerter, Neff, Wolfe,
Shnelendresser, Shabedorn, Power, and Sharer, the
present pastor, who took charge in September, 1879.
The first house of worship was built in 1849. In
1872 the present edifice was erected, at a cost of
$1600. The trustees are Christian Carhl, Sebastian
Zimmermann, and Peter Wilhelm-; Elders, Sebastian
Zimmermann, George Friday, and Theodore Brockley.
Membership, 45 ; Sunday-school, 50. John Kirch
has been elder and treasurer, and served in the latter
capacity when the church was built.
BURIAL-PLACES.
Throughout the township the churchyards are oc-
cupied as burial-places, according to the immemorial
custom of the English people. There are some ex-
ceptions, as in the case of private grounds selected for
burial in neighborhoods where no churches existed
or were remote from the settlements. The Allen
burying-ground, in AVashington Valley, one of the
oldest in the township, is of this sort, and there rest
the remains of several generations of that name, and
kinsfolk and neighbors mingle in common dust.
, Probably the oldest burying-ground in Warren is
that of the Baptist Church in Mount Bethel.*
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Waeeenville, in Washington Valley, contains a
post-office, ^the only one in the township, one store,
school-house, fifteen or twenty houses, one black-
smith's shop, and one wheelwright's shop. Daniel
* By a deed of date Oct. 9, 178G, George Cooper, .Jr., William Alward,
and Benjamin Enyart, *' for and in consideration of our good wi.slies to-
varcs tlie propagation of tlie gospel of Jesus Clirist, in tlie townsliip of
Bernard, and at a place known by the name of Stony Hill, and where
tlie meeting-house now elands" did quit-claim unto the trustees of Mount
Bethel church, the church lot, for use of said congregation "for a house
or houses of worship and a burying-place, without any let, trouble, or
hindrance," etc.
Bornman is postmaster and keeper of the store. He
has occupied the premises about twenty-eight years.
Near this place is a copper mine, owned by Richard
Field, of Bound Brook, and in the rock there are in-
dications of gold and silver in small quantities.
Mount Bethel has two stores, blacksmith-shop, a
hotel, kept by Jacob Blimm, also proprietor of one of
the stores ; the other being kept by Jacob J. Laing.
There are about a dozen residences, a school-house,
and a Baptist church.
Union Village, near the east part of the town-
ship, is a small hamlet, containing one store, kept by
J. F. Schwalb, a blacksmith- and wheelwright-shop,
and a Methodist Episcopal church, supplied from
New Providence, by the minister in charge. Rev. J. B.
Heward.
SmallettoWn contains a school-house and sev-
eral residences.
Mount Tabor is a little cluster of residences,
shops, etc., on a slight elevation in the extreme
western part of the township. The first farmhouse
in the vicinity is that of John Nelson, a native of
Sweden. It is on the Reuben Coddington place, the
old estate of John Coddington, a soldier in the Revo-
lution. There are here a fine Methodist Episcopal
church and convenient parsonage, the history of
which is given elsewhere.
CooNTOWN, though anciently the centre of consid-
erable business, contains nothing now to distin-
guish it from the common farming country of the
township. On the corner there used to be a distillery
and cider-mill, owned by Isaac Smalley and Joel
Coddington; they discontinued it about twenty-five
years ago. Near it were two blacksmith-shops, owned
respectively by Nathan Coon and Jesse Moore. A
hat-shop also stood near by, carried on by Isaac
Harris. There were also two stores in the place,
one by Laning Blue, and afterwards by Joseph
Keiney ; the other by Martin Miller. All these have
long since gone, and the land is converted into farms.
The old distillery is now used as a barn.
INDUSTRIES.
The industries of the township are chiefly agricul-
tural, including stock- and grain-raising and dairying.
Dairy-farmers mostly sell their milk to supply the
Newark market.
There are two saw-mills, one owned by the estate
of Elias Baird, and operated by Peter D. Baldwin ; the
other is owned by Aaron A. Stites. Mr. Baldwin also
manufactures brush-blocks, whitewash-brush handles,
belaying-pins, and pumps for water casks on ship-
board. A great many hoop-poles are cut in the
township and taken to market. Cord-wood is mar-
keted to a considerable extent, and also charcoal.
STATISTICS.
Annual report of the receipts and expeditures of
the township of Warren for the year ending Feb. 18,
1879
NORTH PLAINFIELD.
859
Dr.
Amotint of duplicate $4248.98
Dog tax 94.34
Township school money in collector's hands 1474.15
Two-mill school tax„ 1637.91
Surplus revenue 176.32
State appropriation 1^.74
Surplus reTeuue, June, 1879 171.44
In treasury 1039.22
88988.1
Cb.
Faid county collector $2426.34
Koad hills 802.36
School money 2929.85
Officers* fees for year ending February, 1879 374.53
Support of poor for year ending February, 1879 133.00
Taxes remitted 245.36
Sheep bills 38.00
Miscellaneous bills 107.30
Township election bills « 24.00
87079.73
Amount of school money in collector's hands up to
Oct. 1,1879 8676.71
Taxes not collected to date 141.56
Money in overseer of poor's hands to date 77.95
Money in treasurer's hands to date 1013. IG
889S8.10
Amount of tax levied 1879:
State $182.50
County 829.62
School 730.00
Roads , 800.00
Support of poor 300,00
Township purposes 300.00
$3,142.12
Bate of taxation, 83 cents per $100.
NORTH PLAINPIELD.
SITUATION AND BOUNDARIES.
The township of Nortli Plainfield lies in the ex-
treme east part of Somerset County. It is bounded
north by New Providence, in Union County; east
and south by Green Brook, which separates it from
the city of Plainfield and township of Piscataway, in
Middlesex County ; west by the townships of Bridge-
water and "Warren, from the latter of which it was set
off by act of the Legislature approved April 2, 1872.
The act gives the following description :
" All that portion of the township of Warren, in the county of Somer-
set, lying within the boundaries and descriptions following, to wit: Be-
ginning at a point in the centre of Green Brook, near Sebring's grist-
mill, and corner of Warren and Bridgewater townships; from thence
along the Bridgewater line and Warren to the centre of the public road
leading from Bound Brook to Washington Valley ; from thence a straight
line in a northeasteriy course to a point in the line of Union County
on the farm of Thomas Eogera, and is the corner of New Providence
township; from thence along the line of Kew Providence and Warren
townships to a point in the line of Westfleld township; thence along
that Une and the line of Plainfield township to the line of Piscataway
township, in the county of Middlesex ; thence along the line of said Pis-
cataway township to the aforesaid point in the centre of Green Brook
and place of beginning,-be, and the same is hereby, set off from the said
township of Warren, and erected into a new township, to be called and
knovm by the name of 'The Township of Korth Plainfield.' » "
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This township is an oblong piece of territory, about
8 miles in length and of an average width of 2 miles.
It contains, therefore, an area of about 16 square
miles. Its surface is divided between the plain lands
of the red sandstone formation and the outer slope
and declivities of the First Mountain, along the ridge
of which is the dividing line between it and Warren
township. This mountain, on the North Plainfield
side, within the limits of the township, is composed
of shale and trap rock, and is in many places rough
» Special Public and Private Laws, chap. 456.
and precipitous. The outer slope differs essentially
from the inner, being much more abrupt and precipi-
tous, and presenting wild and picturesque scenery.
This is especially the case at Washington Eock and
in the gorge of Stony Brook, near Washingtonville.
This brook forms the principal depression in the
First Mountain within the township of North Plain-
field, and through its rugged and picturesque gap
passes the road from Plainfield to Warrensville. It
rises in Washington Valley, runs eastward to Wash-
ingtonville, at the head of the gorge, and, bending
almost at a right angle, flows southward and then
westward till it forms a confluence with Green Brook,
on the southwestern township line, below Washington
Park.
The area of the red sandstone within this township
is included between Green Brook and the base of the
First Mountain, and follows the line of intersection
with the trap and shale. It underlies the entire plain
region, the soil being sandy or sandy loam. This
portion of North Plainfield, especially in the western
part, contains the finest farms, the land being easily
worked, and, when properly cultivated and fertilized,-
productive. It is good land for wheat, rye, potatoes,
and vegetables generally.
At the Washington Valley quarry. North Plainfield,
a fine quality of freestone has been quarried. It is of
a light-gray or bufi" color and easily worked. The
quarry was first opened by Wallace Vail in 1864,
about the first stone taken out being for the First
Baptist church of Plainfield, which is constructed
entirely of this material ; also, largely, St. Mary's
(Catholic) church, the Natherwood Hotel, and a
large number of foundations and bridges in diff'erent
parts of the State. Some stone from this quarry has
been sent to New York. It is now owned by Alfred
860
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Berry, of the firm of Berry & Thorn, Plainfield, and
is operated by J. J. Collins, of New York.
The Elizabethtown bill in chancery good author-
ity for titles in this portion of New Jersey shows
the following for this township :
The lower southern portion of the township, along
Q-reen Brook and below the base of the mountain, is
composed of large tracts that extend southerly to the
south branch of Green Brook.
The west tract, No. 56, was taken by Sir Ev. Cam-
eron, May 24, 1690, "2000 acres at Blew Hills;" No.
39, to same, "1300 acres on south side of Bound
Brook ;" No. 10, Peter Sonmans, Oct. 9, 1685, 2500
acres. Green Eiver; No. 34, J. and G. Alexander,
June 15, 1686, " 462 acres at Blew Hills ;" No. 35,
Eobt. Fullerton, June 4, 1686, 300 acres; No. 38,
James Cole, Sr., April 23, 1688, 125 acres.
On the top of First Mountain and along its crest is
a tier of lots that are termed as behind the south tier
of lots; 113, James Alexander, Jan. 12, 1727, 116|
acres, northwest corner of Lockiell's, 2000 acres on
Bound Brook; 94, to, same, Feb. 12, 1727, 118| acres,
beginning at northeast corner of Sir. Ev. Cameron's
2000 acres at Blew Hills ; 95, to same, and same date,
493 acres joining Peter Sonmans', Blew Hills ; 114,
to the same, Jan. 12, 1727, 118| and 493^ acres, be-
hind Sonmans' ; 115, Eliaha Smalley, March 17, 1736,
22 acres at Blew Hills, on Stony Brook ; 139, Alex-
der and Dunstar, Oct. 25, 1743, 1633 acres, each one-
half between the First and Second Mountain ; 101,
Joseph Jennings, Dec. 28, 1727, 4 acres on the First
Mountain, at the falls of Stony Brook.
EAKLY SETTLEMENT.
Ih the Green Brook valley, extending from the
western boundary of the township northeastward, was
a succession of early land owners who had large farms,
reaching across the plains from the brook to the First
Mountain. Many of these occupied their lands be-
fore the Revolution. Beginning with the western-
most, we shall name these in the order of their farms.
The Vails were among the earliest settlers. John
and Stephen, the ancestors, came from Long Island
at an early time. Their father's name was Samuel ;
they were niembers of the Society of Friends. John
Vail settled on the place where the late Jonah Vail
lived, on Green Brook, and Stephen on the next farm,
now owned by Mr. Palmer. Stephen Vail was great-
grandfather of Mrs. Ephraim Vail, now living on the
estate at the advanced age of ninety. Her husband,
Ephraim, was a grandson of John, one of the first
settlers, who had nine sons, viz., Samuel, born Aug.
24, 1732 ; John, June 29, 1734; Daniel, Jan. 7, 1735
-36; Isaac, Nov. 27, 1737;- David, April 5, 1740;
Jacob,. July 3, 1742; Abram, July 22, 1744; Benja-
min, Aug. 3, 1750 ; Joseph, June 12, 1752 ; Christiana,
Dec. 10, 1753. Four of these sons John, David,
Abram, and Joseph settled, respectively, on the
Jonah Vail' place, where Charles Sanford now lives,
and on the Ephraim Vail place, where Samuel
Smalley now lives, places adjoining. Samuel Vail
died when a young man, and Daniel, Isaac, Jacob,
and Benjamin settled at Basking Ridge.
John Vail (2d), who settled on Green Brook, had
children, Margaret, Edward, Ann, Isaac, Phebe,
Nathan, and Joel. Amos, of this family, was the
fathei" of Ann, Abram, Jonah, and Phebe. Jonah
died June 7, 1880, aged eighty-one ; his widow is
now over eighty. Jonah left sons, Theodore, Adel-
bert, and Amos, the second of whom resides on the
old estate at Green Brook.
The grandchildren of Stephen Vail, and children
of Stephen (2d), were Samuel, Moses, Shubal, Re-
becca, Aaron, Sarah, Randal, Mary, Hugh, and Cath-
arine. Of the children of Samuel, the only one now
living is Rebecca, widow of Ephraim, aged ninety.
The house in which she resides was built in 1774,
and one room of it at a considerably earlier date.
Ephraim died April 26, 1878, aged ninety-four. He
had a sister Nancy, who was born and died in the
same house, at the age of ninety-eight. Of the chil-
dren of Ephraim, there are living on the old estate
Sarah, S. Line, Emmor K. Vail, and Abram M. Vail.
Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Vail were married March 21,
1810, and had lived together in wedlock previous to
his death, in 1878, sixty-eight years, and always oc-
cupied the same house.
The Vail fulling-mill was the first cloth-dressing
establishment in this portion of the country. It was
owned, together with a saw-mill at Coontown, by
Samuel, who was a clothier. In connection with his
fulling-mill was also a carding-machine ; it was a great
convenience, as farmers then made their own cloth.
The settlers in this section went to Plainfield to
church and to get their mail after the establishment
of the first post-office, in 1806.
Enos, grandfather of E. W. and Nelson Runyon,
lawyers of Plainfield, was one of the early residents ;
also David Boice, father of Patterson and Cornelius.
Farther northeast were the families of the Mannings,
of whom John and Isaac were the principal early
settlers. They came from Bergen about the time of
the Revolution, and owned large farms extending
from the brook to the top of the mountain. None
of the family now reside in the town. Between the
•Woodens and the Mannings lived the Williams fam-
ily, some of whom still remain. Next west of the
Mannings lived Andrew Cadmus, who had three sons,
Abram, Frederick, and Cornelius, descendants of
whom still live in the township,^Abram and Rudger.
Israel Wooden was a large land owner and farmer
in the same vicinity. His father was among the first
settlers. Mr. Wooden was born in the township,
then included in Warren.
Andrew Drake was an early settler in that part of
Warren now North Plainfield. He died more than
sixty years ago, an old man, leaving sons Hugh and
Jonathan who reared large families.
AECHIBALD CODDINGTON.
Archibald Coddington, the subject of this
sketch, represents a large and well-known family
of the name in Somerset Co., N. J. He was
born near Mount Horeb, in Warren town-
ship, in January, 1810, and lived on the home-
estate till he attained his majority. He is a son
of Archibald and Mary Coddington, and grand-
sou of Isaac Coddington, who was the first set-
tler of the name in the township. Learning
the trade of a blacksmith of his brother Isaiah,
he worked with him in partnership for several
years, and in 1834 purchased a farm in Bernard
township. This farm he sold in 1839, and
bought another in Warren, where he resided till
1861, having in the mean time bought the mill
pr6i)erty in Green Valley, where he now re-
sides.
His large flouring-mill is situated on Stony
Brook, near Plainfield, in a beautiful and ro-
mantic spot. A mill was built here in 1840 by
John Binge, and was purchased by Mr. Cod-
dington in 1854, who remodeled it in 1860,
putting in a new water-wheel and new and im-
proved machinery. The mill has thfee run of
stones, and with its constant supply of water is
a Very desirable property, including in connec-
tion with it the blacksmith- and repair-shops,
tenement-house, and residences of the proprie-
tors, father and son.
In 1830, Mr. Coddington married Eliza
Moore, by whom he has had eight children.
They are all living, and their names in the
order of age are as follows : Moore, John W.,
Harrison, Rutli W., Asenath, Jane, Eunice, and
Mary. Moore, Ruth, and Harrison are married
and have families; the rest are single. John
W. and Harrison are associated with their father
in the milling interest in Green Valley.
NORTH PLAINIIELD.
861
Among the earliest and most influential settlers on
Green Brook Avere the Yermeules, Cornelius, Fred-
eric, Eder, and John. The last was a practicing
physician, and died over sixty years ago. They set-
tled in the township at an early time, and purchased
some 1400 acres. A grandson of Eder Manning
resides in Plainfield, and one of the grandsons of
Frederic lives in Middlesex County. Frederic fre-
quently held responsible offices in the township of
Warren. Cornelius, with Frederick Frelinghuysen,
John Royce, Peter Schenck, Abraham Van Neste,
Edward Dumont, and many other honored names of
New Jersey, was a member of the Continental Con-
gress.
The Thorns Abraham and Hugh were early set-
tlers in that portion of the township near the city of
Plainfield. Abraham was a blacksmith, and had his
shop near the present residence of Alfred Berry.
His house stood where Phineas M. French now lives.
The family owned considerable land along the brook,
and were farmers. They removed from the country
previous to 1830, and none of their descendants now
reside in the township.
John Manning was a magistrate, and a prominent
man in his day. James Yerdon, a prominent magis-
trate of the township, died in May, 1880.
John W. Craig, M.D., was one of the most eminent
physicians in the country. He lived where Alfred
Berry now resides, and practiced his profession till
his death. His brotlier, the present Dr. Lewis Craig,
studied medicine with him. Dr. John W. Craig held
several responsible offices in his township, and by
the advance in the value of his property for building
lots became quite wealthy ; his widow (second wife)
now resides in Plainfield. Dr. Craig was .it one time
president of the State Medical Society and a State
senator from Somerset County.
David French, grandfather of Phineas M., of Plain-
field, and father of David, Jr., settled at an early
time in the township of Warren, near Union Village.
He lived to be nearly ninety-four yeai-s of age ; his
son, David, the fathex of Phineas M., was about the
same age at the time of his death, July, 1S79. He
lived on a farm about three mile^ northwest of Plain-
field till about twenty years ago, when he removed to
Plainfield, where he died. The Frenches have been
among the substantial people of the township.
Phineas j\I. and his sons, Theodore F. and John H.,
are proprietors of large milling interests in Plainfield,
and L. M. French is engaged in the manufacture of
carriages.
John Stine was born in North Plainfield in 1819 ;
resides on the old homestead, northward of Plainfield
one and a half miles, where his father settled in 1828.
His father, John, was a native of Monmouth County,
was by trade a fuller, and carried on the business
at the Notch or Plainfield Factory from 1813 to 1828.
He died on the homestead farm in 1870, aged eighty-
Jeremiah R. Van Deventer settled in the township
in 1829. He is the son of Jacob, who was the son
of Jacob, Sr., one of the first settlers at Bound Brook.
The family came originally from Holland, and con-
sisted of three brothers. Mr. V.an Deventer married
Cornelia Stryker, of Somerset County, and has one
daughter. He is president of the First National
Bank of Plainfield, and also of the gas company of
that city, and has served his township in several re-
sponsible offices.
In the eastern part of the township lived Henry
Lines, a Quaker, noted as a great hunter. He was
over ninety when he died. He had two sons, Amos
and David. Isaac, Sr., lives on Green Brook. Elias
Cote, father of Jacob, was also among the early men
of the township.
Archibald Coddington, proprietor of the mills in
North Plainfield, is a son of Archibald, Sr., one of
three brothers born at Mount Horeb, in Warren town-
ship.* Mr. Coddington married Eliza, daughter of
Benjamin Moore, and has had twelve children, eight
of whom are living. Two of his sons to wit, John
W. and Harrison are associated with him in the
milling interest.!
John Long, father of Jacob, of North Plainfield,
was a citizen of Somerville, where he died in 1848.
Jacob was born in the township of Bridgewater,
Somerset Co., Sept. 27, 1820. He resided in that
place and mai-ried Miss Theresa Moore, Aug. 1, 1841.
They have six children, all born and reared in Bridge-
water. In 1876 he settled in North Plainfield, where
he now resides. His son, William Henry, is surrogate
of the county, and resides in Somerville.
CIVIL ORRANIZATION.
North Plainfield is a recently organized township,
having been set off from Warren by legislative enact-
ment in 1872. At the first town-meeting, held April
8, 1872, a full list of officers for the ensuing year was
elected. We give below the principal officers of each
year to the present time, under their respective heads :
CLERES.
1S7-2-75, Wiiliiun H. Van Winkle ; 1S75, Elislia C. Van Kostrand ; 1870-
7S, Isaac Broliaw j 187S-S0, William A. Schutt
ASSESSOnS.
1872-7!), Israel C. Coon ; ISSO, Isaac Brokaw.
COLLECTOKS.
lS7;-70, Lewis B. Boico; 1880, Elislia C. Van Kostrand.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
1872-77 William W. Dralce; 1877-79, E. C. Van Kostrand ; 18S0, Daniel
I, Snialloy.
EBEEHOLDERS.
1872, J. R. Van Deventer; 1873-79, William E. Jones; 1880, Charles
Shepherd.
TOWSSHIP COMMITTEES.
1872, P. M. French, Augustus Mobus, John L. Spencer, T. W. Young •,t
1873 T. W. Young, E. K. A'ail, John A. Thickston,! Juhn L. Spencer,
M. P. French ; 1874, John L. Spencer, Jacob Miles, E. K. Viul, T. W.
• Seo sketch of the Coddington family, in that township history,
t Seo under head of industries. X Chairman of the committee.
862
SOMEKSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Toung* John H. Van WIhIiIb; 1876, Jacob Milos,* Alfred Bony,
Samuel Smalley, John L. Spencer, Thomas Worth; 1870, John L.
Spencer, Jacob Miles,* Alfred Berry, Samuel Smalley, Thomas
Worth ; 1877, Jacob Miles,* John L. Spencer, J. R. Yan Deventer,
M. A. Schenck, WUllam 1. Smalley; 1878, M. W, Schencli, John L.
Spencer,* Harrison Coddington, William L. Smalley, John Boclior;
1879, F. n. Gardner, Daniel K. Weaver,* Harrison Coddington ; 1880,
F. H. Gardner, D. K. Weaver,* Abrom M. Vail.
JUSTICES or THE PEACE.
1872, Doniel G. Van Winkle ; 1873-78, Moses H. Froncli, James Vcrdon;t
1877-82, Henry P. Brouk, A. B. Stagg; 1878-83, Jomes Verdon,
M. H. French.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
NoETH Plainfield is a regularly laid out, though
not an incorporated, village, and is practically a part of
the city of Plainfield, though outside and adjoining its
corporate limits on the northwest. It has therefore all
the advantages of the city without the expense of sup-
porting a city government. The place has been laid
out on the lands of the farmers, and has been largely
settled by people from New York, or those who do
business in that city. The trains so run that they can
go into the city in the morning and return in the
evening, or at almost any time during the day that
suits their convenience. In this respect it may be re-
garded as one of those suburban places where people
of moderate means seek quiet and inexpensive homes
in the pure air and ample spaces of the country. The
houses are, many of them, new, and constructed with
more or less architectural elegance, the grounds being
ornamented with flowers and shrubbery, and every-
thing presenting a neat and tasty appearance. With-
in the compass of a few miles there are some elegant
mansions embowered in beautiful groves, with exten-
sive graveled walks and drives.
The village proper, aside from the township, in
which it is included both in geographical territory
and in municipal government, contains a population
of about 3000. The business interests of the place are
mostly in the cities of New York and Plainfield.
Besides, there are five groceries, a flour- and feed-
store, a hardware-store, a bakery, two butchers, three
blacksmiths, a wheelwright, a drug-store, and a silver-
plater. The physicians are Lewis Craig, Charles
Cooley, and Monroe B. Long ; the lawyers, John H.
Van Winkle, Charles Mathews, Charles Place. The
following clergymen reside here: Eev. Edward M.
Embury, Rev. William 0. Embury, Rev. T. L. Mur-
phy, Rev. David Robertson, Rev. John Gary (colored).
There are a saw- and grist-mill combined on Green
Brook road, four miles from Plainfield, by Joshua Mar-
tin ; Goad's flouring-mill, leased by Runyon, three
miles out, on the Green Brook road ; the flouring-mill
of Moses H. French, Washingtonville ; and that of
Coddington Brothers, Green Valley, one and a half
miles from the city.
The mill of Moses H. French is situated on Stony
* Chairman of. the committee.
f James Verdon was acting Justice of the peace at the time of the divis-
ion of tlie township of Warren, and retained his commission as Justice
in the township of North Flainileld.
Brook, has three run of stones, and grinds both cus-
tom and merchant flour; capacity, 100 bushels in
twelve hours. Freeman Cole, father of Mrs. M. IT.
French, bought the mill of Capt. Allen in 1824, and
sold it to Thomas A. Hartwell, of Somerville. Mr.
French bought it in 1840 ; it was burned down, and
Mr. French rebuilt it in 1870.
The Coddington mill is one of similar capacity to
the above, having three run of stones. It was first
built in 1840 by John Binge, and sold to Jacob Man-
ning, of Plainfield, who remodeled it into a grist-
mill. Mr. Coddington bought it in 1864, and about
1860 rebuilt it and put in a new water-wheel and ma-
chinery. Its products are partly merchant- and
partly custom-work.
Wasiiingtonvillf> is the name given to the neigh-
borhood of French's Mill. There is quite a little clus-
ter of buildings at the head of the gorge, where it ex-
pands into Washington Valley, the mill, residences
of the proprietors, blacksmith- and repair-shops,
school-house, etc. Demler's Hotel, farther down the
brook, by the roadside, has been kept as a house of
entertainment about eighty years. It was originally
kept about the beginning of this century 1)y "Aunt
Dolly Davis." Mr. Demlar, who has resided in the
township forty-seven years, kept the hotel thirty-
three years ago; he then rented it, and in 1868 pur-
chased the premises. He is a native of Germany, and
came to this country about 1829.
Brook Mill, the hatters' fur-manufacturing estab-
lishment of Harper, Hollingsworth & Darby, is situ-
ated in the east part of the township, near Scotch
Plains. It was established in 1809, employs about
thirty hands, two wood-workers, and two machinists.
The company build their own machines, run by water-
power when Green Brook affords a sufficient supply,
but have additional steam-power. The fur is brought
from New York, and the manufactured goods returned
to that city for market. Loftus Hollingsworth, busi-
ness manager.
CHURCHES.
There is but one church in the township, that of
the Protestant Episcopal parish, in the village of
North Plainfield, the history of which is as follows: J
The church was erected by the Rev. Edward Embury
at his own personal cost. The ground was broken for
the foundation on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 1868. During the
autumn and winter following, as well as spring, the
work went on slowly, but without interruption. The
building having been completed, painted, and pro-
vided with a fine organ and the necessary furniture,
divine service was held therein on Sunday, June 13,
1869. The organ was the liberal gift of Mrs. Eleanor
Bronk, wife of IT. P. Bronk, Esq.
The cost of the church edifice when finished and
furnished, including the ground on which it stands,
was at that time estimated at 121,000.
X By Bov, T. Logan Murphy, Hector.
NORTH PLAINFIELD.
863
At a meeting of the members of the congregation
regularly called it was decided that this church should
hereafter be known as the Church of the Holy Cross;
the parish was organized, and was afterwards admitted
into union with the convention. The meeting was
held on the evening of the 17th of August, consisting
of the male members of the congregation worshiping
in said edifice. Service was held before the organiza-
tion of a parish, the Eev. Mr. Embury officiating.
Ml-. Embury being absent for a time, others performed
ministerial duties in the mean time.
On Nov. 11, 1870, the Eev. Mr. Embury was for-
mally called by the vestry of this church to the rec-
torship of the same, and on December 9th the Eev.
Alfred Goldsborough accepted a call from the vestry
to become assistant rector, entering upon his official
duties on the first Sunday of the new year, 1871. He
resigned March 20, 1872, to take effect the coming
Easter, March 31st, the time of his incumbency
being one year and three months. The number of
communicants at that time was 50. The Sunday-
school numbered 30 scholars and 5 teachers.
The Eev. Charles W. Ward accepted the assistant
rectorship of the parish Aug. 1, 1872. The Eev. Mr.
Embury sent to the vestry "his letter of resignation
March 21, 1873, and on May 21st it was reluctantly
accepted. On the same evening the assistant rector
was called to the rectorship, and on November 29th of
the same year he resigned, after an incumbency of
six months and fifteen days.
The Eev. C. W. Camp entered upon the rectorship
on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1874, and on April 17,
1875, resigned, his resignation to take effect July 1st
of the same year. On September 27th the Eev.
Charles C. Fiske entered upon the rectorship. He
resigned Dec. 6, 1876. The present rector (T. Logan
Murphy) entered upon his duties on Feb. 14, 1877.
The official acts up to the present date are : Bap-
tisms, 112 ; confirmed, 71 ; marriages, 16 ; burials, 47 ;
communicants, 165.
There has been contributed from the first the sum
of $26,000. The gift of the church and the Spooner
memorial building makes the amount about $50,000.
In the convention address of the bishop of the dio-
cese for the year 1877 he says,
" There are one or two events of the past year which I deem important
enough to deserve special mention here. One is the consecration of the
Chnrch of the Holy Cross. The Eev. Edmund Embury built this beauti-
ful church some years ago on his own private estate, and for a time min-
istered to the congregation in spiritual things, till advancing years and
failing strength compelled him to seek assistance, and finally to resign
altogether the oversight of the pariah. According to his wish, the 14th
of September last was set apart for the consecration of the church. The
deed of gift of the entfi-e property, worth not loss than $20,000, wa8 placed
upon the alms-basin by Mr. Embury's own baud.
The entire control of the property, free from debt, is given to the rec- "
tor, wardens, and vestrymen of the parish, with the sole proviso that it
shall never be encumbered in any way. At the conclusion of the conse-
cration service the assembled clergy adjourned to lay the corner-stone of
the Spooner Memorial House, just in the rear of the chnrch. This house
is now completed, and occupied as a rector's study and for various parish
purposes."
The parish has furnished this building and contrib-
uted about one-seventh of the cost towards its erec-
tion . The Sunday-school has also purchased an organ
for the same. The congregation furnished the com-
munion service and font, carpeted the church, and
cushioned the pews. The alms-basin was the gener-
ous gift of the Eev. Mr. Ward while he was rector.
During the past year a bell weighing over 1600 pounds
has been placed in the church tower.
BURIAL-PLACES.
The only public burial-place in the township ex-
tends into it from the rear of the Presbyterian church,
which stands on Front Street, in the city of Plain-
field. It has been used for purposes of interment
about fifty years, and contains many graves of the
pioneers and their descendants. Those in the eastern
part of the town have usually buried -their dead at
Union Village or Scotch Plain. At the latter place is
the oldest burial-ground in this section of the country,
connected with the Baptist Church, but it is outside
of this township, in Union County.
PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST.
Under this head the most noted place, and perhaps
the only one worthy of mention, is Washington Eock,
situated on the First Mountain, a little west of the
middle of the township of North Plainfield, at an ele-
vation of 511 feet above the sea. It commands a
view of one of the most interesting, well-defined, and
beautiful landscapes in the world. From this rock
the immortal Washington was enabled to watch the
movements of the British fleet in Earitan Bay, as well
as the land forces under Sir William Howe and Lord
Sterling, and thus thwarted the purpose of the enemy.
An association has been formed to erect a monument
to the memory of Washington on this sacred spot,
the corner-stone of which was laid with appropriate
honors July 4, 1867. (See chapter on the Eevolution,
in this work, for further account.)
WASHINGTON MONtTMENT AND HISTORICAL ASSO-
CIATION.*
Jan. 25, 1867, a few citizens of Plainfield, deeming
it the duty of patriotism to honor a locality so emi-
nently historic, met at Laing's Hall and formed a
monumental association, which, on the following 11th
of April, was duly incorporated by the Legislature of
New Jersey, and subsequently adopted a constitution.!
* Furnished by Hon. Nathan Harper.
f Article 1. of the Constitution recites that the objects of the association
"shall be the acquirement of title to, and permanent retention of, the
spot in the county of Somerset known as * Washington's Itock,' together
with an eligible monumental site adjacent thereto, and for the erection
and preservation on such ground of a monument sacredly dedicated to
the memory of George Washington ; and for the appropriate observance
of the twenty-second day of February in each and every year ; and for
the collection and safe keeping of Revolutionary annals and relics. "
At no place was Washington's heart made to rejoice more than as he
stood upon this rock and, with glass in hand, watched the British fleet
of two hundred and seventy transports, that filled Amboy Bay, leave its
anchorage and lose itself to sight in the great sea beyond. "Of the
B.
864
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
July 4, 1867, iu the presence of an immense con-
course of people, and with Masonic ceremonies, the
corner-stone of the monument was laid, the president
of the association, Mr. Harper, delivering an address.
The monument has not yet been reared, but the
purpose lives to finally accomplish the work and at
no distant day. The association maintains vigorous
existence, and on Feb. 22, 1880, elected the following
officers for the ensuing year : President, Nathan Har-
per ; Vice-Presidents, Alfred Berry, Stephen O. Hor-
ton ; Treasurer, Elias E. Pope ; Corresponding Sec-
retary, James E. Martine ; Recording Secretary, T.
J. Gillies; Finance Committee, Alfred Berry, Elias
E. Pope, William B. Maxon, J. Frank Hubbard, L.
V. F. Eandolph, William J. Leonard, William S.
Force; Monument Committee, Peter P. Good, Ste-
phen 0. Horton, John H. Staats, George E. Pound,
John H. Jackson ; Printing Committee, N. Carman
Dunn, James Lyon, Henry J. Storrs.
THE WASHINGTON ROCK CKLEBRATION.
The Centennial Fourth of July was celebrated at
Washington Eock in a manner worthy of the time
and place. About the hour named in programme,
the president of the day, Nathan Harper, called the
large assemblage to order, whereupon the Eev. The-
odore S. Brown, of Dunellen, offered up a most beau-
tiful and touching prayer, and Mr. Harper made the
opening address. From the lengthy address prepared
by E. S. Bailey, and read by the president on this oc-
casion, we make the following extracts :
" I am indebted to Mr. Ephraim Vail, of Green Brook, for the following
information : Mr. Vail's wub the first two-story house built this side of
Brunswick Landing, and is now more than one hundred years old. His
house was the one nearest to the rock for long years. He remembers
hearing his father tell of a visit made in this vicinity by three or four
men, who came from Long Island to see friends. They were met by oue
John Marcellus, who told them that if they ' didn't mind they would be
arrested as spies,' and directed them to Mr. Vail's barn for safety. Mar-
celluB immediately reported them to the soldiers, who arrested them.
One was shot as a spy ; the chestnut-tree standing in the old open lot, a
little back from the Green Brook road, and between the two houses now
occupied by Mr. Vail and Mr. Sandford, marks the spot of this execution.
The othei-s were sent to the general at Morristown. Mr. Vail also says
that the honor of having shown Washington this rock as a 'sightly
place' belongs to one Edward Fitz Eandolph, of Piscataway, a man of
some local fame during Revolutionary times, who led the way to the rock
on a horse furnished him by Washington. The descendants of this man
ore now living near the old homestead.
I will here venture the suggestion that from the arrival of Washing- "
ton, May 28th, until the disappearance of the British, June 30th, he was
a frequent visitor at this rock. I find no positive history giving me this
authority, but a frequent remark in all the histories suggesting it, as,
' On the 2otb of June Washington was on the rock watching the engage-
ment of the soldiers commanded by Gen. Stirling as they skirmished with
Lord CornwalHs, and at various times be resorted to this place to ascer-
tain the movements of the enemy.' {HiM. Coll. iV. ,7., 202.) ' Washing-
ton knew well the Advantage of these hills, and watched every movement
of the enemy.' (Sisi. of ElUaielh.) 'June 13th, being apprised of a
movement of Gen. Howe, Washington at daybreak reconnoitred the
enemy from the height before the camp.' "(Irvmg'i Waahington, iii. 72 )
rock itself but little can be said. Could it change mute impersonality,
and relate all its own history and the scenes enacted upon the plain
below, then only would it be complete. It would tell of a thousand
events full of interest, but the most prized incident of all would be its
story of the visits of the great Washington.
Judge Peter P. Good, to whom was assigned the
reading of the Declaration of Independence, dis-
charged that duty in a masterly style. The orator of
the day, Eev. John H. Vincent, D.D., was then in-
troduced and at once proceeded to deliver one of the
best orations that ever fell from mortal lips. The
exercises closed with the benediction by Eev. Mr,
Brown. Music lent its charms at stated intervals, and
good order and close attention governed the audience
throughout. The celebration was a fine affair, and
the number of visitors at the Eock was immense.
SCHOOLS.
The report of the State board of education for the '
year ending Aug. 1, 1879, shows the following statis-
tics of public schools in North Plainfleld : Washing-
tonville. Green Brook, and North Plainfleld Districts,
Nos. 36, 37, and 38 ; aggregate value of property, $4500 ;
number of children of school age in the township,
1010 ; number enrolled, 578 ; average attendance, 311 ;
number of teachers, 8, male, 2 ; female, 6 ; total
amount received for school purposes, $4967.45.
STATISTICS.
Amount of funded debt $o4,C00
Composed as follows:
ISighty-nine 3500 coupon bonds 44,fi00
Twenty $180 coupon bonds 0,600
One school bond of *600 500
Total $54,000
Rate of interest, 7 per cent.
Purpose for which contracted, street improvement,
to wit, grading, macadamizing, and engineering
Somerset Street, Johnston Drive, and Grove Street
extension, and for building extension on school-
house; these bonds became due in 1879, $7500; 1880,
$11,000; and there falls due in 1881, $5000; 1882,
$14,000; 1883, $7780; 1884, $6320; 1885, $1500; 1886,
$1000. Total, $54,600.
Amount of floating debt : Township, $5150 ; school,
Amount of real property, $1,244,985; deduction
therefrom, $171,889.
Amount of personal property, $164,150.
Total amount of real and personal property,
$1,237,246.00
Rate of tax : State purposes (State, 5 cents ; school,
20 cents), 25 cents; county, 23 cents. Local: town-
ship, 14 cents ; poor, 12 cents; road, 15 cents ; special
school, 34 cents; interest, 57 cents, and 10 per cent,
on principal due 1879 and 1880, 14 cents.
Amount of tax ordered to be raised $21,820.32
Annual expenses:
State .y..... 604.60
County 3,054.82
State school 2,06H.OO
Township 1,800.00
Poor 1,600.00
Rood 200.00
Interest '. 7,674.00
Ten per cent, of principal 1,850.00
Dog 106.60
Poll 013.00
Special school-tax, S!32+.'.i6.
School expenses, about $5000.